The dark before the dawn

[Harbinger]

Alison's suite

:: Although she couldn't have known HOW Delilah would survive because of her precognition being hampered at the time, she knew from what Prophet had told her that Delilah MUST have died because he said she'd been "REVIVED". Of COURSE she was RELIEVED that her friend was still here with them...but NOW was the moment that BISHOP prooving to be KEY to saving her LIFE. The part that she had "seen" in her dream...but even then, she couldndt see just HOW or WHAT he'd do.::

"You have to take the baby away from here.”


He nearly doubled over with the pain of saying it.

“Delilah will never allow herself to be parted from her child. She will DIE trying to be with her. You know it.”


He paused, closing his eyes briefly.

“I am not equipped to raise a mutant child on my own…YOU, Alison, could do it. You have the ability to teach her how to control her powers. So that she can be with Delilah again, someday.”

He looked Alison square in the eye.

“I am asking you to take my child away from here, hide her from Delilah, and raise her in our absence. This [indicates himself] body they gave me has money – enough for schools, tutors, anything she needs. Whatever she needs.”

A tear ran down his cheek.

“I can’t lose Delilah. SHE would trust you to keep her child safe. And so do I. You’re the only one who can.”

He stood tall, proud.

“I know what I'm asking. I know what I'm asking of you. Please, help me save them.”

:: Alison's cold expression thawed into one of true sadness and sympathy as she looked upon a man making a hard choice...a choice no man...no PARENT should be faced with. She'd seen a person face this kind of momenet before, with Sharon.::


:: she slowly slipped off of the bed, standing up and taking a few steps toward Bishop.::

I have been where you are now...i know the pain...the nausea that comes with making hard choices like this.


To make this choice...even if it is to save Delilah's life...
:: She looks him in the eye::

This will not end well.

For you.

For me.

Be SURE that you know what you're saying. What you're asking me to do. I WILL do this...because I want to see Delilah LIVE...but it will not be well received by many in this place...and Delilah...

:: Alison's face hardens as she fights away the PAIN of knowing what is coming::

Delilah may well never forgive me.

I don't want that....But I can already see that in all of the most likely time threads...it will happen.

i've lost loved ones before. I've been HATED before, by some of the very people in this place...for doing what they couldn't or wouldn't do.


Are YOU prepared?

 

[Arsenal]

For Mike it all happened in slow motion. He knew it would happen, he just had no idea it would hit like THIS.

[ She walks toward Michael and gestures for him to join her walking to the hall way]

Well, Michael...right now, as you can imagine, there's some transition going on with an urgent shift rotation so that those who were present during [ carefully choosing to say THAT instead of saying "SURVIVED"] the events of the blue moon can get the relief and/or any treatment they might need.

I have ceded operations control back to Alison, now that she is present. My main purpose here was to assist Delilah and see her through the delivery of her baby.


[That was her STANDARD answer, for any lingering ears or minds nearby. and it wasn't untrue either...but...]

[ The walked further, going away from the rooms and other facilities, after a few turns and down another stretch, toward the elevator area, where no one was.]

Several serious...DEADLY events occurred, even down here. The infirmary was not immune from the blue moon of the evening and there were...other unexpected complications. There were several casualties.


[ She said matter of factly as she looked at him. The only witnesses to three of the medical team dying, being VAPORIZED at the moment of Alexia's birth were Sharon, Bishop and Ruby. Sharon COMMANDED them not to reveal this information to Delilah or anyone ELSE until she had informed Alison, which she was going to have to do NOW.]

I understand that Alison installed you as her acting chief of security over the mansion and island. Perhaps you should be present when I brief Alison. But ONLY when I speak to her, will i go into any further detail about this.

Understood. And given the more chaotic nature of things, I appreciate the clarification. Just let me know when you are ready to debrief. I will remain with Karen until that time. Thanks for being there Sharon.

He placed a hand on her shoulder and patted it, then turned to walk back to Karen's room. He put on a brave face but she would know him too well. He was clearly (to her) a bit upset.

Hey baby! Told you it would only be a minute. Can I get you something else?

Mike comes and sits back down beside Karen and pats her knee.

 

[Rampage]

Back to Aerie

It was actually good to see the place. It was weakened, but nothing his crews could not fix in days assuming that Alison would not fix it herself via magic.

He immediate went 'looking' for Dominique and, finding her and the others, speaks to the others.

All in the infirmary. Lemme check on Aunt D and I will get back to you.

He immediately teleported to Isis' door, knocked, then entered to find her relaxing in bed. He put down his package and moved quickly to her side, checking her out, grasping her hands as he did so.

Are you alright Isis? Is there anything you need? Oh, and we DID IT. Circe is vanquished for now and Medusa is eliminated.

Nicolas smiled as he regarded Isis, honestly glad to see her well.

 

[Prophet]

The Mansion

Alison: Well...I...and I'm sure Karen and Dominique were all exhausted beyond the point of fatigue. I'm certainly feeling MUCH better. A glass of water would be fine, thank you.

Cameron produced a bottle of water from one of the cabinets in the medical suite and promptly handed it to his sister.

Alison: and what a wonderful thing to know, that Delilah was revived!

"Well, from what I gathered... that was definitely an act of divine intervention..

Alison: Cameron, would you...go see about the others?

He narrowed his glance at her.

Alison: Dominique wants to be left alone until Nicolas returns. Just go and see what everyone is up to..and rejoin them. I'd like a few moments to myself. I just need to gather myself a bit more...I've been all over the place for past 24 hrs. and finally, I feel like I'm back in the drivers seat...

Cameron was unsure. Obviously Alison was a big girl and capable of taking care of herself, but he had been so worried about her. Couple that with the ominous feeling he felt while taking her down to the infirmary, and he was now CERTAIN that there was something going on that he was not a part of.

"Alison...[hesitating for a moment]sure. That's a great idea.

[hovering in the door way]

"I'll see you in a bit..."

Cameron was heading back to the Infirmary when he stopped by one of the Interview Rooms to see Alycia, Blaze and Cassandra. He gave a brief smile before entering, taking a seat between the two women.

[sighing]

"A break in the storm."

Cameron placed his hands on both Blaze's and Alycia's legs.

"Give me a few moments for some warm and fuzzy stuff.."

He looked at Blaze.

"Blaze, you were so incredible up there. The intensity of your power. Your finesse, your presentation. You are everything I ever hoped "BLAZE" COULD be. I haven't gotten to know you very well..and I'd really like to change that. When things are wrapped up around here, I would love to have you visit. The Penthouses being built for our team should be done by then. We can hit the town, stir up some trouble. I won't take no for an answer...."

[he looked towards Alycia]

"And YOU, Alycia Barnett...were breathtaking. A natural. Themyscira has done you WELL..."

Cameron took a moment to look her up and down, thinking for a moment of their brief encounter years ago in his Los Angeles Estate when he hired her to help him draft a will. A smile curled up in his face.

"But in all honesty, I just want to acknowledge how far I think you've come. There is a peace about you that wasn't there before. And after everything that being our "friend" has brought you, I am glad that some good has come out of it..."

Their eyes met for a moment. There was a definite chemistry between them that would be very obvious to Blaze. Cameron continued.

"With that being said..whenever you are ready or IF ever you decide to "return" to the world, you have a home at The Parthenon. As long as you want, as long as you need. If New York isn't to your liking anymore, you have first pick of a suite in Paris. Just say the word...Though i'd much prefer you being only a few floors away from me..."

And with that, Cameron smiled and looked at the both of them.

"Now that THAT is out of the way, let's lighten the mood a bit. Anybody want to put money down on the number of times Sharon has thought about killing Bishop in the last few hours? I'll be conservative and go with 15..."

[he laughs]

 

[Isis]

Infirmary

:: First there was an overwhelming sense of total loss. Then blackness. Loss of consciousness. Exhausted beyond the point of formlessness.::

:: Had she failed? Had she done enough? She may never know.::

:: Then....peace. serenity....the feeling of relief and being revitalized! She awoke in the infirmary, in a private sweet, having been carried there by Charope::

:: after she was attended by Charope and some medical staff & it was determined she'd be okay, she asked to be left alone.::

:: She had no problem assisting Harbinger via the truce between the six & the sisterhood, especially considering that Nicolas' own well being was at stake and THAT, in turn, required her to honor her covenant with her patron goddess, Isis, the EGYPTIAN goddess of rebirth and magick.::

:: But that did NOT mean she wanted to mingle with the REST of them. She could...and DID...TOLERATE them out of respect and observance of their truce, for the sake of her nephew as well as Cameron. But by no means was she willing to engage in pleasantries with them if it was not necessary. ::

:: She took this time to silently commune with her thoughts, reaching out to her patron goddess, recentering herself as held her sceptre, which was now glowing and humming.::

:: Her magick and full vitality restored, she sighed with relief in the knowledge that not only had she done her part, but that Spellbinder and her nephew had done theirs and SURVIVED to tell about it.::

:: speaking of which...::

He immediately teleported to Isis' door, knocked, then entered to find her relaxing in bed. He put down his package and moved quickly to her side, checking her out, grasping her hands as he did so.

Are you alright Isis? Is there anything you need? Oh, and we DID IT. Circe is vanquished for now and Medusa is eliminated.

Nicolas smiled as he regarded Isis, honestly glad to see her well.

I am much better, thank you.

:: she said in a calm and slightly warm but not OVERLY extended tone as she looked upon Nicolas with a relieved expression::

Not since that battle with your...father...had I expended so much of myself and to the point where it seemed like I had lost all sense of cohesion.

But now, with the Blue Moon ended, I find that I am once again, myself and quite vital.

It pleases me to know that you and Spellbinder defeated that witch-goddess. most importantly that YOU were not destroyed so that your father would not find his way back to earth with your blood lighting his path.

:: he mentions MEDUSA.::

No doubt that is what Athena, Hecate and Demeter were referring to when they called upon you to be Spellbinder's champion and help her survive her most primal fear. I am aware of her terror regarding snakes.

:: she looks down at the covered severed HEAD of Medusa, knowing well that if either of them were to look upon her even NOW as a severed head...they'd be turned to stone.::

i have never cared for them myself, though it is not NEARLY on the level that Spellbinder struggles with it. They are merely a reminder of your wretched father. And the best way to eliminate them...is to crush their HEADS.

But enough of that.

:: she shifts a bit::

I will be taking my leave of this place soon. With my magicks fully restored, I can travel under my own power. But i will not be needlessly hasty...I will accept Harbinger's hospitality...for now.

:: Meaning she would stay here and rest for a bit longer, allowing herself to spend time talking with Nicolas::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Infirmary

<< Karen lays back. Sighting as she allows herself to just enjoy this RARE moment of absolute peace & tranquility. Whether she knew it or not, she had EARNED this moment of rest and THEN some, for the magnificent effort she put up tonight. But what helped her to appreciate this moment was hearing the voices of the others off in the distance down the hall. Everyone was shaken but releived and hopeful for their future, for DELIlAH as well. That was the other thing that kept popping in her head....Delilah's sweet face. She was ALIVE! There was no need to imagine the heartbreak...at least not with what SHE and most of the others had been fearing...but sadly, she couldnt know just how WRONG she was that there WOULDNT's be heartbreak tonight even after all they'd been through.>>

<< Still in this moment, she allows herself to rest, letting her eyes close for a few minutes until...>>

walk back to Karen's room. He put on a brave face but she would know him too well. He was clearly (to her) a bit upset.

Hey baby! Told you it would only be a minute. Can I get you something else?

Mike comes and sits back down beside Karen and pats her knee.

<< Blinking a few times, Karen fixes her opal blue eyes on Michael. He'd had a harrowing evening, but something was troubling him. she could see it in his eyes, his tightened jaw line...>>

<< as he sat down and rested his hand on her knee, she gently guided his hand into her own and held it, interlocking her fingers with his.>>

Michael, what's the matter?

 

[Persephone]

Morgan: By the way, Ava...how DID you know where to find us?

"Hecate and Athena said that you and Nicolas would have to fight Circe in the underworld. I know my way around down there very well. I killed Dioskilos, knowing you would encounter him first by the path you were taking. I then followed you the rest of the way."

Nicolas excused himself so he could go check on Isis. Ava nodded and watched him leave.

"Knowing how dramatic Circe is, I figured it was only a matter of time before she flew off the handle and would be so hell bent on destroying the both of you that she wouldn't see an attack from me coming."

With a smirk.

"Skewering her bony ass was so worth the wait."

Becoming a bit more serious now, Ava knew that there was still the issue of Delilah and her baby. She was unaware of they had actual succeeded in changing the outcome of the timeline.

"We should go check on the others."

 

[Bishop]

Aerie - Harbinger's Office

This will not end well. For you. For me.

“I know.”

His face was somber, resigned.

Be SURE that you know what you're saying. What you're asking me to do. I WILL do this...because I want to see Delilah LIVE...but it will not be well received by many in this place...and Delilah...Delilah may well never forgive me.

He at once felt relief and apprehension. She would do it. It had actually been easier to convince her than he had thought it would be. But he also knew what was coming – he didn’t have to be a precog.

And he knew one thing that Alison didn’t: she, Delilah would forgive. But he had used up all his get out of jail free cards already.

Are YOU prepared?

“What else can I do?”

 

[Arsenal]

<< Blinking a few times, Karen fixes her opal blue eyes on Michael. He'd had a harrowing evening, but something was troubling him. she could see it in his eyes, his tightened jaw line...>>

<< as he sat down and rested his hand on her knee, she gently guided his hand into her own and held it, interlocking her fingers with his.>>

Michael, what's the matter?

He sighed...looked to the sky. Lifting Karen's interlocked hand he kisses it and nuzzles it, then a tear falls from his eye. He quickly wipes it with his off-hand, and he breathes out, composing himself.

More staff casualties. On the anniversary of nearly losing all of the staff last year from a shirt. I thought I was over it, or had dealt with it. But seeing Circe reanimate their interred corpses and having to destroy them myself. I have to SEARCH THE REST OF THIS GODDAMN ISLAND AND DESTROY ALL THE CORPSES DOC!!

His grip had become extremely tight, almost painfully so. He realized it and softened considerably, then continued, his voice more even and a lot lower.

Being a dead body that was committed to the ground out of the respect of your teammates, your friends, has become a security risk. I have more people that will need to have their families contacted, informed. I'll be OK...I just needed a few moments to digest it all.

However, it was clear to Karen that he was carrying some survivor's guilt and some share of PTSD. He would need her more than ever in the days to come.

 

[Firebird]

Interview Room

Cameron was heading back to the Infirmary when he stopped by one of the Interview Rooms to see Alycia, Blaze and Cassandra. He gave a brief smile before entering, taking a seat between the two women.

[sighing]

"A break in the storm."

Cameron placed his hands on both Blaze's and Alycia's legs.

"Give me a few moments for some warm and fuzzy stuff.."

He looked at Blaze.

"Blaze, you were so incredible up there. The intensity of your power. Your finesse, your presentation. You are everything I ever hoped "BLAZE" COULD be. I haven't gotten to know you very well..and I'd really like to change that. When things are wrapped up around here, I would love to have you visit. The Penthouses being built for our team should be done by then. We can hit the town, stir up some trouble. I won't take no for an answer...."

Blaze leans back a bit, stretching and tossing her auburn hair as Cameron gets comfortable between her and Alycia, placing a smooth hand on her own toned leg. A while ago, she'd wondered if she'd made a mistake following THIS Morgan to her timeline. She saw nothing but strife and animosity in THIS Six in their own timeline. It seemed like they'd learned NOTHING from the horrors they saw in HER timeline when they were LUCKY enough to be able to rescue THEIR Alison and Ava. But as time went by, she began to see the depth, the emotion, the FIRE of real love in this team.

"Thanks, Cam!"

She turned to him, locking her apple green eyes on to his big, soulful eyes and studying him.

"You really do know the right things to say! And it's not because of your empathic ability. It's real, I can tell. You actually have an emotional investment in each of us."

"YOU You were pretty damn tenacious tonight and I have to say...you're NOTHING like the scrawny, slimey Cameron King who's ass I beat more than once in my own timeline for vexing my sister so much. "

"Tonight was ....it was intense. But you held it DOWN. Your sister...ALL OF US definitely have to know, if we didnt before, that you are all kinds of awesome."

"I can see why you and Alycia steal lingering, LONGING glances at each other. There's a chemistry there that only LOVERS who are FRIENDS, past or present would share."

She squeezes Cameron's hand on her leg and winked at them both. She may not have been an empath, but she was CURIOUSLY good at reading people and picking up on body language. She always had been.

As Cameron expanded on much of what Blaze had said to Alycia a few moments earlier, the fire elemental smiles with approval at the suggestions Cameron makes for Alycia's potential residence.

"There's a world of possibilities. Sometimes on MORE than one world."

"Nobody will know that better than any of US."

"You really SHOULD stick around, Alycia."

Satisfied that Alycia knew how they and the rest of the Six felt, Blaze left it at that.

And with that, Cameron smiled and looked at the both of them.


"Now that THAT is out of the way, let's lighten the mood a bit. Anybody want to put money down on the number of times Sharon has thought about killing Bishop in the last few hours? I'll be conservative and go with 15..."

[he laughs]

Blaze snickers, she loves this change of topic, tilting her head a bit as she runs her well manicured finger nails through her auburn hair. Sharon was not to be trifled with and Blaze knew the history of Bishop in this timeline. IN HER timeline, Sharon had killed him in Arklay and no one missed him...except Delilah. But here it was different...WAY different. still, it was amazing to Blaze that Sharon had been such a source of HELP and SUPPORT to Bishop AND Delilah through all of this. But no matter what...EVERYBODY knew that once the BITCH SWITCH was flipped, Silver Swan would go on an EPIC RAMPAGE (pun INTENDED! )

"15? oh come on now....Silver Swan is a bird of prey! And she'd sooner throw someone out of the window as look at them. I'm going w/ 20-25....EASILY. With his dry remarks and smart mouth? I'm surprised Sharon hasn't tried to pull his FACE off yet!"

Blaze couldn't help but laugh a bit at the cartoon-like image she had in her mind of Sharon dragging Bishop around like a cat drag's its toy. Blaze could appreciate dark, even questionable humour, it was one of the things that helped her understand some of the things that Cameron, Nicolas or even Haleigh would say that would cause a stir with the others.

"But seriously though...I havent seen HIM since we've been down here....OR Delilah for that matter! How is SHE?? What a RELIEF to know that we still have her! "

And yet, even as she expressed sincere relief about Delilah...her mind AND her heart begin to quicken with some anxiety regarding...that SECRET that she, Morgan and a precious few OTHERS on the team had been keeping. She helped Morgan handle it with Nicolas, which in turn allowed Bishop to be where he needed to be in order to help avert Alison's vision...but what NOW? They couldn't hide this forever...and certainly not from DELILAH. They wanted to protect her...but was THIS the way to go about it?

 

[Rampage]

Isis refers to Medusa and Spell's fear of snakes and he chuckles softly. He had yet to meet an animal he feared.

But enough of that.

:: she shifts a bit::

I will be taking my leave of this place soon. With my magicks fully restored, I can travel under my own power. But i will not be needlessly hasty...I will accept Harbinger's hospitality...for now.

:: Meaning she would stay here and rest for a bit longer, allowing herself to spend time talking with Nicolas::

Nicolas's face brightened and he leaned forward, hugging the sorceress impulsively.

That would be GREAT!! I can take you on a tour of the place. The island flora and fauna are AMAZING!! Whatever you want...

Nicolas, normally the consummate host, was truly stumbling. he never thought Isis would allow him to have her over. He stood quickly.

Let's get past tonight and then we can do whatever you want to do and hang out. First things first, how do you contact goddesses when you have a special delivery?

 

[Spellbinder]

Interview Room

"Hecate and Athena said that you and Nicolas would have to fight Circe in the underworld. I know my way around down there very well. I killed Dioskilos, knowing you would encounter him first by the path you were taking. I then followed you the rest of the way."


Nicolas excused himself so he could go check on Isis. Ava nodded and watched him leave.

Be sure to Thank Dominique for us...

<< Spellbinder looks back to Ava>>

"Knowing how dramatic Circe is, I figured it was only a matter of time before she flew off the handle and would be so hell bent on destroying the both of you that she wouldn't see an attack from me coming."

With a smirk.

"Skewering her bony ass was so worth the wait."

Well, Ava. You did a hell of a job & your assistance made all the difference! and listening to you right now? I know Haleigh AND Alison would be pleased. You sound like a mix of BOTH of them at this moment!

<< Morgan laughed softly as she nudged Ava a bit>>

<< Just being back here helpd Morgan to feel even better still. But there was still one piece of unfinished business...one that Morgan had been able to AVOID in her mind during the crisis in front of her in the underworld, but one that was NO LESS difficult to face>>

Becoming a bit more serious now, Ava knew that there was still the issue of Delilah and her baby. She was unaware of they had actual succeeded in changing the outcome of the timeline.

"We should go check on the others."

Agreed.

<< they can hear, Blaze, Alycia, Cameron and Cass in one of the interview rooms.>>

Sounds like most of the others are nearby.

<< They make their way & appear in the door way as the others are talking>>

My my....all this GOSSIPING!

<< Morgan says in a playfull tone>>

Firebird: "MORG!"

<< The sisters hug each other tightly>>

Firebird: "Oh thank the goddess....Is Nicolas okay??
"
<< Morgan hugged her sister a bit more before pulling away>.


Oh yes, definitely. We had a very timely assist from Ava.


Is EVERYONE present and accounted for?

<< They knew what Morgan was asking...>>

Blaze: "Yes. Alison, Karen and Dominiqueare just resting up a bit AND Delilah is alive!"

Morgan: and she had the baby?? oh...that's WONDERFUL news.

<< She exclaimed with relief. But now...the perhaps the HARDEST part was coming. They were going to have to explain themselves....the coverup...all of it. She knew it...so did Ava, Blaze, Cameron and even Alycia. But there was something else coming that even THEY weren't expecting...>>

 

[MorningStar]

Aerie - Infirmary

Delilah was curled up in a chair, her head resting against the wall. Despite the fact that the goddesses had healed her and she felt fine, Sharon had insisted she stay in the infirmary. But at least she had been able to move into one of the larger suites, and had taken a shower.

Nothing to rid yourself of the funk of being dead, like a shower.

She laughed to herself, though she didn’t feel like laughing. No one except Sharon and Maxim had been to see her. And she hadn’t seen either of them since she had been in this room. She had heard that they all had made it, no one was seriously injured from Circe’s attack. She NEEDED to talk to Alison, for her to help her find a way to counteract this problem with the baby’s powers.

They wouldn’t let her see her baby.

So she was stuck here, alone. And it didn’t make her feel better, that they all had lied to her and now were treating her like a leper. She sighed. All she wanted right now was to take her baby home to Melrose Place.

 

[Artemis]

interview room

Cameron was heading back to the Infirmary when he stopped by one of the Interview Rooms to see Alycia, Blaze and Cassandra. He gave a brief smile before entering, taking a seat between the two women.

[sighing]

"A break in the storm."

Cameron placed his hands on both Blaze's and Alycia's legs.

"Give me a few moments for some warm and fuzzy stuff.."

[he looked towards Alycia]

"And YOU, Alycia Barnett...were breathtaking. A natural. Themyscira has done you WELL..."

Cameron took a moment to look her up and down, thinking for a moment of their brief encounter years ago in his Los Angeles Estate when he hired her to help him draft a will. A smile curled up in his face.

"But in all honesty, I just want to acknowledge how far I think you've come. There is a peace about you that wasn't there before. And after everything that being our "friend" has brought you, I am glad that some good has come out of it..."

Their eyes met for a moment. There was a definite chemistry between them that would be very obvious to Blaze. Cameron continued.

"With that being said..whenever you are ready or IF ever you decide to "return" to the world, you have a home at The Parthenon. As long as you want, as long as you need. If New York isn't to your liking anymore, you have first pick of a suite in Paris. Just say the word...Though i'd much prefer you being only a few floors away from me..."

And with that, Cameron smiled and looked at the both of them.

"Now that THAT is out of the way, let's lighten the mood a bit. Anybody want to put money down on the number of times Sharon has thought about killing Bishop in the last few hours? I'll be conservative and go with 15..."

[he laughs]

:: Alycia looked at Cameron's hand as he COMFORTABLY placed it upon her strong, toned thigh. There was a slight smile that flickered across her face as she continued to survey the curious but certainly not BAD changes in this man now between her and Blaze.::

:: Blaze commented on how she REGULARLY beat the ass of HER native timeline's Cameron, causing Alycia to snicker and try to stifle a laugh with her hand to her mouth::

Cameron, Amazons believe in appreciating the beauty and true mana in ALL people...female OR male.

I look at you now, and most everything i remember about you from the "early" days seems like a bizarre "cross time fantasy" story.

It was an honor to stand by your side tonight and fight, protecting this place and doing everything we could to stand against Circe. You showed a courage that I never saw in you before. You showed STRENGTH that I, as an Amazon can't HELP but recognize and even respect.

And....I think you're even more...visually appealing NOW than I remember then.

:: She smiled a bit, in spite of herself...feeling more LIKE her "old self" as she allowed the rush of memories regarding Cameron and that long, HOT night that was supposed to be about constructing his WILL.::

:: she allowed her fingernails to gently move across his hand resting on her thigh as she blushed a bit when Blaze KEENLY observed and commented on the lingering chemistry that had been apart of their past & clearly still PRESENT. it a reminder that there were some things about being "...only human"...that made life sweet and memorable indeed.::

I don't have a problem with staying...and exploring some of your options. Returning to NYC sounds rather appealing actually, and The Parthenon holds memories for me. It will be rather REFRESHING to be out in plain sight in the place that was once my CENTER of life...only now I'm as different as the times in which we live.

BUT...you're going to have to travel MY way with me when we finally depart for New York.

:: Cameron had not SEEN "Dome" yet...but when he did...it would be a ride he'd not soon forget.::

:: On to the playful subject of how many times Sharon thought about ripping Bishop to shreds, Alycia couldnt help but laugh.::

I'm afraid I'm going to have to break from this betting pool. Sharon has come so far...and there's no denying that she's not to be trifled with...OR that Bishop makes most of us want to bang his head into the floor.

but i think lately she's found this place of true center and serenity. she's seen the best AND worst of humanity in her life time...she's BEEN the best and WORST a person can imagine (especially in her circumstances). She demonstrates an understanding of people and their emotional difficulties, making it easier for her look past their emotional ineffectiveness and get to the root of whatever's going on.

NOW...IF it turns out they DESERVE a good beating...

:: Alycia smiles and laughts as she tilts her head back thinking about it::

Then ALL BETS are off.

With her skills and her sonic powers? she's like a walking lie detector. She KNOWS when someone is lying and she'll BEAT the truth out of them if she has to.

:: Blaze pounds her fist into her open palm a few times, she and Alycia BOTH laugh as they imagine it::

:: MORGAN and Ava show up!::

Oh HEY!!!

:: Alycia stands up and takes Morgan's hand as Blaze hugs her sister. She looks at Ava. The two had not seen each other since the confirmation that the LIFE MODEL DECOY posing as Alycia during the VIPER caper had NOT been the acutal Alycia.::

:: The ghost of that night Alycia knocked Stavros out of the window of her satellite office in Illustra with a golf club still hung between them. BUT at least they were able to be civil to each other in the same room these days.::

Ava.

:: She says in a calm, pleasnt tone, acknowledging the goddess::

:: Blaze and Morgan discuss Delilah. Soon...ALL of them were a bit silent...noting the "big pink elephant" that was now in the room.::

:: They were going to have to address it soon.:;

 

[Silver Swan]

Infirmary- Delilah's suite

[ There was a knock at the door, as it opened slowly. Sharon peeked inside before stepping in.]

Hello.

[ She closes the door and comes in further, standing before Delilah]

I'm sorry that I had to leave earlier. Michael needed a word. He is struggling in the aftermath of a psychological attack from Circe that affected him.

The others have mostly returned now. I can confirm that Morgan, Nicolas and Ava have all just returned as well. Nicolas is with Dominique, who does not wish to be around anyone else among the Six.

All of the others have gathered in one of the interview rooms.

I will take you to them now, if you're ready.

[ She looks at Delilah for a moment longer...]

I thank you for your words of affirmation and friendship, earlier. I remember our friendship...from before my death and transformation. You, Alycia and I...we all worked in difference facets of the same arena....the LAW.

It was the two of you who kept reminding me, with your actions that I was doing the right thing by making WAVES, not being bought out by "special interests" and staying true to what made me seek public office. Championing mutant rights, in honor of my son, and fighting against EVIL like Mystech.

I have come far in my own twisted journey to find MYSELF after my inexplicable resurrection and transformation. Themyscira has helped ...in many ways.

We may have lost alot of time...but that time is in the past. Here we are....now.

You, me, Alycia...everyone.

I meant what i said earlier. And no matter WHAT happens...you will have support. If I never knew it before...I have learned from the Amazons that FAMILY is not always or even exclusively your "BLOOD"...it's the people you form bonds that survive the tests and trials...and even the twists of fate and TIME.

Come.

Let us go to the others. You appear to be rejuvinated to full capacity since reviving...

although you nearly CRASHED a 2nd time...and as long as the baby is not anywhere near you...

It is time for ALL of us to be together. We have survived a great evil tonight and I hear them...even now. They're ALL asking for you.

 

[Prophet]

Interview Room

Blaze leans back a bit, stretching and tossing her auburn hair as Cameron gets comfortable between her and Alycia, placing a smooth hand on her own toned leg. A while ago, she'd wondered if she'd made a mistake following THIS Morgan to her timeline. She saw nothing but strife and animosity in THIS Six in their own timeline. It seemed like they'd learned NOTHING from the horrors they saw in HER timeline when they were LUCKY enough to be able to rescue THEIR Alison and Ava. But as time went by, she began to see the depth, the emotion, the FIRE of real love in this team.

"Thanks, Cam!"

She turned to him, locking her apple green eyes on to his big, soulful eyes and studying him.

"You really do know the right things to say! And it's not because of your empathic ability. It's real, I can tell. You actually have an emotional investment in each of us."

"YOU You were pretty damn tenacious tonight and I have to say...you're NOTHING like the scrawny, slimey Cameron King who's ass I beat more than once in my own timeline for vexing my sister so much. "

"Tonight was ....it was intense. But you held it DOWN. Your sister...ALL OF US definitely have to know, if we didnt before, that you are all kinds of awesome."

Cameron blushed for a second.

"Well damn Blaze! Thank you for your words. But stop, my head is big enough as it is.."

[winking]

"I can see why you and Alycia steal lingering, LONGING glances at each other. There's a chemistry there that only LOVERS who are FRIENDS, past or present would share."

She squeezes Cameron's hand on her leg and winked at them both. She may not have been an empath, but she was CURIOUSLY good at reading people and picking up on body language. She always had been.

Cameron laughed out loud. Blaze was definitely not one to be subtle, THAT much was sure. This was the second time she had called the two of them out for their "glances" at one another.

"Blaze, darling..did you suddenly change your codename to Harbinger and I missed it?"

As Cameron expanded on much of what Blaze had said to Alycia a few moments earlier, the fire elemental smiles with approval at the suggestions Cameron makes for Alycia's potential residence.

"There's a world of possibilities. Sometimes on MORE than one world."

"Nobody will know that better than any of US."

"You really SHOULD stick around, Alycia."

Satisfied that Alycia knew how they and the rest of the Six felt, Blaze left it at that.

Cameron was glad to see that Blaze was on his side about Alycia returning. Ever since he had been back, it really had been his mission to get his friends and allies together. That's part of the reason he was revamping The Parthenon, and part of the reason he bought the hotel chain back from Morgan. It was time for them to return to where they BELONGED. They had been forced into hiding and then had lived pretty anonymously, slowly poking their heads out, making small attempts to return to something "normal". That needed to end. They needed to be together and they needed to be where it all began. New York City.

:: Alycia looked at Cameron's hand as he COMFORTABLY placed it upon her strong, toned thigh. There was a slight smile that flickered across her face as she continued to survey the curious but certainly not BAD changes in this man now between her and Blaze.::

:: Blaze commented on how she REGULARLY beat the ass of HER native timeline's Cameron, causing Alycia to snicker and try to stifle a laugh with her hand to her mouth::

Cameron, Amazons believe in appreciating the beauty and true mana in ALL people...female OR male.

I look at you now, and most everything i remember about you from the "early" days seems like a bizarre "cross time fantasy" story.

"I wish that were true...but having not lived through all of that..I would not be where I am now..."

It was an honor to stand by your side tonight and fight, protecting this place and doing everything we could to stand against Circe. You showed a courage that I never saw in you before. You showed STRENGTH that I, as an Amazon can't HELP but recognize and even respect.

And....I think you're even more...visually appealing NOW than I remember then.

:: She smiled a bit, in spite of herself...feeling more LIKE her "old self" as she allowed the rush of memories regarding Cameron and that long, HOT night that was supposed to be about constructing his WILL.::

:: she allowed her fingernails to gently move across his hand resting on her thigh as she blushed a bit when Blaze KEENLY observed and commented on the lingering chemistry that had been apart of their past & clearly still PRESENT. it a reminder that there were some things about being "...only human"...that made life sweet and memorable indeed.::

I don't have a problem with staying...and exploring some of your options. Returning to NYC sounds rather appealing actually, and The Parthenon holds memories for me. It will be rather REFRESHING to be out in plain sight in the place that was once my CENTER of life...only now I'm as different as the times in which we live.

BUT...you're going to have to travel MY way with me when we finally depart for New York.

:: Cameron had not SEEN "Dome" yet...but when he did...it would be a ride he'd not soon forget.::

As he felt her fingernails move across his hand, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up straight, and felt like the room had suddenly gotten a lot "hotter"

"More visually appealing, eh?" [smiling]

[to himself] "Alycia Barnett, the things I could do to you..."

Upon informing him that he would in fact travel with HER back to New York, his ears perked up.

"If that's how I get you, Barnett..."

[whispering in her ear, his warm breath hitting her neck]"And I will..."

"Then i'll take it..."

He pulled his face slowly away from her, almost teasing her.

It was at that moment that Morgan and Ava arrived, and EVERYBODY was happy to see them.

Morgan: My my...all this GOSSIPING!

Blaze caught them up to speed as Cameron walked up and gave Morgan a big hug.

"You're a bitch for making me worry. But it's okay..I forgive you," he laughed before moving over to Ava and giving her a big hug as well.

"I know.. not your thing. But after what has transpired tonight, I just feel like HUGGING..celebrating!"

Morgan mentions Delilah.

"We need to go to her...now. I feel like a dick. She just had a baby and here we all are. She's going to be pissed, but nobody did anything to her that didn't keep her safe and protected..She'll forgive us. So.. we go in, we CONGRATULATE her.. we let her SPEAK, and we don't engage in ANY kind of arguing.."

Cameron got up and started to head towards the doorway, not knowing Sharon was about to lead Delilah right to them.

"Ready?"

 

[MorningStar]

Aerie - Infirmary

All of the others have gathered in one of the interview rooms. I will take you to them now, if you're ready.

“Sounds more like an interrogation than an interview.”

She smirked.

“But I do have a thing or two to say to them.”

We may have lost alot of time...but that time is in the past. Here we are....now. You, me, Alycia...everyone. I meant what i said earlier. And no matter WHAT happens...you will have support. If I never knew it before...I have learned from the Amazons that FAMILY is not always or even exclusively your "BLOOD"...it's the people you form bonds that survive the tests and trials...and even the twists of fate and TIME. Come. Let us go to the others. You appear to be rejuvenated to full capacity since reviving...

Delilah smiled.

“Yes – Athena and Hecate, they healed me. Oh and Sharon.”

Without giving her the opportunity to block her, Delilah threw her arms around Sharon and gave her a hug, whispering to her.

“I’m so sorry about your son.”

Pulling back, Delilah followed Sharon in to join the others.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Infirmary

He sighed...looked to the sky. Lifting Karen's interlocked hand he kisses it and nuzzles it, then a tear falls from his eye. He quickly wipes it with his off-hand, and he breathes out, composing himself.

More staff casualties. On the anniversary of nearly losing all of the staff last year from a shirt. I thought I was over it, or had dealt with it. But seeing Circe reanimate their interred corpses and having to destroy them myself. I have to SEARCH THE REST OF THIS GODDAMN ISLAND AND DESTROY ALL THE CORPSES DOC!!

His grip had become extremely tight, almost painfully so.

Oh no...more innocents lost their lives...HERE in this place...under an attack from CIRCE..AGAIN. Has Alison been told?

<< Even as she listened intently and understood rather quickly what was going on...her finely shaped eyebrows lift and her opal blue eyes widen...>>


Michael...you're hand...

]He realized it and softened considerably, then continued, his voice more even and a lot lower.

Being a dead body that was committed to the ground out of the respect of your teammates, your friends, has become a security risk. I have more people that will need to have their families contacted, informed. I'll be OK...I just needed a few moments to digest it all.

However, it was clear to Karen that he was carrying some survivor's guilt and some share of PTSD. He would need her more than ever in the days to come.

<< THIS was the aftermath of battling, especially in circumstances unique to the Six, that was often overlooked. But it could be JUST as deadly. They saw it when, in the aftermath of the Set caper, a shattered Persephone SNAPPED on Aerie and...GUTTED Michael! In fact..the memory of that now, along with Karen's own savage reaction and subsquent use of a NECROMANCY SPELL STILL made her tense up and SHUDDER.>>

Michael...

<< returning his embrace>>

Circe is a monster wrapped in "human" form. She's no different than Set. She attacked you in a way that she KNEW would strike at your HEART.

<< She pulls away, taking Michael's hands into her own as she squeezes them with comfort and encouragement.>>

She has no respect for anything that any of us hold dear. And in battle...or anything ELSE she does...the concept of decency is NOT something that matters to her.

But I think you need to just take a moment...

What you're proposing, it makes sense from a certain stand point...but i suspect that it is more about you exercising control where you CAN in the aftermath of such a terrifying LOSS of control that you could do nothing about.

To put this kind of emotional, physical and financial burden on yourself...for something that is POSSIBLE but rather REMOTE is not fair to YOU, my dear...and it's going to reopen wounds for the families. That is a NEEDLESS source of pain that you don't want to cause.

it CERTAINLY wont effect or even STOP Circe or anyone LIKE her. Even if there weren't ...."remains" of those who fell when braveling standing against her and her bestiamorphs, if she wanted to...she could CONJURE creatures like those animated corpses.

You said yourself a few moments ago, those men died in honor, in combat. their SOULS...the life essence that were merely HOUSED by their bodies, have MOVED ON.

THEY were not here tonight. merely the twisted, perverted "puppets" formed by the deranged whims of a mad goddess level sorceress.

Those MEN that YOU buried, who's families YOU and Nicolas cared for...they were NOT here tonight.

You remember when we were in the dream zone? When Barbas was terrorizing us in Arklay Mansion and I saw....that Zombie that appeared to be ALYCIA?

It was SHARON who reminded us BOTH that that creature was not Alycia. It was BARBAS striking at us in a way he knew would hurt and vex our hearts. Circe did the same thing.

<< placing her soft hands around Michael's face, holding his face gently and gazing into his eyes>>

Do NOT give her or even her wretched MEMORY power over you now.

Instead...take solace in knowing that you stood strong against her. You DEFIED her. You put down her wretched creatures and that those MEN were NOT a part of her evil and violence tonight.

You did so much tonight...and I honor you, my dear man, for standing strong in the face of such evil.

Only time, and talks like these, will help you to truly recover. But TIME and US...we certainly have BOTH.

<< She hugs him once more... and then, in a rare moment, since she always valued privacy and discretion outside of her own dwelling, she kisses Michael.>>

<< a few moments pass when...>>

<< LOUDLY clearing her throat>>

Oh my STARS!?

<< Karen pulls away from Michael with a bemused expression on her face>>

Oh dear...MORGAN, baby!

<< Morgan comes in, smirking at her mother and Michael both>>

Morgan: Oh MY....MOM!!!

<< Hugging her mother tightly>>

<< then, surprising Michael, she HUGS him too>>

You're back! So then that means EVERYONE is here now? everyone is okay??

 

[Isis]

"Family Time"

Nicolas's face brightened and he leaned forward, hugging the sorceress impulsively.

That would be GREAT!! I can take you on a tour of the place. The island flora and fauna are AMAZING!! Whatever you want...

Nicolas, normally the consummate host, was truly stumbling. he never thought Isis would allow him to have her over. He stood quickly.

Let's get past tonight and then we can do whatever you want to do and hang out. First things first, how do you contact goddesses when you have a special delivery?

:: She actually SMILED a bit at Nicolas' reaction, in spite of herself. In more serious times...she'd be silently reprimanding herself for "SLIPPING" w/ something like that. This young man...her NEPHEW...if only her SISTER, his MOTHER could see him now!::

Bright lady....if only my sister could see him.

:: She held her hand up for silence and a moment's pause::

Nicolas, if you recall...i HAVE been here before. Twice. Although not under the most pleasant of circumstances.

:: The Six vs. The Sisterhood and BOTH groups vs. SET; The aftermath of the Viper caper::

A tour of the mansion will not be necessary. Though even from what I have seen of it, I can imagine that the rest of it is as equally exquisite and curious.

:: slowly standing to her feet::

However, I WOULD like to enjoy some fresh air outside...under the light of the clear moon.

Kindly escort me above ground so that I may take in the splendid ocean view and see more of the island itself.

:: glancing at his "gift" on the floor once more::

And as i'm SURE Harbinger would not THAT laying about in her dwelling, bring that with you...I shall call for the Olympians once we are outside.


:: And with that, relying on what she feels is the gentle, guiding inner voice of her patron goddess Isis herself, Dominique allows Nicolas to escort her, arm in arm above ground to the marble garden outside::

:: Dominique closes her eyes, letting the beautiful ocean breeze caress her face and flow through her hair. For a moment, she doesnt even seem to mind that Nicolas is watching her. She just needed to be out here, in this open space, and FURTHER AWAY from THEM. the natural symphony of the ocean and wind was quite soothing and comforting to Dominique. ::

::Sigh::

No longer is the moon or air around this place burned by Circe's violating touch. The beauty of NATURE is around this place.

:: after a few more moments, she performs a similar calling spell to the one she did in the parthenon, using her sceptre, to reach out across time, space and pantheons to Athena and Hecate. ::

 

[Rampage]

:: She held her hand up for silence and a moment's pause::

Nicolas, if you recall...i HAVE been here before. Twice. Although not under the most pleasant of circumstances.

:: The Six vs. The Sisterhood and BOTH groups vs. SET; The aftermath of the Viper caper::

A tour of the mansion will not be necessary. Though even from what I have seen of it, I can imagine that the rest of it is as equally exquisite and curious.

:: slowly standing to her feet::

Nicolas helped her as she stood. He pushed the furniture out of the way to give her enough room.

Oh-um...OK. He was a bit disappointed.

However, I WOULD like to enjoy some fresh air outside...under the light of the clear moon.

Kindly escort me above ground so that I may take in the splendid ocean view and see more of the island itself.

:: glancing at his "gift" on the floor once more::

And as i'm SURE Harbinger would not THAT laying about in her dwelling, bring that with you...I shall call for the Olympians once we are outside.

And he perks right back up!!!

Sure. I would be HONORED to. The sky here at night is incredible. We keep outside lighting to a minimum to maintain that view.

:: And with that, relying on what she feels is the gentle, guiding inner voice of her patron goddess Isis herself, Dominique allows Nicolas to escort her, arm in arm above ground to the marble garden outside::

:: Dominique closes her eyes, letting the beautiful ocean breeze caress her face and flow through her hair. For a moment, she doesnt even seem to mind that Nicolas is watching her. She just needed to be out here, in this open space, and FURTHER AWAY from THEM. ::

::Sigh::

No longer is the moon or air around this place burned by Circe's violating touch. The beauty of NATURE is around this place.

:: after a few more moments, she performs a similar calling spell to the one she did in the parthenon, using her sceptre, to reach out across time, space and pantheons to Athena and Hecate. ::

Nicolas proudly escorted her outside, passing the rooms of the infirmary. As they passed the baby's room he paused for a second, reflected, and then continued until they were in the garden by the shore itself. He stood back a few feet as Dominique stepped forward to call on the assembled goddesses.

She was so proud. Regal. Beautiful. Nicolas watched as she moved in her own way, crafting her spell from thin air. It was a form unique to her and markedly different from the magi in the Six, even more so than they differed from one another.

As the portal opened he was aware that he was shirtless and looking a bit less than perfect compared to before when he met the goddesses. But no time for modesty. He had something to deliver and he planned to do it personally before he freaked EVERYONE HERE out. He held the package in his right hand and his axe in his left in as non-threatening a pose as the terrible weapon could manage.