With "Malice" towards ALL

[Seer]

<< back at Illustra, the group appeared...arriving in one of the unusued "crystal media rooms" courtesy of one of Morningstar's worm holes. The Team hadnt suffered any extreme damage ...save the now increasinly dim view the public would have of them following tonights events. The only consolation was that Malice and Black out had been seen as well...which wouldnt be so great for an already embattled Mystech.>>

<<Central Park was all but destroyed, buildings, cars, and miles of street were scorched, destroyed, burned and worse.>>

<< Though the team started off on a strong enough footing....the mysterious woman in white revealed herself as MALICE and turned the tables on them all...revealing herself to be an omega class telepath/empath and transmorph..yet there is the presumption that she has not revealed ALL of her powers. Guardian, who was touched by Malice's deft manipulation, lost herself in rage and abandonned logic in her attempts to destroy Blackout and Malice..escalating the battle to dangerous levels and destroying property as well as placing innocent lives in peril.>>

<< with the help of Zach, Black Widow managed to subdue Guardian long enough to allow Foxfire to help with immediate damage control by extinguishing all fires in the area and MorningStar to effect a quick and strategic withdraw from the battle.>>

<< now, they are left to process the events of the battle, assess this new threat posed by Blackout and her apparent mentor Malice and what new level MysTech might be trying to take this to>>

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah closed the worm hole behind them. She turned and looked pointedly at Guardian. ]

"What is going on with you, Alison?"

 

[Foxfire]

Fire and brimstone swept across the desolate city with innocent lives lost. All for a war of two head strong women. Foxfire kept herself quite either debating the consequences of this day or Guardian's blood thirsty style. Was she truly fit to be team leader? Blaze was beginning to have her doubts. In fact she felt Morningstar would be a better candidate.

But even Blaze could relate, she too lost her cool more than once while on the team. The battle slowed with the appearance of Zack who moved in to soothe Guardian. Blaze stepped off from the triangular position she was in.

Raising her hands in the air, her eyes flashing the signature yellow color. Her fingertips rotating in the air while she retracted the fires. Massive fires tumbled and flew for Foxfire who outstretched her arms to absorb the element. From afar it looked dangerous but to any elemental mutant, it was harmless.

Inch after inch molded into various footing of fire as the incredible wave came tumbling down onto Blaze. Her overall body disappeared, hidden by the thick dense flames. Steam rolling off the acre where Blaze stood. The fire that was around any of the areas was put out and now Blaze's own natural flames were extinguished. It was like being energized in a way.

Blaze's yellow eyes faded when she saw the group of bystanders' joining in to watch the battle. Rushing toward the Six, Blaze was the last to join. Disappearing from Central Park, back to Illustra.

Walking through she moved to one of the swivel chairs. Her eyes staring off into space. What the mutant was thinking about couldn't be identified. With Morningstar addressing Guardian, Blaze looked up.

"Her emotions were manipulated...it wasn't entirely Alison's fault. I guarantee that any one of us would have fallen victim. Malice's battle strategy is remarkable...you have to admire the bitch....she's only using Blackout. She knows if she can promise power to Alexis, she'll have her hooked. Alexis was the bait and we fell for it."

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra- crystal media room

::Alison was turned away from the others, facing the slightly transluscent panoramic window looking out to the west of the city...she exhaled slowly as she closed her eyes and rolled her neck a bit. She felt Morningstar near, and heard her question.::

Morningstar: What's going on with you, Alison?

::she was hesitant to answer. she felt the lingering effects of Malice's empathic manipulation. it was the first time a psychic of any kind had gotten to Alison like this...but Malice was clearly smarter than most::

::Foxfire offered her observation on the matter somewhat in Alison's defense...but Alison could sense the disappointment in Blaze's tone. Finally she turned around and looked upon Delilah and over toward Blaze, Haleigh and Zach::

Malice, she...... ::clearly Alison was at a loss:: reached out to my emotional core and unraveled it enough to allow me to become so ANGRY that i could think about nothing else but trying to destroy her and Alexis. She suggested that my heart is even blacker than my mother's was...and that "there's more MALICE in my soul than I realize".

My actions...were born of impulse and anger...I was not able to think clearly. Her's was a PASSIVE psychic attack that doesnt focus on the mind and so my psi screen couldnt protect me.

I apologize for endangering all of you. it was never my intention to ADD to the destruction caused by Blackout.


::Alison was so dissapointed in herself. She was EMBARRASED and rather than let it show...she abruptly left the crystal room. It was clear that Alison was struggling with the unwilling release of emotions that she kept so tightly in check. A witch's power was tied to her emotions and if Alison could not cope with what Malice had done...there was no telling how this would effect her in combat or as a leader. She needed to TALK about this...but true to form...it seemed that Alison felt that talking would be WEAKNESS. Alison made her way to the 107th floor to check on Karen and Alycia.::

 

[Seer]

assessment of the situation

<<As Alison made her way to Illustra's top floor to check on Karen and Alycia, the rest of the team were left to discuss Malice and the power she possesed. Haleigh would receive a security report that Illustra's defenses had been successfull in REPELLING all attempts by the WILDpack to penetrate the interior of Illustra as well as footage. The WILDpack were now far more durable and powerfull as a hive force than they were originall under Helena's command. >>

<< Clearly Blaze was on to something...Malice was merely USING Alexis as her catspaw, but Alexis certainly wouldn't see it that way. It made the act of betrayal on Alexis' part a little more understood. Perhaps Malice was behind THAT as well. With the team down to a core of three and times most uncertain for BOTH sides....it was clear that MysTech would pull out the stops to eliminate The Six and what better way to faciliate that than by using someone who knew them so well? and just WHO was Malice? what was her TRUE identity? Clearly she had been involved in many situations between The Six and Mystech...including alluding to an affair between herself and Morgan's father Christopher years ago....suggesting there was more to Karen's de ja vu than originally thought. >>

 

[Foxfire]

heart to heart

Even though Alison did not physically show embarrassment, Blaze felt it surrounding the Seer. She did not comment on Alison's smoldering behavior, instead she allowed her friend to explain. Blaze couldn't blame Alison for allowing her emotions to overwhelm her, but her theory hypothesized that the catalyst to blame was Malice. Fox was not as close to the witch as Morgan and Delilah, but she could "read" her like a book, this being one of them.

As Alison abruptly departed, Blaze saw this as an opportunity to speak with the woman privately. "Excuse me." Pushing back the black swivel chair her silhouette outlined in low orange, red, and yellow flames. She was on her way to confront Alison as she flamed out. The flames engulfing her body as she disappeared from the leading ladies of the Six.

Locking onto Alison's own heat signature, which was still heated, despite Zack's efforts. A small ringlet of fire surrounded Alison. The Seer would obviously "see" that it was Blaze. The flickering lively flames formed to reveal Blaze. Disappearing from sight she reached out warmly for Alison's hand.

"Before you check on Doctor Victoria and Alycia, I'd like to talk to you....on a more personal level."

Blaze never tried to side step anything with Alison. She was direct and to the point, a characteristic most liked about the spunky mutant. Her emerald eyes looking around at the various paintings that hung. She didn't want to seem too direct as to anger Alison.

"I know what its like Alison....as a wielder of fire I go through too. Except I'm not great at consealing how I feel. I thought that you might want to talk....to someone who relates. Morgan taught me never to bottle up my emotions, otherwise it'll CONTROL me. I still bottle them up but I'm improving. What I'm trying to say is nobody on this team thinks of you as weak. You have to learn its great to talk about these things. You're so much like Morgan...its like I can feel a part of her inside of you."

She paused to see if any of this was registering with Alison. Releasing her hand she stepped closer to Alison, placing a gentle hand on her back. "I know you have a "marble heart" and that's fine for battle but when your around us....I think you should put down the wall. I'm not telling you what to do...because I know you could blow my ass up in a second. What I am saying is...I'm concerned. Your our rock Alison but even YOU need a break from it...that's where we come into play. It does not hurt to switch roles...if anything I think your one of the most powerful women out there. I'm glad your on our side...but I also know not everyone is grouped together. We all handle things differently...I just thought I would come to YOU because I know how you feel. We both know my senses are far more keen than most....I am here for you...and if you decide you need to talk...I'll be there before you can say freeze. Just remember discussing how you truly feel isn't a weakness, its more power to you."

 

[Harbinger]

in the hall way

::Alison stopped as Blaze appeared before her. The Seer looked down at the young mutant. Moments like this had been RARE since Blaze had originally died in Inferno....the heart of the team was back among them and it couldnt have happened at a better time.::

::As Blaze reached out to Alison and gently took the seer's hand, Alison didnt pull away (as she normally would). Instead she allowed herself to LISTEN to Blaze...and take what she said to HEART. Blaze was right after all...and maybe what Malice had done to Alison would actually have a small positive gain...showing the seer that it was BETTER to acknowledge your emotions and experience them rather than constantly supress them.::

::The Six were down by three members now. IF Alison were indeed the "rock" of the team" then she would have to be able to admit when she needed help and support herself. No one is perfect...nor an island. Morgan prooved that. Listening to Blaze, Alison found herself realizing that it might just be OKAY after all to "be human" among her friends...her family.::

Blaze, it would appear that your perception is as clear as as my own precognition.

::Alison sighed as she leaned against the wall and folded her arms across her ample chest::

Malice brought forth emotions in me , and she did it in such a way, it was like being carried away on a runaway roller coaster. I was left reeling after Zach calmed me down. I cannot believe how CATHARTIC it was...and that is what scares me...EMBARRASES me more than anything. I felt like I was out of control but....it was a RELEASE!

Before Morgan's death, I did not have to share much of myself with anyone from this team. I had my close friends who knew me, and the others...well...we know how that went. But things have changed. There is a family spirit about us, it is what Ororo said we would need to pull through our most difficult times..such as this one now.

::closing her eyes as she continued to try to center herself, Alison breathes deeply::

Even now, the lingering effects of Malice's empathic touch still tingle in my heart and soul. My mother...she terrorized Cameron and Erika, i had to rise up at an EARLY age to protect them. I grew so weary of it that i abandonned ALL of them and went on to a life of exploration and discovery as i traveled the globe. Along the way , i shut down most of my emotions and the feeling in my heart since they reminded me of my sibings ...I did not want to seem weak to the beings i would meet/fight/deal with in my travels and that was what i felt i had to do. But NOW...after all of that, after having re-united with my siblings and destroyed our Mother..and having come so far...I lost Morgan and now Cameron is missing as well....If i can be completely honest, I feel as if i have failed...EVERYONE!

 

[Foxfire]

"But you can...if you can't be honest with yourself what else have you got?" She asked with a perked brow. Leaning her back up against one of the white marble walls, Blaze stared deeply at Alison. Her deep penetrating eyes observing every breath she took, the sound of her heartbeat, everything.

"Alison you come from great POWER do not think of yourself as a monster. Embrace that uniqueness, its not a bad thing to possess dark magick. Its a strong defense and offense to manipulate. What Malice said was brutal even to me...and her lured affair with Christopher turns my stomach. She enjoys playing mind games....its one of her powers. And unfortunately we ALL fall victim including you Alison. But if we're to tackle Malice, we must harness our emotions. Believe me..I have plenty that needs to be resolved but I think it will settle once we overcome Blackout and Malice."

Her sweeping eyes fell onto one of the beautiful Monet paintings, one of Blaze's favorites. "We're all beautiful inside and sometimes we have to do unbelievable things to survive. You've met plenty of powerful companions in your life and now your a part of this team. Do not be embarrassed by a mistake or a weakness. Instead analyst why it happened and how you can overcome it, even if it means help from others. Morgan was so headstrong that she never relied on anyone. Eventually she realized we're a family here. We're all you've got at the moment."

She could see Alison's bewitching features starting to lighten. "Cameron is one of the most cunning men I know...do not worry. I think he's safe..I feel it in my own heart. Its easy to fall victim of fear but have hope he's fine." Leaning closer, Blaze brushed a few loose black strands from Alison's heart shaped face. "I believe we can defeat Malice...all empathic attacks require concentration. There's four of us on this team I think if we divide and conquer we can overwhelm Malice. It won't be easy...she's a formidable foe at that. I think her powers radiate from the emotions of others, feeding her strength and perhaps power. I think she knows her psychology well to push buttons. She knows our history and our powers. We need to be one step ahead of her."

Placing both hands on Alison's shoulders, Blaze gently massaged the tense muscles. "You cross your arms a lot. Do you want to know what I think? I think you do this to protect your marble heart. You put up this marble heart because your afraid of someone gaining entrance to this sensitive organ. I almost want to say that maybe you had a lover who hurt you. You never talk about one...and with your beauty its obvious you wouldn't have a problem finding a guy. Relax a little Alison...learn to stop and smell the roses. Allow this team to give you a reprieve." Her hands moved to Alison's slender arms unfolding them. "See...open up we won't hurt you. Haleigh was come a long way by proving herself and even she has shed her soldier like demeanor. She's caring and even loving...I don't know if you noticed but she's engaged now. She wears her heart on her sleeve when the time is right. Delilah is a strong compassionate woman whose always been there for you and me. Both of these women we can count ON to be our backbone if we need it. Delilah and Haleigh were my support when I returned. The door swings both ways, remember that."

 

[Malice]

meanwhile, across town @ the Hellfire Club

::within the regal brownstone, is the elegant and elitist establishment the hellfire club, the highest end of high society gathers, the most beautiful, rich and powerfull members of society who together extend a reach through all realms of society..government, medicine, sicence etc. on the surface, the hellfire club is merely an upper class gathering of the elite who come to throw themselves lavis parties and form secret alliances::

:: while the city is abuzz with controversy, the elite gather within the walls of the hellfire club to draw their own conclusions of what is going on...unaware that the last member of the Inner Circle is hidden in her ultra secured control room of the brownstone. MALICE watches various events and information feeds all around her on state of the art liquid crystal screens....seated in a crisp tailored white cleavage revealing Versace Blazer and white mini skirt. bare legged, she wears white leather high heeled pumps designed by Jimmy Choo. Her hair is puled back into a stylish glossed bun::

Our confrontation with The Six was a disaster. The ONLY way to turn the tide from their favor was by my attacking Guardian through her emotions. Her Psi Screen was too strong even for MY telepathy so we will have to be carefull of her. Even with their numbers down, that team is ever bit as ferocious as the files detailed. We will not be so generous with them in battle again.

::turning in her chair to face Blackout, who had not even known of this building until now, Malice crossed her long legs at the knee. The woman was in remarkable shape for her age and kept her skin in great condition.::

This is your new home Alexis. Not only are you now in the service of MysTech, but i will be sponsoring your membership to the Hellfire Club. Your family has had a LONG standing membership with this organization for decades and it was only a matter of time before you were offered membership not only because of your father and aunt but because of your own personal net worth and success in the business world. Your partnerships with Illustra inc drove the Q rating of tempo publishing thorugh the ROOF.

:: she motions for Alexis to be seated::

We will be well insulated and hidden from any possible scrutiny by law enforcement. NO ONE will be able to detect you here...save perhaps for Guardian. But we will soon be giving HER along with Delilah and Blaze quite a bit to be concerned with.

:: WELL ARMED, guards with excellent physiques were stationed at the sole entrance to the nucleus of this building and the room itself was VERY dark..with recessed blue lighting. the soft hum of power and beeping of technology could be heard all around them.::

So, Alexis ... ::Malice looked upon her with a rather sinister glint in her eye::

how does it feel to know you now have the power to stand on your own..APART from the Six? to FINALLY be realizing your destiny?

Your father and aunt would be so proud, even though they knew they would not be here to witness this moment. You see, your family has been dedicated to the forces of EVIL for decades. I am here to help you begin your new path.

::Alexis new that Malice was MORE than what she seemed. both times she had appeared before her, she displayed great power as well as extensive knowledge of Alexis and the Six, not to mention a newly revamped and far more dangerous, versitle WILDpack.::

MysTech...as it is now, is dangerously close to being destroyed from within and without. I will have a life BEYOND that entity, and so will YOU if you follow me. and together, we will make sure that The Six will not be around to en joy whatever "victory" they believe they can achieve against MysTech.

:: a screen gives a visual of Illustra. Haleigh had already restored power to the building and it looked to be functioning fine. The technology that rienforced that building as as cutting edge as MysTech's own...but the HEART and SOUL of Illustra was not there....there was an odd "stillness" about the building::

they hide within Illustra..knowing that times are as uncertain for them as they are for mystech. they've taken heavy losses and while they were able to fight us to a stand still tonight...WE are going to make sure they are not up for a rematch..not not...not EVER.

 

[Arclight]

Hellfire

:: After the long drawn out battle with the six, Malice had taken Alexis and herself to Hellfire, an exclusive club that Alexis had heard of before, but never actually made an appearance at. Standing in the all white conference-like room, she stuck out like a sore thumb dressed in her all black attire. Now cleaned up after the battle, Alexis still looked dark and alluring; but not as vicious. Her hair now longer and pulled back in a elegant bun, she reaked glamour and sex. ::

:: Dragging the tips of her fingers along the stainless steal table in which Malice sat at, Alexis' sapphire eyes lifted to the woman as she began to speak. She made her case and point to Alexis, further imbedding the fact that it was her "destiny" to follow in the footsteps of her aunt and father. That she was born to serve MysTech. Slowly making her way around the table, her black stiletto heals clicked softly; the sound echoing throughout the vast room. ::

"I hated Adam....and detested Helena even more. But I could never deny the fact that they were power, and knew exactly how to get business done."

:: Pulling the chair out from under the table, Alexis took a seat and crossed her legs at the knee. ::

"I always get what I want...How or by what means is irrelevant."

:: Glancing away from Malice, Alexis swept her eyes across the liquid crystal screens that displayed Illustra. Bringing her stare back to Malice, Alexis narrowed her eyes. ::

"And I want them dead. Preferably long and painful....so if you can help me accomplish that, I would more than accommodating to you."

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Club

::Malice shook her head with disapproval as a well dressed black man appeared in the room and handed Malice some documents and a small multi media player. it was communication from MysTech to be exact. She looked down for a moment...reading over the documents before addressing Alexis' fussing about "wanting them dead".::

Alexis, do try to get ahold of yourself and break out of your tunnel vision.

:: liquid crystal screens flickered and shifted images as various images of members of The Six in action began to play. footage of past battles etc.::

I am not here for you. ::she said curtly:: YOU are here because if you were left to your own devices, you would DIE. MysTech is about to get a LONG over due dose of KARMA. That much is clear. But at the same time Mutants and Meta humans are coming under intense scrutiny. Your strongest supporter, Sharon Kelly is dead...SOMEONE has to fill her position and it will most likely be a candidate who is decidedly ANTI mutant/meta human. Powerfull as you may be, you are NOT READY for what is coming.

You need to calm down, close your mouth and LEARN. Your disagreeable attitude is only going to get you hurt, cast out AGAIN and killed so i suggest you adjust your attitude now.

:: She said matter of factly as she looked DIRECTLY at Blackout. This woman was no joke and she had prooved it..not only with Alexis personally but in battle with The Six. With the resources of the hellfire club at her disposal as well as ties to MysTech she was the next best thing to a one woman army.::

If I am going to help you achieve your goal...short sighted as it is....YOU are going to help me and you can START by LISTENING to what i have to say.

::as more images of The Six began to play, it was clear that Malice had MUCH information on the members of that team...and even their allies::

The Six have managed to survive because of their resiliency...which comes from their individual wills...STRONG wills. Over the last year they have formed a bond, a "family spirit" that has allowed them to prevail. Even Haleigh Davidoff, a woman who has had her hand in some of the most deadly espionage activities both here and over seas has found a strong standing within the core.

In order to truly destroy them, there must be a coordinated effort that BUILDS in stages. We will START with psychological warefare. Only one of them has a Psi Screen but even THAT cannot protect her from her emotions, as i prooved in Central Park. I know ALL about their powers, but THEY do not know all of MINE.

Together, with your glamoring ability and my telepathic/empathic manipulation...we can begin to unravel them from ALL sides, making them MORE than primmed for the taking.

BUT...we arent going to be destroyed. Haleigh is PROPERTY of MysTech..she and Blaze are the ONLY two subjects known to have retained their humanity after being exposed to LETHAL levels of the Techno Organic Virus; Alison was the second strongest magick user on the team..through HER we can unlock the secret of how to access Spellbinder's power source...LIMBO..as well as finding out more about this ORORO woman that we've seen but yet there is no information found on her. With Delilah, we will be able to finish what was started several years ago. we neaerly RUINED HER standing in NYPD until Morgan interfered. We will destroy her reputation and reveal her to be the mutant that she is...society will take care of the rest without us having to even be involved.

Revenge is a dish best served cold...STONE COLD without any mercy. When we are done with them..they will ALL wish they had passed through the Seige Perilous with their precious Morgan. MysTech may be on its way out, but we will make sure that THEY are dragged down as well.

 

[Harbinger]

back at Illustra in the hallway on the 95th floor

:: Alison listened as Blaze spoke intuitively. But at the same time...some of Blaze's words caused Alison to remember other things past. her travels around the world...the first few days when she really had NO idea what she was doing and relied on her precognition to carry her through. The feeling of uncertainty and worry after just abandonning her family.::

::here she was now with a new family ...and they were going through so much. She couldn't abandon them now at this darkest hour. that would be a betrayal itself , not to mention violating morgan's last wishes. She just didnt do well with feeling and Blaze could see that.::

:: Alison gave a start of protest as Blaze gently unfolded her arms. She felt so...EXPOSED but not in the traditional way. could she OPEN UP? was there as much danger of being portrayed in a WEAK light as she felt there would be?::

::Blaze was young and still so full of life and optimism. She had energy and passion but she also had intuition and perception. it was secretly a relief to have someone who would understand and not view Alison as weak....which was always something she feared.::

::she looked down at Blaze...not quite smiling but not unhappy either::

You're words were thoughtful and full of perception. Your understanding has brought some reassurance in this most uncertain time. I will try to keep these things in mind and open up MORE. If we're all going to be a family and depend each other...then you are right, i must learn to do that. I may need to revisit this later, but for now at least...I must check our guests.


::squeezing Blaze's hand, Alison nodded in thanks for the mutant's assistance and for talking with her ::

Please let Delilah and Haleigh know that i will return to meet with you all shortly.

:: and with that, Alison departs...making her way down the hall and around a corner to a set of elevators which will bring her to the top floor of Illustra::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra-107th floor

<<it was a quiet evening. high above the hustle, bustle and chaos of the city below. Within the large, sprawling penthouse, Karen sat quietly in the sunken in sitting room wearing an elegant blue gem toned robe with a matching slip underneath. the was tied up and Karen's blonde hair was gathered up with some spiral curls falling down in the front to frame her elegant face. The moonlight shown through the floor to ceiling window that stretched from one end of the main floor to the other.>>

<<sipping on tea and reading a book on astrology and its effect on personality types, she enjoyed the soft music that played through the state of the art sound system in her daughter's penthouse...it was classical music.>>

<<Alycia was resting in the guest bedroom. Tinkerbell was curled up on the leather sectional that was on the other side of the sitting room and the little kitten that was given to Morgan by Haleigh was nestled in Karen's lap on her robe, also curled up. Karen looked down at the kitten for a moment and smiled>>

this little creature, it has the easiest life of all of us. she lives in the safety of this penthouse with no cares, no duties and no complex worries. with all thats happened to me...to all of us....i wish we could all just go to another time and place with simpler lives but I know that would be too easy. i may as well wish for the moon.

<< Karen resumed reading, and took another drink of tea. earlier that evening, She had watched the battle between The Six, Malice and Blackout and saw the devistation ...she knew the team would pull through. But she saw something ELSE.....Malice CONFIRMED that Karen's de ja vu was MORE than just that....THIS was the woman who had an affair with Christopher! the first..and most ENDURING "other woman" in Christopher's life during and well after their marraige. at the site of this...Karen was truly "RELEIVED"??>>

<<she now had a new task...and mission. one that would become clear to The Six AND the Hellfire club soon enough. but for now, she enjoyed a serene evening, making sure that she and Alycia were kept safe. The group had returned and no doubt one or more of them would come to check up on her and Alycia now. She paused from her reading and looked at a picture of Morgan, Alison, Delilah and Blaze on the coffee table.>>

<<thinking>>: the for your of you were my children. Though Morgan was my only biological daughter...Alison and Delilah were always like daughters to me and Blaze...though i held Christopher's infidelity against YOU for so long...being that you were his daughter and Morgan's half sister...i realized that it wasnt YOUR fault and that Morgan cared deeply for you. I promised Morgan I would look after you...and i will.

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra-107th floor

::arriving to the doors of Morgan's penthouse, Alison sends a signal to Karen to let her know its okay to deactivate the warding spell. the spell lowers and Alison goes inside..and finds that all is calm and serene. Karen looking elegant as she reads and sips on her tea in the softly lit sitting room.::


Hi Karen, I guess you knew we were back. I'm glad to see that you and Alycia are safe.

::sitting down on an edge of a seat on the leather sectional near Tinkerbell...Alison notes that the siamese is sleeping. she looks so cute curled up in a ball. maybe SHE should get a cat of her own and train her to become a familiar::

Alycia is resting in one of the guest rooms. i know she has something to tell Haleigh and I come tomorrow. She plans on retiring to the private sector as a private citizen. After everything she's been through I can't say I blame her. But at least we will be able to keep tabs on her and keep her safe...and with her out of the public eye, that will also cool the flames of controversy around her blowing the lid off of Mystech. She's made so many enemies over the years...like Sharon by helping us and supporting mutants rights. But i dont think she or Sharon ever thought that MysTech would try to outright MURDER THEM ...until Master Mold.

Karen.....I know you were able to watch our battle with Malice & Blackout in Central park....you were able to see what happened. But I need to talk to you....about what Malice did to me. Even NOW, i feel a little nervous...off centered. Like my mind and heart which are normally CLEAR and focused are now fuzzed by the flood of emotion that Malice pulled out of me.

I lost myself in that flood of emotion. It was cathartic yet terrifying to FEEL that way again.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra-107th floor

<< Karen looked over as Alison arrived and made her way through toward the sitting area. She smiled as she welcomed Alison back...noticing that Alison seemed less "put together" than before...but knowing WHY that was. She listened as Alison spoke and nodded slowly at some points. quietly closing the book so as not to disturb the kitten resting on her lap>>

<<she offered Alison tea but the young woman politely declined. She noted that she hardly EVER saw Alison eat or drink....wondering if that was a deliberate plan on Alison's part...or a symptom of something worse.>>

<<as the younger witch spoke Karen understood all too well what Alison was struggling with>>

Alison, its okay. Believe me. I know the trauma you went through with your own family, the lengths you went to to elevate yourself from them and seperate yourself from them. it was almost a compulsion for you to escape. and as you traveled the world devoting yourself to adventure and pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the dark magick that was your heritage you found a suitable distraction from the things that haunted your heart and soul.

You've presented yourself so well put together...the words "brutal" and "efficient" are often synonymous when someone describes you but Alison...if you hadn't already heard..its OKAY to just BE HUMAN. Morgan struggled with the same thing as she sought to rid herself of any weakness when it came to men. Her Father betrayed her as well as me..he tried to brutalize us and we banded together to fight against him and drive him away but Morgan never forgot, never forgave and it was from THAT moment on that she began to loathe and despise men...especially those with any kind of "authority"...it was what kept her from ever being able to truly enjoy a loving relationship with a man.

For YOU though...your marble hard heart prevents you from drawing on other parts of you that are JUST as strong as the image you project. the IMAGE Alison. I've known you BEFORE "Guardian" was your code name. I knew you BEFORE "The Six"...and i also know that in the hour when you young people came together to save the city...you put on your battle armor..not just on your body but your heart. You did not trust Haleigh or Cameron but your desire to protect Morgan and Blaze from them was muddled by your LETHAL and BRUTAL methods of humiliating them.

:ausing for a moment to sip on more tea...and carefully shift a bit, the kitten on her lap still remained asleep. karen looked at Alison and spoke in a reassuring tone::

I'm not going to give you a history lesson...we all know what's in the past and how far you've all come BUT what I want to say is that MALICE did you a favor without even realizing it. It's OKAY to be human Alison..its okay to FEEL. It doesnt make you weak, it makes you COMPLETE. You're not a robot and while you may be possesed of a "marble" hard heart...that heart still beats it carries dreams, fears, hopes and desires just like the rest of us. Even MORGAN had to learn that following the inferno.

Don't try to portray an IMAGE Alison...in my profession...i've learned early on that IMAGES are almost ALWAYS false fronts or at best complex FACADES. Don't try to be any certain way...jus BE. The more comfortable you become with yourself and ALL of your aspects the better you will be at leading this team. You have Haleigh , Delilah and Blaze not only to back you but to ENJOY YOU in moments outside of battle. The Six are a FAMILY....and families have their problems as well as their good times.

Seer though you may be, YOU know that you cannot always prevent/avoid certain things. You've spent years trying to CONTROL everything...your powers over time and space even lend themselves to that but ultimately Alison..you are a human ..a WOMAN before anything else. Revel in it..dont turn away from it.

:: Karen smiled at her "daughter" hoping that she had helped define what Alison was feeling. This was something that Karen did regularly as a therapist...and so it was only natural for her to provide this help and support to someone she cared for.::

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra-107th floor

::Alison looked over at tinkerbell a few times. Karen's voice was crystal clear with a lilt to it. it was soothing...she was the mother that Alison never had. and her wisdom provided FURTHER insight along the lines of what Blaze had spoken of. Still there was nothing more validating than Karen having already seen what happened...and validating Alison...pointing out that though Malice intended for her attack to HURT Alison..it actually had done her a favor::

dont try to BE any specific image...just BE.

::these words rang in Alison's mind and seemed to make it clear that it was time for Alison to embrace another part of herself that had been forced dormant for far too long.::

Karen...thank you for your help.

::Alison stood up and walked over to the doctor...and embraced her.::

You are the mother i never had. The goddess smiled on me when she brought me to you.


::as she stood back, Alison thought to address one more thing::

Karen, I know that you've realized just who Malice is and what she did to your family....and I know what you want to do. I am not going to try to stop you, i do not have the right as this woman broke your family apart and played a major role in luring Christopher to MysTech in the first place. But when you go, promise me that if you get into ANY kind of trouble that you will contact me IMMEDIATELY. I can get there literally in the blink of an eye if you need help.

::Alison's cobalt blue eyes met with Karen's opal blue eyes.::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- 107th floor

<< Sitting in the large deep seated leather chair, Karen embraces Alison warmly and reassures her>>

anytime, Alison. no matter how far we go..we can ALL use someone to turn to in those times of uncertainty.

<< as they ended their embrace, Karen knew that Alison would eventually have visited the next topic she spoke on. She knew exactly what was on Karen's mind and understood>>

Alison...this was a long time coming and somethings...just cant go unanswered. Malice has MUCH to answer for and I intend to make SURE that she does.

<< as Alison asks her to make sure she contacts her if she gets into trouble, Karen nods>>

You have my word. But I MUST do this for my daughter...for Christopher and the life he was tricked into...she...she has had this coming...for a LONG time.

<< Karen nods..with a solemn look on her face and as she and Alison said their goodbyes for the evening and Alison departed, Karen looked down at the Kitten who had stirred with a soft mew and was now looking up at her with its sleepy eyes>>

hello little one. your grandma has some business to attend to but dont worry. You'll be safe here with Tink and Alycia. your home is still protected by magick and the best technology money can buy.

<< gently picking the kitten up in her hands and holding it close to her heart..she felt the kitten purring steadily as it nestled into her chest. she brought it over to the leather sectional and placed it where Tinkerbell was laying. the kitten immediately began to make a place next to tink...and nestle in next to her. Tink awakened a bit and snuggled the kitten with her nose before giving it some gentle kisses ..a sign of affection and maternal instinct. soon, both cats were settling down to sleep again. Karen smiled and quietly made her way from the front end of the of the sprawling penthouse past the kitchen and dining area as well as the area of consecretion and down the hall passing the guest rooms. stopping only for a moment to look in on the sleeping Alycia.>>

This is a rest she has well earned. she'll be safe here while i'm gone for a little while.

<<finally making her way to her daughter's Chamber of Dreams, Karen prepares herself. with a wave of her hand and a rushing harp sound.....she is refreshed from head to toe and now wearing her elegant black flying suit w/ cape. >>



<< looking in the three way mirror...Karen took a moment to look herself over. she was an elegant, beautifull woman at age 51. the suit highlighted her feminine figure and giver her a "Bewitch"ing look.>>

and now, dear sweet Malice....it's time I paid YOU a little visit.

<< spinning around and sweeping her cape up around her, Karen spins OUT of sight in a spiraling shadow followed by a rushing harp sound.>>

 

[Seer]

and so

::as the night wore on, Karen secretly departed Illustra to handle "personal business" while Alison reactivated a warding spell around Morgan's penthouse to keep Alycia and the familiars safe. Alison returned down several floors to the SECUIRTY FLOOR which was the line of demarcation between the business floors and private residential floors of Illustra. in the nerve center of Illustra, she arrived in the observation room to meet with Haleigh, Delilah and Blaze along with head of CI security at Illustra to discuss the events of the evening, get information on the attempt made by the WILDpack to breach Illustra's defenses AND the possible media/legal fall out from the battle at central park::


::back at the hellfire club, as Malice continued to talk with Alexis in the secret control room hidden within the top floor of the elegant brownstone, most of the hellfire club members present had left the building as it was now late and festivities had ended. guards dressed in traditional garb were on post as chamber maids cleaned various rooms on various floors and attended the few over night guests that remained. all the while they remained unaware of the visitor that was about to be among them::

 

[Arclight]

The Hellfire Club

:: Rolling her eyes casually as Malice told Alexis to sit down, shut up, and listen for a change, the meta human was never one to actually follow instructions unless it benefitted her. And from what Malice was saying, this was definitely one of those times where the brunette WOULD listen. Allowing her eyes to meet with Malice's, the deviousness radiating from them was wonderful...she hated these people as much as Alexis did, and that alone, sealed the deal. ::

"I'll do whatever you need me to do. Taking down the six is at the top of my list of priorities....but power is very close behind it."

:: Pausing for a moment, Alexis glanced back up at the screens which were displayed behind Malice and smirked. ::

"I'm at your disposal, Malice. The six simply looked upon me as nothing more than a pon in their super hero games. They didn't appreciate me and they underestimated the true nature of my powers and what I can do with them..."

:: Looking back down to Malice, Alexis' snarky nature disappeared instantly, now becoming deathly serious. ::

"You on the other hand don't actually need me....you could easily take the six down without my help; 10 times over. But unlike them you understand how I can be an asset to you...how I can help you. And I will."

 

[Foxfire]

Hall to Blaze's apartment

After a long heartfelt conversation between both Seer and Mutant, Blaze felt as though she got through to Alison. Watching her leave for Morgan's penthouse she turned for the elevator. She wasn't quite ready to regroup with Haleigh and Delilah. Ever since she was back, Blaze hadn't gotten a chance to enjoy life. She needed time to herself...just to breathe.

Punching the small round numb, it chimed delicately with the steal doors opening for her. Climbing inside Alexis' perfume intoxicated her senses. Flashbacks of the Meta Human's lips on her own haunting her. Closing her eyes with the elevator ascending to where Delilah/her old room was.

Walking out she briskly walked to her room. Pushing it open she found most of it unchanged with a few updates. Closing the door behind her she sighed loudly. Running a hand through her hazelnut locks. She plopped down onto one of her ebony leather couches. Alexis clearly on her mind as she nibbled on her bottom lip. As much as she despised this new inner change, Blaze still couldn't shake the feeling.

Noticing a bottle of Sky vodka adorning her coffee table she reached for the bottle. Her thumb running down the dark blue "neck" of the glass bottle. Taking a chug or two, the burning liquid blurring some of her worries away. A picture of herself and Morgan was tucked on one of the side end tables at the other end of the couch. Sitting up from her laying position she scooped up the frame. Both siblings looking fierce and sultry as they posed. It was the night Blaze opened the club.

She had forgotten Morgan's wishes for her to take care of the club. Laying back down her spine rubbing against a velvety pillow. Her eyes falling upward to the white ceiling.

"Miss you Morg." She mumbled to herself. She still grieved but Blaze was healing from this gapping wound of losing a loved one. Turning the frame around to place it on her coffee table. Not only was Blaze getting hit from losing her sister but now losing Alexis...someone she cared for.

Alexis' taunts echoing in her mind with Malice's troublesome cackle. Her eyes fading to that fiery yellow tint. A blur of movements waved by with the Sky bottle shattered against the wall after her furious throw. The high contents of alcohol leaking along her cedarwood hard wood flooring but Blaze left it there. Her mood turning to more dark and broody.

She would have to rely the message to the others about Alison meeting them in the conference room. In reality she wanted to crawl into a ball and die. Blaze was good at offering words and advice to others. But when it came to climbing out of a rut for herself that was a little more difficult.

"Fever by Madonna." Her tone bellowing out in her empty apartment but the surround system activated by her voice. The Bosse stereo system became animated with Madonna's voice ringing out. Getting up, Blaze stretched her limbs out. Moving closer to her incense burner she lite two incense sticks, one was patchouli and the other sandalwood. The aroma of both scents intertwining around the mutant.

To take her frustrations out positively Blaze did the next best thing....dance. She was a successful choreographer for celebrities like Madonna, Janet Jackson, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Pussy Cat Dolls, etc. The pulse pounding beat of her music vibrated the walls of her apartment. Her moves were a mixture of freestyle with hip hop, but either way they were hot! Rolling her arms above her head she dipped her body down low. Her slender hips rocking back and forth. Unzipping her battle uniform to reveal a pair of blue cargo pants and a tight white wife beater with a pair of metallic dog tags adorning her slim neck. I mentioned she was the tomb boy of the family right?

_____________________________________________________

After a refreshing workout, Blaze took a quick shower. Already dressed and ready to depart for the conference room. Her chocolate locks damp from the shower. The tips curled and layered to give an exotic look about her. Changing into a pair of athletic black track pants and a white short - sleeved shirt.

Blaze walked out of her apartment, a pair of sketchers adoring her feet. She looked casual and laid back, she needed that small reprieve. Punching the elevator button she was on her way to the conference room.

Walking out her red and white sneakers were gently and graceful on the flooring. Her green eyes full of passion, intrigue, and mystery. She would be the last to arrive in the conference room.

Opening the door she walked in, the aroma of Caress' berry shower gel following the mutant like a shadow. She nodded to her friends.

Moving to the conference table Blaze pushed herself up to sit on the marble. Crossing her ankles together. Her eyes locking onto Alison, perking a brow. Wondering if she was feeling better.

"We could almost pass for Charlie's Angels."

Her remark was light and airy, trying to lighten the mood and hearts of her friends.