The Blackout Party

[Mystique]

Emiko was as ecstatic as a little girl at a birthday party, clapping her hands after Mystique answered her riddle. It was cute, yet demented.

She soon sat, mimicking Mystique's floating form. She pondered the riddle.

Emiko: "Hmmm....Let me see...that would have to be...a COFFIN! Is that right? Did I get it?"

Mystique grinned, her body lowering from the air until her red heels touched the cement floor.

"You did, indeed. A coffin.....something HE will be all too familiar with soon enough."

She looked down at the flesh and bone that used to be a man. He was still breathing. It was sad.

Emiko: "You wanna? He's not quite dead yet."

Emiko held out a jeweled knife to her.

"You spoil me."

Taking the knife, Mystique immediately went to the man's throat and slit it. It was deep--to the spine.

"Now where's a coffin when you need one? Perhaps Lord Crow has one?"

Smirking at Emiko, the woman was unique yet fun. Mystique had grown to enjoy her games. Games were, after all, something she quite enjoyed playing. Especially at the expense of those she hated.

"I must be off. No rest for the wicked."

Handing Emiko back the knife.

"Enjoy the rest of your evening, Trickster."

And with that, Mystique began to walk down the corridor, quite literally disappearing as she went.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Lunar Ballroom

Alek got very stiff suddenly, and not in the good way. They abruptly stopped moving.

Alek: The only person I address by their title is Helena Quartermaine. If you have a problem with that we can just say goodnight right now...

"That's not what I meant, Berserker. You present yourself simply as Alek, with no apparent interest in codenames or titles. Loosen up a little. I may have been crowned a Princess, but I'm not as pompous as one."

They resumed their pas de deux, a little warmer than before.

Alek: What do you want me to call you?

"Black Widow, Scion, Haleigh... there's so much to choose from. Call me anything you like.... certainly ANYTHING is better than being called nothing at all, wouldn't you agree?"

He laughed when he heard she'd seen him with Ava, and invited her to do more than just watch the next time around. Then he pulled her into full body contact.

Alek: That doesn't count? Well, then...let me see. I was dead once, so we have that in common.

"Ah, just once? I stopped counting my expiries. But still.... that makes you part of an elite group of..... almost everyone I know."

Alek: And I've never met a woman who could go longer than me.

"Oh you have..... you just haven't fucked me yet."

She smirked wickedly, raising an eyebrow as they made eye contact.

Alek: I've heard you like a challenge. And admit it, don't you want to know what it's like to be with someone you don't have to worry about breaking in half?

"Maybe I wouldn't mind a finding out."

Maxine: If that's the case, I'd say she's dancing with the wrong man.

Haleigh glanced at Maxine, and then back at Alek.

"Well, there's only ONE way to be sure. If you want to get me on my back, Bearclaw, you'll have to FIGHT for it. I'll catch you in the training center someday soon. Winner gets to be on top."

She dared, and Maxine stepped in for a partner change as the song began to recede. It seemed like the DJ had mixed in those lower tempo songs to encourage people to pair up and retire for the night, and if that was the plan, it was certainly successful, to a degree. At least a third of the crowd was trickling out of the ballroom, and the dance floor itself was opening up quite a bit. Many who remained were watching the members of the Inner Circle, who dominated the ballroom. Now the tempo picked up with a new mix, as Maxine took the lead.

Maxine: Sorry for bashing your sister upside the head. You should take that apology as it doesn't happen often.

"Accepted, as long as you don't do it again."

Maxine, emboldened by her success with Sharon, snuck in a kiss on Haleigh's neck, grabbing the attention of whomever was working the spotlight.

Maxine: I also have come from giving a proper romp in the hay, as you Americans say, to the Silver Swan, so I am a little amped up.

"Yeah, I'm well aware. Tell you what..... if you send me a playlist, I'll produce a sex tape for you."

Maxine spun, one way, then the other, and translated that motion expertly to spin Haleigh. As she whirled, the hem of her gown spread out upward, revealing her thigh high black stockings underneath. They might have been mistaken for fishnet, but they were actually another hidden Black Widow tribute, cut like a spider's web.

Maxine: I do rather like you, Scion. You remind me of myself. Please don't make me have to kill you. You and I. I think we might be able to do some very beautiful things together. I know you're digging for intel. It's what I'd do...So...consider it a welcoming gift. What would you like to know from somebody who knows the inner workings of things around here and is not bound to a court. A no agenda free for all if you will?

Haleigh eyed Domino for a minute, considering what she might ask.

"Alright, I'll bite. Who is the weakest link on each court?"

 

[Fathom]

The Hellfire Club -- Lunar Ballroom

Jack: You SWAM with Neptunes and Moréias unscathed?

Heidi sucked down some more of her drink, then tossed back her hair. Here came another underling to clear away another limp body. Heidi noticed it but pay it little attention, as she focused more on the handsome doctor.

"I swim with all manner of sea creatures. Neptunes and Moréias are hardly the most dangerous. I take it your experience with them has been more.... scathing?"

Jack: A Moréia tried to take my face off.

"Well THAT would have been a tragedy."

Jack: And I fell into the tank with a juvenile Neptune once, she almost bit me clean in two.

"I find myself very glad she wasn't successful."

She replied after presenting a coy smile. Jack drained the rest of his drink and then agreed. The bartender came over to ask if he wanted another, but he was quite lost looking into Heidi's eyes. She answered no for him, then poured the rest of her mixture down her throat and left her seat, grabbing his hand and pulling him in her wake.

They zigzagged their way through the dance floor, which was starting to empty out. Heidi was surprised to see the the man in red dancing with none other than Scion. Well.... at least the little tramp hadn't been able to sink her teeth into the King. The idea that the White Princess got rejected in any way was extremely pleasing to Heidi. As they passed, Maxine broke up Alek and Haleigh's flirting. Heidi offered a smile of approval to Maxine for the deft cockblock.

It was a short walk, and then they were bathed in the comforting blue glow of her bedroom. A box jellyfish floated by as he marveled at the tank. Heidi watched him as he studied the coral with appreciation. She sat on the edge of her bed, undoing the straps on the gauntlet on her arm. The clang of it hitting the floor snapped his attention back to her. He smiled as he knelt in front of her, unwinding the straps on her heel. She gave him a hedonistic look of approval as he kissed a path starting at her knee and traveling up the inside of her leg.

 

[Domino]

Lunar Ballroom - Hellfire Mansion

Haleigh: "Alright, I'll bit. Who is the weakest link on each court."

:: Domino smiled as they continued to dance out on the floor. ::

"Well, that's all relative, now isn't? Nobody on any of the courts are technically weak. But I guess as an associate of Diana's I should give you a little bit of intel. Whatever games Mommy Dearest is playing with you right now has probably not included background information."

:: The two made their way to the middle of the floor in a comfortable somewhat delicate waltz that was still in time and beat to the music being played. ::

"Let's look at the courts shall we?"

"Emiko is the little girl from 'The Grudge' all grown up. Nobody knows where she came from, how she got here, or why she haunting the halls, but Diana has a vested interest in her. It's also of note that she seems to make Lord Ravena very uncomfortable, so I'm sure that's part of it. It would be wise of you to maintain a healthy distance...her jokes and riddles are lame, but the damage she can deal is anything but."

"Heidi Scarborough. She's definitely making waves, horrible pun aside. She's refined and deadly, but I've known her for quite some time. She was murdered by the new Black King of Hellfire Europe during the rebellion and recreated by Talisman at Diana's request. It's all a little unclear as to why exactly, but there she sit. Your mere existence here is her weakness. She had a bit of time in the spotlight as Diana's favorite little gem, but you know how fickle Diana can be. All you will have to do to gain the upper hand with Heidi is exactly what you are doing right now...existing."

"Giuleta Rosetta Blancheta whatever, is a new development. But if she is anything like her father, then she's bound to be a bit of a handful. I guess from the outside looking in she would be the weakest. But I know a masochist when I see one. Cut her and she'll squeal like a prized piggy at slop time. It's a little too early to get a real assessment."

:: Their glance shifted towards The Black Knight. ::

"Amanda Soto is definitely a mystery. Spends most of her time with her nose in a book like she's a modern day Belle. She was recreated by Talisman as well, but nobody knows why. There has been talk of vengeance related to Cameron King, but the queens haven't been very forthcoming. She is a watcher. Probably knows just as much as anybody on the Red Court...and Diana likes her, so she bridges the gap. She hasn't done much, but she is quite literally like a snake. Wrapped her body around me and vice gripped me. She is VERY loyal to her queen, so I would guess that is her weakness. If forced to choose, she would give her life for Talisman."

:: Their gaze now shifted on Alek. ::

"On the red court, we have Alek and Mystique, and both of them are relatively harmless unless you are on their bad side. But keep your eye on Berserker. Everyone on the Red Court are information brokers, it is what keeps Helena up and running. His intentions aren't to welcome either yourself or Ava warmly. His intentions are to figure out something he can use against either of you. So don't give him anything. Ava is now in his cross hairs and if he sniffs out something that stands to threaten Helena, The Red Queen will strike."

:: Before long they found themselves right back where they started. In front of The Red Knight ::

"She's a good dancer!"

"Now if there is nothing else. I've tamed a bird and danced with a princess. I think that's a pretty complete night, don't you?"

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Lunar Ballroom

Maxine: Well, that's all relative, now isn't? Nobody on any of the courts are technically weak. But I guess as an associate of Diana's I should give you a little bit of intel. Whatever games Mommy Dearest is playing with you right now has probably not included background information.

"I was given SOME.... but I'm interested in what they DON'T want me to know."

Haleigh replied during the lull in the music, as they began a steady waltz towards the middle. The spotlight followed and the music started to build again. At the reappearance of the rhythym, Haleigh decided SHE wanted to lead for once. They took a promenade position, and their style began to bleed from a prim waltz to an indecorous tango marked by risqué poses, the frequent switching of positions, and the periodic spin or dip.

First up, Maxine spoke of Emiko. She advised caution and the maintenance of distance.

"Well, I found the little fox to be both witty and amusing, but to each her own."

Maxine moved on the Heidi, and gave a little history, and confirmed a suspicion Haleigh'd had ever since Emiko had whispered in her ear during the opening ceremony.

"Perhaps I should put her mind at ease. There's no reason for me to be at odds with the White Knight. I'm sure my mother still favors the woman just as much as before."

Maxine brought up Gia, and gave a bleak assessment. Haleigh's brow furrowed, which might appear to some onlookers to be the result of the intense effort of their performance.

"Then I'll have to build her up to our caliber."

Maxine's appraisal of the Black Knight was interesting, especially given the mention of Cameron's name. Then Maxine suggested Amanda would give her life for her Kelly. Haleigh half smiled.

"She may HAVE to.... If the White Queen decides that Talisman doesn't merit the crown that was given to her."

Maxine gave an overview of the red court, with a special warning about the Red Knight regarding Ava. Haleigh gave Alek a dirty smirk over Maxine's shoulder as she ran her hand down her dance partner's body.

"My sister can take care of herself. Mystique.... I presume that's the elusive redhead. At least she's conspicuous."

They'd been through them all, and traveled back to the place where they'd started. The song ended. Maxine passed Haleigh back to Alek as promised, and with a compliment. Haleigh dipped her head in thanks.

"I had a good partner."

Maxine: Now if there is nothing else. I've tamed a bird and danced with a princess. I think that's a pretty complete night, don't you?

"Indeed. Enjoy the rest of your night, Maxine."

Haleigh said, and Maxine exited the floor, leaving Haleigh standing next to The Red Knight she was supposed to 'keep an eye on'. Haleigh watched until she was gone, then spoke to Alek.

"We'd better watch out for HER. The outsider thinks she's got everyone's number, and certainly she's been evaluating you all in great depth."

She turned to face him, and let her eyes travel over him again, as if she'd forgotten how expertly built his body was.

"Unless you'd like to start that fight right here and now, I need to speak with my sister before you and her reunite for round two."

 

[Berserker]

The Ballroom

Alek wasn't disappointed by the reality of Haleigh Davidoff - she was as balls to the wall as he had heard.

"Oh you have..... you just haven't fucked me yet."

He shrugged.

"Yet."

Just as Haleigh was practically ready to find a dark corner with him...Maxine.

"If that's the case, I'd say she's dancing with the wrong man."

He liked Maxine and everything, but being a cockblock without game was pretty tiresome.

"Hey, any time you want to test me, Maxine, just say the word. Just because some women prefer a real man rather than just someone who looks like one..."

He grinned good naturedly. It would take a lot more to upset him.

"Well, there's only ONE way to be sure. If you want to get me on my back, Bearclaw, you'll have to FIGHT for it. I'll catch you in the training center someday soon. Winner gets to be on top."

He raised an eyebrow at the bear claw reference. She was more thorough than he'd expected, but he liked that.

"Not much incentive to win - I don't really mind the idea of seeing you on top of me. But I'll satisfy you - any time and any way you want."

He smirked.

"Alek. You hairy little bastard you. Might I get a bit of the White Princess's attention? I mean. Everybody is tripping over their dick to get to her and something tells me that YOURS has already been QUITE worshipped enough for one evening!"

"My dick is NEVER worshipped enough. But be my guest."

He looked at Haleigh.

"Oh, another thing about me? I'm worth waiting for."

He winked at Maxine and moved to the side, picking up another drink from a waiter. After a dance that probably involved Maxine trying to position herself one way or another on Haleigh's good side...they returned to where he stood.

"Now if there is nothing else. I've tamed a bird and danced with a princess. I think that's a pretty complete night, don't you?"

"Oh, I don't know, Max - you haven't scared any children yet tonight. But you still have time if you get to it."

He waved goodbye to Maxine, watching her leave.

"We'd better watch out for HER. The outsider thinks she's got everyone's number, and certainly she's been evaluating you all in great depth."

"She's just sad I'm not a woman. Though I look fantastic in a dress."

He gave her a look that said he was joking, but then turned serious.

"But yes, don't underestimate Maxine. She's manipulative and despite her considerable prowess, she's got an inferiority complex - you might have noticed the overcompensating - and that makes her dangerous."

"Unless you'd like to start that fight right here and now, I need to speak with my sister before you and her reunite for round two."

"Tempting...but I'll let you take care of your business. Tell your sister, I'll see her later."

He took a few steps backwards towards the door.

"Unless you find me first, of course."

He winked at her, then turned to leave the ballroom, calling back to her.

"I have had sisters before, and I highly recommend it."

Alek made his way back to the Red quarters, stopping in the lounge to pick up a bottle of whiskey. He let himself into Ava's room, stripped off his clothes and arranged himself and the whiskey on her bed. Hopefully, she and Haleigh weren't going to have a long conversation. But maybe the new princess would come back to her sister's room...

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Lunar Ballroom

He was comfortable enough in his own skin to joke about crossdressing, and Haleigh chuckled at the idea of him in a dress. Then he took a more serious tone and agreed that Domino was dangerous. She nodded as she looked around their immediate vicinity, identifying at least three things that could be weapons of convenience, but he wasn't in the mood for fisticuffs. He left her with one more invitation to a menage a trois.

Haleigh analyzed the scene. The White Bishop was dancing, the Black Knight was drinking alone. All the other Inner Circle members were spread across the mansion seeking their own versions of gratification. A new song was faded in. Of COURSE they'd play this song here, it had to be their anthem. Haleigh fought the urge to roll her eyes. It was a catchy theme anyway. She found her sister at the bar and took the seat next to her.

"The Red Knight is so sexy it's stupid. I'm definitely gonna have to fuck HIS brains out one of these days. You don't mind, right? [thoughtful pause] Before you answer, there's no waiting period required for Zach, he's fair game, I promise I won't be mad."

Haleigh waved off the bartender as she looked over at her sister, trying to gauge her mood.

"Should I offer you congratulations or condolences on your appointment to the Red Court?"

The full weight of what they'd done was on them now. They'd survived the first night somehow, and whatever followed this party should be progressively easier as time wore on.

"I'm curious, and you were close enough to eavesdrop. What did that pawn say to Ursula to get her to take him back to her suite?"

She asked, then leaned in so that they could start talking long-game.

"The White Court is full of sadist killers. The Red Court, sly spies. The Black Court is rather empty, but there's been a man hanging all over Kelly all night, and I saw him talking to Simon's mother earlier. They plot out loud and in the open, the morons. They think they can get him on her Court as the Bishop. What did YOU find out?"

It was important that they be as informed as possible as quickly as possible, because awareness was going to keep them alive until they cemented their status. Haleigh knew it wasn't as simple as getting appointed. They were going to have to prove themselves soon.

 

[Lord Ravena]

For Lord Ravena, it had been an exhilarating night. As he and Malice attempted to pleasure one another to death, he reflected on the past few days.

He had renamed his county Ahadi, the Swahili word for 'promise', to great fanfare and rejoicing. His people were happy, well-fed, rich and among the most technologically advanced on the planet. And there was more to come.

He had joined the Hellfire Club as its White King, a position that anyone who had ever observed this court would have bet would NEVER be filled. And he could have been the king of any court - Helena would have certainly been welcoming - but he was where he SHOULD be to witness Diana work and enjoy the show. ALMOST as good a show as he was enjoying now.

And now this party and the surrounding events was the icing on the cake. Lord Ravena was even more pleased that so many of the female guests had very special kisses to greet their new king! Exposure to this party's guests had given him enough connections to upgrade the manufacturing and R&D sectors of his small country to even higher levels than it now enjoyed, bringing in money and expertise to Ahadi. The next few days would be filled with ribbon cuttings and pomp and circumstance as he leveraged his connections made here. Perhaps Diana would enjoy being the 'pretty and mysterious woman in white' at these ceremonies. She certainly had the clothes for it.

But there was MUCH more than that. These CHARACTERS, even Emiko! The intrigue and power and in-fighting and jostling for attention and regard was endlessly interesting to him. People were already estimating - and UNDERestimating- who and what he was, what his relationship to Diana was and of what he was capable. And that was PERFECT. And now we had new UNEXPECTED additions, the would-be sisters! Oh, it was incredible when the prey walked into the den. Would they sink or swim? Would they become an addition or would their gambit fail? Watching the show was almost as much fun as BEING the show. Almost.

Lord Ravena reminded himself to check on Maxine tomorrow and then returned fully to the art of pleasuring his partner. She was QUITE LITERALLY the cherry on top, and who wants to think of anything else at a time like this? So he returns to his ministrations and gives in fully to the revelry.

 

[Persephone]

Ava enjoyed a moment of solitude among the wicked, nursing her drink a bit as she stared out into the crowd of people lost in her thoughts. The night was starting to come to an end made evident by the couples leaving the dance floor and disappearing to their suites. She noted the White Knight leaving with the gentleman she was speaking with at the bar, looking rather comfortable with him. As her eyes followed them from the ballroom, that was when she saw Alek and Haleigh ending their dance and Alek proceeding to exit the ballroom. Her eyes went straight to his ass until he disappeared....damn he was a fine specimen.

Haleigh: "The Red Knight is so sexy it's stupid."

"Mmm hmmm."

Haleigh: "I'm definitely gonna have to fuck HIS brains out one of these days. You don't mind, right? Before you answer, there's no waiting period required for Zach, he's fair game, I promise I won't be mad."

Giving her a sly look, she smirked.

"Fair enough. Although I highly doubt Zach would ever fuck around with me., he's too moral for that. [pondering] Then again....maybe morality went out the window when you left."

Ava knew Zach for years, even before him and Haleigh were together and they were all just friends. She had always found him attractive, but she knew he was head over heels in love with her sister from the start. But she couldn't deny he was gorgeous, or deny the fact that she always wondered how he would be like in bed. It was a fun thought....maybe soon a fun pursuit.

Haleigh: "Should I offer you congratulations or condolences on your appointment to the Red Court?"

Ava laughed despite herself. This night was a fucking whirlwind that was for sure. Finding out her sister was dead, then not dead, then not her real sister, then leaving the six and defecting to the Inner Circle....now, she was sitting in the Hellfire Club discussing the situation as the Red Rook to the White Princess before she left to go fuck the brains out of the Red Bishop. Yeah, couldn't make that shit up.

"Congratulations for getting to stick around here with your royal ass. Condolences for this god awful color I have to wear now. Red? Did you ever think you would see the day that I would be wearing red? Sacrifices I suppose."

She quipped lightheartedly. Honestly, a little bit of humor was the only thing that was making this whole situation not feel like a complete and utter disaster. Because in reality, it was and they both knew it. Opting not to kill her buzz by thinking about what they had done that evening, Ava finished her scotch.

Haleigh: "I'm curious, and you were close enough to eavesdrop. What did that pawn say to Ursula to get her to take him back to her suite?"

"Something about sharks...or neptunes...I don't know, she's got a hard on for sea creatures I guess. They left immediately after that."

But jokes aside, it was now down to business. Exactly what Ava wanted to talk to Haleigh about before they both retired for the night.

Haleigh: "The White Court is full of sadist killers. The Red Court, sly spies. The Black Court is rather empty, but there's been a man hanging all over Kelly all night, and I saw him talking to Simon's mother earlier. They plot out loud and in the open, the morons. They think they can get him on her Court as the Bishop. What did YOU find out?"

"The Red Court is very elusive. Mystique is....a mystery I think to everyone. From what I can gather, she's Helena's eyes and ears--literally appears and disappears at the drop of a hat. Alek is her protector. He is VERY loyal to her and would most definitely die for her. But more importantly....Lord Ravena...."

Giving Haleigh a very serious look now.

"I think I know him from my past....at least it FEELS like I do. I can't figure it out....but he's bad news, Haleigh. And I KNOW you can take care of yourself, but please be careful around him. Diana didn't just appoint him her king because he's powerful, she has something over him. Emiko is the only one who knows what, because according to Alek, she's the one who found out this information for Diana."

It was very apparent to Haleigh that Ava was extremely disturbed by Lord Ravena.

"Just tread lightly....well as lightly as YOU can."

She finally joked, easing the tense mood.

"I'll keep my eyes and ears open about anything else. Perks of being on the Red Court!"

She quipped with a small laugh. Ava slid off her bar stool and placed her empty glass on the bar top.

"Well, I have a nice long date with a bear. Sorry! You'll have to wait your turn."

Ava taunted with a sly smile. Gently squeezing Haleigh's hand out of sight from others, it was her way of saying they got this, and that she loved her.

"Stay safe."

And with that Ava headed out of the ballroom and to her chambers, where Alek was prepped and ready to continue the night.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Lunar Ballroom

Ava: Fair enough. Although I highly doubt Zach would ever fuck around with me., he's too moral for that. [pondering] Then again....maybe morality went out the window when you left.

Haleigh gave her sister a look that said 'REALLY?!'

"Babe.... You know he's had a super secret crush on you since you merged with Persephone, right? You're literally a Goddess. In his religion. Now maybe he was too ethical to make a pass at you while he was with me? But when he finds out what Cameron and I did to his Maserati? He's gonna stop caring about morality, I promise."

Talk shifted to Ava's new position on the Red Court. Haleigh shrugged her shoulders at Ava's aversion to the color.

"I think it looks great on you, but what do I know?"

They moved on to more serious talk.

Ava: The Red Court is very elusive. Mystique is....a mystery I think to everyone. From what I can gather, she's Helena's eyes and ears--literally appears and disappears at the drop of a hat. Alek is her protector. He is VERY loyal to her and would most definitely die for her. But more importantly....Lord Ravena....

What followed was a warning, and it was about as serious as a heart attack. Rarely had Haleigh ever seen Ava look so disturbed. She listened, and nodded.

"Don't worry, Diana has already said he's off-limits.... which of course makes me extremely curious.... but you know me, even when I do crazy shit it's because I've got a COUPLE of damn good reasons."

She replied, gesturing at the entire ballroom as an example.

Ava: I'll keep my eyes and ears open about anything else. Perks of being on the Red Court!

"I'll do the same. If the White and Red courts aren't completely aligned through their Queens, we're about to CEMENT them for sure. The Black court better get their shit together."

Ava: Well, I have a nice long date with a bear. Sorry! You'll have to wait your turn.

"Actually, If you asked HIM, he'd say NEITHER of us had to wait."

They shared a look, then both burst out laughing, because honestly the two of them together would be the DEATH of the viking, no matter HOW sturdy he was. Ava gave Haleigh's hand a squeeze, and Haleigh returned it.

Ava: Stay Safe.

"You first."

She replied, and Ava went upstairs to have a little more fun. Haleigh got up as well, but she didn't go back to her chambers. She took the stairs and kept going up until she reached the door for the roof. When she opened the door she felt a blast of chilly night air. The sound of the city filled her ears, and she walked to the edge of the building and sat with her feet hanging over the ledge. She stared out into the lights, and the hustle of night-time New York. The LAST time she did this, she had Cameron to lean on. They pointed out landmarks and places of interest, including the place she sat now. She looked across the skyline until her gaze landed on the Parthenon. She took a deep breath, and released it slowly.

I'M DOING WHAT I HAVE TO DO....

 

[Seer]

And So...

<< The Blackout Party of the Hellfire Club's American branch reaches it's decadant climax, and the mansion is now completely encompassed in darkness, with dreamy, seductive, trance music playing throughout the mansion.>>

<< Secrets, minds, bodies, everything is shared, nothing is off limits, and those who can, push the envelope on the night that they could get away with it.>>

<< Rapid fire montage of each member of the the three courts, engaging in salacious activities in their personal chambers, concluding with a lingering image of Malice and Lord Ravena engaging in raw, passionate, unholy encounter that only the two of them could survive.>>

<< We see various views of the White Queen and her newly crowned White King, each of them is shown in a moment of dominance, and a moment of submission in the next, with the barely understood sounds of pleasure and passion that echo around them.>>

<< This was a night of excess for the Hellfire Club, and a night of pain and loss for the Six, and one woman was at the center of it all. Despite her wildest imagination, her departure from the Six, and corronation as Malice's White Princess had not been what she expected, and where is she now? >>

<< On the very ROOF of the Hellfire Mansion, Black Widow, now known as Scion, stands in the night, alone.>>

<< In the distance, she sees the gleaming Parthenon, once her home, and a source of consistency, it may as well be foreign, enemy territory to her now.>>

<< She lost the right to call it home, or anyone inside her family.>>

<< NOW she stands atop her new home, in her new role as the White Princess, firmly given over to her ultimate origin- the daughter of Malice!>>

<< She tells herself she's doing what she has to, but is she certain that's true? Or is there more to what Blaze suspected about her being a facade after all?>>

<< If she thought the first wave of shock, disapproval, ANGER, and even CONSEQUENCE of her actions had been harsh tonight, she had yet to experience the second wave that would come when Silver Swan delivered the news of her betrayal to the Birds of Prey, several of whom had close ties to the Six, including her former fiancee', Orion.>>

<< She now had joined the ranks of Master Mold, and Set, being one of the greatest traumas of the Six, and one thing about the Six remained true- they may be hurt, they may be made to suffer, they may strain to a near breaking point, but they ALWAYS come together to FIGHT BACK and STRIKE DOWN their enemies, and Haleigh was NOW one of them! Haleigh had to know that moment would come...when the Six would STRIKE FOR THEIR LIVES against her and everyone she now stood with. Was she ready to DIE by their collective hand? Was their any other way out for her? Would her MOTHER let her find that way?>>

<< It was easy to find comfort, even some form of escape in the darkness of night, but the unyielding glare of from the light of "THE NEXT DAY" would force her to face questions, and ANSWERS that she could no longer have a hand in writing.>>

<< The night rules for now but the the darkness always yields to the light.>>

<< We haven't seen the last of Scion, as we continue to watch.>>