The old order changes

[Black Widow]

Unknown Location

She tested the room. The only weak spot was by the door. The center of the room was more bearable than being near the walls. It wasn't quite as bad as her last MRI experience either. She was experiencing mild discomfort, labored breathing, muscle soreness. And it felt like she was trying to wade through water neck deep. She had flatscan levels of speed and strength. She was basically on his level. It was a severe handicap. She really DID want to know who his informant was. There was no way in hell this brute could've come up with this himself.

Maxim: Well, yeah, my foot connecting with your face felt pretty damn good.

She gave a short chuckle.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Aggression really turns ME on, too."

She replied in between punches. She wasn't trying to hurt him yet. She was still getting her bearings, and figuring out if she could push herself. She could, but she wondered for how long. Her core body temp was ticking slowly upward. She playfully asked if she could be on top this time.

Maxim: Only if you can get me on the ground, sweetheart.

She smirked and threw another punch. She was not expecting him to catch it. No one ever caught her punches. He sent a left jab in, and she slammed her forearm into his wrist, redirecting the punch outward forcefully. In the opening he smashed his forehead into her face. She took a knee to the ribs as she recoiled, and he cast her aside like a rag doll.

Maxim: Come on, make me work for it.

She gave him a red smile as she caught her balance with a wide stance. Then she burst towards him, slipped under the punch he threw to meet her charge, and jammed an elbow in under his arm. As she slid into position she put her left foot behind his, getting her whole leg behind him, and then she clothes-lined him, forcing him to fall back and trip over her leg. He landed on his back, and she immediately straddled him and dropped her weight down onto his abdomen. Her bloody smirk said it had been easy to get him on the ground. She planted one hand on his chest and raked her hair back with the other.

"A repeat performance.... that kind of makes us lovers, Max. Inasmuch as you or I could ever be, anyway. Maybe I'll let you kiss me this time."

She sneered, and then she started raining punches down on whatever target he wasn't blocking.

 

[Lord Ravena]

And so here it was. She was...wondering about our trip.

But while your mind is closed to me, I have OTHER ways of discerning what drives you, Ravena. You yourself are HIGHLY anticipating the return to your...old stomping grounds, the London Branch of the Hellfire Club..

:: She stares at him...with a slight look of displeasure on her face::

When we first encountered each other, you didn't tell me the truth about who you were. I don't like when men try to deceive me, Ravena.

You weren't expecting me to have the ability to FIND OUT the truth. You were expecting me to be like the other women you'd dealt with in times past...or even those weak willed amateur queens at the London Branch.

But I'm NOT them.

I am who I am, that's why I'm WHERE I am.

:: She stood up::

Don't you EVER forget that.

:: Perle was sleeping in her minature cat house now. Malice took a moment to look at her, before she picked up her flute of champagne, and began to slowly pace.::

:: As she walked, in her white high heels, a column of light beamed down on her in various places that she stepped to in her pacing pattern::

You never did tell me...

:: the lights shifted again, and various floating screens moved around them. The screen with Amanda Sefton shifted back a bit, and two other screens, showing the previous black, red and white queens of the London Branch shifted into the center::

...just WHY you decided to allign yourself with that upstart, Maxine Dupont.

How is it, that NONE of those Queens could see what was coming, before it was too late for them?

What part did YOU play in all of that, Ravena?

A chuckle escaped from Lord Ravena's lips, he quickly shushed it.

You will have to excuse the levity, Diana. When we first met I was also in the process of gathering even more intel on YOU than I had previously gleaned. I SUSPECTED that you were different than

*he changes his voice to match hers precisely

the other women you'd dealt with in times past.

*changes his voice back

but I needed to be certain. Your ability to find out what you wished to know on your own proved that to me, impressed me even in terms of its thoroughness. You are not the only one who has been vigilant, Diana. And there was no intent to deceive. But I do not generally volunteer my life story to those whom I have just met.

Lord Ravena lifted his hand and a goblet of hemlock appeared. He was not a huge drinker, but he decided that now was as good a time as any to indulge.

As for the European Branch, that is where you are wrong, at least in terms of one Queen. The Black Queen saw the bigger picture, as do you. She was not above the smaller things, but she saw how she could change the world around her, control her own surroundings, and extend her influence. She was aware of you, but she also knew that the European Branch was not prepared to work with you and the American Hellfire Club. Her plan was to change from within, solidify her influence over the entirety of the club with my help. Maxine was a wildcard, but one who shared our vision and for whom the Black Queen saw purpose. They were very close.

Once she was murdered, it was a time both for revenge and for a culling of the unfit. The Black Queen was caught unawares by one of her own fellow Queens, and she paid with her life. I made certain that debt owed was repaid and enforced a reset to a new Club more to her liking. It is a part of my responsibility to Ev- The Black Queen - to make certain that progress is made.

Malice would notice that Lord Ravena found it hard to even say her name. The anger and, in some small measure, GUILT, was evident as he spoke. Then suddenly, it was gone, and the White King's emotions were very cold, and hard. Such was the burden of rule, and he had honed it over thousands of years.

But I digress. With Domino, the benefits of a partnership with her were apparent, and I already KNEW I had the means to stop her, DESTROY HER if she EVER tried here, what she pulled off at the London Branch BUT, she NEVER would've succeeded, had it not been for such POWERFUL insider help.

YOU, Ravena.

So tell me, now.

:: She made her way toward him, slowly, setting her drink down, pulling over a chair, and sitting in it while staring at him with her sapphire blue eyes::

Just what was your motivation then?

And WHAT has you so...ANXIOUS to return there now?

:: She KNEW he'd had contact with Heidi after the official meeting, and she perceived his...fascination with the water elemental. Heidi WAS the apple of Diana's eye. She and Emiko BOTH, actually. ::

:: If Ravena even tried to lie, Malice would detect it::

And let me remind you, WE don't play dress up HERE at the New York branch, and I'm as FAR from Camille (the deposed white Queen of the London Branch) as the EARTH is from PLUTO.

::she watched, and waited for his response.::

Lord Ravena was pensive as he regarded Diana. He had no issue speaking about this at all, so he did not pause long.

Indeed, you are no Camille. If you were, you would have died long before you ever met me. Or I would have killed you myself.

He paused, then continued.

No, Camille was selfish, corrupt, an addict, slothful and a FOOL who had the Black Queen killed rather than examine her own shortcomings. And had I been more involved at the time, I would have listened to my instincts and struck her down. No, you are no...Camille.

He finished his goblet and drops it. It disappears before it hits the floor and he has another new goblet filled with hemlock in his hand now. He takes a drink.

Camille believed me a fool, that I would not discern her treachery, and that she could FUCK or FOOL me into complacency. But I promised the Black Queen that she would be avenged and I evaluated the European Branch to see who would stay and who would go. And now, I return because I wish to see where things are now. I am prepared to strike again if necessary. And, should someone here attempt the same treachery, I am prepared to do what must be done here as well. No Diana, you are much like the Black Queen in ways, and that is a quality that draws me to your cause, to our cause. And would cause me to tear these walls apart to protect that to which I have committed. I applaud your vigilance. And I expect it, even respect it. But no one believes you a fool. Instead of calling me to the catacombs and grilling me with a frown, do you think we could find a more...PLEASURABLE way to talk about serious things?

Lord Ravena caresses Diana's face.

It's been almost six hours.

 

[Berserker]

Safe House

Alek held Seph while she slept, her hand clasping his against her body. He wanted nothing more than to protect her from everything, keeping her in the safe little bubble of his arms. He could lay like that, with her, forever. He didn't need anything else. Every so often he kissed her hair, as if to reassure himself that she was still there.

Suddenly her hand gripped his tighter, and he could see that her sleep was slipping from peaceful to troubled. He pulled her closer to him to calm her, but instead she started awake. He pushed himself up on to his elbow so that she could see him, and he felt the tension go out of her body as she laid back down on the pillow.

"How long was I asleep?"

He leaned down and kissed her neck.

"About forty minutes."

Her body shifted towards him, and he laid his head back down as she hid her face in his chest. He slipped his arms around her back and rubbed it.

"Do you want me to get you anything?"

Sick or not, she looked it, and it was worrying.

"We have to go back soon."

He sighed.

"I know."

Not for the first time since he'd met Seph, he thought about what it would be like if they never went back. What they would do, and if they could pull it off. But he knew it was only a fantasy: their lives weren't theirs.

He kissed the top of her head.

"You are the most amazing woman I have ever known."

He sounded as if it was a surprise to him, and in truth, it had been.

"You threw me for a loop, little queen."

He chuckled at the memory of how he had felt after their first meeting. He struggled to find the words he wanted to say next.

"I thought I was losing who I was because of the feelings I was having for you, but in reality, you were letting me be who I am. Without judging me."

He held up his hand and looked at it for a second, then put it down again so he could work the ring off his finger.

"I want you to have this."

He held it between his thumb and index finger, close to his chest so she could see it.

"My grandfather's ring. He's the only person who ever believed in me. Until now."

 

[Domino]

Hellfire Club - Conservatory

:: She walked out of the meeting feeling pretty smug, but then she felt angry. The idea that Alice of all people was being celebrated for her work was ludicrous to Maxine. Domino was not an agent of Hellfire nor MysTech. In fact, she had entered into an arrangement with Malice because she wanted to watch over the bio hazards, the people plucked from their lives and forced to become weapons. Maxine felt a special connection to these people. Her motives were not completely dubious to Diana. She knew that if Maxine had been able to talk Jessica Marcus down, then she could be used to help foster the next generation of weaponry. She may have seemed like a total hypocrite, and maybe she was, but not a fuck was given in regards to that. ::

:: Maxine decided to pay Alice a visit, perhaps goade her into a little bloodshed. If she couldn't kill the woman, certainly she should be able to BOUNCE her around like a rag doll every now and then, and besides, The Silver Swan wasn't huffing and puffing like she usually was. But Maxine had plans for that too. ::

:: Domino entered the domed conservatory as Viper was entering a rather vigorous training scenario as Maxine crept up behind Alice who was making notes in a clipboard. ::

"See, this is why all the experiments in this place fail so miserably. Because you teach the prisoners how to escape their cells.."

:: Maxine jiggled a set of keys on Alice's waist as she flashed a sarcastic and overzealous smile. ::

"And then of course, who do these prisoners want to destroy when they get out? Their WARDENS."

:: She watched as Jessica began to face the Golem, there was a lively and more serious look in her eye. She had rising to the occassion lately and that was fantastic to see, but Maxine would not let Alice or Diana's influence make Jessica forget that if THEY crossed HER, she could end their lives with but a THOUGHT. ::

"You've seen Jurassic Park, right?"

:: Maxine propped her dirty combat boot up on a stool and leaned in, very close to Alice without looking at her. They were shoulder to shoulder. ::

"I can't ask Malice this because she'll throw a little temper tantrum and because I like my brain the way that it is, but..do we REALLY think it's a good idea to bring Viper to a place she almost destroyed? To a place she felt incredibly betrayed at? One that is so still fresh in her mind?"

:: She narrowed her glance. ::

"I won't allow her to be used as some kind of dancing monkey with a music box."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone had started awake, feeling the adrenaline rushing through her body until she turned and saw Alek there. Slowly exhaling out, she laid her head back down and asked how long she had been asleep.

Alek: "About forty minutes."

He responded with a kiss to her neck.

"I think that's a record."

She grimly joked with a half smile as she turned her body to him, burying her face into his chest to shield her eyes from the light. She felt his arms wrap around her and it felt like a warm blanket on a cold winters night.

Alek: "Do you want me to get you anything?"

She gently shook her head, softly saying no. She didn't want to leave his embrace because she knew that they BOTH needed to head back to the viper pit soon. She just wanted to savor the moment for a little while longer. Feel the bit of comfort within the dense fog of discomfort that had enveloped her the past week.

[conceding] "We have to go back soon."

Alek: "I know."

Persephone could hear the disappointment in Alek's voice. Running her hand around his torso, she pulled herself closer to him and kissed the exposed skin of his chest. She then felt him kiss the top of her head.

Alek: "You are the most amazing woman I have ever known."

She softly laughed a short laugh.

"Flattery will get your everything."

She teased, knowing her seduction and 'alluring charm' was lacking at the moment, but still knowing he would at least appreciate it. But mostly, she tried to play off how much what he said meant to her. He had known many woman in his life--bedded most. But he connected with her, and it was comforting to know that she wasn't alone in feeling that connection.

Alek: "You threw me for a loop, little queen."

Persephone finally tilted her head back to look at him with a small smile.

"I like to keep people on their toes."

She quipped lightly. But Alek became more serious as he looked into her eyes, Persephone's face mirroring his as he spoke.

Alek: "I thought I was losing who I was because of the feelings I was having for you, but in reality, you were letting me be who I am. Without judging me."

Her brows lowered as her eyes softened. Reaching up to touch his cheek, she gave him a reassuring smile. She had the same feelings of fear when she first started falling for Alek. She didn't want to compromise her heart because she had been hurt so many times in the past.

"Who am I to judge anyone?"

She reassured him--her history more than enough proof of what a horrible person she was. It was part of the reason she was so attracted to Alek. He was dark and unforgiving. He was confident and bold in his methods. He was old world and it was incredibly sexy. But beneath it all there was a sensitive and caring man. A man who would hold someone during a night terror and lull them to calmness. A side of himself that Persephone knew he rarely showed anyone. Alek lifted his hand, examining a ring that he always wore before lowering his hand so he could remove it.

Alek: "I want you to have this."

He lowered it to her.

Alek: "My grandfather's ring. He's the only person who ever believed in me. Until now."

[softly] "Alek..."

She looked at the ring, taken aback by his gesture.

"I can't take your grandfather's ring....That's apart of who you are--your legacy."

 

[Bishop]

Upstate New York - Haleigh's Cell

He had made sure to handicap Haleigh to make it a fair fight, but he knew she was holding back. And it was pissing him off.

He flung her away from him like a doll, but as she caught herself and turned to him with a smile, he could tell in her expression that a switch had been flipped inside her. And sure enough, she came at him like a hellcat. He cocked his arm back and let fly as she met him, but she ducked it, instead throwing and elbow into his side. Damn she had pointy elbows. The thought was just entering his mind as her arm came up and forced him backwards, and he found himself falling onto his back.

"I guess you got your wish."

She WAS on top of him now, and the way she ran her hand through her hair, he half expected her to unbutton his pants.

"A repeat performance.... that kind of makes us lovers, Max. Inasmuch as you or I could ever be, anyway. Maybe I'll let you kiss me this time."

“I’d beat you with my dick..but that wouldn’t be much of a challenge, would it? Been there, fucked that.”

She started punching, surgically attacking whatever he couldn't block with his hands. She was a pro, after all, and she was grounding and pounding on him without mercy. Just how he wanted her. He reached up and locked his arms around her waist, pulling her down closer to him. He kicked his right leg over hers, trapping her foot, and hooked his right arm over hers, then pushed off with his left foot, thrusting his hips forward, and rolling her onto her back. He punched her hard from above, alternating fists, then grabbed her by her arms and stood, picking her up and slamming her hard against the wall of the cell. Blood was flowing down his face and into his mouth, and he spit it out.

Bishop threw Scion to the ground and proceeded to stomp kick her body in a fury, holding back nothing. All he wanted was to inflict as much pain on her as possible - Delilah's face as she had told him to get out seared into his mind, egging him on.

 

[Malice]

Hellfire- Catacombs

:: Diana's sapphire blue eyes followed Ravena's every move as he spoke. It was no mere coincidence that Diana and Ravena had crossed paths, it was inevitable::

:: The only variance in his emotion came when he spoke of Evelyn Pierce, the murdered Black Queen of the London Branch. She sensed that he had a strong connection with her during her time. He compared Diana and Evelyn, which was significant.::

:: Domino's relationship with Pierce, as Ravena told it, actually helped to strengthen the girl's stock in Malice's eyes. On her own, without Ravena advocating for her, Domino would've been splattered across the floor after her fist meeting with Diana, but anyone who knew Diana knew that she could sense opportunity and strategy on a level that almost rivaled a precog's.::

:: Still, he needed to understand something...::

NEVER forget, Lord Ravena, I wrested the power away from the men of Mystech. They thought they would use me....I used THEM. They thought would POSSESS me, I CONSUMED them.

The Hellfire Club's AMERICAN Branch was on the cusp of transformation and elevation when I invited you to join us, and accepted Domino's offer. But what happened at the London Branch will NOT happen here.

:: She didn't have to spell out what she'd do, as she glared at him, still standing.::

No Diana, you are much like the Black Queen in ways, and that is a quality that draws me to your cause, to our cause. And would cause me to tear these walls apart to protect that to which I have committed. I applaud your vigilance. And I expect it, even respect it. But no one believes you a fool.

:: Indeed, Ravena had proved to be quite compatible to Diana, his ambition, his global view, his vigilance, and even the ease they found in allowing their powers to work in concert with one another. The other two queens were alternately suspicious/jealous that he had recognized her for the crown jewel, the power behind the Hellfire Club that she was...and likewise, she saw all that he had to offer, not only as the White King....but as her PERSONAL companion ::


:: Finally, he rose to his full height, and began to make his way to her::

Instead of calling me to the catacombs and grilling me with a frown, do you think we could find a more...PLEASURABLE way to talk about serious things?

Lord Ravena caresses Diana's face.

It's been almost six hours.

:: He drew near, and Malice did not discourage him as he pressed himself against her. She lifted her hand, placing it on the back of his head, and slowly moving it down to his neck::

Now that I am satisfied with what I've heard...yes, I CAN find a more pleasurable way to talk about serious things.

Where WE are concerned, words are not needed.

:: she pulls him in, and meets his full lips with a long, deep kiss, and then abruptly pulls back, looking at him as he is SLIGHTLY surprised by her abrupt pull back. She smirks a bit, he knows that she likes to tease him a bit, before she finally feeds/has her away with him::

:: And so it begins, here in the control room, as it has many times BEFORE for the White Queen and King, with that image of the London Branch's new red queen, Amanda Sefton, the only "audience" to this sultry, unholy spectacle that now unfolds::

 

[Berserker]

Safe House

Seph woke with a start, asking how long she'd slept, and he told her.

"I think that's a record."

He pulled her in close, settling her against him with a sigh of contentment.

"Let's try for an hour, shall we?"

But she soon admitted that they needed to go back to the mansion, and he reluctantly agreed. But first...there were things he needed to say to her. In case he didn't get the chance again. He slipped the ring of his finger, knowing it was the right thing to do, the right time to do it.

"I can't take your grandfather's ring....That's apart of who you are--your legacy."

"We'll make a new legacy, together. I want you to have something so you will always know how much you mean to me."

He moved as if to put it away.

"But if you don't want it..."

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "We'll make a new legacy, together."

He spoke about a future causing Persephone to look up at him with glassy eyes before looking back down at the ring. It gave her hope that there was a life beyond the chess board that was Hellfire Club. That they could have something more than a 'secret' relationship hidden away in safe houses.

Alek: "I want you to have something so you will always know how much you mean to me."

"You don't need to give me anything....you've already given me more than you know."

His love for her and the way he wanted to protect her was more than enough. His loyalty and commitment to her solidifying everything as well. But he moved the ring away as if he were retracting his offer.

Alek: "But if you don't want it..."

Persephone reached forward and placed her hand on his stopping him.

"No! I mean...if you insist."

She let out laugh at her own quick change of heart; the levity of the situation causing her smile to grow. She gently took the ring between her index and thumb, the contrast between the large size and her delicate fingers apparent. It wouldn't fit on her, but that didn't matter. She closed her hand a round it, holding it tightly as she looked up at him with a more serious expression now.

"I'll cherish this, always....I promise."

Persephone gently kissed him, the hand that held the ring sliding around his back as she pulled herself closing to him.

"I love you."

She whispered against him before deepening their kiss, parting her lips with intent. She felt dizzy again, but she was sure this time it was solely because of Alek. After a few long minutes, finally Persephone broke the kiss.

"We have to go."

She murmured with a sigh. Slowly sitting up on the couch, Persephone gripped the ring in her hand as she craned her neck back and forth in preparation. She stood, raking her fingers through her hair and putting on her game face back on. She still looked tired, but not nearly as bad as she did earlier. She would fake it until she made it back to her damn chambers.

"Ready?"

 

[Berserker]

Safe House

"You don't need to give me anything....you've already given me more than you know."

He leaned down and kissed her lips softly. The hint of a smile played on his lips as he pulled the ring away, pretending to take it back, until Seph stopped him.

"No! I mean...if you insist."

His smile spread to a grin, and she smiled back, which right now was really good to see. She almost looked herself when she smiled. She took the ring from him, and the difference between it and the size of her finger was almost comical. But she didn't seem to mind, enclosing it in her fist.

"I'll cherish this, always....I promise."

She kissed him, sliding her arms around him, telling him she loved him.

"I love you too. Always."

He whispered back to her as their lips met again, not parting for some time, until Seph spoke.

"We have to go."

He groaned as she sat up, and he kissed her shoulder, trying to lull her back into their little circle of oblivion. But finally, he sat up too, running a hand through his hair, straightening his shirt.

"Ready?"

He nodded, then put a hand gently on her arm.

"Are you sure you're not going to drain yourself too much?"

 

[Persephone]

Alek groaned in protest as she sat up. She mimicked his feelings entirely, wanting nothing more than to stay in the safe house with him and live in their own little perfect world that didn't involve the Hellfire Club. But alas, that was just a fantasy and they needed to get back to reality. Alek kissed her shoulder as he finally relented and sat up. Standing, Persephone straightened her blazer and ran her fingers through her hair in an effort to get herself looking half decent.

"Ready?"

He placed his hand on her arm as he nodded.

Alek: "Are you sure you're not going to drain yourself too much?"

Truthfully she didn't know. But she had an idea as to what would help. Placing her hand on his, she gave him a small smile of reassurance.

"I'll be fine. I'm going to take us to the conservatory....that way we won't be seen in my chambers together, and I can be around the plant life which boosts my energy levels a bit."

Little did she know that that biohazard bitch Viper would be there, along with Domino and Alice. Disappearing in a tornado of winds, moments later both she and Alek reappeared in an isolated spot of the conservatory far away from Alice, Domino, and Viper. Rolling her eyes shut, she exhaled a long breath feeling dizzy but keeping her composure. She could feel the life within the conservatory boosting her up already.

She nodded to Alek knowing he was looking at her with concerned without even seeing his face. Finally she opened her eyes and looked at him with a cold glare.

"Satisfied, Berserker? The club is completely fortified against The Six. If they attack when the Queen's are gone, we'll HANDLE it."

Brushing past him.

"I'm really getting sick of your micro managing bullshit. Maxine may think she put you in charge, but we both know you're not man enough to step up [turning around mid walk with a sneer] Isn't that right, baby."

She turned back around again, continuing to make her way through the various pathways of the conservatory toward the exit. Slipping the ring Alek gave her deep into her pants pocket, Persephone slowed to a stop hearing voices--Alice and Domino to be exact.

"Speak of the inked devil...."

She quietly watched from afar as Maxine and Alice seemed to be having a heated discussion about Jessica.

"Looks like your BFF [Maxine] isn't happy. Then again, I wouldn't be either if I was set to wrangle that unhinged salamander, Jessica Marcus."

 

[Alice]

Hellfire Mansion- Conservatory

Alice stood in her battle armor, a state-of-the-warrior-art form of technology that was the intrigue of even Black Widow. It bore a small version of the original mystech logo on the chest.

She watched as Viper moved trough the perilous jungle scenario in the large, domed conservatory, and captured all sorts of data on the woman, periodically glancing down at her medical grade tablet

Viper not only avoided large stationery obstacles, but also moving ones. She took these exercises seriously, and that pleased Alice. Viper now faced the Golem, this is where the real combat data would be gathered.

She knew Viper in her ORIGINAL life, back at the original Arklay Mansion. Jessica Marcus was a gifted child even BEFORE her father began to experiment on her. He framed his experiment as a form of love, wanting his daughter to be all that he knew she could be, and more. She agreed to it, as she equally adored her father...but truthfully, what Marcus had done, was not love.

She wasn't like ALICE, who was consenting age when she agreed to be the FIRST live test subject of the T Virus, Still, Jessica had everything she wanted, and when she reached adolescence, she became a researcher on one of Alice's projects even.

It was a....unfortunate oversight, that when the seeds of the destruction of the Arklay Mansion had been sewed, Alice was not there to account for Jessica, she was already out in the field, looking after ANOTHER project of high importance, SCION. In fact, MALICE had instructed her to take scion out of the mansion before she destroyed it, and everyone within it. But Marcus had already placed Jessica in stasis, ensuring that she was protected, and shielded from the violent changes that were coming as Mystech's power shifted.

In a way, that was GOOD, because Viper's mutant genome had over a decade to absorb and process the designer strain of the T Virus, the T-Veronica Virus, that coursed through her veins, unlocking great power within Jessica, and giving her a unique rapport and control over the building blocks of Mystech's success, on the OTHER HAND, all of the experimentation that she'd undergone, had eroded her sanity.

When she first emerged from stasis on Sheena Island, her POWER was tremendous, but her hold on sanity was slippery at best, she randomly swung between cold, clear focus, and wild, child like abandon . She waged a campaign of vengeance on Malice and the Six and nearly destroyed the world. She died in the observatory on top of the Arklay Mansion replica, but several years later, a bizarre twist of circumstances, the Red Queen of the Hellfire London Branch managed to obtain a genetic sample of Viper, by way of Meridian Industries, another BAD ACTOR seeking to capture the mantle and legacy of Mystech, ALICE'S legacy.

Viper was cloned, REVIVED, and in a desperate bid to see Domino cut down, she was UNLEASHED by Crimson on the Hellfire London Branch during their...bloody "revolution." Crimson had manipulated Viper, twisting the truth just enough to send Viper into a rage, with Domino as her prime target. She struck down SEVERAL members of the London Branch's inner circle, and unleashed bio hazards throughout the mansion, before finally facing Domino.

::FLASH!::

[She eyes Domino for a few moments before her smile fades and her childlike, almost PLAYFUL demeanor quickly shifts to that of a cold predator ]

You don't look so tough.

[ walking forward slowly in her high heeled boots]

And that wasn't very nice, what you and your little upstart friends did [ referring to Rebecca].

I DON'T LIKE IT when frauds interfere with MY plans or try to take credit for MY accomplishments!

[ If Domino knew of Viper's original past, she would know how DEEPLY offensive Viper actually found these things. But as it stood right now, this [nearly perfectly copied] clone was operating under misinformation provided by Rebecca. If only Domino knew how EASY it might be to turn this whole situation around...but nothing ELSE in her life ever came easy, so why should this?]

Now you're going to DIE. I'm going to KILL YOU.

:: She walked up to meet Viper as well. ::

"I may not look tough...but then again, neither do you..and I have a feeling we are both capable of some pretty incredible feats."

:: Maxine contorted her face in disgust as Viper mentioned Rebecca's death. ::

"Well.. Rebecca wasn't a very nice person. In fact she was a CUNT who had it coming for quite awhile. And you've made a mistake...THEY [gesturing above herself] may very well be upstarts...but I'm a professional..."

[to herself]

"What the fuck is this woman's deal?!"

Viper: "I DON'T LIKE IT when frauds interfere with MY plans or try to take credit for MY accomplishments!"

:: Maxine rolled her eyes as she began to walk towards Viper in a far faster pace than before. ::

"The only plan you seem to have is to taunt me for reasons that are beyond ANYBODY here..and the only thing you've managed to accomplish is pissing me off in record time. Who the fuck are you and what do you WANT?"

Viper: "Now you're going to DIE. I'm going to KILL YOU."

:: Domino didn't know what to do. The entire situation...after everything she had been through, was just absurd. She laughed and shrugged her shoulders. ::

"Bring it on."

The battle was pitched and operatic, and Domino truly did not expect to face the kind of foe she had in Viper. But just as things were about to become CRITICAL, something happened between them. Some kind of...ASTRAL experience, where they were able to see the TRUTH about themselves, AND EACH OTHER. Domino had...remote as it was...a connection to Mystech...Jessica was meant to be Mystech's crown jewel. Their paths toward each other couldn't have been more stark in contrast, but if anyone knew that the sister fates sometimes worked in mysterious ways, it was ALICE.

And so ultimately, Viper and Domino became..."tied" to one another. That BOND however was called into question when she returned HERE, and was reunited with her "extended family."

Viper HATED "Auntie Diana"...but she viewed ALICE is a big sister, a surrogate mother, and the response she had toward Alice was...upsetting to Domino, who blamed Alice for FAILING Jessica all those years ago. In a way, Maxine was RIGHT, but it wasn't as "black and white" as the girl had tried to paint it out to be, and Alice didn't feel she owed Domino ANY kind of explanation.

She tolerated this..."derivative" of Mystech's legacy, in the name of rehabilitating Jessica. Alice wanted to be sure that Diana would no longer be so quick to have Jessica disposed of, and her efforts were paying off. But she was increasingly growing TIRED of Maxine "Checking in" on her regarding Jessica, as if she owed this renegade upstart, this CHEAP KNOCK OFF, an explanation!?

She was a scientist, geneticist, virologist, a gifted mind that had LITTLE TIME for the likes of someone like Domino, & the girl could sense her contempt. She tried to provoke her on numerous occassions, but Alice rose above it. Not only was she a gifted mind, but thanks to Kristin Pratt, many moons ago, she became polished, glamorous, and because she was immortal, this added to her mystique to some of the men, whether they were in the inner circle or not. Her sexuality and orientation was unclear at best, and that also drove Domino's provccation of her she also had POWER, and while she hadn't gotten physical with Domino, YET...that might soon change. VERY soon at that....

:: Domino entered the domed conservatory as Viper was entering a rather vigorous training scenario as Maxine crept up behind Alice who was making notes in a clipboard. ::

"See, this is why all the experiments in this place fail so miserably. Because you teach the prisoners how to escape their cells.."

:: Maxine jiggled a set of keys on Alice's waist as she flashed a sarcastic and overzealous smile. ::

This is a ROUTINE exercise for Jessica, Maxine. YOUR presence was not required...

Alice's mysterious looking eyes fixed on the girl, looking at her with a facial expression as if she had just swam through a pile of smelly garbage

...and is UNWANTED.

"And then of course, who do these prisoners want to destroy when they get out? Their WARDENS."

Jessica is not a prisoner, I would think someone of even YOUR limited intelligence would be aware of that, considering YOU'RE the one who brought her here.

Beyond that? I knew Jessica before YOUR BAD ACTOR of a father scaped together the scraps and leftovers he needed to create the hodge podge bio hazard that is YOU. She belongs here, with the closest thing she has to family. STABILITY is what leads to recovery, but judging by your history and behavior, you wouldn't understand that simple concept.

:: She watched as Jessica began to face the Golem, there was a lively and more serious look in her eye. She had rising to the occassion lately and that was fantastic to see, but Maxine would not let Alice or Diana's influence make Jessica forget that if THEY crossed HER, she could end their lives with but a THOUGHT. ::

"You've seen Jurassic Park, right?"

:: Maxine propped her dirty combat boot up on a stool and leaned in, very close to Alice without looking at her. They were shoulder to shoulder. ::

"I can't ask Malice this because she'll throw a little temper tantrum and because I like my brain the way that it is..."

The things I can, and HAVE created would make Jurassic Park look pedestrian.

If this was supposed to be some sort of insult, Alice cared not one little bit about Domino's attempt to mark her age or insult her for it. Alice was indeed older than nearly everyone in this mansion, with Persephone being the notable exception. But she was now immortal, and her aging process was all but FROZEN. Despite her age, her vitality, and her POWER were second to none, a memo that clearly Domino hadn't gotten.

but..do we REALLY think it's a good idea to bring Viper to a place she almost destroyed? To a place she felt incredibly betrayed at? One that is so still fresh in her mind?"

Alice rolls her eyes. Domino clearly wanted to try it today.

Part of the itinerary includes a stop at Sheena Island, the Arklay Mansion replica. It's part of Viper's rehabilitation, to bring her back to the facscimile of her birthplace. Outside of that, Malice's decision to include Viper was her own, I suspect it has something to do with the pretenders at the London Branch.

If you were so concerned, you would've addressed that to Malice. You appointed yourself Viper's advocate, that was time to ADVOCATE. But apparently you're not as brave as your rep, since you were worried about Malice brain smashing you, so you thought you'd what...displace that on to ME? I don't have to answer to you! I am the one who has been working to restore the neural pathways in her mind, bring back a stronger mental network and structure for her mind, exciting the genes in her body to facilitate regeneration. She, like ANY OTHER being, will have memories that are PRIMAL, no matter what state she exsits in, sources of TRIGGER. the KEY is to ensure a stronger foundation, and ensure more stability from day to day.

Part of that therapy ALSO includes exercises that allow her to further hone her abilities for the coming needs and challenges she and the rest of us will face, and give her things to focus on BESIDE the sources of her agitation: Malice, Black Widow and Persephone.

You call yourself her advocate? But you FRATERNIZE with the very people who upset Jessica the most. Malice is one thing, Scion might be understandable as well, but PERSEPHONE?

SHE'S the reason Scion has had such a hard time within these walls, and MY urgent counseling of Malice is one of the things that has DELAYED her destruction at Diana's hand.

It was true, Alice had a strong sense of pride and investment where Scion was concerned, and she was only of the ONLY people who could sway Malice regarding the handling of Scion. She ALSO had been providing updates on Viper's progress, which is why Malice had become LESS adamant about disposing of her.

:: She narrowed her glance. ::

"I won't allow her to be used as some kind of dancing monkey with a music box."

Alice looked at the woman with disgust.

And just who do you think you ARE?

Domino wasn't the ONLY one with enhanced speed, Alice TOO, was capable of dodging gun fire at close range, among other feats, and at this moment she ZOOMED from Domino's front, to the back, KNOCKING her over, causing her to fall onto the stool, and it was crushed as she toppled to the ground. Alice was also strong, strong enough to fight a NEMESIS or TYRANT with her bare hands.

She never had to flaunt HER power to be respected within these walls, but with someone like Domino? DRAWING A LINE was a MUST.

YOU'RE the guest, here, little girl. YOU'RE the one who's association with all of this is the THINNEST. I don't owe you ANYTHING, and Jessica's IMPROVEMENT is in large part because of MY efforts. I won't have the progress being made DERAILED due to your fears that once Jessica is whole and viable again, YOU'LL no longer have anyone to commiserate with over being an OUTCAST.

You're nothing more than a cheap, tawdry, KNOCK OFF, a piece of genetic FILTH, not even worthy to be fed to one of the leeches in the aqua ring, and if you don't watch your step with me? The next field trip you'll have is to the DEAD FACTORY.

 

[Black Widow]

Unknown Location

Maxim: I guess you got your wish.

He said, right as she mounted him, and she chuckled.

"Not quite. But I'm pretty sure I can still talk you into it."

She said, running her hand through her hair. She suggested that this second round throw down of theirs made them something akin to lovers, trying to make him angry. She knew he was pissed about giving in to his base instincts in their first round.

Maxim: I’d beat you with my dick..but that wouldn’t be much of a challenge, would it? Been there, fucked that.

Was that supposed to make her angry? She couldn't stop laughing, even as she repeatedly punched whichever opening he gave her. She felt his leg trap hers, and knew a buck was coming. Sure enough, they rolled over, and he started pounding right away. She braced her head, with her forearms up to protect her face and her hands over her ears, tightening her core to absorb punches if need be. She threw a leg up over his shoulder, going for a triangle choke, but before she could lock it in, he pulled her up slammed her into the wall.

A wave of lightheadedness hit her, and the next thing she knew she was on the floor again. She rolled away from the wall, and tried to get up but was stomped back down. She flipped onto her back once more, and down came his boot again, right onto her solar plexus, knocking the air out of her lungs. He raised to stomp again, as she gasped for air.

Come on, fucker.

This time he aimed for her face. She punched his ankle to deflect his kick sideways across her body, then rolled into his leg, wrapping both hands around his ankle and jamming her shoulder into the inside of his knee. All of her weight into that joint, and he toppled over. She crawled up his leg as he fell, until she was in between his knees. She brought her knee sharply up into his groin. If he wasn't going to use it.... Still, she felt bad, watching him writhe afterwards. She winced with him, and sucked air in between her teeth, a sound of commiseration.

"Ooooh, fuck. That really hurts, huh? I'm truly sorry, you know I don't NORMALLY like to damage the goods. But let's be honest, you're a complete asshole. You've done SOMETHING, at some point to deserve that."

She leaned over him, wrapping her hands around his throat and squeezing hard as she got in his face.

"For example, how about all the pain YOU'VE caused Delilah, hmm? You're so pissed at me, but I wouldn't have had the means to hurt her AT ALL if it weren't for you, shithead. I mean seriously, you hate-fucked her best friend. And that's just the latest on a LONG list of betrayals. I should've killed you, Max. I know that now. And YOU should've taken the second chance I left you with, told Delilah the truth, and left me the fuck alone."

 

[Bishop]

Upstate New York - Haleigh's Cell

He was blindly slamming his foot into her at this point, not thinking or caring too much about where it was landing. His anger at her had overtaken him, something he didn't usually allow to happen. He wanted her to hurt just as bad as he did, just as bad as she'd hurt Delilah.

He brought his foot down towards her face.

Let's see her smug smile after this.

But Haleigh deflected his kick, her shoulder hitting hit knee hard. He made a sound of pain as he went down, then felt all the air go out of him as she kneed him in the balls. His hands instinctively went to protect his goods, his vision swimming as he tried not to puke.

"You...cunt..."

"Ooooh, fuck. That really hurts, huh? I'm truly sorry, you know I don't NORMALLY like to damage the goods. But let's be honest, you're a complete asshole. You've done SOMETHING, at some point to deserve that."

"Fuck...you..."

Her hands were on his throat and squeezing. He grabbed at her hands, but she was tightly clamped onto his neck.

"For example, how about all the pain YOU'VE caused Delilah, hmm? You're so pissed at me, but I wouldn't have had the means to hurt her AT ALL if it weren't for you, shithead. I mean seriously, you hate-fucked her best friend. And that's just the latest on a LONG list of betrayals. I should've killed you, Max. I know that now. And YOU should've taken the second chance I left you with, told Delilah the truth, and left me the fuck alone."

Spots were coming into his vision, he flailed his hips, trying to push her away, off, but he couldn't. His right hand fell away from his neck and reached down to his boot, pulling the knife free. She would see the flicker of triumph in his eyes just before he plunged the blade up under her ribcage. He thrust harder upward, watching her face the entire time, making sure he went as deep as he could go.

Her hands loosened from his throat and he pulled the knife out, pushing her off of him, and rolling over, coughing and gasping for air.

Slowly he got to his feet, watching her bleed. He looked down into her face as he stood over her. He wiped a smear of blood away from his mouth with the back of his hand, breathing hard.

"Was it good for you?"

He smirked, and with a few long moments of pure enjoyment at her pain, he crossed the room, picking up the photographs he had thrown onto the floor. He moved to the door, unlocked it, and left. Outside, he took a lighter from his SUV and one by one burned the photos, before finally sliding into the driver's seat and pulling away.

It was done.

 

[Domino]

Part of the itinerary includes a stop at Sheena Island, the Arklay Mansion replica. It's part of Viper's rehabilitation, to bring her back to the facscimile of her birthplace. Outside of that, Malice's decision to include Viper was her own, I suspect it has something to do with the pretenders at the London Branch.

"Fair enough."

If you were so concerned, you would've addressed that to Malice. You appointed yourself Viper's advocate, that was time to ADVOCATE. But apparently you're not as brave as your rep, since you were worried about Malice brain smashing you, so you thought you'd what...displace that on to ME? I don't have to answer to you! I am the one who has been working to restore the neural pathways in her mind, bring back a stronger mental network and structure for her mind, exciting the genes in her body to facilitate regeneration. She, like ANY OTHER being, will have memories that are PRIMAL, no matter what state she exsits in, sources of TRIGGER. the KEY is to ensure a stronger foundation, and ensure more stability from day to day.


Part of that therapy ALSO includes exercises that allow her to further hone her abilities for the coming needs and challenges she and the rest of us will face, and give her things to focus on BESIDE the sources of her agitation: Malice, Black Widow and Persephone.


You call yourself her advocate? But you FRATERNIZE with the very people who upset Jessica the most. Malice is one thing, Scion might be understandable as well, but PERSEPHONE?


SHE'S the reason Scion has had such a hard time within these walls, and MY urgent counseling of Malice is one of the things that has DELAYED her destruction at Diana's hand.

*yawn*

"Sorry, what was that? I wasn't listening because I don't care."

:: smirking ::

"Don't worry I can fill in the blanks I'm sure. Blah blah blah you know better, I'm annoying you, I'm not a real friend. Malice loves you so much she wants to live in your womb?"

:: laughing ::

"Close, wasn't I?"

And just who do you think you ARE?


Domino wasn't the ONLY one with enhanced speed, Alice TOO, was capable of dodging gun fire at close range, among other feats, and at this moment she ZOOMED from Domino's front, to the back, KNOCKING her over, causing her to fall onto the stool, and it was crushed as she toppled to the ground. Alice was also strong, strong enough to fight a NEMESIS or TYRANT with her bare hands.

:: Maxine caught the inclination of what Alice was about to do a SECOND too late as she prepared to jab her leg out to sweep the woman to the ground, sending Max into the stool, it crushing instantly against Domino's strength. A devious smile crept across her lips. ::

"Oh I'm sorry, does Dr. Jane Goodall need a refresher? I'm Maxine DuPont, well diagnosed sociopath and full time pain in the ass...and I take my work very seriously."

She never had to flaunt HER power to be respected within these walls, but with someone like Domino? DRAWING A LINE was a MUST.


YOU'RE the guest, here, little girl. YOU'RE the one who's association with all of this is the THINNEST. I don't owe you ANYTHING, and Jessica's IMPROVEMENT is in large part because of MY efforts. I won't have the progress being made DERAILED due to your fears that once Jessica is whole and viable again, YOU'LL no longer have anyone to commiserate with over being an OUTCAST.

"You think I really care who likes who better, Alice? You think I really care who has the deepest ties with whom? I [flatly] don't. Everybody in these walls has an expiration date, doctor. Including YOU."

Alice: "You're nothing more than a cheap, tawdry, KNOCK OFF, a piece of genetic FILTH, not even worthy to be fed to one of the leeches in the aqua ring."

"And yet..here I am, bitch. You might want to watch your mouth. We wouldn't want Jessica to pick up such language from her "protector"..but then again, you never were much good at that now were you..?"

"How many times has she been revived and then killed without your knowledge while you were so consumed with Scion? I'd like an official number in case I ever need to expose you to Jessica for being the treacherous and manipulative BITCH that you are."

Alice: ..and if you don't watch your step with me? The next field trip you'll have is to the DEAD FACTORY.

"Alice, I don't watch steps because I don't need to. Perhaps I'm not being clear here, but most people?"

:: Maxine had been generating an incredible amount of heat through her hands while speaking as she distracted the woman by pretending she was reaching for a medical instrument on the table. As Alice went to stop, Maxine SWOOPED in with an uppercut, knowing she had to use a good deal of her strength. The uppercut was charged with incredible heat due to Maxine's ability to decay organic matter. Alice was shot across the room, smashing into some glass shelves that lined the area. ::

"They know to stay the fuck out of my way."

 

[Alice]

Hellfire Mansion- Conservatory

"Alice, I don't watch steps because I don't need to. Perhaps I'm not being clear here, but most people?"

:: Maxine had been generating an incredible amount of heat through her hands while speaking as she distracted the woman by pretending she was reaching for a medical instrument on the table. As Alice went to stop, Maxine SWOOPED in with an uppercut, knowing she had to use a good deal of her strength. The uppercut was charged with incredible heat due to Maxine's ability to decay organic matter. Alice was shot across the room, smashing into some glass shelves that lined the area. ::

OOF!!!

She crashed into a nearby tree, BREAKING the trunk of the tree upon impact, as she fell face down to the grassy ground, and then several creatures nestled in the leafy canopy of the tree came flying out every which way. She was definitely winded in that moment.

"They know to stay the fuck out of my way."

Alice coughed a bit, and slowly rose to her feet. She simply stared at Domino.

And then a curious thing began to happen when her eyes, shifted in color.

Alice lashes out with her TELEKINESIS, sending a powerful wave of FORCE across the ground from her position to Domino's. KNOWING that Domino would see the fault line moving across the ground and dodge the the wave of force as best she could, Alice was COUNTING on that, as she then manipulated BOULDERS, and other large, sharp objects, sending them flying toward Domino, but they don't hit her, they simply SURROUND her.

Get out of your OWN way, you THROW AWAY BIOLOGICAL MISTAKE.

Alice locks on to the blood stream, in Domino's BRAIN with her TK, and ATTACKS.

That FEELING you're experiencing as you lose your sense of balance, your vision, your ability to TALK, and your body begins to spasm?

That's the onset of a STROKE, courtesy of my TELEKINESIS.

I ALSO have the power to TURN OFF the virus in your body.

Just as she'd done to Black Widow

You think I WOULDN'T have the means to CONTROL CREATURES like you?

Alice stands, and increases her attack, pushing the blood vessels in her brain to the point of nearly rupturing and spilling out onto her brain tissue. She was pushing Domino herself to the verge of a full on hemorrhagic stroke.

What do you think would happen to you, if I turned OFF the very thing that ensures your survival?

Oh that's right, you can't TALK!

Don't worry, I'll make it quite clear.

You'd DIE

CROSS ME AGAIN, and that's JUST what will happen.

And with that, Alice thrusts her hand out, and sends Domino FLYING into a nearby body of water.

 

[Viper]

The Conservatory- Trigger

:: As she reached the end of her gauntlet, she was confronted by a bio hazard, a GOLEM, a creature with the power of the earth itself coursing through it's veins, making it a very large, very strong, and durable foe, rivaling a TYRANT.::

:: Viper had in her abilities, flight, super strength enabling her to lift/press 50 tons, enhanced reflexes/speed, venom blasts, acid flame, poison/virus generation, psionic control over giant wasps and other bio hazards, and a vine whip to that she could use to increase of offensive reach, or channel her venom blasts through::

:: And now, Alice watched closely, as Viper faced off with the golem::

:: Viper cried out with GLEE as she launched head long into the fight with the golem, for her, this was more like a game of TAG than a serious, potentially life threatening test. But that's because she always knew she was the best, just like her father had told her, and she could do anything!::

:: While she fought the creature, and Alice compiled data, Domino confronted Alice. Viper caught site of Domino out of the corner of her eye, but until the creature was down, she'd have to stay where she was.::

:: Something ELSE caught her eye...and hearing as well::

"Speak of the inked devil...."

She quietly watched from afar as Maxine and Alice seemed to be having a heated discussion about Jessica.

"Looks like your BFF [Maxine] isn't happy. Then again, I wouldn't be either if I was set to wrangle that unhinged salamander, Jessica Marcus."

PERSEPHONE...and that walking ELK, Berserker...

:: The creature was down on one knee, a MASSIVE venom blast, BLEW IT APART, a reminder of how much concussive power Viper could throw, and a BRILLIANT flash of green LIGHT accompanied it, forcing Persephone and Berserker to avert their eyes.::

:: When they recovered their vision, the creature was a pile of smoldering earth, and Viper was no where in sight, but the confrontation between Domino and Alice was getting violent.::

:: The Red Knight and Red Rook watched....drawing what conclusions they could, until...::

BOO!

:: Viper CRASHES into both of them, as she swings like spiderman, using her vine whip on a tall tree branch, knocking them both to the ground before landing on her feet, and deftly recalling her whip::

HI Persephone!

:: Viper WAVES and smiles like the cheshire cat while Persephone picks herself up::

How NICE to see you again, you old HAS BEEN.

It was so easy to sneak up on the two of you! Clearly you haven't improved since the LAST time I kicked your ass!

:: She looks at Berserker, and lifts an eyebrow::

And what are you two doing HERE? tip toeing through the tulips?

He must be the only person in this mansion who can actually stand to be around you.

Everybody else hates you, thinks you're an easy slut, and wishes you were DEAD.

:: If Alek tried anything, Viper would throw him for a loop with a virus that would lay him out for hours, if not DAYS.::

 

[Black Widow]

Unknown Location

She watched his color darken, her hands around his neck. His tried to pry her hands off, but she dug her nails into his skin, as she told him she should've killed him, and he should've taken advantage of his second chance. His hips pressed against her stomach, but they weren't in the right position for another buck, and she just sneered.

"No, too late for that now, you had your chance."

He was trying to push her way, but getting weaker. She stared down into his eyes coldly, and told herself he deserved this. There was a flash in his gaze, and she wasn't sure if it was terror or defiance or sheer satisfaction, until she felt the blade slicing up into her lung. She moaned in surprise, as her expression went from determined to pained, and he drove the knife deeper. He yanked it back out, and she let him go. Her hands never went to staunch the bleeding.

"Got my wish..."

She whispered, and tried to laugh, but turned into a violent, bloody cough, because she was half drowning. Dark red blood pooled beneath her body as she slowly lowered herself to the floor.

Maxim: Was it good for you?

Yes. She wanted to say, along with thanks. But she couldnt speak anymore. Her mouth moved, but the only sound she could make was a ragged wheezing noise. She watched him collect the photos and walk out the door. At first, she wondered if he'd come back. Several minutes passed before he started the engine and truly left. Then she closed her eyes, and waited.

She waited to bleed out. She waited for the darkness to come. She waited for the jump to a new body. It never happened. Her body saved itself, even under the magnetic suppression. Her blood congealed and her wound somewhat sealed itself, even if her usual regenerative abilities were limited. Her breathing, though labored and painful, supplied just enough oxygen. Her vital stats were near critical lows, but stabilized. She was slick with sweat, and sticky with blood. She couldn't lay here forever, but it hurt to move. She opened her eyes again, and picked her head up. He'd left the door open.

She left a bloody smear as she dragged herself across the floor towards the door. When she got outside the magnetic array, she felt much better. Her whole body quivered, but it was already starting to recover. Her systems were coming back online. Her muscle soreness was receding, leaving behind tenderness where the bruises and cuts were.

Hook Mountain State Park. That was where she found herself when she reconnected with the satellites. She was about an hour North of the city. She staggered away from the building she'd come out of, and as she cleared the blast radius, a single missile dropped out of the sky, and turned the place into a crater.

 

[Persephone]

Viper: "BOO!"

Before Persephone could react, Viper crashed into both herself and Alek sending Persephone flying off her feet and onto the ground.

"UGNH!"

Pushing herself up onto her hands and knees, Persephone shot a deadly glare at Jessica as the little bitch smiled and waved at her.

Viper: "HI Persephone! How NICE to see you again, you old HAS BEEN."

"Who the hell let you out of your cage you fucking wack job."

She snapped, slowly gathering herself to her feet while shifting her eyes over to see Alek now standing as well. Of ALL people to run into it HAD to be fucking Jessica Marcus. On any given day Persephone would be MORE than happy to shove her $2,000 stiletto up the bitches ass, but today she felt like death warmed over and was NOT in the mood.

Viper: It was so easy to sneak up on the two of you! Clearly you haven't improved since the LAST time I kicked your ass!

However THAT made Persephone laugh.

"Is short term memory loss a side effect of psychosis? As I recall I had you bent BACKWARDS, muzzled, and electrocuted the last time we met. Your handler [Domino] had to rescue you."

She shot back with a venomous glare and a taunting smirk to match. But Viper then turned her attention onto Alek giving Persephone a small bit of reprieve.

Viper: And what are you two doing HERE? tip toeing through the tulips? He must be the only person in this mansion who can actually stand to be around you.

[deadpan] "Because you're the prime example of popularity around here."

Viper was extremely dangerous, and the ONLY reason why Persephone was so well matched against Jessica was because of her unique physiology. Anyone else aside from maybe Haleigh or Domino would be prime to getting infected by any number of fucked up viruses the psycho could unleash, so Persephone took a step forward, drawing her attention away from Alek.

Viper: Everybody else hates you, thinks you're an easy slut, and wishes you were DEAD.

"FUCK YOU, BITCH."

She growled as she back handed Viper across the face followed by a closed fist right hook in a two combo set. Persephone slammed her hands into Viper's chest FORCING her back.

"Keep running your mouth, VIPER. I'd be MORE than happy to SKIN you alive and turn you into a new pair of shoes."

 

[Viper]

Hellfire Mansion- Conservatory

:: Viper pointed and laughed loudly at Persephone::

"FUCK YOU, BITCH."

She growled as she back handed Viper across the face followed by a closed fist right hook in a two combo set. Persephone slammed her hands into Viper's chest FORCING her back.

"Keep running your mouth, VIPER. I'd be MORE than happy to SKIN you alive and turn you into a new pair of shoes."

:: Viper's head whips sideways as she's hit by the backhand, and then she is STAGGERED by the right hook! ::

UGHHNN!!!

:: she stumbles to the side. A weaker bodied person would've had their jaw broken by a blow like this from the goddess, but Viper and Persephone were matched in a number of ways::

:: But that was going to be her ONLY moment to catch Viper off guard! The moment she slammed her hands into Viper's chest, Viper, using her enhanced reflexes, GRABBED one of those hands by the wrist, with a FRACTION of her super strength, tighting her grip on Persephone's wrist, yanking her forward::

Talk is cheap, you wilted potted plant!

:: HEAD BUTT::

I'm STRONGER than you.

:: She FORCIBLY shoves Persephone back...::

I'm BETTER than you.

:: with her enhanced speed, she IMMEDIATELY follows up, catching Persephone, who is still stumbling back...::

I'm more than you'll EVER be!

::...and Jessica delivers a well placed ROUNDHOUSE kick dead center to Persephone's stomach with her high heeled boot::

You've been alive longer most bacteria on the planet, and you're STILL WEAK AS WATER VAPOR!

:: That kick, delivered with technique and more of Viper's super strength, sends Persephone slamming into a nearby tree.::

:: She catches Alek moving like he wants to do something, and she IMMEDIATELY draws her vine whip, SWINGING with perfect form and style, and cracking it once, TWICE, as it FLASHES with the golden energy of her venom blasts. She blocks his approach from Persephone::

STEP BACK, MOOSE!

:: She smiles like the cheshire cat once more, as her apple green eyes sparkle::

Perspiration and I go back a few years, and she has this coming! If you value your health, and your body's ability to continue functioning, you'll keep out of it, OTHERWISE YOU can get some this!

:: She wields the thorned vine whip as if it were a deadly living extension of her, and she's able to channel her venom blasts through it as well, she forces Alek to keep his distance::