The Hellions - Let The Games Begin

[Domino]

The Hellfire Estate - Red Princess' Quarters

“Okay, okay! I admit it: sometimes I WISH that she would just drop dead. But seriously…”

:: Bretta gasped in pain as she looked at Maxine. ::

“If Rebecca DID kill Evelyn, she revealed NOTHING to me. In fact, she never explained her plans and ideas for the future of this Club and establishment to me. NEVER.”

:: It was perhaps the first A-HA! moment Bretta had with regards to Rebecca. Rebecca had been keeping things from her for awhile now and only now Bretta was starting to get the sense that her OWN Queen didn’t trust her. Bretta winced in pain. Whether it was from the knife in her hand or from the realization that Rebecca didn’t seem to trust her with anything of importance, Bretta didn’t know. ::

"Nobody ever approached me about overthrowing the courts OR about taking 'ownership' of The Black Court..."

:: Maxine RIPPED the knife out of Bretta's hand and threw it with incredible speed as it embedded itself into the wall across from them as she in one motion FLIPPED the couch over as Bretta was knocked along with it. She stood over Bretta, her tone severe and deep. ::

"Well you've proven to be even LESS useful than I could have possibly imagined. One little knife to the hand is all it takes to get something out of The Red Princess?!...and then when she answers she acts like a lamb who knows nothing and serves ONLY her Queen?! You're WEAK and UNIMAGINATIVE!"

:: She paced back and forth. ::

"GET UP, BRETTA.."

:: The Black Knight commanded The Red Princess to her feet. ::

"You've satisfied NONE of my concerns about you...and considering how CLOSE you like to align yourself with The Red Queen, I just don't think...."

:: Glaring at The Red Princess ::

"I don't think I can suffer you to live any longer...BUT, I'm going to give you a "fighting" chance. Impress me...and you might just move on to the next round..."

:: In a fury of quick movement, Maxine executed a SPINNING back kick that propelled the large wood coffee table between the women RIGHT at Bretta with incredible speed. Maxine was testing the courts, and unfortunately for Bretta, her test would be a physical one. ::

 

[Crimson]

The Hellfire Estate - Red Sitting Room

Alec smiled widely and gazed at Rebecca with a fond expression on his face. He had many, MANY, experiences where he had to act like he was enjoying himself when he really wasn’t. He chuckled.

“If her Grace is displeased I didn’t report for kitchen duty, Juliette de la Croix wanted me to escort her through the gardens and maze. She wouldn’t take no for an answer and we both know how fatal it COULD be saying ‘no’ to a vampire…”

He sighed and turned on the charm.

Rebecca showed no emotion or expression as she continued to listen to The Red Rook. At this point he was only really digging himself a grave that would require quite a grandiose gesture to get out of.

“You have nothing to fear from me, my Queen. We were merely just talking about Evelyn’s murder and how odd it was that YOU were the only representative out of all the Kings and Queens here. The White Queen and King didn’t bother to show up. I find that odd..."

He shifted in his seat.

“Don’t you find it strange that you are the only Queen here, right now? If that Black Knight wasn’t around, I’d be calling in a few more security teams to come and protect YOU. I’d hate to see somebody try to murder YOU…I mean, not that you couldn’t handle yourself because you definitely COULD…”

He stopped talking and gazed off into space as if to contemplate what he just said.

She thought for a moment, looking him and down for several moments as if she were assessing his overall character the way her bright brown eyes trailed from his feet to his head.

"Alistair...you know how much I enjoy the charm that radiates from you much like a used car salesman. You often made me laugh and your exploits within the walls of this estate have caused much gossip and carefree conversation...However..."

She stood from the couch as she began to walk over to the fire.

"There is another part of you that speaks just as loudly. A side that I have tried to ignore for quite some time now. The whispers you make about the way I run my court...your consistent championing for Bretta. I pull her one way, you pull her the other. For quite some time now...instead of a respected member of my court, you've been more like a thorn in my side, which is a shame...."

Rebecca began mindlessly organizing the many trinkets and objects that adorned the mantle of the fireplace.

"Because I chose my court with GREAT care. When Brienne Shaw was coronated as The Black Princess, I began to look for somebody that might be able to COUNTER her...and then a warlock plopped into my lap by the name of Alistair Thatcher. I groomed you to be prepared should Brienne ever pose a THREAT to our court. You would be the perfect person to take her out, and what's more..I would have loved to see what you could do with that horrible little power of hers."

[taking a moment to admire her reflection in the mirror above the mantle before turning back to face Alec.]

"When I watched as Juliette De La Creaux became The White Princess...she worried me. She seemed more well liked than her own Queen...and she was cunning. I needed somebody that might TEMPT her...an ace in the hole in case I ever needed to take her out...and we both know how appealing a Dark Faerie is to a Vampire. The fact that I now care for Bretta as much as I do is merely icing on a very delicious cake..."

[sitting down]

"And there is Daniel Reed...My Red Bishop. When I met him, and saw what HE could do? The way he could craft illusions and feelings so incredibly....REAL?! Coupled with the fact that he is one of the ONLY members of our European Branch who maintains friendly alliances with members of The American Court? Well, suffice to say he has never let me down..."

She cocked her head to the side as her eyes betrayed a ravenous glare.

"Looking at the three of you now...Well, Bretta is my loyal confidant and friend. She is not as easily able to hide her emotions like the others. It is not in her nature. Sure, she feels like I treat her like a servant..but then she looks at the CARE I have given her, the POLISH...I do not FALTER in my trust...of Bretta O'Malley. And then I see Daniel...and well, Daniel is the one who alerted me of the little meeting in the maze last night...and what's more is that he had picked up some rather interesting feelings come from you...Yes, Daniel has still proved himself loyal..."

[smiling evily]

"And then there's you...When you aren' too busy trying to BOFF anything with long hair and ample bosoms, you are criticizing the way I run MY court, and I emphasize the word *MY* Alec because I want you to understand the power I am able to WIELD here...And to top it all off, you decided to spend the evening conversing with members of other courts...one of whom you've JUST told me has taken out their own court's Knight..."

At that moment a chambermaid arrived and set down a french press of hot coffee and condiments and left quickly. Rebecca fixed herself a cup before shooting a look back at The Red Rook.

"You seem to be the only one on our court who has YET to prove their loyalty, Alec...and we no longer have the luxury of time to see how that will play out. I need to know how far you are willing to go to PROVE that loyalty to me?"

She sipped from her coffee, awaiting his response.

 

[Avalanche]

Metro London - Hyde Park Area

:: scoffing::

"Archer, what do YOU want?"

:: Her voice and tone were light but she made no effort to hide her emotions, most of them were shades of contempt and an overall sense of haughty entitlement.::

:: Eyeing his overall look::

"The number to my image consultant? I've been thinking you could use her services for some time now."

Archer smiled as he entered The White Bishop's apartment. It was as generic and homogenized as SHE was, as if there were some standard blueprint every privileged single WASP of a woman got on their 25th birthday, along with a cat and an endless supply of booze and crystals. He brushed past her and into the kitchen.

"That's a good one, Heidi. *I've* been thinking you should probably consider firing your image consultant considering how fast and far YOUR star has fallen in a miraculously short period of time..."

Taking a dig at just what her reputation within the courts had become, he opened the cabinets, grabbed a cup and poured himself a cup of coffee. Archer was intending to offense her sensibilities at his nerve to simply enter her home as if it were his own.

"You know...there was a time when if somebody wanted to take out a member of the White Court, it would have been you...not Damien.."

Archer cocked an eyebrow and a devilish grin at the water elemental.

"Oh you did hear about that right? Yeah, somebody has apparently moved on from killing The Queens and is beginning to take out members of The White Court...well at least the ones that could pose a kind of threat. I just thought I would check in and see that you were still alive....."

[pausing]

"AND to ask you who the hell you think you are for not deigning to show your face at The Black Queen's wake. ::

 

[Juliette De Lacroix]

White King: WHY did you kill him, Julie?

" 'e admitted to 'aving knowledge of and 'elping conceal a conspiracy to murder dze Black Queen."

White Queen: Did he name his co-conspirators?

Juliette and the Queen were locked in eye contact, glaring as if they could turn each other to stone with a stare. Juliette's suspicions peaked. Was the Queen trying to find out whether she had been named?

"Alas, no."

White King: Julie, you can't just go around killing Court members, even if they DID have something to do with Evelyn's murder--

"So I should 'ave let 'im get avay vit it dzen? Is dzat what you are suggesting, Liam?"

White King: of course NOT, you should have taken him into custody and brought him to US to answer for his crimes. THEN perhaps we'd KNOW who he was working with.

"My sincerest apologies, my King. I vas overcome vit rage and reacted vit violence. I did not consider dze consequences of my actions."

White Queen: NOW we have to replace the White Knight, and the whole club is ALREADY on edge because of the Black Queen-- are you going to tell us THAT was you as WELL? I wouldn't be surprised if you made this all up in a plot to steal my crown!

White King: Camille!

"Be not ridiculous. I may be old but I am not senile. Evelyn is 'alf the reason I joined the 'ellfire Club. If I vanted to steal your crown, I vould 'ave keeled YOU."

White Queen: that's a deflection, not a denial.

White King: come on, Camille. She wasn't even exsanguinated. There was blood everywhere.

White Queen: RIGHT, and your precious 'Julie' can't rip a human limb from limb. Stop thinking with what's in your trousers, Liam.

"I did NOT shred dze Black Queen, but I DID find dzis in Damien's chambairs."

The White Queen suddenly paid rapt attention to a piece of paper Juliette was holding. Juliette narrowed her eyes as the Queen all but lunged at her in an attempt to reach for it, demanding to see it immediately. Juliette surrendered it nonchalantly.

"It is only another year's wort of refills for your prescription, your Highness. I assumed you might need it soon. Vhat did you dzink it vas, some kind of evidence of 'is conspiracy to commit murder?"

White Queen: I KNEW it would be something valuable, or you wouldn't have taken it, Juliette.

Camille huffed, trying to recover. Juliette glanced at her King. Yes, he HAD noticed. The Queen studied the slip of paper, while the King finally locked eyes with Juliette. She slowly raised an eyebrow, and he responded with the slightest of frowns.

White Queen: you know what? I don't want to deal with this right now. I've lost another friend..... She's YOUR Princess, Liam, YOU discipline her.

And out she went, with two guards shadowing her. ALL the inner circle on the white court had guards, the King had insisted once Evelyn died. A deterrent for most, but not for Juliette. Most of the white court had let down their guard because of it. She wondered how Archer was fairing with Heidi. She'd sent him the hand of the Knight by personal courier this morning, in a pretty white box with a black bow and a red card that said simply: Your Turn.

Liam moved through the brightly lit drawing room to where Juliette was standing. He placed his hands on her shoulders. He was easily a foot taller than she was, with a broad chest and muscled arms. From appearances you would think he could crush her. He didn't even try. He put his finger under her chin, looking down at her adoringly. Juliette patiently held his gaze. She was long accustomed to attention like this, and knew it was partially because of her vampire nature. She also knew she was even MORE attractive than usual right now, being well fed.

White King: Julie, you never cease to amaze me. I thought you'd make his death look like an accident, or a professional hit, or even stage his crime scene to look like the Black Queen's murder. But taking credit for killing him and using his status as a telepath flush out Evelyn's murderer? That's a bold risk.

"It served several purposes. Dze Rooks are in motion."

Liam: And Lord Ravena?

"Cross vit you for not attending dze vake, but still Ace in 'ole. Dze Black Knight--"

Liam: Maxine loved Evelyn as much as I did. She wants justice, and a strong organization, and so do we. Our objectives are in line. She will figure out that we want what's best for Hellfire, and won't interfere with our plans.

 

[Hydra]

Hyde Park

Archer smiled as he entered The White Bishop's apartment. It was as generic and homogenized as SHE was, as if there were some standard blueprint every privileged single WASP of a woman got on their 25th birthday, along with a cat and an endless supply of booze and crystals. He brushed past her and into the kitchen.

"That's a good one, Heidi. *I've* been thinking you should probably consider firing your image consultant considering how fast and far YOUR star has fallen in a miraculously short period of time..."

Taking a dig at just what her reputation within the courts had become, he opened the cabinets, grabbed a cup and poured himself a cup of coffee. Archer was intending to offense her sensibilities at his nerve to simply enter her home as if it were his own.

:: Her eyes followed him intently as he brazenly invited himself into her posh luxury suite and then proceeded himself a cup of coffee!?::

...why the nerve of this...

Like *I* should be worried about q-ratings as broadcast by Archer Fairchild!? :: She asked with a mix of genuine astonishment AND contempt::

You're about as potent as a butter knife, Archer. Shouldn't be living out your secret fantasy as a male ballet dancer in some OFF "off-broadway" production of SWAN LAKE?

:: the liquid in the coffee cup swirled and ERUPTED from the cup, SPLASHING rather violently on Archer's shirt. Heidi feigned a look of surprise and then covered her mouth with a mocking coy expression on her face::

Oops?

"You know...there was a time when if somebody wanted to take out a member of the White Court, it would have been you...not Damien.."

Archer cocked an eyebrow and a devilish grin at the water elemental.

:: She narrowed her eyes and sat up slowly, and then stood up in her high heels folding her arms and glaring at Archer::

....

"Oh you did hear about that right? Yeah, somebody has apparently moved on from killing The Queens and is beginning to take out members of The White Court...well at least the ones that could pose a kind of threat. I just thought I would check in and see that you were still alive....."

[pausing]

"AND to ask you who the hell you think you are for not deigning to show your face at The Black Queen's wake. ::

Of COURSE I'm alive. It'll take more than some dead common toadstool from ANY of the courts to do me harm.

:: She said with a haughty tone and then lifted her eye brows with some amusement and a smirk on her face as Archer confronted her about not showing up to the Black Queen's funeral. ::

Who do I think I AM? That's a better question for YOU isn't it? Coming here questioning ME as if you're ANYTHING to me, much less ABOVE me. I don't give a damn what you think, OR what happens to the Black Court. As far as I'm concerned, the lot of you belong in South London with the REST of the common rabble.

Not that it's ANY of your business, but I had business to attend to on behalf of the White Queen, the ONLY Queen *I* recognize in the Hellfire Club. The rest of you pathetic posturing fools aren't worth the time of day.

And now, if you've satisfied your penchant for being a NOSEY BUSY BODY, you can LEAVE. I have things to attend to, and entertaining little boy blue ISN'T one of them.

 

[Avalanche]

Metro London - Hyde Park Area

"Like *I* should be worried about q-ratings as broadcast by Archer Fairchild!?"

:: She asked with a mix of genuine astonishment AND contempt::

"You're about as potent as a butter knife, Archer. Shouldn't be living out your secret fantasy as a male ballet dancer in some OFF "off-broadway" production of SWAN LAKE?"

:: the liquid in the coffee cup swirled and ERUPTED from the cup, SPLASHING rather violently on Archer's shirt. Heidi feigned a look of surprise and then covered her mouth with a mocking coy expression on her face::

"Oops?"

Archer scoffed at her words and almost laughed.

"It's comforting to know that your insults are just as WEAK as your attempts to become The White Princess were. Juliette really DID do a number on your self esteem, didn't she?"

Just then the contents of the piping hot cup of coffee swirled from the cup and blasted all over Archer's shirt. It stung, but then again for somebody who ran as COLD as Archer did, it was really more of an annoyance than anything else.

"Of COURSE I'm alive. It'll take more than some dead common toadstool from ANY of the courts to do me harm."

"Good thing I am a HELL of lot more capable than a toadstool..."

:: She said with a haughty tone and then lifted her eye brows with some amusement and a smirk on her face as Archer confronted her about not showing up to the Black Queen's funeral. ::

"Who do I think I AM? That's a better question for YOU isn't it? Coming here questioning ME as if you're ANYTHING to me, much less ABOVE me. I don't give a damn what you think, OR what happens to the Black Court. As far as I'm concerned, the lot of you belong in South London with the REST of the common rabble."

"That piss filled festering WENCH!"

Archer took great offense to her mention of South London, where he was born. Many people knew of his humble beginnings but nobody had thus far been so STUPID as to mention it to him as she just did.

"Heidi, in case you haven't noticed...Your court could give a DAMN about what happens to you. Your Queen is all but near comatose half the time and your KING is more concerned with polishing Juliette for grateness. The REST of the White Court now has security detail assigned to them...I guess Camille forgot to place the order for YOURS...And as for South London and the "common rabble"?! Well..I have to say i'd quite like to DROP you in the middle of that area and watch the world make you it's BITCH in record time..."

"Not that it's ANY of your business, but I had business to attend to on behalf of the White Queen, the ONLY Queen *I* recognize in the Hellfire Club. The rest of you pathetic posturing fools aren't worth the time of day."

"Maybe you AREN'T useless...I guess The White Queen will need somebody to PICK UP HER PRESCRIPTIONS now that Damien has been murdered.."

"And now, if you've satisfied your penchant for being a NOSEY BUSY BODY, you can LEAVE. I have things to attend to, and entertaining little boy blue ISN'T one of them."

"Yeah...I'm not going anywhere, Heidi...because..ya see..during the wake you didn't attend...a LOT of well..."things" happened...things that kind have turned the courts on their heads. I'm kind of in a bind and well.."

The air around them became incredibly COLD as both of their breaths could now be seen in the air.

"In order for me to get what I want...I'm going to have to take that pretty little face of yours and SKIN it from your body..."

With excessive force and QUICK movement, he executed a rather aggressive UPPERCUT to Hydra's chin, blasting her back out into the hallway of the luxurious penthouse apartment.

"and wear it like a mask back to The Hellfire Estate!"

 

[Hydra]

Hydra fights back

"Maybe you AREN'T useless...I guess

You don't know the half of it, you pathetic errand boy.

"Yeah...I'm not going anywhere, Heidi...because..ya see..during the wake you didn't attend...a LOT of well..."things" happened...things that kind have turned the courts on their heads. I'm kind of in a bind and well.."

The air around them became incredibly COLD as both of their breaths could now be seen in the air.

:: She stared him down in disbelief. Not only was he NOT going to leave...not WILLINGLY anyway...but he was now taking on a far more dark and agressive posture than she thought he was capable of.::

I said GET...OUT...

:: The water pressure in EVERY fixture and pipe around the apartment began to build up...as her emotions fluxed between astonishment and ANGER. But there was something ELSE happening...::

::By her very nature, due to her powers, she would sense ANY change ARCHER could cause in the environment around them.::

"In order for me to get what I want...I'm going to have to take that pretty little face of yours and SKIN it from your body..."

With excessive force and QUICK movement, he executed a rather aggressive UPPERCUT to Hydra's chin, blasting her back out into the hallway of the luxurious penthouse apartment.

"and wear it like a mask back to The Hellfire Estate!"

UGHHHH!

:: There was a flash of sudden pain as she went flying out into the hallway and hit the wall. ::

You...

:: She sputtered as she slowly sat up...::

You....DARE strike me!?

:: She rubbed her chin. A terrific blow indeed, but her jaw was still in place. One of the FIRST things she DID learn from the white queen was a subtle use of her power over water, using it to control the density of her own body, HARDENING it. Since the human body was composed of 75% water, this allowed Heidi to be FAR more durable to physical attacks than the average human or mutant who did not possess physical attritubutes or invulnerability. The White Queen herself was a metamorph shapeshifter and knew better than most how to use one's own body as a weapon or defense and she tought her bishop this key ability so that she could ALWAYS have a strong measure of defense. ANd apparently NOW more than ever, she was going to need it!::

:: She slowly worked her lower jaw as she rose to her feet and straightened herself out::

WELL...

:: She said with a huff...::

No one can accuse YOU of being lily livered faerie now can they?

:: Her voice dripped with contempt. She wasnt impressed...more like utterly OFFENDED that the commoner from South London defiled her perfect face with his working class hands!::

Still...

:: Looking rather grim now::

One good turn deserves ANOTHER!

:: Ordinarily, she was no match for Archer in terms of simple physical strength. But again, her power as a water elemental allowed her to do something to not expected. thrusting her hand forward and gesturing swiftly, there's a rushing sound as she manipulates the water in ARCHER'S body and sends HIM FLYING like a runaway wrecking ball! Flying back INTO the apartment and crashing OUT of the window of the HIGH RISE!::

BYE NOW!

:: The smug look on her face was brief, as she suddenly realized that this was SERIOUS.::

That...DOLT! He....

:: Breathing rather heavily as she still reeled from the sudden attack::

He ATTACKED ME! He put his HANDS on me!?

I'll KILL HIM for this!

:: But NO! She had to get to the White Queen! Archer had made some comments that indicated something was amiss and not only that, but that undead ghoulish bitch JULIETTE must be in on it too! Oh how she HATED that reanimated CORPSE! This would be her chance to EXPOSE Juliette for the traitorous fraud she always knew she was! AND she could bring wrath down on Archer as well. ::

Have to get to...Camille...

:: Hydra moved with the speed and grace that typified the elemental she held sway over as she made a hasty exit from the Apartment, all she had to do was find a large body of water and she could cover miles in RECORD time. ::

 

[Avalanche]

Metro London - Hyde Park Area

:: She slowly worked her lower jaw as she rose to her feet and straightened herself out::

"WELL..."

:: She said with a huff...::

"No one can accuse YOU of being lily livered faerie now can they?"

:: Her voice dripped with contempt. She wasnt impressed...more like utterly OFFENDED that the commoner from South London defiled her perfect face with his working class hands!::

"Still..."

:: Looking rather grim now::

"One good turn deserves ANOTHER!"

Archer was impressed when he had heard the water pressure throughout the apartment begin to fluctuate wildly. She was obviously capable of excercising the same amount of control with her abilities as he was. He went into a defensive stance. In an odd way these two were incredibly suited to fight each other. Both of them had VARIOUS ways of cancelling the other out...and based on their exchange back and forth, they both appeared to be GRAVELY underestimated in the use of their abilities. Archer had been trained from the age of thirteen to kill and to hone his power with a finesse and a control that was NEEDED from an elemental...and due to what he had just seen from her...she DID seem to possess the potential that Camille had spoke of in Heidi's early days on the court.

"What the HELL--UGH!"

:: Ordinarily, she was no match for Archer in terms of simple physical strength. But again, her power as a water elemental allowed her to do something to not expected. thrusting her hand forward and gesturing swiftly, there's a rushing sound as she manipulates the water in ARCHER'S body and sends HIM FLYING like a runaway wrecking ball! Flying back INTO the apartment and crashing OUT of the window of the HIGH RISE!::

"BYE NOW!"

He could FEEL Heidi's hold on the water inside his body as he was BLASTED back. He had never experienced this from the other side before and part of him was actually relieved to know...It hurt JUST as much as he expected. Archer FLEW through the window with a CRASH as he rapidly began to PLUMMET to the ground.

"Focus, Archer."

As an Ice Elemental, Archer was able to create a SERIES of complex ice structures in various sizes at incredible speeds. A few feet below where Archer was falling an elbow shaped construct of organic ice formulated with great speed. Archer's constructs were unbreakable by anything other than his will and as his body hit the structure with a thud, he was bounced back towards the building, causing him to CRASH through the Hall window, one floor below Heidi's Penthouse. He rolled onto the floor, bouncin as he went.

By knocking him out of the window, he knew that she was going to attempt to contact her court, or worse...find a body of water to travel through. It was what he would do. He thought fast on his feet as he walked over to the elevator to his left. Placing his hands on the steel doors, he began to reduce the thermal energy surrounding the entire elevator system to a degree that began to cause the structure to fall APART. Once it was "just right" Archer barrelled his fists into the door several times, causing an INCREDIBLE rumbling throughout the building as the metal elevator shaft began to shatter to pieces, the elevator crumbling along with it.

"Sorry BITCH...you're gonna have to use the STAIRS..."

Without missing a beat, Archer moved with incredible severity and force as he kicked open the door, using his ability to transform his tissue into organic ice as a bolster for his strength. As the door blasted open, he spotted Heidi just at the TOP of the staircase.

"You're not getting out of this building ALIVE, Heidi!"

Casting his fists out, he began to RETURN the favor Heidi gave him as she began to enact a similar attack, THIS time as he began to FREEZE the liquids inside of Heidi's body like her BLOOD which was only made up of about 52% water, an attack that would sent a RED ALERT to her Central Nervous System and could potentially cause her to go in arrest before the Ice Elemental FROZE her completely, even if she were able to get a hold of the water it contained. He closed the gap between them in mere moments as he took this opportunity to land one HELL of a BLOW to The White Bishop's FACE, as his knuckles became encrusted in JAGGED fragments of ICE.

"SURRENDER and I will give you a death far more HONORABLE than you deserve!"

 

[Chameleon]

That little succubus was getting a little too close for comfort. The way she had dared to STARE at her own Queen.... She was getting too bold also. She was probably trying to do that hypnotist trick earlier. Something had to be done. Liam would get over the loss of his little pet, but she would have to do it quickly, before Juliette dug any deeper.*

The White Queen sulked through the halls, and people jumped out of her way, as they should. Camille had a reputation for being hotheaded, and it was well earned and well heeded.*

She felt even more anxious than usual. She had hoped the heat would lessen once Evelyn's wake passed, but the news of Dominos return was rocking the boat, and with Damien gone, Camille knew she was exposed and in a bad position. She couldn't trust ANYONE any more. What was this club coming too?? Rebecca was shifty and unreliable, out for herself now that Evelyn was dead and could no longer keep her in check....*

Liam was clearly under the vampire's spell. His idea of "punishing" his precious princess would probably involve some kind of spanking. Yeah, THAT would teach her. NOT! It would just pander to the girl's weird daddy issues. You couldn't even joke about Juliette's father without her dropping fang and launching some kind of irate rant in French that no one ever understood because HELLO, this is England, like we speak English here you stupid french tart.*

What was worse, Liam liked to indulge her, and she seemed to enjoy being his 'princess' She was always striking his ego, all 'yes, my King' *and 'should it please your highness', using her bedroom eyes all the time and encouraging his attention. And the more Liam fawned, the more Juliette cooed. And of course Liam ate it up, locked under her strange spell. Vampires. Freaky sexual deviants, all of them.*

Yes, the vamp would have to be vanquished. Heidi was the only one who could be trusted with the task. And Heidi would delight in it, even. Camille texted her most valuable player, the Bishop.*

>>Heidi... Juliette has murdered Damien. She must be eliminated.*

 

[Silver]

Hellfire Estate - Red Princess Suite

:: Bretta screamed as Maxine ripped the knife from her hand. She didn’t even have time to defend herself before The Bitch Knight knocked the couch over, taking her with it. ::

"Well you've proven to be even LESS useful than I could have possibly imagined. One little knife to the hand is all it takes to get something out of The Red Princess?!...and then when she answers she acts like a lamb who knows nothing and serves ONLY her Queen?! You're WEAK and UNIMAGINATIVE!"

”GET UP, BRETTA…”

“FUCK. YOU.”

:: By now, Bretta was angry. Maxine wanted her to her feet? Bretta rose to her feet and stood there, glaring at The Black Knight, her blood running down her hand from her wound. ::

"You've satisfied NONE of my concerns about you...and considering how CLOSE you like to align yourself with The Red Queen, I just don't think...."

:: Glaring at The Red Princess ::

"I don't think I can suffer you to live any longer...BUT, I'm going to give you a "fighting" chance. Impress me...and you might just move on to the next round..."

:: Bretta was not ready for the table to come at her but then, she wasn’t ready for a KNIFE to be jammed into her hand either. Instinctively she threw up her hands and...OBLITERATED the table with purple lightning that she conjured up with her FAERIE MAGICK. ::

*angrily*: “You BITCH! What the FUCK was that about? I REALLY have no idea who killed your precious Evelyn!”

:: She GLARED at Maxine. ::

“You think you KNOW about me? You have no idea what you’re dealing with.”

:: She grabbed a stray napkin and placed it on her hand to stop the bleeding. Maxine wanted to play hardball, Bretta could play hardball too. ::

“I can think for myself, thank you very much. I am not a ‘lamb’, as you called me. I DON’T know Rebecca’s plans for the future because she has not let me in on them. If Rebecca DID kill Evelyn, I am most certainly not aware of that. You KNOW Rebecca, Maxine. There is no doubt in my mind that Rebecca is capable of great and terrible things. You think I’m weak and unimaginative? Then you have NOTHING to fear from me. I assure you, I know absolutely NOTHING about Evelyn, or these so-called plans for the future of the Hellfire Club. I WANT what YOU want: to bring Evelyn’s killer to justice. If that happens to be my own Queen, well then, I guess I’ll have to do something about that, wouldn’t I?”

:: She still glared at The Black Knight, her anger rising up. ::

“You think I’m WEAK and UNIMAGINATIVE? Watch THIS!”

:: With that, Bretta flung out her hands and, again, dark purple LIGHTNING came shooting from her hands and caught Maxine in the stomach, sending her flying backwards into the wall. Bretta had used her faerie magick on The Black Knight! ::

“Take THAT, you COW!”

 

[Duke]

Hellfire Estate - Red Sitting Room

”Alistair...you know how much I enjoy the charm that radiates from you much like a used car salesman. You often made me laugh and your exploits within the walls of this estate have caused much gossip and carefree conversation...However..."

She stood from the couch as she began to walk over to the fire.

"There is another part of you that speaks just as loudly. A side that I have tried to ignore for quite some time now. The whispers you make about the way I run my court...your consistent championing for Bretta. I pull her one way, you pull her the other. For quite some time now...instead of a respected member of my court, you've been more like a thorn in my side, which is a shame...."

Alec opened his mouth to talk but quickly shut it. Rebecca HATED it when she was interrupted. It was best to keep quiet for now.

"Because I chose my court with GREAT care. When Brienne Shaw was coronated as The Black Princess, I began to look for somebody that might be able to COUNTER her...and then a warlock plopped into my lap by the name of Alistair Thatcher. I groomed you to be prepared should Brienne ever pose a THREAT to our court. You would be the perfect person to take her out, and what's more..I would have loved to see what you could do with that horrible little power of hers."

[taking a moment to admire her reflection in the mirror above the mantle before turning back to face Alec.]

"When I watched as Juliette De La Creaux became The White Princess...she worried me. She seemed more well liked than her own Queen...and she was cunning. I needed somebody that might TEMPT her...an ace in the hole in case I ever needed to take her out...and we both know how appealing a Dark Faerie is to a Vampire. The fact that I now care for Bretta as much as I do is merely icing on a very delicious cake..."

Oh come off it, Rebecca. You don’t give a DAMN about Bretta. In fact, the truth is that you’d kill her right now if it meant moving ahead in the Hellfire Club.

Rebecca sat back down beside him. Alec managed to keep a fond smile on his face. How, he had no idea but if he had to FAKE it in order to MAKE it? He was willing to do whatever it took to survive.

"And there is Daniel Reed...My Red Bishop. When I met him, and saw what HE could do? The way he could craft illusions and feelings so incredibly....REAL?! Coupled with the fact that he is one of the ONLY members of our European Branch who maintains friendly alliances with members of The American Court? Well, suffice to say he has never let me down..."

She cocked her head to the side as her eyes betrayed a ravenous glare.

"Looking at the three of you now...Well, Bretta is my loyal confidant and friend. She is not as easily able to hide her emotions like the others. It is not in her nature. Sure, she feels like I treat her like a servant..but then she looks at the CARE I have given her, the POLISH...I do not FALTER in my trust...of Bretta O'Malley. And then I see Daniel...and well, Daniel is the one who alerted me of the little meeting in the maze last night...and what's more is that he had picked up some rather interesting feelings come from you...Yes, Daniel has still proved himself loyal..."

Alec looked sharply at Rebecca. WHAT feelings did Reed happen to pick up? He knew that look in Rebecca’s eye and it made him UNCOMFORTABLE. He also didn’t like the smile that appeared on her face.

"And then there's you...When you aren't too busy trying to BOFF anything with long hair and ample bosoms, you are criticizing the way I run MY court, and I emphasize the word *MY* Alec because I want you to understand the power I am able to WIELD here...And to top it all off, you decided to spend the evening conversing with members of other courts...one of whom you've JUST told me has taken out their own court's Knight..."

Alec shifted in his seat and gave Rebecca a wary look. WHAT was he going to do now? He had to think fast. Rebecca took her time making some coffee before looking back at him.

"You seem to be the only one on our court who has YET to prove their loyalty, Alec...and we no longer have the luxury of time to see how that will play out. I need to know how far you are willing to go to PROVE that loyalty to me."

A LOADED request if Alec ever heard one. He had to tread cautiously and use his words CAREFULLY. Rebecca was right; time had run out for him. He chuckled.

“My Queen, of COURSE you have my undying loyalty. I truly apologize if it seems I DON’T respect you. It’s only because I so BELIEVE in this Court and in YOU that perhaps I use the wrong words to get that across sometimes. If you aren’t happy because I seem to be championing for BRETTA, it’s only because I see that same potential in her that YOU see in her. Now, I’m not sure what these ‘feelings’ are that Ree-, DANIEL, had picked up on, but I assure you they are nothing to worry about. I’m GLAD I’m on your Court and the reason I was conversing with other Court members was because I sent Bretta up to her suite to get changed and showered first before she could fulfill her duties to you. I took her place.”

He crossed his legs and sat back. He sighed.

“I assure you, my Queen, you have NOTHING to fear. I sure as hell won’t pull a Juliette and start murdering members of my own Court, let alone my own QUEEN.”

He faltered a bit, before saying the words that scared him GREATLY. He swallowed HARD.

“What would my Queen like me to do to prove my loyalty?”

 

[Hydra]

Fighting back

:: Just as Heidi had started her descent to the main floor of the apartment, the White Queen contacted her via text! She had a special alert assigned to any contact from the White Queen & it was one she'd always respond to because of that.::

>>Heidi... Juliette has murdered Damien. She must be eliminated.*

I KNEW it! that pasty faced tart & this bloody bellend Archer are IN ON IT TOGETHER!

:: Her copper brown eyes sparkled with wild excitment, as her emotions were now heightened across the board due to the confrontation she found herself in, but if her Queen was already aware of Juliette, then she needed to know about Archer and the problem he was causing as well!::

There's no telling where he is now...itll take more than a fall to kill that common cockroach I'm sure...

:: She quickly tapped out a reply on her phone to Camille::

>>Camille...Archer's in on it too!He has indicated that "things are changing" and that he has to kill ME in order to get what he wants. He's here at my apartment and he's just attacked me. I sent him flying out of the window but he's....

:: She looked up before finishing the message. There was a major shift in the movemenet of moisture molecules in the environment. They were slowing down, almost coming to a full stop. ARCHER. He was creating a freeze effect.::

Sorry BITCH...you're gonna have to use the STAIRS..."

no time to finish the text!

::She immediately presses SEND to get the message to the White Queen and then prepares to face Archer once more::

Without missing a beat, Archer moved with incredible severity and force as he kicked open the door, using his ability to transform his tissue into organic ice as a bolster for his strength. As the door blasted open, he spotted Heidi just at the TOP of the staircase.

"You're not getting out of this building ALIVE, Heidi!"

Casting his fists out, he began to RETURN the favor Heidi gave him as she began to enact a similar attack, THIS time as he began to FREEZE the liquids inside of Heidi's body like her BLOOD which was only made up of about 52% water, an attack that would sent a RED ALERT to her Central Nervous System and could potentially cause her to go in arrest before the Ice Elemental FROZE her completely, even if she were able to get a hold of the water it contained. He closed the gap between them in mere moments as he took this opportunity to land one HELL of a BLOW to The White Bishop's FACE, as his knuckles became encrusted in JAGGED fragments of ICE.

"SURRENDER and I will give you a death far more HONORABLE than you deserve!"

::GASP!::

:: Again, Archer strikes her in the face, this time there is blood, as her head whips to the side and she instinctively spits the blood out of her mouth and reels from the shock of the impact::

:: She STARTS to shiver....her teeth even chatter for a moment. Her eyes roll up in the back of her head as she feels like doubling over! Her emotions are getting the better of her but then...::

::FLASH!::

<< A training session with the White Queen, many moons ago>>

Camille: You and I have much in common, dear Heidi. We both have powers that personify fluent movement and grace. We both have the ability to use our powers to turn our own BODIES into weapons. But YOU, you have something special and unique! You control the very element that is the building block of all life! Fire may burn, but water DOUSES the flame; The earth may move and cause change, but water ERODES the earth; The air flows freely, but combined with WATER , the possibilities are endless. NEVER forget that you ARE special, my precious girl and remember that my guiding hand will bring you to a place of power and precedence that no one from the other courts could challenge or compesante for!

<< Images of Camille instructing and teaching Heidi in finer control of her elemental power>>

Camille: Remember, WATER comes in many forms- liquid being the most obvious, but ALSO ICE and VAPOR. ALL of them are under your control.

:: The look on Heidi's face fades from one of panic to one of grim clarity::

HALT!

:: Archer's freeze effect on HER body is IMMEDIATELY STOPPED and REVERSED as her internal systems begin to RESUME NORMAL flow and function::

YOU cannot overpower ME.

:: Her body now signficantly hardened and more dense as she controls her own internal moisture and water content. She KNEES Archer in the balls and slams an open handed fist to his face, specifically his nose to send him away from her::

I control the element which YOU are merely a DERIVITIVE of.

:: In the game of chess, the question has often come up: which is more powerful- the Knight or the Bishop? The truth is that neither one is inherently "more powerful" than the other, but in a matter of STRATEGY? The Bishop clearly has MORE RANGE than the knight. Archer is about to learn this, the HARD way.::

:: she spreads her arms out, channeling her emotions and directing them as a ribbon, a symphony, like the water itself. ALL the ice around them beings to CRACK and fall apart, large chunks come crashing down. Archer finds his own BODY trembling from stress and CRACKS forming in key areas of his form::

ME surrender to YOU?

::Scoffing with a laugh as her hair flows up as does the water, provided ever so courteously by Archer ::

THAT'LL be the day.

:: There is an odd sound, like the din of a masive ocean wave gaining height, speed and POWER::

TAKE THIS, you overconfident TWERP!

:: She brings her hands up and conducts the water like a beautiful symphony, pulling it together, tightening it and propelling it with her force of will . and then...she delivers a powerful ATTACK ::

:: This isnt "water bomb" or some simple thing like that. It's an attack that uses the FORCE and POWER of the OCEAN itself. It will slam into Archer with the force of a super massive TIDAL wave and sweep him AWAY as if he were LESS than nothing. if he's not CRUSHED by the FATHOMS in this concentrated attack, he may well DROWN. The powerful attack BLOWS A HOLE through the wall and carries Archer out of the building down the side via "waterfall".
::

:: Heidi herself takes the opportunity to "catch a ride" and the two of them are BOTH carried outside!::

Funny how claimed I wouldnt leave this building, when you gave me JUST what I needed to DO SO!

:: Holding her hand out, a nearby puddle of water LEAPS to her mental command and forms into a flowing, hardened "chain" whip of water which she weilds better than an olympic ribbon dancer, ready to STRIKE Archer if he's able to recover...if he's even still ALIVE.::

The WHITE QUEEN knows what you've done. She also know what Juliette has done. Your pasty faced SLAG is as good as dead and now, so are YOU.

 

[Avalanche]

Time to Fight

:: The look on Heidi's face fades from one of panic to one of grim clarity::

"HALT!"

:: Archer's freeze effect on HER body is IMMEDIATELY STOPPED and REVERSED as her internal systems begin to RESUME NORMAL flow and function::

"YOU cannot overpower ME."

:: Her body now signficantly hardened and more dense as she controls her own internal moisture and water content. She KNEES Archer in the balls and slams an open handed fist to his face, specifically his nose to send him away from her::

"I control the element which YOU are merely a DERIVITIVE of."

:: In the game of chess, the question has often come up: which is more powerful- the Knight or the Bishop? The truth is that neither one is inherently "more powerful" than the other, but in a matter of STRATEGY? The Bishop clearly has MORE RANGE than the knight. Archer is about to learn this, the HARD way.::

:: she spreads her arms out, channeling her emotions and directing them as a ribbon, a symphony, like the water itself. ALL the ice around them beings to CRACK and fall apart, large chunks come crashing down. Archer finds his own BODY trembling from stress and CRACKS forming in key areas of his form::

"So the girl knows her STUFF...Too bad she's WILDLY out of control with her EMOTIONS!"

Archer winced backwards as he was kneed in the groin and promptly punched in the face as Heidi seemed to get control of herself. She seemed to be getting more confidence in herself which prove her harder to kill. Still, The Black ROOK was confident in his abilities. He was in control of himself.

"Then think CAREFULLY what you do, Heidi...because we can BACK AND FORTH for hours cancelling each other out!"

ME surrender to YOU?

::Scoffing with a laugh as her hair flows up as does the water, provided ever so courteously by Archer ::

THAT'LL be the day.

:: There is an odd sound, like the din of a masive ocean wave gaining height, speed and POWER::

TAKE THIS, you overconfident TWERP!

:: She brings her hands up and conducts the water like a beautiful symphony, pulling it together, tightening it and propelling it with her force of will . and then...she delivers a powerful ATTACK ::

:: This isnt "water bomb" or some simple thing like that. It's an attack that uses the FORCE and POWER of the OCEAN itself. It will slam into Archer with the force of a super massive TIDAL wave and sweep him AWAY as if he were LESS than nothing. if he's not CRUSHED by the FATHOMS in this concentrated attack, he may well DROWN. The powerful attack BLOWS A HOLE through the wall and carries Archer out of the building down the side via "waterfall". ::

:: Heidi herself takes the opportunity to "catch a ride" and the two of them are BOTH carried outside!::

Funny how claimed I wouldnt leave this building, when you gave me JUST what I needed to DO SO!

:: Holding her hand out, a nearby puddle of water LEAPS to her mental command and forms into a flowing, hardened "chain" whip of water which she weilds better than an olympic ribbon dancer, ready to STRIKE Archer if he's able to recover...if he's even still ALIVE.::

The WHITE QUEEN knows what you've done. She also know what Juliette has done. Your pasty faced SLAG is as good as dead and now, so are YOU.

Heidi would be looking around for Archer for some time before she noted that he was absolutely NOWHERE to be seen, the reason being that he was INSIDE of her as in PHYSICALLY inside of her body!

As Hydra unleashed her incredibly powerful water attack, Archer INSTINCTIVELY transformed all of his tissue into organice ICE, which allowed him a GREAT deal or resistance to initital impact, but would ALSO serve another purpose. In his ice form he was able to deposit his body into masses of water, which he usually used for travel, by merging his molecules with the water. In fact, Archer was able to SURVIVE in water and vapor form for extended time periods.

He watched as Heidi did much of the same thing as they were BARRELLED out the window and on the ground. Heidi must not have known he was capable of such a feat, and as she began to RECONSTITUTE her body, Archer took the fleeting seconds he had to MERGE with water molecules of her BODY.

So as she called out to him and formed her WATER WHIP, she wouldn't see him...but she was about to feel him. Archer began to decrease the temperature of the WATER in her body to subzero levels and since ARCHER had MERGED with the water in her body, if she attempted to remove him or extract him out, she would essentially be HARMING herself.

"Time to show you that it's not always important where one is DERIVED!"

Just as he gave her notion that he was around by freezing her, she would attempt to control her temperatures and density, but unfortunately for Heidi there would be NOW way she would be invulnerable enough for Archer's next move.

"NOW!"

In a FLURRY of movement, Archer began to RECONSTITUTE himself INSIDE OF HEIDI, bringing his body back to his ICE FORM PIECE BY PIECE as Heidi's bones began to SNAP and CRACK as Acher's body MATERIALIZED within seconds, his ICE FORM BLASTING through the body of Heidi Scarborough, all but TEARING it apart and destroying it, warping it as Archer materialized, looking almost as if he was wearing The White Bishop's skin as a SUIT. The sheer shock, force and speed of the attack, not to MENTION the immediate STRAIN she would feel on her body would simply overwhelm her. Archer stood in his ice form, the remains of Heidi Scarborough still clinging to his body.

"Checkmate..."

There wouldn't be much in the way of remains for him to bring Juliette, but one thing was for sure...The White Bishop...had been UTTERLY evicerated.

 

[Lord Ravena]

Ah, the beauty of a productive morning. There was nothing like throwing open the windows and facing the sun, laughing at his inferiors as they scuttle away, back into the shadows.

Next was breakfast. Once he had all that he required of her, she was sent away to whatever photo shoot she was apparently late for.

And now Lord Ravena was seated, his gaze averted to what was once a common mirror upon a wall. But now, it was a scrying mirror and, after casting powerful warding glyphs to turn away prying eyes, even technology, he was having a chuckle as the Black Rook dispatched the White Bishop.

She was nice to look at and had some degree of power. But the Pale Bishop was haughty, spoiled and had a sense of entitlement borne of essentially no substance. Apparently in this century you could just be attractive to men and capable of wearing a dress to a show or something and you were to be revered. It was good to see that TRUE power was more of a meritocracy. He had been prepared to intervene in this battle, but he was happy to see that it was not necessary. Juliette had sent Archer on the more difficult errand, but he had been found to be up to the task.

Overall, things were going as well as could have been expected. There were many moving parts, many desires to be balanced at once should this Court be remade properly. And there was still the business of finding the killers. The game invigorated him, and he prepared himself for the day to come. There were pieces that still had to be moved.

 

[Crimson]

The Hellfire Estate - Red Sitting Room

A LOADED request if Alec ever heard one. He had to tread cautiously and use his words CAREFULLY. Rebecca was right; time had run out for him. He chuckled.

“My Queen, of COURSE you have my undying loyalty. I truly apologize if it seems I DON’T respect you. It’s only because I so BELIEVE in this Court and in YOU that perhaps I use the wrong words to get that across sometimes. If you aren’t happy because I seem to be championing for BRETTA, it’s only because I see that same potential in her that YOU see in her. Now, I’m not sure what these ‘feelings’ are that Ree-, DANIEL, had picked up on, but I assure you they are nothing to worry about. I’m GLAD I’m on your Court and the reason I was conversing with other Court members was because I sent Bretta up to her suite to get changed and showered first before she could fulfill her duties to you. I took her place.”

He crossed his legs and sat back. He sighed.

Rebecca's face remained much like a marble statue as she listened to The Red Rook speak. She was simply unimpressed with his feeble attempt to lick her boots. As he was finishing speaking, she waved her red-nailed hands dismissively at the boy.

Duke: “I assure you, my Queen, you have NOTHING to fear. I sure as hell won’t pull a Juliette and start murdering members of my own Court, let alone my own QUEEN.”

The Red Queen laughed softly at Alistair.

Duke: “What would my Queen like me to do to prove my loyalty?”

Setting her coffee cup down on the table with a thud, Rebecca shifted in her seat as she turned herself to face Alistair more from where she was sitting. Cocking her head to the side, her brilliant bright brown eyes flickered with delight as she spoke.

"Alistair...you are losing your touch. I'm well aware of the way you feel about me, and now you've put me in an uncomfortable position. I feel I can no longer trust you...and I feel as if Bretta is but a moment away from leaving my side and joining you in your arms...and I simply CANNOT abide this in my Court..."

She stood, flattening out her red lace dress. At that moment, a member of The Red Queen's security detail approached her and gently whispered something into her ear, Rebecca's eyes widened at whatever the man was saying to her. Upon her command, the guard left just as quickly as he had arrived. Rebecca looked at Alistair with an intense gaze that showed she would no longer entertain the meaningless WORDS of The Red Rook.

"It appears yet ANOTHER member of the garden party has taken an act of aggression against the courts. Archer Fairchild has MURDERED The White Bishop. It appears we have a rebellion on our hands. It's time for us to take action, Alec...and Heidi Scarborough's death has given me quite the UNIQUE opportunity in which to test your loyalty to our court..."

Rebecca nodded which Alec understood meant he should get up from the couch.

"You want to prove that you have no intentions on running a RUSE within the Red Court, then it's time to PROVE it. If you wish to prove your loyalty to ME...and The Red Court...then your penance shall be KILLING Archer Fairchild when he returns to The Hellfire Estate.."

The Red Queen walked DANGEROUSLY close to Alec, her face a mere centimeters away from him.

"AND...in an effort to PROVE to you how VERY serious I am...If you should FAIL this task, as much as I care about her, Alec... I WILL have Bretta O'Malley killed...The Black Knight is already running around these halls ready for BLOOD..she won't need much of a reason. I love Bretta...I truly do, but none of what we do here at The Hellfire Club has ANYTHING to do with love. I've created something for myself here that I will NOT seen undone..."

And with that, Rebecca began to make her way out of the sitting room, not looking back as she made her parting words to The Red Rook.

"You have until the sun rises tomorrow morning, Alistair...Do not force me to do something I REALLY don't wish to do..."

She was gone.

 

[Domino]

The Hellfire Estate - Red Princess' Quarters

:: Bretta was not ready for the table to come at her but then, she wasn’t ready for a KNIFE to be jammed into her hand either. Instinctively she threw up her hands and...OBLITERATED the table with purple lightning that she conjured up with her FAERIE MAGICK. ::

*angrily*: “You BITCH! What the FUCK was that about? I REALLY have no idea who killed your precious Evelyn!”

:: She GLARED at Maxine. ::

“You think you KNOW about me? You have no idea what you’re dealing with.”

:: She grabbed a stray napkin and placed it on her hand to stop the bleeding. Maxine wanted to play hardball, Bretta could play hardball too. ::

"Bretta O'Malley...in the five seconds I've spent with you today...it's become very clear that you are INCAPABLE of committing to a THOUGHT...let ALONE a murder."

:: The Dark Lightning was a fancy little move and Domino was relieved to see that The Red Princess actually did have a little bit of fire in her belly, which was good. Maxine hardly liked to take down her prey with little to no fight. ::

“I can think for myself, thank you very much. I am not a ‘lamb’, as you called me. I DON’T know Rebecca’s plans for the future because she has not let me in on them. If Rebecca DID kill Evelyn, I am most certainly not aware of that. You KNOW Rebecca, Maxine. There is no doubt in my mind that Rebecca is capable of great and terrible things. You think I’m weak and unimaginative? Then you have NOTHING to fear from me. I assure you, I know absolutely NOTHING about Evelyn, or these so-called plans for the future of the Hellfire Club. I WANT what YOU want: to bring Evelyn’s killer to justice. If that happens to be my own Queen, well then, I guess I’ll have to do something about that, wouldn’t I?”

:: She still glared at The Black Knight, her anger rising up. ::

"Well then, I'm glad your starting to see how very USELESS it seems you ARE to Rebecca...EXPENDABLE even?"

“You think I’m WEAK and UNIMAGINATIVE? Watch THIS!”

:: With that, Bretta flung out her hands and, again, dark purple LIGHTNING came shooting from her hands and caught Maxine in the stomach, sending her flying backwards into the wall. Bretta had used her faerie magick on The Black Knight! ::

“Take THAT, you COW!”

:: Maxine had more than enough time to react to the Dark Lightning that was being blasted towards her. In fact, Maxine was capable of dodging a BULLET at POINT BLANK range, but The Black Knight wanted to drive the point home that she was made of tougher stuff than an overpriveleged FAERIE could dish out. She threw her hands out and WILLING took the blast of her stomach...but it did NOT have the same effect as Bretta was used to it having on people. Instead of being BLASTED into a wall, Domino simply dug the heels of her combat boots into the ground as she slid backwards several feet from the force. It DID sting a little, Maxine would admit that...but nothing CLOSE to what she had experience in her childhood. Maxine shot a wild glance at Bretta as her face began to shimmer as it became COVERED in a sleek coat of TECHNO ORGANIC STEEL that began to wrap itself around her left arm. ::

[sarcastically]

"Well...I've taken it..now what?!"

:: Domino didn't give the woman time to respond as she CHARGED Bretta with the FEROCIOUS speed of a CHEETAH as lunged at Bretta, gripped both her hands into a clasped fist, RAISED them above her head and KNOCKED them down with a thunderous BLOW on the top of Bretta's HEAD. As The Red Princess was FALLING to the ground, Domino's techo organic steel coated hand GRABBED the ends of Bretta's hair as she spun the woman around by it before flinging her like a RAG doll into the WALL, knocking the dark faerie out cold. Domino's face and arms returned to normal as she walked over to the HUDDLED body of Bretta O'Malley. She kicked her in the stomach. ::

"She may not have fared very well in battle...but let see how she fares....as VAMPIRE bait..."

:: Maxine began to hum as she grabbed the arms of the unconscious Red Princess and began to drag her down the hall...to GOD knows where?! ::

 

[Duke]

Hellfire Estate - Red Wing

”…I WILL have Bretta O’Malley killed…”

Rebeccca’s words rang in his ears long after she had gone. Alec sat back down, his entire body trembling. She had actually done it. She had actually THREATENED to kill her OWN Princess! Alec already knew that he would not be able to kill Archer Fairchild, but he also knew he could not – and WOULD NOT – let Bretta die. Bretta meant way too much to him. He may not be in love with her as of yet, but Alec definitely had strong feelings for the Dark Faerie. He knew he would do ANYTHING to protect Bretta. He got up and headed straight for The Red Princess’ suite. There was no time like the present to keep close to her and try to protect her. He walked in through the door and started calling for Bretta.

“Bretta? Bretta! Are you here, love? I have something I need to tell you!”

He expected to hear Bretta’s voice but she didn’t answer. He felt apprehension as he approached her Sitting Room. He entered it to find two of her chambermaids cleaning up in there.

“What happened in HERE?!”

One of the chambermaids looked up and glanced over at the other one. Her face was completely white. The Red Princess’ wait staff all made themselves scarce when Maxine entered the Princess’ suite.

“The Black Knight happened, sir. S-she came and…and…I think she took Miss O’Malley somewhere…”

Alec felt a flicker of fear. It would be JUST LIKE Rebecca to have captured Bretta in anticipation of him not fulfilling his task of loyalty. A framed picture on a nearby shelf caught his eye. It was of him and Bretta. They both had their arms around each other and were lifting their cocktails up in a toast to the society photographer. The bloody photographer kept referring to them as a ‘couple’ when they weren’t. He smirked. That night was one of the first functions they were in attendance at as The Red Princess and Rook. It was also the night where they both got more than a little pissed and wound up in his bed together.

Bretta laughed her head off at Alec’s antics. She reacheed out for the handrail of the staircase but she misjudged the distance and ended up almost falling down the stairs.

“Whoa! I’ve got you…”

Bretta: *giggles*: “Yes, you do…”

Alec felt Bretta lean against him as he helped her up the stairs. That night marked the third function they were in attendance at as The Red Princess and Rook. He helped her to his suite and was pleasantly surprised when she turned around and kissed him on the lips. He deepened the kiss and she pulled him closer to her. Ten minutes later, they were both free of clothing and rolling around in his bed having sex.

Even then, he noticed how good she felt in his arms; how perfectly their bodies fit together. That’s when they had an unspoken agreement to keep having a sexual affair with one another on a regular basis while still sleeping with other people. He turned and RAN from The Red Princess Suite and out into HIS quarters of The Red Rook. He stumbled to his bed and lifted his mattress to find the thing he was looking for: his athame. He rushed out of his suite and continued his mission of finding Bretta O’Malley. Nothing was going to stop him.

I’m coming to get you, baby.

 

[Seer]

Day Turns Into Night...

<< The day had brought to light many things that were hiding in the dark. Juliette had made good on her word to Archer as she brutally dispatched The White Knight and was faced with her court. While The White Queen was sure that her days were numbered, The White King Liam seemed to believe that Juliette had actually been working to find Evelyn Pierce's killer. As she finished her meeting with Liam, Juliette made her way back to The Hellfire Estate in order to find Lord Ravena and Archer Fairchild, to see if he had completed the task she presented him with. >>

<< Speaking of Archer, he had spent the early hours of the morning in a fire fight with Heidi Scarborough, The White Bishop, a woman who was far harder to dispatch than he had intended. For as sullied a reputation as she had, Heidi proved that she had the potential to be a POWERHOUSE among the courts. Had Juliette faced the water elemental, she would have met a fate worse than death. The White Bishop may have perished, but she drove one last nail into the coffin as she was able to alert Camille, The White Queen that Juliette was not acting alone as she outed Archer as a co-conspirator in the brewing revolution. As Archer returned to The Hellfire Estate, he would unknowingly be faced with Alistair Thatcher, The Red Rook who had been tasked with murdering The Black Rook in order to prove his loyalty and save the life of The Red Princess... Would Alec be able to go through with his plan or would his concern for the whereabouts of Bretta O'Malley lead to his own death. >>

<< Bretta had faced off with The Black Knight herself. Her whereabouts for the moment were UNKNOWN. Maxine Dupont, The Black Knight, was moving onto the next phase of her plan. She had a good idea of the true identity of The Black Queen's killer...but for NOW, her attention was focused on learning the DETAILS of the revolution started by [bThe White Princess[/b]. Juliette would soon find herself on a collision course that would be decided by FISTS. >>

<< Lord Ravena had remained mysteriously calm and seemed to be WATCHING everything as it unfolded. Nobody was sure if what was happening had been his plan all along or if he simply did not care, but he had his own machinations to attend to. He knew that as the sun fell behind the hills of the estate, there would be MORE blood shed, and that the SURVIVORS would need a safe place to plan their next move, something he seemed eerily excited about. >>

<< With so much going on, a frazzled White Queen would receive the message from Heidi about Archer Fairchild, and she would also receive confirmation about her White Bishop's death. She was beginning to come apart at the seams, which would cause her to call for a meeting...with The Red Queen, Rebecca Everhart. >>

<< And what of Rebecca? With so many pawns at play in The Red Court, she hadn't needed to act overly aggressive...yet. But she knew that once Juliette and Archer returned to the Estate...that NEITHER could stand to walk out ALIVE...would she FINALLY give into her brewing rage and displeasure with her own court, or would she continue on the path she had chosen. >>

<< The sun slowly sets on The Hellfire Estate, acting as a harbinger of DARK things to come. Who will survive the night and who will end up as victims of their own designs? And so we WATCH! >>

 

[Juliette De Lacroix]

After waiting for sundown, Juliette left the White Court's sanctuary to meet with Archer and Lord Ravena, hoping for a rousing rendition of a duel to the death between the Black Rook and the White Bishop.*

Juliette had fulfilled her end of the deal, and it was time to see if Archer had pulled off his attempt at murder. She had every confidence in the man, but it was easy to get overconfident or underestimate opponents. She knew that her plan was much easier discussed than executed, and that they were a long way from kings and queens.

Now that they had begun the blitzkrieg, it was time to watch for the Queens defensive tactics. Juliette was not so hasty as to think the two women would go down without a fight, in fact she hoped they'd put up a good one.

She did not yet know she had already lost the element of surprise regarding the black courts involvement in her scheme. She was still under the impression that Archer's involvement was an unknown factor, but it was too late to turn back now and even still, she would not have stopped for anything. Hesitation or a loss of conviction would have killed her coup. She knew better than any of them that it was do or die time. The revolution would succeed or they would all die in her name.

She glided down the halls of the main hellfire estate, carrying herself as if she were headed to her own coronation. Confidence is half the battle.

 

[Chameleon]

Her guard opened the door to her suite for her and she traipsed into her living room, casting wary glances everywhere. She could feel paranoia taking over, but as soon as she saw Sheena, she felt a little better. The white Siberian tiger lounged on the sofa, taking up the entire length. Sheena lifted her head and purred, and Camille sat on the edge of the couch, petting the big cat.

"Fred, fetch my medicine."

He obeyed, trained even to bring a glass of water. She could feel her nerves fraying, but petting Sheena always calmed her a little. Her pills would help even more. She downed them easily, leaned back against the tiger and listened to it purr as she softly stroked its fur. Quite soothing, and knowing Heidi would stop Juliette was also comforting. She closed her eyes and let Sheena's breathing rock her to sleep. The pills made her drowsy, and she liked a little nap now and then anyway.

*****************

When she woke, it was dark out. She had slept through most of the day.

She looked at her phone for Heidi's response. Camille pulled it up, expecting Heidi to reassure her that Juliette had been taken care of. That's not what she got:

Heidi:>>Camille...Archer's in on it too!He has indicated that "things are changing" and that he has to kill ME in order to get what he wants. He's here at my apartment and he's just attacked me. I sent him flying out of the window but he's....

She couldn't read the text fast enough. her heart started to race and her chest felt tight. She took more pills but rose to her feet. There had only been one text from Heidi and that was not good. Camille called the only person who would know what to do next: Rebecca.

"It's me. We Have to meet!"