*'Sanctuary' for Us *

[DalekRasputin]

Big Guy welcomed Ashley's help and attempts to compensate for her behaviour. He smiled as she reacted to her mother's text and shook his head in soft amusement as she made her way to the lab.

Shutting the kitchen and dining area down for the night he made his way to his bed.

 

[Asa]

Kate

She and Declan worked late into the night milling over everything.

Isis

She had changed out of the dress and into some soft billowy pants and blouse moving to the breezeway area in the turret she sat on the window ledge staring out at the stars and moon letting her mind fall deep into thought.

Where James was... Why she had taken on her fully feline form in front of Henry... what could be done to help Ashley... the refugee guests coming... the Calisar hounds... It had always been one of her curses... falling too deep into thought over matters that time and place lose all importance to her. She did not remember going back to her room nor laying down in bed having actually fallen asleep out in the turret.

 

[slippedhalo]

It was quite late by the time Nikola lost all sense of decorum and, finally showing his drunken state, dozed off on the settee, waking with a start when Helen gently tapped him, "Nikola..." his hand grabbed the back of her thigh and pulled her onto him as his brain whirled in a haze of brief awakening disorientation. Pushing against him, she righted herself once more and slapped his face. That woke him up.

"Owe!...Helen!"

"Go to bed, Nikola."

"Did we just...?"

"In your dreams perhaps, but this is the real world, touch me there again and I'll chop it off."

"My hand?"

"You wish..."

He sat up more soberely and moved to stand. "Well, thank you for a fabulous evening, Helen. I'll be off to my usual room. It's ready for me, I'll assume?"

"Of course Nikola, goodnight. "

"Goodnight, Ljubavi."

...................

Helen found Isis at the tower after her time with the spoiled brat which had become her daughter's body's shareholder. She set Ashley up with the necessary supplements and checked her vitals. The serum was working well. It was great to get to kiss her daughter goodnight and feel certain she'd see her again in the morning.

When Helen found Isis she was dozing fitfully.

"Dearest...Isis, are you alright?" asked Helen, shaking yet a second old friend awake this evening.

 

[Asa]

Isis

She awoke with a faint snarl. Looking around she realized that she was in the turret. She glanced to Helen and smiled.

I guess I dozed off. So how is everything with Ashley... Tesla...?

She slowly moved to stand up listening to Helen's answers. A hand moving to her side out of a faint recoil from the healing tooth wound from the hound.

 

[YoungLisa]

Ashley bid her mother goodnight and made her way to her room hoping the serum would work yet at the same time wanting to experience the independence her life as Melaven had given her. Her mind went to Nikola and the chemistry that so obviously existed be-tween them. Something about him stirred a primeval desire within her, a longing to have the power she had craved back in her Tudor life. There was something desirable about him and she wanted him even if it meant having to fight her mother for him. He held a key that could give her total immortality and if she had that she would have power. Not to force her will upon others but to help her mother in her mission to make the world a safer better place, or that was what Ashley wanted. Melaven had other ideas.

Suddenly she stopped; something was stirring within her, something deep and basic. She could feel de Blythe, knew he had sensed her existence and she felt the weakness the serum had imposed upon her. When she died at de Blythe’s hands last time she should have experienced what the vampire community described as ‘true death’. By a fluke, a freak series of incidents she had come back from the dead even if now she was fused with Ashley, something she would have to live with. But if she died again Melaven knew there was no way back. And the serum was weakening her.

Returning to the laboratory she gathered the files and equipment her mother had worked on. She was about to destroy them, to ensure there would be no watering down of her nature when she suddenly clutched her chest and crumpled to the floor. Sensing de Blythe sending her telepathic messages she felt she was about to face true death. Calling for her mother she lapsed into unconsciousness.

 

[slippedhalo]

Isis

She awoke with a faint snarl. Looking around she realized that she was in the turret. She glanced to Helen and smiled.

I guess I dozed off. So how is everything with Ashley... Tesla...?

She slowly moved to stand up listening to Helen's answers. A hand moving to her side out of a faint recoil from the healing tooth wound from the hound.

'Nikola?" Helen chuckled, "Safe to say, don't ask. Which means, much the same as usual." Her expression turned to one of concern as she watched the attempt to hide her pain by her oldest companion, near sister. "Isis, will you please let me look at it? Tell me what's happening with you, dearest?"

 

[DalekRasputin]

Big Guy woke, washed and made his way to the kitchen area. Moving the tables in the dining area he noticed a card on the floor with some writing in Helen's fair hand. Smiling and realising he had no chance of ever understanding the science behind it he put it in a safe place so he could hand it to her when they next met.

After preparing breakfast he wondered what excitement the day would bring. Looking at the card he decided the best place for it was the laboratory. Walking through the door he found he couldn't open it fully and looking through the crack he saw Ashley lying motionless on the floor. Wrenching the door off its hinges he reached for the alarm and sounded it before placing the young hybrid vampire into the 'recovery position'.

 

[Asa]

'Nikola?" Helen chuckled, "Safe to say, don't ask. Which means, much the same as usual." Her expression turned to one of concern as she watched the attempt to hide her pain by her oldest companion, near sister. "Isis, will you please let me look at it? Tell me what's happening with you, dearest?"

Isis chuckled at Helen's words.

I am fine Helen just was full jaw bit twice by a sick Calisar hound. Henry and Big Guy got me to the lab and used the machine to clear the toxin from the blood stream. So no worries.

She smiled reassuringly to her as she was finally standing.

If you really want to check them lets go so you can...

Hearing the alarm

After we see what is wrong

 

[slippedhalo]

OOC: Our friend is moving so we'll have to work without his talents for a bit. I was thinking we could sub plot that Adam Worth found Will and Henry as he tried to use something on Hidden Island for his time travel device and there was a struggle in which Will ended up trapped in a time bubble with Worth. This way he can be missing for as long as we're without his writer. The plot could work around this mystery and the tragendy of his being missing for so long they beging to doubt they'll ever be able to bring him back to current time.

Yes?
Ideas?

 

[Asa]

OOC Worth and the bubble could work... a till now hidden sect of the Cabal... Henry and Will find hollow earth Anything works... just whatever ya more comfortable with

 

[YoungLisa]

OOC I'm easy! ... Well for the thread - not in real life

 

[Archangel1978]

Will turned to Henry on the plane as they landed returning from the trip to Scotland checking the peace at the island.
“Henry, do you really think that peace is going to last?”
“I do. They’ve been co existing for a long time and regardless of what started this, they can live together in peace again.”
Will sighed. “Helen, er I mean Magnus will be pleased to hear that I think. I wasn’t sure the peace would last, but you’ve got a point.”
He cursed himself inside at the fact he used Helen’s name so casually. Henry’s eyebrows rose a little at the casual use of her name.
Henry wondered at the use of Doc’s first name by Will. I guess he was just tired.
“Hey who was that Isis girl? You seemed to know who she was.” Will probed.
Henry almost jumped. “No. I mean, she’s just a guest, Doc knows her really well. They’re really old friends. Like well, she, er, well, “Henry tried in vain to compose himself.
“Geez, relax Henry. It’s just us guys here.” Will assured him. Noting the clear signs of attraction.
“Yea heh, well. I mean she’s really nice. I patched her up when you guys were out in Scotland and well, we kind of talked a lot.” He blushed a lot.
Will laughed in a friendly way. “It’s ok, I won’t tell.”
The plane landed and they got into the car and headed straight for the Sanctuary. The entered and parked the car and they both were tired as they entered with their bags from the trip. They ditched their bags and began to seek out Magnus and tell her about the whole peace issue.

 

[Archangel1978]

ooc-Thanks ladies for being patient and letting me get my stuff together. I'm back now for posting. Just needed to focus on my moving and packing.
AA

 

[Asa]

OOC Glad ya back hun now just waiting for Helen to answer Isis *lol*

 

[slippedhalo]

OOC: Sorry, on holiday for a month. But, I will try to get posting more now that I've had my weekend to relax.

IC:

Helen moved to help Isis to a standing position and they both took the lift down to where the page was coming from. Ashley was lying prone and mumbling incoherantly as she sat against one of the kitchen's cabinets. The Big Guy hovered looking worried. "You did right to call for help, Friend, thank you for your quick response." Helen said, thanking him with a smile as she brushed back Ashley's hair from her face and checked her pulse, "Thready, not promising, I'm afraid. Let's get a stretcher up here and bring her carefully to the medical lab." she ordered, and Big Guy and Isis were up and moving to assist before she could actually formulate her order into a proper request.

As they moved carefully through the corridor with Ashley on a stretcher Nikola appeared through opening lift doors, a big grin on his face. He had Henry and Will in tow. "Look what the cat dragged in!" he said, but his expression changed to mild concern when he saw the girl on the stretcher. "Helen, what happened? I thought the serum was working." Nikola said, helping to pull the stretcher inside with them.

Helen nodded as they all hurried into the lift, crowding it now, "Yeah, me too. " she replied. "I have no clue why she's reacting this way,it's worrying..." She trailed off as Will caught her eye and smiled crookedly making her heart race despite how inappropriate a moment it was to be thinking such sexy thoughts.

Nikola noted the change in color of Helen's face as she looked over at her protegee, "Hello Will...glad you're back so soon." she said, trying to sound neutral but Tesla noted the difference.

And, Tesla's grin widened as he put two-and-two together realizing there was more going on behind the walls of The Sanctuary headquarters than meets the eye. "Well, well, someone's getting a raise this quarter." he teased, elbowing Will knowingly and recieving a glare in return.

 

[YoungLisa]

Ashley found herself above her own body looking down as she lay there. On the astral she came face to face with de Blythe and for a moment she was back in the 16th century re living the death of Melaven. The shock of being betrayed by a fellow vampire combined with the fear of the ‘true death’ was as real on the astral as it was in the flesh on that fateful day. Looking in his eyes she leaned forward for a kiss before facing the shock of seeing the stake in his hands. Taking a deep inhalation of breath she said “Please … no … WHY?”

de Blythe just answered “It was always going to be this way. You or me, sorry.” Lunging forward he struck the stake straight into Melaven’s heart. She screamed, stared in disbelief and fell to the ground her body turning into brown dust.

The next instant she was laying on her back in the medical lab opening her eyes to her mother. “Mother …” she stammered “mom … mama … danger … de Blythe … I’m … I’m … sorry …” She grabbed Helen’s arm “You must … destroy me or …” Ashley couldn’t
complete the sentence. She found herself re living the moment of death again “Please … no … WHY?”

She lapsed back into a coma.

 

[Asa]

Kate

The alarm awakened Declan and Kate who found themselves with her back against his chest sitting in the other lab. Quickly leaping to her feet and fixing her clothes Kate ran to see what was wrong.

Whats wrong?

Declan grabbed the last results and stuffed them into the file to show Helen and see about arranging a team to go search the wildlands to confirm either of his theories.

~~~~

Isis hurried to get everything ready. Spotting Will and Henry with Tesla in the lift she smiled to Henry.

Hello Henry

Isis glanced at Tesla... Greetings old friend.

She studied Ashley for a long moment head tilted slightly... She could not pinpoint what was wrong but what was it. Some how they had to find a way to separate them but how. She remained silent on her thoughts but still it troubled her.

 

[Archangel1978]

Will
Will walked along with the group throughout the halls. Helen was beautiful as always. Taking charge of everything. She looked at him and he saw her change slightly as his presence and notice Tesla’s eyes at the reaction. Oh crap. I’m going to have to deal with this? I hope not. Nothing like getting between century old friendships. Was he going to be a problem? Would he come after him? God, Tesla, the last thing he would need. But, he wouldn’t let it worry him.
“Magnus, it looks like you’ve got you’re hands full. Henry or I need to brief you when you have a moment about the talks in Scotland and how they went.”
In the lift he heard Tesla’s comment then felt and elbow in his chest and then looked. His mind raced. He ignored the comment not giving him anymore ammunition to use in the lift around everyone. Christ he might as well have just shot a email to everyone saying it! Will tried his best to look at Tesla as questioningly as he could. But he knew he failed. He knew. Crap.

Henry
Isis said a greeting and Henry couldn’t help but smile back and say “hello Isis. I need to talk to you about the research I did about the hounds…might be useful for later.”

 

[Asa]

Kate

All of us need to sit down about them Henry You Isis Declan, Magnus and Me... We found out some stuff thats... Big...

Declan just smirked listening to Tesla. but trying to help Will a little he laughed.

Now now old man just because you are after her doesn't mean everyone's after her.

Perhaps Declan old boy but I have little doubt that nearly every male in this lift is not after someone else in this lift. Such a cozy little nuclear family wouldn't you say... Henry. Tesla smirked that all knowing smirk as he looked from Henry to Isis and then from Declan to Kate.

Isis Old friend forgive my having been so preoccupied... Smiling to her... It has been a long time since we have seen each other and I must admit I had no idea how to speak to you looking so surprisingly lovely in that dress at dinner. You really should dress like that again so young Henry can see you in such lovely form.

Isis

She smiled to Henry while annoyed that her other old friend Tesla seemed to be so far hung up on Helen that he had barely spoken to her at all but at least he would not be pointing out anything about she and Henry... she hoped.

Glancing to Henry with a smile as Declan spoke and simply nodded.

After we tend to Ashley... I am fine the wounds are Fine... lets focus.

She wondered if they should bring in yet another of the 5 and get Watson here.

Hearing Tesla's words she smirked right back at him.

You need to remember one thing Nikola old friend... last time you began hitting on me repeatedly I do believe I nearly... How did John put it... nearly knocked your fangs down your throat. She smiled sweetly to him offering a brief hug to an old friend before looking to Ashley again worried about her "niece".

 

[YoungLisa]

Roger de Blythe

de Blythe focused his telepathic powers onto the split personality of Melaven / Ashley seeking to drain the very essence from her to bring her within a fraction of an inch of true death. He could feel her weaken so her life was in the balance.

Next he used his computer skills and code breaking expertise to tune into Helen’s mobile phone. He sent a text

“I sense something is very wrong and death approaches.
I know how to reverse it but need access to your data banks.
I can be with you within the hour.
Time is of the essence so I need your urgent reply.
Alan Baily”​

de Blythe sat back awaiting the reply confident that within a short time he would not only be in charge of the sanctuary project and in Helen Magnus’ bed. He also knew immortality would be his to share with whom he wished.

 

[slippedhalo]

Helen read the message twice and then showed it to Isis, Big Guy and Tesla who were beside her as she tried to stablilize Ashley's condition, unsure of what to do to help her daughter. "Who is this Baily and how does he even have access to my private line...and how does he know about Ashley's condition?" she wondered out loud just as she texted these same questions back at him.

 

[YoungLisa]

Roger de Blythe

de Blythe heard his text alert and studied Helen’s reply. He replied quickly:

“I have been an expert in my field for many years and have followed your career with interest.
I know exactly what is wrong with your daughter and if you invite me to help I can save her life.
Other matters we can discuss at leisure after we get to know each other better.
I await your invitation. AB”​

The thought of being intimate with the great Helen Magnus excited de Blythe. No doubt she would do anything to save her daughter. Just for added emphasise he sent telepathy to his victim.

Ashley / Melaven

Ashley regained consciousness and stared at her mother “Darkness …” She whispered “D … darkness of the … the true death!” She coughed and dark cold blood escaped from her nostrils, throat and ears “I’m … sorry Mama … th … this really is … goodbye.” Then with a desperate shout she yelled the name of her 16th century murderer “DE BLYTHE!”

Her body convulsed as she lapsed back into unconsciousness with every sign that true death was rushing to embrace her.”

Roger de Blythe

Careful to take his victim to the brink of true death but not beyond the threshold de Blythe released his control as he awaited Helen Magnus’ call. Within days he would have the immortality he craved and as a bonus he would have sampled the Victorian’s body.

Sitting back in his chair he smiled the smile of victor.

 

[Asa]

Isis

Isis growled distrusting this situation as much as Helen seemed to question it if not more. Then Ashley's actions she tried to calm her till she passed back out.

I don't like this Helen... This Melevan... them combining and now this strange being making contact with you like that... Something is Not right...

She was getting edgy and doing all she could not to shift to HEP form again till they were off the lift. She looked to Big Guy and Tesla concerned about someone or something trying to take advantage of Helen and using Ashley to do it. Tesla knew the look and nodded. Keep Helen thinking more logically and less motherly so she does not get blindsided and and help Isis keep her distrust remotely in check... till proof enough was given. He simply nodded to Isis silently for now understanding that his typically sarcastic flippant comments would serve little than to piss both of these ladies off.

Kate

Kate lifted up a data pad looking to Helen. Whats the name Magnus we could look him up while we wait for this bucket of bolts to get to the Lab.

 

[slippedhalo]

They looked up his name on the go.

As Ashley was wheeled into the med-lab she was still unconscious but the bleeding had stopped. Helen was at a loss for what to do medically, scientifically, and her maternal instincts made her want nothing more than to accept anything which might save her child. But, the responsible leader in her had to question how this guy knew them and knew what was going on with Ashley from moment to moment.

"Bloody-fucking-hell!" she cursed, and angrily threw a useless piece of equipment acrossed the room, shattering it against the wall. Taking her phone from her back pocket, she guiltily avoided the astounded, shocked stares of her friends who knew she never used curse language, and typed the text in reply:

'Come. Likely, you know where we are since you know so much else. You have a great deal to explain.'

Holding Ashley's limp hand, Helen held back tears, not wanting to cry in the presence of others.

 

[DalekRasputin]

Big Guy could see the anxiety in Helen's face and actions and knew the "Mother" in her was taking control. Looking at Isis he could feel she had the same doubts and anxiety as he was experiencing.

When Helen cursed and smashed the object he instinctively got a rubbish brush and scoop and swept it up. Holding everyone's gaze he said "I don't have any of the scientific background you have but I'm good in a fight. Let this 'Bailey' come, I don't think you have a choice, and I and I believe Isis will join me in doing all that is possible to protect you."

He placed a paternal hand on Helen's back as he looked down at Ashley "Come back to us Princess" he said. "I'll even let you insult my cooking."

Together they waited for Bailey to reply.