The old order changes

[Seer]

<< Several days have passed.>>

<< Hearts and minds have begun to settle after much needed rest, but lingering feelings still remain after the ordeal that everyone has been through.>>


<< The Six is greeted with the news that Sally Spectra is cleared to leave the hospital and will now rest in her luxury guest suite, which is among the restricted access floors in the Parthenon. She will be attended by a private medical staff ( all with Calendestine skills/weapons training). And Now she is can receive visits from her beloved friends.>>

<< Karen and Michael have returned to the Parthenon as well, primarily so that Karen can meet with Haleigh for an urgent, private counseling session.>>

<< Haleigh and Ava have convinced Alison to stay, if only for a few extra days, which pleases them as well as Cameron. She is now in the Starlight lounge, enjoying a drink in solitude when Xavier comes calling.>>

<< Alycia was with Cameron while Blaze was checking on Cass. As Alycia and Cameron talked quietly, Vivica appeared, asking Alycia if she could have a momenet with her old friend. The Amazon excuses herself and Cameron notices that the two no longer regard each other with the palpable hostility they once had for each other.>>

<< Alycia decides now is a good time to check on Sharon, unaware that Ava had the same idea. Sharon herself is on the rooftop of the Parthenon, with her silver gryfalcons.>>

<< Simon, who had been forever altered by the events surrounding the purifiers, decided that he would not waste a moment's time in doing all he could to counter act their hateful message and actions. His first step was to reach out to the mysterious and powerful Rose. The woman who's orphange had been decimated, and 41 children murdered by the purifiers. He, along with Nicolas, had an idea that they hoped would resonate with Rose, as they knew there would be OTHER outcast children that needed someone like Rose when they had NO ONE ELSE to turn to.>>

<< Nicolas has received word from Dominique that she has made her descision and that she will be leaving the Hellfire Club and it's Inner Circle TONIGHT. Richard will be leaving with her as well. Although she is quite capable of taking care of herself, her nephew INSISTS on being outside the club, watching as best he can, in case the White Queen tries anything treacherous. Dominique doesnt argue with him about it, but does inform him that he needs to wait until she contacts him.>>

<< Delilah makes her way down to Spectra Couture, heading to Sally's office in the back where she will find Andrew. Andrew, having survived one of the most unbelievable experiences of his life, is now back at the Parthenon. Having followed his heart and helping to avenge Sally, he finds himself feeling more rooted in this place now than he had imagined he would going in. Sally had given him a chance at a great life here when he didn't know a soul and while to others he may have seemed odd and annoying, underneath it all, he had a good heart and a strong spirit. He also happened to be a HYPERKINETIC MUTANT. that revelation from the Nimrod seemed lost on him, but it wasn't lost on ORACLE>>


<< Speaking of Oracle, the young woman who lead the OTHER group that helped to stop the Purifiers, she along with her group, were at the clock tower. They too had needed this downtime over the last few days and now they had questions to address, like how best to proceed in reaching out to those that Oracle felt would be an excellent addition to her team!>>

<< The Six had their place and destiny, but there would always be issues "street level" and someone would be needed to address those. Just as the Six realized they weren't alone, Oracle realized she would need a diverse group of individuals to be able to better protect the innocents around their
city.>>

<< Lives were beginning to resume, but change was also coming.>>

 

[Recall]

The Parthenon Hotel - Private Floors

:: The steam from the bathroom filled the area as Vivica stepped out of what she would remember to be the best shower in recent history. In fact she felt like a new woman. She could have chosen to stay with either Blaze or Cameron but she requested her own room for the evening. After what she had seen today she needed some time to just relax and be present with her thoughts. All of them. She felt conflicted. She was happy to have survived the ordeal of The Purifiers but also felt bad that she felt happy seeing as so many children lost their lives tonight for no reason whatsoever. Almost like a survivor's guilt. She wrapped a towel around her body and used a hand towel to wipe down the fogged up mirror looking at herself once over. ::

:: She certainly had come a long way. For the first time in her life she didn't feel like she was in the shadow of The Six or Cameron. Vivica felt like her own person, able to stand strong among any of them and free to do with life as she pleased. It was a good feeling. Though her encounter with Alycia had been brutal, both of them acting in ways that were far lower than the people they had become, they had reached a new understand. And having the fact that life was incredibly fragile thrown in their faces, they both realized that life was fleeting. They could learn from each other and they could grow from finally being adults and giving each other the benefit of the doubt. ::

:: Smiling Vivica toweled off and slipped into her comfort clothes; black yoga pants, a white spaghetti strap top and a formfitting black hoodie as she slipped on her complementary hotel slippers and made her way down the hall and up the stairs to Cameron's penthouse on the top floor of The Parthenon and entered quietly. ::

"Hello...Cameron? Alycia?"

Cameron: "We're in the living room!"

:: Nodding to herself she made her way into the living room, her mind riddled with different thoughts. Her encounter with Alycia had shown her that the person she ACTUALLY needed to settle things with was Cameron. And although they had just survived a horrifying event, she was seizing the moment to get things resolved NOW before the next life altering thing threatened to take one away from the other. As she entered the living room she plopped down on the couch next to Cameron and Alycia and let out a sigh. ::

"Good GOD I am sore..."

[looking over]

"But...i'm happy to see you alive and kicking yet again Cameron. You too Alycia."

[thinking for a moment]

"I don't want to interrupt any kind of celebratory thing you might have going on..but Alycia would you mind if I took a few moments to speak to our boy here?"

:: Alycia knew this would be coming and she politely excused herself from Cameron's apartment leaving the two of them alone together. Something that hadn't happened in quite some time. She scooted over on the couch until she was right next to him and she put her arm around him. ::

"Seriously..I'm so glad your safe."

Cameron: [smiling] "You too, Vivi. I'm really...proud of you. I've never seen you like this before and it's kind of nice.."

:: Vivica furrowed her brow as she leaned back all the way on the couch. ::

"I'm pretty proud of me too, Cameron...[pausing]...Look I know this might not be the right timing and I'm sure you've been somewhat filled in by Alycia..but we had quite the altercation earlier and in it..I realized that the person I really needed to talk to..was you..."

:: Cameron softened his glance at her and put his hand over hers. The intimacy that the two shared was definitely obvious. It was clear that these two people were not just friends but FAMILY. As if by blood. ::

Cameron: "Then talk away Vivica..I know there is a lot I need to answer for..and I know this has been a long time coming..."

:: At least he was willing to hear her out. But it was like she had said earlier to Alycia. She knew the two of them would come out from this okay. She never had to worry about that. Even when they were their most fractured there was never a time that either of them ever imagined not being in each other's lives. They had been all each other had for a very LONG time. Before The Six ever even knew who Cameron King was. ::

"You know...I never really thought much about taking care of you, Cameron. I remember when we were what? Maybe thirteen or fourteen. I met you at my cousin Trey's house at a party. I remember you just being so absolutely obnoxious and crying out for attention like I had NEVER seen anybody..Meanwhile I was sitting around looking like a black Jan Brady. You were nice to me. I was always Trey's geeky little cousin who thought she was so smart..but you always tried to make me laugh. From the moment I met you..I just knew that we would end up being friends..and after you showed up at my Mama's house that night..so scared about what you had done, just needed a place to hide and stay safe..Well she just knew she had to take care of you.. Scared little white boy in Compton was sure as hell not gonna last long..."

[Vivica laughed for a moment before her expression turned somewhat somber, her eyes lost in thought.]

"...And when Mama died...it hit us both pretty hard. We both grew up in that life, Cam. We expected our friends to die. To get shot by a stray bullet. Taken out on the way home from work for the little amount of money in your pocket. But she just...DIED. Heart attack in her sleep. All my aunties had long left Los Angeles and at that point we BOTH knew Trey was trouble...all we had was each other..and we promised we would take care of each other like she took care of us..the rest was history..."

:: She seemed nervous now. ::

"It wasn't until I was lying on the Cassadine Compound in Greece in a pool of my own blood and no signs of rescue in sight did I realize...I kept up my end of our promise...and as I look back...somewhere along the way..YOU let go."

:: Vivica could sense Cameron wanting to speak. She held her hand up. ::

"Let me finish. You were an orphan, Cameron. You didn't have anyone..and maybe that was why I focused so much energy into making sure that you were successful...that you made something of yourself. Because for me? If I would have failed out of school or any number of things, screwed up as they were, I had family I could turn to. You didn't. I was your family and I had to make sure you were okay...I spent my days in class and my nights quizzing you to get your broker's license. I worked in all of your first offices..Hell, I even forewent a lot of job opportunities to stay with you. And I don't blame you for any of that..let me make that clear. It was my decision. At that time in my life your success DID seem more important than my own..and we always had been ride or die together. I knew if you made you would take me along for the ride and vice versa. But once we got to New York full time? Things changed, Cameron. And not for the better..."

"Sure I was the Vice President of King Enterprises. We made a LOT of money together and we did it with style. But once you met Morgan and Alison? That was the beginning of the end. Once you found out you had a birth sister..TWO birth sisters...you started forgetting about your SISTER. Me. The one who's family RAISED you. The one who loved you when you didn't have a penny to your name or food in your stomach. You started missing meetings because of missions. Your entire existence was consumed by the fact that you finally felt you belonged somewhere. No matter how much they all seemed to hate you, you were a glutton for it. You wanted to be accepted so badly by them. You just assumed that I was okay with everything, because I always had to be for you. But I wasn't. The business was struggling and then you went and DIED and that was it. I was so alone...there was ALL these people seeking vengeance for you, loudly expressing their pain and remorse..and casting me out when I had been the one who loved you as you WERE for as long as I can remember. If Clandestine hadn't found me in Greece...I'd be dead. Not a single one of them came to my aid, Cameron..and that really hurt. It hurt because I would have thought that at SOME POINT at least...along the way of your journey with The Six you MIGHT have mentioned how important I was to you. You would have built me up to them. Let them know I could be trusted and that I was of value to you. That I was your family. But you didn't...so how were they supposed to act? How do they ALWAYS act when anybody that ISN'T The Six is involved in their affairs..."

:: She leaned forward a bit. ::

"...Even when you came back to life and called me. I hopped a plane to New York only to find out that the REAL reason I was there was because you had NOBODY else to go to..and you mostly just wanted to talk about Haleigh and Zach. I felt used..and once I got back to Europe..I nearly resolved to myself that a friendship between might NOT be possible anymore. Never ONCE in the years I've been gone have you really checked in on me..unless you needed something..and Cameron I will kill for you and move mountains to help you in any way that I can for the rest of my life...but YOU owe me an apology. If you would have just ONCE in the time that you've been with The Six acknowledged what i've done for you..outside of giving me raises and vacations..we wouldn't even be having this conversation..but your narrow mindedness over The Six let you leave me out and because of that..THEY left me for dead..."

:: Leaning back once more, wrapping her arms behind her head and exhaling. ::

"...that's it in a nuthshell..."

:: Vivica looked at him, waiting to hear him respond. ::

 

[Firebird]

Blaze had treated herself to a swirling hot bath in the large, deep marble tub in her luxury suite. This was the 3rd one she'd had in the days following the Purifiers. She felt the need to just slow down, exhale and "let it all hang out" as it were.

She'd gone from happy-go-lucky, to being blood thirsty and murderous in the need to avenge Sally and rescue Cameron and Cass, and though out all, The six had failed the lives of so many, including those children. The images of Simon, Zach, Ava and Sharon in the aftermath of the bus attack had touched her in a way that was not unlike the dread she felt in her own native timeline- where Cameron, Vivica and many others had been LOST to the same kind of hatred that powered the Purifiers.

They'd gotten their loved ones back, ended the Purifiers AND survived the Nimrod...but they couldn't have done it without Oracle and her team. Blaze WAS grateful for their help, but WHY did it bother her so much that they were here?

Was it Blaze being petty? Or was it the realization that the Six weren't the only game in town, that the world had changed , MOVED ON and that people like Oracle's team were NECESSSARY?

Certain members of Oracle's team, like Valkyrie, really rubbed Blaze the wrong way, but the woman HAD prooven herself in battle in a big way. Others like Oracle and Steel, Blaze were really impressed by and felt they would be true allies.and then there were the others- Rose and Tachyon. Both were very powerful and mysterious. Where would THEY fit in to this changing landscape? Would they even be seen again by the Six anytime soon?

Blaze struggled with her feelings, even now. She was usually always open to new comers but maybe the purifiers REMINDED HER that there was a need for secrecy and for boundaries and perhaps Oracle's team, by their very nature,were now past the boundary that the Six liked to keep around themselves against people they weren't sure of and THAT was what bothered Blaze.


Still, Alison was right, there was some encouragement, COMFORT even, in knowing that they were here and that the Six didn't HAVE to shoulder ALL the burden alone anymore because the truth was, the Six couldn't be everywhere and handle everything and even if they tried,
they would fail. There was nothing wrong in sharing this burden with others who had the ability and the DESIRE to help!


She slowly rose from the tub and let the large shower heads hanging directly overhead and on each side, rain down on her and rinse her nude body off before emerging from the master bath and wrapping herself in an egyptian cotton towel

Annie Lennox was playing over the sound system in her suite and she moved slowly through it, picking up a chilled goblet of champagne and taking a long drink. Nearly all the lights in her suite were off. She just wanted to enjoy the comfort and secret of the dark right now.


She thought about Sally Spectra. Cassandra Johnson and Cameron King. Her loved ones. How she would have done anything to get them back/avenge them, prooven that she'd cross any line. She hoped that it wouldn't come to that again,
but like Alison, she knew that Mary Justice's last words rang truer than anyone might have wanted to give credit.


They were all safe for now. Everyone could relax, rest and prepare to move forward...but even as they did, other issues remained, like Delilah/Alison/Morgan and other "family" issues.

::SIGH!::


Finally making her way to the master bedroom, she wraps her hair up in a towel and covers her trim, shapely form in a mini robe and finally makes her way to the lounge, stopping along the way to pick up the bottle of champagne so she can refresh her glass.

She finishes off one drink, then pours another, and lets herself fall down onto the sectional, with only the light of a low hanging moon coming in from the floor-to-ceiling window providing any interruption from the darkness around her suite.


She knew Vivica and Alycia were with Cam, but Cass had asked if she could see Blaze, and the fire elemental invited her to come down whenver she was ready. She knew Cass had needed to talk in the aftermath of her ordeal, and Blaze was happyto be there for her friend any way she could.

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – Cass’ Suite

:: A few days have passed since Cass was rescued along with Cameron. She had been keeping mostly to herself, though she DID indulge in a few celebratory drinks alongside her team once they got back to the hotel after the showdown at the cathedral. Maybe it was old habits, but she just wanted to process what had happened on her own. She had never been somebody who hashes it all out with others. She just needed time to be by herself. When she first got back to her suite, she had a LONG, hot bath and broke down and cried. Then she had a glorious sleep in which she slept for ten hours. THAT was what she had needed. ::

:: Then she got caught up on her millions of texts from her colleagues at After Dark, the nightclub she managed back in L.A. She had let her co-manager, Bryan Ross, know that she wasn’t dead but that she had been taken captive by a psychotic nun. Bryan had wanted to come out on the first flight to New York to make sure she was okay but Cass had convinced him to stay in Los Angeles. She didn’t want anybody to fuss over her. ::

:: Cass had been keeping to herself mostly. She needed time to slowly reclaim her life after her capture. She never really reclaimed her life the first time she had been captured but with her new lease on life, as well as her revelation about The Six, she was getting back into the swing of things. She had wanted to thank Delilah for her efforts in destroying Mary Justice That Night but Alycia and Nicolas reached out and so Cass didn’t want to overwhelm her. She probably didn’t want to hear it anyway. ::

:: Cass had a glorious spa day that she had treated herself to at Mandala Spa & Salon. After the hell that she had been put through, it was so nice to be pampered and Cass took advantage of everything that Mandala offered. ::

:: Now she was back in her suite, doing some light cleaning, before heading over to Blaze’s. Her self-imposed “isolation” was coming to an end and she was ready to talk. She had made a few surprising discoveries while she was taken captive as well as a much-needed emotional and mental healing from a traumatic event in her past. She also had something she NEEDED to tell Blaze. If there was one thing she had learned from being held captive by a bunch of psychotic religious freaks, it was that life was way too short to keep everything bottled up. ::

Life is…way too short to not tell your loved ones how you feel.

:: Cass smiled as she thought about how life was too short. You’d think that SHE, who was a HOLOCAUST survivor, would’ve known by now that life was nothing but a fleeting moment but Cass had never been good at learning life’s lessons. Also, she had been alive for more than EIGHT decades so she no doubt figured that she was invincible on some level. ::

The Six…is my FAMILY!

:: A wild burst of laughter bubbled up inside and flowed from Cass’ mouth, sending her to her knees doubling over. She had been looking for a family, HER family, and she now finally discovered that they had been right there the whole time. She picked herself up off the floor and wiped away her tears of laughter from her eyes. She shook back her hair and left her suite, heading to Blaze’s. She knocked on the door. ::

“Yo! Blazing Hot Victory! You in there?”

 

[Arsenal]

Haleigh had answered his call and so no one else had to get shot that night. Good for them.

Doc had a HELL of a lot of work to get done working with whoever desired it and he worked on using the information gleaned in this battle to devise more robust defenses at all sites. Additionally, he met with the property managers for St. Patrick's cathedral on Nicolas' behalf and spent a crapton of money purchasing it and then combing it to deliver a comprehensive report to Nicolas so he and the Pratt kid could do something cool.

Mike also checked back with Pratt and let him keep the sword and gun...for NOW. He offered to have something else made. Pratt was to get back to him on that.

Finally, he spoke in confidence with Sally. After allowing some looooong hugs and enough double entendres to fill at least a couple of 70's pornos, Mike informed Sally that Andrew needed to become a part of her more...constant entourage, with access to be near her at all times. They came to an understanding and Andrew was suddenly in a position to be looking after Sally's welfare as a personal assistant.

It was getting later on this particular evening and Doc had a meeting with Hales. He kissed her on the forehead and wished her well, saying he had a meeting. He made his way to a special locker...

 

[Silver Swan]

[ ON the rooftop of the Parthenon, high above the city, Sharon Kelly stands.]

[ The powerful mutate hasn't moved for some time. Her hair flows in the strong breeze and even though it would be impossible for the average human or even most mutants/metas to hear with clarity this far above the city streets, She does.]

[ First the first time in over a week, there are no cries, no sounds of violence being perpetrated on helpless mutants by the Purifiers. But even though she helped make that possible, she hears OTHER things in her mind. THe cries...the screams the DEATHS of the clergy that SHE slaughtered at St. Patricks and now, Sister Mary Justice's voice is added to that haunting "choir"]

I put her on that path...

[ She says to Artemis and Antiope, her beautiful silver gryfalcons, who are perched nearby, swaying gently in the breeze as they watch their "mommy" with concern]

When I killed the rest of the clergy at the cathedral and she managed to survive. I am responsible for what happened to her...for her descent into madness and her hatred of mutants and meta humans.


[ A tear falls from one of her silver eyes as she looks to her pets and holds her hand out for them to come closer so that she can pet them]


Robert and I were married in that church. Kyle was christened there.

My husband and son are dead. I should be dead too. I always thought when I died...I'd be with them again...but nothing works out the way we think.

[ She says as she looks at her own hand and her manicured, silver nails]


Everytime I think I have an understanding of things...a handle on things...something happens. A piece of some disaster I caused comes back.


WHY did I come back here!?


[ She cries out in anguish as Artemis and Antiope fidget a bit, fluttering their wings and vocalizing, trying to calm their "mommy" as she seems more upset]


...

[ She looks at them and smiles a bit, gently stroking both of their heads]


[ She thought about MINA. She saw that woman during the battle at the cathedral. She was vicious in her vampire persona but her power had come at a terrible price. She too had lost her husband and son and was now forced to carry on alone. Worse, she was blind when in her human form.]

She and I have a few things in common...perhaps...I should seek her out. Perhaps we could talk.

[Sharon was seriously contemplating LEAVING again. Where she would go, she didn't know, but she didn't feel like her place was with the Six. It wasn't anything THEY said or did, it was just something she felt in her soul.]


[ She thought about Zachary, he had changed so much as well but she saw him at his core as the same man she'd known, worked with, confided in and even been intimate with for a time.]


[ He'd introduced her to ORACLE. That woman had a good spirit and nature. Not once had Sharon sensed any deception OR contempt from her. In fact, she had been VERY kind and supportive in all of their encounters, even at the cathedral

[FLASH!]

Zizi could see that Sharon was taking all this very badly. She could FEEL the regret and sadness pouring off of her like waves. It was enough to nearly bring tears to Zizi’s eyes.

She wheeled herself over next to Sharon, and took her hand gently, giving her a warm smile, but saying nothing.

[Zachary had said there would be a NEED, that Sharon could help fill. She expressed reluctance, out of loyalty to the Six, but if anyone could understand that, it would be HIM, after all, his lover was a member...the LEADER of the Six no less. Several of Sharon's CLOSEST friends, including Alycia were apart of the Six but even if she went to Oracle's team, she WOULDN'T be turning her back on the Six. Just taking a different role in helping the Six with the burden they faced! ]


[Just as she seemed to come to a descision about WHERE she would go, She heard high heeled boots coming the stairway leading up to the rooftop. The door opens and there stands]

Alycia!

Alycia: Sharon....All roads lead back to NYC for us it seems. From Senator and ADA, to Mutate and Amazon...we always come back here. And even though this is our home turf, it all seems so different now. New players ::Oracle and her team:: new issues...some of which reopen old wounds

[ the two women pause for a moment before drawing near each other for a warm embrace]

Alycia: I know you, Sharon. And I know what you're upset about, and if you had DARED to leave here without saying a word...I would have gotten into DOME and CHASED YOU DOWN! You can't run. You have nothing to hide in shame for.
What happened with Sister Mary Justice...it wasn't your fault! I KNOW you don't want to hear that, but it's TRUE. It all goes back to MYSTECH and their legacy.

[ Tears had once more fallen from Sharon's eyes as she held her best friend. Soon they let go of each other and walk together, talking ]

Sharon: But I AM the one who killed them. Mary's descent into madness...it IS because of what *I* did.

Alycia: Don't blame yourself for Mary, Sharon. You were INSANE. You were PROGRAMMED by Rick Riley and Mystech! If ANYONE is to blame, it's the REST of us for not doing a better job of searching...checking for survivors! Somehow, Mary escaped detection! With all the resources at the Six's disposal, we should've done a better job. If we'd found her then, we could've gotten her help, ensured she was supported...But nothing can change the past now. We can only look ahead and as the old saying goes- when you know better, you DO better. You're not the insane killing machine Mystech intended you to be. You're no where near that. You've come so far and you have used your power to HELP countless others.


Alycia: Mary Justice...is a reminder that the actions of mystech have FAR REACHING consequences. Mary is a piece of their legacy that STILL haunts us. The entity itself may have been dismantled but its touch is still felt in some way, like a ghost and there are people like the Purifiers ALL AROUND us just WAITING for someone like Mary to LEAD THEM in action against us.

[ and this actually was the perfect moment for Alycia to segue into another issue that was on both their minds]

Alycia: Has Zachary talked to you?

Sharon: About Rose...and Oracle's group?

Alycia: Yes.

Sharon: He has.

Alycia: And what are you thinking?

Sharon: Alycia, At first I didn't think I would, I felt I should stay with the Six, but NOW? I feel like...what he says has merit. It's worth SERIOUSLY considering!

Alycia: I...I'm feeling the same way. He's right...there IS a need right here in the city. Even when the Six are going off to face a mega cross time threat, there's ALWAYS going to be a need

Both: Right here...

 

[Firebird]

“Yo! Blazing Hot Victory! You in there?”

Blaze was just pouring herself another goblet of champagne when she heard Cass at front double doors of the suite.

Quickly making her way to the doors she opens them

"Cassie!"

The fire elemental pulls Cass into a tight warm hug and holds her for a few moments, rocking side to side. She'd do the same thing to Cameron next time she saw him. Blaze already knew and understrand how precious and FRAGILE life AND freedom were and when you had second changes to enjoy loved ones you lost in your own timeline, you dare not squander them. Cass was a teammate and a friend and Blaze was glad she was alive and safe!

"Come on in, hon. I was just having a drinky poo and relaxing."

Leading Cass to the lounge, Blaze poured her some champagne and motioned for her to make herself comfortable on the sectional.

Settling down across from her, Blaze took a moment to look Cass over. She had recovered, physically, but what about her mind? her HEART? The fire elemental WAS curious to hear what Cass had to say and whatever it was, she would talk it over w/ her friend until everything was resolved.

"What's on your mind??"

 

[Shadow Weaver]

<< The last few days had been quite busy for Karen. Functioning in the capacity as a doctor and helping to ease Sally Spectra's transition from the Hospital to the Parthenon, then conducting emergency sessions with Cassandra and Cameron to help stabilize their mental and emotional state.>>

<< She didn't have to warn EITHER of them of the NATURAL adjustment reactions they could have in the days or WEEKS following this ordeal. Cassandra had survived the Holocaust and Cameron had survived Imagiomg, Malice and his own sister. They KNEW...but even survivors can't take for granted their own resilience.>>

<< No trauma is the same as the one before or the one that might come after and the human psyche has it's own peculiar ways of being even beyond the understanding of science...and magick.>>

<< Beyond the medical or psychiatric necessity, Karen was concerned about both of them and being able to assist in their recovery was important to her.>>

<< Yes, this all kept the doctor quite busy. Between Sally, Cameron, Cassandra and appointments with Ava and Haleigh, it was EASY to forget that she was "semi-retired"...but at the same time, it was good to be back in action in ways other than acting as Shadow Weaver>>

<< After a long visit with Sally, in which the fashion maven seemed to show signs of a healthy recovery as she flirted shamelessly with Michael [though it didn't bother Karen at all], Karen helped ensure everything was in order with the Clandestine staff and then advised Michael she had a meeting with Haleigh. The two bid Sally farewell for now and then went their seperate ways, with Karen to a private office suite that she was using a a temporary set up for now.>>

<< Cameron had offered Karen an entire floor and office space for permanent residence, but Karen refused. She wasn't looking to return to full scale practice but she would always use her skills, medical, psychiatric and magickal, to help those in need.>>


<< She arrived in the office suite and quickly conjured up a setting that she felt would be suitable for her and her patients- a modern setting with soft, dim lights and a cool, dark environment.>>

<< Karen herself was looking pristine in a figure flattering suit , and now seated with her tablet in hand, waiting for her appointment to arrive. >>

 

[Prophet]

The Parthenon Hotel - Top Floor Penthouse

He listened as Vivica spoke to him, his mind wandering back to the days when it was just the two of them getting in all kinds of trouble. Cameron never forgot how lucky he was to have someone like Vivica and her mother in his life. Leticia Lennox had been the first mother figure in his life, the first woman who had ever told him no, and the first person to ever give him boundaries. Boundaries that offered a PLETHERA of punishments should he fall out of line. She mothered him and he was grateful for him.

As Vivica spoke of her mother's death Cameron was taken back to the day of the funeral. Leticia was a well liked woman in the community. One of those people who you wouldn't believe they were as good as they were until you met them in person. It was an all day affair..people dropping by the house and offering condolences and gifts of food and money..it was all a little much for Vivica. So Cameron did what any teenage mutant boy would have done at the time. He telepathically coerced everybody out of the house, made of with Vivica and all the booze and headed to the parking lot they used to hang out at before the streetlights came on and were forced to go home. Now there was nobody to make sure they DID. So they hung out under that very same streetlight and they drank. And drank. They told stories about Leticia and they laughed and laughed like they hadn't in quite some time. It was that night they made a pledge to each other. That it didn't matter what any paper or bloodline would say; they were brother and sister. They would take care of each other and they would take on the world...and for the most part they really did.

The moments were fond for Cameron and he allowed himself to reminisce...until.

Vivica: "It wasn't until I was lying on the Cassadine Compound in Greece in a pool of my own blood and no signs of rescue in sight did I realize...I kept up my end of our promise...and as I look back...somewhere along the way..YOU let go."

His eyes widened for a second.

"Viv--"

She didn't let him finish.

"Let me finish. You were an orphan, Cameron. You didn't have anyone..and maybe that was why I focused so much energy into making sure that you were successful...that you made something of yourself. Because for me? If I would have failed out of school or any number of things, screwed up as they were, I had family I could turn to. You didn't. I was your family and I had to make sure you were okay...I spent my days in class and my nights quizzing you to get your broker's license. I worked in all of your first offices..Hell, I even forewent a lot of job opportunities to stay with you. And I don't blame you for any of that..let me make that clear. It was my decision. At that time in my life your success DID seem more important than my own..and we always had been ride or die together. I knew if you made you would take me along for the ride and vice versa. But once we got to New York full time? Things changed, Cameron. And not for the better..."

"Sure I was the Vice President of King Enterprises. We made a LOT of money together and we did it with style. But once you met Morgan and Alison? That was the beginning of the end. Once you found out you had a birth sister..TWO birth sisters...you started forgetting about your SISTER. Me. The one who's family RAISED you. The one who loved you when you didn't have a penny to your name or food in your stomach. You started missing meetings because of missions. Your entire existence was consumed by the fact that you finally felt you belonged somewhere. No matter how much they all seemed to hate you, you were a glutton for it. You wanted to be accepted so badly by them. You just assumed that I was okay with everything, because I always had to be for you. But I wasn't. The business was struggling and then you went and DIED and that was it. I was so alone...there was ALL these people seeking vengeance for you, loudly expressing their pain and remorse..and casting me out when I had been the one who loved you as you WERE for as long as I can remember. If Clandestine hadn't found me in Greece...I'd be dead. Not a single one of them came to my aid, Cameron..and that really hurt. It hurt because I would have thought that at SOME POINT at least...along the way of your journey with The Six you MIGHT have mentioned how important I was to you. You would have built me up to them. Let them know I could be trusted and that I was of value to you. That I was your family. But you didn't...so how were they supposed to act? How do they ALWAYS act when anybody that ISN'T The Six is involved in their affairs..."

:: She leaned forward a bit. ::

"...Even when you came back to life and called me. I hopped a plane to New York only to find out that the REAL reason I was there was because you had NOBODY else to go to..and you mostly just wanted to talk about Haleigh and Zach. I felt used..and once I got back to Europe..I nearly resolved to myself that a friendship between might NOT be possible anymore. Never ONCE in the years I've been gone have you really checked in on me..unless you needed something..and Cameron I will kill for you and move mountains to help you in any way that I can for the rest of my life...but YOU owe me an apology. If you would have just ONCE in the time that you've been with The Six acknowledged what i've done for you..outside of giving me raises and vacations..we wouldn't even be having this conversation..but your narrow mindedness over The Six let you leave me out and because of that..THEY left me for dead..."

:: Leaning back once more, wrapping her arms behind her head and exhaling. ::

"...that's it in a nuthshell..."

:: Vivica looked at him, waiting to hear him respond. ::

"I'd hate to see the nut it belongs to..."

"Wow..."

Cameron was at a loss for words for a moment. There wasn't much he could speak to. What she said was true. Vivica always had a way of laying everything out in a clear and concise way. She always knew exactly how she felt and why, even if she refused to admit it.

"Vivi---I mean...I don't know what I can say that is going to make any of this better, so I'm not going to try. All I can do is apologize. I'm sorry Vivica. You ARE my family..and I let you down. You were my family before all of this. What you and your mother have done for me is something I will never be able to makeup in this life or the next. I wouldn't be ALIVE if not for you..and as I get older I realize that I HATE how many people I can say that about. My actions weren't right...but maybe I can explain some things that might make you know where I was coming from..if only so you can understand that none of what I did in the last seven years was intentionally to isolate you from me and my life....'

[he hunched over for a moment]

"You know how important family is to me. It's the only thing I ever wanted in my life. I grew up feeling like garbage. Like some woman out there had something removed rather than gave birth to a child. I mean..I know you know what it was like for me..but when you met me? Even THEN I had come along way...."

[flatly]

"I know you know this..but I was HOMELESS. I was a homeless ORPHAN. I mean they write MOVIES about things like that..but you don't think it actually happens to anyone. I used to hang at the grotto..sometimes charm people into buying me food..and I would sit there by the fountains and I would watch people. I would see all these perfect little families just walking around...shopping and laughing and going to fucckin soccer practice afterwards...I knew..even then..even almost twenty goddamn years ago...That I would NEVER...have that..."

Cameron shook his head, quickly clearing the cache of painful memories from his mind.

"You know what happened from there..I wanted to be accepted by people so bad that I murdered a woman. A woman with two kids on her way home from her second job; a woman who was like TICIA. I stabbed a knife through her goddamn stomach...and I saw everything. I saw how hard of a worker she was..I saw what happened to the man that fathered her children...I FELT what she worried about. In those split seconds..I KNEW her..."

There was the slightest amount of tears welling up in his eyes as he spoke.

"..and I went to the only woman who I knew wouldn't turn me out. Mom...."

He had always been a passionate and emotional person..but one thing that he had given up a long time ago along with his innocence..was crying. But there he was..

"She knew what I did...[sobbing] I told her..and she...[sobbing] took my hands and she looked at me and she said...."Cameron...baby...you did a bad thing...and the fact that it's going to stick with you for the rest of your life is punishment enough...but...but... [trying to speak through his tears]..I need you to understand that you ARE worth a damn to somebody..baby boy you ARE deserving of love..but you need HELP..and that's exactly what I'm gonna do for you...Help you. Help you help yourself..."

He quietly gained his composure. Cameron hadn't thought of those times in a VERY long time and he still felt so incredibly raw about the kindness and compassion that Vivica's mother had showed when she didn't have to...shouldn't of..and when he definitely DIDN'T deserve it. The first person in his life that gave him hope and chance.

[wiping his eyes and face]

"I mean...[rolling his eyes] you know her. She was your mother. You know how just...GOOD she was. I knew I would never have the family like the ones I saw at that damn mall...but I had you and I had Ticia..and that was enough for me. And when she died we BOTH took care of each other..I helped you just as MUCH as you helped me. Remember the amount of goddamn flashcards I used to have spend HOURS quizzing you on in that small ass apartment in Echo Park?"

[he smirked]

"So don't go ahead and take ALL the credit..."

"When I found out that I had not just ONE but TWO sisters? I mean..what? HOW is somebody supposed to deal with something like that? I had a FAMILY...all along I had people who shared the same DNA and phenotype as me. I loved your mom Vivi...but she was YOUR mom..she was LIKE a mom to me..but she WASN'T my mother..as much as she would say that she was...It WAS different...and maybe it makes me a bad person for thinking that but ALL I wanted was people who looked like me, came from the same blood I came from...like somehow they might be able to understand me in a way that nobody else would. That I could get some information on why I was DISPOSED of..to KNOW where I came from!?"

[shaking his head]

"I mean one minute I am living my life and the next SECOND everything turned on a dime. I had Alison...and I HATED her...and when I found out EXACTLY where I came from and learned that she had just WALKED out on me? On everyone and left me to be an ORPHAN because she wasn't ready to deal with it?! I mean Vivica...I know I may have become a little obsessed and may have been one track minded...but honestly can you blame me? Could you be faced with all of these answers in the most horrible of packages and NOT try and figure them out?"

Cameron grabbed Vivica's hand and he squeezed it..looking genuinely into her eyes. She had beautiful eyes. Think what you want about her..but Vivica Lennox was an absolute knockout.

"I am DEEPLY remorseful for what happened to you. I am SADDENED to know that I haven't been a big enough cheerleader for you in these last years...but I...Viv? I can't be sorry for it all because when I lay my head down at night? When I hit that pillow? I think of those families. And I think that no matter how fucked up it is..HERE? [motioning around] I have the closest thing I am ever going to get to it...but that doesn't mean I don't love YOU any less...or that I don't care about you as much..because that's just not true. I love you in a way that I could NEVER love the others. Their respect I had to earn..had to die for. You never needed any reason to not trust me. You just did and there is no way I could never look at you and not know..even after the SCREWED up things that have happened..that we will never not be there for each other. I just might not be good at showing that...and for THAT I can apologize with full sincerity..."

He embraced his friend in a long and close intimate hug as he smelled her hair. Nearly fifteen years later and she still used the same shampoo. It was the beautiful and comforting feeling that you just can't understand unless you make amends with your past and are able to bask in it's familiarity. It was something they had needed for a long time.

"I promise you..I will NEVER let what has happened between us happen EVER again...but the next time you feel something is wrong..I need for you to say something..Vivica I know it looks like you are at the start of something with Oracle and Zach..but..and not to discredit you..there is a REASON we are The Six..The state of the WORLD is the direct result of the sins of our fathers and mothers..it's never NOT going to be us that are first led to slaughter. And sometimes...that IS going to take a LOT of my attention..and I need to make sure you know that none of that is me pushing you away or icing you out...but we have a job to do. A job that has shitty benefits and has cost the lives of MOST of the people we love..so I want you to make sure that before you ride off into the sunset with Zach that you understand the types of things you are going to be dealing with..You wanted me to show more regard? I'm doing it now...Promise me you'll think long and hard about what that will mean for you and promise me you will be careful..."

He looked at his friend..feeling good that while everything may not be entirely repaired, they had resolved something. THE thing...whatever had caused them to drift so far apart. They knew each other like the back of their hand. Cameron knew that nothing like what happened during The Blue Moon could EVER happen between Vivica and himself. But that was because THEY were doing what NEEDED to be done in order to save the relationship. Admit fault and grow from it.

[eyeing her up and down for a moment]

"Now that's that all of the way..forgive me if I am being forward but I gotta ask. Have you always been a lesbian? Because remember that girl Monica from your college? I ALWAYS thought you two had something going on! I swear to God! Also...how IS Blaze Victory in bed?"

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh lounged back, still in bed. After the delightful way she'd been woken up, she didnt even WANT to put clothes on. She pulled up the Clandestine-assembled dossiers on Oracle and her team. She read them one by one. Oracle, she'd worked with before. No surprises there. These other names, though.

Steel AKA John Steele had dual citizenship, American and British. He'd worked for Interpol before landing the position he had now: CHIEF of detectives, NYPD. Haleigh had not really ever met the man, though his records reflected well. Still, she had noticed his closeness to Oracle the night of the purifier fight. If those two were involved, it explained his appearance, and that was fine.

Valkyrie AKA Ashley Oldenburg was Steele's HOT SHOT x-unit Detective. She was a self-proclaimed former Asgardian who was ALSO involved with the Red Court of the Hellfire Club. She had gotten off on the worst possible start with Haleigh. First the beligerance she'd shown in her arrest of Isis, then the flippance about Haleigh in general, including a battlefield 'revival' kiss and the implication that'd she'd be sleeping with Zach soon enough. Haleigh had been on track to truly despise Ashley. But after seeing the woman in battle, Haleigh's stance shifted. Once you proved yourself in the field, you were awarded a certain amount of respect in her eyes. And then afterward, Valkyrie had suggested 'if everyone was done making out', they should leave. Haleigh had been so surprised by the woman's NERVE that she'd laughed out loud. Even a week later the memory earned a chuckle. Haleigh found she liked Ashley in spite of herself. She just COULDN'T be mad about it.

Then there was Mina Harker, whose lineage LITERALLY traced back to Dracula. Haleigh didn't even know where to start on this woman. They'd really only met in passing. She could hardly pass judgement one way or the other without more to go on.

For now, Haleigh just decided to let the group exist as it was, in its infancy. Zach had given her a little bit more insight, including giving her the heads up on trying to recruit Sharon and Alycia for help. In years past, it might have incensed Haleigh to know that Sharon or Alycia might try to align themselves with another group, but the truth was that Haleigh was WELL aware of the magnitude of problems on earth and having worked with SHIELD, she knew ALL TOO WELL that there were other groups out there, doing their part to find solutions.

She thought about her own team. There was so MUCH going on with them. Nicolas was the only one who seemed remotely okay. Morgan was on sabbatical again, and Haleigh knew that partially stemmed from the fight with Delilah. Delilah had also made herself quite scarce. Haleigh knew that Delilah liked distance when working through her personal issues, but it just didn't sit well. The LAST time Haleigh had respected Delilah's need for 'space', she'd ended up pulling Delilah out of the ocean, and she had NO DESIRE to repeat that experience.

But what COULD she do? Follow her around the city? Put her on house arrest and suicide watch? Those types of actions would only make things worse. She'd texted Delilah every day, for one reason or another. Sometimes, she just checked in. Sometimes, she just sent Delilah a link to something she might find interesting, or humorous. Sometimes she tried to set up a chance for them to hang out, only to get some kind of excuse. She didn't take it personally, and didn't try to force it any more than that. She had to settle for letting Delilah know that SOMEONE was thinking of her.... SOMEONE cared, even if that someone was only Haleigh.

Ava was another story altogether. Haleigh still couldn't get her sister to talk about what was bothering her. They shared a meal every so often, they trained together, they caught a movie, but NEITHER of them wanted to open up to the other. Haleigh was just as guilty of keeping secrets as Ava was, and so she didn't press TOO hard. Ava would get better with time, she always did.

Cass seemed to be doing okay. Haleigh made sure to keep her fed-- and out of harm's way during feedings. The girl seemed happy enough to be back with friends and family, and she was doing as good as could be expected after having been kidnapped and tortured.

Cameron seemed to be functioning fine as well, but Haleigh hadn't had very much contact with him this past week. She intended to check in on him later today, just to see how well he was recovering from his purifier experience.

For now, though, she had to face her OWN problems. In her peripheral vision, a small reminder popped into view. She had an upcoming appointment with Karen. She didn't want to admit that her headaches and blackouts were affecting her operational readiness. She didn't want to admit that she was experiencing any sort of trouble AT ALL, let alone a weakness with such seemingly PERSONAL roots as this........ unfortunately for HALEIGH.... she realized that it was more important to HER to attempt to solve the problem than to attempt to perserve her pride.

After quickly getting dressed, she appeared nonchalantly in Karen's office, already lounging on the sofa.

"So how do we do this?"

 

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen nodded with approval at Haleigh's timely arrival.>>

<< Haleigh went to the sofa. Some patients did this, others preferred to sit up and some would move between sitting and standing.>>

<< The hybrid was having a hard time with this, but she was not the woman Karen had met face to face years ago. She had changed, grown. She was someone that Karen not only respected, but cared for.>>

<< The doctor seats herself and crosses her legs at the knee.>>

This isn't a rehersal, Haleigh. Oh...and we're not running on a clock either.

Last week, at Alycia's office, you confided in me that you had a NEED to discuss some issues you were having- physical, possibly psychological. That was very responsible of you.

Just to have it on record, everything that happens here in this and future sessions will remain completely confidential.

<< She smiles at Haleigh for a moment as she looks down at her tablet and moves her finely manicured nails over the screen>>

You have asked and authorized me to conduct a series of sessions to discuss episodes you've been having, which are increasing in intensity and duration, as well as to conduct a series of examinations.

And also to determine if the episodes you're experience are symptoms of some deeper physical OR psychological problem and to provide treatment.

I noted the preliminary information you shared with me last week. There are a few scans and exams I can run while we're in this session to help rule out as much as we can.

<< She looks at Haleigh once again as she quickly gestures toward the woman, a rushing sound is heard as several crystals appear around Haleigh and patterns of energy glow and flow from each crystal, forming a PENTAGRAM around Haleigh. There's an odd, but soft hum of magickal energy in the air >>


This will allow me to scan your body and your brain on a variety of levels. Normal medical equipment will not yeild much on you due to your unique physical constitution .

You can be begin at anytime.

<< Smiling once more>>

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Oracle sucked up the last of her Big Gulp with a loud slurp noise. She set it down on her worktable and picked her spare one up. She was working on some improvements to her interfaces based on their experience in the battle with the Purifiers, plus an interesting upgrade on the nano-robots that had destroyed her tech at the Cathedral. AND she was grading papers.

Ashley came out of the bedroom in her pajamas (thankfully), hair mussed and yawning.

Ashley: “Oh thank god for suspensions. I love sleeping. I really do. I’d like to fcuk whoever invented it.”

She looked at the Big Gulps on the table.

Ashley: “It’s really a wonder you don’t weigh 300 pounds.”

“Good afternoon, sleepy head.”

Zizi set the piece she was working on down next to the two giant sodas.

“But I’m glad you’re here – I wanted to talk to you about something.”

She pressed a few keys on her console and turned her chair around. Images were projected into the air in front of them.

“’The Birds of Prey’.”

Ashley: “The what of what?”

“’The Birds of Prey’. You and I can’t do this alone anymore – we need more people, a team. Like The Six, but out there, on the ground, doing what we do best. I’ve decided to call it ‘The Birds of Prey’. ‘BOP’ for short. Catchy, don’t you think?”

Ashley: “Yeah, super!”

She sarcastically gave Zizi two thumbs up.

Ashley: “Isn’t the whole ‘team’ thing what we have Vivica, and Steel, and Zach’s fine ass, and even the sightless wonder Mina for?”

”I’m just formalizing things and adding to it. I want your opinion on potential candidates. Now – Sharon Kelly.”

3D images and video of Sharon began projecting, first of Sharon as a Senator, then in battle as the Silver Swan.

“I actually got the idea for the name from something Sharon said during the battle at St. Patrick’s.”

Ashley: “Oh, hell no. If you are becoming a lesbian it cannot be for that psycho metal bird. I mean, look at her – she calls those wings? I could show her WINGS…”

“Ashley, focus. She’s strong, a great fighter – and she has control over birds which would be a great surveillance tool…”

Ashley: “Okay, I guess she’s pretty tough in a fight. Go on.”

“Dominique Devereaux-“

Ashley: “DOUBLE hell no. Are you serious? The chick who invented the term bitch? What is she gonna do? Look down her nose at us to death? If she’s in, I’m out.”

Oracle knew Isis would be a tough sell.

“We need a healer, Ash – and a magick user. Plus, she has connections at the Hellfire Club…”

Zizi dangled that last bit of bait out there, knowing Ashley would grab that tasty morsel and hold onto it for dear life. The only thing Valkyrie wanted in this world was to be back in the Hellfire Club.

Valkyrie just stood there, staring at the pictures of Isis fighting Purifiers with narrowed eyes, not saying anything. Oracle took that as a sign she could continue.

“Alycia Barnett-“

Zizi kept her eyes averted from Valkyrie’s face as the snarl coming off her in Zizi’s direction was nearly audible.

“She’s a top legal mind and has connections at the UN & Terra Save, among others. Plus she’s an Amazon-“

Ashley: “Hah! AMAZONS. I could-“

Oracle had been down THAT road before, so she headed it off at the pass.

“Moving on to Andrew Murphy.”

That gave Valkyrie pause.

Ashley: “The moron?”

“He needs to be trained – he just found out he was a mutant three days ago, Ashley. We can’t just send him out into the world with nothing. And he showed a lot of promise, when he thought he was just a human. Looking into his background…”

Oracle now brought up newspaper headlines from approximately 5 years before.

“Professional rugby player – brightest young star of his day. Until one day his ability just disappeared into thin air. He was a dockworker in Belfast until he came to New York on a vacation, and just happened to save Sally Spectra’s life.”

News coverage of Sally’s near-death experience.

“She gave him a job, and he’s been living here in the months since then. The nimrod identified him as hyperkinetic – perfect balance, aim, and highly enhanced motor skills. Stress would be a problem for him, though, which would account for his sudden performance ‘slump’. He needs help.”

Ashley: “He’s got heart. And he’s hot. Okay.”

Zizi smiled up at Ashley, not sure if the hard part was over or had yet to begin.

“Now we just have to get them to say yes.”

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – Blaze’s Suite

”Cassie!”

:: Cass was taken aback slightly when her friend gave her a great big hug, rocking her from side to side. She still wasn’t used to people making a great big fuss over her, but then, decades of being a lone wolf would do that to you. Even when she and her team first got back to The Parthenon and everybody was around her touching her and telling her how happy they were that she was back, she felt a bit wary and overwhelmed. ::

Old habits die hard, I guess.

:: But with Karen’s help, she was slowly, yet surely, making progress. She was grateful that the good doctor was taking time to help her cope after her capture. It was a HUGE difference than when she escaped from the concentration camp and laboratory. It was still all so new. ::

"Come on in, hon. I was just having a drinky poo and relaxing."

*chuckling*: “’Drinky poo’?”

:: Blaze invited her in and showed her to her lounge, where she poured Cass some champagne and told her to make herself comfortable. Cass could see that Blaze was curious about her mental and emotional state and was thankful that she didn’t push her to spill what she was thinking and feeling before she was ready. ::

”What’s on your mind?”

*happily*: “I’m FREE now!”

:: Blaze just smiled and nodded, her expression and apple green eyes clearly saying, “Well…DUH!” Cass laughed wildly at Blaze’s expression. She didn’t mean to have it burst out like that, but it was actually true. She WAS free now! ::

*laughingly*: “Oh, Blazing Hot Victory, you should see your face!”

:: Cass took a few moments to collect herself, her shoulders shaking slightly from laughter. Blaze would notice that something WAS different about Cass. ::

“Okay, okay…”

:: Cass gathered her thoughts together. So much was running through her mind, her heart, which she had no idea as to where to even start. Her expression turned somber. ::

“I learned something while I was…GONE. Actually, it wasn’t so much as ‘learning’ from it as it was to HEAL from it.”

:: Cass took a breath and a sip of champagne. ::

“While I was in the cathedral, Alison came and tried to save me…BEFORE Cameron was even taken. But it was a trap, and I was the bait.”

:: Cass frowned a bit. ::

“Anyway, she tried to save me but they had set a trap and I don’t even know what had happened but SOMETHING happened…and she just disappeared!”

:: Cass took a deep breath and shifted her body on the soft sectional. ::

“So I just figured that they had somehow KILLED her…and that it was MY entire fault.”

:: Cass took another sip. It was one thing to LIVE what she went through but it was another thing entirely to tell someone about it. She had had a hard time explaining it to Karen as well. ::

“And, well, that caused me to have a psychotic break or whatever you want to call it.”

:: She crossed her legs and looked at Blaze. ::

“Back when I was in the Nazi lab, I witnessed something very traumatic. I was a young girl, and there were other children in the lab with me. There was a bright and beautiful, very cheerful, playroom that we would go to every day and just play. It was wonderful…until it wasn’t.”

:: Cass now gazed out the window at the moon. She was lost in her memories. ::

“I’m sure you know all about the Nazis. Nazis are probably the same in EVERY timeline. Anyway, they slowly picked us off one by one. One day, after a morning of experiments on my eyes, I was headed for the playroom. My eyes were itchy and they were burning but I could still SEE. Soon my playmates arrived only something was wrong. They COULDN’T see. So they were upset, confused, and freaking out. I was kind of like their mother figure, though I was roughly nine or ten. They looked up to me. We all bonded closely, especially during those uncertain times. Those Nazis…they had planned it PERFECTLY. I was in the playroom, looking through the books to read to the children. I found a book of fairy tales and I got them settled with stuffed animals when a guard came in and wondered if we would like to go outside…”

:: Cass glanced over at Blaze before turning back to the window. ::

“NOBODY was allowed outside and so the fact that he wondered if we wanted to go outside should’ve been our first clue that something bad was going to happen. But because we were children, we didn’t KNOW. Being children, of COURSE we were excited at the prospect of going outside. The other children freaked right out because they wouldn’t be able to see anything, but I reassured them that they would still be able to feel the sun on their skin, the soft grass beneath their feet, and the wind blowing through the air. So I helped the guard gather them all up and made sure that everybody was okay and…”

:: Cass started to tear up. A single tear slid down her cheek. And then another one and another one… ::

“They all counted on ME to keep them safe and what happened? One of the guards told me to go get the book of fairy tales and when I did that…”

:: Cass shuddered. She was now openly sobbing. ::

“THAT’S when they…they…KILLED them! I RAN back to help them when a guard caught me and held me in place!”

:: Cass turned her tear-streaked face to Blaze. ::

“I WATCHED as my friends were HUNTED DOWN like animals!”

:: Cass sniffled and wiped her eyes with a Kleenex she took from the Kleenex box on the table. ::

“And then he accused ME of being a bad friend. He said that nobody would ever like me and that I wasn’t allowed to have any friends, because I would only lead them to their deaths.”

:: Cass looked over at Blaze. ::

“THAT was what was spoken over me DAILY from the time I was nine to the time I escaped from them when I was sixteen. It was why I had been a lone wolf for decades. It was why I never MADE friends in the past. I couldn’t bear the thought of being responsible for MORE deaths.”

:: Cass sighed. She had told Blaze all about HIM in the past. How he made her fall in love with him…and she also told her about how he destroyed her and her heart. ::

“That all changed when I met…BEN.”

:: Cass’ lips puckered as if she bit into something really sour. ::

“I thought that maybe, just maybe, I finally found redemption after what I’ve been through, you know? And, well, YOU know the rest of THAT story…”

:: Cass rolled her eyes. ::

“So then I just figured that I WASN’T allowed to have a happy life, exactly what those Nazis had said to me and spoken over me all those years ago.”

:: She smirked at Blaze. ::

“Then YOU guys came along and upset my semi-happy life and world. You managed to drag me into your group by way of those different capers…and yes, I was a hardass.”

:: Cass’ expression grew somber. ::

“It wasn’t my fault…and it wasn’t your fault either. I had those words spoken over me and to me every single day for YEARS that I did start to believe them, deep inside. I was convinced that you guys wouldn’t like me and I was convinced that if you DID like me, and we became friends, that I would somehow end up killing you because that was what I had spoken over me in my formative years way back when.”

:: Her expression grew brighter. ::

“So when I watched Alison ‘disappear’, I immediately thought that I somehow killed her and it brought me back to that horrible place I had kept hidden from people. Until now.”

:: She looked giddy. ::

“It wasn’t until I saved Cameron from certain death, as well as YOU, that I began to renounce the lies that were spoken over me all those years ago. I AM a great friend. I DESERVE to have a life of happiness. I DESERVE to have family. I DESERVE to have love in my life…”

:: Cass grew quiet. There was a moment, a BRIEF moment, where she and Cameron had shared a hug at the cathedral…and Cass felt as if she were hugging her OWN brother, Jacek. That was the second sign that The Six had become her family. The first signs were when Cameron kept telling her, as Bryda, that The Six was their family and were on their way to rescue them. It had awakened a LONGING deep within her. All these years she was searching for HER family, the Jeskos, but she had failed to realize until it actually counted, that The Six had become her FAMILY. As for love…Cass wanted very much to fall in love and have a great relationship with someone. She did have feelings for Blaze, but she enjoyed the fact that Blaze was her BEST FRIEND and so she didn’t want to jeopardize that aspect of the relationship. It COULD work out between them, but it also could end BADLY, and THAT was a risk she was NOT willing to take. She valued her relationship with Blaze as it already was and so she was not going to upset the apple cart. ::

“I…reverted back to Bryda for a bit and Cameron tried to get me to remember everybody and their grandma and I couldn’t. But I’m actually glad for that because it HELPED me deal with what had happened, even if Cameron had a hard time with it. He kept telling me that our family was coming, our family was coming, and it had awakened a deep LONGING within for MY family.”

:: She smiled at Blaze. ::

“It wasn’t until he hugged me during that BRIEF moment after I kicked Mary’s minion’s ass that I felt…”

:: She teared up again. It was a beautiful moment and one she would NEVER forget. ::

“That I felt like I was hugging my own BROTHER again! Blaze, it really felt like I was hugging JACEK again! It made me realize, in that moment, that ALL of you, including Ava and her pipsqueak of a boyfriend, ARE my family.”

:: Cass got quiet again, a little TOO quiet. She had to say this next thing but she didn’t know how Blaze would react. After a moment’s pause, she looked at Blaze, a shy smile on her face. ::

“And since YOU are part of my family, I suppose I should tell you that I do have feelings for you…”

:: Cass held up her hand to stop Blaze from talking. ::

“But I don’t want to act on them. Blaze, you are my BEST FRIEND and I don’t EVER want to jeopardize that relationship. I value it way too much and on the off-chance that we DID enter into a romantic relationship and it ended badly? That is NOT a risk I am willing to take. I value YOU way too much to let that happen.”

:: Cass stopped talking and shrugged. ::

“You asked me what was on my mind,”

:: She smirked at Blaze. ::

“Do you regret it?”

 

[MorningStar]

Spectra Couture, The Parthenon

Delilah didn’t want to see them. It had taken an outsider, her old mentor John Steel, before any of them even SPOKE to her at the cathedral. And she knew better than to open the door to THEIR kind of conversation. She knew it would go, “Delilah, come back to us…but we were looking out for you and didn’t do anything at all wrong and YOU are just acting like the horrible person you are.” They did that, pretended they cared and then used it to pat themselves on the back as they tore you down.

She could only imagine what they would say to her about killing Mary Justice. Something every single one of them would have done if she hadn’t, but they would STILL find a way to come down on her for it. Well, she wasn’t about to give them the chance. She had killed Mary Justice because she wasn't leaving even the slightest opportunity for Cameron to be hurt again. And she would not apologize for that.

But there was one person from that night that DID deserve to be acknowledged, and she was on her way down to the Spectra Couture boutique to do just that. She knocked on the partially open door of Sally’s office in the back, before stepping inside. Andrew was sitting at Sally’s desk in a freshly pressed suit, a mountain of paperwork around him.

“Hi.”

He stopped working and pushed his chair back from the desk a bit at seeing her enter. He seemed surprised.

Andrew: “Hello.”

“I wanted to let you know that Sally is home from the hospital.”

Andrew: “I know. She called me – she’s already trying to make deals from her sickbed.”

Delilah allowed a brief smile. That was Sally.

“I also wanted to say, thank you, for the other night, helping us. And I’m sorry for treating you the way I did.”

Andrew: “Yeah, well, that’s not the first time you’ve underestimated me.”

Trying to keep a straight face, but not succeeding, he gave her a wicked look.

Andrew: “And you found out how AMAZING I was then, too.”

He wiggled his eyebrows at her until she had to laugh.

Andrew: “I would have called you but I’ve been trying to keep things going around her, for Sally. And you seemed like you need some space.”

“Yeah, that-“

Andrew: “And I’m trying to get used to the whole ‘mutant’ thing. Zizi tried to explain it to me, but I still don’t get how being good at sport means I’m a mutant. I mean, it’s not like I shoot lasers out of my eyes or…hands…”

He gave her a weird look. The vision of Mary Justice in ashes came to his mind. He gulped.

“Yes, Oracle called me. You have a genetic mutation which gives you certain abilities that regular humans do not have. Your abilities make you what they call hyperkinetic – your brain’s imaging, muscle control and motor skill centers are all perfectly aligned. This means your brain processes movement at a much faster rate than normal. This is why you are such a gifted athlete- no cracks, Andrew-“

She pointed her finger at him and gave him a hard look –

“Stress plays havoc with your abilities, so under duress they can fail you. It’s not uncommon for hyperkinetics to perform extraordinary feats…then not be able to do it again. You’ll need to learn how to control your powers.”

He stood up and moved around the desk, so he was facing her. He crossed his arms over his chest, giving her a mischievous look.

Andrew: “Are you going to train me, then? ”

“Yes, I’ll help – and Oracle…I think it’s a good idea if you stick close to Sally for a while, now that we know what you are, you would be perfect to keep an eye on her.”

He smiled.

Andrew: “Tell me again how perfect I am.”

Delilah rolled her eyes. It was impossible to hate him, no matter how annoying he was being. He put his hands on either side of her waist.

Andrew: “I think me being such a ‘gifted athlete’ I’m going to need a lot of one on one time with the teacher.”

She smiled and shook her head, resting her hands on his forearms.

“I think…that can be arranged.”

His face got serious.

Andrew: "You know, Delilah, those people there that night. They all seemed pretty concerned about you. I don't know why you're angry at them, but maybe if you just gave them a chance."

She shut her eyes, and exhaled sharply.

"You don't know the situation. I gave them chance after chance and all they did was betray me. They don't want me anymore."

Andrew: "I cant believe that's true."

He touched her chin, forcing her to look at him.

Andrew: "You're right, I don't know the situation. But I'm a good listener. So if you want to tell me about it sometime..."

Delilah gave him a small smile.

"Maybe someday, but not today."

Andrew: "Okay. Well, then. Since I am currently 'the boss'-"

Delilah smirked.

"Somehow I think Sally might object to that assessment of the situation-"

He continued anyway.

Andrew: "Since I am currently the boss, what if I knock off early and we go have a drink? Or fifteen?"

She laughed.

"Sounds perfect."

Andrew: "And then you can tell me how terrific and brave I was at the cathedral..."

 

[Firebird]

Blaze eyed Cass with curiosity as the succubuss sat down. She definitely FELT different. No doubt part of that had to do with reclaiming her life in the aftermath of the Purifiers, but there was something else.

The fire elemental settled in and listened intently, studying Cass as she spoke.

It was a deep expression too. But that's what best friends are for, right? To confide in, to share one's deepest, darkest secrets, to seek counsel and comfort when you're at your best or your worst!

Cass had been through so much. But finally she seemed to realize what Karen, Sharon, Cameron, Nicolas, Alycia and Blaze herself had been trying to tell her. She wasn't alone!

She not only fortunate to have survived, she can THRIVE in a life where she calls the shots AND she has friends, FAMILY who LOVE HER.


Blaze couldn't help but nod and smile as Cass reached the conclusion of her journey of discovery and reconciliation of self.

"You carried chains and ghosts with you for so many years, Cass. You didn't know HOW to let go because you didn't think you should...you didn't think you deserved the chance...the GIFT of a life BEYOND that. NOW you seem to understand that, and thankfully, it didn't take anybody else DYING."

"What happened to you in your original life was horrible and there's no denying that. But it wasn't your fault, and that's your past now. Your DISTANT past. What matters is NOW and TOMMOROW, and you DO deserve all the best. I had to be reminded of that myself when reconciling my issues with my alternate in this timelineYou FINALLY understand what we've been trying to tell you!"

"Evil never really dies...it just...mutates. If it's not the nazis, it's mystech...or the purifiers or something else. It will ALWAYS rise up when it sees an opportunity to strike and WE'LL always be there to oppose it. But we'll do much better TOGETHER, as a FAMILY!"

"FINALLY you understand!"

"And I want you to know, that your courage in standing up to Mary Justice and Sarah Smythe, even when you were depowered...that was proof of the depth of care and love you have for Cameron. It would have been easy to just fold up and "check out" permanently. But you didn't. That will never be forgotten by him, me or anyone else in our group. If you didn't know it before...I hope you BELIEVE IT NOW...you're ONE OF US."


Taking another long, HAPPY drink and quickly refilling her goblet, Cass continues, on another equally personal note, this time involving Blaze personal.

Blaze's apple green eyes sparkle with surprise as Cass makes her bold declaration from the heart. Realizing that just a few weeks ago, she could NEVER have done this. Cass might be worried, but its another indication of just how far she's come.

Blaze smiles once again and gets up, moving over to sit Cass and taking her hands into her own.

"Never worry about saying what's on your heart, sharing what you feel. It's ALWAYS better to be true and honest! Like Madonna says, "EXPRESS YOURSELF, DON'T REPRESS YOURSELF!"

Trying to lighten the mood for Cass as she nods with reassurance


"I don't regret asking you what's on your mind. This kind of honesty is what I've been looking for all along. I just hope you will be as open and passionate with the rest of your Six family. They've all tried to welcome you and show you love, it's time you repaid that."

Squeezing Cass' hands, Blaze continues.

"I felt your attraction to me, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. You're beautiful."

Leaning in, Blaze gently kisses Cass before moving back.

"Never apologize for how you feel."


"And I hope that our being BEST FRIENDS will be as fullfilling for you as it is for me."

" I'm on journey of discovery with Vivica. We ENJOY each other, we listen & learn from each other & we let everything else fall where it's supposed to. I know some people kind of...slept on her and somehow missed what she had to offer, but I don't and I'm VERY happy to have her in my life. Still, No one defines the nature of my relationships but me, so don't you worry about risking anything, you understand?"

Blaze smiles and winks at Cass.


"C'mere, Cassie!"

Pulling her friend into a tight hug.


"Now! Why don't we go mess with Cameron. He's probably pontificating with Alycia or Vivica about some profound thing and it's time we reminded him what we really keep him around for!"

Blaze said with a snicker and a glint in her apple green eyes.

 

[Black Widow]

Karen: Last week, at Alycia's office, you confided in me that you had a NEED to discuss some issues you were having- physical, possibly psychological. That was very responsible of you.

"Yeah.... responsible, let's call it that."

She interjected with a slight smirk. 'Responsible' was a much better assessment than 'Helpless', which was how she saw herself.

Karen: Just to have it on record, everything that happens here in this and future sessions will remain completely confidential.

"Well I'm just glad I have a recording of you saying that, because I just have a feeling like I'm going to need to play it back for you."

She returned, half joking. Karen just smiled, and moved on, talking about her agreement to allow testing and what all she'd gotten herself into. Haleigh nodded gently, glancing around as Karen changed the setting a bit to allow a magickal scanning.

Karen: You can be begin at anytime.

Haleigh gave a small, uncomfortable smile, as she took a deep, slow breath. She decided that YES, she was going to do this, whether she liked it or not, because the truth was, these blackouts were taking her out at PRECISELY the worst time. She needed to solve this riddle BEFORE it cost someone their life.

"Yes, but where to begin? The 'episodes'..... I don't know Karen. I don't know how to explain them... well, they begin with a headache. Small, at first, but the pressure builds and they just get worse and worse until I feel like I'm going to faint. And then I just blackout."

She started, then paused as she thought of how to phrase it.

"While I'm out, I have these.... flashes. I experience something different each time, but they are all focused on a child..... that looks like a carbon copy of me."

She paused again, then shrugged her shoulders.

"It may just be some GLITCH I experienced, like a forced dream or something. I haven't blacked out since the night we fought the Purifiers."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen had a way of making her patients become less self conscious, less aware of HER presence as well, and soon they began speaking more freely and to the root of what was troubling them.>>

<< But Haleigh's reluctance was not lost on the doctor. Even as the hybrid offered humor to mask her discomfort, the Doctor continued on and Haleigh had no choice but to follow, if she wanted anything productive to come of this.>>


<<As Haleigh began, the crystals at their strategic points began to glow and pulsate slowly. a wave of spectral lightly slowly flowed over Haleigh>>

<< Results from the first scan were being broadcast to Karen onher tablet.>>

We can immediately rule out possession AND we can rule out BARBAS...


<< The doctor thought to herself as she ran her fingers down the screen. This was a RELIEF, but what Haleigh was describing was still cause for concern>>

I know you are not one to acknowlede vulnerability, but regardless of your hybrid nature, you ARE still at your core, a human being with a human psyche. The BODY REACTS to the mind, and what you're describing is certainly NOT normal, even for YOU.

I can rule out possession of any kind at this point and I can safely assure you that you are NOT experiencing nightmares...the kind that BARBAS would bring.


But in order to get more clarity, I'll need MORE...


Haleigh, the symptoms you describe- the headaches, the growing pressure, the blackouts... you mentioned that the LAST time this happened was when you were fighting the Purifiers.

But when EXACTLY did they BEGIN? Prior to the last black out did you notice a pattern to the onset of each episode?


Recently, have you experienced anything deeply PERSONAL or troubling that you believe could be a TRIGGER for these episodes?


Typically, these kinds of symptoms can be associated with repressed memories or trauma, trying to come back to the surface.

<< Karen was already "looking ahead" and was concerned , but before they discussed the details of what Haleigh was experiencing during her episodes, she wanted to firmly establish a pattern, see if there was a trigger to these black outs. She wanted Haleigh to delve more into it and she knew the hybrid wouldn't like it, but there was no other choice. >>

 

[Isis]

:: Dominique Deveraux had returned to the Hellfire Mansion for the last several days, along with Richard, her Black Knight.::

:: As the BOMB created by Terra Save, Charope, LLC, Richard and Dominique began to EXPLODE and Stryker, along with his office were being busted out wide open, along with various high ranking officials at the NYPD and the MAYORS office...the Black Queen
took satisfaction in knowing that WilPharma would be GUTTED.::

:: It was due to the vigilance of the BLACK COURT that the Hellfire Club had been insulated from the potential LETHAL betrayal of confidence by Stryker but no thanks were necessary. It really had become PERSONAL for Dominique.::

::It was UNFORTUNATE that her "whistle blowing" wouldnt encompass ASHLEY OLDENBURG. Suspension was not enough- Dominique would LOVE to see HER LIFE RUINED and she HADN'T forgotten Valkyrie's "death glow" observation about Richard. That boorish cow, if she NEVER saw her again, it would be too soon! ::


:: The cries of the weak, the children had been impossible for her to ignore, and in this "post-set" world, her endeavors had taken her futher and further away from close contact with Diana and Helena. She thought of MorningStar and was reminded again of how it was to be shaped and driven by pain and the feeling of anger and resentment. She felt empathy for the young woman. But just as she had to make her own way, so did Isis. It had always been that way and no amount of success or comfort would ever make Dominique lose sight of that. ::


:: She had always said that she would maintain her own affairs and go whichever way she chose, and that she'd remain with the Hellfire Club as long as it suited HER needs. Now it seemed less and less that she had need of the Hellfire Club::

:: In the aftermath of the Purifiers, Isis felt that a new path in life was opening up to her. It was an odd feeling. But she'd been here before, shortly after the matter of SET had been dealt with.::

::She would face this as she did ALL the other changes in her life. Eyes open and looking forward.::


:: At the moment though, she and Richard maintained a low profile as the media was ABLAZE with the revelation about Stryker and his link to WilPharma and ultimate the Purifiers. Terra Save was careful to make sure their sources would NEVER been revealed::

:: The Black Queen and the Black Knight watch the reports coming in together::

You did an excellent job, Richard.


:: Looking over at him::

And it appears you made a few new....acquaintances?

::Referring to Ana-Leigh and Rose in particular::


:: Glancing up at a clock, Dominique decided to reach out to Nicolas::

:: Moments later, a stream of golden energy swirls down and Isis' astral form manifests before Nicolas where he is at the moment::

Nicolas.

:: She says in her usual cold tone::

I am glad to see that you have recovered.

The events that I set in motion regarding Stryker are coming to fruition even now, as media reports are starting to appear on all the major outlets. The Purifiers AND WilPharma are done.

I want to THANK YOU for your help...and support.

I have been asked to a meeting by Oracle. I have agreed to meet with her and will see her in a just a little while.

But before that, I wanted to let you know that I have made a descision about the my association with the Hellfire Club. My time here has come to an end. I am ready to move on to the next phase of my life.

I will not be delaying my depature. After my meeting with Oracle, I will be leaving here and I will be taking Richard with me.

 

[Matrix]

Solid few days after they hammered the Purifiers. Settled back in nicely but Rich knew something was up with Dominique. And he was satisfied that she had not tried to remark back some command after he mentally said his peace on protecting her.

It was a night like any other, except no way was this going to end as casually as it had begun. Richard was relaxing with Dominique, not yet dressed for Court...he had eaten a larger than normal even for him dinner and was washing it down as he stood by Dominique.

:: At the moment though, she and Richard maintained a low profile as the media was ABLAZE with the revelation about Stryker and his link to WilPharma and ultimate the Purifiers. Terra Save was careful to make sure their sources would NEVER been revealed::

:: The Black Queen and the Black Knight watch the reports coming in together::

You did an excellent job, Richard.

I did what I was told.

No need to say more, so he didn't.

:: Looking over at him::

And it appears you made a few new....acquaintances?

::Referring to Ana-Leigh and Rose in particular::

Seems so. Cool people it looks like.

He had seen Ana-Leigh a few times as they worked with the information he had to make certain that the assets of William Stryker remained not only with the Hellfire Club, but with Miss D IN PARTICULAR. He had a lot of land and homes all over the place and Rich made sure that once the Black Queen did what she wanted tonight, that she would have money and land of her own to emerge from this association. Ana-Leigh was smart as hell and fine as hell, two things he could appreciate. But work like this deserved professionalism, so he was professional. No time to spit game when you are ruining a dude for being a prick bigot bastard combo.

He knew that Miss D would be on the move tonight, and so he would be ready. As she concentrated (likely to contact Nicolas) he started to complete his outfit for the night's festivities...

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas was getting dressed in his suite to have some fun. It had been a quiet few days after the events in the cathedral but he was ready to FINALLY let loose. He planned to corral as many of the ladies of the Six as he could find that would entertain an evening out. Hell, Ali was even still in town...could be kinda fun!

Nicolas.

:: She says in her usual cold tone::

I am glad to see that you have recovered.

The events that I set in motion regarding Stryker are coming to fruition even now, as media reports are starting to appear on all the major outlets. The Purifiers AND WilPharma are done.

I want to THANK YOU for your help...and support.

I have been asked to a meeting by Oracle. I have agreed to meet with her and will see her in a just a little while.

But before that, I wanted to let you know that I have made a descision about the my association with the Hellfire Club. My time here has come to an end. I am ready to move on to the next phase of my life.

I will not be delaying my depature. After my meeting with Oracle, I will be leaving here and I will be taking Richard with me.

Nicolas eyebrow cocked up at the news. He immediately began to think of how the Sisterhood might decide to take such news. He did not even look up from getting dressed as he replied.

I'll be accompanying you. Simply as a precaution.