A Weekend Affair # 4 - The Black Gala

[Hex]

Alek shifted the conversation from Ashley to Archer and started asking questions about why he was her king. She dismissed it, telling him it seemed suitable at the time, but she'd much prefer ruling alone. Sharing a bed was more her forte.

Alek: "And are you sharing your bed with Arch?"

Brienne almost choked on her hemlock.

"God no."

That was a horrid thought. One that was now seared into her mind, unfortunately.

"He's like the obnoxious little brother you wish you didn't have around."

She glanced over at Archer still talking with Haleigh.

"But i'm the only one who can fuck with him."

She added, her eyes narrowing just slightly. Unless of course it benefitted her...and made lead to her being the only solo ruling Queen in Europe. The thought was enticing however Brienne shifted the conversation over to asking Alek if he was interested in sharing his bed with another partner. He countered with only having them with woman which Brienne grinned again.

"I do enjoy the female form."

Alek: "And I'm sure we could find someone accommodating that you would approve of..."

"Mmm...there are quite a few servant girls looking very delicious in these outfits. Perhaps we could snag one....fuck her....then kill her..."

The thought made her wet, Brienne leaning her body into Alek's with a wicked glint in her eyes. But the Red Queen decided to make her appearance at that moment, cock blocking the fuck out of their threesome murder plan. She complimented Brienne, to which Brienne casually complimented back. Then Ashley asked if Alek had been keeping her entertained, and she answered brashly by stating he was and she couldn't understand why she downgraded to her Knight. Brienne's brow lifted, wondering how someone like him managed to keep someone like Ashley's attention. And she couldn't help but be curious how he didn't smell like trash and toilet water when he looked like utter shit.

Ashley: "You're so witty, Brienne. No doubt that's why you keep Archer around. He's excellent joke material."

"And you think i'm the witty one. Natural born comic, I see."

She responded with just as much sugar and sweetness that Ashley was putting off with her fake smile and demeanor. As the Red Queen walked away, pulling the leash for her hound to follow, she rolled her eyes. At least Ashley was entertaining and not dull like Bretta. Too bad she couldn't separate herself from her pet for longer than ten seconds otherwise bedding her would be quite a fun experience. But where one Queen lacked, another made up for. In that moment both Ava and John were announced and Ava was looking hot, as much as Brienne hated to admit it. She hated Ava, her family, and her stupid accent. But there was no denying the woman was drop dead gorgeous. She asked Alek how Ava was in bed.

Alek: "So, so. She likes it rough, and her body makes up for a lot. But she's nothing compared to you."

She smirked.

"Good answer."

Though she was suspicious that he hadn't actually fucked Ava. They barely spoke two words to each other outside of her pulling him away from killing Savage at the hunt. But perhaps they had a fling in the past before Haleigh dazed him with her cybornetic pussy. But Ava was off the table, watching her as she moved across the dance floor with John, looking love sick. God why did people degrade themselves by falling in love? They looked so ridiculous and acted just as badly.

Finishing off her hemlock as she studied Ava and John within spying distance of Archer and Haleigh, she wondered just as deep down the rabbit hole Ava was willing to go in regards to Archer. She hadn't killed him outright when she had the perfect opportunity to. And everyone knew how much Ava hated Archer and wanted him dead. Did she not want to start a war? Was she afraid of Brienne's wrath? The Black Queen decided that was why. It made the most logical sense. While this was all processing in her head, she didn't even acknowledge who was being announced, not until Alek spoke up.

Alek: "Oh, fuck. Me. This is unbe-fucking-lieveable."

"Hmm?"

She turned to see Stavros Cassadine and Kelly King arrive, Kelly draped on Stavros' arm and sporting a big enough diamond engagement ring that Brienne was surprised the bitch was able to stand upright. She let out a laugh as Alek grabbed them both another round.

"Nothing like a little family drama to go with the sword swallowers."

She happily accepted the flute of hemlock, smiling like a school girl at how entertaining this was all going to be.

Alek: "Someone should put both of those old fuckers out of their misery."

Brienne gestured with her flute to Ava who was crossing the room screaming 'bitch'.

"I do believe that might happen, your majesty."

Ava lunged for Kelly and Brienne's grin grew. She hated Kelly King, the cunt a poor mans excuse for a witch. She used technology as a method of magick, which was a complete abomination to the craft of wicca. Plus she was a King, and all King's were cunts. For once, she was team Cassadine.

Sipping her drink as she watched the drama unfold.

"I'll blow you behind a fern if Ava rips out some of Kelly's weave."

 

[Avalanche]

Hellfire - The Black Gala

He was playing a dangerous game with The White Queen, but he was beginning to think that he had nothing to lose. And one of Archer's main tenets as a King was that he refused to be steamrolled by propriety and by the unspoken rules of a bunch of spoiled brats trying to steal toys they didn't need. Archer mentioned his slight interest in the Zaccharas, particularly Claudia. Haleigh smirked.

Haleigh: "So I've heard. My Rook was also pleased with her, though he expressed his satisfaction with a bit more class."

"Good for him."

Archer pushed forward, mentioning the curious fact that none of his technology seemed to work since gaining consciousness.

Haleigh: "Yes, see, your problem is T-mobile. I'm sure it has a good network in the UK, but here in America, it's known to be the carrier with shitty coverage."

The Black King rolled his eyes, amused.

Haleigh: "I could help you out with that...but if we're 'staying in our own lanes'...and not sharing our cookies...I can't say I'm inclined to do you any favors."

[scoffing]

"It's not your cookies I'm after Haleigh, it's your wifi password."

Haleigh: "You know I find it strange, you and Brienne seem to prefer enemies to allies. If I were you, I'd switch tactics. Too many enemies got the previous regimes killed."

"And perhaps too many friends will end the next one?"

Archer looked out among the crowd at the incestuous family that was Hellfire America. They were so intent on this message of unity. That they could succeed where their parents failed. But the inherent division of Hellfire would always keep them at an arms length. Somebody at some point, would make a move against the others, and because their relationships were so deep and intermingled, the right person with the right move could destroy them completely.

"I don't prefer enemies, but I'm not afraid of them either. I like clear lines. I like knowing where I stand with people. As does Brienne. You know what it's like to be royalty. People attempt to razzle dazzle us all the live long day, just begging for a seat at the table. We just prefer a smaller table with the right people.."

[pausing]

"I didn't grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth. I didn't sit in mansion walls and cry about how badly my mommy and daddy treated me as I had everything else in the world afforded to me. I hit the ground running and I worked for what I have. None of it was given to me, and none of it was earned in the way that the whole lot of you LOVE to go on about."

Archer mimicked a crying sound and baby voice.

"Oh my parents were assholes. They beat me and yelled at me and made me take horseback riding lessons. Wah wah wah."

His tone turned more sinister.

"Maybe people like you are so able easily to offer up alliances and deals and partnership because you don't really have much to lose, despite how much you all think was robbed from your lives by your former Inner Circle..but *I* am not that way. My business is my EVERYTHING."

[leaning in]

"I came to the mansion with the best of intentions - and the black court spent the better part of two days running interference on me as if I were an enemy, as if they don't know how the black market works. So when I received the message they were putting down, I acted accordingly. And then I collapse in the woods under circumstances I think we both know are impossible and who comes to check in on the fallen Black King?"

[scoffing]

"Bloody nobody, that's who. And instead of treating me like an adult...like a KING and letting me know what's REALLY goind on, you do what the others do - lead with your tits, lick your lips and assume that I have no acumen. Hellfire America doesn't want to work WITH me..or Brienne for that matter. They want what I have, and it's clear that whatever ploy it is that Ava Cassadine has just cooked up, the white court backs her play. So forgive me for not being friendly, Haleigh, but I tried that and look where it got me."

He lifted his sleeve to show the IV wound from his arm as they announced Ava and John and then Kelly King and Stavros Cassadine, who were now apparently married. Archer flashed a smile back at The White Queen.

"Hmm..it appears there are NEW friends to make stateside. You might want to get to your husband, he looks pissed."

 

[Prophet]

Hellfire Mansion - The Black Gala

Cameron was actually enjoying the time away from the others. He often fancied himself as the life of the party, so he never got much a chance to sit back and watch things unfold around him. The venue was beautiful and gothic and sexy and wild just like Ava Cassadine herself, and he was beginning to feel the slightest bit better about things, though he wasn't ready to saddle up to his wife just yet. Though he did sense The White Queen's jealousy that Alek had arrived with Brienne on his arm. Cameron didn't like it either but for different reasons. He didn't like a single king running through the mansion. It was too much power, it presented too much opportunity. It was just one more thing Alek had against him in Cameron's eyes.

As he finished his martini, he was relieved to hear the arrival of Ava and John. He was ready to get back into the mix of things, and he was curious as to the conversation that Archer was having with his wife, if only because it was clear that she was stifling a great deal of rage around it. Cameron smirked and got his drink refreshed as he moved through the crowd of people on his way towards Ava and John, ready to share a toast and congratulate them on a job well done. And then...

Announcer: "Please welcome Legacy Member of The Black Court, Stavros Cassadine--"

The White King's eyes widened for a moment. He had not seen Stavros in quite some time. He was the only other 'parent' to survive the rebellion and Cameron had been quite certain that it was Ava who allowed that to happen. All The Inner Circle knew for sure was that somehow Stavros had managed to go on the lamb at the exact moment the kill strikes occurred. But his mother dissappeared under similar circumstances, so Cameron couldn't really blame Ava. Though his mother had now proved useful, granting his wife the ability to conceive. Stavros was another beast altogether. It had been of an unspoken thing that Stavros and his mother had quite a tumultuous love affair over the years, and because of Kelly's hatred for Ava, it oftened forced a wedge in between Ava and Cameron in their youth. Not only that, he never trusted Stavros. Cameron thought he used Kelly to get his way, and to have him in the mansion was not a good thing.

Announcer: "--and his new WIFE, Former Black Queen and Legacy Member herself, Kelly King Cassadine!"

"Not in MY house."

What the fuck was going on here? Six hours away from giving him the biggest gift she had ever given him and she had taken a new husband and dropped her last name as if it didn't mean anything? As if his father had never been alive?! And what of Stavros? What game was he playing here? The White King was certain that Stavros knew about his mother's control over MysTech and it was clear he was all too willing to secure his own safety. And Cameron was not going to have MysTech ran by The Cassadines, no matter HOW much he loved Ava. His face contorted in silent rage as he began to walk slowly through the crowd, his psionic energy flickering around him in shades of brilliant red crackles.

"I'll fucking kill that bastard."

He didn't even notice Ava, all he was focused on was murdering Stavros and his body reacted to the response as his PSI Blade manifested in his hand, the totality of all of Cameron's power brilliantly humming on it's side. There were any number of ways to play this. And all of them would be bloody and if ANYBODY got in his way, they'd find their psyche ripped from their body and their blood splattered across the glass windows of the conservatory. Still he said nothing, and when Cameron went silent, that meant trouble.

 

[Thanos]

Hellfire - Black Gala

Stavros Cassadine was not a man for drama, but he had learned in his years that his female companions often required it. They used to it set intention, create a scene, wrestle loose power for themselves. It was foolish, but effective. His new bride was more than just a drama queen, and that was why he found himself sitting on a helicopter on his way to The Hellfire Mansion, a place he had set foot in for over a year and a half.

It had been Ava who warned him of an uprising. The children who once stood tall at his knee, begging for attention now stood taller than he did. Their skin now bright and supple, their hair full and thick. Their bellies burning with fire and passion to craft a new path for themselves. It would have been fairly easy to stop such petulance, bend them all over his now aging knee and tan their hides until they cried out in forgiveness, but his heart would not allow him to deny his daughter what she wanted. She wanted to be Queen, so she would be. And he was impressed with her tenacity. The uprising was not unlike something Stavros would have done when he had less grey in his hair and no daughter to consider. So he left willingly, easily able to use his vast resources to protect himself and build a life of absolute luxury and freedom.

Kelly: "I know I've seen it a million times in my life, but the beauty of the city at night never ceases to amaze me."

"And the beauty of my wife never ceases to amaze me."

Stavros nodded and gribbed Kelly's hand tightly. He had luxury, freedom and power. But men who had those things often had them because they couldn't have the things they really wanted. Kelly King was one of those things. From the moment he met her, he loved her. Her beauty was greater than Aphrodite, and her intellect and ability to fit pieces together with ease would have put Athena to shame. But he was a married man, she was a married woman, and they both valued power more than they valued love. So they remained at an arm's length, having children and other relationships which only drove them further apart.

"What fools these mortals be.."

Ava warning him of a rebellion inspired a sense of freedom within himself. Lara was dead, his daughter was grown, and although it hurt him deeply that she was willing to unseat him to move herself along, he understood it. Stavros found himself at a new chapter, and his mind went to Kelly King. The children thought it was Cameron who saved his mother, but it had been Stavros. They spent the weeks after the uprising together at his compound in Greece, reconnecting mind, body and soul. It had been a kind of warmth a man as cold as Stavros had not felt in quite some time. But Kelly was not a woman capable of standing still, and it was not long before she inserted herself in the business of Hellfire. And he understood it. So much of her legacy was contained there. It was her right to free as much of it as he could, and when she came to him earlier this morning to inform him that his daughter had chosen a King and a lover in the form of John Steele, something shifted in him. What was he waiting for? He married Kelly immediately at the highest point in Athens.

They touched down on the roof of the mansion as Stavros tipped the driver and attendants around them, before mindlessly fiddling with the golden Zeus pendant around his neck, something he had never been seen without. Truth be told, he was nervous, though nobody could ever tell with him. He knew of the contentious relationship between Ava and Kelly, but he was hoping his daughter would take a page out of his book and remain calm. Kelly joining the Cassadine Family would only serve to make Ava stronger. He didn't understand these children. Always out with the old, in with the new. But what they failed to see was while new things were shiny, and brought much fanfare, there was a vast amount of resources out there that appreciated the old, the legends who had built the empires they now sat at the top of. It was foolish to discount them. But his visit was two fold. He knew he would stir the rage of his beautiful and fiery daughter, but he was also checking in on his business. He gave Ava many things - titles, power and prestige, but he would never let her forget that Cassadine Corporation belonged to him, no matter who's name was on the office door. And he needed to ensure his daughter was making the right decisions.

They rounded the corner as Kelly halted them.

Kelly: "Are you sure you want to do this? This has always been more my thing. You have true freedom. And if putting you back into the Lion's Den is going to cause problems between us I ju--"

He took his wife in his arms and kissed her passionately. Stavros would not have gotten on a helicopter. Kelly have revitalized him. He had been content to live out his days with no real purpose, to finally enjoy the fruits of his labor, but Stavros was not that kind of man. Even before Kelly came to his door like a giant wooden horse, he had been itching to get out into the world again, if only so the world wouldn't forget his name. They walked down the hall and towards the opening of the conservatory as Stavros smiled. His daughter had planned a beautiful event, and it was somber that he might be the one to ruin it, but that decision lied in the hands of his daughter. It was her decision on how to play this.

Announcer: "It appears we have some special guests this evening, and some congratulations are in order. Please welcome Legacy Member of The Black Court, Stavros Cassadine, and his new WIFE, Former Black Queen and Legacy Member herself, Kelly King Cassadine!"

It did not take long for things to go exactly as Stavros anticipated. He gestured as members of his own private security team took their spots as directed. The security was not for his daughter. Stavros was a man with many enemies and this was the first time he had been in public in almost two years. He was minimizing risk.

Kelly: "Be prepared for a scene. From both of them."

Stavros eyes met Cameron's who seemed to be filled with rage and he gave the boy a mischevious smile. While Kelly hated his daughter, Stavros himself found great pleasure in toying with Cameron. He was such an arrogant man, so easily manipulated whenever his manhood or his place next to his mother or wife was threatened. It was comforting to know that Cameron had not changed.

Kelly: "Better for them to come to us."

"Oh they will come for us, this much is true. Scene is not the right word. Disaster fits better."

As if on cue, his daughter sprung into action with glorious and unbridled, beautiful rage. He was relieved to see that she had not decided to rest on her laurels as Queen. That she was just as much as a bad ass as her father. Onlookers be damned, she would do what she wanted.

Ava: "You...conniving...manipulative...BITCH!"

But there was another part of him that was dissappointed in her. There were so many people around. Everybody knew Kelly and Ava were contentious, but now every single person in the room knew that Ava Cassadine had a giant weakness, one that was easily goaded and exploited. Stavros found himself unable to stop testing Ava, to assess how successful of a woman she had become. He loved her more than anything else in his life, but that meant she had to stay alive. And in order to stay alive, she needed to be better than the others. Smarter. Faster. Stronger.

Ava: "I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU!"

Stavros sighed as he exchanged a look with Kelly. They would need to run interference on their own children. Stavros immediately stepped into action, inserting himself in front of Ava, grabbing her by the wrist and forcing her into a less aggressive stance, his eyes piercing into hers, giving her the same stern and authorative look he had given her countless times over the years.

"Den tha káneis káti tétoio!" (you will do no such thing)

He leaned into his daughter's ear, speaking low enough for only her to hear.

"Eísai Cassadine. Synthéste ton eaftó sas prin to ólo ktírio syneiditopoiísei tin adynamía sas. Katalavaíneis?" (Compose yourself before the entire building becomes aware of your weakness. Do you understand?)

He dropped his daughter's wrist as the two stood face to face, Kelly behind them.

"Now..give your father a hug."

 

[Discord]

Hellfire - The Black Gala

He was enjoying the light chatter with The White Rook, but could tell he was itching to get into the mix of the party and Daniel was as well. Zach inquired as to what expertise Daniel was bringing to the American Inner Circle, but before he could answer, The Black King and Queen arrived to the fanfare that they deserved.

Zach: "Looks like the party has officially started."

It was a truly sexy event, and again, Daniel did look really good in black, particularly leather, so he was happy to be in attendance. He was happy to just be at this point. His transition from red to black had been a lot smoother than he was initially anticipating. It wasn't even Sunday and he was wearing new colors, serving on a new court. It also had spoken of his desperation to leave. Daniel finished off his drink in a long swig and winked as he left.

"Which mean so has my first day at work. Wish me luck, handsome."

Daniel began to navigate his way towards the party, noticing the interesting combinations of brits and americans as he went by. Alek and Brienne appeared to be joined at the hip, Archer and Haleigh were engaged in conversation. Erika and Bretta were in the back enjoying each other's company. The idea of the weekend was finally coming together, the courts were mingling and testing new waters, and it looked like much would become solidified at The Black Gala, which was good for him and his court.

Daniel was beginning to close in on the gap, when another arrival stopped him in his tracks.

Announcer: 'Please welcome Legacy Member of The Black Court, Stavros Cassadine--"

The Black Bishop found himself uncomfortable, which was not normal for him. This was his first day on the black court and the arrival of Stavros was a variable he hadn't accounted for. Using his empathic powers, he sensed that there was a deep love between Stavros and Ava, but as he looked at her in the distance, he could sense she was feeling a well of emotions.

Announcer: "--and his new WIFE, Former Black Queen and Legacy Member, Kelly King Cassadine!"

Scratch that, This was his first day on the court and a bomb had just been detonated at the center of the conservatory for all to see. This was not going to be good and as he continued to monitor Ava's emotions several feet away from her, he was throttled back by a surge of RAGE that nearly caused him to punch several guests in the face on sheer adrenaline.

Ava: "You...conniving...manipulative...BITCH! I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU!"

And then The Black Queen lunged at The White King's mother in front of everyone, under the flash and flicker of club lights around them. It was almost some kind of high concept Greek Tragedy unfolding in front of him, and immediately Daniel went to work. Placing his hands at his sides, his eyes began to flicker before becoming all white, with a slight glow. Daniel was an omega level empath and a very good illusionist and now he was crafting a scene that would give Ava the privacy she deserved and allow this matter to be resolved more discreetly. He tempered the emotions of the guests, decreasing their desire to watch, and increasing their desire to speak with each other, with a bit of euphoria mixed in to get the wheels lubed for those who were still sober. Those without PSI Screens would see nothing out of the oridnary when they looked upon where Ava and the others were standing, making sure not to manipulate the vision of The Inner Circle.

[voice]: "He's got detail at all sides. It's not like him to be so unsure of himself."

A voice filled his ears as he remembered the comm link that had been implanted in him by Amanda earlier in the evening. It allowed them to communicate swiftly. Daniel pressed his ear.

[via com link]

"Are we just going to let her kill Kelly?"

Ben: "Wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. I'm planted in the eastern zone, right by the edge of the pond. There's an emergency exit I'm working on clearing."

Amanda: "I'm with in arm's reach of the two big guys behind Stavros. If they make a move, I will. This is not good guys. We know nothing. We have to act on the instinct of our Queen. She will not fight this alone."

"Long live the Queen. In other new's I've stabilized the crowd and brushed the attention off Ava. I'm headed closer to John. Who knows what's going on in either of their [Kelly & Stavros] heads."

Daniel moved towards The Black King until he was standing at his side. He wasn't sure words were the best thing right now. John was likely about to pounce in defense of his Queen at any second. He didn't want to unintentionally pull a trigger, but just to know that somebody was standing right next to him and his Queen, ready to act, was good enough. As we watched what was about to unfold, a small smile crept up on his lips. This was more action he'd had in the last year on The Red Court. THIS was what he had been looking for.

 

[Black Widow]

Hellfire -- Conservatory

Archer tried to run Haleigh a line of bullshit, like he wasn’t afraid of enemies and didn’t want too many friends. Haleigh held in a scoff. If she were in a better mood it would have been comical. Archer should be afraid of his enemies. But clearly his arrogance would be the death of him.

Haleigh could see why everybody hated Archer. It wasn’t just that he was a pig, but also that he was insufferable. She wanted to wire his jaw closed just to shut him up, as he demonstrated his complete ignorance, talking shit and mocking them all for having been born to parents with money, as if having all the things made a goddamn difference to any kid under the oppression of sociopathic parents. As if they hadn’t fought tooth and nail to get where they were.

He continued talking out of his ass, complaining that he’d been mistreated by the Black Court all weekend. How could he be surprised, when he’d stolen from and sexually harassed their Queen? Haleigh listened to him whine about nobody coming to see him when he was sick, indicating his secret desire to actually have the friendships he’d sneered at moments ago.

Her gaze drifted down to where Ash and AJ were approaching Alek. She watched carefully, ready to put Savage in a metal cage if he started showing any precontact cues, but Ash led him off quickly. Archer recaptured her attention by showing his arm to her, with its little red dot where the IV had been stuck into his vein.

She wanted to fill those veins with lead, until they turned black and he started to realize how dead he actually was. No, she wanted to fill his balls with lead, until they dropped off his body and he cried like the little punk that he was. But before she could do that, Ava’s hot dad showed up to the party. He looked even sexier than usual. And apparently he’d brought his new wife, Kelly.

What the actual FUCK?!

There were not many things that surprised Haleigh, but Kelly marrying Stavros was not a thing Haleigh had seen coming. Evidently Ava hadn’t either, because she went to Category 5 Hurricane in seconds. Should she intervene, or let that storm run its course? Archer suggested she get to Cameron, who wasn’t happy about this new development either.

“I’m his wife, not his mother.”

She replied calmly, turning to fully face Archer, her hands sliding up his chest slowly. She smiled wickedly.

“Let me tell you something about friends and enemies. I could kill you right now, while all eyes are on them. I could get rid of your body before they even noticed you were gone. Now, you’ve got enough enemies to muddy the waters, and I’ve no apparent motive, so I can be fairly confident in high chances of getting away with it. And even if I WERE found out? I’ve got enough friends to put an end to the European Black Court. This is how we took power, and this is why all our enemies will fall, one by one, because they’re too fucking arrogant to realize how vulnerable they are alone. I wonder if Brienne would even care if you died, or if she’d capitalize on it? No matter, I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough. Have fun partying, Archer. You never know when this night might be your last.”

She said with a soft pat on his chest, and then she left him standing there without waiting for a reaction.

 

[Steel]

The Black Gala

Steel grabbed he and Ava each a flute of champagne so they could celebrate a successful event. John eyed the servants, all dressed in extremely risque black attire. He told Ava he really hoped she'd be wearing the same outfit later.

Ava: "Complete with leather wrist cuffs."

"You spoil me."

He licked his lips and grinned at her, wishing they could head back to their rooms right now.

Announcer: "It appears we have some Special Guests this evening, and some Congratulations are in order. Please welcome Legacy Member of The Black Court, Stavros Cassadine and his new WIFE, Former Black Queen and Legacy Member herself, Kelly King Cassadine!"

John's eyes narrowed and his head snapped towards the entrance, where Ava's father was walking in with Cameron's mother. He couldn't believe that arse of a man would come here, tonight of all nights. Ruining Ava's careful plans. He looked at Ava, ready to calm the storm he knew was coming.

"Babe..."

But it was too late. Ava was screaming that she was going to kill Kelly, as thunder shook the entire room. His body melted to organic steel as he crossed the room after her. She lunged at the former queen, but Stavros grabbed her wrist and began to speak to her in Greek. He knew Stavros well enough to know that he wouldn't hurt her, but that didn't mean Steel was going to allow him to manhandle the Black Queen, either. He made eye contact with Amanda, who was behind Stavros, and then glanced to his side at his new Bishop. From the crowd reaction, Daniel was doing his job. But Kelly King was still on the field, and John's attention fixed on her. He stepped forward to Ava's side, watching for any movement from Kelly in Ava's direction.

He honestly didn't care if Ava killed Kelly tonight; his concern now was protecting Ava's body as well as her mental state, with her father here and married. To that woman. Who had made Ava's life miserable. He should have hunted her down after the coup. Taken her out to protect Ava at whatever cost. His hand found hers and squeezed it.

 

[Valkyrie]

The Black Gala

AJ had asked who Brienne was, and Ashley apologized for not introducing her. These sorts of niceties were still somewhat foreign to her.

AJ: "You are not at fault. I should know these things already, but I haven't been trying to learn."

That made her smile bigger, the implication being that now he was trying to learn. Obviously for her. She explained that Brienne basically spent her time on her back, and this weekend, with Alek.

AJ: "He would want a concubine queen. Deep down he probably knows he isn't fit for an Alpha female, though he has tried to court you, and Haleigh. That's why he disrespects other men's wives, and women in general. Inferiority complex. So he chases these beta queens, like Brienne, to find some girl who doesn't intimidate him."

She hadn't thought of it that way, but it made perfect sense, actually. Had Alek ended things because she had gotten stronger instead of weaker? She looked at AJ with playful eyes.

"Do I intimidate you?"

She suggested that maybe Brienne would take Alek back to Europe with her, and explained that Archer was her king, such as he was. He leaned in towards her, that smile on his face that really made him look like a wolf. The one she loved.

AJ: "You want me to kill this archer? Then maybe the concubine queen will want the little bear to be her new 'king'."

Ashley held up her hand.

"Oh no, no, no. Ava made us promise she could do it. So unless he's attacking one of us, leave him be."

She slipped her hand into his and gave it a squeeze.

"But I appreciate the offer. And that scenario may pan out yet."

Ava and John arrived, finally. What, did Ava have Security text her or something when everyone else was here so they could be last? Lame.

They did look good as a couple though, a sentiment AJ didn't seem to share, but Ashley figured that was probably more down to the panther than any actual dislike of Ava and John. Though perhaps he felt jealous? She would have to ask him when they were alone. She suggested a drink, and then some hobnobbing with the other Red Queen. She ran down the rest of the European players for him. When she got to Liam and Juliette, she expressed how sad it made her that AJ and the White Queen couldn't be friends, as she liked them both so much and Juliette was like them.

AJ: "She is not like us. We are alive, and she is dead. But since you like her.... I will try...Not to drag her out to the graveyard and bury her reanimated corpse."

Ashley laughed, her arms on AJs shoulders, his hand on her back. She stood on her toes to give him a peck on the lips.

"Well, that's something."

And then Stavros arrived with Kelly, and all hell broke loose. Mostly in the form of Ava Cassadine.

AJ: "Why, were they not invited?"

"Ava loves Stavros, and despises Kelly. And I don't think they told her they were getting married."

Ava showing this much gumption was a site to see, and Ashley happily took her side against Kelly, hoping Ava would kick her ass and saying so. AJ's arm came around her and she rested her hand on top of his.

AJ: "My Queen, we should move away from this fight."

"Are you asking me to run from a fight, my Knight?"

She turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow.

 

[Berserker]

The Black Gala

Alek asked Brienne about Archer, and then openly asked if she was fucking him. He was pleased with her answer.

Brienne: "He's like the obnoxious little brother you wish you didn't have around."

"I'll make sure to lock him in his room when I want time alone with big sister."

His mouth got very close to hers while they talked about threesomes, with him suggesting they find someone that met with Brienne's approval.

Brienne: "Mmm...there are quite a few servant girls looking very delicious in these outfits. Perhaps we could snag one....fuck her....then kill her..."

He bit her earlobe.

"Fuck in her blood."

He pulled back and smiled devilishly.

"Thinking about it's making me hard."

Of course Ashley picked that moment to be sociable, exchanging quips with Brienne and forcing a small in his direction. The dog said nothing, which was just as well. After they left, John and Ava arrived, and then Stavros and Kelly. And they were married. Ava went batshit. Alek and Brienne just stood there, drinking their cocktails and enjoying the show.

Brienne; "I'll blow you behind a fern if Ava rips out some of Kelly's weave."

He grinned broadly, then cupped a hand to his mouth and yelled, "Pull her hair, Ava!"

 

[Persephone]

A year and a half. Ava had dealt with Kelly trying to upstage her, trash her, thwart her plans, and embarrass her, for a year and a half. And that wasn't counting BEFORE Ava became Queen. The woman was a miserable cunt who hated her simply because she was Stavros' daughter with another woman. She hated her because Kelly didn't have enough balls to tell Diana and Helena to fuck off and be with the man she wanted. She hated her because Stavros chose Ava's mother over Kelly. And now, Kelly was there, announcing her marriage to her father at one of the biggest weekends in recent years as a way to once again, rub it in Ava's face. This wasn't a simple announcement from a former Black Queen. This was a nail in Kelly King's coffin.

Ava lunged for Kelly, screaming that she was going to kill her. And she would have. She would have grabbed Kelly's throat and tore out her jugular within seconds had her father not caught Ava by the wrist. She struggled against her father's grip, thrashing toward Kelly with fury. Stavros pulled Ava back, placing himself between her and Kelly.

Stavros: "Den tha káneis káti tétoio!" (you will do no such thing)

"Move."

She warned with a murderous tone, her face inches from her father's. Ava's midnight eyes were even more opaque and black with rage as she stared at her father standing between herself and his new wife. At that point she saw Kelly move to grab Cameron, holding him back as well. Ava's head snapped in Cameron's direction, the same fiery rage burning in her eyes.

"If you don't get your MOTHER out of here Cameron, I'm going to RIP HER HEAD OFF like Helena!"

That was when Stavros moved very close to Ava, leaning in to speak to her lowly and only for her to hear.

Stavros: "Eísai Cassadine. Synthéste ton eaftó sas prin to ólo ktírio syneiditopoiísei tin adynamía sas. Katalavaíneis?" (Compose yourself before the entire building becomes aware of your weakness. Do you understand?)

Ava's eyes went wide, pulling back to look at him in the eyes in disbelief. The look he was giving her and the tone of his voice were all too familiar to her. She had seen it many times before when she was a child, even into young adulthood. But he wasn't speaking to his daughter anymore. He was speaking to the Black Queen. And for him to try and reprimand her when he just brought the woman who had done nothing but cause her strife since childhood was a slap in the face. It was then Ava felt John take her hand squeezing it. She didn't look at him, her hand being held by her King and her wrist being held by her father.

Stavros: "Now..give your father a hug."

Ava ripped her wrist out of Stavros' grasp.

"Kateveíte apó ména!" [Get off me!]

She growled directly in her father's face.

"Pós DARE érchesai edó me aftó to BITCH kai periméno na péso sta pódia sou." [How DARE you come here with that BITCH and expect me to fall at your feet.]

Ava's voice became low now, much in the same fashion her father's had just moments before; mimicking his words back.

"We will discuss this in private. Do YOU understand? PIGAINO! [GO!]"

Ava wouldn't entertain Kelly any longer, knowing this was EXACTLY what she had wanted by coming to the Black Gala and making this announcement. She watched as Stavros began to walk toward the exit, past Amanda who was standing guard and ready to strike if ordered. Ava was so furious she didn't realize John was still holding her hand until she felt the hard steel against her skin as she moved to follow her father, his grasp stopping her. Ava turned to look at John, her eyes filled with rage. Her look was enough for him to let go, Ava turning on her heel and storming out of the conservatory after her father. Ava knew despite John letting her go, he wouldn't stay far. And she knew her court would be on guard until she returned. But for now, Ava was laser focused on her father, walking with him to the Black Lounge.

She slammed the door to the lounge behind her, immediately going in on Stavros once they were alone.

"I can't BELIEVE you did this! You don't crave drama and attention like Kelly does! This isn't YOU, daddy! You would have NEVER come back here and done this if it weren't for HER!"

There was pain within her rage filled eyes as she looked at her father in utter disbelief.

"And you played right into it! You LET HER come here! You LET HER hurt me! AGAIN!"

Pulling off the ring Stavros gifted Ava earlier from her finger, she threw it at him.

"You chose a WHORE'S CUNT over your own flesh and blood! Bástardos! [Bastard!]"

 

[Steel]

The Black Gala

Ava turned her anger towards Cameron, who, in John's opinion, had jeopardized all their safety in allowing Kelly to live, and thus deserved a little rage thrown his way by Ava.

Ava: "If you don't get your MOTHER out of here Cameron, I'm going to RIP HER HEAD OFF like Helena!"

Steel squared his shoulders, cold steel eyes piercing into Kelly as if to say, I'd love the opportunity to be 2 for 2.

He wanted to cheer for Ava as she stood up to her father; though he couldn't understand all the words, her meaning was clear. She had taken her crown tonight, and she would wear it.

Ava: "We will discuss this in private. Do YOU understand? PIGAINO! [GO!]"

She moved to follow her father into a private lounge, but he didn't let go of her hand, and when she turned back to look at him, her eyes were so angry. He let go of her hand, because it was clear that she wanted him to. And he would have had to admit, that she didn't want him to come with her hurt quite a bit. Still he followed a step behind her, and when Ava and Stavros exited the conservatory, stood guard just inside the door so that no one could pass.

He spoke over the com to Amanda, Ben and Daniel.

"Eyes on Kelly. She’s the threat. Do not interfere unless the White King needs help. Ben, get yourself next to Erika. Make sure she doesn't try to help her mother. Amanda, Kelly is not to interrupt the Queen and her father. Daniel, the crowd. Let’s keep our guests from any collateral damage.”

He then dispatched Black Guard to keep their distance but shadow the Queen. He would join them when this situation was contained.

 

[Silver]

Hellfire Club – Black Gala



:: As soon as Bretta opened her mouth, it was as if everybody was bees and Haleigh was the honey. ::

Haleigh: "Yes, indeed, Bretta. Speaking of meetings, I've been wanting to--"

:: Daniel approached them and made his introduction. Then Zachary Armani arrived, along with Erika King. Archer Fairchild finally made his presence known and it was as if she was back on the Tube years before, everybody talking at once, way too many people surrounding her, and that experience was the first – and the last – time she’d ever taken the tube. It may have been faster, but Bretta did not appreciate being pushed this way and that way, nor did she enjoy the masses screaming at each other in the cramped car. So she had been taking Town Cars ever since. ::

Haleigh: "I'll take this one for the team. Erika, escort the Red Queen to a nice corner booth and keep her company while I attend the Black King. Bretta, I would like to meet with you, but if you'll please excuse me, there's a fire to put out."

*politely*: “Most certainly.”

:: Erika turned to her and made a reverent bow. From what Ava had told her earlier, Erika’s mother sounded absolutely wretched. Of course, that wasn’t the fault of her daughter, so Bretta would give her a chance. ::

Erika: “Right this way, Your Majesty.”

:: Bretta allowed herself to be led over to a very impressive booth, lit by candles. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see her Rook and Princess watching her intently. She made a hand signal telling them that all was well before she focused on Erika. ::

Erika: "Now I hope you know that the sharing of hemlock between two women is a sacred occassion. Only a select few can stomach it. But what better way to celebrate the success of your court this weekend."

:: Bretta gave the young girl a dazzling smile as Erika poured them both glasses of hemlock. ::

Erika: “To new beginnings.”

*amused*: “To new beginnings.”

:: Bretta was amused because she, Ava, and John, had toasted that exact same sentiment earlier. She took a sip, letting the cool liquid slide down her throat. Delicious. ::

Erika: "I feel as if we've must have met somewhere over the years, though I'm sure I'd remember a woman of such beauty. And that's not me being nice, Bretta. You are smoking hot. Your family owns Celeste at The Lanesborough Hotel right? That's one of my favorite places in London. Such a decadent and rich atmosphere. You feel like you could be eating with the Queen Mum herself at any moment.”

:: Bretta gave Erika a smile. It seemed as if the young woman was working her, though Bretta didn’t know why. Was Miss King part of the White Court, and if so, why didn’t she know about it? Bretta decided to remain diplomatic. ::

“I thank you for your compliment, Erika, but for reasons unknown, I don’t think that we have ever met. Perhaps our paths did cross at one point, but we were just too busy with our own lives to notice. Yes, my family does own Celeste. It is something, isn’t it? It’s one of my favourite places as well.”

:: Bretta took another sip of her hemlock. ::

Erika: "I wonder, do you have any plans for business stateside? I'd love to see what you'd bring to New York. Or do you have other interests you'd like to pursue?"

“As a matter of fact, I do have plans for business here in New York. As I’m sure you’re aware of, my new Princess, Cassandra Johnson, has a nightclub here. Cassandra and I plan to have a walk through tomorrow and see what needs to be done, if it needs renovations, that sort of thing. It will be the first American business under the Reddington name.”

:: The announcer announced the arrival of Stavros Cassadine and his new WIFE who just happened to be...KELLY KING. Then all hell broke loose as the Black Queen lunged at the former Black Queen. Bretta automatically placed a hand on Erika’s arm. ::

“Stay here, darling. Your mother can handle herself.”

:: Bretta immediately moved closer to Erika, acting on instinct. She placed a comforting hand on Erika’s back while holding Erika’s hand with her other hand. ::

*soothingly; tenderly*: “I know it’s hard, but I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

 

[Ruby]

Hellfire Club – Black Gala


:: Cass liked Damien. She really liked him. They just got each other, even though they just met. They were having fun and laughing together. It was probably the happiest that Cass had ever felt in a really long time. Gia walked in and, without consulting each other or even looking at each other, both Cass and Damien broke out into spontaneous applause and cheers. Damien even threw in a wolf whistle for good measure. Gia came over to them, getting in beside Damien, and congratulated her on her new title as well as complimented her dress. If Cass had still been the Black Princess, she would’ve been a straight-up bitch to Gia. After all, she did attack Bear. She chose to make nice instead, since she was now part of the visiting dignitaries. ::

Damien: “Your tragic loss is our greatest gain, Miss Nefaria.”

Damn fucking straight.

:: Curiously enough, Gia looked as though she was thisclose to having a climax right there in the booth. Cass couldn’t blame her, either. Damien just oozed sex appeal. Cass made the introductions between Gia and Damien. It was interesting to watch Gia almost swoon over Damien, considering that she was still nursing a broken heart. Gia finally got a hold of herself and asked him why he showed up in a black outfit with red t-shirt when it should’ve been the other way around. Cass burst into laughing at that. Damien made the remark that she had wondered the same thing, and then he gave the same bullshit answer he gave her when she had asked earlier. ::

Damien: “Cassandra, here, was asking the very same thing. I told her that it was my homage to the Black Court tonight since this is their event. She, however, said that was bollocks.”

[laughing] “Because it’s true! That answer is bullshit.”

:: Damien turned to look at her and she playfully swatted him on the shoulder. He grasped her wrist. ::

Damien: *playfully*: “Don’t start something you can’t finish, darlin’.”

:: Cass was about to accept that challenge when Gia spoke up again. ::

Gia: “So, Cass, when is the big move?”

“Um, I think Monday? I’ll leave with everybody else, but luckily Bretta gave me permission to skip out on some of the events tomorrow in order to get things ready for when I leave. I’ll definitely be at the Red party tomorrow night though. My suite is a complete mess right now with all the boxes and trunks, so I think that I’ll be staying in Bretta’s suite tonight.”

Gia: “Well, I hope to see you before you leave.”

:: Cass smiled brightly. So far, she was the only person to say that to her. Though they weren’t exactly friends, Cass still appreciated the words. ::

“Thank you, Gia, that means a lot.”

:: Gia left and went to the bar. Damien watched her go. ::

Damien: “She’s an interesting character, that one.”

“Oh, she’s interesting all right.”

:: Cass could’ve confided to Damien about Gia’s disloyalty, but she chose not to because it would look as if the European Red Court was planning something. Not a good impression to make as she had been the Red Princess for only a couple of hours now. ::

Damien: “You know what’s going to happen now that you’re Red Princess, right?”

:: Cass feigned shock, but she was more than a little angry. ::

“Are all these bitches suddenly going to be all up in my face, wanting to get on my good side as a way to get in with us, when in reality they never once cared to show their support for me all these years? If this is how they treat their former mentally ill, they can go stuff themselves.”

:: The one exception to that was Amanda. Damien raised his eyebrow. ::

Damien: “You were mentally ill?”

“Yes, I was. It was...awful. I was like a fucking leper. Nobody wanted to be seen with me. I honestly don’t know why I still care about these people when it’s quite apparent that they never cared about me in the first place.”

Damien: “It’s because you have a kind heart, and you’re loyal to those whom you love.”

:: Cass smiled gratefully at Damien and was startled when Gia slid in beside Cass. She had a pint of beer in her hand. ::

Gia: “Cass, I’m sorry that I attacked your dog.”

:: Damien looked nonplussed and Cass wanted to laugh. It was just Gia’s way of doing things, after all. She leaned in to Gia. ::

*whispers*: ”We’ll talk about this later.”

:: Haleigh arrived and the three of them clapped at her arrival. Heidi and Jack arrived and they clapped for them as well. Cass noticed that Haleigh was looking right at Damien. ::

“What’s going on?”

Gia: “She’s probably wondering why you’re here, Damien. Be prepared for anything.”

Damien: "Why? What did I do?"

"Hellfire America is practically known for their paranoia. She probably thinks we're planning something."

:: Bretta O’Malley arrived and Cass and Damien both stood for their Queen and clapped. Bretta headed straight for Haleigh and that was when the masses descended. One after the other, the Inner Circle, as well as the Europeans, filtered in. Cass had no desire to talk with any of them. Still, she made sure to keep a look out for anything, and sure enough, both she and Damien spotted Erika King leading Bretta over to a booth. Without looking at each other, they both tensed their bodies and watched carefully. Bretta signalled that all was well, so they stayed where they were – for now. Ava and John arrived and, as they were the hosts for this event, they clapped for them. Then came the shock. ::

Announcer: "It appears we have some Special Guests this evening, and some Congratulations are in order. Please welcome Legacy Member of The Black Court, Stavros Cassadine and his new WIFE, Former Black Queen and Legacy Member herself, Kelly King Cassadine!"

*shocked*: “OH MY GOD!”

Gia: “Holy SHIT!”

Damien: “Is this bad?”

“It is so bad! This is a complete nightmare for Ava!”

:: Ava physically lunged at Kelly and Cass found herself standing up to help when she realized that she was no longer a part of the Black Court. She sat back down. ::

“Not my monkeys, not my circus.”

:: A server came up to them and Cass took a pint of beer as did Damien. The three clinked glasses. ::

“Let’s just watch this trainwreck, shall we?”

:: By now, Damien had taken off his jacket and was leaning back comfortably in his seat. Both Cass and Gia followed suit. However, Cass kept a close eye on Bretta. She was beside Erika now, no doubt comforting her, but Cass wanted to be sure that Bretta was safe. ::

 

[Talisman]

Hellfire Mansion - The Black Gala

The scene was perfect. Kelly King watched with devious pleasure as Ava lost it, rampaging through the crowd like a tornado, shouting any number of expletives. Had Stavros not been there, she would have jumped at the opportunity to destroy the Black Queen. The bitch had it coming - she would have been regarded as nothing but a doorknob had she not merged with Persephone. Malice may have made that call, but Ava must have forgotten about who made that possible to happen at all. Malice was no witch and transferring the essence of a goddess into the body of a mortal woman had been no easy task. But Kelly had pulled it off. And using her Omni Sight she honed in on all the others she had given power to over the years scrambling to protect their Queen. In time, she would show them how foolish they were for turning against their CREATOR.

Ava: “I'm gonna fucking kill you!”

She knew Stavros would attempt damage control, so she did not move. Instead she stayed planted, her face stone cold, almost serene, and said nothing as she caught her son closing in the gap, his PSI Blade roaring with fury, ready to cut Stavros in half. Waving her hand, Kelly manifested a strong mystic shield in front of her and Stavros as she squinted, blasting Cameron back a few feet with a wave of magickal energy. She paid no attention to Ava and Stavros’ exchange.

Ava: "If you don't get your MOTHER out of here Cameron, I'm going to RIP HER HEAD OFF like Helena!"

Cameron: “Deliver the same message to your father! Only I won't rip his head off, I'll slice him in half and make YOU clean up the mess!”

Kelly smirked surprised at her son’s rage for a moment until she realized it wasn't his mother he was worried about, it was MysTech. She rolled her eyes as Stavros and Ava made their way towards and exit and Kelly dropped her shield, raising her hands up in a surrender motion.

“If you both wanted to talk, you could have just said so. No need for such dramatics…”

She summoned a glass of hemlock.

“Some people just don't know how to act in public.I won't be shuffled out of here like some prisoner or hostage. I'll meet you in your study. ALONE.”

Kelly shimmered out of the conservatory and into The White King's study, taking a seat in his office chair, crossing her legs and taking a sip of hemlock as the door opened to reveal her son.

"I take it you have an issue with my choice of partner? My MY how the tables have turned…”

She awaited her son's likely to be overdramatic and arrogant response, hoping that Stavros would fare better, which he likely would as Ava still seemed to love him. Kelly on the other hand wasn't sure where she stood with her son anymore and sometimes one had to get a bit creative if they needed a little attention.

 

[Thanos]

Hellfire Mansion - The Black Gala

Ava: "Move."

Stavros cocked an amused eyebrow. She had never spoken to him with such vitriol. He was so proud he almost let out a smile, but held back at the last moment. It was best not to mock an enraged woman. His wife moved to take her son out of the way to which Stavros paid little to no mind, though Ava cried out like a beacon.

Ava: "If you don't get your MOTHER out of here Cameron, I'm going to RIP HER HEAD OFF like Helena."

Cameron: "Deliver the same message to your father! Only I won't rip his head off, I'll slice him in half and make YOU clean up the mess!"

Again, Stavros was amused at how this news was affecting their children. He anticipated the anger and the melodramatic angst that was common for children who were used to getting everything they wanted, but he was surprised to see how bitter the words were that escaped from their lips. These titles - these King and Queenships were so important to them that they were willing to make such a scene. He remembered when a kingship had been denied to him. But that was decades ago, and Stavros didn't put much stock in looking behind him. He paid people to do that for him.

"Pnigese se mia koutalia nero..." (you drown yourself in a teaspoon of water).

Ava's new King was now by her side, John Steel. He was a tall and thick man who looked as if he was as quiet as he was loyal. All in all a good choice to be King when the Queen was a Cassadine. He reached for her hand and Stavros watched with absurd delight that Ava paid him almost no mind. These men would never learn that Ava only had room in her life for one man - her father. Everybody else was collateral damage. He wished Ava would learn that lesson at some point in her life. She RIPPED her wrist from his arm as Stavros stare took a more serious tone.

Ava: "Kateveíte apó ména! Pós DARE érchesai edó me aftó to BITCH kai periméno na péso sta pódia sou." (Get off me! How DARE you come here with that BITCH and expect me to fall at your feet.)

Stavros snarled a bit himself. She was getting a little too comfortable with the way she was speaking with him.

"Dánkose ti glóssa sou! Boreíte na eíste vasílisses, allá egó eímai o patéras sas, kai tha kánate kalá na to thymáste, koritsáki!" (Bite your tongue! Queen you may be, but I am your father, and you'd do well to remember that, little girl!)

Ava: "We will discuss this in private. Do YOU understand? PIGAINO!"

Stavros nodded, tired of such a public display and his daughter's tone. If she was going to self destruct like a child, he preferred her to be in a more quiet place. And he could tell that she wasn't done yelling at him as if he had personally made a move against her, which was ironic given the current state of things. She of course let go of her King before herding him into a lounge behind her and slamming the door as if she were running from a serial killer. She faced him.

Ava: "I can't BELIEVE you did this! You don't crave drama and attention like Kelly does! This isn't YOU, daddy! You would have NEVER come back here and done this if it weren't for HER!"

Ava was angry and sad, and while Stavros wanted to comfort her, he was not going to allow such a display from the girl he raised for much longer. He remained silent.

Ava: "And you played right into it! You LET HER come here! You LET HER hurt me! AGAIN!"

She all but HURLED the ring he had given her as a token of affection and buffer for what was to come, to which he caught it in the air with his left hand and squeezed it tight.

Ava: "You chose a WHORE'S CUNT over your own flesh and blood! Bastardos!"

There was an uncomfortable silence that filled the room as the two made eye contact for what seemed like a lifetime, both mirroring the other's anger. Stavros exhaled as he set the ring down on an end table next to them.

"The way you speak of me...and others..."

Stavros SLAMMED his fist into one of the columns that decorated the lounge, smashing it entirely as his chest heaved with anger.

"It is DISGUSTING. Are you a Queen, my daughter?! Are you a CASSADINE!? Or are you Athens street trash? Uncultured. Unworldly...FILTHY."

He began to move towards her, his deep voice and thick greek accent filling the space, and his aura seeming to be a bit more calm now that he had smashed something into pieces.

"I do not know...where it is that I have failed you as a father, but it is clear that I have. Such rage and vitriol...and for what? A marriage? A piece of paper? Because of Kelly?"

[sighing]

"I LET her hurt you? You are a Cassadine. NOTHING hurts a Cassadine! We are stronger than that. I raised my daughter to not be affected by the things around her. To keep her chin up and to know what was the most important thing. The bigger picture. And now here you are..."

[gesturing with dissapproval]

"A huddled mess. A CHILD. And I will not entertain the machinations of a CHILD. Especially when she has approached me like a Queen. You cannot have it both ways any more, my prinkípissa (princess). You have gone too far for that now."

He moved over to the bar on the table, and poured himself a small round glass of Rakomelo, pleased that while she may have been acting like a child, she still new what kind of liquor to have for such an occassion. He sniffed the drink for a moment, taking in the notes of clove and cinnamon before taking a sip of the traditional greek beverage and looked at his daughter, the look on her face causing him to soften for a moment.

"I did not do such a thing to hurt you, Ava..."

[hesitantly]

"I...I love her. I have always loved her. Have you not had someone in your life with whom you've pined for in silence? Because of time? Because of circumstance?"

[taking another sip]

"Your new King, perhaps?

Stavros set the drink down on the table.

"I knew coming here was a mistake, but it was what she wanted. I cannot control your reactions to each other any more than a man can bend steel. That must be fixed between the two of you."

[pausing]

"My exile has come to an end. I can no longer hide. I spend my days..on the boat, on the compound, surrounded with luxury, and I still want for more, Ava. I HUNGER for more. Tell me, have you thought about what your father wants in all of this? As you claw for power, as you sit where even not I could? Have you thought about how the only joy I had in this world was you, and how you cast me out so that you could have all of this...noise?! All of these people?"

He stalked closer forward attempting to reason with her.

"You say I chose...what was your articulation again? A whore's CUNT? But YOU chose Hellfire over me. Cameron King, he lets his mother around, PROUD of her survival, HONORING her legacy, her sacrifice to this place, and me? You treat me as a GHOST."

Stavros shook his head.

"And after all I have done for you..you cannot let me be happy. All of the blood I have shed and the love I have sacrificed..you think I loved your mother, Ava? Because I didn't. She was a mistake I tolerated because she gave me you. And I lived with that mistake for decades, in SILENCE. I thought her death would be my freedom.."

In a rare moment, he let himself get caught up in emotion.

"But she lives on in you. And no matter how much I try to breed her out of you, to prime you in my image, she seeps out of you. And it makes me sick. Sick because I would rather see you DEAD than to see you become an ungrateful WHORE like she was."

Stavros downed the rest of his drink.

"And you are becoming more ungrateful by the moment."

 

[Persephone]

Ava was beyond livid, and she thanked the God's that he was speaking to her in Greek when in the conservatory because had he called her a 'little girl' for others to hear, she would have ripped his tongue out. But he was her father, despite it all, he was her father. And she loved him. So she told him they would speak in private for the sheer fact that she wanted to know WHY he did this to her. WHY he let Kelly manipulate him into marriage and bring him here to rub it in Ava's face. They made their way into the lounge and she was barely able to hold herself back from screaming at him until the door came to a full close. There was a silent stare down between them, Ava holding her father's eyes with an unwavering fury. Her chest heaving and jaw clenched tight.

Stavros: "The way you speak of me...and others..."

Then Stavros slammed his fist into the decorative stone column, shattering the concrete into dust and making Ava's body jolt just slightly at his reaction. She had never seen her father loose his temper in that way with HER. She had seen it to associates - to people who worked for him. But never directed at her.

Stavros: "It is DISGUSTING. Are you a Queen, my daughter?! Are you a CASSADINE!? Or are you Athens street trash? Uncultured. Unworldly...FILTHY."

"I am THE BLACK QUEEN of this club. I am YOUR DAUGHTER. And if you see me as trash? Then that's a reflection of YOU."

She spit back venomously, the sting of her father's words effecting her more than she would have liked to admit. Stavros began to move towards Ava, and for the first time in her entire life, she was actually on edge as to whether he would try and hurt her or not.

Stavros: "I do not know...where it is that I have failed you as a father, but it is clear that I have. Such rage and vitriol...and for what? A marriage? A piece of paper? Because of Kelly?"

"It's more than that and you KNOW IT! Kelly despises me. And the ONLY reason she brought you here was to hurt me, and you played right into her game!"

How could he not see what she was doing? How she was manipulating him? Their affair wasn't a secret, but for him to actually marry this woman? To willingly let her hurt Ava and stand by and do nothing? It was a slap in the face and a betrayal.

Stavros: "I LET her hurt you? You are a Cassadine. NOTHING hurts a Cassadine! We are stronger than that. I raised my daughter to not be affected by the things around her. To keep her chin up and to know what was the most important thing. The bigger picture. And now here you are...A huddled mess. A CHILD--"

Ava stepped forward, her eyes filled with fire.

"I am NO CHILD."

She growled defiantly. But Stavros paid no attention to it.

Stavros: "And I will not entertain the machinations of a CHILD. Especially when she has approached me like a Queen. You cannot have it both ways any more, my prinkípissa (princess). You have gone too far for that now."

Ava shook her head, her breathing heavy.

"You came into my party--MY club--and disrespected me by bringing that woman on your arm. I approached you like a Queen and i'm here now as your DAUGHTER. Yet you stand here and defend her still. YOU can't have it both ways, daddy."

Watching as Stavros silently moved to the bar, he poured himself a snifter of Rakomelo, Ava watching him as she did so many times as a child in his study. He swirled the liquid in the glass before sniffing it, her eyes softening to a glassy stare as she watched. Her breathing became less labored, her anger still very present but far less volatile. She was watching her father. A man who was so strong and bold and fearless that she idolized him as a child. And now, she didn't even know where they stood as adults.

Stavros: "I did not do such a thing to hurt you, Ava...I...I love her. I have always loved her. Have you not had someone in your life with whom you've pined for in silence? Because of time? Because of circumstance?"

Ava looked away, her mind going immediately to John. She had loved him for so long but never allowed herself to act on it. Partly because her father made it a point to tell her no man deserved her, and love was a myth and a weakness to man created by Aphrodite. And now here he stood, proclaiming his love to Kelly King. The hypocrite Thanos.

Stavros: "Your new King, perhaps?"

Ava immediately looked back at him, a firm shake of her head.

"Don't."

He wouldn't speak of John. He wouldn't bring him into this matter when he was NOTHING like Kelly King.

Stavros: "I knew coming here was a mistake, but it was what she wanted. I cannot control your reactions to each other any more than a man can bend steel. That must be fixed between the two of you."

"NO. You had a CHOICE, daddy. And you CHOSE to come here and support her games. You CHOSE to let her use our history against me knowing how I would react. You question my blood as a Cassadine when you stand here among shattered stone? I AM A CASSADINE and Kelly was BANKING on it."

Stavros was very much like Ava in his temper, though he did have a tendency of controlling it far better than she. But when push came to shove, he would rain lightning down on those who tested him, just as Kelly did to Ava. She shook her head, still in complete and utter astonishment that he was so blinded by Kelly and her need to hurt Ava so publicly. He had such rose colored glasses on that all Ava wanted to do was rip them off and make him SEE that Kelly was playing him for a fool.

Stavros: "Tell me, have you thought about what your father wants in all of this? As you claw for power, as you sit where even not I could? Have you thought about how the only joy I had in this world was you, and how you cast me out so that you could have all of this...noise?! All of these people?"

Ava's brows furrowed at his words, eyes less hostile.

Stavros: "You say I chose...what was your articulation again? A whore's CUNT? But YOU chose Hellfire over me. Cameron King, he lets his mother around, PROUD of her survival, HONORING her legacy, her sacrifice to this place, and me? You treat me as a GHOST."

Her eyes became glassy once again as she gently shook her head, her breath shaky as she looked upon her father.

[softly] "I was protecting you..."

Haleigh hated Diana. Cameron hated Kelly. And Alek respected Helena but was more than willing to kill her for power. They all had no issues disposing of their mother's to become the new order - the new royalty of Hellfire. Ava wanted the same. She wanted the power, the title, the name. She wanted it since she was a little girl. But as a little girl she also worshiped her father. He was her hero, her life, her first love. And she couldn't kill him. She couldn't justify it when she could so easily banish him from Hellfire and know he was alive and well yet away from the politics of the club. But there he stood, turning the tables as he always tended to do. The master manipulator.

Stavros: "And after all I have done for you..you cannot let me be happy. All of the blood I have shed and the love I have sacrificed..you think I loved your mother, Ava?"

Ava's breath stopped in her throat at the mention of her mother.

Stavros: "Because I didn't. She was a mistake I tolerated because she gave me you. And I lived with that mistake for decades, in SILENCE. I thought her death would be my freedom..But she lives on in you. And no matter how much I try to breed her out of you, to prime you in my image, she seeps out of you. And it makes me sick."

Ava's eyes were wide with a mixture of horror and anger, filled with tears at her father's words. She stood in silence, her chest heaving in and out slowly but picking up in pace as the seconds crept on like minutes.

Stavros: "Sick because I would rather see you DEAD than to see you become an ungrateful WHORE like she was. And you are becoming more ungrateful by the moment."

Ava screamed with a guttural fury, closing the distance between herself and Stavros in two paces; her forearm slamming against his chest and pushing his spine into the edge of the bar, bending him painfully back while her other hand simultaneously grabbed the large knife that was sitting on a cutting board that the bartender had been using to cut fruit. Ava's face was inches from her father's, the knife pushing deep into the softest part of Stavros' throat under his chin.

"Poté den milás poté gia ti mitéra mou étsi, katalavaíneis!" [Don't you EVER speak of my mother like that again, do you understand me!?]

Ava growled ferociously.

"You treated her like GARBAGE, cheating on her, making her feel worthless so you could put your COCK into Kelly! She loved you despite it all until the day she died and you STILL SPIT ON HER GRAVE?!"

Ava screamed, pressing the knife deeper into Stavros' throat. Her body shook with rage, eyes murderous and filled with tears as she looked at the man whom she loved with utter disgust.

"You want me dead because i'm like her?!"

Ava couldn't help but inhale a sharp breath as she tried to control the pain in her voice at the words she was saying. At how her father quite literally told her he hated half of who she was. It was like she could feel her chest constricting and heart breaking.

"You will NEVER GET THE CHANCE. I should have KILLED YOU long ago!""

Ava pressed the knife even more into Stavros' neck, blood now trickling down the front of his throat as she glared at him with utter pain and hatred. But even in her hatred there was hesitation. Any other man would have been dead on the floor already. Any other man would have never lived beyond the announcement in the conservatory. But Stavros wasn't any other man.

 

[Prophet]

Hellfire Mansion - The Black Gala

Cameron entered his study to see his mother sitting in his chair, smiling like a cheshire cat with a glass of hemlock in her hand as if she didn't know exactly what she was doing.

Kelly: "I take it you have an issue with my choice of partner? My MY how the tables have turned..."

Squinting his eyes, The White King telekinetically hurled the chair out from under his mother and sent it crashing through the bay window behind him as he used his free hand to mentally lift his mother into the air with ease, his cobalt blue eyes now a decidedly different shade of crimson red.

"Cut the crap, Kelly."

He held her in place as he mentally moved the shards of glass back into place, perfectly repairing the window as he moved in closer to Kelly, his tone and face not shifting from rage and dissappointment.

"I have given you free reign of this place. I have backed your plays, I have gone to battle for you, and you continue to disobey me. You think because I'm your son that I won't end your life? That I won't slit your throat and free you from the miserable thing you call an EXISTENCE?!"

He gripped his fist tightly as a halo of electric red psionic energy formed around his left hand, causing Kelly's throat to seize up, her airway significantly compromised. The White King was choking her with great force.

"I don't know how to make this much clearer to you. You live? By MY HAND. Whatever delusional world you've created yourself is nothing more than what my delusional sister has created. It means NOTHING. YOU mean nothing. Not to mention that?! You grossly underestimate my desire to rule the WORLD."

He clenched his fist tighter until beads of blood began to trickle down from the inside of his knuckles. Normally Kelly knew the exact buttons to push with her son, but this time, she had awakened the ripper. The part of Cameron that was darker than anyone had lived to tell about. Kelly had embarrassed him in a public forum, had compromised his position within the court, and had created a bone of contention with Ava that didn't need to be there. Cameron walked closer to his mother, his grip never waivering as she hovered in the air, her hands grasping at her throat.

"You think what? That you've given me a baby that you are now somehow above my wrath? You AREN'T. You had your chance at this, and you were bested...not by some powerful witch. Not by some Goddess or amazing SORCERESS..but by a MAN. By your SON..and yet you continue to PICK at me like I am a SCAB. Well I've HAD IT!"

The White King was going in for the kill as crackles of electric red energy flickered in the air.

"You picked the WRONG day to FUCK with me. I hope Stavros took out on HELL of a life insurance policy."

And with that The White King ungripped his fist and HURLED his mother through the recently repaired window with GREAT force and speed.

 

[Thanos]

Hellfire Mansion - The Black Gala

He knew that his last words would incur his wrath, and in a perplexing turn of events, he was hoping for it. Stavros was not a man of wild emotion - he found little use for emotion in general. But despite a carefully crafted facade, he found that there was one person over the years that was able to crack it, and get at him, despite his best attempts to remain cold and unfeeling, and that woman, his daughter was attacking him now. She throttled him against the bar, her forearm slamming against his chest as he felt his back pierce the edge of the bar. He lightly winced despite the pain, another carefully crafted facade. If Ava wanted to show a flex of power, he was ready to remind her where she got it from. In a surprising turn of events, she grabbed a knife and rested it at the bridge of his throat, the cold steel a warm relief against his daughter's venomous words.

Ava: ""Poté den milás poté gia ti mitéra mou étsi, katalavaíneis!" (Don't you EVER speak of my mother like that again, do you understand me?)

His gaze remained unphased as he stared his daughter down.

"Den mou peíte poios boró na milíso!" (You do not tell me of whom I can speak!)

Ava: "You treated her like GARBAGE, cheating on her, making her feel worthless so you could put your COCK into Kelly! She loved you despite it all until the day she died and you STILL SPIT ON HER GRAVE?!"

She pressed the knife deeper into the knape of her neck, to which Stavros let out a laugh. He winked at his daughter, taunting her. Stavros was not a man afraid of death.

"You know NOTHING. [breathing heavily] But that's never stopped you before, has it?"

Ava: "You want me dead because I'm like her?"

She inhaled, indicating that she was hesitating. Stavros was a durable man, and more than that, he knew how to control his daughter. She was playing a fool's game, but apparently the allure and the presitge of Hellfire had caused her to forget who exactly she was in the grand scheme of things.

Ava: "You will NEVER GET THE CHANCE. I should have KILLED YOU long ago!"

She pressed the knife further as Stavros felt blood trickling down his throat. He would have liked to say this was the first time it had happened to him, but it wasn't. The fact that it was his daughter was a bit surprising, but not completely out of the realm of existence. Stavros let out a loud war cry and laugh as he GRABBED the hand that Ava was holding the knife with and forced it TIGHTER into his neck.

"NOW you're acting like a Cassadine!"

His eyes never left hers.

"You feel my hand, Ava? You feel my grip FORCING the knife into my throat?! It is because I fear no man. I fear NOTHING. You can kill me right here, right now, and I can die knowing that the demons you will summon in my death will haunt you for the rest of your days. I will die knowing that the only person WORTHY of taking me out did it. You feel that anger? That unbridled rage?! That is ME flowing through your veins. That is the part of you that gives you the strength to LIVE. The POWER to survive."

Stavros let out a grimace as a few drops of blood hit the floor underneath them, staining Ava's shoes.

"Do it, Ava. You've come this far. Kill me.."

His chest heaving, Stavros unleashed rage in his voice.

"KILL ME!"

 

[Persephone]

Ava pressed the cold steel blade across her father's throat, pushing into the thin skin just above his adam's apple with a hateful fury. She wanted to kill him. To make him choke on the words he spit at her and drown in his own ego. But she hesitated, despite it all, Ava hesitated. As angry as she was. As much as she hated Stavros in that moment, she still loved him. Both emotions went hand in hand and Ava couldn't help but feel conflicted even in their heated exchange. But in a twist of events, Stavros then screamed at her, grabbing Ava's hand and holding it even tighter against his throat, causing her eyes to go wide and her breathing to accelerate even more.

Stavros: "NOW you're acting like a Cassadine!"

He goaded her with a laugh, almost triumphant in nature. He was enjoying this show. He was enjoying mocking her and proving to her that despite every fiber in her being telling her that she should slit Stavros' throat and toss his body in the Aqua Ring, HE would be the reason why she did it. Because he was her father. He was a Cassadine, and that blood ran through HER.

Stavros: "You feel that anger? That unbridled rage?! That is ME flowing through your veins. That is the part of you that gives you the strength to LIVE. The POWER to survive. Do it, Ava. You've come this far. Kill me.."

Even while staring death in the eye, Stavros was still taking every last ounce of control Ava had away from her. She knew this tactic, this strategy. She had done it before herself. Ava's breathing was heavy and hard, her chest heaving just as rapidly as Stavros' as they were locked in a stare down.

Stavros: "KILL ME!"

Ava screamed like a falcon soaring through the sky, raising the knife above her before SLAMMING it down into the bar top right next to Stavros. Her breathing was choppy as she held the knife handle, the only way to keep from showing she was trembling in utter rage. Her eyes were filled with a hatred she had never felt before; a hatred only tarnished love could manifest. Her eyes were locked with her father's, the room a deathly silence. Even in her anger, even in her hatred, even knowing that she would be criticized and whispered about by the other Inner Circle and royalty....she still. couldn't. kill him.

"If you ever step foot in this club again...."

Her words were low and even; eyes never leaving his. The cold stare of a line being drawn in the sand.

"I will kill you and DRAG your soul to hell myself."

Ava snarled with vicious intent. She hated Stavros. She hated him more than she ever thought possible. But with hate, she loved him too. The father who raised her. Who taught her how to be strong and powerful and become Queen. To be a Cassadine. Ava's chest felt as if it was caving in, her breathing become shallow as she stepped away from Stavros.

"GET OUT!"

Thunder crashed, her voice echoing in the madness of the sound. Ava let her father live, one last time. It almost felt abusive, his words playing in her head over and over and over again and her standing there letting him walk out of the Black Lounge doors alive. Even she couldn't understand why......but this was his LAST free pass. If Stavros Cassadine ever stepped foot within the walls of Hellfire again? Ava WOULD kill him without hesitation.

In the moments after Stavros left, the walls began to cave in around Ava, the oxygen leaving her lungs. She couldn't breath, she couldn't think, she couldn't do anything but gasp in for air as she hunched over and gripped he bar top. Letting out a sob like cry, Ava lowered herself to her knees and collapsed onto the floor, bawl into her hands. She was no Queen.

 

[Steel]

The Black Gala

Things between Kelly and Cameron de-escalated quickly - at least from the perspective of those at the party. As soon as Kelly shimmered away to Cameron's study, Steel was turning and moving through the door to the Conservatory, on his way to the Black Lounge. He told the rest of the court to see to the guests, and sent a security detail to wait outside the White King's study, ostensibly as an "honor guard" for the former Black Queen. But in reality he told them to make sure Kelly steered clear of Ava.

Of course, they couldn't stop her from shimmering, but he had to do something. He stood guard outside the Black Lounge, feeling helpless. He knew she didn't want him to interfere. He also knew that, physically, she didn't need him to interfere. But his heart hurt for her, imagining the things Stavros was probably saying to her, the way she was feeling. He wanted to be in there. And he hated himself that he wasn't.

He could hear her screaming, but he knew how she sounded when she was angry versus wounded. So he stood there, listening to it, wanting to cover his ears but not doing it. And then finally it became quiet, and Stavros left the room. But Steel didn't care about him.

He pushed the door open, and walked tentatively inside the room, his body finally returning to flesh. When he saw her, sobbing on the floor, he crossed the room in a split second, kneeling down and wrapping his arms around her. He didn't say anything, just held her.