Wish upon a Siege Perilous

[MorningStar]

Melrose Place, Apartment #5

"Alison......... stole......... your baby? Okay...... We can fix this. I can find the..... baby. I'm hoping Alison thought she had a good reason, but that's irrelevant."

The corner of Delilah’s mouth turned up into a sad smile as she shook her head.

“Even you couldn’t find her this time. Besides, I know where she is. In the one place none of us can go without an invitation: Ororo’s Citadel. And she ain’t engraving invitations for either of us any time soon.”

She filled up her glass a second time, then returned to her seat near Haleigh.

“But I had a girl. Her name is Alexia.”

Delilah stared off into the distance for a moment, before continuing.

“The baby manifested her powers when she was born – before actually. They are the exact opposite of mine, and naturally darkness consumes light. Her powers drained mine when we were near to each other. Alison and Bishop [she spat the words] decided that the only thing to do was to take her away from me. So, without telling me or-“

Her voice caught in her throat for just a second, before returning to cold stone.

“-or letting me say goodbye, Alison flitted off with her. Without even looking for another option, or letting ME make the decision. If it hadn’t been for Cameron I would have KILLED her on the spot. And Morgan!”

Her eyes narrowed and her hand grasped her cup so hard it could break, the other hand clenched into a tight fist filled with anger.

“That BITCH. She couldn’t even admit that anything they had done was wrong. That they should have TOLD me about Circe, about everything! She made it all about HER! Just like always! And then she just LEFT!”

She set the coffee cup down forcefully on the table.

“You should have been there – you would not have BELIEVED the bullshit that was going on. I’m surprised that island didn’t SINK under the weight of all Alison and Morgan’s crap. And everyone else just stood there and AGREED with them! Like it was MY fault! Like I had done something wrong!”

 

[Artemis]

Melrose Place- Apartment 5

:: across the way from apartment 5 of Melrose Place, inside of apartment 3, the sound of magick and a flash of light from inside the...bedroom CLOSET DOOR heralds the arrive of Alycia Barnett. The amazon opens the closet door of Michael Armstrong's apartment and emerges.::

:: She took a moment to check herself and her outfit over in a mirror in Michael's bedroom. The amusement of arriving and leaving via a CLOSET in an apartment building was not lost on her.::

Only in the Six....

:: She says as she checks herself out in her outfit as her feminum bracelets shimmer.::

:: Finally she emerges from Michael's apartment out into the courtyard, holding a small item in her hand.::

:: Her attention is immediately drawn to the pool, which is DRAINING. But there's no one in sight.::

:: Then she notices apartment 1. Delilah's door is slightly open.::

:: Walking over, her black high heeled boots announce her approach to the apartment as she knocks on the already opened door::

Delilah?

:: knocking once again, the door creaks open a bit more::

Delilah? It's Alycia. Are you here?


:: She turns back around, the noise from the draining pool is the main thing she hears in the courtyard. Her amazonian enhanced senses don't sense any close by movement either.::

Hmmm....

:: But then she notices activity over at...::

Apartment 5! HALEIGH'S Apartment??


:: Perhaps Delilah was checking the apartments, making sure everything was in order. Seemed unlikely though, since the last time she saw her, she seemed all but ready to LEAVE this place, not help take care of it. Still, Alycia decided to go investigate::

:: As she walked across the courtyard, passing the spiral stair case leading up to apartment 4, she finally reaches the door to apartment 5. She can clearly here TWO voices inside.::

:: She loudly knocks on the door and then OPENS it::

DELILAH, I saw your apartment door was open and I just wanted to make sure you were....alright??

:: Her hazel eyes fix on...::

HALEIGH!

Haleigh!

Hello!

Welcome BACK.

 

[Rampage]

:: Before he could attempt to take his leave of this beautiful place, a ray of golden light beams down before him. A feminine form emerges. Athena, in a sparkling, flowing white gown, carrying her beloved, sleepy eyed owl, Bupol on her arm.::


Leaving so soon, my champion?

:: The goddess asks with a slightly quizzical tone, an unusual thing for the goddess of wisdom.::

Nicolas smiled as he turned around to face Athena.

I am certain I can find time for you, especially after you saved me just now.

I have received your gift and I accept it. You did MORE than well answering my charge during the Blue Moon.


It was no small thing, retrieving you from the deadly vortex around the realm of Limbo. You took a VERY dangerous and ultimately, UNNECESSARY risk, trying to breach that eldritch dimension under your own power.

Why would you do such a thing?

Nicolas looked at the goddess as she spoke and thought long and hard about his answer. Finally, he replied.

You KNOW that I love Morgan. And while I have no idea how we will end up, even what we are NOW, I want her to remember how I feel about her and never forget it, me, all of us. But that is not really why I went. I am a patient man and her absence will not damage my heart in the long run.

Nicolas grimaces as he continues.

I went because I have no siblings. No one with whom I have that connection, that tie. To see Blaze have that tie and watch it wither on the vine is heartbreaking and I would risk anything for Morgan, I would risk death itself if it would help Blaze know that she was loved and needed like a sister by her ACTUAL sister. So, I took some precautions and I risked it hoping to reach Morgan, let her know that Blaze needed her. That is what one does for family. That is what they mean to me.

 

[Black Widow]

Delilah: “Even you couldn’t find her this time. Besides, I know where she is. In the one place none of us can go without an invitation: Ororo’s Citadel. And she ain’t engraving invitations for either of us any time soon. But I had a girl. Her name is Alexia.”

Delilah's pitiful smile was heartbreaking. Haleigh's mind worked through the options with the processing efficiency of a computer. She rationalized her way through, then reached under the counter with her free hand, grabbing the tactical shotgun kept there. She chambered a shell, then turned it around to hand it to Delilah.

"Well if we aren't invited, we'll have to use deception. Last time Ororo intervened, it was because of your death. But I'm not about to kill you or experience your suicide again, so we'll see if your acting skills are worth a damn. Shoot me. I won't stop the bullet. Point blank range should do the trick. Then, YOU pretend to be unhinged, call Karen, tell her you've killed me. Shit will hit the fan, Karen will call in the goddesses, and one or both of us will end up in the citadel. When they resurrect me, I'll get you, we'll get the baby, and you can wormhole us home. They'll give chase, naturally. We can fight it out, then they'll give in. Because you know I can be obstinate."

Delilah: “The baby manifested her powers when she was born – before actually. They are the exact opposite of mine, and naturally darkness consumes light. Her powers drained mine when we were near to each other."

"Well.... shit. Ahhhhhh....... okay. I know a guy.... really smart scientific type. He owes me one. He can figure out why and how to stop the problem. Until then, I'll put a power inhibiting collar on.... Alexia. The plan can still work. So, kill me. Quickly, if you can manage. Bleeding out slowly is not my idea of a good time."

Delilah:" Alison and Bishop [she spat the words] decided that the only thing to do was to take her away from me. So, without telling me or-............-or letting me say goodbye, Alison flitted off with her. Without even looking for another option, or letting ME make the decision. If it hadn’t been for Cameron I would have KILLED her on the spot. And Morgan! That BITCH. She couldn’t even admit that anything they had done was wrong. That they should have TOLD me about Circe, about everything! She made it all about HER! Just like always! And then she just LEFT! You should have been there – you would not have BELIEVED the bullshit that was going on. I’m surprised that island didn’t SINK under the weight of all Alison and Morgan’s crap. And everyone else just stood there and AGREED with them! Like it was MY fault! Like I had done something wrong!"

"Welcome to my life story............ Hey-- this anger your feeling? It's completely warranted. What they did was fucked up. And whatever it takes to get that through their thick skulls..... that's what we'll do."

She guides the barrel of the shotgun over the center of her heart, and takes a deep breath. And then..... Alycia lets herself in. Great. Haleigh looks from Alycia to Delilah to the gun.

"Hey Alycia. I hate to be a rude host, but we're kind of in the middle of something. (Looking back at Delilah) it's Showtime, Morningstar."

 

[MorningStar]

Melrose Place, Apartment #5

It felt so GOOD to tell this to someone she knew would understand! If anyone could see her side of the story, it was Haleigh. Part of her thought that if Black Widow had been there on Aerie, none of this would have happened. She would not have ALLOWED it to happen. If you could say anything about Haleigh Davidoff, it was that she was not like everyone else.

But in the middle of her rant, Haleigh pulled out a shotgun.

Delilah held up her hands in front of her in a “wait” gesture, scrambling backwards away from the redhead.

“Whoa, whoa! What are you doing?!”

Then she was handing the gun to Delilah.

"Well if we aren't invited, we'll have to use deception. Last time Ororo intervened, it was because of your death. But I'm not about to kill you or experience your suicide again, so we'll see if your acting skills are worth a damn. Shoot me. I won't stop the bullet. Point blank range should do the trick. Then, YOU pretend to be unhinged, call Karen, tell her you've killed me. Shit will hit the fan, Karen will call in the goddesses, and one or both of us will end up in the citadel. When they resurrect me, I'll get you, we'll get the baby, and you can wormhole us home. They'll give chase, naturally. We can fight it out, then they'll give in. Because you know I can be obstinate."

Delilah’s jaw visibly dropped.

“Haleigh, I…”

"…The plan can still work. So, kill me. Quickly, if you can manage. Bleeding out slowly is not my idea of a good time."

“Haleigh, I am not going to shoot you!”

"Welcome to my life story............ Hey-- this anger your feeling? It's completely warranted. What they did was fucked up. And whatever it takes to get that through their thick skulls..... that's what we'll do."

Now, Haleigh was nuts. She had finally cracked, clearly. But Delilah couldn’t deny, it was a huge relief that SOMEONE was taking her side and wanted to do something other than steal her baby away from her. She might have lost it, but at least Haleigh was exploring their options.

Could it work? No, no, of course not. They couldn’t…could they? Delilah ever so gingerly put her hand on the barrel of the gun. Just contemplating, for the briefest of moments, the genius in Haleigh’s plan. And it was at that very split-second, that Alycia walked in.

"Hey Alycia. I hate to be a rude host, but we're kind of in the middle of something. (Looking back at Delilah) it's Showtime, Morningstar."

Delilah jerked her hand backwards, then threw both of them up into the air.

“I swear, this is NOT what it looks like.”

 

[Prophet]

The Zenith Group Executive Offices - Wallstreet

Cameron was glad to see Simon soften if only for a moment to talk about what he was feeling. Still, his empathy told him that Simon was worried he would not be able to not use his powers for personal gain. Cameron stood from his desk once more.

"I'm glad you've decided to have a moment of clarity, Pratt. But i'll have you know that abilities span much farther than being able to throw you across the room in a blink of an eye. If you DO use your abilities, I will know. In fact, if you hide anything at ALL from me..."

Cameron pushed his way into Simon's mind as he spoke, for dramatic effect.

"I'll know that too..So I suggest you be on your best behavior..."

He ushered Simon to his feet and began to walk him out of his office.

"We'll start training in a few days..and actually that's when you'll start your new position, Pratt. Yes, that's right...I'm giving you a promotion...Tell me, how do you feel about Paris?"

Cameron smiled. He had been picking up the vibes from both Ava and Simon all morning. They have had a brief encounter in the Waiting Room of his office, but he could tell it threw them both for a loop. There was definitely potential for those two and what better way to get that started then to give Ava Cassadine a dashing young and handsome assistant to boss around?

The two of them walked towards the elevator hall and Cameron even pressed the button for his employee.

"Well, you don't have much of a choice. I need you to report to the International floors after the weekend for all the details..."

Simon stepped into the elevator as Cameron waved goodbye.

"Oh and Simon? Don't worry...I won't tell Ava Cassadine you nearly had a nervous breakdown in my office."

And with that the elevator doors closed and Simon was off. Cameron returned to reception and smiled at his assistant.

"Well, we've had quite a busy morning haven't we? Have I missed anything?"

His assistant nodded and handed Cameron a slew of phone messages he had missed while in all of his meeting. He took them and thumbed through them.

"Just great...Listen, I think i'm going to take lunch in my office. Can you call Ambrosia at the Parthenon and have them courier over whatever the special happens to be? Thanks, love."

Cameron then returned to his office, locking the door, taking a seat at his desk and letting out a big sigh. He could use a little time to himself. Pressing the button on the remote next to him, the Plasma screen turned on as he began watching some mindless entertainment news.

TV Announcer: Big Press Conference....and big DRAMA today as the House of Spectra debuted their new line...

Prophet furrowed his brow and listened in. This didn't sound good.

 

[Artemis]

MP- Apt 5

:: Alycia looked in utter disbelief at what she saw. Her hazel eyes moved between Delilah and Haleigh and this RIDICULOUS, BIZARRE scenario they were attempting to carry out.::

What. the HELL!?

She guides the barrel of the shotgun over the center of her heart, and takes a deep breath. And then..... Alycia lets herself in. Great. Haleigh looks from Alycia to Delilah to the gun.

"Hey Alycia. I hate to be a rude host, but we're kind of in the middle of something. (Looking back at Delilah) it's Showtime, Morningstar."

::loudly scoffing/laughing::

And yet here you are, RUDE AS EVER.

:: It was disappointing. Of all the ways she had imagined, HOPED she would encounter Haleigh again, NONE of her ideas was quite as wild OR as disappointing as THIS. If there was one person she'd want to SHOW just how far she'd come and to THANK her for believing in her even when she reflexively shortchanged herself , it was HALEIGH. But Haleigh had this UNCANNY ability to DESTROY any sense of fondness that came w/ her absence over months in less than 5 minutes! ::

DELILAH? Just what do you think you're doing!?

Delilah jerked her hand backwards, then threw both of them up into the air.

“I swear, this is NOT what it looks like.”

OH I'm...

::SNATCHING the gun away::

SURE!

:: An odd sound of power is heard as Alycia BENDS the gun as if it were a toy before SNAPPING it in two and tossing it on the foor, then kicking the pieces away demonstrating one aspect of her amazonian power that neither Delilah nor Haleigh had seen::

DELILAH!

:: She steps between Haleigh and Delilah looking at Delilah::

:: Sigh::

Don't insult me, okay?

I heard EVERYTHING when I was coming to the front door.

I KNOW you're in a bad way...but DON'T you do this! Dont you DARE!

Do you know what Ororo would DO TO YOU for attempting to deceive her like that? Do you not what remember what happened to Cameron's sister?

::FLASH!::

Ororo: you are beyond a disappointment, child. You are a DISGRACE. an INSULT to everything that I stood for. you took the teachings that i gave you and PERVERTED them with your weak, petty, fractured mental insecurities and wicked heart. YOU have destroyed the family you claimed to want to protect and you DARED to threaten the "Dark Trinity" of which I am the Guardian of? not to mention the others here who have prooven to be of higher moral fiber than you could EVER help to be.

:: she steps forward as the winds whistle and HOWL in fear and anger all around.::

you will MORE than answer for what you've done...you will PAY for this. ALL of it....WITH YOUR LIFE!

:: Ororo was deadly serious. there was no escape and Erika was LESS than NO MATCH for Ororo. Black Widow and Guardian had traveled to an alternate timeline in Limbo where they saw a much YOUNGER Ororo viciously DESTROY Belasco in a powerfull act of revenge for his murdering her X-men so many years ago....but while it was revenge...it was also JUSTICE.::

Delilah, Ororo is our ally....she's the guardian of the Dark Trinity. She's saved ALL of us more than once and she's CARING for your child while working on a way to REUNITE YOU TWO. WHY would you risk derailing that? WHY would you risk her WRATH!?

::FLASH!::

ORORO: your foolish, misguided quest for revenge, you have MORE than sealed your fate. the blood of your brother will be on your hands...and your soul will be DAMNED to the darkest, most unrelenting HELL...beyond anything your feeble mind can conceptualize.

:: Ororo's voice was deep, loud, elegant. Erika lunged for Alison AGAIN, Persephone stepped in and Ororo raised her hand and extened her arm out::


Your rampant campaign of destruction WILL STOP NOW....

BEGONE!

:: lightning. one of the most violent and powerfull manifestations of nature. This goes BEYOND anything that Erika thought she could harness....Ororo is ONE with the elements...worshipped as a goddess LONG before she even came to the realm of Limbo and now , on earth..the elements cannot HELP but climax in glee as their one true mistress now channels them as flawless as a conductor directs a symphony.::

:: with one fluent move, Ororo BLASTS Erika with pinout accuracy. the lightning is so powerfull so BRIGHT that the light around everyone REVERSES and everyone is convered in shadow as the blinding , MASSIVE , jagged bolt BOMBARDS Erika King. a crash of thunder ROCKS the coastline so hard...that the ground SHAKES. the lightning VIOLATES Erika's body to the basic level...irradiating her so much that feedback now comes out of her mouth and eyes. the lightning CONTINUES to savage her body as it convulses and Ororo continues to BLAST HER , with a look of complete unforgiveness on her elegant face.::


may your soul NEVER find peace, you despicable creature.

:: the lightning strike climaxes and the elecritcal feedback lashes out..striking the ground around the six at random as Erika's body EXPLODES and a blast ring of force eminates from the epicenter of the explosion...leaving a deep, severe scorch mark where she last stood...and only residule molecular traces of the woman once known as Erika King..her scream echoes in the winds and begin to fade....as Ororo stands there with no sign of regret at destroying Erika so violently.::

This is INSANE! I'm not going to let you DESTROY what chance you have, much less risk incurring the WRATH of an immortal weather witch not just on yourself but ALL of us....

:: looking over her shoulder at Haleigh::

As IF anyone in this room could stand against her power? Or that it should even COME to that?

Listen to me...

:: Looking directly into Delilah's eyes, noticing her over change of appearence::

There ARE other "options"...things you can try. For STARTERS, you could TRY calling Ororo YOURSELF and having a conversation with HER rather than plotting some stupid side show behind her back. As much as she's done for you and the rest of us, I would think you'd know that. This has NOTHING to do with any of us and EVERYTHING to do with YOU.



Haleigh? what the hell is the matter with you? You've been gone...

:: and before Haleigh could retort that so had Alycia....she held up her hand for SILENCE.::

I was not a founding member of the Six. YOU ARE.

You've been gone for the better part of year. NOT for some medical necessity, but because you "couldn't sit still"....and while you were galavanting around town with the same FEDERAL ENTITY that not so long ago tried to KILL YOU, your TEAM, YOUR FAMILY nearly DIED at the hands of Circe and as it stands...the FAMILY has been strained if not completely FRACTURED by the tragedy of Delilah's painful loss!

I would THINK as a field commander & one-time co-leader of this team, you would have sense enough to know to GATHER INFORMATION before making such a FOOLISH decision.


But no... of COURSE not, because you've been back for five minutes and you know EVERYTHING.




I don't want to HEAR IT!

:: she overpowers Haleigh with her forceful tone::

This woman is in PAIN and she's HALF of who she used to be. There's not a THING ANY of us can do about it, INCLUDING YOU.

The LAST thing she needs to be lead down the path of destruction by someone who thinks provoking the wrath of goddesses is a SPORT.

Just LEAVE HER ALONE if all you're going to do is make things WORSE!

 

[Athena]

The Parthenon

I am certain I can find time for you, especially after you saved me just now.



Nicolas looked at the goddess as she spoke and thought long and hard about his answer. Finally, he replied.

You KNOW that I love Morgan. And while I have no idea how we will end up, even what we are NOW, I want her to remember how I feel about her and never forget it, me, all of us. But that is not really why I went. I am a patient man and her absence will not damage my heart in the long run.

Nicolas grimaces as he continues.

I went because I have no siblings. No one with whom I have that connection, that tie. To see Blaze have that tie and watch it wither on the vine is heartbreaking and I would risk anything for Morgan, I would risk death itself if it would help Blaze know that she was loved and needed like a sister by her ACTUAL sister. So, I took some precautions and I risked it hoping to reach Morgan, let her know that Blaze needed her. That is what one does for family. That is what they mean to me.

Your care and concern are admirable. Such is the heart of a TRUE warrior, who has the WISDOM to know when to DESTROY and when to SUPPORT and BUILD UP.

:: Bupol cooed, almost as if on cue or in agreement w/ his goddess::

On a more personal level, your heart and Morgan's, they do circle each other in a tender orbit that both attracts and repels. You have come far in your journey as individuals who's hearts have been bound by love, circumstance and even soul ties.

If i may say, it is comforting, even to me...and I'm sure Hecate...to know that in some small way...the essence of HER (which is Morgan) has been able to find something OTHER than betrayal and pain in affairs of the heart...which was all Hecate knew during her time w/ that cruel wretch, Hades.

I have observed the pain and turmoil of the fire elemental you call Firebird, not to mention the daughter of the light, DELILAH TRELEVAN.

I'm afraid I must admit I WAS somewhat disappointed in her choice not to accept my offer to become an Amazon. Hecate and I DID warn her that we could guarantee NOTHING once we restored her to her present life and that whatever happens...she would HAVE to face it.

Her cries, her heartbreak register even with US and we are FAR removed from the mortal plane of existence.

It is a terrible thing. But it is an age old reminder...a LESSON that choices come with rewards....and consequences.

Your Delilah is favored by me, which is why I helped Hecate set her back on even footing, returning her to life during the confrontation with Circe. But I'm afraid she must walk the path she chose ALONE. If she is as BRAVE and TRUE as she has shown herself to be in times past, then she will stay the course and find a truly JUST REWARD


FIREBIRD is a young sprite. So full of POWER and promise. But she stands poised to throw it all away over pain and a sense of loss. NOT merely the loss of Morgan, but the loss of HERSELF, who she IS and WHY she exists. That kind of question can drive some to MADNESS.

Help her, before it's too late.

The help that she needs CANNOT come from Morgan. Not at this time.

Worry not for Morgan, for of all of them, SHE is the one who has the best chance to recover and return when she is needed. Place your longing for her in it's proper place and do as she asked...BE THERE for what...WHO matters to you BOTH.


Before you go...

:: A whizzing sound is heard as a golden "disc" object spins/SLICES vertically through the air, past Athena and toward Nicolas.::


As a reward for not only ensuring Spellbinder's safety through her battle against Circe, but for ALSO defeating the gorgon, Medusa, I gift you with a portion of the energy and power of my shield, the AEGIS.

:: the golden disc meets with Nicolas' outstretched hand and forms around it, a GAUNTLET.::

In times of battle against foes more dire and durable than you could imagine, it will bolster your strongest blows with MY power. Do NOT use this foolishly or inappropriately. In times of DANGER most deadly and life threatening, hold out your hand, and call upon my name. This portion of the Aegis will respond by forming a large SHIELD, stronger than ANY energy construct you or anyone on your team is capable of, save perhaps Spellbinder.

Guard well, this gift I give to you, for one day, it will guard YOUR life and the lives of those you care for...

:: and in a moment of eerie foreshadowing ::

That moment may come sooner than you would dare dream, my champion.


But for now, return to your realm and your world. Be about your business.

And as always...stand tall in the way of a true warrior.


:: Athena and Bupol bid Nicolas farewell, and disappear from view, leaving him alone once more.::

 

[Seer]

And so

<< How bittersweet, to reunite with someone you ultimately love and care for, only to be IMMEDIATELY reminded why they provoke your WRATH like no other.>>

<< But there is little time to ponder this, for even as things become difficult at Melrose Place and Athena encourages Nicolas to move forward, there is one who finds herself in deep, dark waters of despair and the pulsating red light of that forbidden EYE in the siege perilous begins to look more and more appealing!>>

TV Announcer: Big Press Conference....and big DRAMA today as the House of Spectra debuted their new line...

Prophet furrowed his brow and listened in. This didn't sound good.

<< Cameron sees the same thing that Ava, Karen and Michael see unfolding on television.>>

<< The broadcast of the House of Spectra press conference, lead by Blaze Victory. They see Blaze, looking chic and stylish and handling herself well, but those apple green eyes lack the SPARKLE that they are known for. The see MORGAN's "appearence", no doubt a deft move pulled together by Blaze and Sally to keep suspicions about Morgan's leave of absence to a minimum. They see the mini fashion show and then the quesiton and answer session.>>

<< Nigel Barker who's name rings in infamy among fashion, media and journalist circles not only confronts Blaze, but VICIOUSLY ambushes her, derailing the press conference as he even goes so far as to accuse her of being Blaze Fielding pretending to be dead & deserving a felony conviction. Blaze handles herself better than MOST would in her position, but it's clear that she's losing her patience.>>

<< He goes on to drag up Morgan's status as a WITCH, Blaze's status as a mutant and turns the press conference into a tabloid side show as Sally Spectra thunders in and clears everyone out, starting with Nigel Barker. The playback CONVENIENTLY ends BEFORE anyone can hear her say...>>

I already REGRET not paying somebody to go KICK YOUR TEETH IN MONTHS AGO you loud mouth BEAN POLE! now GET OUT!

<< But the look of sickness on Blaze's face and the look of RAGE in Sally's is enough for Cameron, Ava, Karen and Michael to pretty accurately guess what kind of words Sally must have had for Nigel OFF cameron.>>

<< Beyond that, what of BLAZE? This was BAD. It was more than a potential PR NIGHTMARE, it had LEGAL implications as well. It wasn't HER fault. Harbinger was RIGHT, they were ALL to blame for this and now, Cameron realized this may be the thing that drove her over the edge and right into the yawning cosmic gateway of the siege perilous.>>

 

[Firebird]

Melrose Place Apt 4

Thank the goddess for Sally Spectra. She made all the difference today. Sally felt, and it was TRUE, that Blaze had handled herself quite well. the MEAT of the Truth or Dare press conference was a success. It was just that twisted worm Nigel Barker who ruined it in the end.

Sally made plans to have him roughed up and run out of town and there was no doubt it would happen. She may not have been super powered, but she was VERY powerful and connected where it mattered.

Still, where was everyone ELSE? Where was MORGAN or even Nicolas? She couldnt blame Nic, she told him to go handle his business. She hated herself for even reflexively WANTING him or ANY of them around at this very moment, but she came from a time where HER six understood FAMILY didnt sweat the small stuff, to a place where the WIND blowing in the wrong direction would spark a VIOLENT argument among them!

She'd gone from sadness and worry, to anger, to ambivlvalence, to just. being. OVER IT.

She TEARS around the corner of Melrose Avenue in Nicolas' car. He let her use it while he was away and it was a good thing NOW, since she couldnt possibly get a cab or transportation service now that the entire TOWN was going out of their minds about just WHO she was.

"I shouldve just MELTED HIM into NOTHINGNESS! Who did he think he was!? Stupid FLATSCAN!"

She'd been so caught up in the novelty of being HERE that now SHE didnt even know which was which or as someone would say, whether she was coming or going. Well she knew ONE thing. SHE was GOING. TONIGHT.

" I've had it. I've had ENOUGH of this...of THEM...ALL OF IT!"

She zooms into the usual parking spot in front of the building and gets out. Grabbing her attache and slamming the door shut as she makes her way to and through the main gates, entrance way and finally into the courtyard.

Things were DEFINITELY off as she stopped for a moment to look around.

"oh... what NOW!?"

Delilah's door was open. The pool was nearly EMPTY.

"Let me guess. Her throwing her clothes in the pool wasnt enough, the WATER offended her so it had to go too."


THEN she looked over to the right, beyond the pool toward Apartment 5. THAT door was open and she could hear ALYCIA bitching someone out royally! Was it Delilah?

"Time for tea, Bitches?"

What difference did it make? They'd be arguing and fighting until the NEXT monster showed up and killed one of them then they'd all be CASITGATING THEMSELVES in order to ease their selfish, short sighted, GUILTY consciences.

"I'd have more fun watching General Hospital than watching these stupid loud mouth clucks."

She mutters with contempt before sauntering across the courtyard, her high heels clicking and echoing along as she does so. She doesnt immediately register HALEIGH'S voice as the 3rd in that shouting match. Even if she did, she doesnt care. Why should she? Who did Haleigh ever care about? All SHE ever wanted to do in this timeline was make everyone CRAZY with anger. Lunatic lunchbox bitch!

Up the spiral stair cases she goes, into apartment four, Morg's apartment.

::SLAM!::

Inside she drops her attache right on the floor. drops Nicolas' keys on the floor and just walks along, almost in a daze.

"Hey kitty,"

She says with a half hearted tone she allows her manicured nails to gently brush across the small white kitten's head.

"I know you're hungry. I promise I wont neglect you."

"I'll just have to make sure someone else takes care of you after today..."


After feeding the kitty, she slowly walks into the living room and slump/plops down onto the leather sectional


SIGH!


Her iphone has been beeping, toning, vibrating and everything else. She's ignored just about every call or text, knowing its going to be about what happened at Spectra. She doesnt want to hear another question. She's not going to bother explaining herself to ANYONE.

"It just doesn't matter anymore. It was a mistake coming here. These people are not who I thought they were. I was an idiot."

All that MATTERS is that soft, HUM....from the siege pierlous, the smooth faced ruby red gem now glowing and pulsating as if it senses her deepest, forbidden wish even as she slowly gives into the truth about it herself.

But not now. She's TIRED. MENTALLY moreso than physically. She just wants to sit/lay there.

The hum of the gem quiets, and soon all that can be heard inside of apartment 4 is the ticking of several clocks, Blaze's own breathing and the purring of the little white kitten, who attempts to cheer her "auntie" up by rubbing her little hand uner Blaze's hand. Blaze pets and pats the kitten off and on. Just sitting there. staring out at nothing in particular with her apple green eyes...

 

[Ruby]

Melrose Place - Apt. 6 / Apt. 4 - Blaze's Apartment

:: Cass was antsy, pacing back and forth in her living room. She had watched the press conference for Spectra and from what she had seen, it was a debacle of EPIC proportions. She felt bad for her new friend. That Nigel character was a douchebag to the nth degree. She kept looking at the window to see when Blaze would be back. Then she would go over there and support her friend…if Blaze would allow it. ::

Maybe she will, maybe she won’t…but I have to try because that’s what friends are for.

:: She sighed as she continued to pace. Back and forth, back and forth Cass went as she was lost in her worries for Blaze. Finally she spotted the red-haired beauty STALKING to her apartment. ::

Oh dear…

:: She waited approximately ten minutes before leaving her apartment and walking across to Blaze’s home. She cleared her throat and gave a tentative knock on the door. ::

 

[Prophet]

The Zenith Group Executive Offices - Wallstreet

"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. But then again since your publishing empire seems to be in the business time and time again of scare tactics, salaciousness and anything BUT real journalism, you've left me no choice to but to DUMP The Zenith Group's holding in Meade Publications (The Publishing House for Tempo Magazine). Furthermore, I've already placed a phone call with Wolfram & Hart Law Firm? I'm sure you've heard of them. They said a lot of things Richard, including the words "slander" and "defamation"...but mostly they said "giant settlement"...and I know your company can't handle that right now, what with the already drop in profits for the magazine industry..."

Cameron smiled to himself. This was yet another favorite aspect of his business. Throwing his weight around when it was absolutely warranted and necessary to protect a friend. He continued.

"And... [laugh] it's going to be a little tough to publish a magazine based on pop culture, fashion and entertainment since you've been blackballed from ANY future House of Spectra event and subsequently anything related to The Zenith Group and The Parthenon Brand. My advice to you is to cut your losses...dismantle Tempo Magazine as it is really only a small branch in the umbrella that is Meade Publications, fire Nigel Barker in a VERY public manner, apologize to The House of Spectra, and from now on...keep a TIGHT leash on the people who work for you..and THEN...and only MAYBE then, ANY of your magazines might be suited enough to line my good friend's bird cage! Good Day, Richard...and don't forget again that in this town, it's all about who you know, and unfortunately you've pissed off the WRONG people!"

And with THAT, Cameron King slammed down his business phone and exhaled. It may have seemed excessive but considering what this group had already went through after being "discovered" the first time, there was no way Cameron King was going to fuck around with things like that. Originally, he had kept stock in Meade Publications on the small off chance that one day Alexis Quartermaine might be able to return in The Six, he wanted her to be able to return to the thing she created. While it wouldn't be a popular opinion among other members of The Six, after everything he had personally went through, he was a staunch believer in second, third and fourth chances. He pressed the intercom button on his phone as he rang his assistant.

With a cheerful voice, his assistant Caitlin Price greeted him. She was relatively new to The Zenith Group, but she was highly effective and Cameron saw a lot of potential with her. And the stepping stone for anybody that wanted success in The Zenith Group was to spend their first year being the assistant to Cameron King. She was a mutant like himself, though nobody, not even his special loss prevention team could figure out exactly WHAT she could do, and THAT is why Cameron kept her around. She was good.

Caitlin: Yes Mr. King?

"We have a small change of plans. I'd still like that lunch, but we are going to have to get it couriered to Teterboro Airport. Tarmac Three. Looks like I am going to have to head to Los Angeles sooner than I thought. I still have the A&D Meeting in two hours..so I'd like you to pop in and take notes for me, compile the data. You know the deal. Send it to me as soon as it's finished and i'll confirm when I land..."

Caitlin: Right away Mr. King, There happens to be a Town Car on Standby on the ground floor. I'll hold it for you.

"Thank you, Caitlin. You're a peach!"

Cameron looked around. He had no time to pack. Thankfully, his private jet was stocked with a private walk in closet. He made haste to the elevator as he tried to make mental contact with Nicolas but found out that he couldn't...which was odd. In fact, he didn't sense Nicolas on EARTH which must have meant he had made it to Limbo to see Morgan.

"Not the best timing, NK..."

Instead he shot Nicolas a text, as well as Karen, letting them know what he had seen and telling them that they needed to get their asses to Melrose Place as soon as possible to check on Blaze. He also sent a text message to Cass, thinking that she might actually BE at Melrose Place and could react quicker. As the elevator doors SWUNG open, he rushed out the revolving front doors and straight into a private town car, that had already been alerted to where he was head; a private airport that housed his jet. In a few hours time he would be in Los Angeles...and he hoped that he would make it in time to stop Blaze from doing something INCREDIBLY dangerous...

 

[Firebird]

MP Apt 4

10 minutes can be an eternity when you realize that nothing matters and all you have. is. *tick* one. *tock* moment. *tick* to. *tock* the. *tick* next. *tock* *tick*

It was as if she were divesting herself of any sense of connection and reason for being [here] with each passing second that the clocks played out in their unwavering rhythm.

a few flickering fire images of fearies flitted about near the floor, high enough so that the kitten was captivated by them, but couldnt reach them. they 'd dance about, flickering in and out depending on Blaze's level of concentration.

10 minutes can be an eternity. Even as you just KNOW your name and the career you suddenly found yourself in is sinking faster and more demented than the titanic caught in a stepping disc.

:: She waited approximately ten minutes before leaving her apartment and walking across to Blaze’s home. She cleared her throat and gave a tentative knock on the door. ::

The kitten perks up with a soft mew. Blaze's apple green eyes blink a few times, melting away the glassy look she had a few moments before.

"go away, you dumb bitches!"

She sat still...not moving.

Another knock.

"YES?!"

Blaze? It's Cass....

"oh okay....."

It felt like trying to emerge from under a cinder block! she could've turned into a STATUE while sitting here...for what was ONLY 10 minutes! She slowly rose up and went to the door, opening it.

"Cass. "

She gestures with her hand before letting it fall to her side with a slap to her thigh

"Come in."

"And hurry up. I dont feel like listening to that hen house down there [ Apartment 5]."

Shutting the door behind Cass as she walked int


"So....what's up?"

She looked tired, Cass could see that, inspite of her stylish, coture outfit and heels, her hair, nails and make up, the fire elemental just looked tired.


"You want a drink? It's after 5 somewhere."


Blaze says as she pulls a bottle of 1800 out of the back of Morgan's liquor cabinet, along with a shot glass.

"This stuff is like gasoline! It'll really burn away anything you dont want to remain."

She cackled in spite of herself as she quickly poured and GULPED a shot, then another.


"Smooooth."

 

[Persephone]

After leaving her meeting with Cameron, Ava went directly to The Parthenon and met up with Louise. She was a nice older woman, someone who took pride in her job and enjoyed working for Cameron. She escorted Ava up the private elevator and to her new temporary home.

"Thank you Louise."

She nodded and expressed that if Ava needed anything to let her know. Giving her a warm smile, Ava slid the key card into the slot unlocking the door. Walking inside, it was beautiful. Complete with a living room, full kitchen, dining room, entertainment room, master suite with a large bath, 2 spare rooms, a second full bath, and a balcony.

"Not bad King, not bad."

Tossing her Chanel purse onto the dining room table, Ava placed her hands on her hips and looked around.

"This decor needs some sprucing up, however."

Digging into her purse, she pulled out her iPhone and unlocked it. Scrolling through her contacts as she made her way into the entertainment room. Flipping on the TV, Ava took a seat on the couch as she made her call.

"Charles! It's Ava Cassadine. Yes, i'm fantastic, I just moved back to the city. [laughing] I know...you were right. It's just a shame it took so long."

Ava smiled as she spoke with her old friend, who happened to be an interior designer and had connections to one of her favorite decor and furniture stores.

"I have a favor to ask you. For the time being i'll be living at The Parthenon, and if i'm going to be living here....there definitely needs to be some changes. Would you be able to set up an order from Z Gallerie? Couches, tables, bedding, decorative pieces...the works."

Ava listened to Charles as he responded to her, but her mind was focused on what was on the TV--coverage of Blaze being hounded by journalists. Turning up the volume, she caught the last bit of it where Sally Spectra called the asshole out and shut everything down. But the look on Blazes' face has Ava alarmed.

"Yes...sorry, i'm here. Charles, you know my style inside and out. I trust you can handle picking out the pieces. I just need them in by tomorrow morning. Yes, tomorrow morning. Thank you, I appreciate it...okay, goodbye."

Ava quickly ended her call and immediately scrolled to Nicolas King and began to text him.

I just saw the news coverage of Blaze....she doesn't look good. Go check on her. I'm sure Cameron is on his way. Let me know what happens or if you need me.

Ava sighed. If it wasn't one thing, it was another. Delilah was suffering and shutting everyone out, now Blaze was on the verge or doing...SOMETHING. Considering she was in New York, maybe it was time to catch Haleigh up on everything. Hell, she had been dodging her texts and calls the past couple of weeks after what had happened to Delilah.

Hales, i'm in New York staying at The Parthenon....if you're free, we should have dinner tonight. Let me know.

Unbeknownst to Ava, Haleigh was already finding everything out and wasn't even IN New York.

 

[Ruby]

Melrose Place - Apt. 4

"You want a drink? It's after 5 somewhere."

:: Cass shrugged. ::

What the hell…

“Sure, why not?”

:: She accepted a shot glass and knocked it back, choking on the alcohol. ::

“Oh my gosh, this stuff is VILE!”

:: Her phone beeped in her pocket and she pulled it out. A new text message from Cameron. He was telling her to go check on Blaze if she was around Melrose Place. She showed it to Blaze. ::

“Cameron’s worried.”

:: She texted him back. Sharon once confiscated her phone and inputted ALL of the numbers of the Six into it, making it clear she should start using them…OR ELSE. ::

Already on it.

“So…is there anything you’d like me to do for you? Cook, clean, knock off that douchebag for ya?”

:: Kitty came up to her and mewed. Cass petted the little animal. She sighed. ::

“That tabloid VULTURE is a jackass.”

:: She shrugged again and took another shot. It tasted like shit, but Blaze was right; it did the trick. ::

*softly*: "But I AM here for you...and I'm semi-serious about knocking him off."

 

[Firebird]

MP Apt 4

"That's the spirit, RUBY!"

Blaze said with a bit of a laugh as Cass' face contorted with disgust after she knocked back a shot of 1800!

“Oh my gosh, this stuff is VILE!”

Blaze chuckled as she happily poured herself another shot.

"You think THAT'S bad?"

Lifting a finely shaped eyebrow as her apple green eyes gleam for a moment

" ALL the witches on this team are CRAZY about a concoction called HEMLOCK. But the rest of us CAN'T drink it because it's utterly POISONOUS to any non magickal being! "

"Talk about a fucked up drink!"

Clinking her shot glass with Cass'

"Although I think NIC thinks He could drink some & somehow survive."

"Is it wrong for me to consider taking him up on that challenge?"

Looking quizzical for a moment

It sounded dreadful, and she didn't mean it the way it COULD have been taken. She was just kind of in a "devil-may-care" mood at the moment, considering that in a few hours, she'd be kissing this whole time and place GOODBYE.

“So…is there anything you’d like me to do for you? Cook, clean, knock off that douchebag for ya?”

:: Kitty came up to her and mewed. Cass petted the little animal. She sighed. ::

"Isn't she adorable? Haleigh gave her to my sister as a peace offering....a couple of YEARS ago. And curiously, she STILL remains a fluffy white KITTEN! Morg's other kitty, Tinkerbell, the siamese? She's enhanted & she's Morg's familiar. Maybe this kitty has a special gift too, i mean besides being super cute."

She reached over gently rubbed her fingers across the kitten's head once more

“That tabloid VULTURE is a jackass.”

:: She shrugged again and took another shot. It tasted like shit, but Blaze was right; it did the trick. ::

*softly*: "But I AM here for you...and I'm semi-serious about knocking him off."

"Bah. Nigel Barker is just....piece of GARBAGE."

"I could have burned him right out of existence. Maybe I should have."

"But then I suppose some other self righteous ho's in this complex would be right there to judge and criticize like they do my sister and Alison."

"Hey!...guess who?!"

She says with a giggle as she buttons her blazer up to the VERY TOP and then pulls her hair down to frame her face and makes with big, soulful "bambi eyes"....

in a mocking tone ofDelilah: 'We're not supposed to kill people!'

"And we tried doing it HER way, MY SISTER nearly DIES because of it. Karen should've slapped the taste out of her mouth that day....at LEAST."

"And what does she do try to KILL ALISON for helping her!? "

Blaze said in a bitter tone. As she looked over to Cass, unbuttoning her blazer and tossing her auburn hair back haughtily in a smooth move that would do Morgan proud

"Look, my sister is a bitch. We all know that. But she's a bitch with a good heart. And she's no worse than anyone ELSE on this dreanged motley crew of a team."

"She won't let anyone hurt you. Believe that. Just give her a chance, okay? Don't be like that OTHER bitch down stairs who gets mad if you help her and gets mad if you DON'T help her. "

"You'll see, life with the Six can be an adventure...if you're SUPPOSED to be here."

She pauses for a moment as she looks across the room a reflection of herself in a wall mirror.

"And apparently I'm not."

"Barker merely highlighted what was going to happen sooner or later. How WAS I going to explain my presence here when this world thinks Blaze Fielding is DEAD?"

"I know you didn't know my alternate either....But I don't know much about her at all, except that *I* am a "more glamorous, powerful version of her." I've heard THAT so many times, I could set it to MUSIC!"


"Now, my career's OVER just as it was starting. My sister's no where around and people want to view me through the lens of an ALTERNATE i know little to nothing about and from what I can tell, not many people here seemed to even RESPECT HER!"

"This is definitely one time when going through the looking glass was a BIG FUCKING MISTAKE!"

Another drink...another one. A grimaced expression on her face...

"Sally Spectra, goddess bless her, she's AMAZING. She's everything I remember her being in my own timeline...before Mystech BLEW Spectra to LESS than nothingness with a plasma bomb. But not even SHE can fix this. It's not about Barker...it's about me....HER (Blaze Fielding)...me..."

 

[MorningStar]

Melrose Place, Apartment #5

Don't insult me, okay? I heard EVERYTHING when I was coming to the front door.

“Well then you better get your ears checked. Don’t start blaming Haleigh’s unique brand of crazy on ME.”

Earlier, Alycia had seemed more rational than the rest of the Six. But now? She was dressing her down like a naughty schoolgirl. Once again, Delilah was getting blamed for things other people did.

“And you can just leave THAT tone of voice you’re using with me at the DOOR. Nobody is murdering Haleigh, at least no one in this room, so just BACK OFF.”

There ARE other "options"...things you can try. For STARTERS, you could TRY calling Ororo YOURSELF and having a conversation with HER rather than plotting some stupid side show behind her back.

Delilah’s eyes flashed.

“Don’t you think I’ve TRIED that? Do you honestly think I HAVEN’T spent days on end calling for Ororo. She won’t answer me.”

And then Alycia started in on Haleigh, and Delilah couldn’t stand by and watch that happen. Haleigh had been trying to help her, after all.

Just LEAVE HER ALONE if all you're going to do is make things WORSE!

“Oh leave her alone, Alycia. She was just sticking up for me, unlike the REST of the Six. Over the top is just what Haleigh DOES.”

She put her thumb and forefinger to the bridge of her nose while she paused, calming her voice.

“Look, Alycia, I don’t want to argue you with. But you have the wrong idea. Haleigh, I appreciate your efforts, more than you know. But the world has gone to shit…and we’re stuck in it.”

 

[Ruby]

Melrose Place - Apt. 4

"You think THAT'S bad?"

Lifting a finely shaped eyebrow as her apple green eyes gleam for a moment

" ALL the witches on this team are CRAZY about a concoction called HEMLOCK. But the rest of us CAN'T drink it because it's utterly POISONOUS to any non magickal being! "

"Talk about a fucked up drink!"

Clinking her shot glass with Cass'

"Although I think NIC thinks He could drink some & somehow survive."

"Is it wrong for me to consider taking him up on that challenge?

:: Cass snorted. ::

“HEMLOCK?! What the hell kind of drink is THAT? Isn’t hemlock some kind of tree?”

:: She giggles at the very thought of people getting drunk off trees. ::

Maybe I AM a bit tipsy…

:: Kitty was rubbing against Cass’ legs, wanting attention so Cass picked her up and Kitty laid her head down on her shoulder. ::

*murmurs*: “She’s so pretty…”

:: Kitty was absolutely loving the attention of the young women. Cass rolled her eyes at the mention of Tinkerbell. Now that she’s knocking back shot after shot, her tongue felt a little freer than normal. :haha: ::

“Tink’s kind of a bitch.” *giggles*: “I swear that cat hates me and I LOVE cats! She’s pretty too but that cat can NOT stand me.”

:: She kissed the kitten on the head. ::

“What’s this one’s name?”

"Bah. Nigel Barker is just....piece of GARBAGE."

"I could have burned him right out of existence. Maybe I should have."

"But then I suppose some other self righteous ho's in this complex would be right there to judge and criticize like they do my sister and Alison."

"Hey!...guess who?!"

She says with a giggle as she buttons her blazer up to the VERY TOP and then pulls her hair down to frame her face and makes with big, soulful "bambi eyes"....

in a mocking tone of Delilah: 'We're not supposed to kill people!'

"And we tried doing it HER way, MY SISTER nearly DIES because of it. Karen should've slapped the taste out of her mouth that day....at LEAST."

"And what does she do try to KILL ALISON for helping her!? "

Blaze said in a bitter tone. As she looked over to Cass, unbuttoning her blazer and tossing her auburn hair back haughtily in a smooth move that would do Morgan proud

"Look, my sister is a bitch. We all know that. But she's a bitch with a good heart. And she's no worse than anyone ELSE on this dreanged motley crew of a team."

"She won't let anyone hurt you. Believe that. Just give her a chance, okay? Don't be like that OTHER bitch down stairs who gets mad if you help her and gets mad if you DON'T help her. "

"You'll see, life with the Six can be an adventure...if you're SUPPOSED to be here."

She pauses for a moment as she looks across the room a reflection of herself in a wall mirror.

"And apparently I'm not."

"Barker merely highlighted what was going to happen sooner or later. How WAS I going to explain my presence here when this world thinks Blaze Fielding is DEAD?"

"I know you didn't know my alternate either....But I don't know much about her at all, except that *I* am a "more glamorous, powerful version of her." I've heard THAT so many times, I could set it to MUSIC!"


"Now, my career's OVER just as it was starting. My sister's no where around and people want to view me through the lens of an ALTERNATE i know little to nothing about and from what I can tell, not many people here seemed to even RESPECT HER!"

"This is definitely one time when going through the looking glass was a BIG FUCKING MISTAKE!"

“NO.”

:: Cass shook her head and looked into Blaze’s eyes. ::

“Remember what you said about how you thought I had something unique to bring to the Six? The same goes for you. I may not know about Foxfire or alternate timelines or anything like that, but when I hear about you coming from a different timeline and ENGAGING in sibling telepathy with another timeline sister…Morgan…”

:: Cass frowned as she confused herself. ::

“…whatever is going on with that…I say it’s something special. I say it’s something worth FIGHTING for. Besides, I believe that Morgan, Delilah, and Alison will find their way back to each other. ‘A three strand cord is not easily broken’, they say.”

:: She tossed back another shot. She was feeling happy and relaxed. She was also getting tipsier by the minute. ::

*softly*: “I’ve envied their friendship…friendsh…sistership? No…sisterHOOD.”

:: She shook her head. ::

“Besides, if you leave, who will I hang out with?”

:: Cass had no idea as to what Blaze was up to. She just thought Blaze was blowing off steam and such. She cleared her throat. ::

“Don’t let this Blaze…this…FOXY…this…THIS TIMELINE…you? Oh for fuck’s sake, don’t let THIS timeline Blaze define Blaze VICTORY, okay? YOU are your own person and SHE was hers.”

:: She clinked her shot glass with Blaze’s. ::

“You are the only Blaze I know for sure. And seriously, though, I am here for you and I am a good listener.”

 

[Rampage]

Your care and concern are admirable. Such is the heart of a TRUE warrior, who has the WISDOM to know when to DESTROY and when to SUPPORT and BUILD UP.

:: Bupol cooed, almost as if on cue or in agreement w/ his goddess::

On a more personal level, your heart and Morgan's, they do circle each other in a tender orbit that both attracts and repels. You have come far in your journey as individuals who's hearts have been bound by love, circumstance and even soul ties.

If i may say, it is comforting, even to me...and I'm sure Hecate...to know that in some small way...the essence of HER (which is Morgan) has been able to find something OTHER than betrayal and pain in affairs of the heart...which was all Hecate knew during her time w/ that cruel wretch, Hades.

I have observed the pain and turmoil of the fire elemental you call Firebird, not to mention the daughter of the light, DELILAH TRELEVAN.

I'm afraid I must admit I WAS somewhat disappointed in her choice not to accept my offer to become an Amazon. Hecate and I DID warn her that we could guarantee NOTHING once we restored her to her present life and that whatever happens...she would HAVE to face it.

Her cries, her heartbreak register even with US and we are FAR removed from the mortal plane of existence.

It is a terrible thing. But it is an age old reminder...a LESSON that choices come with rewards....and consequences.

Your Delilah is favored by me, which is why I helped Hecate set her back on even footing, returning her to life during the confrontation with Circe. But I'm afraid she must walk the path she chose ALONE. If she is as BRAVE and TRUE as she has shown herself to be in times past, then she will stay the course and find a truly JUST REWARD


FIREBIRD is a young sprite. So full of POWER and promise. But she stands poised to throw it all away over pain and a sense of loss. NOT merely the loss of Morgan, but the loss of HERSELF, who she IS and WHY she exists. That kind of question can drive some to MADNESS.

Help her, before it's too late.

The help that she needs CANNOT come from Morgan. Not at this time.

Worry not for Morgan, for of all of them, SHE is the one who has the best chance to recover and return when she is needed. Place your longing for her in it's proper place and do as she asked...BE THERE for what...WHO matters to you BOTH.

Nicolas nodded his head as Athena spoke; THIS is why she was the goddess of wisdom. He had an idea and he would need to get back to execute it.

Thank you for your wisdom. I think I know what I need to do now.

Before you go...

:: A whizzing sound is heard as a golden "disc" object spins/SLICES vertically through the air, past Athena and toward Nicolas.::


As a reward for not only ensuring Spellbinder's safety through her battle against Circe, but for ALSO defeating the gorgon, Medusa, I gift you with a portion of the energy and power of my shield, the AEGIS.

A disc came screaming past he and he reached out as it formed a gauntlet on his left wrist. The AEGIS...absolutely amazing. Nicolas was awestruck as the goddess passed instruction to him.

In times of battle against foes more dire and durable than you could imagine, it will bolster your strongest blows with MY power. Do NOT use this foolishly or inappropriately. In times of DANGER most deadly and life threatening, hold out your hand, and call upon my name. This portion of the Aegis will respond by forming a large SHIELD, stronger than ANY energy construct you or anyone on your team is capable of, save perhaps Spellbinder.

Guard well, this gift I give to you, for one day, it will guard YOUR life and the lives of those you care for...

:: and in a moment of eerie foreshadowing ::

That moment may come sooner than you would dare dream, my champion.


But for now, return to your realm and your world. Be about your business.

And as always...stand tall in the way of a true warrior.


:: Athena and Bupol bid Nicolas farewell, and disappear from view, leaving him alone once more.::

Nicolas grimaced a bit. Athena was clearly warning him about SOMETHING. He tucked that away as he emerged from the Astral Plane...

...and was back on Aerie, where his phone promptly went apeshit.

Cameron, AVA?!, Sally, Mike, Karen all messaging him about Blaze. Mike sent a video that he watched as he stood on the cliff overlooking the sea. Now furious AND driven, he sent instructions to some of his special staff. They had 4 minutes to complete special paperwork and send it to Karen Victoria's tablet. He sent Mike a 'call'...

I need you to find some staff and equipment and get them to work at a location to be named later. The list of things required will be on Ma's tablet along with paperwork for her in about 90 seconds.

Next was Cameron King.

Cam...here is my part of an idea. Mike is finding people and getting equipment now. I need you to make the proper acquisitions and plan something special in terms of an arrangement perhaps with the Parthenon? Also an event for our special guest. Buy whatever you need to and bill me for whatever you wish. We need this fixed by the time you step off the tarmac in LA. Also, I am probably gonna kill this guy. I will be at MP in about 90 seconds.

Then Ava. She was by text.

On it Proserpina.

His usage of her Roman name was a bit of an inside joke. He needed a bit of levity right now as he decided not to kill this guy...but he WAS going to do SOMETHING.
He clenched his fists and in a blink of an eye...

...he was at Melrose Place outside Morgan's door. He knew she was here, and he walked in to find two pretty ladies getting hammered on 1800. He immediately walked over to Blaze and gave her a hug.

Hey Red. I am sorry I was not there. I should have stayed behind and supported you. Hey Cass...thanks for being here.

 

[Black Widow]

Melrose Place -- APT 5

Alycia: "and yet here you are, rude as ever."

Haleigh shrugs the insult off nonchalantly.

"At least I'm consistent."

Alycia: "Delilah! Just what do you think you're doing?"

Delilah: "I swear, this is not what it looks like."

Alycia: "oh, I'm sure!"

Alycia retorted, snatching the firearm away and then snapping it in half as if it were made of plastic. Haleigh wore the horrified expression of someone whose dog was just run over in front of them, as Alycia kicked the mangled halves of Haleigh's gun across the hardwood floor.

"That..... was a limited edition Benelli M4 Super 90. You owe me two grand. Wanna talk about RUDE? At least I don't barge into people's homes uninvited and start breaking their shit! How would you like it if I went to Themyscria and broke all your golf clubs?? This is WHY WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS."

Alycia: "do you know what Ororo would do to you for attempting to deceive her like that?"

"Actually, technically, we would be deceiving Karen......."

Alycia: "Delilah, Ororo is our ally....she's the guardian of the Dark Trinity. She's saved ALL of us more than once and she's CARING for your child while working on a way to REUNITE YOU TWO. WHY would you risk derailing that? WHY would you risk her WRATH!?"

"Um, how about the fact that it's totally FUCKED up to steal someone's baby and force it to be a ward of the citadel? That's a fine reason. Do you know how messed up that kid is going to be? She doesn't know who her own mother is. She's being raised by strangers. How is that good for her? Delilah CREATED life. She made a HUMAN BEING, and that baby is a PART of her. She has a RIGHT to have a say in what happens to that child."

Delilah: "Don’t you think I’ve TRIED that? Do you honestly think I HAVEN’T spent days on end calling for Ororo. She won’t answer me."

"Don't explain yourself to her, Delilah, you should not have to justify your feelings. Alycia, seriously, stop treating Delilah like she is insane for wanting to hold the living entity that she specifically chose to bring into existence. She's NOT insane. She's a MOTHER. Trust me, if you'd tried to take ME away from MY mother, she'd have reacted them same way."

Alycia: "You've been gone for the better part of year. NOT for some medical necessity, but because you "couldn't sit still"...."

"Whoa whoa whoa, let's get this straight. EVERYONE, not just me, decided to take a break from six business and focus on their careers. Well my 'career' is espionage and violence. So while everyone else was plotting to kidnap Delilah's firstborn daughter, I was fighting off an alien invasion. Which sounds a bit X-Files when I put it like that, but trust me, it was some serious shit."

Alycia: "and while you were galavanting around town with the same FEDERAL ENTITY that not so long ago tried to KILL YOU, your TEAM, YOUR FAMILY nearly DIED at the hands of Circe and as it stands...the FAMILY has been strained if not completely FRACTURED by the tragedy of Delilah's painful loss!"

Reaching the limit of her patience, Haleigh ran her fingers through her hair to prevent herself from punching Alycia in the mouth.

"I. DIDN'T. KNOW." She growled through gritted teeth. "I'm not psychic. I'm not telepathic. I should have been TOLD!"

Alycia: "I would THINK as a field commander & one-time co-leader of this team, you would have sense enough to know to GATHER INFORMATION before making such a FOOLISH decision. But no... of COURSE not, because you've been back for five minutes and you know EVERYTHING."

"I got the cliff notes version, and to be honest, I don't think I could stomach the details. This is WRONG, Alycia--"

Alycia:" I don't want to hear it. This woman is in pain. She's half what she used to be."

"And just WHOSE fault is that??"

Alycia: "There's not a THING ANY of us can do about it, INCLUDING YOU."

"Well I have to TRY. Really try.... and if I have to sacrifice my POPULARITY or even my life, then that's what I'll do."

Alycia: "The LAST thing she needs to be lead down the path of destruction by someone who thinks provoking the wrath of goddesses is a SPORT."

Delilah: "Look, Alycia, I don’t want to argue you with. But you have the wrong idea. Haleigh, I appreciate your efforts, more than you know. But the world has gone to shit…and we’re stuck in it.”

That was hard to accept, the resignation in that statement, the look of defeat on Delilah's beautiful face. Hard to look at, equally disturbing and sickening, like seeing your friend dying from a gruesome injury, like trying not to see their shredded body, like trying not to notice the light going out of their eyes. Haleigh shook her head softly, and reached out to put her hand on Delilah's shoulder.

"Well if you won't kill me, then I'll have to think of another plan. And another. And another. Because I'm not going to stop until we make this right. Do you hear me? We will find a way."

At that moment, Haleigh received a message from her sister. She didn't need to look at her phone to know what it said, and she closed her eyes briefly as she sent a return message mentally. Ava....... We have GOT to talk. I'm over here at Melrose with Delilah. Keep your phone handy, I WILL be calling you after this.......