Rose of destruction

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Red Rook's Chambers

Seph told Haleigh she was being nice to her because they were sisters, and reasoned that Haleigh wouldn't have been able to talk her out of joining Hellfire, and said that she wasn't going to leave Haleigh alone, then, or now. She could see the sincerity in her sister's gaze, and hear the honesty. It was good, because she needed it desperately, and bad, because she didn't think she deserved it, after the hell she'd put them both through. Seph reached for her again, and Haleigh looked down to see their hands joined.

Persephone: What I've done in here is on ME. NONE of this is your fault. I antagonized Diana. I pushed Helena's buttons. I made myself a target to them.

Haleigh was shaking her head again, and staring at their hands still. Seph grabbed her chin, lifting her gaze, pushing on past her silent disagreement.

Persephone: I fell in love with Alek despite my better judgement. *I* did these things, Haleigh. NOT YOU.

"And you never would have done any of it, if I hadn't brought us here first."

Persephone: You've put me first throughout this entire ordeal. I've hated it [laughing cynically] I hated how you've been up my ass....but you have NEVER stopped trying to help me. So don't you DARE blame yourself for MY carelessness.

Haleigh looked at Seph steadily. Haleigh had never stopped thinking of Seph as her sister, but in the back of her mind, there had been a resentment, because it was almost as if Seph was holding Ava hostage, and seemed to delight in throwing that fact in Haleigh's face. But the way Seph was speaking now, it was like the dichotomy of Persephone/Ava never seemed more blurred than it did in this moment, and it didn't matter which of them was in control, because the bond was still there. They hugged, for no other reason than comfort. There was a long silence, and Haleigh felt a little better, but there was still something bothering her and Seph seemed to sense it.

Persephone: What happened....with Alek....I did that on purpose, you need to understand that.

She said, as they pulled from the hug. Haleigh took in a slow, deep breath as she listened.

Persephone: I PUSHED him to the brink because I knew if I went in there apologizing and saying I was wrong he would see right through it. He needed to see me angry. He needed to GET angry. So I MADE him ANGRY.

"I know..... doesn't make it any EASIER."

Persephone: I told you not to watch. I told you I knew how to handle someone like him.

Haleigh could hear regret in Seph's voice, and she felt her blood start to boil again.

"Yeah, I know how to handle someone like him too. It's called MURDER."

She growled in contempt, but Seph continued to explain her approach.

Persephone: I needed to make him to feel the passion....so when it was over and the anger was gone, he would realize how much he needs me. How he LOVES me. And he DID.

Haleigh gave a belligerent scoff. She'd pushed for this to happen, because she knew strategically, it was sound, but that didn't mean she liked it. Seph took her hands again, trying to make this seem okay.

"This is so FUCKED UP. You deserve better than that BEAST."

Persephone: He's fully aligned to me, Haleigh. Which means YOU'RE safe too. YOU will make it out alive. YOU will go home to your family. And YOU will make amends. You're NOT dying here. I PROMISE you that.

For a long moment, Haleigh stared at Persephone, and her expression softened, approaching a smile that didn't quite form. Then Haleigh remembered where they were, and what they were saying, and what it would mean if the wrong people got wind of it. She squeezed Seph's hands, a silent reassurance, because when she spoke, her tone was stern and her posture had changed.

"Don't you EVER say something like that to me again. I'm not dying here, you got that much right. But I'm not LEAVING either. I'm the White Princess of Hellfire. THIS is my home now. THIS is my family. You are my sister. The Red Knight.... is my brother. The White Queen is my Mother. The White King..... is my stepfather."

She sneered.

"Hopefully Mommy will get a divorce."

 

[Berserker]

The White Princess’ Suite

They kissed tenderly, finally, after the blatant absence of it in what had come before. He didn’t rush into anything this time, allowing her to take the driver’s seat, asking her if what they were doing was okay with her.

"But not here."

She kissed him this time, full of passion, her hand on the back of his neck, and he could have lost himself in that kiss forever. When she pulled back she rested her forehead against his. He could feel the heat from her skin.

"Your chambers....tonight."

His body tensed. Was this another game? Was she just making an excuse so she could disappear?

Her fingers touched his cheek as she whispered,

"I'll be there. I promise."

He closed his eyes as she kissed him again, but then she was dressed and gone in an instant.

He lay back onto the floor, bringing his palms up to cover his eyes. He had to get a hold of himself. God he wanted her. Waiting until that night was going to be agony – if she even showed up. He could still smell her on his skin, feel her lips on him, her body under him. If she came to him tonight, things would be different. He’d make sure of it.

He got up from the floor and sat down at Haleigh’s dining table, picking over the remnants of their breakfast. He found his phone and made a call.

“I’m going to need a clean-up crew at the White Princess’ suite. Possible structural damage.”

He looked around him.

“Oh and some of the furniture will need replaced. That’s all for now, but I’m going to need some other things later.”

He hung up and retrieved his shirt and slacks, slipping them on for the walk back to his quarters, where he stripped down again and got immediately into the shower. The marks on his back stung when the water hit them, but they would heal in time. For now, he stood under the water and let the pain be a reminder of the person who had wounded him.

 

[Persephone]

The moment between Haleigh and Persephone was heightened with emotions on both ends. She comforted Haleigh, wanting to HELP her see that this plan was needed and that none of this was HER FAULT. It was a glimpse of the old Persephone--beyond the psychotic, murderous, black hearted woman. It was a glimpse of who she had become with Darkchilde, with Hecate, with her family at the MoE. In that moment she was more human than Haleigh had seen since Ava was put in the foreground. In that moment the lines had been blurred between goddess and sister.

Persephone explained why she needed to do what she did with Alek. How pushing him was the best way to reel him back inn. She could see that Haleigh understood under the mask of anger and disgust.

Haleigh: "I know..... doesn't make it any EASIER."

Persephone lowered her head, her eyes shutting for a moment. She was right, it DIDN'T make what happened any easier. She still could feel the throbbing pain on her arms from when he grabbed her, the bruises on her back from when he slammed her into the column, the all over ache. It was a power play that neither of them had wanted to endure.

"It needed to be done."

She reassured Haleigh before the guilt of having her see what transpired hit her. She didn't know what felt worse, having to go through it or knowing someone like Haleigh had WATCHED it.

Haleigh: "Yeah, I know how to handle someone like him too. It's called MURDER."

"NO. No."

She knew Haleigh was serious. She had seen the frag in her hand outside her chambers. She saw the mixture of pain and anger in her eyes--murderous fury. She knew that Haleigh would have gone in there and killed Alek despite the ramifications. She held her hands tightly.

"Haleigh, I goaded him. He never would have gone that far if I didn't push him. We BOTH know that."

Persephone explained that she needed to push him to the point of anger, to feel the passion, the get to the love again. It was a classic tactic she used many times before, one that never failed. Haleigh scoffed and Persephone knew in that moment Haleigh agreed despite wanting not to.

Haleigh: "This is so FUCKED UP. You deserve better than that BEAST."

Persephone looked at her a long moment and didn't respond. Maybe she did deserve better....but probably not. Not after everything she had done in this place to prove she wasn't Ava. That she was more than a 'footnote' in a history book. That she was a force to be reckoned with. But she made sure that regardless of what happened, Haleigh WOULD get out alive and be reunited with her family. Because she could see the life back in her eyes, the hope and the need to leave this place. Persephone would make it happen. She WOULD help Haleigh get home.

Haleigh: "Don't you EVER say something like that to me again. "

Looking slightly confused, her brows lowering just a bit.

Haleigh: "I'm not dying here, you got that much right. But I'm not LEAVING either."

Then she immediately got it. Her face becoming stoic and even.

Haleigh: "I'm the White Princess of Hellfire. THIS is my home now. THIS is my family. You are my sister. The Red Knight.... is my brother. The White Queen is my Mother. The White King..... is my stepfather. Hopefully mommy will get a divorce."

Persephone eyes flickered in a mixture of anger and disgust hearing that the White King was her stepfather. But she knew why Haleigh was saying it. The game had paused, but now it was back in full swing. Persephone smirked.

"There we are Scion. I was hoping I wouldn't have to report back to your mother that you've lost your edge. Look at that. You passed the test."

Persephone let go of Haleigh's hands and rolled her eyes. She began to wipe her hands off like she had just touched a diseased homeless person.

"I was seriously getting nauseated by these sisterly feelings. I hope you enjoyed it, because it sure as hell not happening again anytime soon."

Glancing over at the clock, she needed to get showered and cleaned before meeting back up with Alek in his chambers. There was no way in hell she was NOT showing up. She needed to solidify what had transpired between them.

"Are we finished? I have things to do."

Namely Alek, but Persephone would refrain from digging that knife in deeper into Haleigh's side.

 

[Cypher]

The beginning of the game had been awkward....silent. Gabe wanted to strangle Ashley for putting any doubts in his head about his relationship with Zizi. If there was ONE relationship in this world that he trusted wholeheartedly it was his and Zizi's, and now he was questioning whether or not his presents was hurting her or if he was too damn full of himself.

But after a few rounds, the tension subsided. The laughter started. And it was like Ashley had never been there.

"Oh common!"

He shouted with a laugh, gesturing with his controller to the monitor.

"How the hell did you get so good at sniping?!"

They decided to play on opposing teams after a little smack talking about who was better and sniping. Obviously Zizi was much, a bruise to Gabe's ego.

"You've been practicing with SnipeKing373 haven't you."

A teen from Barcelona they frequently gamed with. Zizi gave him a grin.

"BAH! Knew it. Cheating. That's cheating."

Gabe laughed shaking his head. Putting the controller down on the desk in front of him, he stood up grabbing the dirty containers of Chinese.

"Any word on Rose's end yet?"

He asked, knowing they had sent the email to her about an hour or so ago. He was hoping they would hear something back soon so they could get started on the installation. Walking to the kitchen, Gabe threw away the containers. He hoped she didn't doubt his abilities at keeping her children safe, or think he was some Clandestine lacky out to scam her. He genuinely wanted to help Rose.

Returning from the kitchen, Gabe stretched, extending his arms over his head letting out a groan.

"Ughhh man, waiting is the worst part."

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Soon it was like old times again, her jealousy and insecurity falling away as they were just Gabe & Liz, the way they had always been.

"Oh common! How the hell did you get so good at sniping?!"

She grinned at him widely.

“I’ve had a lot of practice using my hand.”

Arggghhhh!

“I mean, that is…”

"You've been practicing with SnipeKing373 haven't you."

“Maybe just 3 or 4…hours a day…”

The smile returned to her face as she proudly accepted the mantle of queen of the snipe.

"BAH! Knew it. Cheating. That's cheating."

“Face it, Jerome, I’m just better than you. And if that’s cheating…”

She spun herself around in her chair, laughing with Gabe as he started cleaning up the take out containers.

"Any word on Rose's end yet?"

“Hmm…no. And that makes me worried – it can’t be good for a CPF worker to be there this long. Or maybe she’s just ignoring me.”

Zizi sighed. It was possible Rose didn’t want her help.

"Ughhh man, waiting is the worst part."

She watched him stretch and smiled.

It certainly is.

“Hey Gabe,”

But there was something else she wanted to talk to him about, something of a less scrupulous nature.

“I wanted to ask for your help with something else. Something not quite as noble as helping keep children safe. Though I suppose, in a way, it is.”

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Red Rook's Chambers

Seph got the hint pretty quickly, to Haleigh's relief. She watched her sister's expression harden again, and knew it mirrored her own. There was a trace of anger and disgust regarding the White King, but when Haleigh scornfully hoped for divorce, Persephone smirked.

Persephone: There we are Scion. I was hoping I wouldn't have to report back to your mother that you've lost your edge. Look at that. You passed the test.

There was a cold disdain in her sister's tone, and Haleigh watched Seph roll her eyes and make a show of wiping her hands. Scion's sneer never faltered.

Persephone: I was seriously getting nauseated by these sisterly feelings. I hope you enjoyed it, because it sure as hell not happening again anytime soon.

It didn't hurt this time, because now Haleigh had seen beneath it, and she knew this was all just part of the game. She leaned in a bit, her smirk gaining a conspiratorial tilt.

"Yeah yeah, that's what you said the last time you let Ava out too. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it, but let's not make this a habit, kay? My mother wants her SILENCED. You keep bringing her out to play... and I'LL be the one with something to report."

Persephone: Are we finished? I have things to do.

Haleigh rose slowly from her knees, once again under control.

"Fuckin' Hell Seph. You don't have to be a bitch all the time. Would it kill you to be a LITTLE courteous? It's not like you have to swear me fealty or kiss my hand or anything, maybe we could just... I don't know.... be friendly? I mean shit, if Helena and Diana can do it..... you know what? I'll get you a kitten, that works every time. Bitches LOVE kittens."

 

[Valkyrie]

Charope, LLC - The Infirmary

Ashley watched him, virtually giggling, as he moved everything off the bed then stripped out of his scrubs. She sighed.

“What a lovely view…”

He got in bed next to her and touched his finger to her lips, which she licked seductively, tasting the sugar. He whispered sweet nothings into her ear before setting to task, using his mouth in a very creative way.

She brought his mouth up to hers and she held his face in her hands, enjoying taking it slow, holding their kisses as long as possible before breathing necessitated they parted, only to find each other again with just as much need for each other as for oxygen.

She slid her hands down and around to his back, cradling him to her. He had been so kind to her. Stood up for her when no one else would. Cared about her, made her feel wanted – and not just in the bedroom. She touched her nose to his and stroked his cheek.

“What’s the one thing you want to do when you get out of here? One thing, I’ll make it happen.”

 

[Persephone]

Haleigh: "Yeah yeah, that's what you said the last time you let Ava out too. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it, but let's not make this a habit, kay? My mother wants her SILENCED. You keep bringing her out to play... and I'LL be the one with something to report."

Smart girl. Persephone thought as Haleigh pulled the Ava card. Good, they were on the same page. Persephone rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Please. I wasn't the one crying because her fuck buddy decided she's not GOOD enough. I was trying to be NICE by giving you a little gift of some mushy Ava comfort. Seriously, how do you deal with her...she's emotionally TIRING."

She sneered as followed suite and stood with the princess. Persephone gave her a triumphant grin.

"Sucks to loose doesn't it, sis."

She let out an exasperated sigh.

"Are we finished? I have things to do."

Haleigh: "Fuckin' Hell Seph. You don't have to be a bitch all the time. Would it kill you to be a LITTLE courteous?"

"Probably."

Haleigh: "It's not like you have to swear me fealty or kiss my hand or anything, maybe we could just... I don't know.... be friendly? I mean shit, if Helena and Diana can do it..... you know what? I'll get you a kitten, that works every time. Bitches LOVE kittens."

Persephone narrowed her eyes with amusement, a smirk appearing on her lips once again.

"I've always been into snakes."

Of the animal and HYBRID variety. But all jokes aside, Persephone rolled her eyes relenting.

"Fine. You're exhausting regardless....might as well make the best of this situation before I loose whats left of my mind."

She gave her a condescending smile.

"Thank you, dear sister, for talking some sense into me and making me realize my feelings for Alek. And...you know...[deadpan] talking me out of fucking another club member and getting them killed."

She shrugged.

"Okay, goodbye."

Unzipping her already partially unzipped dress, Persephone waved her off flippantly.

"I need to shower."

She brushed past Haleigh and disappeared into her bathroom. Scion would hear the water immediately start, a cue for her to leave. Persephone undressed, hearing her bedroom door open then shut. The tense persona dropped and her eyes softened. Walking into the large shower, the hot water hit her face immediately as it filled with pain. A hiccup of anguish escaped her lips as she cupped both hands over her face. Slowly sliding down the wall of the shower, there was no one to impress, no one to play, no one watching. And she just let herself cry, the rushing sounds of the water masking the noise and tears.

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: “Hmm…no. And that makes me worried – it can’t be good for a CPF worker to be there this long. Or maybe she’s just ignoring me.”

"I think it's probably the CPF worker. I doubt Rose would ignore anyone who's trying to help protect her kids."

He didn't know Rose well, but he knew enough to know that lady was no joke when it came to her kids. She destroyed every single security equipment placed by Clandestine because she was pissed off that Haleigh had got in and hurt Jake. If that didn't speak volumes to how serious Rose was, nothing would.

Cracking his neck from side to side, damn it felt good to release the tension from his muscles. Tension from the epic Call of Duty match....tension from what happened with Zizi earlier. Ava, Ashley. Fuck he still wanted that damn pint.

Zizi: "Hey Gabe?"

"Yeah?"

Zizi: “I wanted to ask for your help with something else. Something not quite as noble as helping keep children safe. Though I suppose, in a way, it is.”

That piqued his interest.

"Oooh...."

He sat down with a devious smile, leaning forward toward Zizi.

"Something illegal? Nefarious? Am I finally bringing you over to the Darkside young Skywalker?"

He joked, although he WAS very interested in what Zizi had in mind.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

"Oooh...Something illegal? Nefarious? Am I finally bringing you over to the Darkside young Skywalker?"

“This is more Bothan spy level stuff.”

She turned her chair to face him.

“And yes, HIGHLY illegal and INCREDIBLY nefarious.”

She wasn’t going to sugar coat it for him – there was risk involved to him just as well as her, if not more.

“I’ve been working on something to contain Black Widow’s powers – as an alternative to neutralizing her completely. A strategy which would most likely involve one or more of us getting hurt or killed. Obviously if containing her doesn’t work…”

She shook her head, clearing the thought.

“Anyway, it’s no secret that several government factions have been researching mutants and meta-humans…and how to negate their powers.”

She looked to see if he was following, and if she had scared him off completely already. He might not want to take any action against Ava Cassadine’s sister…

“We’d need a two pronged attack. You play the guinea pig, keeping their cyber security people occupied, darting in and out keeping them on your trail while I go in the back door and get the data I need.”

She put her hands in her lap and breathed out heavily.

“So, what do you think?”

 

[Recall]

Charope Headquarters

Nicolas: "A good friend of the two of us wanted me to give thist o you since you weren't answering his texts."

:: A tinge of guilt crept up in Vivica's stomach as Nicolas spoke. ::

"Mike..."

:: He had reached out several times this week trying to connect with her and she had all but ignored him, for reasons that were her own. She had known for quite a long time, almost as long as she knew Cameron. But their history together had been brief, and when she saw him again in New York on the arm of Karen Victoria no less, it wasn't something that she was necessarily going to shout from the rooftops. Somethings were simply just better left unsaid. Still, she felt bad that she had been ignoring him, even if it had been because she was fighting for her life and attempting to get a group of very proud and very aggressive people to play nice with each other. ::

Nicolas: "It's something that we whipped up to help since you were flying with the Birds now and we cannot watch you like we want."

"Nick..you really don't have to do that. I can handle myself."

:: She looked down at the suitcase, intrigued. He opened the it to reveal a form fitting battlesuit with a note attached. ::

I see you were busy, so I sent it instead. It is compression resistant and Kevlar impregnated to turn blades and small arms fire. The suit evades detection through mimicry of surroundings and ambient temp matching. The fingers and toes feature retractable claws - they are so you! Use them to fight OR climb, they are rated for both.

Finally, the index finger on each hand features a sat-uplink. You just became your hacker friends' eyes and ears even more.

I will be in touch. Be safe.

:: Her eyes widened with surprise and happiness. She had reached out to Mike on her own just after the Frost caper. She needed something that would give herself an added layer of protection and a way to perform recon for the team in a more streamlined manner. She smirked at the claws in the suit. Vivica had often joked that Eartha Kitt as Catwoman was her spirit animal and Mike had made that even more a reality. It was a sweet and sad gift. Sweet because it was thoughtful and would help Vivica protect herself during this time, and sad because in the back of her mind, she realized that while in this suit, she might find herself in direct conflict with the team of the people who gave it to her. Still, it was rude to look a gift horse in the mouth, or some other weird saying white people came up with about accepting gifts. ::

"Ah...I LOVE it. Really, I do. Thank You."

Nicolas: "Two things. He wanted me to tell you that, and I quote - the goddamn caltrops are in the front pocket of the case. The table show you which does what. And finally, I demand to see you in this FIRST."

:: She laughed and she rolled her eyes. ::

"Oh you betta stop, Nicolas King!"

:: Vivica ribbed him in the stomach. ::

"Haven't you heard? I've been smacking men all up and down the Upper East Side!?"

:: She hugged Nicolas warmly. ::

"Seriously. Thank you again. It feels good to get something a little nice during such a dark time...Speaking of which."

:: Vivica placed her hand on Nicolas shoulder. ::

"I need to talk to your Auntie. The Birds of Prey...well right now it's more like a pack of rabid ass turkeys trying to eat each other. You know she's thinking of leaving..she practically tried to take you from The Parthenon, right?"

:: pausing. ::

"She's a hard one to get along with. Even Helen Keller would say so..but I just can't help but feeling like she's giving up..or just...lettin' the BULLSHIT cloud her from what I think could be a good thing for her."

"Isis is so used to being around a certain kind of person..I think my team..I think it's GOOD for her to be exposed to us. I think she could learn from us..and vice versa. I don't know..I just want her to give it a proper chance before she high tails it outta here."

[sighing]

"But I don't want the reason for her to stay to be because of you or Rich."

:: Vivica grabbed her coffee that was basically empty and took a desperate sip. ::

"Thank you for the gift. And please...thank Mike for me? Things are a little too chaotic to reach out right now..and the last thing I want or need is to have him be used as some kind of pawn in a game of Hellfire. But I'll make contact soon."

:: She hugged Nicolas once more and gave him a kiss on the cheek. ::

"Thank you for bringing all this over and for checking in on me. It means a lot. Give my love to the ones who love me! Muah!"

:: Delilah entered the room after knocking. ::

Leaving Dominique’s room, she went to find Nicolas, who was with Vivica in Alycia’s room, which she had vacated. She knocked on the open door before entering.

“Nicolas – Vivica.”

She nodded to them both.

“Nic – I was wondering if you wanted to brief me on the meeting you had in the War Room? I spoke to Morgan earlier, but I’d like your take.”

"Hello again, Dee. We've gotta stop meeting like this."

:: Delilah immediately asked Nicolas about The War Room Situation at The Parthenon, to which Vivica took that as her cue to exit. ::

"I promise it's not personal Delilah, but that's my cue. I need to see Dominique. Thank You again for everything you did last night. I really appreciate it."

"I've got a songbird to see..."


:: With that Vivica left the room and rounded the hall as she knocked on the door of Isis' suite. ::

"Dominique? It's Vivica...mind if I come in for a moment?"

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: “This is more Bothan spy level stuff. And yes, HIGHLY illegal and INCREDIBLY nefarious.”

Damn. Gabe could't help but grin wickedly at Zizi going rogue. He had always been the one who did the illegal hacking because Zizi was always on the straight and narrow. He loved getting his hands dirty; dodging the firewalls and security codes. Taking people to task with his skills. But to hear HER actually want to get down and dirty? It was pretty hot.

Focus.

"You had me at Bothan Spies."

Zizi: “I’ve been working on something to contain Black Widow’s powers – as an alternative to neutralizing her completely. A strategy which would most likely involve one or more of us getting hurt or killed. Obviously if containing her doesn’t work…”

Whoa, he wasn't expecting that. His brows raised hearing her saying this could get them hurt or KILLED. No. Nope. He wouldn't do it. He wouldn't risk Zizi's life. He shook his head no, but Zizi continued anyway.

Zizi: “Anyway, it’s no secret that several government factions have been researching mutants and meta-humans…and how to negate their powers.”

"So you want to find out how and use it on Black Widow."

It made complete sense. And it was a brilliant plan. Finding a way to stop Black Widow's abilities would allow the Birds of Prey to SAVE her instead of KILL her. Deep down he wanted that, for Ava's sake. He didn't want anyone to get hurt. But the fact that this little cyber mission could possibly get ZIZI hurt weighed heavily.

Zizi: “We’d need a two pronged attack. You play the guinea pig, keeping their cyber security people occupied, darting in and out keeping them on your trail while I go in the back door and get the data I need.”

She had figured out all the logistics. He would be the decoy she would snag the info. In a perfect world, he would be down. Shit, if Zizi wasn't involved he would be down. But he couldn't shake the image of Black Widow shooting that kid....and if she found out Zizi was behind this plan--orchestrated it--Haleigh could go after her. Gabe thought more of Haleigh than just a cold blooded killer....but after everything he was becoming privy to the past few days, he wasn't so sure anymore....It seemed everyone's histories involving her was just an afterthought.

"Shit....Liz...I like getting my hands dirty but--"

Zizi placed her hand on his lap, his eyes immediately going to it. There she was. Elizabeth York. His best friend asking for his help. But all he could think about was how it could potentially hurt her. She had already risked her life during her Valiant days, ending up in that fucking wheelchair because of it. Now she was doing it again for these Birds of Prey people.

Zizi: "So, what do you think?"

He swallowed hard, his eyes still on her hand. A thousand things were running through his head, like a mainframe cyphering through thousands of mega bites of data all at once.

"Fuck."

Shutting his eyes tightly.

"FUCK."

He really fucking hated Ashley and what she had put into his head. No matter the amount of data he was working through, THAT kept filtering to the front. Before he knew what he was doing, he grabbed Zizi's hand and pulled her to him, his lips meeting hers. It was sudden and quick, his heart and mind racing. What the fuck was he doing? He was going to fuck everything up. Shit. FUCK. But as the momentum of the initial kiss ended, he realized he really didn't care if he fucked everything up. His mouth slowly opened, tasting her for the first time, craving her more as every second past. His hand grasped the nape of her neck, holding her there longer. He had never had her...never thought about having her...until that moment. And it was amazing.

Finally he pulled back, breaking the kiss. He was slightly out of breath, realizing that now she would be able to talk...probably protest. And say he fucked everything up like he normally did. But hell, what a fucking way to get turned down.

Back to her initial question.

"I think.....I can do both ends so you're not involved. So she doesn't find out and hurt you."

Gabe's eyes finally met with hers.

"You're done enough for them, Liz. Let me do the rest."

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

Zach was taking his time with it, following the trail of honey with his mouth, his fingertips grazing her soft skin in gentle, deliberate strokes.

He was slowly building the heat between them this time, trying to make it last as long as possible, even as he slipped his hand between her legs and found her to be more than ready.

When the honey was gone his lips found hers again. They kissed as if it were the only thing in the world they wanted to do.

The slower they moved together, the more they felt.

Ashley: What’s the one thing you want to do when you get out of here? One thing, I’ll make it happen.

A tender smile, as he considered it.

"To watch you paint."

He replied affectionately, intertwining their fingers together.

 

[Talisman]

The Hellfire Club - Catacombs

Excellent, Talisman. It's going to be time to draw and quarter the heart of MorningStar soon. I'm going to enjoy hurting her TERRIBLY.

:: And it was worth nothing that Diana now seemed focused on hurting people OUTSIDE the mansion, instead of INSIDE...for now...although Alek and Persephone were in that..."pending" stage ::

< Talisman nodded. >

"As will I."

< The Black Queen thought of the Frost caper and how Delilah's timely and obnoxious assistance of The Birds of Prey caused more trouble than it needed to. Not to mention the fact that her would be son cared for Delilah very deeply. He already lost Haleigh his [grimacing] true love. What would he do when he lost his very best friend in the whole world. >

"Well maybe he'll come crying home to MOTHER."

< She smirked to herself. >

And yes, it appears that my prodigal daughter HAS learned the error of her ways, and has changed her behavior. She has been granted a reprieve. I am now allowing the rest of the White Court, along with the mansion staff to interact with her, and offer support.

But she does have one new task that I expect her to fullfill.

:: at that moment Lord Ravena arrives with Chrissy. Helena eyes the girl like she's a tasty little morsel.::

:: Ravena greets Coco, who no longer seems quite so jealous of Perle::

"That's almost too bad. Stringing her up like a turkey in front of the Inner Circle was actually rather...fun."

< Ravena entered the room and it immediately put Kelly on edge. Enchantrah and Ravena had seemed to make nice with each other, but Kelly knew that Helena was still rather upset about things, even if she wasn't saying so. And she had good reason. Kelly had been maintaining a HEALTHY distance from Ravena ever since he arrived on Sheena Island. There was something so incredibly mysterious and dark about him and even with her Omni Sight she couldn't put her finger on it. But one thing was certain - she sensed that he would bring about an incredible amount of destruction. She knew that Diana was a more than capable and formidable woman, but to feel the energy of Ravena's power, it gave her pause. There were things in this world that even Diana would not be able to control and Talisman was worried that Ravena was one of them. But Malice doted on him, and to question his motives would make her come across as devious, and that was something she didn't want or need to entertain in this moment. So far, Ravena had played nice. She would remain silent until she had something more concrete. >

Ravena: "Beautiful flowers for a beautiful queen."

Enchantrah: "Flattery will get you everything."

< Kelly smirked as it was now time for Gia to be at the forefront of things. Kelly knew of Count Nefaria from her own timeline and there, Gia was an essentially mafia princess. Nobody really thought much of her outside of that. But here in this timeline, Gia had become The White Bishop and her dear old daddy was locked up. She had incurred Diana's wrath at The Blackout Party, but The White Queen still believed in the girl, something that should have been a sign to Gia. Diana let people sink or swim, and revelled in watching that unfold. For her to make an effort to NURTURE or help somebody along their path? That was highly uncharacteristic, even if it was for her own benefit. It was clear that Gia was nervous in the face of the queens and the king but who could blame her. Malice and Ravena presented their gift. >

Enchantrah: "Oh good, it covers her WHOLE face."

< Talisman stifled a laugh for a moment. >

Enchantrah: "So, when am I going to get my Bishop clone. Even Coco can smell the progress, sweetie. I'm thoroughly curious about the specifics."

[leaning]

"I've taken a look at the sample, and don't worry, when the time comes...his penis will be MUCH bigger. You just work on getting yourself off the naughty list by Christmas."

Gia: "Ungh!"

< Both Kelly and Helena shifted back over towards Gia, expecting a PSI Blast from Diana. Really, it was becoming standard operating procedure around these parts lately. The mask looked BEAUTIFUL on Gia and it appeared that her entire demeanor shifted in that very moment. It gave Talisman pause as her mind wandered back to her work. Malice had obviously unlocked something within her..the fighter spirit. It made her think of the duality of people. Her own cross time counterpart, Ava and Persephone..she began to think of ways she could unlock less savory aspects of personality on a genetic and molecular level. Perhaps with a serum or some kind of injection, she could alter the very nature of those around her with minimal work and incredible results. She pictured The Six turning on each other, their worst qualities realized and now at the forefront. It was inspiring. She watched as Masque took care of the WILD Pack, half laughing to herself that the WILDPACK existed...even in this timeline. >

Helena: "Now THAT is a White Bishop worthy of the name."

"And the regard. Well done, Masque."

Malice: "Excellent. You have the skill, the ability to take down men more than TWICE your size, you have access to the same fighting ability that your father had, and proficiency with a VARIETY off weapons. Now how do you feel, MASQUE."

Gia: "I feel...FANTASTIC. I'm ready and WILLING to take my rightful place as the White Bishop of the White Court."

Helena: "Hallelujah!"

< Kelly cocked a horrified look towards Helena. >

Helena: "Sorry, I felt the power."

"Apparently."

< Helena went for the cat for reasons unknown because it was a cat. >

Helena: "Impressive job, Masque. I saw your father just now. It seems the White Court is now a complete powerhouse."

"Indeed. This is your moment, Masque. Cut through their bodies and show them what it truly means to be a member of The Inner Circle..and the living legacy of the Nefaria family."

< Kelly thought for a moment about her own court. She needed to get these seats filled and soon. After her talk with Cobra, she had already made leaps and bounds with securing somewhat friendly alliances with both Persephone and Haleigh, the power players on either court, respectively. But there was great work that Talisman needed to do, work that was already beginning and she needed to protect it, expand her wings and her influence and get things done. >

"Now this has all been very inspiring. Champagne, anybody?"

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Red Rook's Chambers

Persephone: Please. I wasn't the one crying because her fuck buddy decided she's not GOOD enough.

"You'd be crying too, if I'd deprived YOU of that dick, instead."

She deadpanned. She was only half serious. It wasn't worth crying over, but it WOULD be difficult to find someone to replace him with. Seph teased her some more, and they traded barbs, then Haleigh offered the fail-safe friendship gift.

Persephone: I've always been into snakes.

"Yeah, I noticed. So which of them CAN I fuck with, or are you going to steal ALL my toys?"

She replied, alluding to Cobra, and the rest of the Inner Circle too. She sounded vexed, but they were both at the top of their game now. Seph finally agreed to be friendly, and then continued a little further too:

Persephone: Thank you, dear sister, for talking some sense into me and making me realize my feelings for Alek. And...you know...[deadpan] talking me out of fucking another club member and getting them killed.

Haleigh gasped, as if Persephone had achieved some truly remarkable feat.

"Holy SHIT, you survived saying 'thank you'!?!?! You're fuckin' welcome. You should listen to me more often."

Persephone: Okay, Goodbye. I need to shower.

"See ya, sis."

She said, and disappeared as the water came on. She reappeared in her own living room. There were two men here. One was scrubbing the carpet, the other was inspecting the broken column. Neither of them noticed her arrival.

Architect: HOW did they manage THIS?

Cleaner: I dunno. The Red Knight called it in. According to the White Guard, the Bear's been at it all morning with the Princess. One of them saw the Red Rook come in here recently too.

Architect: Oh really? Wow. Must have been a HELL of a threesome.

Cleaner: Oh, fuck yeah. It gets better! I thought I heard the rumor that they're SISTERS at the Blackout Party. [He laughed lecherously] Really CLOSE sisters, obviously. We gotta hit up security after this, check the tapes. I bet it's legendary.

"You know what ELSE will be legendary? YOUR DEATH."

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

"You had me at Bothan Spies."

She grinned at the reference, but then got serious again to match the subject matter that came next: government research into mutants and how to stop them.

"So you want to find out how and use it on Black Widow."

“Exactly. If she can’t use her powers we can capture her. Maybe even…bring her back from whatever brink it is she’s pushed herself to.”

"Shit....Liz...I like getting my hands dirty but--"

Her hand went to his lap, her eyes pleading a little too much. It had to be his decision – but she desperately wanted him to say yes. She didn’t think she could do it without him. She waited for him to tell her what he thought of her plan.

"Fuck."

Zizi’s face fell.

“If you can’t…I understand. I’ll just figure out something else.”

She forced a smile.

He shut his eyes.

"FUCK."

She was beginning to worry that something was really wrong with him.

“Gabe?”

Oh. She was touching his leg. She shouldn’t be touching his leg. He’s freaking out because she was touching his leg and after all that stuff earlier what was she thinking touching him like that-

He grabbed her hand, and Zizi thought, he’s about to throw my hand off him and tell me he only likes me as a friend again. But that’s not what he did.

Gabe pulled her towards him, and his lips touched hers.

Her eyes went wide as saucers then instinctively closed. It was as if fireworks were going off from her lips. Every part of her body felt electrified, as if someone had suddenly turned on a switch and she had come alive for the very first time. If someone had told her at that moment that she could walk, she would have believed it.

He was touching her neck. And his mouth, oh god, his mouth.

He pulled back, and she realized she had been holding her breath and released it. Zizi sat there, frozen. She thought she might be in shock. She was definitely very warm. Were you warm with shock or was it cold? She fidgeted anxiously, fixing the collar of her shirt, not sure what to do or say. And then he was talking again.

"I think...I can do both ends so you're not involved. So she doesn't find out and hurt you."

Had she just imagined that? Had she finally gone crazy from wanting him so badly that her mind was now playing hallucinogenic matchmaker for her in her sad pathetic subconscious?

“No...no…it’s safer with both of us. Less-“

She swallowed.

“Less chance of being discovered.”

She was still a little breathless, and the end of that sentence came out almost at a whisper.

He finally looked at her again.

"You've done enough for them, Liz. Let me do the rest."

“I’d rather do it together.”

Hah! Now THAT one, I meant.

Her mind was finally putting together the pieces of what had happened. He had kissed her. Gabe had kissed her. And he hadn’t run away. But he had gone on like nothing had happened. Oh, god, maybe he thought it was bad. Was it bad? To her it felt good. Really good. But maybe she was a terrible kisser and no one had ever told her? Of course, it had been a long time, maybe she was just out of practice?

She held up her index finger like she had a question. She felt a little drunk.

“Um, sorry, do you think you could try that thing you just did one more time?”

 

[Valkyrie]

Charope, LLC - The Infirmary

Ashley asked Zach what he wanted to do when he got out of the hospital, expecting him to say, “Go to a Yankee game” or “Eat 20 Gray’s Papaya dogs”, or even “Get Andrew drunk and take him to a strip club again and laugh our asses off”. But he didn’t pick any of those things and she wasn’t sure how she felt about what he did ask for.

"To watch you paint."

“You are a crafty one, Armani.”

Her face screwed up in annoyance at being played so well. Luckily for him, he did that thing where he interlocked his fingers with hers. She didn't want to remember those times again, the people she had lost. She didn't want to be reminded that one day, Zach too would get old and die.

“Are you sure you don’t want to dress Andrew up in drag and make him perform ‘Mandy’ on stage at the Parthenon instead?”

She grinned devilishly.

“I could steal one of Isis’ costumes. That would REALLY piss her off.”

She laughed and stroked his beard, smiling up at him.

“I have to admit, though, this place is growing on me…”

She bit her lower lip, raising her hips to press against him in invitation. She sighed, longingly.

“Promise me we’ll always spend our days like this…”

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: “No...no…it’s safer with both of us. Less--Less chance of being discovered.”

Well she didn't hit him, so that was a plus. But she did look a little stunned, her words softening as she spoke. It looked like she was trying to figure out what happened, compute how to interpret it. Maybe she could let him know because he had no fucking idea what just happened. But even confused, she was adamant about her helping him.

"Liz..."

He sighed, she was so damn stubborn and too loyal for her own good. But if she wasn't going to back down--if she was REALLY so steadfast about doing it herself, he'd rather be there by her side and make SURE no one would be able to track it back to her. Maybe throw in a few algorithms that diverted the cyber blueprint back to him.

Zizi: “I’d rather do it together.”

A coy smile tugged on Gabe's lips, kinda reading between the lines of that sentence.

"Fine, you win. You always do with me."

She then lifted her finger, a curious look appearing on her face. Oh shit, yep, this was about the kiss. He knew he crossed the line. She had told him earlier that she wasn't interested. But then Ashley told him she was. Then he wasn't sure who was telling the truth or lying. Maybe they were both telling the truth. But then again Ashley did seem like the type of broad to lie to get a rise out of someone. Fucking cunt. Okay, he could fix this. Then he could figure out a way to install an alarm system every time that blonde was within a three blood radius of The Clocktower so he could get the fuck out before having to interact with her again.

"Look Lizzie I shouldn't of--"

Zizi: “Um, sorry, do you think you could try that thing you just did one more time?”

It was his turn to be taken aback.

She liked it. Fucking blonde bitch was right.

He then smiled, a genuine smile. He moved toward her, his eyes on her lips and his hand sliding along her jaw and through her mass of hair. His eyes closed as he kissed her again, deeply. His other hand found her waist, sliding around to the small of her back as he pulled her forward, closer to him, the kiss never breaking. Finally, after a few long moments, he pulled away. His hand still in her hair as he looked into her eyes. Damn. He couldn't figure out why he hadn't done that before. Blonde bitch was right again....he had been blind as fuck.

"Wow."

But as he looked at her, seeing a new Elizabeth York sitting in front of him, he began to question if what he had done was right. Whether he even deserved someone like Zizi. If he would just hurt her. His brows furrowed as he leaned back to get a better look at her face, trying to see if he could read what she was thinking.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't of kissed you. I mean...you made it clear earlier you only wanted to stay friends. I get it....I just--the thought of you getting hurt scares me. I couldn't imagine my life without you, Liz. Friends or otherwise."

Scoffing to himself.

"I have pretty shitty timing."

He gave her a crooked smile, unsure of how she would react.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- White Princess's Suite

They both whipped around to the sound of her voice. The architect had that deer-in-the-headlights look, but still retained the sense not to try to speak. The cleaner was much less intelligent, and began to stammer, as if that would somehow make it better.

Cleaner: Y-y-your H-h-high-n-ness! I m-m-meant n-no d-d-disr-r-resp--"

"SILENCE!"

They both stared at her in reticent fear. She surveyed the damage herself for a moment. All the splinters of her busted coffee table had been collected in a large rolling trashbin. There were still blood stains on the carpet, and marble rubble scattered around the damaged column. Haleigh looked back at the cleaner coldly.

"Get the stains out while I decide what to do with you."

He went feverishly back to his work. The architect barely breathed, waiting for her to speak to him. Haleigh walked over to the empty space where her coffee table should be, and contemplated a replacement. After a few moments, something began to form on the floor, and take shape, until the base was complete and the space was filled.

"Now all I need is a glass tabletop."

She said simply, sounding pleased. Nobody replied, and she turned to find the architect still staring at her, almost frozen in place. She walked over to his side, and looked at the broken and scattered stone.

"Is this a load-bearing column?"

She asked, and the architect made a small noise that might have been an answer.

"Speak up."

Architect: Yes.

"Repair will be difficult?"

Architect: Expensive. Time-Consuming.

"That's unacceptable."

She said, and he began to back away on unsteady legs, tripped over a chunk of marble, and stayed where he fell. She had never tried to manipulate anything but metal. Wasn't she supposed to be the EARTH elemental, though? She held out her hands, and took a deep breath.

A couple of minutes passed, and nothing happened. She knelt down, and picked up a small bit of stone, looking at it closely, then closing her fist around it, and shutting her eyes tightly. A couple more minutes ticked by, and all that was accomplished was the carpet cleaning.

She crushed the piece of marble in her hand, frustration and anger rising, and then all the pieces of broken stone started to vibrate, and in an instant, the column was solid once more. She smiled in satisfaction. Now there was another matter to attend to. She grabbed the cleaner by the back of his neck.

"Come over here onto the tile."

She growled, dragging him into the kitchenette. She tossed at glance at the architect, who was still half laid out on the floor.

"Crawl in here and join us."

She said in a disturbingly inviting voice. She had the cleaner on his knees in front of her. The architect hadn't moved. She gave him the look of patience wearing thin.

"If you obey me, you'll live."

He did, slowly. The cleaner was hyperventilating, as Haleigh looked down at him.

"You said some things you shouldn't have, didn't you?"

She asked sweetly, and he sobbed in apologetic agreement. A long, slender carving knife left the block on her counter and came to her hand.

"Open your mouth."

She said, gripping his chin, and before he could even beg, she cut his tongue out. When the cleaner began to scream, she made him swallow the blade of the knife, and with her other hand, she squeezed his throat as he choked and died. Her steely gaze landed on the architect, who sat, propped up against the wall, his hand clamped over his own mouth protectively.

"Got any rumors you'd like to share?"

She asked, and he shook his head furiously. She smiled, and let the cleaner's body fall, his head stuck craned back, the handle of the knife coming out of his mouth.

"That's too bad, I love a good rumor. Oh, don't cry, you can still make me happy. Take this body to the Red Knight's Quarters, and deliver my message. You tell him that I said he'd better behave from now on."

The man rushed to complete the task, because it meant he could escape. Haleigh grabbed a dish towel to wipe her hands with, and dropped it on the floor to soak up the spattered blood on the tile.

"Don't get any blood on my carpet."

She told him, as he struggled to lift the dead weight onto his shoulders.

 

[Isis]

Infirmary- Dominique's suite

:: Delilah was right, Dominique had earned this time to herself, and while her initial impulse was to get out of bed and immediately depart for her diamond suite at the Parthenon, she decided to be easy on herself, and just rest a bit more. In this moment...things were as stable with the others as they could be.::

:: And so, in her cool (but not TOO cold...that voice ) , darkened suite, she lay, with her sleep mask pulled over her eyes. Sometime passes, and she soon begins to drift::

:: With that Vivica left the room and rounded the hall as she knocked on the door of Isis' suite. ::

"Dominique? It's Vivica...mind if I come in for a moment?"

:: Dominique rouses back to full consciousness, and lifts her eye mask.::

oh....THIS girl...

:: Dominique sits up and adjusts her position a bit, taking a moment to for a quick hair/face check, before finally waving her hand. A tone sounds off as the door opens::

Come in, Vivica.

:: the door closes behind her. She keeps the lights low, as she was enjoying her tranquility. She hopes Vivica hasn't come to RUIN that.::

My nephew was looking for you a little while ago...

:: She said as she politely gestures for the woman to have a seat::

...what can I do for you?

:: she gazes evenly at Recall with her aqua blue eyes, wondering what she has to say, and if it will piss her off.::