The old order changes

[Seer]

The Hellfire Club

<< Several days have passed since the incident involving Rose at the Courthouse.>>

<< Rose is now in the care of Harbinger, Shadow Weaver, and Glorianna (Rae) , Dominique, Sharon, and Richard overseeing the care of the orphans at the Sanctuary, and Alycia taking a leave of absence from the Birds of Prey.>>

<< Oracle and new "Birds" associate, Gabriel Jerome pulled off an amazing coup as they were able to HACK into the servers of Clandestine Inc, and obtain vital information on Black Widow, aka Scion. Clandestine Inc took a hard black eye following Black Widow's attack on the Sanctuary, and the hits would keep coming.>>

<< The future of the Birds of Prey is certainly more solid than it was in the beginning, but there is still much for them to do, BECOME, in order for them to find their stride. If they are to have hope for surviving the storm that is coming for them, they must take the warning of Harbinger, and the advice of Glorianna to heart, and apply it. >>

<< Rose was just one example of an AFTERSHOCK, one of several that has rocked the world of the Six following the recent revelation that Black Widow is the genetic daughter of Malice and Christopher Victory, making her the half sister of Spellbinder and Firebird. Her subsequent departure from the Six to JOIN Malice and the Inner Circle created had the impact of a massive earthquake, who's aftershocks are being felt by the Six and their allies. >>

<< It's time for for us pivot back toward the Six where they are in the midst of all of this.>>

<< With one last view of the Clocktower, we begin to move away and zooming across town toward Park Avenue, where the beautiful sprawling Hellfire Mansion sits.>>

<< The Hellfire Club is at the root of the recent hits the Six and the Birds of Prey have taken, and by Malice's own words, they are merely preliminary. The mighty, and likely FATAL BLOW is coming,>>

<< But with the Six still reeling from recent events the Hellfire Club has time to indulge in in other matters.>>

<< Inside the mansion, and down below in the catacombs, we find Malice, Enchantrah, Talisman, Lord Ravena.>>

<< The Queens and King of the Inner Circle are making final preparations to go on a globe trotting trip, they will visit Lord Ravena's country, which houses several secret Mystech strongholds, and the London Branch of the Hellfire Club, to meet it's new Red Queen, Amanda Sefton, aka Daytripper, a powerful sorceress who has not only revived and reshaped the Red Court of the London Branch, but has also raised the profile of the London Branch as a whole.>>

<< The entire Inner Circle, all of the courts, as they currently appear, has been summoned down to the Catacombs' control room, for a meeting regarding the trip.>>>

<< Due to the nature of this trip, certain individuals have been deemed necessary or worthy to be included in the travel plans, including; Domino, Fathom, Mystique, Alice, and Viper>>

 

[Enchantrah]

Enchantrah sat casually with her legs crossed as she awaited the arrival of the Inner Circle and guests alike. Looking over her perfectly manicured nails, she wasn't particularly excited about this trip to London. As far as she was concerned, the European Branch was an epic failure with young upstarts trying to make names for themselves. It was a wasted effort to go there, but apparently Lord Ravena insisted for some God awful reason. And whatever the Lord wanted, Diana gave him. And to top it all off, they were visiting his country as well. Perfect. Just what Helena loved to do--visit unknown little third world countries.

Helena lifted her eyes to see Mystique enter. Giving her Bishop a smile, the red head bowed respectfully at her.

"Ah, Mystique. I trust you have all of my affairs in order."

Mystique: "Yes, my Queen. I also have some last minute documentation for you to sign in order to finalize your purchase of those warehouse properties in Brooklyn."

Helena grinned. The more properties she owned in New York, the more her equities went up. Not to mention, it gave Hellfire more space to store and test out new technologies to use against their enemies.

"Fantastic! I'll sign them once this meeting is over."

Mystique: "I'll deliver them to the bank as soon as you do. By the time we get to Europe, the properties will be yours."

Helena nodded approvingly as Mystique took a step back and stood silently while awaiting the others to arrive. Helena would be taking Mystique with her to Europe, so she needed the paperwork done by tonight before they left on their trip tomorrow. She entrusted Mystique explicitly and knew her Bishop would get the job done.

Slowly, other members started to arrive.

To Helena and Kelly.

"Lets get the show on the road. I need to pack....and we all know how long it takes me to pack."

She quipped with a smirk.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- White Princess' Suite

Haleigh lounged in bed, a half empty bottle of whiskey leaning against her hip, her hand wrapped around its neck. She was alone, as usual now that she was no longer entertaining the Red Knight. Wrapped in a lazily tied silk robe, she was reading from the tablet on her lap, drinking from the bottle occasionally. It was peacefully quiet, as usual around four in the morning. Most of Hellfire was asleep right now, but she was as insomniac as ever. Haleigh let herself get lost in the story she was reading, let herself be transported to a world of ice and fire, a world where her problems didn't exist.

Cameron: Ah, I found you! Come on, I'm getting you out of here.

Certain she was hallucinating, Haleigh looked up slowly. He was standing next to the bed, his hand stretched out towards her. It could be a trap, or a test. It could be Helena disguised as Cam, or it could be an illusion she and Diana created. The thought was like a knife.

"You shouldn't be here."

She warned, as she checked the cameras. The Queens were all asleep. Could it really be Cameron? It looked, and smelled, and sounded like him. She wanted nothing more than to touch him, and find that it felt like him too. The pain of her need for it to really BE him was paralyzing.

Cameron: Haleigh, we have to hurry. Alison's warping time, she's getting Ava out, so come on!

"Nothing good will come of this, my mother--"

Cameron leaned over and pulled her out of bed.

Cameron: I can protect you from Malice, you just have to trust me.

When she blinked they were at the Parthenon, in his bedroom. Her heart threatened to beat its way out of her chest. She stared into his eyes for a moment. She reached up to touch his face, and then pulled him into a kiss. Once their lips met, they never separated again. Cameron tugged on the ends of the ribbon of silk that tied the front of her robe closed, and then he slipped it off her body, as she unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. His hands went to his belt buckle, as she backed into the bed and pulled him down on top of her.

Yes...

She thought, when she realized it did, in fact, feel like him too. She moaned into his kiss, wrapping her legs around his waist.

Malice: That's enough, Scion. Do it now.

Her mother's voice filled her mind. Cameron never noticed, his rhythm never faltered, his mouth still on hers as if her were trying to make up for lost time. Haleigh opened her eyes. She couldn't do it now. Maybe afterwards? A white halo appeared around her head, its glow cast upon both their faces. Haleigh dragged a blade across his throat, opening it from ear to ear. Cameron jerked back, and a warm mist of blood coated Haleigh's face, and sprayed down onto her bare chest. The look of heartbroken betrayal on his face absolutely killed her. She suddenly felt as cold and hard as iron. He collapsed on top of her, and she held him while he died, whispering that she was sorry, that if she didn't do it her mother would've, that she loved him and couldn't make herself stop. Her mother's laughter rang in her ears, deafening as it echoed through the dark, empty cavern where her soul had perished.

Malice: Well done, Princess.

The last word echoed as well. Princess, Princess, Princess.....

She woke up. Her skin was slick, not with blood, but her own perspiration. There was someone banging on her door, shouting through the wood.

Servant: Princess, Princess!

Haleigh got out of bed languidly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She set the empty bottle of whiskey on the nightstand and made a minor adjustment to her white silk robe as she walked through her suite to open the door. She probably had bedhead like a motherfucker, but she didn't care. The servant delivered summons to an Inner Circle meeting.

"I'll be right there."

She said coolly.

 

[Persephone]

For the past few days, Persephone had isolated herself in her chambers. She felt abnormally tired and weak. She could barely eat and her mind was clouded and dizzy. She assumed it was Hellfire finally taking it's toll on her, but either way she dared not show such weakness out with the other Inner Circle, Queens, or club members to see. Instead, she didn't give anyone a chance to wonder, and simply stayed away from all curious eyes and ears.

Sitting on the edge of her couch, the goddess was hunched over with her elbow resting on her knee and her forehead in her hand. Her head was pounding and her eyes burned with exhaustion. She tried to steady her breathing, knowing she needed to get it together and put on the mask before exiting her chambers to go to the Inner Circle meeting. Finally lifting her head from her hand, Persephone exhaled a deep breath as she slipped on her black pumps. Dressed in a sexy dark burgundy pant suit, Persephone stood from her couch only to sway a moment from dizziness. Holding onto the near by bar cart, she steadied herself by closing her eyes until the wave passed.

Craning her neck back, she brushed her long chocolate locks away from her tired eyes and got her game face on.

"Common, Persephone. Get it together."

Exiting her chambers, Persephone headed down to the catacombs where the meeting was being held. The Queens and Ravena were already there, along with Mystique. She bowed her head to Helena respectfully, and silently stood near Mystique awaiting the others to arrive.

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Catacombs

<< Diana sat in her usual seat, and had little Perle with her. The fluffy kitten purred and vocalized a bit, as the White Queen soothed her with a soft shush, and petting her.>>

<< The other queens were in attendance, as was the white King. Mystique was the first member of the Inner Circle to arrive.>>

<< She and Helena discussed some of the red queen's personal business, and Diana could sense that Helena was not terribly excited about this trip. She had the idea that Ravena's country was...."third world." Had she forgotten that some of mystech's previous and CURRENT strategic secrets were housed there?>>

<< Diana herself was not terribly excited about the London Branch of the Hellfire Club. She'd often regarded them as amateurs, who played "dress up." But there was BUZZ surrounding this new Red Queen, Amanda Sefton, aka Daytripper. She was a magick user, and according to Ravena, a powerful one. She was no stranger to high end magick users, the current and former Black Queen of the New York branch were both that, as was Ravena, but Amanda had apparently single handedly stopped an unexpected threat, an infestation of demonic creatures known as N'garai, that had burrowed their way up into the mansion from underground. >>

<< The survivors of the "revolution" caused by Domino were unprepared to handle the nature of that assault, and Amanda, who along with her master level sorceress mother, Margali, had carved a comfortable life in the upper echelon of London Society, just happened to be in the right place at the right time, and was able to demonstrate her competence and power as a witch, to dispatch these creatures.>>

<< in the aftermath, the London Branch was in Amanda's debt, and thus, a new Red Queen was crowned. Word traveled fast, and when Lord Ravena himself spoke highly of her, Malice became curious. Besides, several London Branch members had come to lurk during the NYC Branch's Black Out Party, turn about was fair play.>>

<< If Sefton was as put together and powerful as her rep, there might be a reason to reestablish closer ties with the London Branch after all! >>

"Lets get the show on the road. I need to pack....and we all know how long it takes me to pack."

She quipped with a smirk.

<< Diana looked over at Helena>>

Don't forget to pack your penicillin either, darling.

<< Diana said, with a smirk of her own >>

Meanwhile, be patient.

The two of you have a bad habit of underestimating things, and people you don't yet know about.

We have TIME to spare right now, with the Six and Birds of Prey being off balance, why NOT use it to learn more about this new Red Queen at the London Branch, AND to see the resources that our White King has at his disposal.

<< Looking at Helena once more>>

What's the matter, Dear? uncomfortable because this trip involves something OTHER than traveling to a man's BED?

<< Diana teased her a bit. The two bantered like this for many years, it was all in fun & it kept their verbal barbs sharp.>>

<< soon, other members of the Inner Circle began to arrive, beginning with Persephone. Diana eyed her for a moment.>>

<< She'd certainly been QUIET for the last several days. a NOTED IMPROVEMENT >>

 

[Berserker]

The Catacombs

Thankfully, Bianca had only stayed at the mansion a few days, returning to her own home on Long Island. Which made it easier for Alek to avoid her, even if she was still constantly sending invitations for him to join her there. He had heard some interesting things about Persephone from her - mainly what a tremendous bitch she was - but nothing had so far come of Seph's little indiscretion with Bianca's neck. It wasn't hard to imagine any number of things Bianca could have said to bring on such a response from Persephone, but in truth he hoped she had said how much he had enjoyed fucking Bianca in the past, and how often, and that that had been really pushed Seph over the edge. Petty? Maybe. But after the way she had thrown him away? He felt he deserved to throw a little jealousy onto her side of the court.

He dressed in his usual uniform of deep read suit, no tie, hair tied neatly back for this meeting that had been called for the Inner Circle. He had not yet heard if he was accompanying Helena on this trip the queens were going on. It would be incredibly tedious, but at least it would get him out of the mansion. Alek finished trimming his beard, and looked himself over in the mirror. Not a hair out of place, not a wrinkle to be found. Exactly as he liked it.

He made his way down to the catacombs. The queens were already there, as were Mystique and Persephone. He approached Helena deferentially and kissed her cheek, as was his custom. He turned, addressing the rest of the court.

"Bishop. Rook."

His eyes glanced over Persephone as he moved to stand near Mystique.

She looks tired.

He rebuked himself for the pang of concern he had felt for her. She was just another soldier now. Nothing to him at all.

He stood straight, but leaned forward to whisper in Mystique's ear - a whisper loud enough for Seph to hear.

"You're looking well today Mystique. Is that a new shade of lipstick?"

 

[Mystique]

Alexis played her part, greeting Helena and solidifying why she was her trusted Bishop. Helena may have thought Alexis was carrying out her task to buy warehouse properties in Brooklyn....but not quite.

Alexis and Helena discussed signing the paperwork after the meeting and immediately filing it with the bank. It would be done by the evening before Helena left for Europe. It was perfect timing--everything falling into place seamlessly. Alexis stood patiently waiting for the other Inner Circle members to arrive, noting that Persephone was the first to enter. The Rook looked tired, and she hadn't been seen around the mansion in nearly a week. Alexis COULD have spied on her within that time, however she didn't. She had no ill will toward the goddess, and she wouldn't give Helena anymore fuel to use against Persephone if there WAS something wrong.

Nodding to the Rook as she stood beside her, soon after Berserker entered. He had definitely stepped up in his role as Knight after the blow up between him and the Rook. He became Helena's lap dog once again. Alexis resisted the urge to roll her eyes. He was hot but he was cocky and stupid. Helena was so willing to throw him to the wolves if he didn't follow her orders; he was expendable just like the rest of them.

Berserker moved next to Mystique, furtherest away from Persephone. Cocking a brow up, he was making quite the effort to keep his distance. And quite the effort to make sure Persephone heard his compliments.

Alek: "You're looking well today Mystique. Is that a new shade of lipstick?"

Alexis smirked, shifting her eyes to meet with Alek's.

"Yes....it's called Petty."

Her comment purposely snide causing Persephone to weakly smile despite herself. Looking away from Alek, Alexis' smirk remained.

 

[Bishop]

A Safe House

Normally, Bishop would have lost himself in a sea of booze and violence after such a colossal kick in the balls such as Delilah had given him. But this time, he had a focus, so he kept his mind clear - the hate was all he needed to deaden his other emotions. Haleigh. The bitch had ruined everything. And very intentionally. He was going to rip her heart out.

Delilah still wasn't answering his calls or texts. But he kept trying, every day. She had forgiven him before, and if he was persistent, she would again. She had told him never again, but never was a very long time.

He was back at one of the safe houses that Delilah knew about, so if she wanted to find him, she could. At this point, he didn't care if anyone else found him. He wasn't hiding, he was hunting. In front of him on the kitchen table lay an array of weapons, recently acquired.

<< FLASH >>

Several days ago, the day after the incident at the courtroom...

Bishop arrives outside Zizi and Ashley's door on the 15th floor of the Clocktower. Zizi buzzed him in with a grin.

Zizi: "Maxim, honey, how are you? I feel like I haven't seen you in ages, come in, come in."

"How's it going, Zizi. Ashley said she had a bag for me?"

Zizi: "Oh, she's not here right now."

He had texted Ashley, who had agreed to put together his weapon request, but strangely wanted him to pick it up during the day, when she wasn't going to be there.

"She said she'd leave it in her room?"

Zizi: "That girl...I've talked to her about this..."

Zizi sighed.

Zizi: "Well, I suppose it's okay - this time."

Zizi looked uncomfortable.

Zizi: "I'll go in and look for it..."

He gave her a momentary confused look - it's not like he hadn't been in there before - but he shrugged it off and Zizi was wheeling herself across the loft towards Ashley's room. He glanced around him. The girls had a nice place here, though he found it sad that Zizi was almost always here, in this room, working on her computers. They were pretty high tech though, but Zizi was smart. Way smarter than he was. He was sure he wouldn't even understand anything that she was working on.

As he looked over her workstation, his eye caught on something that made his heart start to pick up its pace. A folder on the desktop called Black Widow. Without pausing to think, he rooted around on the desk and found a flash drive, shoved it into the hole, and started copying the folder to it. Just as it finished, Zizi called to him from inside Ashley's room.

Zizi: "Got it!"

He pulled the drive out quickly and shoved it into his pocket. He turned to see Zizi wheeling towards him, the bag in her lap.

Zizi: "Here you go. It's heavy."

He reached down and took it from her, throwing it over his shoulder.

"Yeah, sorry about that."

He pulled a roll of cash out of his other pocket and handed it to her.

"Thanks, Zizi."

Zizi: "You don't have to rush out - let me get you a beer? Or a donut?"

"Aw, I'd love to but I have some things to take care of. Maybe some other time. Tell Ash I said hello."

Zizi: "Okay, well, then, don't be a stranger."

She reached up her arms for a hug, and he leaned down and gave her a squeeze goodbye. He only felt bad for a split second, and only that he hadn't told her what he was doing, and then he left, a grin taking over his face.

<< FLASH >>

And now he had everything he needed.

 

[Fathom]

North Atlantic Ocean -- the Leviathan

The massive yacht sailed smoothly through cold waters, already started back on the trip to London. Its crew was thrilled to be going home again, and they were making good time.

In the wake, a group of dolphins were leaping out of the water and having fun in the sun, chasing a school of flying fish. Heidi and Jack were swimming along with them, nearly having as much fun as they were. When all the prey was gone, the dolphins slowed, and after saying good bye, the couple caught up with the ship and climbed the stern ladder to the transom deck.

They were interrupted by a crewman, who relayed a summons from the Queen. Heidi kissed Jack goodbye and dove back into the water. She made it back to the Aqua Ring, a journey of nearly 2000 miles, in minutes. A servant girl was waiting with a towel and a white sundress. She dried and dressed, and then put on a pair of strappy sandals. After mussing up her wet, shoulder length hair, she made her way through the catacombs towards the control room. Scion met her at a corner and fell in step with her.

"Princess."

Heidi acknowledged her somewhat politely. Ever since Scion gave the White Queen the kitten, the princess had seemingly turned over a new leaf. She was apparently in all the Queens' good graces. Scion had even come to Heidi and apologized for being such a bitch, and had complimented Heidi on her debut 'battle', which the Princess had watched playback of one night.

Heidi remained somewhat suspicious of Scion, but at least this Princess was much more respectful than the last one. And she was mildly amusing, whenever they chanced upon each other in the Parlor. Plus she seemed like she must truly be stark-raving mad, which Heidi found interesting. Still, Heidi had the servants checking her private chambers for spiders regularly. Scion gave one of her unhinged, cold little chuckles.

Scion: Everybody's going to think we showered together.

"What, why??"

Heidi asked, looking over at Scion with mild disbelief.

Scion: Well, we've been seen tolerating each other's company at the Blackjack table, and drinking together on more than one occasion.... and then here we are, both with wet hair, arriving at the meeting at the same time.

"That's a leap, considering not EVERYONE makes everything about sex all the time."

Heidi said, but the Princess just smirked knowingly. Vexed, Heidi stopped at the door and turned to Scion, narrowing her eyes.

"But I'd wager you're getting pretty well starved for sexual satisfaction lately, aren't you Princess? I heard the Red Knight got bored and your bed's been empty ever since."

She said sharply, trying to irk Scion. It never worked. The woman was too crazy too be bothered by anything anyone said.

Scion: Heh, more like he got tired of getting beaten by a girl. Shall I hold the door open for you, my sassy little shark?

Heidi rolled her eyes, hard. Nobody would believe they were sleeping together. Nobody. Right? Heidi walked through the door with Scion close behind. If the Princess put her arm around Heidi, she'd seriously get a good hard shove. Heidi glanced back at the Princess, giving her a look of you'd better not! Then she turned and greeted Diana with a smile.

"My Queen, how lovely you look this morning."

 

[Nogitsune]

The Catacombs

Emi had been floating upside down in her room, feeling the funny sensation of the blood rushing to her head, when someone - she didn't remember who it was now - had come in to tell her to go to the catacombs and see the queen. She had disappeared with a *POP* and reappeared standing in front of them, feeling a little bit dizzy, and had either kissed them or stabbed them, she wasn't quite sure which.

She *POP*d out again and reappeared in the catacombs. Toaster and Cold Fish were there already, standing near Miss M and Lord Crow. Emi disappeared with a *POP* and reappeared again, holding a diamond tiara in her hands. She held it out to Heidi, then pulled it back with a "whoops" and handed it to Scion. She turned and waved at her red panda enthusiastically, then she went and sat in the corner, tracing patterns on the floor with her fingers. She forgot why she was there, but there were a lot of people. Maybe they would let her kill something.

 

[Talisman]

The Catacombs

< Talisman sat in her chair in her scandalous play on a powersuit as she absent mindedly admired and monitored her manicured and deadly nails meticulously. She was apprehensive about going on this trip. The White Queen had placed quite a large stake of MysTech resources in the hands of Lord Ravena, and she wasn't sure that was an entirely sound choice. Diana was smart, but the power coursing through Ravena was STRONG and somehow VERY familiar to Talisman. Powerful a woman she was, but deep down The Black Queen could see that Ravena was a creature that could not be tamed, and he seemed to have the power to back that way of being up. >

< Not only that, he had slighted Helena and although the two of them made nice for the time being, Kelly knew that Helena had not forgotten about what he did to Persephone, and it made Kelly feel somewhat protective over Helena, an interesting feeling for her indeed. >

< Mystique was the first to arrive in The Inner Circle as her and Helena went over a bit of business. >

Enchantrah: "Let's get the show on the road. I need to pack...and we all know how long it takes me to pack."

Diana: "Don't forget to pack your penicillin either, darling."

< Talisman smirked. >

"Oh no need to worry about that. I've packed plenty of refreshments."

Diana: "Meanwhile, be patient. The two of you have a bad habit of underestimating things, and people you don't yet know about."

< The Black Queen's eyes went to Ravena as Diana spoke, her eyebrow cocked, a bit amused. >

"She says as she leads the fox right into the HEN HOUSE."

Diana: "We have TIME to spare right now, with the Six and Birds of Prey being off balance, why NOT use it to learn more about this new Red Queen at the London Branch, AND to see the resources that our White King has at his disposal."

"I must admit...I am rather intrigued at seeing how a practicioner of The Winding Way is fairing within the walls of Hellfire."

Diana: "What's the matter, Dear? uncomfortable because this trip involves something OTHER than traveling to a man's BED?"

"Oh have you forgotten, Diana? The men come to HER."

< Talisman laughed as the others began to file in, and most of them looked a bit worse for wear - particularly Alek and Persephone. She had seen quite a bit from the two of them with her omni sight and she had to admit, she almost missed the depraved sexual debauchery that had been exploding between the two of them, but it had been causing problems. Thankfully, it appeared for the time being that Helena had it handled. >

< The Black Queen was certainly unimpressed with the arrival of Scion and Fathom. She leaned in to Helena. >

[quietly]

"The White Court is certainly serving some 'Aqua Ring' couture now, aren't they?"

< laughing >

"Perhaps Fathom is helping Scion earn her water wings?"

< She awaited the arrival of her own knight, somewhat anxious. Talisman was ready to get this trip OVER with and get back to WORK. >

 

[Enchantrah]

Diana: Don't forget to pack your penicillin either, darling.

Kelly: "Oh no need to worry about that. I've packed plenty of refreshments."

Helena grinned.

"My own personal pharmacist. This is why we keep you around, Kells."

Helena remarked teasingly while patting Kelly on the hand.

Diana: "Meanwhile, be patient. The two of you have a bad habit of underestimating things, and people you don't yet know about."

Helena glanced over at Diana with an even stare. They may have had a habit of underestimating, but Diana seemed to be overly trusting of Lord Ravena since the moment he stepped foot into Hellfire. She had seen Diana involved with many men over the years, however Ravena seemed to tickle her fancy a little TOO much.

"Quite the dick you must have, Ravena. [her eyes shifted to Diana] Care to share a taste?"

She ribbed with a salacious grin. No, she wouldn't bed Ravena, however she DID enjoy ruffling Diana's feathers. However even the Queen's playful banter didn't ease Helena's growing impatience. She vocalized as much.

Diana: "We have TIME to spare right now, with the Six and Birds of Prey being off balance, why NOT use it to learn more about this new Red Queen at the London Branch, AND to see the resources that our White King has at his disposal."

"Because their Red Queen PALES in comparison?"

Helena quipped while brushing back her blonde hair for show. However she WAS interested in meeting this new Queen....whether they got along or not was to be determined.

Diana: "What's the matter, Dear? uncomfortable because this trip involves something OTHER than traveling to a man's BED?"

Kelly: "Oh have you forgotten, Diana? The men come to HER."

Helena let out a haughty laugh while pointing at Kelly.

"Exactly."

Grinning, the white and red courts was now fully in attendance. Helena's sapphire eyes fell to her Rook and Knight. So far nothing had changed since she severed the two's little romance. Aleksander had become the ever doting 'son' again, and Persephone had isolated herself in her chambers according to Mystique, wisely laying low and being the obedient little Rook she was supposed to be. The only hiccup was Persephone killing Millennia....however that was QUITE amusing to Helena. Ten points Gryffindor.

Kelly: "The White Court is certainly serving some 'Aqua Ring' couture now, aren't they? Perhaps Fathom is helping Scion earn her water wings?"

"Hmm?"

Glancing over at Scion and Fathom.

"I didn't notice. They're quite unremarkable on any given day."

She sneered while giving Kelly a playful smirk.

 

[Wallflower]

The Catacombs

"Words without experience are meaningless."

:: Amanda Soto read the words of Vladimir Nabokov from a well worn copy of Lolita, her favorite book as sipped a cup of piping hot earl grey tea. Her days had gone from 99 cent nachos and a slurpee from the local gas station to warm tea and delicious prose, and she liked it that way. The last few days in Hellfire were relatively quiet and almost serene in an eery way, but Cobra hadn't kept her eyes off of things. She watched, made notes and made sure that the Black Corridor of the mansion, while relatively empty was in proper and high functioning order. An early riser in her new life, Amanda had already gotten in a rigorous training session and checked a lot of boxes off her daily task list from Talisman, which involved checking test results, monitoring experiments and things of that nature. Talisman required members in her court to be a part of her process, and thankfully for her, Cobra was a quick study. ::

:: Glancing at the Cartier watch on her dainty but strong wrist, Amanda sat down her book, took another sip of her tea and began to make her way down to the catacombs, in a pair of black tight fitting jeans, sheer black top that showed the hint of a lacy bra and a chic black leather jacket thrown over it. One of the more fun things about life in Hellfire was how everybody represented their courts in their atttire. ::

:: As the only member of her court besides Talisman, Cobra took her position standing next to Persephone, whom she had not seen in a bit. It was clear that she looked worse for the wear and Alek was NOT near her. She nodded towards Talisman as well as the other queens as she took her position, standing next to Persephone. ::

[leaning in]

"It always makes me a bit anxious when they gather us together. It's always the catacombs. We have thirty thousand rooms in this place. Can't for once we just sit at a table and sip champagne before somebody gets humiliated or tortured?"

:: smirking ::

"I'm just saying."

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- White Princess' Suite

The hottest shower possible couldn't make her feel clean again. She relived the nightmare. It had been awash in shades of white at first, then, shadows of grey. The only color had been blood red. She could still feel it pouring down onto her.

It was just a weird dream. No reason to get worked up. It was just her subconscious, sorting through all the things pressed down into the black box. She closed it back up, and toweled off. She got dressed, and then she fixed her hair, combing it back with her fingers. She had to admit, the shorter hair sure was easier to deal with. She kind of missed the red, though. Out of time, she didn't bother getting out the blow dryer.

She strolled through the catacombs on her way to the meeting, and joined up with Heidi. Haleigh glanced Heidi's way. The White Knight looked like she came from a day on the yacht, with a sundress and sandals and hair that was wet. Heidi's hair was always wet. Haleigh thought of something that would likely irritate Heidi, and she chuckled.

"Everybody's going to think we showered together."

Heidi: What, why??

Heidi said, sounding a little perturbed already.

"Well, we've been seen tolerating each other's company at the Blackjack table, and drinking together on more than one occasion.... and then here we are, both with wet hair, arriving at the meeting at the same time."

Haleigh said suggestively.

Heidi: That's a leap, considering not EVERYONE makes everything about sex all the time.

Heidi tried to reason, but Haleigh just smirked. She may have made nice with the White Knight, but that didn't mean she'd stopped pushing the girl's buttons. She was just a little more subtle with it now. She enjoyed getting a rise out of Heidi.

Heidi: But I bet you're getting pretty well starved for sexual satisfaction lately, aren't you Princess? I heard the Red Knight got bored.

Haleigh's smirk sharpened, because she knew Heidi was trying to strike a nerve now.

"Heh, more like he got tired of getting beaten by a girl. Shall I hold the door open for you, my sassy little shark?"

Heidi rolled her eyes so hard, Haleigh was concerned she'd strain her optic nerve. She did, in fact, hold the door for Heidi, and followed her in, staying close, and making sure to look the White Knight over quite salaciously once her back was turned. Heidi must have felt Haleigh's gaze, because she turned back and gave her a look that seemed to warn her against something. Haleigh smirked back, not at all innocently. Heidi greeted the White Queen with enthusiasm, and Haleigh was deeply amused to the Black Queen say something to the Red. After Heidi was done kissing ass, Haleigh gave Diana a respectful nod, and gave Perle a fluttering silver birdie to swat at.

"Mother."

She glanced at Lord Ravena, her smirk still there, as casual and confident as ever.

"My King."

She said, and then she glanced at each of the other Queens in turn.

"Auntie Hel. Auntie Kel."

Her smile was now saccharine. Weren't they just one big happy fucking family? Emiko popped in, teasing Heidi with a tiara before offering it to Haleigh. The little fox was certifiably insane, and Haleigh would not at all be surprised if this little gift was a prank of some kind, but she still accepted it anyway.

"Aw, Emi. You spoil me."

She said, and then she glanced at the rest of the Inner Circle, and gave them all nods of acknowledgement.

 

[Domino]

To The Catacombs

:: Domino awoke in a sea of posh white sheets and the sun beaming down on her. For a moment, she pulled the colors over her head and took a few extra moments of comfort as her foot felt the presence of the woman next to her in bed. ::

"Marina."

:: A mischevious smirk crept across her lips as she lifted the covers up, taking in the curvy form of the blonde beauty that was Marina. The daughter of a Russian diplomat, Marina had a pedigree and an education, and she was just the kind of girl that Maxine liked to crack open and rough up a bit. Girls like her were just looking for danger, and Domino was most certainly qualified to play the role. They had spent the night downing saki and eating dim sum before returning to her hotel room at The Waldorf, where the two spent a passionate night full of sex and pain. For a moment, Maxine thought of waking Marina for another round, but that really wasn't her style. She rose from the bed naked, before putting her white wife beater on with no bra, a pair of fitted leather black joggers and a varsity insired fitted bomber jacket as she pulled a white rose from the dining room table and placed it in the empty spot on the bed she had just filled. Maxine was french after all, and the french were lovers. ::

:: Running her fingers through her edgy short and chaotic hair, when it reached the correct level of looking untouched but meticulously styled, she head out of the hotel like a peacock, noting the looks of surprise and anxiety she was inspiring in most of the guests, not knowing that a woman like Maxine Dupont could have bought and sold any number of them in a New York Minute. ::

:: She rounded the corner, her black spiked boots pounding the pavement as she dashed into a bodega, grabbed a quick sandwich and a cup of coffee and began heading back to Hellfire. Finishing her sandwich, she lit a cigarette, put her headphones on and began to play The Clash, specifically - London Calling, a fitting song for what was about to transpire. ::

"London calling to the faraway towns, now war is declared, and battle come down."

:: Domino had yet to return to Hellfire Europe since leaving the place in near ruins, but she had made a point to tell the others that she WOULD be back to check in on them, to see if they were making the same mistakes as their predecessors. It appeared that the club was still licking their wounds from the revolution, but the installation of a new Red Queen was a particular point of interest to her. The former Red Queen, Rebecca Everhart aka CRIMSON was a woman she had a long and checkered history together. Crimson and Chameleon had been responsible for the death of Evelyn Pierce, The Black Queen of Hellfire Europe, a former of lover of Ravena and Maxine's mentor. ::

:: Though Maxine had gotten her vengeance and freed herself from the chains of Hellfire, there was a part of her that still a bit nervous about what she might feel upon her return. That was her home, in a very literal sense - Maxine Dupont held the DEED to the Hellfire Europe Mansion. She had received it after murdering her father and taking the position of Black Knight - an ironic gift he had left in his passing. If the new Red Queen was going to live in HER walls, then she would HAVE to be suitable. Maxine would not tolerate another uprising. ::

:: Lighting a cigarette, she found herself in front of the mansion, heading around the back and taking a long stairwell down to the catacombs where the others were already gathered. She made her steely eye contact with several members of the inner circle as she flicked her cigarette to the ground and took position next to Malice and Ravena. Domino served on no court, her business was with Malice and that ambiguity made many in The Inner Circle uncomfortable. ::

"Diana...Ravena."

:: She bowed before Ravena. It was through him that she had been TRULY removed from her former status as the "Viper" of Hellfire Europe and she made sure to let him know she was respectful. She turned to the group. ::

"So which of these little BRATS has stepped out of line THIS time?!"

:: Maxine joked, knowing the nature of the meeting, but still taunting them a bit. ::

 

[Lord Ravena]

And now the pieces were falling into place. The false goddess and the beast were successfully divided, the Princess was back in line, and the Queen and Queens seemed satiated and focused, even though the caper to steal special children was an abject failure. Lord Ravena did not mind that too much; Talisman's work was unseemly even if effective. He was more a fan of allowing nature to create what she will.

The Queens' banter was amusing. He knew that there was a lack of respect to Ahadi, to his jewel in the North African desert. But respect was earned, not given. They would know differently when they saw what was in store for them.

They all came in, in turn, each a reflection of their current state no matter their attempts to hide it. Lord Ravena smiled as Heidi arrived, along with the Princess. Emiko crowned her, and he let out a deep resonant chuckle.

He waited his turn, watching the parade and analyzing the subjects before him. He knew Gia would be along on time. Her new companions would make sure of it.

He fed Perle a treat as he captured the silver bird, enchanting it to trim in white and chirp in a frequency only Perle can hear. He places it back above the child-feline and watches her renewed play for a moment.

"Quite the dick you must have, Ravena. [her eyes shifted to Diana] Care to share a taste?"

Lord Ravena rested his gaze upon Helena.

I only aim to please. And please. And please.

Everyone was nearly assembled and then they could complete planning and be off...

 

[Persephone]

Persephone remained stoic and silent, standing with her arms folded across her exposed chest due to the plunging neckline of her blazer. She slowly blinked, that action alone causing her head to throb. She saw Alek enter, her eyes shifting to him as he kissed Helena on the cheek before walking past her and standing on the other side of Mystique. She hadn't seen him since their encounter in the conservatory, and obviously nothing had changed. She could see Helena watching and making note of it as well. He whispered loudly to Mystique, complimenting her lipstick color. Obviously trying to get a rise or reaction.

Mystique: "Yes....it's called Petty."

Persephone weakly smiled at Mystique's obvious blow to his advances. It was comical, and gave Persephone a bit of reprieve from her headache. But her face evened once again as the rest of the white court began to file in, including Haleigh. She fit the part well, Emiko even crowning her with a tiara. It seemed now that Haleigh was on good terms with Diana and the rest of the Queens, she had rose above the White Court and became respected by the others.

Persephone finally watched as the Black Knight entered, Amanda walking to her and taking position next to her. They had built a rapport with each other early on which made sense as to why she felt comfortable to stand with Persephone.

Cobra leaned in.

Amanda: "It always makes me a bit anxious when they gather us together. It's always the catacombs. We have thirty thousand rooms in this place. Can't for once we just sit at a table and sip champagne before somebody gets humiliated or tortured?"

"If only."

Persephone softly deadpanned. A drink would be welcomed at this point.

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Catacombs

Then she turned and greeted Diana with a smile.

"My Queen, how lovely you look this morning."

Always a pleasure, Fathom

:: Diana nodded with approval at her beautiful, and ever so efficient White Knight.::

After Heidi was done kissing ass, Haleigh gave Diana a respectful nod, and gave Perle a fluttering silver birdie to swat at.

"Mother."

Scion.

:: Diana greeted her daughter, with a bit of a smirk on her face. Haleigh had been doing rather WELL as of late, but she knew if left to her own devices, especially with Persephone and Berserker in the vacinity, the girl would likely go off the rails again soon enough. Little did SHE knew that SHE would need to get packing ::

:: Playtime for Perle, thanks to another new toy from Scion. Malice gently sets Perle in a minature version of the cat house that Ravena conjured for her, so the kitten can play and romp around more freely.::

:: she "HEARD" Kelly and Helena, gossiping away like two high schoolers, and turned to lookk at them both knowingly::

Tut tut, Frick and Frack.

:: She replies::

At least my Court, and WING isn't fit to be condemned by the CDC

:: to Helena::

Nor is it filled with phantoms and mannequins.

:: to Kelly::

"Quite the dick you must have, Ravena. [her eyes shifted to Diana] Care to share a taste?"

She ribbed with a salacious grin. No, she wouldn't bed Ravena, however she DID enjoy ruffling Diana's feathers.

Lord Ravena rested his gaze upon Helena.

I only aim to please. And please. And please.

I've extended an invitation to you MORE than once.

:: Diana replied with a wicked smirk, as she drank from her flute of champagne::

You're not ready, Helena.

:: She said with a deliberately whispered tone as she licked her lips. She and Diana had their play time many moons ago, but Helena would always say "it was a phase." Diana would always dare her to revisit that with her AND Ravena, but just as Helena enjoyed ruffling Diana's fathers, Diana enjoyed scandalizing her as only SHE could.::

:: Emiko arrives, always amusing, in her whimsical ways, Malice could count on her to keep EVERYONE on their toes, and on edge, just when they thought it was safe to try something, or if they thought Malice wasn't watching.::

:: Soon, Cobra arrived, followed by Domino::

"Diana...Ravena."

Maxine.

:: She replied as she watched the girl bow before Ravena. They were survivors of the failed experiment that was the PREVIOUS incarnation of the London Hellfire branch, and it was only because Ravena's ability to negotiate, that Domino lived long enough to speak to Diana during their first encounter. Since that time, the girl had proven herself to be an asset. Like Emiko, she was something of a wild card, and an advantage to the white court. They had a DEAL, and both sides honored it.::

:: Little Chrissy or as she wanted to be known these days, Gia, sauntered in. Diana eyed her as the daughter of the former white Bishop made her way in and greeted them both, taking a seat with the White Court.::

:: Finally, honored guest, ALICE arrived, and another associate of the Inner Circle, Viper was with her.::

:: Viper passed by Haleigh, and made it a point to cast a disdainful look at her, before turning her nose up with a hearty, and haughty "HMPH," no doubt to the amusement of Heidi.::

:: Alice moved her along, and they soon took their seats as well::

WELL, now that everyone is here ON TIME.

Ravena, you may begin.

:: She gestured to the white king::

 

[Lord Ravena]

:: Little Chrissy or as she wanted to be known these days, Gia, sauntered in. Diana eyed her as the daughter of the former white Bishop made her way in and greeted them both, taking a seat with the White Court.::

Gia curtsyed to her King, and he nodded, smiling. Her work in her business affairs could not have been going better. He was actually proud of her.

:: Finally, honored guest, ALICE arrived, and another associate of the Inner Circle, Viper was with her.::

:: Viper passed by Haleigh, and made it a point to cast a disdainful look at her, before turning her nose up with a hearty, and haughty "HMPH," no doubt to the amusement of Heidi.::

:: Alice moved her along, and they soon took their seats as well::

WELL, now that everyone is here ON TIME.

Ravena, you may begin.

:: She gestured to the white king::

Lord Ravena rose and the entire room took notice as he made his full height. His crystal grey eyes surveyed those before him as he spoke.

I would first like to thank the Queens for their support of this trip. I am preparing a set of excursions the likes of which you likely have not seen, and for the Queens I have prepared special...offerings of my regard for them. However, I have reserved a special place in our celebrations for a person who is singularly MOST highly regarded in terms of research in terms of Mystech and its revolutionary research into biological improvements at the cellular level.

ALICE. Please rise.

You are the guest of honor, aside from my Queens, in our celebrations. Please accept the gratitude of the people of Ahadi as we declare a day in your honor as a part of our celebrations of the revolutionary work of Mystech.

Lord Ravena bowed to Alice and she then re-took her seat.

The celebration will take place over two days and then we will depart on the third. I have much to show you all, to let you know that what we are doing here is much more than revenge, or sex, or haughty banter. We are in the process of remaking the world itself more to our liking. This celebration and our subsequent examination of the London Hellfire Branch will be yet another beginning in that process. I am eager that we embrace the destiny we have created for ourselves. And so, now to prepare for our trip. I yield the floor to the Queens.

Lord Ravena takes his seat.

 

[Alice]

The Catacombs

Alice lived a life that few could dream of, a life that was fantastic even by science fiction standards. Not bad for a girl who was quite mousy in her original "day" and, despite being brilliant, and ahead of most of her male classmates in the ivy league, she would've been relegated to the status of being a nurse, because back then, no woman could be a full fledged doctor, let alone a scientist at the helm of an emerging field, bio technology, and virology. In that regard, James Marcus was a man ahead of his time. He'd seen what Alice was capable of, and he knew she was too good to pass up.

He offered her a chance to break out of the path she'd been told she needed to walk, and she took it.

The general populace believed Alice went "missing" decades ago, and was now presumed dead. But she was very much alive, MORE than alive really, and she was the foremother of SEVERAL people in this room, including Black Widow, Viper and even the "bad actor," Domino. Yet she looked not a DAY older than she did the last time anyone in the general populace saw her alive, decades ago!

She'd played the game, run a gauntlet, and outlasted EVERYONE from the original "team" that lay the foundation of Mystech in the Arklay Mansion.

Following her arranagement with Diana, in looking after Scion, when the Six began to rise, she "retired" and she went on to live a posh, comfortable life within the Hellfire Mansion, and she enjoyed the regard and respect of upper level members, some of whom offered her ridiculous sums of money to create bio weapons for their country. Money. Like THAT meant anything to her at this point? She also enjoyed the regard and respect of the Inner Circle, and like Domino, they knew she was tied to Malice. When Scion RETURNED , more than a decade later, that "reactivated" Alice in a way, and she'd become more involved in some of Malice's dealings again.

Now, here she was, with her PRIZED protege, Black Widow, AND a woman from another timeline, who apparently had served the function that Alice had in the mainstream. Alice was unbothered by her, even though Kelly seem a bit put off by Alice.

BUT, Alice regarded Domino with contempt, considering her to be nothing more than a cheap knock off of her true, original legacy. Domino was jealous of Alice and the sway she had over Viper. But Alice, ever the diplomat, chose to work with Domino in the interest of helping to restore Viper to FULL mental and physical capacity, rather than engage in a "pissing contest"...something the men around her in the original group did ad nauseam.

Most of the foolishness that the various members of the courts engaged in was beneath Alice's notice. She maintained patterns of organization and routine, preferring to live a calm, orderly, clutter free existence. She found an unlikely "book club" companion in the form of Cobra, who joined her in the main library for various readings and discussions on various topics. Newly reunited with Scion, she began physical combat training with her once more, testing Scion's skills in her new body.

HOWEVER, if crossed, Alice proved that she was more than willing to use her POWER to put her would be antagonist in place, as various members of the inner circle learned the hard way.

There had been much drama going on lately, some of it was completely over the top, but Alice was busy with rehabilitating Viper, and the fruits of her labor were starting to become apparent, as Viper's wild mood swings were no longer as pronounced or frequent! Still, Jessica Marcus' disdain for Black Widow AND Persephone was deeply ingrained, and the aggression that accompanied that disdain was not so easily reigned in...not YET.

Now, here they were, gathered together in the control room. It must have been SIGNIFICANT, in order for Malice to request her presence.

She sat , with Viper next to her, and watched as everyone settled, and Ravena began to speak.

Lord Ravena rose and the entire room took notice as he made his full height. His crystal grey eyes surveyed those before him as he spoke.

I would first like to thank the Queens for their support of this trip. I am preparing a set of excursions the likes of which you likely have not seen, and for the Queens I have prepared special...offerings of my regard for them. However, I have reserved a special place in our celebrations for a person who is singularly MOST highly regarded in terms of research in terms of Mystech and its revolutionary research into biological improvements at the cellular level.

ALICE.

Alice's eyes widen a bit.

Please rise.

Alice stood up, calm and poised

You are the guest of honor, aside from my Queens, in our celebrations. Please accept the gratitude of the people of Ahadi as we declare a day in your honor as a part of our celebrations of the revolutionary work of Mystech.

Lord Ravena bowed to Alice

This was QUITE unexpected! All these years, and the only person who really recognized her, outside of James Marcus, was Diana.

Alice WAS responsible for the early, KEY successes of Mystech's bio research and development that would serve as the foundation for it's rise to power.

And while she had denied other overtures from various countries, Ravena had something to offer that they did not.

This is INDEED an honor, Lord Ravena, and I thank you!

Bowing her head

she then re-took her seat.

The celebration will take place over two days and then we will depart on the third. I have much to show you all, to let you know that what we are doing here is much more than revenge, or sex, or haughty banter. We are in the process of remaking the world itself more to our liking. This celebration and our subsequent examination of the London Hellfire Branch will be yet another beginning in that process. I am eager that we embrace the destiny we have created for ourselves. And so, now to prepare for our trip. I yield the floor to the Queens.

Lord Ravena takes his seat.

It appeared that Alice would be joining the Queens and King on this heavily hyped trip.