Marauders #2: Mayhem in Madripoor

[Seer]

The Night Goes On….

<< It had been a surprising and revelatory first outing for the Marauders. They had arrived in Madripoor with questions, and the city itself had no problem answering them with a speed and brutality it was known for. >>
<< Domino’s contact confirmed what she had known since setting sail for the city - Talisman was behind the weapon sale from Meridian Industries, and worse it seems that when Rose’s Orphanage became off limits to her, Talisman searched for specimens elsewhere, scooping up a host of school age children, taking them to God knows where to do God knows what. >>

<< Discord had only been at the gala in Hightown for mere minutes when he was confronted by a ghost of Hellfire’s past in the form of Camille Rowe, the former White Queen in London who made it know she was now seemingly an acolyte for Talisman, and was working hard to get Dr. Shaw a footing in Madripoor. This meant that despite the belief that Talisman and Enchantrah had scattered to the winds, they had agents still active and working for them. Hearing the rip roaring sound of Maxine’s motorcycle, the two made a quick trip back to their quarters in Hightown, and were waiting for Simon and his intel from Lowtown before they proceeded. >>

<< Simon Pratt, however, was learning very quickly the age old lesson of not talking to strangers as he encountered Jun Zhao, a mysterious woman working for something called The Arena. Using her ability to manipulate pheromones on many different levels, she caused a riot to see Simon in action, and when she felt satisfied with what she saw, she made a great escape, rendering Simon unconscious and placing him in a towncar, headed straight for The Arena where Simon would soon learn that he would be fighting for his life and the approval of rich and notorious spectators. >>

<< Luckily for Simon, he was being followed by the mysterious Amanda Sefton, a magick user who just happened (by LUCK) to recognize Simon out of the crowd at The Princess and use her power to track them undetected. A former up and coming member of Hellfire herself, Amanda had left when she had discovered the bodies of Bretta and Alistair. If she was friend or foe, remained to be seen, but one thing was for sure - things in Madripoor were going to get even more interesting! >>

Madripoor - Lowtown - Unknown Location

<< Simon would awaken to find himself in some rather…luxurious accommodations, despite the tugging his power neutralizer gave him against his neck. As he gathered his senses, he realized that Jun was sitting in the dining area of the room looking as pleased as a Cheshire Cat. But she was not here to torture him, she was here to act as a tour guide to Simon’s new life of indentured servitude. >>

<< And as the moon shines high and bright in the sky against the neon landscape of Madripoor - We so watch! >>

 

[Longshot]

He’d been proud of himself until he realized where he went wrong. He knew it was because of her power, but he couldn’t stop himself. He wanted to win for her, to make her proud. Every skull he bashed, every knife he dodged and parried, he felt like he was her champion.

And then everything went dark. After a short period of time (or long Simon didn’t really know), he awoke to find himself in what appeared to be a luxury hotel room, though as he blinked his eyes several times, becoming more aware of his surroundings, he did notice that this room had no windows. Whatever it was Jun wanted from him became secondary to his need to escape. This has been his first public outing as Red Bishop and he had gotten kidnapped . It was not a good look and he knew that Daniel would be furious. He also remembered that Daniel said he’d be able to track him with his power, so he hoped the choker ok his neck didn’t hinder that ability.

Jun: “How’d you sleep, Lucky?”

His emerald green eyes wandered to the still very beautiful Jun who was sitting at a dining area across from him mindlessly looking at her nails, barely registering him.

“I’ve woken up in worse places. Look the banter back at the bar was fun and all, but I’ve had more than enough of my fill of it. So why don’t we just cut the shit and you can tell me exactly what it is you’re up to, Juney?”

Jun: “I’d thought you’d never ask…why don’t you put on your shoes and I’ll explain everything..SHOW you everything.”

 

[Domino]

Madripoor - Back To Uptown!

"She's taunting us, and I really don't like that, Daniel."

Maxine made a fist before launching it into one of the many black marble walls that lined their Hellfire suite, promptly making a dent in it, but careful not to use the full force of her strength since she didn't feel like sleeping in the ship unless she absolutely had to.

Daniel: "I don't like it either, Maxine. Talisman was able to hide from some everyone for almost a year before she made her appearance to the public. If she didn't want to be found, she wouldn't. It's clear she's leading us to something."

Domino walked over to one of the free standing bars in the main dining area, where they had set up shop so to speak, and promptly poured herself some Lagavulin and took a relaxing sip. Daniel was right. From the note, to the sloppy wet work in Madripoor. Maxine liked to blaze her OWN path, she didn't want to follow breadcrumbs like a plebe.

"She's not even taunting, she's PLAYING with me. I just want to know WHY. I had a deal with Diana, but I was far from Hellfire's Inner Circle..."

Daniel: "Maybe it's not just her. It's possible Helena might have known or found about the little deal you two made each other before leaving Ahadi."

"Helena wouldn't waste her breath or resources at a time like this on ME. But I...I guess we can put nothing past them right now. You could be right."

Daniel: "Well, I certainly never thought I'd live to see the day you concede a point..I'm impressed."

Maxine smirked as she took another sip of her scotch.

"Don't be. I'm merely implementing strategy. Kelly is banking on me being...me. I've got to think on a different level. All I need is ONE thing to go our way so I can get the jump on her. I've also alerted my contacts and offered a bounty on Camille's head...one I'm sure you'll be happy to pay if and WHEN I word that she's taken out."

Daniel: "I've never received a bill I couldn't pay. And perhaps we'll get lucky and Simon will return with just the thing we need."

She let out a wild laugh before setting her glass down on the table, taking a seat, crossing her legs at the knee as she leaned back a little.

"I know you sent the kid to Lowtown to see what he was made of, but we both know he's much more likely to come back with information as he is to have been CAPTURED. Nobody gives meaningful information to somebody that looks like a Ken Doll. They capture that doll and sell it someone for all kinds of naughty little things."

Maxine didn't want to tell somebody how to run their court, and she believed a bit in Daniel's way of running things. Simon's power made it kind of easy to put him anywhere. But had barely been battle tested and Madripoor was not the place to mess around and find out. The only thing that didn't stop her from letting Simon go was that she was there, she had plenty of personal and business dealings in Madripoor, and felt confident in her ability to rescue him from whatever it was that might threaten him.

"God...First Jessica, then Alek and Ava...now Simon?"

She was not a fan of the sudden wave of empathy she had shown over the past few months. These people...were affecting her. Getting in the way of her ability to do the job she needed to do. And yet...part of her felt like that was a good thing. She was so used to being twisted steel and sex appeal. But a lot of that was because of the abject horror, rape and abuse she experienced at the hands of her father and his people. Meridian Industries. She had freed herself from Hellfire so that she could be different. She just wasn't prepared for any actual and real change to be made within her.

Daniel: "We had other plans and he needs to get his hands dirty. He knows a fraction of what Hellfire has done, what they're capable of and he's having some kind of identity crisis over it. A few hours in Lowtown might just help him get his ever loving shit together. And we also need to be concerned about his parents..."

Maxine cringed a little. She had received word that Simon's dad had been taken out. The whereabouts of his mother were unknown. It seemed that Simon was deeply estranged from his family, but it also seemed as if he didn't want it to be that way. He wanted their approval, and he felt like joining Hellfire was the way to do it. Maxine had decided he didn't need to know this information until it was safe.

"I didn't tell you this before because...well frankly, I didn't feel like it. But it appears that I was not the only target by Talisman's "blackjackets". Thorne and Kristin Pratt were attacked. Thorne died. Kristin's whereabouts are unknown."

Daniel: "Jesus."

"Mary and Joseph too. He can't handle this information right now. He'll lose it and we need him sharp."

Daniel: "I agree. And when we are able...he is my Bishop. He deserves to hear from me. It will keep the heat off you. You can bring him back around from any fallout."

"He's a good kid. But he's got to learn the one rule we all learn all too intimately from Hellfire - our parents were monsters and all we can do is paint with our own strokes and hope the painting realizes a different beauty than the one they made."

She glanced at her watch. Simon was still well within the timeframe they gave him, but she couldn't help but to feel a little bit nervous as the seconds ticked away.

"I'm giving him ten more minutes and then I'm gonna try and tail him."

 

[Wallflower]

Madripoor - Lowtown

< He was just as cute asleep as he was awake, though Jun didn't really have much interest in sex or dating. Her entire life had been boiled down to exchanging sexual favors for money she almost never got to put back in her pocket. The very idea of romance for personal enrichment was lost on her. She did different stuff for money now, and while it was no less clean than what she was doing, she didn't have to be on her back to do it anymore. She didn't need to let someone violate her privacy in order to make money. And she was going to make sure that never happened again. So many had taken from her without so much as a second thought. She felt no remorse returning to the world what it had given her. >

< She watched as Simon began to stir. >

"How'd you sleep, Lucky?"

< Jun sat across from him at a dining/conference table across from the bed. The Arena may have been a global phenomen reminiscent of the ancient gladiator times, but it certainly didn't operate as a standard slave trade. Here? If you won, you were rewarded. And if you lost? You died. So there was no need for "lower levels" (at least not of the residential variety). All she needed to do was to stir him enough to get him to want to compete and she was golden. A lucky boy that couldn't get hit? Tullamore would shower her with riches. >

Simon: "I've woken up in worse places. Look the banter back at the bar was fun and all, but I've had more than enough of my fill of it. So why don't we just cut the shit and you can tell me exactly what it is you're up to, Juney."

< She did not enjoy hearing her nickname used in such a desparaging, but she understood. Jun had easily handled the golden boy. She was sure his pride was hurt. >

"I thought you'd never ask... why don't you put on your shoes and I'll explain everything...SHOW you everything."

< Jun waited impatiently as Simon tied his laces and met her in the hall waiting for an elevator to take them down. No words were spoken between them but Jun could feel his anger at her. She'd felt that kind of anger before, but she didn't care. It was either her or him, and she was done with it being her. The elevator dinged as they stepped inside, zooming down with great speed as their faces became enshrouded in shadow every few floors or so until they reached one of the basement levels, the doors opening to loud and pulsating music and a sea of voices among the crowd. Jun smirked. She loved the energy of the arena just before a show. It was palpable. She turned around, gesturing Simon to follow her with her finger. >

"This...is a pre party for The Arena. Originally it was a combat ring where fights between mutants were staged for it's audience's amusement. The first mutants to sign onto the gig were called Gladiators. At first it was just a staged show...like something you'd see from the WWE...but over the years it grew, and so did the stakes. An elite group of people became very interested, and soon...money began to flow into The Arena the likes of which the world has rarely seen..."

< As they moved through the throngs of people in various states of party mode, the cascading lights against them made everything seem to blur. Jun loved the blur. The line between the real and the fake. She looked up the mezzanine area as she saw her boss, giving him a nod to confirm she had brought the asset she promised. He made a conciliatory gesture to have her meet him up there soon. >

"All of it was up for grabs. My employer, Tullamore Voge - a curious creature from another timeline saw the potential. And while there are many arenas across the world, the Madripoor Arena is where all the magic happens. It's where the best of the best fight...where you will soon fight."

< She turned to face Simon as he resisted against his collar. She cupped his face in her right hand, maintaining eye contact with him. >

"Your collar will remain active until you face your first opponent. So you have a few options. You can try to escape now, and be killed. You can participate in your scheduled fight...and be killed. OR...you can WIN. And gain the adoration of the tens of thousands of people in this room. Who knows...perhaps you could be our next champion?"

< Jun began to walk away from him, knowing he would not try to flee. If he did, she'd knock him out and watch him died. If he played ball, he might just make her millions. >

"I'm going to leave you alone for a little bit. Let you get your barings. Remember, every person you meet here could be a potential bet in your favor. Don't forget that and don't let it go to your head. No matter how lucky you might be."

< She smirked as she began to make her way towards the stairwell and up to Voge's level. >

"You have about an hour and a half before the event. I'd use that time wisely."

 

[Magik]

Madripoor- Lowtown

<< Hovering above the sleek town car, Amanda Sefton traveled through the air at high speeds, in the form of a glowing, blue mystic orb.>>

<< Turn-by-turn, no matter how fast the car traveled, she kept right up with it. Where THEY were going, she could only guess, but she soon found out as the car reached it's destination.>>

<< Once again, her spells kept her hidden from the naked eye, or any kind of physical, psionic, or technological perception, as she slipped into this unusual place referred to as "The Arena.">>

This was definitely NOT the kind of adventure I had in mind for tonight, but, as mother always said, one must be willing, and READY to ADAPT.

<< Simon was unhurt, and remained untampered with, for the most part, but he was clearly being held at a disadvantage.>>

<< Suitably cloaked, she followed along until...>>

the doors opening to loud and pulsating music and a sea of voices among the crowd. Jun smirked. She loved the energy of the arena just before a show. It was palpable. She turned around, gesturing Simon to follow her with her finger. >

<< and before SHE exited the Elevator, Amanda concentrates, and on the ceiling of the elevator, she "draws" a mystic "marker" . the symbol spins as it glows in amanda's sky blue power signature for a moment, before the glow fades away, and to the naked eye, there appears nothing there, just the normal ceiling.>>

<< the symbol is actually a manifestation of Amanda's own tao mandala, and will allow her to teleport DIRECTLY to this elevator, bypassing all the previous areas and levels she'd seen when following Jun and Simon, saving her valuable time.>>

<< She moves and weaves throughout the crowd, above hands, around bodies, auras, and the manas of others that she senses, keeping her "eye" on Jun and Simon.>>

"This...is a pre party for The Arena. Originally it was a combat ring where fights between mutants were staged for it's audience's amusement. The first mutants to sign onto the gig were called Gladiators. At first it was just a staged show...like something you'd see from the WWE...but over the years it grew, and so did the stakes. An elite group of people became very interested, and soon...money began to flow into The Arena the likes of which the world has rarely seen..."

< As they moved through the throngs of people in various states of party mode, the cascading lights against them made everything seem to blur. Jun loved the blur. The line between the real and the fake. She looked up the mezzanine area as she saw her boss, giving him a nod to confirm she had brought the asset she promised. He made a conciliatory gesture to have her meet him up there soon. >

"All of it was up for grabs. My employer, Tullamore Voge - a curious creature from another timeline saw the potential. And while there are many arenas across the world, the Madripoor Arena is where all the magic happens. It's where the best of the best fight...where you will soon fight."

< She turned to face Simon as he resisted against his collar. She cupped his face in her right hand, maintaining eye contact with him. >

"Your collar will remain active until you face your first opponent. So you have a few options.

<< Amanda's eyes narrow, as she focuses in on the collar for a moment.>>

a collar...a power neutralizing collar!

<< bad sign indeed>>

. You can try to escape now, and be killed. You can participate in your scheduled fight...and be killed. OR...you can WIN. And gain the adoration of the tens of thousands of people in this room. Who knows...perhaps you could be our next champion?"

< Jun began to walk away from him, knowing he would not try to flee. If he did, she'd knock him out and watch him died. If he played ball, he might just make her millions. >

"I'm going to leave you alone for a little bit. Let you get your barings. Remember, every person you meet here could be a potential bet in your favor. Don't forget that and don't let it go to your head. No matter how lucky you might be."

<< This whole thing just became more insidious.>>

It's not just Simon...there's a whole...TRAFFICKING operation going on here!

<< Her mother, the powerful Witch Queen, and former Red Queen of the Hellfire Club- London Branch, had told her stories about how their people had been hunted down, kidnapped, ripped from their families and loved ones, carried off to places of unspeakable horror, in order to be exploited in sorts of ways, including fighting for the amusement of the wealthy and the depraved. Many relatives, friends, and neighbors NEVER returned. These stories, to Amanda, and her peers seemed more like terrifying ghost stories...but as she grew older, she saw that her mother was right about so much, including how many monsters of legend, originate from REAL monsters in this world.>>

<< Simon Pratt was definitely in trouble, and there were probably more just like him here, lost, in need of help, in need of liberation!>>

< She smirked as she began to make her way towards the stairwell and up to Voge's level. >

"You have about an hour and a half before the event. I'd use that time wisely."

And I'd better make wise use of MY time as well.

<< an hour and a half...not much time by mortal stands, but when you're a witch, you can do far more in far LESS time.>>

<< First thing was first, she needed some HELP and she knew just how to get it. >>

<< The "current" elite of the Hellfire Club- London Branch's Red Court may only know of Margali Szardos by name and legend, but Amanda's own legacy membership to the Club allowed her to maintain the Szardos family presence in the club until recent. She knows who's who.>>

<<ZAP!>>

<< QUICKER THAN A RAY OF LIGHT. She TELEPORTS to the person Simon has the CLOSEST CONNECTION to in this town.>>

Madripoor- Uptown

<< Domino, and Discord, the current Red King can be seen, from an OVERHEAD view. They don't know that they are being watched or listened to, as the sky blue orb hovers above them. The two of them converse, and Amanda listens for a moment.>>

"Don't be. I'm merely implementing strategy. Kelly is banking on me being...me. I've got to think on a different level. All I need is ONE thing to go our way so I can get the jump on her. I've also alerted my contacts and offered a bounty on Camille's head...one I'm sure you'll be happy to pay if and WHEN I word that she's taken out."

Daniel: "I've never received a bill I couldn't pay. And perhaps we'll get lucky and Simon will return with just the thing we need."

She let out a wild laugh before setting her glass down on the table, taking a seat, crossing her legs at the knee as she leaned back a little.

"I know you sent the kid to Lowtown to see what he was made of, but we both know he's much more likely to come back with information as he is to have been CAPTURED. Nobody gives meaningful information to somebody that looks like a Ken Doll. They capture that doll and sell it someone for all kinds of naughty little things."

Maxine didn't want to tell somebody how to run their court, and she believed a bit in Daniel's way of running things. Simon's power made it kind of easy to put him anywhere. But had barely been battle tested and Madripoor was not the place to mess around and find out. The only thing that didn't stop her from letting Simon go was that she was there, she had plenty of personal and business dealings in Madripoor, and felt confident in her ability to rescue him from whatever it was that might threaten him.

"God...First Jessica, then Alek and Ava...now Simon?"

She was not a fan of the sudden wave of empathy she had shown over the past few months. These people...were affecting her. Getting in the way of her ability to do the job she needed to do. And yet...part of her felt like that was a good thing. She was so used to being twisted steel and sex appeal. But a lot of that was because of the abject horror, rape and abuse she experienced at the hands of her father and his people. Meridian Industries. She had freed herself from Hellfire so that she could be different. She just wasn't prepared for any actual and real change to be made within her.

Daniel: "We had other plans and he needs to get his hands dirty. He knows a fraction of what Hellfire has done, what they're capable of and he's having some kind of identity crisis over it. A few hours in Lowtown might just help him get his ever loving shit together. And we also need to be concerned about his parents..."

Maxine cringed a little. She had received word that Simon's dad had been taken out. The whereabouts of his mother were unknown. It seemed that Simon was deeply estranged from his family, but it also seemed as if he didn't want it to be that way. He wanted their approval, and he felt like joining Hellfire was the way to do it. Maxine had decided he didn't need to know this information until it was safe.

"I didn't tell you this before because...well frankly, I didn't feel like it. But it appears that I was not the only target by Talisman's "blackjackets". Thorne and Kristin Pratt were attacked. Thorne died. Kristin's whereabouts are unknown."

Daniel: "Jesus."

"Mary and Joseph too. He can't handle this information right now. He'll lose it and we need him sharp."

Daniel: "I agree. And when we are able...he is my Bishop. He deserves to hear from me. It will keep the heat off you. You can bring him back around from any fallout."

"He's a good kid. But he's got to learn the one rule we all learn all too intimately from Hellfire - our parents were monsters and all we can do is paint with our own strokes and hope the painting realizes a different beauty than the one they made."

She glanced at her watch. Simon was still well within the timeframe they gave him, but she couldn't help but to feel a little bit nervous as the seconds ticked away.

"I'm giving him ten more minutes and then I'm gonna try and tail him."

<< well, THIS was unexpected. She came here to present Daniel with information to help his Red Bishop, and NOW she discovers that the INTERLOPER [Kelly Shaw] has a presence here, in Madripoor!?>>

TALISMAN! THE INTERLOPER!

<< The "Interloper" is what "she who hides in the shadows" was derisively referred to as by Margali Szardos. There was some SERIOUS BAD BLOOD between Her and Szardos family!>>

<< Amanda had heard enough. She already knew who Daniel was, and she recognized Domino by face, various photographs and other buzzing in the circles she traveled in, but she'd not met the woman herself, not until now. >>

<< a mystic tone sounds off>>

I can save you time, and effort with that.

<< Amanda appears, standing away from the two, leaned against a wall and posed . there was a hint of darkness about her, she looked beautiful, mysterious, yet quite comfortable and at ease in the presence of Domino and Discord. But make no mistake, her defensive and warding spells were UP, just in case either one of them decided to LEAP before they looked/asked the right questions.>>

I'm Amanda Sefton, << Looking at Daniel for a moment.>> Daughter of Margali Szardos, former Red Queen of the London Branch, and I'm acquainted with Simon Pratt. I have information that can help you find him, but there isn't much time to waste.

But there's something I will ask you.

Talisman...is she HERE, In Madripoor? And if so, WHERE is she? I must know.

<< She was urgent in her request, but not desperate. Her reasons for zeroing in on the INTERLOPER were...very personal.>>

<< She can get them to Simon in a flash, but would they trust her, would they ask the right questions? Would they give HER the information she now desired? She watched, and waited to see.>>

 

[Longshot]

Madripoor - Lowtown - The Arena

Jun: "I thought you'd never ask...why don't you put on your shoes and I'll explain everything...SHOW you everything."

And that she did, from the moment he entered the elevator with Jun he had an unsettling feeling. As they zoomed between floors at great speed, Simon could hear the noises and the pulsating music reach a fever pitch as the elevator stopped delicately with a ding. The doors opening to reveal a scene, the likes of which he had never seen. But what Simon couldn't stop looking at was dead center in the middle of the incredibly large area. It was reminiscent of the colloseum of ancient Rome, though a bit smaller. He swallowed hard in his throat as he followed Jun through the crowds of curious people. Some where human, and many were not. All seemed to be enjoying themselves with drinks, recreational drugs and each other's bodies. The pit in his stomach grew.

Jun: "This...is a pre part for The Arena. Originally it was a combat ring where fights between mutants were staged for it's audience's amusement. The first mutants to sign onto the gig were called Gladiators. At first it was just a staged show...like something you'd see from the WWE...but over the years it grew, and so did the stakes. An elite group of people became very interested, and soon...money began to flow into The Arena the likes of which the world has rarely seen..."

It made the Red Bishop sick to his stomach. So this was basically a mutant fight club where mutants had to kill each other to live. All under the guise of guts and glory. He looked around to see many different creatures posing for pictures with patrons, flexing their muscles, flaming their powers, all for human entertainment. The power collar around his neck and how he got here told him that despite the fan faire these mutants received, they were not free. They were OWNED.

Jun: "All of it was up for grabs. My employer, Tullamore Voge - a curious creature from another timeline saw the potential. And while there are many arenas across the world, the Madripoor Arena is where all the magic happens. it's where the best of the best fight...where you will soon fight."

"Employer? You mean master. And by magic...you mean slavery. Let's call a spade a spade, Jun. This is SLAVERY."

She cut him off.

Jun: "Your collar will remain active until you face your first opponent. So you have a few options. You can try to escape now, and be killed. You can participate in your scheduled fight...and be killed. OR...you can WIN. And gain the adoration of the tens of thousands of people in this room. Who knows...perhaps you could be our next champion?"

"This is insane."

Despite his inherent luck, he didn't feel like pressing it at the moment. All he could do was to wait for Daniel and Maxine to find him. But it also meant that he might actually...have to fight his way out of this.

Jun: "You have about an hour and a half before the event. I'd use that time wisely."

And then...she just LEFT him?! With his power collar on?! In a sea of SHARKS thirsty for BLOOD?! Of course she did. Simon called out among the crowd as she dissappeared.

"They better be paying you well enough to betray your own KIND!"

"Bitch."

The fever like energy of the arena began to creep around him as he watched Jun make her way up to the top of the stands to meet with an impossibly large blue man who looked like he belonged in the Bazaar at Star Wars, taking a moment to wonder if a world where demons and superheroes actually existed, the possibility of Jedis might not be that far off. He began to scan the crowd before he noticed a crowded bar area. If he was going to have to fight for his life, at the very least, he wanted a drink.

Making his way through the sea of people, Simon approached, noticing a tall, dark and hulking man with a million tattoos showing off for the crowd, taking pictures and signing women's breasts. He had no choice but to throw himself into this head first, so he did...kind of.

"This seat taken?"

 

[Discord]

Madripoor - Hightown

:: For the time being, it appeared that Maxine and The Red King were on the same page. And try as she might to remain her cold and brutal self, Daniel could sense with his power the spark of empathy she felt for Simon. Either America had truly made her go soft, or she was actually starting to feel things for people besides herself or Jessica. His power further confirmed that suspicion. It was curious to say the least. ::

Maxine: "He's a good kid. But he's got to learn the one rule we all learn all too intimately from Hellfire - our parents were monsters and all we can do is paint with our own strokes and hope the painting realizes a different beauty than the one they made...I'm giving him ten more minutes and then I'm gonna try and tail him."

:: Daniel furrowed his brow at Domino's sentiment. Were his parents monsters? He didn't really think so. Vapid social climbers? Yes. His mother had always been a checked out wasp, who used Hellfire as a social club. His father had been another story. Daniel had never been the kind of man that his father, Nathaniel Reed, had wanted. For everything Daniel accomplished, there had been something he had left on the table. Something he had still somehow failed in. It was in those moments that his obsessive compulsive disorder had manifested. It was out of Daniel's desperate need to cover every base, to leave no stone unturned, to make sure that he was perfect as he could possibly be, for both his father and himself. For awhile it worked. Until Daniel realized he was gay. And all the rituals, all the self flatulation and abuse couldn't change it. And hiding it just made all those things worse. But now was not the time for self reflection. Now, they needed to focus on the task at hand. ::

Amanda: "I can save you time, and effort with that."

:: A mystical sounding chime went off in the air as his eyes widened. How could somebody have possibly gotten through the defense systems of this place? Maxine wasted NO time to find out as she LUNGED towards the woman. ::

"Max WAIT! It's....it's Amanda Sefton!"

:: Daniel Reed was well acquainted with Amanda as well as her mother due to their associations with the Red Court, her mother having served as Red Queen at one point. Maxine of course knew her as well, though neither Daniel or Maxine would admit they knew her very well. Both had left London before her official return to the club, and when they did return, she seemed to have scattered to the wind. It was clear that Bretta and Alistair's murders had been a set up to pin on Amanda, so this was VERY curious timing. ::

:: Maxine composed herself when she realized who she was LUNGING at, halting just before she set off any kind of barrier or mystic shield Amanda might have erected. ::

Amanda: "I'm Amanda Sefton. Daughter of Margali Szardos, former Red Queen of the London Branch, and i'm acquainted with Simon Pratt. I have information that can help you find him, but there isn't much time to waste."

"We know who you are, Amanda. We just left from London, where a very convenient double murder is being PINNED on you. I assumed you just pissed off somewhere..."

Amanda: "But there's something I will ask you."

Maxine: "OUT with it, Amanda. I trust nobody these days. Not even YOU."

Amanda: "Talisman...is she HERE, In Madripoor? And if so, WHERE is she? I must know."

Maxine: "Oh for fuck's sake..."

:: Daniel gestured for Maxine to calm down as he eyed Amanda up and down. His only memories of her where really during their prebuscent times. It was a bit jarring to see her as a fulll fledged adult. But right now, The Red King was focused on what she had just said about Simon. ::

"Let's rewind a bit. You have information to help us FIND him? Meaning something happened to him?"

Maxine: "Goddammit! I KNEW he was too green for this! DAMNIT!"

:: He reached out with his power. As an omega level illusionist and empath, Daniel was able to see the emotional bonds between people likes cords of energy that he could read. He could also track them. He ignited the connection between himself and Simon and began to reach out over Madripoor as he looked at Amanda cautiously. ::

"Don't mind her, she's always like this. Look, we don't know WHERE Talisman is, it's part of our mission here. But we DO know that she is definitely setting up shop in Madripoor. I ran into Camille Rowe tonight, who, i'm not sure if you know, I KILLED very recently. She was working for Talisman...look, I'm willing to share intel, but not until I know where my Red Bishop (Simon) is..."

 

[Brenthon]

Madripoor - The Arena

<< He hated how much part of him enjoyed the fan faire of The Arena. All he had known since awakening in his grave months ago, was that hundreds of years had past, and people were now more concerned with how many friends they had on some meaningless form of technology that would no doubt be obsolete in less than ten years time. All he had to do was to continue to kill lesser men, and he was showered with money and other gifts, which was more than he could say of his existence as a gypsy in Hungary during the time of Maria Theresa, the reformist tyrant herself. Aliens and demons he could understand. The Eastern Orthodox, he had a harder time with. >>

Woman: "Béto, you're my favorite Gladiator! I have ten large on you tonight! Surely that warrants at least a photo with you?!"

<< He snarled with amusement and secret contempt. His name was Boldizsár Meszaros. A name that was, apparently, very hard to pronounce in Southeast Asia, so he shortened it to Béto. He had been called something else, once before, but for the life of him he could not remember. It was a name known only in the many nightmares he experienced whenever he let sleep get the best of him. When he would dream of chaotic violet skys, and jagged bolts of pure lightning against a white, searing hot pentagram. The him that was hiding. There were things about himself that he did not know, and he knew his sleeping life had everything to do with it. He responded, his thick hungarian accent bellowing throughout the hall as he spoke. >>

"But of course. It is the very least I can do. I thank you endlessly for your support."

<< Béto was a patient man, and he had nothing but time. At first, he had been depressed. To come back with this gift of life to find so many gypsies slaughtered. Nearly all of them had been destroyed. The Shadowed Path he had once walked hand in hand with his own race was now a vast and barren wasteland. It pained him to know that they had won. That outside forces had torn his culture apart. Scattered them to the winds. That he could come back after over three hundred years and it not be for nothing. But here he was...the lonely Gypsy King, forced to fight. Forced to use what they tried to steal from him in order to survive. He was fortunate he was a good a fighter as he was. >>

Simon: "This seat taken?"

<< He was immediately off put by the man's energy. There was something about him. Something he knew or somebody he knew...it had something to do with him. Who he was. Béto fought with all of his might to try and appear cool, calm and collective. >>

"I have learned it is best to only monitor the ownership of my own chair. If there is no other present, feel free to sit and lay claim."

<< Béto was a powerful gypsy. He was in fact, The Gypsy King. Protector of The Shadowed Path, and mentor to all other like him in the world. While his numbers may have been small, his power was big, though he didn't know why. He could sense the faintest traces of something around Simon. A sort of magickal energy signature that was very small. Very discreet. But somehow...familiar. Ever since he came back to life, he had put his head down and worked. Tried to get himself as much peace and space as he could. He didn't want to examine why he was back because he didn't want being back to be temporary. If he just ignored his impulses, he might carve out a nice life for himself. But he couldn't help himself. >>

<< He gestured for Simon to take a seat next to him as Béto sat down as well, bringing his stein of hemlock to his lips and taking a long and familiar sip. >>

Simon: "Simon Pratt. I'm what you would call a....prospective gladiator. Tell me, are you a spectator? Or might I find myself opposing you in battle?"

<< Simon held out his hand, and Béto let it linger there for a few moments before it returned to it's original spot. He was not a man for many pleasantries. He was a killer. The collar meant that Simon was new, as did his doe eyed eagerness to get to know those in the arena. Béto had gone to The Arena willingly, and proved his worth quickly. It remained to be seen what would become of this Simon Pratt. >>

"I am no socialite, Simon. You can call me [begrudgingly] Béto. I am what you would call a gladiator. So despite whatever stories we might share now, I will not hesitate to slit your throat and absorb your reputation into my own at a moment's notice. But that is a situation for us to explore later. Tell me, Simon...lucky, lucky boy. Have you ever had your cards read? I am somewhat famous for my tarot readings in The Arena. I've yet to be proven wrong. Dare to know if you will live or die?"

 

[Magik]

Madripoor - Hightown

::Maxine wasted NO time to find out as she LUNGED towards the woman. ::

<< Amanda didn't move. Maxine would hurt herself before she breached Amanda's barrier.>>

"Max WAIT! It's....it's Amanda Sefton!"

Well, at least HE thinks before he acts.

<< She thought, as she leaned back against the wall>>

:: Maxine composed herself when she realized who she was LUNGING at, halting just before she set off any kind of barrier or mystic shield Amanda might have erected. ::

"We know who you are, Amanda. We just left from London, where a very convenient double murder is being PINNED on you. I assumed you just pissed off somewhere..."

<< Amanda's sky blue eyes fixed on Daniel, and while she was calm, there was a darker countenance to her face now. She was not easily offended, but she also didn't take kindly to slander.>>

I had nothing to do with Bretta and Alistair's deaths , & you damn well know it, Daniel.

The Szardos clan has been connected to the Hellfire Club's London Branch longer than ANY of us have been alive. I would not sully my mother's name, which is still uttered in the halls of London's Hellfire Mansion to this day.

<< "Bretta", the name of the dark faerie immediately conjured memories that were still vivid in the sorceress' mind.>>

<< Amanda closed her eyes, and bowed her head in memory of Bretta. Simultaneously, she closed her hand in a fist, as a sky blue halo of magick formed around it>>

Bretta and I were kindred spirits. Our mystical backgrounds made it easier for us to bond, and i not only taught her how to better harness and focus her raw magickal energy, I PROTECTED her from more than one danger/foe.

<< She looked up again, fixing her eyes on Daniel>>

I didn't kill her, or Alistair, & you know that.

<< If Daniel had gained the ability to think for himself since the last time she saw him, he'd know she was telling the truth, but in this moment, she couldn't press further on it. She had nothing to prove on that.>>

<< She revealed that she had knowledge of Simon's whereabouts and attempted to ask them for information about the Interloper. Maxine had little patience, and clearly the art of reciprocal communication was not her strong suit, at least not with people she didn't feel comfortable with. When Amanda amused herself by being a Flight Attendant, many moons ago, that experience only confirmed many of the lessons her mother had taught her about people, both mortals, and mutants, their habits, their ways, their quirks. It would take more than Maxine's surly demeanor to make Amanda move out of HER "space". >>

Maxine: "Oh for fuck's sake..."

:: Daniel gestured for Maxine to calm down as he eyed Amanda up and down. His only memories of her where really during their prebuscent times. It was a bit jarring to see her as a fulll fledged adult. But right now, The Red King was focused on what she had just said about Simon. ::

"Let's rewind a bit. You have information to help us FIND him? Meaning something happened to him?"

Maxine: "Goddammit! I KNEW he was too green for this! DAMNIT!"

<< Amanda's eyes followed Domino for a moment as she erupted. >>

"Don't mind her, she's always like this. Look, we don't know WHERE Talisman is, it's part of our mission here. But we DO know that she is definitely setting up shop in Madripoor. I ran into Camille Rowe tonight, who, i'm not sure if you know, I KILLED very recently. She was working for Talisman...look, I'm willing to share intel, but not until I know where my Red Bishop (Simon) is..."

<< Amanda stood fully upright from the wall. She had learned from her mother how to read people, to know when they were bluffing or being disingenuous, or when they were trying to intimidate her. >>

Look, I'm not afraid of you, Either of you, & if you want to try and play "chess" with me, I can leave just as easily as I came. But your red bishop IS in trouble, and as his Red King, his demise will weaken your position in the Hellfire Club. You have far more to lose than I ever did.

<< They stared each other down for what seemed like an eternity and it seemed that they silently reached a silent "understanding.">>

I came here to alert you about Simon because I'd hate to see ANOTHER innocent person aligned with you get chopped in the crossfire.

<< They both would know what she was referencing>>

Simon is a veritable babe in the woods, and he's about to be devoured. One courtesy most certainly deserves another.

<< She trusted that Daniel would stop trying to play a game with her and realize that time was of the essence.>>

<< She moved to the center of the suite.>>

Earlier, in Lowtown, I witnessed Simon talking to this woman.

<< Gesturing with her hands, she "draws" a mystic symbol that spins and glows before shimmering into a vertically oriented "window" allowing Domino and Discord to SEE what/who/where she was speaking of. >>

Knowing full well Simon was out of his element, I watched him.

Simon engaged her, and then, the woman incited a bar brawl...

<< they see the events play out, including when Amanda evades a woman who charged at her, and then slams/face plants into the wall, knocking herself out. Even now, Amanda smirks and laughs at that moment once again.>>

...and drugged Simon, kidnapping him.

<< Images shift in the mystic "window">>

I followed them.

He is being held at a place called The Arena.

<< The see what Amanda saw as Simon was lead down to the basement levels, the pre-party.>>

Simon has been depowered, and is being held, against his will, in this place. In order to survive, he must fight other mutants for the amusement of the ultra-wealthy and twisted. This place is a hub for trafficking and exploiting mutants. Those who don't cooperate, or who try to escape, are murdered and disposed of.

<< They see and here Jun speaking to Simon>>

"All of it was up for grabs. My employer, Tullamore Voge - a curious creature from another timeline saw the potential. And while there are many arenas across the world, the Madripoor Arena is where all the magic happens. It's where the best of the best fight...where you will soon fight."

< She turned to face Simon as he resisted against his collar. She cupped his face in her right hand, maintaining eye contact with him. >

"Your collar will remain active until you face your first opponent. So you have a few options. You can try to escape now, and be killed. You can participate in your scheduled fight...and be killed. OR...you can WIN. And gain the adoration of the tens of thousands of people in this room. Who knows...perhaps you could be our next champion?"

< Jun began to walk away from him, knowing he would not try to flee. If he did, she'd knock him out and watch him died. If he played ball, he might just make her millions. >

"I'm going to leave you alone for a little bit. Let you get your barings. Remember, every person you meet here could be a potential bet in your favor. Don't forget that and don't let it go to your head. No matter how lucky you might be."

< She smirked as she began to make her way towards the stairwell and up to Voge's level. >

"You have about an hour and a half before the event. I'd use that time wisely."

<< the mystic viewing portal fades away with a shimmer>>

The clock is ticking, and You'll never make it there in time, nor will you get past their anti-personnel defenses, but I can help you save time and effort - teleport you there, bypass their anti-personnel devices, and keep you cloaked from that slaver creature, Tullamore Voge, with my spells.

<< referring to the mystic marker she cast on the restricted access elevator that would lead them to the sub basement levels.>>

<< She looks at both of them. They didn't have to trust her, she certainly didn't have to trust them EITHER, but the primary issue was Simon, AND she hoped that they, as mutants, would understand the need to bust up this trafficking/exploitation operation>>

I want to help rescue Simon, and liberate those other helpless victims. BUT i also want to know where Talisman is. << she said with coldness in her tone>> She has deeply disrespected the Szardos Clan, and that act will NOT go unanswered.

Mother SAID that no matter HOW long the Interloper hid in the shadows, the roads would twist BEYOND her means to control, and bring her BACK before us. It seems that time may now be at hand!

<< And just like that, this trip became something more than another jet setting adventure for Amanda Sefton. This was no longer about fun and pursuits of pleasure, and while rescuing Simon Pratt, and liberating those trafficked mutants was top priority, there was a DEEPLY personal score Amanda had to settle, in the name of Margali Szardos, and the Szardos clan.>>

The Interloper WILL pay

 

[Domino]

Madripoor - Hightown

Amanda: "I had nothing to do with Bretta and Alistair's deaths, and you damn well know it, Daniel. The Szardos clan has been connected to the Hellfire Club's London Branch longer than ANY of us have been alive. I would not sully my mother's name, which is still uttered in the halls of London's Hellfire Mansion to this day."

Maxine knew of the Szardos clan as did most of those who grew up in Hellfire. Margali was a very powerful sorceress, and while her reign was short, it was one of the more colorful incarnations of Inner Circles - a time when the London branch decided to dabble in magick rather than biotech. And while Maxine had a conflicted relationship with Hellfire, she still felt protective. The halls in which they uttered Margali's name were halls that belonged to HER, in theory as well as the deed to the mansion that had been owned by her family since the incarnation of the branch many moons ago. Her wild eyes shifted from the haunting crimson red back to their sapphire blue. For now, she was calm, and it didn't hurt that Amanda Sefton was also devestatingly beautiful.

"We know you didn't do it, Amanda. It was Talisman and Enchantrah, in a desperate attempt to make room for themselves should they need it."

Amanda: "Bretta and I were kindred spirits. Our mystical backgrounds made it easier for us to bond, and I not only taught her how to better harness and focus her raw magickal energy, I PROTECTED her fro more than one danger/foe."

"Okay, maybe we should kill her."

It was alarming to hear anyone speak so positively about Bretta O'Malley. Powerful as she was, the girl was petulant, unfocused and severely out of her league. As was Alistair. They were given the throne because they were a non factor. A consolation prize for their part in the rebellion, which was minimal at best.

"Well, in the end Helena and Kelly made short work of her, warping Bretta into such a state that she not only murdered Alistair, but killed herself. Because she was CONVINCED that you and Alistair were engaged in some sort of illicit affair and were poised to take her out. Even left a goddamn note about it."

Amanda mentioned that she had information that could help them help SIMON, to which Maxine grunted wildly.

"Goddammit! I KNEW he was too green for this. DAMMIT!"

Daniel: "Don't mind her, she's always like this. Look, we don't know WHERE Talisman is, it's part of our mission here. But we DO know that she is definitely setting up shop in Madripoor. I ran into Camille Rowe, tonight, who, i'm not sure if you know, I KILLED very recently. She was working for Talisman...look, I'm willing to share intel, but not until I know where my Red Bishop is.."

Amanda: "Look, I'm not afraid of you, either of you, and if you want to try and play "chess" with me, I can leave just as easily as I came. But your red bishop IS in trouble, and as his Red King, his demise will weaken your position in the Hellfire Club. You have far more to lose than I ever did."

This woman clearly didn't know or care about Maxine's legacy. She didn't play CHESS, the toppled the board, shredded it to pieces with her teeth and then PISSED on it. She had murdered the entirety of the Supreme Council. She had murdered her father, she had destroyed Rebecca Everhart, and she was the ONLY reason London still had a club to PARTICIPATE in. But she was worried about Simon. So for once, she kept her mouth shut, despite how much she wanted to RAGE.

"I came here to alert you about Simon because I'd hate to see ANOTHER innocent person aligned with you get chopped in the crossfire."

"Innocent is a very relative concept, Sefton. Especially in Hellfire."

Amanda: "Simon is a veritable babe in the woods, and he's about to be devoured. One courtesy most certainly deserves another."

"He's green but he's strong, Amanda. I wouldn't count him out so quickly. But please, go on."

The blonde beauty moved towards the center of the dining hall area as Maxine's eyes followed her cautiously, half intrigued and half exasperated in knowing that her night was just about to begin. Such a sour note after she'd had such a lovely dinner. But such was life.

Amanda: "Earlier, in Lowtown, I witness Simon talking to this woman. Knowing full well Simon was out of his element, I watched him."

The sorceress held up her hand as a mystic symbol spinned and began to glow before giving them a glimpse of the event. Maxine's eyes widened in disbelief.

"That is Amanda Soto! The Black Knight of Hellfire America. Or at least it was. She was assumed dead in the battle at Hellfire. Murdered by Steel and The Birds of Prey. Talisman's entire court was murdered. I'd say it wasn't possible, but knowing Talisman, she could have brought Amanda back from the dead...."

Daniel: "It can't be her...I would be able to sense her. Cobra had some seriously disturbing emotions. Very dark and twisted energy. This...has to be some kind of coincidence."

Amanda: "Simon engaged her, and then, the woman incited a bar brawl."

Amanda replayed events for them, being sure to highlight her own part in things. Maxine was a bit sad. She LOVED a good bar brawl, which reminded her that when this was all over to give Sharon Kelly a call. It was comforting to know that the sorceress wasn't just a pretty face, that she could defend herself. That was important.

Amanda: "...and drugged Simon, kidnapping him. I followed them. He is being held at a place called The Arena."

Maxine's heart fell into her stomach.

"Jesus Christ...this is bad. The Arena is mutant slavery. It's so depraved that not even Archer Fairchild will mess with it, despite how much money it can make you."

Daniel: "This woman...this doppleganger, what does she want with him?"

Amanda: "Simon has been depowered, and is being held, against his will, in this place. In order to survive, he must fight other mutants for the amusement of the ultra-wealthy and twisted. This place is a hub for trafficking and exploiting mutants. Those who don't cooperate, or who try to escape, are murdered and disposed of."

"...and with his kind of power, whoever "owns" him stands to make a pretty penny."

Simon may not have been as battle worn as the rest of them, but he had used his power to jumpstart Maxine's own heart when she was attacked by Kelly's blackjackets a few days ago and thrown off the pier. He was a world class swordsman and archer, and he had fought against The Purifiers, toe to toe with the likes of The Six and survived. He would be a valuable asset for any one of those filthy slavers.

Amanda's viewing portal faded away with a shimmer.

Amanda: "The clock is ticking, and you'll never make it there in time, nor will you get past their anti-personnel defenses, but I can help you save time and effort - teleport you there, bypass their anti-personnel devices, and keep you cloaked from that slaver creature, Tullamore Voge, with my spells. I want to rescue Simon, and liberate those other helpless victims. BUT I also want to know where Talisman is. She has deeply disrespected the Szardos Clan, and that act will NOT go unanswered."

Maxine was quiet for a moment.

"I was CREATED to be a weapon, Amanda. Forged from physical, sexual and mental ABUSE...TORTURE and MANIPULATION to be a SLAVE to Hellfire. I paid for my freedom in BLOOD..painted the WALLS of that mansion with it. But I am not unique. Talisman has someone who means a great deal to me. A sister. Jessica Marcus....another daughter they created to USE for their own purposes..."

She thought for a moment about the conversation she and Daniel had just had before Amanda arrived. About the need for her to BE different. How it could be the thing that would bring her to Talisman and the revenge she so DESPERATELY wanted. Amanda wanted to help, she was someone that nobody looking at any "board" was necessarily thinking of. She could be of GREAT use. And she seemed to hate Kelly Shaw as much as Maxine did.

"I don't know where Talisman is. She is as slippery as the shadows she moves through. But I will not refuse ANYONE who wishes to help give that BITCH exactly what she deserves. And I CANNOT leave here without making sure that this "arena" is destroyed. I no longer belong to Hellfire...I belong to the women like me. To the PEOPLE like me. The ones who are not yet strong enough to free themselves."

Maxine extended a hand.

"You want to join us after this? I welcome you with OPEN arms...but remember THIS...Talisman's soul...is MINE to claim."

Daniel: "All VERY inspiring, Max. What do you say, Amanda? Would you like to join us marauders? I promise the name isn't pulled from our arses, we actually have a very fancy ship."

 

[Magik]

Madripoor - Hightown

"Well, in the end Helena and Kelly made short work of her, warping Bretta into such a state that she not only murdered Alistair, but killed herself. Because she was CONVINCED that you and Alistair were engaged in some sort of illicit affair and were poised to take her out. Even left a goddamn note about it."

<< and there it was. The INTERLOPER had played a role in Bretta's downfall and ultimate demise. THIS made the blood vendetta between Talisman and the Szardos family even MORE serious. Margali and now Amanda herself had right to PUNISH and HUMILIATE Kelly Shaw, and rest assured, she WOULD answer for transgressions.>>

<< as the initial tensions between Amanda, Maxine and Daniel eased, the sorceress revealed the events from earlier in the evening, as well as Daniel's whereabouts and status>>

<< Maxine and Daniel's reaction was definitely charged. They obviously cared about him. That was a depth of emotion she did not expect from EITHER of these two.>>

"That is Amanda Soto! The Black Knight of Hellfire America. Or at least it was. She was assumed dead in the battle at Hellfire. Murdered by Steel and The Birds of Prey. Talisman's entire court was murdered. I'd say it wasn't possible, but knowing Talisman, she could have brought Amanda back from the dead...."

<< So, the whispers that Amanda and her mother had been hearing in the "old world" about a major event, and a tremendous upheaval at the American Branch of the Hellfire Club had more than a ring of truth to them, as Domino now confirmed. Amanda's eyebrow lifted ever so slightly as she noted this, and other key tid bits that Maxine and Daniel revealed.>>

<< Maxine bristled at the implication [ no matter how subtle it may have been] that she was ill prepared for whatever terror the Arena held. Amanda looked upon the woman, and smirked. Maxine was very polished in her look, she was self assured, and her mana was STRONG, for her to NOT be a magick user! Impressive indeed.>>

Maxine was quiet for a moment.

"I was CREATED to be a weapon, Amanda. Forged from physical, sexual and mental ABUSE...TORTURE and MANIPULATION to be a SLAVE to Hellfire. I paid for my freedom in BLOOD..painted the WALLS of that mansion with it. But I am not unique. Talisman has someone who means a great deal to me. A sister. Jessica Marcus....another daughter they created to USE for their own purposes..."

She thought for a moment about the conversation she and Daniel had just had before Amanda arrived. About the need for her to BE different. How it could be the thing that would bring her to Talisman and the revenge she so DESPERATELY wanted. Amanda wanted to help, she was someone that nobody looking at any "board" was necessarily thinking of. She could be of GREAT use. And she seemed to hate Kelly Shaw as much as Maxine did.

"I don't know where Talisman is. She is as slippery as the shadows she moves through. But I will not refuse ANYONE who wishes to help give that BITCH exactly what she deserves. And I CANNOT leave here without making sure that this "arena" is destroyed. I no longer belong to Hellfire...I belong to the women like me. To the PEOPLE like me. The ones who are not yet strong enough to free themselves."

Maxine extended a hand.

"You want to join us after this? I welcome you with OPEN arms...but remember THIS...Talisman's soul...is MINE to claim."

You can have her soul, AFTER she has been punished and HUMILIATED for her transgression against the Szardos family, and I plan to take my pound of flesh from her for Bretta.

<< she looked upon Daniel and Maxine, as they stared at her with a mix of astonishment and contempt for her mentioning Bretta. She held her hand up and shook her head.>>

Whatever your issues you had with Bretta are your own, but she was MY friend. And before any of you knew her, My mother took care of her when she was orphaned and outcast.

<< The powerful witch queen, Margali Szardos, had actually become the source of several fairy tales in the "Old World", stories about her rescuing mutant children who had obvious/physical mutations, marking them for abuse, or death at the hands of those around them who hated/feared what they didn't understand, while Margali had taught Amanda to see the BEAUTY in those who were visibly different, to CELEBRATE it.>>

To know that Kelly Shaw had a hand in her down fall? That hast just made this BLOOD VENDETTA between her and my family THAT much MORE...

<< her face enshrouded in shadow as she bowed her head just a bit, and her blonde hair flows, despite there being no breeze or wind>>

PERSONAL!

Whatever fate awaits the INTERLOPER'S soul...she will not meet it until she...

<< her voice changes...there's an odd, haunting resonance to it now>>

SEES ME FIRST.

<< They were right, Amanda had not been seen at Hellfire Mansion for a time, after Bretta and Alistair's deaths, her exact reasons for absence were never clear, and they would not be revealed tonight either. But what was clear was that she would NEVER be in the same room with Kelly Shaw without there being VIOLENCE and most likely BLOODSHED.>>

Daniel: "All VERY inspiring, Max. What do you say, Amanda? Would you like to join us marauders? I promise the name isn't pulled from our arses, we actually have a very fancy ship."

<< And just like that...her visage returned to its normal state, as she looked up at them again, and so did her voice, as she extends her hand, taking Maxine's hand into her grasp, & she smirked at the pair>>

Count me in.

<< She says as she releases Maxine's hand, and tosses her blond hair back>>

Simon must be rescued, and those poor unfortunate souls at the Arena must be liberated.

And then...The Interloper...

<< Amanda thought to herself, as she agreed to join Domino and Discord.>>

 

[Brenthon]

Madripoor - The Arena

Simon: "Sure why not. I've never been good at avoiding spoilers. Hit me!"

<< He appreciated the man's bravado. It would serve him well. From within his coat pocket, he produced his deck of cards. They were old hungarian playing cards, but they were newer than he was. If that made sense. The cards he learned as a boy no longer existed, so he was forced to put his mana in cards that were barely one hundred years old. Though he hated feeling that yet another part of his people's history was deleted, if he called himself The Gypsy King, he had to be able to adapt. And Beto knew about himself that both in his waking and sleeping lives, he was a survivor. He began to shuffle, as he carelessly let his incredibly guarded mind begin to wonder. >>

"A megtestesültek vezetnek engem."

<< It was a saying he was not entirely sure as to the reason he said it as often as he did. But it gave him center. Allowed his mind to relax and open, despite how much was still locked away from him, as for just a second the jagged and crystalline eldritch tattoo that appeared as the centerpiece of what appeared to be a chest tattoo that adorned him. Before he came back, he did not remember having markings like this all over his body, but they felt important. Especially the crystalline piece in the center of his chest that felt like the most powerful part of him. He could sense it was a soul, but it was not his. But he had every reason to believe it was the reason he was alive and breathing yet again, so he treated it with reverence and respect, and it in turn did the same. >>

<< Beto felt the energy of the crystal flow through him as he handed the cards to Simon. There was something about this boy he felt connected to, and he had to figure out why. Beto was reminded of himself in a way, when he was a young boy. The uncertainty and the pressure of having gifts. It had colored a lot of what he remembered about his original life. >>

<< Divination was not a skill that was valued in boys when he was growing up. Men were not supposed to work in the esoteric. They were supposed to raise horses. Crops. They were supposed to provide. But from a young age, Beto had been an outsider. They called him sensitive. Incompetent. They had never hesitated to give him hell for who he was. For many years, he hid his gifts because it made him safer. He tended fields, he worked whatever job would hire him, but holding in was the thing that ended up destroying his life. He remembered the night he killed his mother very well. It was a small fight. Something very insiginificant. Something he could have solved with words. But he solved it with his power. He absorbed her mind. Her essence. Her very soul. He was cast out. A gypsy with no kumpani, which was everything his people were not. For years, the memories of his mother haunted him. Until he met the witch of the woods, Almora. She took him in. Helped him. And from that moment on, he refused to hide his gifts, or what he was capable of. >>

<< Beto shuffled the deck like a professional, feeling the energy of his magick pulse through his hands as he did so. The cigany kartya (hungarian gypsy tarot) was what kept him fed, as he traveled the countryside, and it was something he took seriously. Much of magick felt like it was in another plane of existence. Gypsy magick was rooted in the real world. They drew their energies from the physical plane and The Shadowed Path, the realm they had created to perserve and protect their way of life. And while it was all but empty in the modern times Beto found himself in, it was still his home. All of their secrets were there, if one knew how to look. Traditionally, he would have drawn twenty one cards and placed them in ornate order on the pub table in front of them, but time was not on their side. He instead presented his holy deck to Simon and asked him to draw three cards which would represent the past, present and future. >>

Simon: "So what does it look like, bro? Am I living my last moments?"

<< He smirked. >>

"Continue to refer me to as bro, and you will be."

<< His thick hungarian accent lilted in the air as he turned over the first card, representing Simon's past. >>

"Home. You have lived a very charmed life, lucky boy, but it came at a cost you were not aware of."

Simon: "Sounds about right."

<< In his mind, Beto saw many things. He saw the fair haired boy and a silver rattle. So many beautiful things. A life in which Beto had never known. Opportunity. Privilege. Purpose. But there was a darkness that pervaded through everything. Beto let the energy flow through him as he spoke. >>

"Your mother. She is wounded. Cut so deep she will never heal. She found someone who could make her hard as a diamond. There was a child before you. One who did not get to live. Killed in a crime of passion..."

<< These were difficult things to hear, but Beto was not well versed in mincing words. When it came to the cards, he had to be clear. >>

"She gave her soul to find her way to you. To give you the life you have. She made you safe, but she lost a great deal of herself to do so. She bathed in the fires of hell, and she made a home there. One you are only now on your way to finding."

<< Beto turned over the second card. >>

"Conflict."

<< As his second sight became clearer, he found himself intrigued by Simon. He was a heavenly looking package. Almost cherubic. And his power, it had protected him from so much. But it would not be like this forever. >>

"It means what it says. Conflict. You, as I have said, are a lucky, lucky boy. But luck does not come thin air. It is pulled from the many strings that make up our world. For every victory you experience, another lives through tragedy."

Simon: "What...what do you mean?"

"It is in many religions. Many paths of life have something to say about it. In harm none, do what ye will. Do unto others...and so on and so forth. You are now in a place in your life, where you understand the power within. How to use it, how to bend luck to your will. You must keep your intentions pure, or this luck will turn on you. Perhaps not physically, but the cosmos will balance what is left tilted."

Simon: "...wait? come again?"

<< Beto grunted. It was clear this young boy would have to learn his lessons on his own, but it would be hard. He could sense Simon's power and it was...quite intoxicating. It was always...."on" all around him. Simon would need to learn balance. To control his aura. His power. Beto turned the last card and smiled as he spoke. >>

"Death."

<< He loved to watch other's reaction to this card because it told him a lot about them. To see death in one's future was not something people dealt with easily, despite the card not always meaning physical death. He was impressed to see that Simon remained strong in his resolve. >>

"Your silence tells me you know this already. It is not death in a physical sense. It is the death of who you were, but it is very, very neccessary. There was a loss of innocence. You can no longer wear the rose colored glasses you were born with. You see the beast for what it is. And that gives you no other option but change. However....this card is hopeful. Because to see it is to know that these things you've plagued yourself with caring about are worth it. You are changing..."

<< At that moment, a cacophony of bells and trumpets went off as the pulsating music in the arena came to a close. It was time to start the night. Beto took a sip of his drink, welcoming the warmth it added to his breath as his deep brown eyes pierced through the fair skinned boy in front of him. >>

"Perhaps tonight you shall become a man, Simon..."

<< He made a gesture of cheers as he downed his drink, wiped his mouth on his furry, tattooed forearm and rose from his barstool. >>

"You intrigue me, Lucky. So allow me to afford you some kindness if only for my perverse curiosity. I will help you, tonight. And in return, you will show me what you are made of. I'm told in instances such as this, it would be customary for us to shake hands. So..."

<< Beto extended his hand. >>

"Welcome to The Arena, Lucky. Let us see where the night takes us."

 

[Seer]

The Night Gets Darker...

<< The evening in Madripoor had been full of painful revelations and grudges further deepened. As Maxine Dupont reconnected with her old flame, Monica Goldsmith, she learned that "Meridian Industries" was definitely still alive and well, and what's worse? They were beginning to scoop up the poor and lost children of Lowtown for experimentation. And though who exactly was running the ship of Meridian, Domino had her suspicions that all roads led to one woman - Dr. Kelly Shaw. >>

<< These suspicions were further confirmed as Daniel Reed headed to a posh fundraising gala in Hightown, where he was immediately accosted by Camille Rowe, the former White Queen of Hellfire London who was presumed dead by the outside world. She was masquerading as Skylar Stevens, an up and coming crimelord looking for connections. Things quickly turned sour between the two as Daniel brought up their past and Camille made it clear, she was working for Talisman. This mystery biotech weapon that had been sold in Madripoor had the former black queen's signature written all over it. >>

<< While Domino and Discord shared their intel and waited eagerly for the arrival of Simon Pratt from Lowtown, it would soon become clear that he had gotten in over his head, which was to be expected from the young man unfortunately. >>

<< Though Madripoor is a lawless and dangerous place, it is one of incredible wealth and intrigue that is enjoyed by all types of different people. From the incredibly wealthy to the curious and brave. >>

<< One such visitor happened to be at the exact right place at the exact right time. Her name was Amanda Sefton of The Winding Way, daughter of Margali Szardos, former Red Queen of Hellfire London. The Szardos' clan was known far and wide for it's prowess as well as their unspoken covenant with those in need of help. Amanda herself had just recently dipped her toes into Hellfire, and managed to leave before Kelly Shaw and Helena Quartermaine left her court toppled in the wake of the Battle of Hellfire in America. Aware of Simon by family name, she instinctively knew how out of place he was in a bar like The Princess. Using her abilities as a sorceress, she cloaked herself as Simon found himself prey to Bombshell, the devilishly beautiful and charming Jun Zhao. A former resident of Lowtown herself, Jun had shifted from selling one form of flesh for another in order to keep herself safe. Employed by the otherworldly Tullamore Voge, Jun sought out mutants to fight in The Arena - a mutant combat ring where winners were rewarded with riches, and losers were killed. And that's to say nothing of the people who spent their time betting on them like prized horses. >>

<< After Jun forced a bar brawl, she managed to escape the bar with Simon in tow, all the while being tracked by Amanda as they went. When it became clear that Simon was about to be inducted into the machinations of The Arena, she cast her focus out, locating Maxine and Daniel, promising to help them as long as they helped her find Talisman - who had apparently left the Szardos clan in the same way she left everyone - burned. Thus these Marauders hatched a plan to break into The Arena and get Simon OUT. But would they be too late? >>

<< And so We WATCH. >>

 

[Longshot]

Madripoor - The Arena

"Low down piece of shit thinks he knows me, thinks he's got me all figured out. Fuck this guy. This fucking sucks and I want to go HOME."

Simon muttered over and over again in his mind, as well as many other expletives as he shook Beto's hand. He knew that going to Lowtown would be dangerous, but there was a large part of him that was just...angry. Mostly at himself. He wasn't battle worn like the others, but he wasn't an idiot either. The reason he had joined league with The Six and the reason he was joining Hellfire was because he wanted to help. He couldn't be a super with everything he had been given and not do something to help those who had it worse than him. He was sick of feeling like a fuckup, he was sick of needing rescue, and he was a little bit terrified that the others would not find him in time and he would in fact, have to fight for his life and possibly end up dying in Madripoor having accomplished exactly nothing in his life.

Beto: "Welcome to The Arena, Lucky. Let us see where the night takes us."

"Let's get on with it then."

The fan faire of trumpets and cheers could be heard as everyone seemed to be following an unspoken code, settling into their seats in different areas throughout The Arena. It felt like being at a professional football game, with the highest bidders seeming to move towards their seats. Simon looked up in the sky boxes as he could see the large and apaprent employer of Jun gesture his hands as he quieted the area, Jun slinking behind him, her eyes smuldering. She deserved a special place in hell, but he couldn't let himself be a hypocrite. He had joined Hellfire knowing what they were a part of. Knowing the things they had done. He couldn't blame her, and at least she was honest after the initial capture. He could tell in their interactions that she wasn't doing this out of joy. She was doing this out of survival. She was just as much a victim as everyone here. But still, in this moment, she was a bitch.

Announcer: "Ladies, Gentlemen and EVERYONE in between. Tonight's festivities are about to begin, but FIRST! Keeper of The Arena, Mister Tullamore Voge would like to say a few words!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as the giant blue man took center stage in his sky box. Simon had seen a lot of different shit in his life. He had fought next to people who could bend steel with their hands, could influence other's minds with a thought. He'd even had a bunch of sex with a literal goddess. But nothing compared to how this "man" looked. He was like something out of Star Wars, and as Simon took his seat in the "dugout" areas, it became clearer to him how things would work. The blue man spoke, his voice broadcast throughout the arena in stereophonic sound.

Tullamore: "Now don' be makin' no kind of fuss bout someone like me, right?! We are here for our GLADIATORS!"

More cheers erupted.

Tullamore: "Ooh, I love me the energy of this here place, that is certain!! Tonight! We have so many competitors tonight...so many gold COINS up for the grabs! Our brackets are ready, they are! But the question is?! ARE YOU!?"

Beto: "Pay attention across the way. That's our competition. All of our brackets have been predetermined, except yours. You will be participating in the dimachaeri - a sword fight with whoever paid the most money's newest addition."

Maybe he was a lot luckier than he thought. Nobody could beat Simon with a sword.

Beto: "This is a custom that is mostly shallow. Powers are still on the table, they just give you a sword. You really ARE lucky....Lucky."

Simon was beginning to never want to hear that word again for the rest of his life. The crowd began to die down once again. He listened for Tullamore's goblin like voice yet again.

Tullamore: "Tonight, my devilish friends! My comrades! We will see Madripoor defend our beloved, FILTHY home turf! We will see the CHAMPIONS of the world's arenas shed their blood, their sweat, oh my!!! So much FUN! So much...DEBAUCHERY! So much BLOOD! We loves it, don't we?!!!"

Crowd: "YEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"

Simon watched the bloodthirsty, drunk faces cheer and scream in revelry at the prospect tonight, and he felt himself get a wave of the PTSD he still often experienced from The Purifier Event. These people were screaming for blood. Those in New York were doing the same. Screaming for his own blood. People who had probably been reasonable at one point in their life. People who were fathers, mothers, pillars of their communities, all warped by religion and Hellfire to kill mutants for existing. He shuddered as he downed the rest of his drink in one fell swoop. Beto rose from the seat next to him.

Beto: "You are to stay here, boy. We still have awhile until either of our fights. I must go politick. I know my opponent tonight. He is strong, but also very stupid. I stand to make a pretty penny so I must show off for the people. I can sense your mana. If you need me, I will be there. But please, do not need me if you wish to consider yourself a man. I shall not be gone long. Enjoy the show...and WATCH."

"So much for BEING there for me."

Perhaps it was a test. Perhaps Beto wanted to 'see what he was made of' - a notion Simon was getting tired of hearing and proving. Despite that, he was intrigued. He needed to see what he was getting into. As the trumpets sounded yet again, Simon leaned in and watched as the battle was about to begin.

 

[Discord]

Madripoor - To The Arena!

Daniel was glad to see Amanda and Maxine come to an agreement, though the stakes of it were not something he particularly cared about. He did not share the same kind of bloodlust everyone else seemed to have for Talisman. His only mission was to produce results for his court as well as The Inner Circle and get back home to get to work on rebuilding Hellfire in a better, stronger light. He did, however, very much so want this arena destroyed. Too many had built their wealth off the backs of dead mutants, and Daniel would spare no flesh if it meant he could stop something like that. And he did find himself very concerned with the well being of Simon, which surprised him. They had not spent much time together, but over the last few days, Max and Simon were all he had. Simon may have been a novice, he may have been a smart ass, but he was Daniel's smart ass now. He would not leave his Red Bishop to the wolves his first mission out. His second maybe? But definitely not his first.

"Amanda, feel free to teleport us at once, however - we can't just rely on magick to protect us here. I have a feeling The Arena is a place with many magick users. We can create a circuit together, combine our powers so that my illusions work in tandem with your cloaking, to cover all our bases."

Domino: "Teamwork...how beautiful. Yes, Amanda let's not waste any more time."

In a flurry of Amanda's sky blue power signature, the group was teleported to the entry point that Amanda had left behind in the form of a mandala isignia, and they found themselves thankfully in an empty elevator as it shot down towards the great arena area. Daniel extended his hand.

"We can connect our power via my empathy. It will give us an extra level of protection."

Daniel Reed was an omega level empath and illusions as well as a nascent reality warper who had been trained by Helena Quartermaine himself - it was not the first time he had used his abilities in tandem with magick users for enhanced effects. And from what he knew of The Szardos clan, they were followers of The Winding Way, which meant their power flexed as well as waned. In any case, it was a boost if Amanda needed it.

Maxine: "When we get there we need to spread out. Figure out the lay of the land, who is in charge of operations or security. I'd like to get a closer look at Cobra. Simon is obviously our priority, but I want us to be on the lookout for Alek as well. This is exactly the kind of place that Helena would leave him...though really I can't see him not fighting his way out of here. Either way, I want a sweep of all those in "chains" just to be safe. Once we know where this place's weak points are we can plan an attack."

"If I can get in the middle of the crowd, i'll be able to figure out where the ties truly lie in a place like this. Amanda, it feels like you're best suited to actually get to Simon first, but even cloaked, teleporting might not be the best option, especially if he's surrounded. Let's try and get there are close as possible on foot as we can."

<< DING! >>

The elevator doors dinged open to the crazy and kinetic energy of The Arena, and Daniel was hit almost IMMEDIATELY by a barrage of confusing and complex emotions. Thankfully he had learned to process and channel that kind of power. It might have knocked a lesser empath on their arse.

"There's our cue - Amanda, if our "protection" is ready...let's get our boy back and take these bastards down."

Domino: "Are you forgetting this is my team?! I call the plays....but...well hell, I'm too tired to argue. Let's go."

 

[Magik]

Madripoor- From Hightown to the Arena

"Amanda, feel free to teleport us at once, however - we can't just rely on magick to protect us here. I have a feeling The Arena is a place with many magick users. We can create a circuit together, combine our powers so that my illusions work in tandem with your cloaking, to cover all our bases."

A sound move.

<< Amanda positioned herself midway between Discord and Domino, lifting her hands, and gesturing, igniting her magicks>>

"Teamwork...how beautiful. Yes, Amanda let's not waste any more time."

<< a glowing sky blue beam of enchantment sparkles into view, & swirls around all three of them, and circles them faster and faster, as they disappear from view>>

<< The Tao Mandala that Amanda had bound to the ceiling of the restricted access elevator earlier began to GLOW and spin clockwise, as the beam of glowing sky blue mysic energy sparkles into view. Amanda, Discord, and Domino are now inside the elevator, havi8ng bypassed layers of security, and much of the upper levels of the Arena. The elevator begins to zoom down to the sub basement levels. Amanda held her hand up as she immediately cast a cloaking spell over all three of them.>>

"We can connect our power via my empathy. It will give us an extra level of protection."

And My spells will keep us cloaked, but if there's any magick users present and they can somehow perceive you (unlikely as that would be) my spells will ALSO keep anyone from recognizing you.

<< this would bolster Discord's own illusion casting ability.>>

Maxine: "When we get there we need to spread out. Figure out the lay of the land, who is in charge of operations or security. I'd like to get a closer look at Cobra. Simon is obviously our priority, but I want us to be on the lookout for Alek as well. This is exactly the kind of place that Helena would leave him...though really I can't see him not fighting his way out of here. Either way, I want a sweep of all those in "chains" just to be safe. Once we know where this place's weak points are we can plan an attack."

"If I can get in the middle of the crowd, i'll be able to figure out where the ties truly lie in a place like this. Amanda, it feels like you're best suited to actually get to Simon first, but even cloaked, teleporting might not be the best option, especially if he's surrounded. Let's try and get there are close as possible on foot as we can."

I can maneuver easily through this crowd. I was down here earlier, & I traveled through the crowd in the form of a Will-o'-the-wisp orb. I blended in with all the lighting and pyrotechnic effects. My spells lead me to Simon at the Princess Bar earlier, I'll be able to locate him again.

With my shapeshifting spells, I'll be able to wear a disguise that will make me seem harmless when I finally reach him.

<< DING! >>

The elevator doors dinged open to the crazy and kinetic energy of The Arena, and Daniel was hit almost IMMEDIATELY by a barrage of confusing and complex emotions. Thankfully he had learned to process and channel that kind of power. It might have knocked a lesser empath on their arse.

"There's our cue - Amanda, if our "protection" is ready...let's get our boy back and take these bastards down."

Domino: "Are you forgetting this is my team?! I call the plays....but...well hell, I'm too tired to argue. Let's go."

<< Amanda smirked as she looked down at the slightly shorter woman. She was intrigued AND amused by Domino>>

Soooo uhhh-GRRRessive!

<<ZAP!>>

<< The beam of glowing sky blue magick that had been circling around them at fast speeds while they were zooming down to the Arena sub basement levels emitted one last FLASH as Amanda ignites her cloaking and disguising spells, in tandem with Discord's illusion and empathy. They were now suitably cloaked from ALL forms of physical, mental and technological detection, and even if there were magick users that were HIGH END enough to detect them, they STILL wouldnt actually RECOGNIZE them due to Amanda's disguising spell.>>

You two go out first. I'm going to save time by traveling ABOVE everyone's heads in the Will-o'-the-wisp ORB form. Once I get near Simon, I'll assume another disguised form to subtlety make my way to him. Discord's empathy will allow him to sense that I've located Simon, and he can use his empathy to bring you two to me via my power signature.

<< She looks at Domino once more, and smirks with amusement.>>

Is that alright with you, MOMMY?

<< The woman took herself so SERIOUSLY, she needed to lighten up, and if anyone could help her do it, it was certain Amanda.>>

<< A few moments later, as Discord and Domino emerged from the restricted access elevator. a small mysical orb flies out of the elevator, and is now above everyone in the arena.>>

Simon, oh SIII-MONNNNN, come out , come out wherever you areeeee!

<< Amanda thought as she traveled above head, searching around>>

<< FLASH!>>

Beto: "Welcome to The Arena, Lucky. Let us see where the night takes us."

"Let's get on with it then."

The fan faire of trumpets and cheers could be heard as everyone seemed to be following an unspoken code, settling into their seats in different areas throughout The Arena. It felt like being at a professional football game, with the highest bidders seeming to move towards their seats. Simon looked up in the sky boxes as he could see the large and apaprent employer of Jun gesture his hands as he quieted the area, Jun slinking behind him, her eyes smuldering. She deserved a special place in hell, but he couldn't let himself be a hypocrite. He had joined Hellfire knowing what they were a part of. Knowing the things they had done. He couldn't blame her, and at least she was honest after the initial capture. He could tell in their interactions that she wasn't doing this out of joy. She was doing this out of survival. She was just as much a victim as everyone here. But still, in this moment, she was a bitch.

Announcer: "Ladies, Gentlemen and EVERYONE in between. Tonight's festivities are about to begin, but FIRST! Keeper of The Arena, Mister Tullamore Voge would like to say a few words!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as the giant blue man took center stage in his sky box. Simon had seen a lot of different shit in his life. He had fought next to people who could bend steel with their hands, could influence other's minds with a thought. He'd even had a bunch of sex with a literal goddess. But nothing compared to how this "man" looked. He was like something out of Star Wars, and as Simon took his seat in the "dugout" areas, it became clearer to him how things would work. The blue man spoke, his voice broadcast throughout the arena in stereophonic sound.

Tullamore: "Now don' be makin' no kind of fuss bout someone like me, right?! We are here for our GLADIATORS!"

More cheers erupted.

Tullamore: "Ooh, I love me the energy of this here place, that is certain!! Tonight! We have so many competitors tonight...so many gold COINS up for the grabs! Our brackets are ready, they are! But the question is?! ARE YOU!?"

Beto: "Pay attention across the way. That's our competition. All of our brackets have been predetermined, except yours. You will be participating in the dimachaeri - a sword fight with whoever paid the most money's newest addition."

Maybe he was a lot luckier than he thought. Nobody could beat Simon with a sword.

Beto: "This is a custom that is mostly shallow. Powers are still on the table, they just give you a sword. You really ARE lucky....Lucky."

Simon was beginning to never want to hear that word again for the rest of his life. The crowd began to die down once again. He listened for Tullamore's goblin like voice yet again.

Tullamore: "Tonight, my devilish friends! My comrades! We will see Madripoor defend our beloved, FILTHY home turf! We will see the CHAMPIONS of the world's arenas shed their blood, their sweat, oh my!!! So much FUN! So much...DEBAUCHERY! So much BLOOD! We loves it, don't we?!!!"

Crowd: "YEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"

Aha! there you are!

<< Discord would sense Amanda's satisfaction, as she'd found Simon, sitting with a large, tall, HANDSOME, & mysterious man with darker features.>>

And in the company of a VERY visually appealing MAN!

<< Amanda "eyed" him like a bird of prey for a moment. before she descended down, and hovered behind a pillar, hidden away from the activity.>>

<<CHIME!>>

<<behind the pillar, Amanda augments herself with more of her spells.>>

Hear the words from the winding way
The screams we create at night.
The strongest of ancestors are invoked here, the great dark magic is sought.
I call upon the dark power, bring your power within me; make me stronger.

<< Amanda boosts and bolsters herself with her magicks, giving her the equivalent strength, speed, durability, FIGHTING ability, and powers of an AMAZON. THIS will allow her to be more than "combat ready" for the Arena, and to conceal her TRUE ability as a sorceress, until the time is right.>>

<< Amanda emerges from behind the pillar, in disguise, and makes her way through gathered spectators, and what appeared to be guards. No one noticing her, or even perceiving her, and even if they did, they didn't recognize her. She APPEARED to be another potential contestant. She's ALSO now armed with a SWORD, that she has enchanted, to make it UNBREAKABLE [and give her a few "ace in the holes" to use in combat that no one would be able to discern>>

Beto: "You are to stay here, boy. We still have awhile until either of our fights. I must go politick. I know my opponent tonight. He is strong, but also very stupid. I stand to make a pretty penny so I must show off for the people. I can sense your mana. If you need me, I will be there. But please, do not need me if you wish to consider yourself a man. I shall not be gone long. Enjoy the show...and WATCH."

<< As Beto made his way, Amanda arranged for them to bump into each other, allowing him to SEE her, inspite of being CLOAKED to anyone else around her.>>

Oh!

<< as they made contact, something that even SHE didn't expect happened. >>

<< the moment Beto and Amanda made physical contact, there space around them DARKENED, as if they were now the ONLY TWO present, and was a CHILLING effect felt by BOTH of them, and the temporal field immediately around the two of them seemed to SLOW, making their contact last far LONGER to them than it would to anyone who MIGHT have observed it. they "touched" on MORE than a physical level, due to the fact that they BOTH are, in fact, of ROMANI heritage. They were both caught up in the RIPTIDE of that moment between them, and unbeknownst to Amanda, Beto would be one of the FEW who could not only only SEE her, but also "SEE" her.>>

 

[Domino]

Madripoor - To The Arena

Maxine was a bit lost in thought as they were teleported into the elevator that would lead them to The Arena. She knew that while Jessica was in danger in the hands of Malice, she was also a bargainning chip. Kelly wouldn't lay a hand on Viper because Viper was of no use to Talisman dead. Whatever the twisted game she had gotten herself into with Kelly Shaw, it had an ending. There would be some kind of conclusion. Mostly her mind drifted to Ava and Alek. During her time in Hellfire America, she had gotten fairly close to Alek. She respected the way he operated. He was a knight in every sense of the word, just as Maxine had been. He had fallen in love with somebody who was a bit forbidden, as had Maxine many moons ago. More than anything, Maxine had made a promise to both Ava and Alek. That she would look out for them. That she would find Alek. And the only thing Maxine truly had left in this world was her word. The Arena was exactly the kind of punishment Helena would inflict on him - selling his agency. It consumed her so much that she was all but silent as Daniel and Amanda hatched a plan of action. Only moments before their arrival in The Arena did Maxine snap herself back into the present.

"Are you forgetting this is my team?! I call the plays...but...well hell, I'm too tired to argue. Let's go."

She was tired. And it wasn't something Domino was used to experiencing.

Amanda: "Soooo uhhh-GRRessive!"

"You have no idea, dear."

All at once Amanda and Daniel worked in tandem as their powers combined with wild effect. Daniel wasn't an unassuming man, in fact he was a peacocking asshole snob and had been for most of his life. And sometimes that let her forget just how actually powerful and precise he was. He probably could have cleared the entire Arena on his own, but he made a concerted effort to work with Amanda Sefton, and that signified to Maxine just how much he had grown from the little sprite she remembered from her childhood. Domino wasn't surprised to find that she hadn't changed all that much despite all the magick and power warping through the elevator. Maxine was the people's champ. She didn't need to change herself much to operate in really...ANY space.

Amanda: "You two go out first. I'm going to save time by traveling ABOVE everyone's heads in the Will-o'-the-wisp ORB form. Once I get near Simon, I'll assume another disguised form to subtely make my way to him. Discord's empathy will allow him to sense that I've located Simon, and he can use his empathy to bring you two to me via my power signature."

Maxine exhaled deeply. This was why she preferred to work alone. So many words, so many intricate plans. Domino's namesake wasn't just because she liked how it sounded. She went into the field violent, chaotic and precise. She found the right choke points and as soon as she ATTACKED, she watched the pieces around her fall in the exact order that she wanted. Still, she couldn't do this without her help, and she was honestly trying to be different these days.

Amanda: "Is that alright with you, MOMMY?"

"Enough talking fern gully. Let's get to WORK!"

She smirked as they each played their parts. Maxine entered The Arena and was taken back for a moment. It was disgusting. All these eyes so full of emotion and hysteria to watch these mutants fight each other. It was the same sadistic eyes her father used to look at her with, after he had stripped away all the things that made her human. He made her into a weapon, sold her to the highest bidder, without so much as a second thought as to what it had done to her. This place had to burn and it WOULD burn. TONIGHT.

Maxine began to make her way through the crowd with an analytical eye. It's security was surprisingly of the standard variety. Exits were covered, special VIP sections had been given a few aides to appear protected, but there was something about the security that made her blood run cold.

"These are blackjackets...all of this security...it's KELLY's men."

The Blackjackets had attacked her and nearly KILLED her in New York. In fact she wouldn't have been alive without the interference of Simon, which raised the stakes for her. As she calculated in her mind the many ways she could maneuver her way towards Voge himself and get out without a scratch played through her mind as she pushed herself further. The amount of money in this place stunk, and Maxine couldn't resist the opportunity to explore. There were many people in this very arena that could rise up from the ashes of Hellfire America as power players. It would be stupid to not absorb what she could from the scene. And then? Her eyes caught the sight of a very attractive statuesque older blonde whom she recognized instantly.

Domino moved through the crowd with a quicksilver like mode she was known for as she bridged the gap between this woman and herself, picking up a strange man's whiskey and taking a long drink, making a jovial accusatory look at the man who quickly rethought his instinct to fight her for his drink as she set the glass down on the table with a cheshire like cat smirk.

"Kristin Pratt, come to save your son or watch him die?"

 

[Brenthon]

<< Simon was settled for the moment. He would do his best to support the man, but ultimately? The Arena went one of two ways for people. They learned and lived, or they ignored and died. He had been one of the more intriguing recent additions to The Arena, but one thing Beto had learned in his time being "alive" again was not to get too attached to people. And he had money to make, which superceded any feelings he might have had about the boy. The Arena was an experience and it was one Beto knew well. Despite the surprising arrival of Simon Pratt into the mix, Beto had a job to do, and that was something he took very seriously. It was the only mantle he had left to claim, the only mantle he had that he truly remembered. >>

<< The Gypsy King stalked through the crowds, taking photos and kissing proverbial babies as he went, until he sensed an incredible power in the air. A power that was both haunting but intimately familiar. >>

<< the moment Beto and Amanda made physical contact, there space around them DARKENED, as if they were now the ONLY TWO present, and was a CHILLING effect felt by BOTH of them, and the temporal field immediately around the two of them seemed to SLOW, making their contact last far LONGER to them than it would to anyone who MIGHT have observed it. they "touched" on MORE than a physical level, due to the fact that they BOTH are, in fact, of ROMANI heritage. They were both caught up in the RIPTIDE of that moment between them, and unbeknownst to Amanda, Beto would be one of the FEW who could not only only SEE her, but also "SEE" her.>>

<< He felt every part of this woman as she caressed his skin accidentally, or on purpose. He was filled with memories of her past. Of her family. Of her kumpania. One of the most tragic moments of Beto's life was when he had been reborn to find most of his people destroyed or relegated to relics that tourists tipped American dollars to know their future. But she? She was like him and every bit of his need to politick went out the window at her arrival. >>

Amanda: "Oh!"

"Oh is right, my fair haired friend...."

<< He didn't know how but his soul told him who she was. >>

"Jimaine Szardos...a Romani?!..."

<< He was intimately familiar with dark magick, and his existence gave him foresight into who was left of people like him. Of entire cultures without homes. >>

"Though I can tell by your appearance, we are not of the same clan. My name is.."

"UGGGHHH!"

<< Beto's mind began to play tricks on him. Something about seeing this blonde woman of his people in front of him began to FIGHT against the memories in his psyche. He saw a brilliant sword in her hand, but in his mind, he saw the fiery soul sword of the woman who haunted his dreams. For the first time in his life, his old name became known to him. >>

"Just as you cling to Amanda, I cling to "Beto"...but seeing you has reminded me...I was once known as Brenthon. What are you doing here, maiden? Your magick wants me to believe you are an initiate of the arena, but I can....SMELL you. I have not had the luxury of meeting a Romani since my arrival back to my body, so TELL me, gadje...what are you trying to pull here?"

 

[Magik]

The Arena

"Oh is right, my fair haired friend...."

<< He didn't know how but his soul told him who she was. >>

<< they were BOTH caught up in a riptide of some sort, and in this "moment", they were the ONLY two who existed and perceived each other. It wasn't QUITE the "astral plane", but it was...somehere BETWEEN HIS shadowed path, and HER winding way. When he spoke, his voice traveled over and THROUGH her, and his very soul recognized HER beyond her spells, he even knew her BIRTH name!>>

"Jimaine Szardos...a Romani?!..."

<< As they remained in such close contact with one another, seemingly frozen [but not quite] in time, her sky blue eyes widened with disbelief>>

my name...he KNOWS my name....

<< Amanda Sefton was not easily startled OR one to be left speechless, but here in this strange, almost ENCHANTED moment??>>

<< He was intimately familiar with dark magick, and his existence gave him foresight into who was left of people like him. Of entire cultures without homes. >>

"Though I can tell by your appearance, we are not of the same clan. My name is.."

"UGGGHHH!"

<< Instinctively, Amanda, JIMAINE, reached out to hold and steady him...>>

BRENTHON!

<< She holds and steadies him, now they are even closer than they were seconds earlier.>>

I....AM Jimaine Szardos, DAUGHTER of Gypsy Mother, and WITCH QUEEN, Margali Szardos, we...follow the WINDING WAY.

<< She had to steady herself, mentally. What was happening between them was not at all what she could've expected. It could ONLY happen because he too was Romani, and possessed of GREAT POWER, but he seemed to be almost...DISCONNECTED from himself. She sensed that from him with her magicks. Something about HER triggered something in HIM too. >>

<< Beto's mind began to play tricks on him. Something about seeing this blonde woman of his people in front of him began to FIGHT against the memories in his psyche. He saw a brilliant sword in her hand, but in his mind, he saw the fiery soul sword of the woman who haunted his dreams. For the first time in his life, his old name became known to him. >>

"Just as you cling to Amanda, I cling to "Beto"...but seeing you has reminded me...I was once known as Brenthon. What are you doing here, maiden? Your magick wants me to believe you are an initiate of the arena, but I can....SMELL you. I have not had the luxury of meeting a Romani since my arrival back to my body, so TELL me, gadje...what are you trying to pull here?"

<< Her mother had ALWAYS taught her to be ready to encounter one of her own and NEVER turn her back on a fellow roma who was lost, or in need of any kind. As she speaks to, there is a sort of accent and haunting resonance to her voice that is not appearance under normal circumstances>>

Take from me, my dear Beto, any energy...any MANA you may need. I have plenty, as the daughter of Margali Szardos.

<<... and at the TOP most point of the Winding Way>>

<< He wanted to know why she was REALLY here. He saw through her disguise, but somehow, it did not alarm her. This meeting was MEANT to happen.>>

I am here...to help someone in need, to rescue a lost soul, who was kidnapped and trafficked here. His name is...

<< hesitating for a moment, she wondered if she should trust him, but her primal instincts told her she COULD.>>

... his name is Simon Pratt. Do you know him, Rom Baro? << a romani term for "big powerful leader">>

You are struggling, are YOU in need of rescuing as well?

<< She did not reveal that she was not here alone, but he clearly knew she was more than what SHE seemed.>>

<< Her blonde hair, and her magickal signature were setting off "bells" for Brenthon , reminding him of ANOTHER powerful sorceress, one that he was deeply bonded to many moons, and PLACES ago. What NEITHER of them knew yet, was just how significant that reminder really was. For Amanda, AND Margali had an ancestor in this timeline that connected them to THIS world's Sorceress Supreme, and she HERSELF was connect to....Brenthon's...beloved...

<< DARKCHILDE!>>

<< FLASH!>>

<< Images of the DARK TRINITY- Spellbinder/Darkchilde/Magik.- flash into view.>>

<< Darkchilde's human aspect seemed to FLICKER around Amanda Sefton, aka Jimaine Szardos, BRIEFLY super imposing Darkchilde's profile over Amanda's, but she was not aware of this.>>

<< Brenthon had BEEN in a situation like this BEFORE, in another time and space.>>

 

[Mockingbird]

Madripoor - The Arena

It had been quite some time since Kristin Pratt had been on the move like this. She was used to a meticulously planned schedule, but this was something else altogether. For the most part, the last few years at Hellfire had been relatively quiet, despite how full the courts had been. Diana had a plan and Kristin had followed it. And then, she was shattered to pieces by Cameron King and Delilah Trelaven, and her own husband was killed by Talisman's men. She had learned long ago how to compartmentalize her feelings and emotions, and one of the ways she did that was throwing herself into her work. But this was no charity function. There was no board to rule over with an iron fist. This was wet work, and while her hands may have been silky smooth, it was not the kind of work that Kristin was afraid of. In fact, it felt long overdue. Being in the field, it made her felt alive. Part of her agreement with Diana was that she was the unofficial “Spectre” of The White Court. When pieces were moved from the board, or in this case, when the board was blown up, she had a very specific course of action. She alone was responsible for Diana's financial and social interests. Her job was to ensure that any holdings Diana had remained in tact – with an emphasis on personal business she had not shared with the others, and those ties ran deep.

However, Talisman's attack on certain members of The Inner Circle caused Kristin's priorities to shift – it was not yet clear if Talisman wanted Hellfire for herself, or if she planned to destroy whatever she could of Diana's legacy before The White Queen had the opportunity to come back. And Diana always came back. So when she discovered that Maxine had survived an attack from Talisman's Blackjackets, thanks in large part to her own son, and had convinced him to join her on a mission to destroy The Former Black Queen, it had piqued her interest in more ways than one. She was furious with Simon. Kristin was able to command crowds of thousands with her social prowess and understanding of how the upper echelon of society worked, but she could never control her son. Simon had inherited a bleeding heart, from which parent she was not sure, but his association with The Six had caused him to question things in a way that threw a wrench in her own plans for him. She wanted to lead him to Hellfire gently, it was why she supported his many physical pursuits over the years. The fencing, the archery, his natural affinity for business. All of these were traits that would have made him a fantastic White Knight and sequential White Prince. But he had been so stubborn, so angry with her when he found out her associations. She couldn't blame him for that. When she found out what MysTech was truly up to, she had been sick. She had planned the party at Arklay that took down The Kelly Family. She had watched Sharon get brutalized. She had watched them take Kyle and kill Robert. It was a night of horror for herself. The night her first husband Alex had brutalized and raped her. Kristin did what she had to in order to survive. With what she had seen, they would have never let her live. And they would have continued to exist around her. As the daughter of a military commander and one of America's premiere “first families”, Kristin couldn't see much of a difference between the way things worked in her human world and the way things worked at Hellfire. She made a choice. And while most would never understand that choice, it kept her safe. It allowed her to live the life she did, allowed her to find actual and real love, to have a child that wasn't born from sexual and physical abuse. And she had done that with Diana. If anybody was attempting to erase her legacy or “take over”, Kristin was going to have a problem with that.

So that's why she chartered a jet from New York to Madripoor, especially after the intel she had received about her son's new position in Hellfire London. He was always taunting her like this. It was exactly like him to make such an impassioned plea to her to change her ways, to admonish everything she had done in order to have him, only to have him join league with the very thing he was supposedly so against. He always had to learn the hard way, and when she touched ground in Hightown and found that he had in fact had been sold into slavery at The Arena, she couldn't even muster the energy to roll her eyes. If he wanted to figure things out on his own, she would let him. She could lead him to water, but she couldn't make him drink. She could however, go to The Arena and make sure he lived to see another day, something she was sure he would hold over her head at some point in the future. Changing her outfit, she used her contacts to bring her to the arena, and it was no problem to get in. Her family had somewhat of a deep history with the place – her father was an avid gambler with no moral scruples. She was taken to the family box and treated like royalty, which she found both comforting and uncomfortable. Kristin had little concern for those who were not her family, or those who had not proven their loyalty to her, but this was wrong. Slavery was wrong, even for someone like her. She sipped on champagne and took a look at the surroundings, taking note of Tullimar Voge and his associates in the sky box. She had not heard his name in intel circles, and that meant to her that he was relatively new in ownership of The Arena. Most of these people followed a line of discretion when it came to recruiting. With how quickly Simon was scooped up, it let Kristin know that Voge was sloppy. He was being funded and it didn't take long for Kristin to figure out just who was funding as he noticed the beauty behind him.

”Interesting....”

Kristin had been given a number of gifts from Diana's telepathy. She was an expert at body language, she could fly a plane, dismantle a bomb, and speak twenty different languages, four of which were not human. All of this knowledge told her that the woman who looked exactly like Amanda Soto aka Cobra, was in fact NOT Amanda Soto. Intel she received about a weapon being sold in Madripoor from Meridian Industries only confirmed what Kristin had suspected since she arrived in Madripoor – Kelly Shaw was making a fast and righteous name for herself. She was resolved to be a spectator in tonight's event, ready to step in on behalf of her son, when a voice filled her VIP box with signature disdain.

Maxine: “Kristin Pratt, come to save your son or watch him die?'

Her eyes narrowed as they fixed their gaze on Maxine Dupont, who looked decidedly “different” yet felt the same. Kristin had undergone extensive training under Diana. She was no telepath but she was also no slouch. She was not an easy mind to track or manipulate and she could deliver quite a SHOCK to one's system should they tried her. Her code name was an homage to her ability to mimic and catalog the voices, mannerisms and movements of those around her. Kristin was able to perceive Maxine for who she was with little effort.

“Simon has never been a fan of my smothering, Maxine. He wanted this life..he's got it. I'm merely here to support, my dear. In fact I've got 50 large on him tonight. If he wins, I'll be the first to pop champagne. If he loses...well, I don't think either of us will let that happen, will we?”

Kristin was not a fan of Maxine Dupont. When Diana told her of the alliance the two women had brokered after the London Uprising, Kristin was a bit on edge. Maxine was a wildcard. She desperately craved her father's approval, even after killing him, yet she was always, obnoxiously making it clear that she felt herself above Hellfire. Above even Diana. So many people were quick to judge Diana. She was a monster. She had no morals. She was depraved. Kristin had seen it so many times over the years. And maybe they were right. Maybe Diana was a monster. But Kristin didn't think so. She was as much a victim of her circumstances as anyone else that wanted to crucify her. The only difference was that Diana, like Kristin herself, was a survivor. Diana took what was given to her, flipped it on it's head and took control. Kristin was one of the sacred few who knew of Diana's childhood. She knew what The White Queen had gone through to get to where she was. In fact, she had helped her every step of the way. In turn, Diana had helped her. Helped her secure a life away from the sexual predator and monster that was her first husband. Diana empowered her. She was the first woman, first PERSON who saw Kristin as something more than some kind of social commodity. And the feeling was mutual. Together, they created safety and protection for each other against some of the worst men that had ever walked this Earth. This new generation, they wanted to blame people like Diana and Kristin for their trauma, call them hypocrites for doing the same things that had been done to them, but those people were stupid. Nobody who entered Hellfire didn't know the stakes. They'd done no worse to anyone than had been done to them. It wasn't Diana's job to change the world for the betterment of other women. Especially when those women would have slit her throat to get to the kind of power she had. She owed the world nothing, and anyone who fell under the spell of her machinations deserved it. Diamonds were only forged under great pressure, and that's what she was. Pressure.

“He restarted your heart, and got into it, didn't he? I'm not surprised. Simon has a way of ending up on the right side of things. But I know my son will be fine, so excuse me for changing the subject, but inquiring minds want to know. How close are you to finding Talisman and ripping her heart out? Knowing the timeline would certainly make my job a lot easier.”