Casualties of War

[Black Widow]

Hellfire — The Red Wing

Delilah’s fist of light snatched Haleigh up and tossed her into a potted tree, something Haleigh commented that she wasn’t going to hold against Delilah. Delilah shot back a hot ‘fuck you’, which made Haleigh smile a bit as she picked herself up off the floor. She had always admired Delilah’s grit, and just now she was a bit glad to see that despite being undeniably hurt, she was beyond crying about it and now was just angry.

Angry was good, Haleigh thought. Angry was going to keep Delilah alive, when Malice made Haleigh Scion again. Because that was certainly going to happen. Cameron was too focused on Persephone to worry about the greater threat of Malice. Haleigh could only hope it wasn’t going to cost them someone’s life. All she could do was fight Diana’s control, fight to keep herself from executing her own loved ones.

It wasn’t easy. Her mother crept into her mind and overpowered her, but Haleigh refused to give up. She couldn’t entirely push Malice out, but she kept herself from shooting her, at least. The effort exhausted her mentally, and the explosion of her pistol in her face staggered her.

Delilah: “Haleigh.....”

“Delilah... get out of here, go! Before I—”

Malice took hold again, and the flickering halo around Scion’s brow solidified like a crown. Her expression of worry went dead.

Andrew: “Uh, Black Widow? Er, Scion?”

She turned her head to assess the man calling her names. He called her Haleigh too. Titan. He was with the Birds of Prey. He was trying to tell her there didn’t have to be a fight. He couldn’t be more wrong. She had orders she could not ignore. She stared at him, listening and calculating. Orion and Valkyrie and some other were behind him, further off and silently watching. He suggested they get a drink, and talk it out.

“Later.”

She answered simply. Later, indeed. Meeting for drinks would lure him in easily, and she could kill him then. First she must eliminate Morningstar. Then the rest. She turned back to look at her target, manifesting a rocket launcher, the one affectionately known as ‘the bunker buster’ by military troops. Delilah saw her take aim and was enraged by it. She started shouting, and then she screamed. It was a sonic assault, and it washed over Scion with prejudice. Her ear drums ruptured painfully, and her hearing cut out, but she could still feel the noise reverberating in her bones.

Then it stopped, and Scion felt someone else seizing control of her mind. Her hearing started to repair itself slowly, as memories of Cameron and Ava flooded her. Scion received all the flashes, yet made no outward reaction. Cameron called her a robot, a machine, and it wasn’t far from the truth. He made it sound like a bad thing, but Scion didn’t have to feel the pain Haleigh would, wondering if there was anyone she knew that Cameron hadn’t slept with. Scion didn’t have to worry about the psi blade in her sister, or the danger it posed to Persephone. Her mother’s voice echoed over her thoughts.

Malice: Scion is free of that suffering, and has no weaknesses.

Scion agreed, even as Haleigh rejected the notion. Cameron looked at her, and shoved Diana out of her mind, giving Haleigh control again as the halo disappeared. She fell to a knee, dropping the front end of the rocket launcher slowly until it rested on the floor as she freed up a hand to press to her forehead. She felt woozy, but grateful for the warmth that flooded her body, thawing out the coldness her mother had imposed. Grateful, even if the thaw brought with it pain and sorrow.

Cameron: Haleigh. I know they're the same person....but I NEED Ava. I want to walk out of here with her on my arm. PLEASE. Persephone needs to go to SLEEP!

When she realized she had control of her own body, Haleigh rushed to Seph’s side. She knelt there, gathering up her sister’s body in her arms, the pain visible on her face.

“You need Ava.... so do I. But what you refuse to accept is that Persephone saved Ava. She saved me. We need her, too.”

Haleigh told him, before glancing at Alek. She lifted up Seph’s body, and passed her into his arms. When her hands were free she pulled the pin on a grenade and tossed it, blasting a hole in the wall that opened to the inner courtyard. A small helicopter appeared on the grass next to the koi pond. Haleigh put one hand on Alek’s shoulder, and pointed with the other at the new machine as the blades began to spool up.

“It’s programmed to fly you on autopilot to a Safehouse. I’ll cover your escape. Leave me to this, now. Take her and go, she’ll forgive you eventually for whatever happens to me.”

She told him, turning back to face Cameron and Delilah, blocking Alek and Seph from them, prepared to do whatever she had to in order to allow Alek and Seph to retreat.

“I know you want to hate him, Cameron, because you think he’s a bad guy.... but he’s no worse than any of us. He’s been trying to protect her, and he’s been my ally. My friend, even. He’s not your enemy.”

 

[Orion]

Hellfire — Entrance to the Red Wing

They were all doing well, the Birds. Each had their own niche and was dispatching the hellfire foot soldiers as if they were nothing. Then Bishop showed up. Zach was not amused. This guy was half the reason Delilah had been so upset on the phone last night. If Max could’ve kept it in his pants, Delilah wouldn’t have felt so betrayed and hurt by Haleigh that she believed Haleigh when she threatened Alexia.

On top of that, Zach didn’t like the way the man was looking at Ash. But he was a bit reassured when she laughed at Zach’s comment, and the way she didn’t seem at all interested in Maxim, despite his obvious attraction to her and his blatant attempt to flirt with her. Zach moved in close to his woman, asking her to lead the way, and he was quite glad when Bishop split off down another wing.

Ashley: Maybe I should let you lead so I can watch you in that sexy armor."

He mirrored her grin, glancing at the guard she hit between the eyes with a blind throw.

“Gods damn, you’re hot.”

He growled, following after her eagerly. The others came along too, although they’d split off soon. Or at least that’s what they expected. Andrew had ideas of his own, which became apparent when they reached the Red Wing and came upon the group skirmishing in the hall. Andrew started trying to talk Haleigh into getting a drink. Another surprise was Haleigh agreeing to it, ‘later’. Steele yanked Andrew away, while Viv stopped to nod to them in farewell.

Viv: "Please keep me posted. You know how I hate being left out. Which spoiler alert is going to make your honeymoon a bit more awkward than you anticipated."

Zach’s eyebrows raised curiously, and then he glanced over at Ash.

“Oh, that’s up to YOU, my love.”

He told her, then turned back to look at the group in the hall. At least they wouldn’t have to hunt all over the mansion to save Ava and Haleigh, since they were both here already. It wasn’t hard to tell what was going on here, Cameron was wielding a psi o Nic weapon against Persephone. That was fine by Zach, since he figured they could do fine without Persephone, who had nearly killed him. He’d be glad to have Ava back and not have to wonder if the Goddess of the Underworld would try to kill him again.

But when he looked at Haleigh he spotted some strange and disconcerting. There was some kind of glowing ring around her head. It made Zach feel creeped out, though he wasn’t sure why. Even more alarming was what Haleigh produced next, a SMAW. His eyes widened in disbelief. Didn’t she know that shooting that thing in here would level the entire wing, and threaten most of their lives?! Not just in the direction she fired it, either, because the weapon had a back blast that could obliterate walls too.

Zach grabbed Ash quickly and shoved her into a nearby alcove, shielding her body with his as he pressed her up against the wall. Haleigh didn’t fire the rocket, though. Delilah screamed at her, forcing Zach to wince and try to cover Ash’s ears as they continued to huddle just out of sight in the alcove. Through the ringing in his ears he could hear the group talking after that, but it was difficult to make out what was being said.

He poked his head out from around the corner to see Haleigh, without the creepy halo now, picking up Ava’s slack body and handing her to Alek. Then she hurled a grenade at the wall nearby, and Zach ducked back into his alcove, smashing Ash against the wall with his body again. When the dust and debris settled he grabbed Ash’s hand and stepped out into the open, a bit annoyed as he looked at Haleigh.

“HEY, I understand you’ve been behind enemy lines, but did you forget to be mindful of friendly fire?! Gods almighty, Haleigh! We’re here to fucking RESCUE you, do you mind?!”

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion - Red Wing

Alek was starting to think there was more loyalty in Hellfire than in this so-called Six. They had no qualms about attacking two of their own, even when they weren't trying very hard to attack them back. But then Seph got pissed off, and she retaliated like the badass she was. Alek's anger multiplied tenfold as the one they called Prophet sent a lightning blast back at Seph. Alek hit him with a stone column, then looked down his nose at him, telling him he couldn't tell a queen what to do.

Prophet: "You know nothing of The Six. I cut my teeth on Queens."

"So did I."

Alek's temper flaring, he prepared to pull this little twerp apart. And then holy fuck there was a sound like he'd never experienced before. The blonde was attacking Haleigh and even though it wasn't aimed at him, it fucking hurt. He didn't think he needed to watch Haleigh's back - and let's face it, Seph was his top, really his only, priority - but he would have hoped Haleigh wouldn't meet her end here in front of Seph from a cheap shot.

Prophet: "ENOUGH!"

Everything looked redder than normal, and Alek didn't know what this guy was doing, but he wasn't about to stand there and just let him do it. But he found that his body wasn't responding. He tried to move, but couldn't. He tried to speak, but couldn't. Fucking telepaths. They should all be drowned at birth, the lot of them.

And the telepath kept fucking talking. He called Seph and idiot, which made him want to pull all his teeth out slowly with a pair of pliers.

Prophet: "I KNOW you're the same person! I'm NOT a fucking idiot! But YOU are, Ava! A FUCKING IDIOT AND IT BREAKS MY HEART! You FOLLOWED her. So EASILY. Made yourself so comfortable here. In this fucking place. After everything they've done. You've practically put down roots."

Now Cameron was crying. What. The. Fuck. He'd just tried to kill Seph about two seconds ago. The guy was staring coldly at Alek, and Alek obliged him right back. He tried to struggle against the hold that was upon him, without success. But eventually, he'd have to break free. He had to.

Seph: "I followed Haleigh because I KNEW she would be destroyed here! I KNEW she would die here, whether it be by Malice's hand, The Six, or because she just fucking GAVE UP! I wasn't going to LET THAT HAPPEN! I wasn't going to SIT BACK and WAIT until it was too late!"

Cameron was blubbering on about how Ava had left him. Chastising her for saying she had done this for Haleigh. As someone who had tried like hell to get her to leave Haleigh and get the fuck out of here, Alek disagreed with his conclusion. And then he moved towards her aggressively, the blade in his hand glowing with power. Alek internally winced. It was clear this guy wasn't playing with a full deck, and there was no telling what he would do in the midst of his emotional breakdown. Alek had to break out of this hold, and now.

Seph: "Haleigh had NO ONE. And not ONE OF YOU took steps to help her until NOW! WEEKS LATER! So I adapted and I learned how to live here. *I* took over to keep myself safe! I tried to make a home in a pit full of snakes and found solace in ONE PERSON [Alek], so fucking SUE ME! But the endgame was always clear in my head!"

It hurt him, to think he was just a temporary salve to her pain. That he was never part of her "endgame". But he shook the negative thoughts from his mind. She had refused to leave without him. It wasn't just temporary.

Alek's anger raged when Cameron began talking about his heart and Seph, and holding her accountable. Alek could tell they were getting to the end.

Prophet: "I'm over this. I'm over feeling so fucking bad for letting you leave while you sit there and SHIT all over my trust. You've chosen this life. You've chosen HIM."

That's right motherfucker. And as soon as I'm free, I'm going to make you pay for every nanosecond of pain you've caused her.

He fucking hoped this dickweed could hear his thoughts.

Prophet: "I've made some choices as well. I'm sorry...but this is going to hurt."

Alek's mind screamed as Prophet stuck his blade into Seph's chest. Her could hear her screaming aloud, and it was as if the blade had been plunged into his own chest. He struggled against his invisible bonds, his vision as red as the walls of this wing.

And then there were other things. Images. Flooding into his brain. Overwhelming him until that was all he could see. There were memories. Cameron's memories of Seph. No, Ava. But then others. Last night, when he had wanted her to go. When she had told him she wouldn't leave without him. He'd told her he wouldn't let her die in this place, and he had meant it. He still meant it.

And then, as if a cruel taunt, Cameron showed them he and Ava kissing. Clearly more was about to happen. If Alek had been able to move, he still would have been frozen at this revelation. Surely they wouldn't have to watch this... Blessedly, the scene changed, this time images of a child.

Prophet: "STOP.....[gritting his teeth] FIGHTING....ME!!!!!.."

Fight him, Seph. FIGHT HIM!

And then there were other memories. Two little girls. Some happy, some heartbreaking. And then ones more recent. Within these walls. Seph's memories. She was fighting. Good girl.

But then, there was blood. There was...something else...like a ghost of her struggling.

No, baby...

Everything started to turn golden, and Seph was lifted into the air. The light intensified until it seemed to explode and Seph was thrown back against the wall. She wasn't moving.

Prophet: "Haleigh. I know they're the same person....but I NEED Ava. I want to walk out of here with her on my arm. PLEASE. Persephone needs to go to SLEEP!"

Alek found his voice. He screamed, watching Seph a crumpled mass on the floor.

"What did you do?! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?"

Haleigh was there, moving to help Seph. Thank god. She would protect her.

Haleigh: “You need Ava.... so do I. But what you refuse to accept is that Persephone saved Ava. She saved me. We need her, too.”

Haleigh's eyes found his own, and she lifted Seph, motioning as if to hand her to him. And suddenly, he could move again. He cradled her to his chest. Pushed the hair back off her forehead. Kissed her lips gently.

There was an explosion, and he looked up to see a huge gap in the wall, and an honest to god helicopter on the other side. Haleigh was there, next to him, her hand on his shoulder, pointing at it.

Haleigh: “It’s programmed to fly you on autopilot to a Safehouse. I’ll cover your escape. Leave me to this, now. Take her and go, she’ll forgive you eventually for whatever happens to me.”

He nodded and stood, carrying Seph, his beautful goddess, his Queen, towards the metal bird. The winds from the blades blew all around him, and reminded him of Seph's own tornado winds. He placed her gently inside the helicopter, and leaned down to kiss her forehead. He stroked her soft cheek with his fingertips. And then he backed away, watching the bird lift off and rise into the air.

He turned and walked towards Haleigh, ignoring the others.

"She'll forgive me a lot more if I make sure you get out of here alive."

 

[MorningStar]

The Hellfire Mansion - Red Wing

Haleigh: “Delilah...get out of here, go! Before I—”

Delilah was pissed off. Haleigh, standing there, acting like she was her friend. Like maybe they were just sparring and Delilah had gotten in a good hit. Or now, as if Haleigh really cared anything about Delilah and whether she got hurt. She was so fucking angry.

And then, like something out of one of those weird nonsensical dreams, Andrew was there. And Delilah was pretty sure he was asking Haleigh out on a date. Oh hell no, this had to stop. At least Ava was a goddess, she might have understood Ava. But what the hell was it with Haleigh?! Delilah began to wonder if Haleigh was fucking her old high school boyfriends too.

The rocket launcher was the last damn straw. Delilah was fed up, and she let loose on her. When she finished, she stood up straight, breathing heavily. She felt a lot fucking better. But she'd feel even better if she went over there and started pounding Haleigh's head against the floor.

Which was when she discovered she couldn't move.

And then Cameron plunged his blade into Ava's chest, and she screamed. With a pain so great he could only be ripping her apart. This wasn't bringing back their friend anymore. This was...something else.

"Cameron, stop..."

There were visions in her mind, things that could only be Cameron's memories. Delilah wondered vaguely if she was the only woman in New York who hadn't slept with Cameron. Then there were someone else's memories, Ava's, mixed in with Cameron's. Haleigh and Ava as children. Greece. Alek. Memories of the dream of her daughter. Why was he showing her that? It was breaking her heart. She hoped Haleigh's drowned under the weight of her guilt.

Cameron: "AVA! PLEASE! Leave with me! Stop FIGHTING ME! PLEASE! Don't make me BURY YOU!""

The thought flashed through her mind that this was what Malice did to people.

"You're killing her..."

And then Ava's body rose up from the floor, and a golden light enveloped her, increasing in intensity until it exploded, throwing Ava backwards against the wall. Ava crumpled to the ground.

Haleigh took a knee, and - for now - didn't seem to be attacking her.

Cameron: Haleigh. I know they're the same person....but I NEED Ava. I want to walk out of here with her on my arm. PLEASE. Persephone needs to go to SLEEP!

Haleigh went to Ava, who was unconscious on the floor. But Delilah could hear the beating of her heart, strong in her chest.

Haleigh: “You need Ava.... so do I. But what you refuse to accept is that Persephone saved Ava. She saved me. We need her, too.”

Haleigh handed Ava's body to the Red Knight. And then she took out a grenade and pulled the pin.

Delilah quickly flung a shield up around her and Cameron, but there was no need. She was punching a hole in the wall, so that Alek could take Ava to safety. Which was what they all had wanted in the first place, or at least, so they'd said.

Haleigh: “I know you want to hate him, Cameron, because you think he’s a bad guy.... but he’s no worse than any of us. He’s been trying to protect her, and he’s been my ally. My friend, even. He’s not your enemy.”

Delilah stepped forward.

"Are you?"

She nodded towards the helicopter.

"Is she?"

Delilah shook her head, looking at Cameron.

"We'll figure it out, Cam, when this is all over."

Delilah looked away, and was surprised to hear Zach.

Zach: “HEY, I understand you’ve been behind enemy lines, but did you forget to be mindful of friendly fire?! Gods almighty, Haleigh! We’re here to fucking RESCUE you, do you mind?!”

"Zach! You guys made it."

Alek was coming back towards them from the helicopter, and stood next to Haleigh, on her side of the line. Delilah turned to Haleigh. It was still hard to look at her.

"We came here to get you out. So let's make that happen and get the fuck out of this place."

 

[Valkyrie]

The Hellfire Mansion - Red Wing

Ashley kept doing what she did best - killing - whilst checking out Zach in his armor and suggesting that maybe she should follow him so she could check out his ass in the suit.

Zach: “Gods damn, you’re hot.”

"I'm going to want you to show me how hot later."

She turned to lead the way into the Red Wing, and Andrew was saying things she didn't really care about, and it was time for the team to split into two.

Viv: "Please keep me posted. You know how I hate being left out. Which spoiler alert is going to make your honeymoon a bit more awkward than you anticipated."

Zach: "Oh, that’s up to YOU, my love.”

She shrugged.

"Why would it be awkward?"

The others moved on, and Ash & Zach pushed forward towards the group in front of them. Unfortunately, none of the women were dead. Haleigh did pull out a rocket launcher, which she was pointing at Delilah. And since Ash had made no promise to help keep Delilah alive, well, that was just fine with her.

"You know, if you run out of the ammo for that, it works well as a club also."

But Zach was pulling her out of the hallway and into an alcove, pushing her up against the wall. His body pressed against hers, which she was totally okay with. But the mood was killed by a gods-awful noise and Zach pressing his hands over her ears. Zach then peeked out for a look.

"What's happening?"

And then he was pushing her up against the wall again, and seconds later an explosion that sounded like a grenade rocked the hallway.

"You know, Zach, if you push me up against that wall a third time, I'm going to forget why the hell we're here."

She grinned.

"And I'm going to break the land speed record for getting that battle suit off of you."

She cocked an eyebrow.

"I wonder how much it stretches."

Zach grabbed her hand and pulled her with him back into the hallway.

Zach: “HEY, I understand you’ve been behind enemy lines, but did you forget to be mindful of friendly fire?! Gods almighty, Haleigh! We’re here to fucking RESCUE you, do you mind?!”

Ash spoke up.

"Oh, yeah, right. We're here to..."

She made a noise half way between a sigh and groan.

"...save you. Yayyy."

Delilah: "Zach! You guys made it."

"If you try and hug him light bulb, it'll be the last thing you do."

She pointed her finger from Haleigh to Delilah to Cameron.

"So who's trying to kill who here, cause it's all a little confusing."

Alek came up to stand next to Haleigh.

Alek: "She'll forgive me a lot more if I make sure you get out of here alive."

Ashley rolled her eyes.

"Oh, of COURSE you two are on a side. Figures."

 

[Black Widow]

Hellfire — The Red Wing

Haleigh gave Seph over to Alek and sent them off on an escape helicopter. She didn’t fail to notice Delilah throwing up a protective shield around herself and Cameron at the sight of Haleigh’s grenade. Haleigh didn’t begrudge her that, either. As much as it stung that Delilah’s reaction meant she didn’t trust Haleigh anymore, in a way, it was a good instinct for her to have developed. Like the anger, Delilah’s suspicion would keep her alive. Haleigh turned to provide cover for her sister’s exit exit, telling Cameron that Alek wasn’t their enemy. Delilah cut in.

Delilah: "Are you?" (She nodded towards the helicopter.) "Is she?"

Haleigh looked down at her shoes to prevent anyone from seeing the tears that welled up in her eyes. She wanted to say no, but couldn’t do so honestly.

“Involuntarily.”

She replied in an unsteady voice as she blinked to clear her eyes. Delilah told Cameron they’d figure it out when it was over. Zach’s voice rang out, and he was irritated over how close the grenade had been tossed to the corner he emerged from. Haleigh ran both hands through her short blonde locks, apprehension rising up within her. How many of them were going to be around her when Malice took over again? How many of them were going to get hurt because they were here to save her?

She shook her head in exasperation. At least she could hear the helicopter flying away with her sister, which meant at least ONE person she wouldn’t target. And Alek was with her, he’d protect her, he’d care for her. And he’d console her, if Haleigh didn’t make it out of here, which was starting to look like the most probable outcome.


Ash: “Oh, yeah, right. We're here to..." (She made a noise half way between a sigh and groan.) "...save you. Yayyy."

“Oh, super.”

Haleigh deadpanned, cutting a look at Ash. It was impossible not to notice the giant fucking rock on her finger. The thing sparkled like a twilight vampire, and had to be an absolutely stupid carat size. Delilah was happy to see Zach had made it, but Ash warned her that if she tried to hug Zach it’d be the last thing she did. Haleigh literally snarled.

“Don’t you dare fucking threaten her, bitch.”

She warned, her glare turned all the way up.

Zach: “Don’t YOU dare call her that again.”

Haleigh looked quizzically at Zach, who appeared to be dead serious. Boy, he was whipped hard. It was mildly concerning, but whatever spell Ash had cast on Zach would have to be dealt with later. Haleigh’s mouth tightened as Ash asked who was trying to kill who, because it was all a bit confusing. Haleigh was about to say something snarky about considering trying to kill her, but then she saw Alek in her peripheral.

Alek: "She'll forgive me a lot more if I make sure you get out of here alive."

“You stubborn motherfucker...”

She replied, but there was a hint of appreciation in her expression as she tossed a glance up at him.

Ashley: "Oh, of COURSE you two are on a side. Figures."

Haleigh flipped her the bird, turning to look back at Alek with a very serious expression. She might only have a few seconds left of being herself.

“Listen, Alek... you’re strong enough, tough enough, to stop me if I... go back to being Scion. And you’re Hellfire still, technically, so you aren’t one of the.... targets. If you see the mark of the White Queen—”

She gestured in a ring around her head to indicate where the halo always appeared.

“Do whatever it takes to stop me, okay? Don’t hesitate, don’t hold back. Kill me if you have to. I’ll just jump to a new body, and I think that’ll shake her control for another few minutes. Promise me, Alek.”

She said, clutching his forearm gently, her eyes searching his for the conviction she hoped to find.

Delilah: "We came here to get you out. So let's make that happen and get the fuck out of this place."

Haleigh’s gaze bounced off Delilah, as she swallowed hard and looked instead at Cameron, her head shaking softly.

“I can’t leave.... Not while Malice can still control me. I’m a danger to all of you. We’ve got to kill her.”

 

[Spellbinder]

Hellfire Mansion - The White Wing

"What the HELL?!"

<< Morgan's eyes darted to the other far part of the hallway where she noticed somebody that looked like an extra from "The Grudge" lurching and dancing, SPINNING even towards them! >>

Emiko: "Snakes."

?!!!

Emiko: "There are snakes everywhere."

<< She was confused until her blood ran cold. They were EVERYWHERE, falling out of the ceiling, their slimy bodies slithering up and down the walls, around her BODY! Morgan was paralyzed with fear. It was all she could do but to keep herself breathing as they began to wrap and contort around her body. >>

"NO!"

"Blaze! They're EVERYWHERE! Get them off of me! GET THEM OFFF!!!!"

<< Crying out, she began to hyperventilate. Get her mind right. She had gone to Limbo to center herself, and to re-focus, and she needed that strength now more than ever, but she found herself falling to her knees. She couldn't make out the words that Blaze and The White Knight were saying to each other. This was her one true weakness, and the only thing worse than snakes, was people SEEING her be weak. >>

Fathom: [to Heidi] "Pity. That makes you stupid, not brave."

<< The young woman unleashed a BRUTAL assault against Blaze, the waves of water reflecting in Morgan's violet eyes as sweat began to cake her face. She watched Blaze become encased in a violent torrent of water as she watched her sister with abject horror. The pressure. She was CRUSHING Blaze with the pressure! Seeing her sister like this, it overrode everything else going on as she let out a scream. >>

"BLAZE!!!"

<< And the snakes were gone. As if they had never been there. And at the exact right time. If this BITCH thought she could best her and her sister, she had another thing COMING! >>

<< She rose to her feet slowly, gaining her composure, taking a power stance as she spoke in her icy, lofty and disdainful tone, one that couldn't be matched, even by the likes of Fathom. >>

Fathom: "Fire has always been the weakest of the elements."

<< Spellbinder gritted her teeth as sparks of bright violet eldritch energy began to sparkle around her. >>

"I'm the Sorceress Supreme, you little bitch. Your whole bored and bitchy shtick? I INVENTED it. And you could shoot as much water out of your BLOW HOLE as you want, because the only element I need to BEAT your ASS?"

[smirking]

"Is the element...of SURPRISE!"

<< A halo of eldritch energy appeared over her right hand, calling to Heidi's attention as a stepping disc appeared at a speed NOBODY could avoid, SLICING through Fathom's neck, taking her head CLEAR off in record time. Morgan watched as her head hit the floor and rolled on the ground. The waters stopped flowing around Blaze, but she was in NO good way. The amount of pressure her body had been put under was life threatening and she needed to act fast. She couldn't risk calling another magick user here, not when Talisman was running around. She had already attacked her mother ONCE, she wouldn't put her in that situation again. She was by Blaze's side, brushing a bit of hair from her face. She was unconscious, and Morgan wasn't sure what kind of state of mind she would be in. At the very least, she'd have the bends. She held her hands over Blaze's body. >>

"Hecate, hear my plea! Heal your dau--"

<< Before she could finish the spell, she felt a SHARP and brutal PAIN in her neck. It was THROBBING. Making her nauseous. Weak. She couldn't get her baring. >>

"What...what's HAPPENING?"

<< Morgan stumbled to her feet as she caught her reflection in the mirror. >>

"WHAT?"

<< A bullet. A beautifully ornate bullet with a now empty glass chamber. She was fighting through the pain, but it was like nothing she had ever experienced, as if her VITALITY was being drained from her body. And then she heard a raspy alto voice fill the hall. A voice she somehow recognized. Struggling to turn around, she found herself face to face with The Black Queen. >>

Talisman: "The Sorceress Supreme...taken out by gunfire...now that's a headline."

 

[Goliath]

Hellfire Mansion - The Black Wing

Nicholas: "She loved you."

"We're in Hellfire - love is dead."

He manifested some kind of giant magickal looking axe. So there was more to him than being a telepath. Duly noted.

Rampage: "And now YOU'RE going to answer for her death."

Gorgon delivered a thunder punch to the ground as the man speedily recovered. Ben smirked.

"Step aside. Let me pass and you will be spared."

Rampage: "Fuck. You. Telepath, bitch. Don't need eyes to see."

Ben made a mocking gesture with his hand, begging the man to face him.

"Then let's get in on, Ray Charles."

He made an impressive show as his body began to glow, leaping into the air in some marvelous display as Ben rolled his eyes. Telepaths were showy creatures, if not a bit desperate. If you could BASH somebody's skull in, at the end of the day it mattered very little that they knew what you were thinking. His axe hit the floor as brilliant psionic flames SHOT across the floor forward towards him. They barrelled into him, and while he was in his stone form, he could take a great deal of energy projection, it still stung like a fucking bitch as he GRITTED his teeth, falling back, using his wings to brace himself before flying high into the air towards the ceiling, flying around the telepath, he surveyed an open sitting room to the side with an all black, down to the keys themselves, grand piano and he grabbed it with ease, HURLING it at Rampage with great speed as he barreled behind it on it's path, using the piano as a distraction. As it CRASHED into him, Ben delivered a righteous left hook, but this man was STRONG. His punch would have taken a lesser mutants head clear off, to Rampage, he was merely sent through the air, and not as quickly as he would have liked.

"A rough and tumble telepath? Now i've seen everything."

Ben CHARGED towards Nicholas, his wings purposely knocking and catapulting everything in the man's direction, hoping to break his focus, hoping to get a look at those big beautiful brown eyes. Killing Cassandra was enough to keep him alive, but killing this man? Who appeared to be a REAL threat? It just might get him a spot on The Inner Circle.

 

[Recall]

Hellfire Mansion - The Black Wing

She was knocked into the wall with a fast and furious punch from Cobra, The Black Knight. Sliding down the wall for a moment, she focused her temporary blurry vision.

Cobra: "A snake?! Perhaps you are smarter than my Queen lets on. And that little grid move was impressive. It's a shame you've moved past your clearance. Means I have to kill you now. Can't have you knowing our secrets now can we?"

Steel: "You can try."

Vivica felt very safe around John, despite him being a total enigma to her. He was so sweet. Such a standup guy, and yet, there was this look in his eyes that told her he had gone through something very terrible that altered him completely. But that might have been Vivica's tendency to create a narrative around somebody she was curious about. Either way, despite knowing very little about John, she knew she could trust him, and she knew he would protect her. No matter what the feminist inside her felt about that. Cobra attacked like the snake that she was, fast and furious and with her fangs. John easily deflected the throw.

Steel: "Strike one."

She smirked rising to her feet.

Steel: "Titan!"

Her eyes darted towards Andrew. He had taken a hit and it didn't look very good. Andrew was painfully white, but this was the lightest shade of white she had ever seen him turn. She could see him weak on his feet for a moment and she immediately body checked Amanda to make her way over, offering him support, willing to keep him propped up if he needed it.

"What was that blade made out of."

Vivica picked up on it fairly easy, but it was not some marvel of her ability - it was common sense. Her codename was Cobra, she threw fang looking daggers at them. Those blades were dipped in her venom. Possibly forged in them. She was an apostle of Talisman.

Cobra: "You've got right around forty five minutes or so with that venom before the necrosis starts happening. Two hours tops and that beautiful thick thigh of yours will fall off. I don't know what exactly you thought you were doing in The Black Wing, but i'm here to tell you, you got the short end of the stick. The others colors might bleed on a whim, but we don't wave like that in The Black Wing."

Steel: "We're here to kill you all. And I've heard the best antivenom comes from the dead snake that did the biting."

Her brain didn't want to believe that, but Vivica forced her own opinion down it's throat. If they needed her venom to save Andrew, they would get it.. But somebody had to look after Andrew. She was limited in her knowledge of snake bits, but she had learned a bit about it at Clandestine. It was basical survival training. In seconds, she had pulled up in her conscious mind the information she had learned. They needed him to stand for as long as possible or be upright. At the very least in his chair so that he didn't raise the "bite" above his heart, and he needed to be stll to minimize the spread. As John charged, Vivica RIPPED Andrew's pants, kicked off one of his boots, and removed his socks, as well as anything else on his body that might be restricting or become incredibly swelled. A tourniquet might cutt off blood flow, causing extensive tissue damage. She was worried, because really the only cure for this kind of poison was the antivenom, and Kelly would have only made the antivenom if she could use it as a bargainning chip, so of course she had. They had to have been close to some kind of lab. Maybe it was there. Or maybe...

Steel crashed into Cobra, grabbing her the arms and SLAMMED her to the ground, raising his leg to stomp the LIFE out her.

....They should bash this bitch's mothafuckin' face in and defang her ass! SHe looked back at Andrew, hating to see him like this.

"Andrew. I need you to sit in the chair here, and I need you to keep your shit together. Sit up right, remain calm, and really, really focus on being as still as possible."

Then she had a realization. He was hyperkinetic - if there was anyone who was possible of surviving a "bite" like this - it was Andrew.

"You were born to kick something like this. This is what you do, babe. Defy the odds. That feeling when you are about to execute the perfect knock-on on the field. Use that. And focus on your body. Make it stay exactly how it is right now. And then John will kill her, and we can stick a needle in you and be on our goddamn way."

 

[Wallflower]

Hellfire Mansion - The Black Wing

Steel: "Strike one."

"Wait for it.."

Amanda cast her gaze out into the universe, purposefully toying with Steel to register that his comrade had, in fact, been hit.

"Strike two, "Chief."

Recall SHOVED into her, causing her to lose her footing for a second, but she immediately recovered, sauntering forward towards John, knowing he was ready to strike. She was ready for him. It was time to show the others in The Inner Circle that she was the force she knew she was. She explained the venom to the Birds of Prey, if only to assure them of their fate. There was certainly an antivenom, but The Black Knight would need to be dead before anyone else got their hands on it. And she wasn't planning on dying today.

Steel: "We're here to kill you all. And I've herd the best antivenom comes from the dead snake that did the biting."

"How poetic, Steel. You're truly wasting your artistic talent being buried in the basement of the New York Police Department..."

Knights were Generals in times of war with Hellfire. They gathered intel and plotted courses more than many outside of Hellfire might think. Amanda had learned as much as she could about The Birds of Prey, because it was smart, and because it allowed her to be a bit more dramatic, something she'd always had a flair for.

"I certainly hope the NYPD isn't as much of a failure as the Los Angeles branch has been. 16 charges. Sentenced to death, and here I am in a mansion about to kill a pig."

He rushed her, SLAMMING her into the wall with his strength, the cold steel of his body writhing againt her abrasively before pinning her to the ground for a moment. He was incredibly strong, but she was not without her methods. He lifted his foot up as if to STOMP her face in as The Black Knight ATTACKED, contorting her body, wrapping it around his foot, circling around his HIPS and settling just above his neck, her head resting on his right shoulder and she CONSTRICTED.

<< Constrict. >>

"Well you're certainly fit, aren't you?"

<< Constrict. >>

"But it's no matter. Eventually I'll wear you down."

She could not beat him in a pure physical battle. He was stronger than her. But she could move in ways that others couldn't. Could manipulate her physiology in any manner of impressive ways. She didn't just spit venom. She saved that for The Queens of Hellfire.

"There it is..."

For a second, his body released it's struggle against her coil and she constrict her body forward, unwrapping Steel from her coil in a circular and furiously fast motion, shooting him across the room and right at the center of the section of the hall with the laser grid. Amanda contorted quickly back onto her feet.

"I do love bacon."

 

[Prophet]

Hellfire Mansion - The Red Wing

He had no reason to. He knew he couldn't separate them. And it drove him mad for a minute. He couldn't take it any longer. He wouldn't let her die a traitor and he knew she was conflicted about how and if she truly wanted to leave. So he took his PSI Blade and he jammed it deeply inside of her. The blade was the focused totality of Cameron's power, capable of incredible feats. And the witch blood in his veins could often up the anty if necessary. He was very against the use of magick, but if he couldn't just throttle Ava back into the driver's seat of her psyche he could take her out of here. He didn't believe Persephone wanted to leave. And she had done enough while driving. He couldn't let her do more in the name of protecting Ava and Haleigh and keeping them BOTH alive.

Delilah: "You're killing her..."

Prophet heard her words, but couldn't let himself stop. Perhaps this was the cost of leading the team. He had already acted and there was a dark part of him that craved Ava to pay for a moment. She had abandoned the team, made them feel like it was them not doing enough to save Haleigh, all while she attacked so many people they cared about, that she supposedly cared about. She couldn't blame all of this on trying to survive Hellfire. He pressed forward, gritting his teeth.

"This is what Malice did to people."

He sensed Delilah's thoughts and immediately recoiled in his mind. She was right. Cameron felt controlled by his blade as he tried to retreat. He was so angry at her, so hurt...but this, this wasn't right. There was a more pressing threat. He could FIX things with Ava, but he only had NOW to destroy Diana. But it was too late - he had gone too far.

An explosion of gold light hit Persephone as if she was a rag doll, and Cameron immediately knew it to be magick, and he blamed himself. It had to been a magickal manifestation of his anger. Had he KILLED her?! Had he REALLY separated them?! He called out to Haleigh not knowing what was going on.

"Haleigh. I know they're the same person...but I NEED Ava. I want to walk out of here with her on my arm. PLEASE. Persephone needs to go to SLEEP."

He said, trying to convince himself that he hadn't just accidentally killed Ava Cassadine.

Alek: What did you do?! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?"

Both Haleigh and him moved Persephone to safety. She was alive.

Haleigh: "You need Ava...so do I. But what you refuse to accept is that Persephone saved Ava. She saved me. We need her, too."

"I love you Haleigh, but she mostly saved yourass. She certainly did more favors for you than she did herself."

Prophet wasn't saying it to be mean. He was telling the truth. She wasn't going to have it easy.

"Look, I tried to show you in your dreams, but Ravena kept fucking them up. I never meant to go this far."

She blew a hole in the wall and produced a helicopter because of course she did. It was ironic and painful. In five seconds she had blown a hole in Hellfire and was ready to extract. If only she could have used that kind of bravado on her self. He was hesitant to leave Ava with Alek.

Haleigh: "I know you want to him, Cameron, because you think he's a bad guy....but he's no worse than any of us. He's been trying to protect her, and he's been my ally. My friend, even. He's not your enemy."

Cameron simmered at The Red Knight for a moment.

Delilah: "Are you? Is she?"

She shot a look at him.

Delilah: "We'll figure it out, Cam, when this is all over."

He was thankfully to feel like somebody was on his side. He thought for a moment. Instinctively he hated Alek and want to wipe him from existence so Ava didn't have any loose ends in Hellfire. He was a problem. On the other, Cameron had spent a great deal of his life not trusting a man that was helping another woman he loved. He was talking about, of course, Zach and Haleigh. He often questioned, but he never didn't trust Haleigh's judgment when it came to people. It was what had bonded them when they first met. So if she trusted Alek, Cameron was willing to try, even if it was solely for giving Haleigh the benefit of the doubt - he had just nearly killed her sister, he needed to at least TRY to show he wasn't a monster.

Zach: "HEY, I understand you've been behind enemy lines, but did you forget to be mindful of friendly fire?! Gods almighty, Haleigh. We're here to fucking RESCUE you, do you miind?!"

Delilah: "Zach! You guys made it."

And then most of that went out the window. Of course Zach was showing up after the hard shit to pick up the pieces like the perennial puppy dog that he was. He wanted to be the hero so bad he was going into Hellfire completely blind. He was a gifted empath, but Malice was no neophyte. He wouldn't get the run on her. He had no real exit strategy, but judging by the way the women in the room reacted to his arrival, he realized that once again Zachary Armani would be a hero simply for rallying the troops. It was annoying.

Ashley: "Oh, yeah, right. We're here to...save you. Yayy."

Cameron mentally gleamed what he needed to know but he wanted no more fuel on the fire, though it brought him perverse pleasure to know that Golden Boy had moved on in about six point five seconds after him and Haleigh had broken up. He hoped Haleigh wouldn't notice the ring on Valkyrie's finger.

Ashley: "If you try and hug him light bulb, it'll be the last thing you do."

Haleigh: "Don't you dare fucking threaten her, bitch."

Zach: "Don't YOU dare call her that again."

[Cameron scoffed]

"Then tell her to get her shit together."

[he turned to Ashley]

"You're like a million years old. Grow up."

Alek wasn't intent on leaving.

Alek: "She'll forgive me a lot more if I make sure you get ouf here alive."

He was right on that part.

Haleigh: "You stubborn motherfucker..."

Cameron didn't know what to feel. It was very recently that Haleigh had sent him a video of her fucking Alek, and now he was Ava's Knight in shining armor.

Ashley: "Oh, of COURSE you two are on a side. Figures."

Haleigh flipped her off.

Haleigh: "Listen, Alek...you're strong enough, tough enough, to stop me if I...go back to being Scion. And you're Hellfire still, technically, so you aren't one of the...targets. If you see the mark of the White Queen -- Do whatever it takes to stop me, okay? Don't hesitate, don't hold back. Kill me if you have to. I'll just jump to a new body, and I think that'll shake her control for another few minutes. Promise me, Alek.

"Haleigh stop trying to plan your death."

Delilah: "We came here to get you out. So let's make that happen and get the fuck out of this place."

"Exactly."

Haleigh made eye contact with him and he couldn't deny his own joy, despite her somber words.

"I can't leave...Not while Malice can still control me. I'm a danger to all of you. We've got to kill her."

Cameron moved over to Haleigh, kissing her passionately. So delighted to be in her presence without the control of Diana lingering over her. He had wanted to kiss her since he saw her. Wanted her so badly.

"That's the smartest thing you've said all night, Hales. And it's precisely why Delilah and I are going to kill Diana...but Helena is no fool. She'll read this situation in an instant...."

[he turned to Alek]

"I don't know who you are, but -- Ava loves you. I felt it. After what I've just done..Well, I'm just not in the mood for another fight. But you have to know what position that this puts you in. Diana will have Scion attack you in defense of The Red Queen. You know that. Are you still willing to help?"

[he turned to Zach]

"I'm grateful to The Birds of Prey for being here, and they could be of great help to us when we engage Malice. I need to know you aren't going to pull anything. I need you to let me handle this. We've thought about this for too long...and honestly, I'm the only one who can kill her in such a way that she won't be able to find another body to jump into. I'm not being cocky. It's the truth. I can do this. I can kill her, but I need you to let me."

This was between the two of them. They had a history of undermining the other and Cameron wasn't taking any chances. Zach was always there to pick up the pieces, to be the stoic and charming one, who didn't have the same kind of shit that Cameron did inside of him. And Cameron had always hated it. He didn't put it above Zach to swoop in at the last second and try to save the day, despite him being engaged. He could sense that Zach deeply loved Ashley, but they were both men who knew was it was like to love Haleigh Davidoff. It wasn't linear.

"When I call you into action, can I plan on you to jump?"

 

[Madame Masque]

Hellfire — The White Wing

Adriana had rain checked the Hellfire girls on their drinking invitation. Not because she didn’t want to, but because she knew it’d be troublesome to reveal herself as not!Gia so soon. Everything in time, she could afford to be patient. So she retired to the White Bishop’s suite, turned down all the lights, and called it a night.

It was dawn when the alarms started going off. Adriana groaned and started slapping around the nightstand indiscriminately, but hitting the snooze button didn’t stop the noise. She grabbed her phone to find nothing out of the ordinary. It was Gia’s phone that held the answers. An attack on the mansion, something about six birds from Heidi.

“Such a strange woman, is that like some British slang or....”

She muttered, but then she found there were guardsmen pouring into her suite from a back door like bees out of a hive. Adriana snatched up her mask from the bedside table and pulled it on before they got to her room. The men gave her the run-down on the attack.

“Right, then. Turn around so I can get dressed.”

She replied, to a bunch of men who seemed surprised and confused by the request for a moment before complying. Adriana didn’t understand what was surprising or confusing about a woman wanting a modicum of discretion. She waited for them all to turn around before slipping out from under the covers and grabbing her fighting suit from the footboard of the bed.

Without further ado she led the men out towards the main hall of the white wing. When she opened her door and stepped out she saw, further down in front of the Queen’s door, that there was a group of people fighting. She recognized Emiko and Heidi, who seemed to be handling the other two quite well. The Black Queen was down there, too. Adriana turned to look the other direction down the hall.

“Well, hello you devastatingly handsome mountain of a man.”

She said to Bishop, who’d just rounded the corner. He was an absolute beefcake of epic proportions, and he made holding a gun look good. Adriana smirked behind her mask, as she held up a hand to signal wait to the guardsmen behind her.

“Say, are you one of ours or one of theirs?”

Unfortunately, it seemed he was opposition.

“Heartbreaker.”

Adriana quipped, before kicking the gun clean out of his hand. She brought her fists up, which glowed with her golden energy signature.

 

[Orion]

Hellfire — Entrance to the Red Wing

Zach, alarmed by the introduction of a rocket launcher in an enclosed space, shoved Ashley into an alcove so they could take cover. Haleigh didn’t fire the weapon, but Delilah screamed for all she was worth. After that was over Zach poked his head out to see what had happened.

Ash: “What’s happening?”

“I dunno-OH, grenade!”

Ash: "You know, Zach, if you push me up against that wall a third time, I'm going to forget why the hell we're here." (She grinned.) "And I'm going to break the land speed record for getting that battle suit off of you." (She cocked an eyebrow.) "I wonder how much it stretches."

“Don’t be tempting me with your smirking and your sexy eyebrow, woman!”

He said with a smile, taking her hand and pulling her out into the open. He fired off a bit at Haleigh for the grenade being thrown a little too close for his comfort. Ashley agreed, with lackluster enthusiasm, that they were here to save Haleigh, who replied sarcastically as usual. Zach didn’t take offense to that— but he did have a problem when Haleigh called Ashley a bitch. He wasn’t going to listen to it. Cameron predictably took Haleigh’s side.

Cameron: “Then tell her to get her shit together.”

“Oh you’re one to fucking talk, Cameron King.”

Cameron (to Ashley): “You’re like a million years old. Grow up.”

“Yeah, we’re all going to take lessons on maturity from YOU, man-child. Get a grip.”

He shot back hotly. No one got under his skin more than Cameron. Then Alek came back into the hall through the grenade hole in the wall. Zach gave him a narrowed glare, raising a clenched fist. Alek said something to Haleigh about making sure to get her out alive, a comment that gave Zach pause.

He watched the way Haleigh interacted with him, and started to put things together. The sextape that had given Zach icky feelings for weeks was apparently not as bad as he’d worried. Haleigh was treating the Red Knight as a friend. Zach still wanted to punch the asshole for Ash’s sake, if no one else’s, but for now he held off.

He took a little satisfaction, however petty, in the consternation Cameron was feeling here. But hey, Cameron had been a pain in Zach’s ass for over a decade, so at this point he didn’t begrudge himself a little pettiness. Cameron, of course, had to grab Haleigh and kiss her straight away, as if to remind her (and everyone else) of their messy connection again. Zach rolled his eyes, and then loudly cleared his throat.

“Yeah, the rest of us are still here, you know, fighting the good fight and saving the world. There’s a nice alcove over there if you two want to go make out some more while we take care of business.”

Zach suggested sarcastically. And then Cameron. Mr. Take-Charge himself, needing to own everything in sight. He dictated first to the Red Knight, and then he turned to Zach. Saying he was grateful to the birds of prey, but he needed to know they weren’t going to pull anything, that they were going to let him handle it. As if HE had the monopoly on Hellfire. And Zach could feel the disdain, the resentment rolling off of Cameron, coming right at him. It set Zach off like a rocket.

Cameron: “When I call you into action, can I plan on you to jump?”

“Oh, would it please you if I asked you ‘how high, sir’ as well? Well, you can fuck right off with this ‘let me handle it’ bullshit. Because while YOU were contemplating kill teams for Haleigh and Ava? I’ve been trying to recruit anyone who’d listen to help me come save them.”

He took a step towards Cameron, with a scowl, as all the years of pent up fury rippled energetically along his skin.

“After a Gods-damned decade of enduring your utter contempt, I’m not looking to you for leadership, you arrogant fucking prick.”

Haleigh: “Zach.”

Zach glanced at her. The way she’d growled his name was a warning that said he was out of line, but he didn’t care. They DID have a purpose here, though. It was time to get to it. Zach glared back at Cameron, as if across a line in the sand.

“You get the White Queen, we’ll get the Red. Ava’s out, that’s good. Make sure the same happens with Haleigh and we can all go home happy.”

He said, and then he looked at Delilah, his expression softening. He wasn’t mad at her, she’d kept him apprised of the situation, and not treated him as an afterthought, like Cameron, who only reluctantly accepted that Zach was even here.

“You need any help, Delilah, just let us know.”

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion - Red Wing

Of course, Alek didn't want to leave Seph alone and unconscious in a helicopter. He also knew how pissed off she would be about the whole thing when she woke up. Because he had to believe she would wake up or he would end up completely useless. But she had endured so much pain to make sure Haleigh got out of Hellfire...he wasn't sure Seph would survive if she didn't. And that was saying something. Because if she was nothing else, Persephone was a damn survivor.

So he made sure that the helicopter was up and away, and then he walked back to Haleigh and stood at her side.

Black Widow: “You stubborn motherfucker...”

"I think the word you were looking for was 'stupid'."

Because if he was smart, he would fucking be on that helicopter on his way out of this fucking mess. He'd told Seph about a hundred times to leave her damn sister behind. And here he was, staying for her. No, not for her, he reminded himself, for Seph.

He noticed that Ashley was here, with a guy that was holding her hand. Honest to god holding her hand.

Valkyrie: "Oh, of COURSE you two are on a side. Figures."

Haleigh flipped Ashley off, which made Alek chuckle.

"So, Ash, this the fiance?"

Alek recognized him: Ava had fucked him not long before Seph had gutted him. He was going to comment on it, but then Haleigh was talking to him.

Black Widow: “Listen, Alek... you’re strong enough, tough enough, to stop me if I... go back to being Scion. And you’re Hellfire still, technically, so you aren’t one of the.... targets. If you see the mark of the White Queen do whatever it takes to stop me, okay? Don’t hesitate, don’t hold back. Kill me if you have to. I’ll just jump to a new body, and I think that’ll shake her control for another few minutes. Promise me, Alek.”

She looked so solemn. Hell, if he had a hanger load of extra bodies lying around, there was some shit he would do. He smiled broadly at her.

"Oh, I definitely promise. It will be my absolute pleasure to kill you."

Prophet: "Haleigh stop trying to plan your death."

Alek looked at Cameron coldly.

"When there are so many others here to plan it for you."

MorningStar: "We came here to get you out. So let's make that happen and get the fuck out of this place."

"Amen to that, sister."

Haleigh was shaking her head.

Black Widow: “I can’t leave.... Not while Malice can still control me. I’m a danger to all of you. We’ve got to kill her.”

Cameron moved to Haleigh, and started kissing her. Alek's head tilted back, and he performed the largest eyeroll ever accomplished.

Prophet: "I don't know who you are, but -- Ava loves you. I felt it. After what I've just done...Well, I'm just not in the mood for another fight. But you have to know what position that this puts you in. Diana will have Scion attack you in defense of The Red Queen. You know that. Are you still willing to help?"

"Look, I'm here for Haleigh. The rest of you are on your own."

He took a step towards Cameron, and leaned his face towards him, which had taken a decidedly darker look.

"And I still owe you for what you just did to Seph."

Diana would only have Scion attack him if he got in her way, and he didn't intend for the Red Queen to come into things. Speaking of...

Alek pulled out his phone and texted Helena:

[via text] Persephone dead. Killed by the Six.

It wasn't a lie. For all he knew, the Six had killed her.

Cameron was pontificating at Zach when Alek looked up and put his phone back in his pocket.

Prophet: "I'm grateful to The Birds of Prey for being here, and they could be of great help to us when we engage Malice. I need to know you aren't going to pull anything. I need you to let me handle this. We've thought about this for too long...and honestly, I'm the only one who can kill her in such a way that she won't be able to find another body to jump into. I'm not being cocky. It's the truth. I can do this. I can kill her, but I need you to let me."

Alek started to laugh. Just a burst at first but then he really got it going.

"You think you're going to kill Malice?"

He paused to laugh some more.

"That's going to be worth coming back, for sure."

Haleigh, maybe, had a shot, if she could somehow keep herself from getting mind whammied by Diana. But this guy? No way in hell.

Prophet: "When I call you into action, can I plan on you to jump?"

Alek scratched the back of his neck, watching this all unfold. He was surprised Armani didn't punch King in the mouth in response.

Zach: “Oh, would it please you if I asked you ‘how high, sir’ as well? Well, you can fuck right off with this ‘let me handle it’ bullshit. Because while YOU were contemplating kill teams for Haleigh and Ava? I’ve been trying to recruit anyone who’d listen to help me come save them.”

So he did contact the right people after all.

Zach: “After a Gods-damned decade of enduring your utter contempt, I’m not looking to you for leadership, you arrogant fucking prick.”

Alek was enjoying this. Haleigh wasn't.

Zach: “You get the White Queen, we’ll get the Red. Ava’s out, that’s good. Make sure the same happens with Haleigh and we can all go home happy.”

Hold on.

"And what's the reasoning for killing the Red Queen again? Shouldn't everyone focus their efforts on Diana? I mean, just in case the Boy Wonder over here can't do it with one snap of his fingers?"

So yes, if he thought about it, Seph would probably be safer with Helena dead. But she was out now, and really beyond Helena's reach. And if Malice got herself killed? Well, then, Helena wouldn't be in too much of a hurry to bring the big hurt back onto herself, would she? Yes, Helena had done bad things, and was way too controlling of him. But he wasn't going to put up with that shit any more, and Helena would just have to adjust. He didn't need to kill her for it. Not yet, anyway.

On the other hand...it was just Ashley and her toy boy. Helena would eat them for breakfast.

 

[Arclight]

Alexis gritted her teeth, fighting to hold Helena's wrist and hand back from her throat. The glass shard was close to her skin and Helena's eyes gleamed with psychotic joy as they were both locked up in a battle of wills. Alexis began to cry out as she pushed harder against Helena, the shard of glass moving away from her neck. Helena's expression changed, and it was then Alexis lifted her head and slammed it into the bridge of Helena's nose before kneeing her torso and sending her flying over Alexis' head. Rolling to her feet, Helena was getting to one knee and looked up, her nose dripping with blood.

"Seeing you bleed is my favorite past time."

Alexis swung her foot around as Helena was on her knees, kicking the side of her head and making her fly back to the floor.

"Along with taking the family fortune."

Helena rolled onto her back just as Alexis kicked her her face again, a sickening crack being heard as well as more blood being sprayed along the hardwood floors.

"And leaving you wondering how your 'idiot niece' could possible dupe the master manipulator that is Helena Quartermaine."

Alexis slammed the toe of her boot into Helena's stomach making the Red Queen cry out in pain. It was then Alexis crouched down, grabbing Helena by her messy blonde hair tightly. She was bleeding, so much, and it made Alexis grin with satisfaction. She could have killed Helena in her sleep, but she wanted to see the bitches eyes and KNOW that Alexis was the one to do it. She wanted to kick her around and make her suffer before she reached into her chest and squeezed the life out of her heart. Helena didn't deserve to be killed quickly, she deserved the most painful and slow death imaginable.

"I have waited so long for this moment."

And as luck would have it, she would have to wait longer. The battle against Hellfire seemed to be taking place right outside Helena's god damn door. The ground began to shake, causing Alexis to lose her balance and giving Helena enough time to connected a well placed blow to Alexis' face with a nearby lamp that had fallen to the floor from the toppled over vanity. The light bulb exploded in Alexis' face, causing her to cry out and stumble away. Her eyes with momentarily blinded by the light, but as soon as she regained her composure she saw Helena getting to her feet. There was screaming, and explosions, and fucking World War III going out outside the chamber room door, but it was all white noise in the background as Alexis gathered to her feet.

Helena: "Missed opportunities, as always Alexis! You are just the same as you always have been!"

Alexis' blood ran hot with fury.

"I'm going to tear your heart from your chest!!!"

She screamed like a falcon and ran for Helena, tackling her against the chamber room door and shattering it into splinters of wood until they were both sliding out into the middle of the hallway; Helena on her back and Alexis on top of her. Alexis' hand went straight into Helena's chest, the Red Queen's eyes wide in horror as she began to gasp for air. Alexis gritted her teeth, her eyes never leaving Helena's.

"Die you miserable BITCH!"

Helena's eyes were blood shot and bulging as Alexis was squeezing the life out of her. Then the most horrific noise she could of ever heard in that moment happened...*POP*. Alexis' eyes went wide, looking up at Emiko.

"NO!"

And then Helena was gone in the blink of an eye, taken by Emiko most likely on Diana's orders. Alexis was still on the floor, on all fours panting out heavily as she rolled her eyes shut in frustration.

"Fuck."

Huffing out, she flipped her short blonde bob from her eyes as she gathered to her feet. She was bloodied from the scuffle, but most of it was Helena's minus a few cuts on her face and arms. Looking down the hall, for the first time in nearly 15 years she was face to face with her old team: Cameron, Delilah, and Haleigh. There was also Ashley, Zach, and Alek. She didn't smile at them, nor greet them, she simply lifted her wrist to her mouth.

Mystique's Voice: "I need every Red Guard in the Ring Wing to fortify it, our Queen has been compromised by a telepath. You do not leave this wing unless instructed by ME, do you understand?"

A voice is heard over the come.

Guard: "Yes, Bishop."

Alexis' eyes shifted to Haleigh and Alek, finally a smirk tugging on the corner of her lips. She then looked at the others. If they wanted to get to Diana, the Red Guard would not be in their way. One less color they would have to fight, and less time wasted to finally put the White Queen down.

"You have 30 seconds."

Alexis then quite literally disappeared from sight.

 

[MorningStar]

The Hellfire Mansion - Red Wing

Haleigh seemed determined to convince Cameron that Alek wasn't their enemy. Delilah couldn't help but feel like she was only talking to him, and not her. Like she was just there in the background. But, she supposed, she ought to be used to it by now. But finally Delilah spoke up, asking if Ava was their enemy, if Haleigh was.

Haleigh: “Involuntarily.”

Delilah shook her head, scoffing, and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Walking into this place seemed pretty voluntary at the time."

The two of them were silent, until Delilah heard Zach's voice. She expressed her happiness that he had made it, and looking unscathed too.

Ashley: "If you try and hug him light bulb, it'll be the last thing you do."

Haleigh: “Don’t you dare fucking threaten her, bitch.”

Delilah rolled her eyes.

"Oh, don't start trying to protect my feelings now."

She really did want to blast Ashley's face off, though, but instead she just said:

"Hugs, Zach."

and shot Ashley a fake smile.

Ashley: "So who's trying to kill who here, cause it's all a little confusing."

Delilah picked some explosion debris from her hair.

"I'm actually trying not to kill Haleigh. Not sure about him."

She indicated Alek with a motion of her head as he came towards them, stopping as he was standing next to Haleigh. The two of them seemed pretty buddy buddy. Of course, not as buddy buddy as they apparently were. Delilah needed to get the fuck out of this building before she got looped into its shit show.

Ashley: "Oh, of COURSE you two are on a side. Figures."

The heavens opened up and angels were singing with golden harps, because for one time ever, Delilah agreed with Ashley.

"Couldn't have said it better myself."

Alek: "So, Ash, this the fiance?"

Delilah's head snapped to Ashley. Then moved to Zach. Then back to Ashley.

"You have got to be kidding me."

Haleigh went on to have a very touching moment where she asked Alek to kill her (if necessary), and he responded so eagerly that Delilah thought he might secretly work the register at Chick-Fil-A.

But like Cameron had said earlier, enough of this. She told them they had come to get Haleigh and Ava out, so they needed to do it and get the fuck out of here.

Haleigh: “I can’t leave.... Not while Malice can still control me. I’m a danger to all of you. We’ve got to kill her.”

"No issue with that."

Cameron tried to gauge whether Alek and Zach would help them with Malice. Alek laughed at the idea - Delilah narrowed her eyes at him.

"We have a plan."

Zach was not receptive to taking orders from Cameron, to say the least.

Zach: “Oh, would it please you if I asked you ‘how high, sir’ as well? Well, you can fuck right off with this ‘let me handle it’ bullshit. Because while YOU were contemplating kill teams for Haleigh and Ava? I’ve been trying to recruit anyone who’d listen to help me come save them. After a Gods-damned decade of enduring your utter contempt, I’m not looking to you for leadership, you arrogant fucking prick.”

Haleigh said Zach's name, a warning attached to it.

"Then help us, Zach. Let's finish this this thing. Help me. So I don't have to worry that Malice will get to my by hurting my daughter."

Zach: “You get the White Queen, we’ll get the Red. Ava’s out, that’s good. Make sure the same happens with Haleigh and we can all go home happy.

Alek: "And what's the reasoning for killing the Red Queen again? Shouldn't everyone focus their efforts on Diana? I mean, just in case the Boy Wonder over here can't do it with one snap of his fingers?"

Delilah ignored Alek, speaking to Zach instead.

"Just keep Helena distracted, so she can't help Malice."

Zach: "You need any help, Delilah, just let us know.”

She gave him a smile.

"Thanks, Zach. And stay safe."

There was a loud crash, and two forms came barreling out of one of the rooms down the hallway. A third person suddenly appeared, then disappeared with one of the others. Delilah prepared for an attack, but then she froze.

The figure was standing from the floor. She was bloody, but there was no question of her identity.

"Alexis?"

Delilah stared. Cameron had been right.

Alexis was looking back at them. She raised her wrist to her mouth.

Mystique's Voice: "I need every Red Guard in the Ring Wing to fortify it, our Queen has been compromised by a telepath. You do not leave this wing unless instructed by ME, do you understand?"

Alexis: "You have 30 seconds."

"Wait!"

But she was gone. Delilah was in shock. Alexis was alive.

Delilah turned and looked from Cameron to Haleigh, her anger at her momentarily forgotten.

"How is she here? And why here?"

 

[Valkyrie]

Hellfire — The Red Wing

There was an interesting array of sounds from the hallway where Haleigh and Ava were. Zach pressed her into an alcove, which she didn't exactly mind, but she couldn't see what was going on at all. So she asked him what was happening.

Zach: “I dunno-OH, grenade!”

He pushed her against the wall again. Now he was just being a tease. Two could play that game. She made a couple of mildly suggestive comments.

Zach: “Don’t be tempting me with your smirking and your sexy eyebrow, woman!”

Ash took that opportunity to wet her bottom lip with her tongue. But before anything interesting could happen, Zach pulled her along towards the others now that they seemed to have stopped fighting. At least with grenades. And Delilah seemed so fucking happy to see Zach. She looked like she was going to run up and give him a hug. Put her wandering hands all over him. Ash cut that right in the bud, and told her to keep her damn hands off Zach.

Haleigh: “Don’t you dare fucking threaten her, bitch.”

Zach: “Don’t YOU dare call her that again.”

Ashley beamed triumphantly, reaching over with her left hand and placing it on Zach's shoulder, just in case Haleigh hadn't seen the ring yet.

Prophet: "Then tell her to get her shit together. You're like a million years old. Grow up."

"And you're like ten. Why are you acting like an old man?"

Ashley narrowed her eyes at him. Then they opened wide as if she had a thought. She snapped her fingers and pointed at Cameron.

"I know where I've seen you before! You're that guy who got kidnapped by the Purifiers! We rescued you. Hey, how you been? Anyone abducted you lately?"

Her bright expression of feigned interest became a smirk. She wasn't afraid of this guy, not with Zach beside her, defending her. She gave his hand a squeeze.

Delilah: "Hugs, Zach."

Ashley started to leap towards Delilah. One day she was going to pound her face with a cement mixer.

Alek joined Haleigh's side. She should have know they were in this together. She groaned and said so. Haleigh gave her the finger, and Ash mimed catching it and putting it in her pocket, giving her another chance to flash her ring hand.

Alek: "So, Ash, this the fiance?"

"Why, yes, Alek, he IS my fiance."

She may have done that a tad melodramatically. Then Haleigh made Alek promise to kill her if Malice took over her again.

"Hell, I'll kill you."

Delilah: "We came here to get you out. So let's make that happen and get the fuck out of this place."

Haleigh: “I can’t leave.... Not while Malice can still control me. I’m a danger to all of you. We’ve got to kill her.”

"Long time coming. But Zach and I have a previous engagement."

Ha! Double entendre!

Cameron turned to Alek.

Prophet: "I don't know who you are, but -- Ava loves you. I felt it. After what I've just done..Well, I'm just not in the mood for another fight. But you have to know what position that this puts you in. Diana will have Scion attack you in defense of The Red Queen. You know that. Are you still willing to help?"

Alek help? That was hilarious.

Ashley sidled up to Alek and leaned in before whispering to him.

"Ava loves you?"

Alek: "Yeah, she does. And I love her."

"This is like a bad soap-opera."

Cameron was talking at Zach now.

Prophet: "I'm grateful to The Birds of Prey for being here, and they could be of great help to us when we engage Malice. I need to know you aren't going to pull anything. I need you to let me handle this. We've thought about this for too long...and honestly, I'm the only one who can kill her in such a way that she won't be able to find another body to jump into. I'm not being cocky. It's the truth. I can do this. I can kill her, but I need you to let me."

"Yeah, that's not cocky at all."

Prophet: "When I call you into action, can I plan on you to jump?"

Zach: “Oh, would it please you if I asked you ‘how high, sir’ as well? Well, you can fuck right off with this ‘let me handle it’ bullshit. Because while YOU were contemplating kill teams for Haleigh and Ava? I’ve been trying to recruit anyone who’d listen to help me come save them. After a Gods-damned decade of enduring your utter contempt, I’m not looking to you for leadership, you arrogant fucking prick.”

Damn, Zach looked hot. All angry and riled up.

Zach: “You get the White Queen, we’ll get the Red. Ava’s out, that’s good. Make sure the same happens with Haleigh and we can all go home happy.”

Alek: "And what's the reasoning for killing the Red Queen again? Shouldn't everyone focus their efforts on Diana? I mean, just in case the Boy Wonder over here can't do it with one snap of his fingers?"

Ashley crossed her arms and took a perturbed stance in Alek's direction.

"Oh, I don't know Alek, Helena only tried to ruin my life, plotted to kill Persephone, who you supposedly "love", she killed my best friend's boyfriend while she watched, AND she's a hateful old hag. Do I need to go on?"

She looked proudly at Zach.

"Now, let's go kick Helena's ass."

And as if by magick, down the hall the door to Helena's suite splintered, and Helena herself and a blonde came rolling out.

"And I want an unbreakable shield, and twenty naked virgins in my bed."

That creepy little monster Emiko's telltale popping noise could be heard, and in the blink of an eye she had rescued Helena.

Alexis: "Fuck."

"Fuck is right. Who the hell is she?"

Ashley's eyed widened.

"She's hot."

Then they narrowed.

"Maybe too hot."

Delilah: "Alexis?"

"Who the hell is Alexis? Not Alexis Quartermaine...I thought she was dead. Helena threw a big party and everything..."

She must have been on their side. Well the Six's side. Anyway someone's side, because she was keeping the Red Guard stationary so the others could get to the White Wing unmolested.

Alexis: "You have 30 seconds."

And then she fucking disappeared.

"The fuck?"

She turned to Alek with an accusatory glare.

"How did she get in here and why the hell are the Red Guards listening to her?"

 

[Black Widow]

Hellfire — The Red Wing

Cameron tried to talk to her about Ava, but Haleigh defended Seph, for the simple fact that she’d sacrificed a lot more than she had to for Haleigh in this place. Cameron countered that Seph mostly saved Haleigh’s ass, and did more favors for Haleigh than she’d done for her own self.

“Uh, yeah, that’s what I’ve been saying. Are you listening? Seph’s not the enemy.”

Cameron tried to tell her that he’d been attempting to show her, in her dreams, but that Ravena had been preventing that. Haleigh shook her head, not really getting what he was saying and not even wanting to know what else Ravena had been up to, since he’d apparently been quite busy fucking around in people’s heads. Cameron admitted not having wanted it to go as far as it did. Haleigh looked at him sadly, as Alek left with Seph.

“Yeah, I’m painfully familiar with the concept, myself.”

She replied in a forgiving tone. She told him that Alek wasn’t their enemy either, and Delilah asked Haleigh if her or Ava was. Haleigh would’ve rather died than really answer that question, because she didn’t particularly like the answer, but she wasn’t going to be able to run from it much longer, so she told the floor the truth. Delilah audibly scoffed, and responded that walking into Hellfire seemed pretty voluntary. Haleigh winced, but didn’t bother pointing out that nothing was as black and white as Delilah implied. Now wasn’t the time, and Haleigh wasn’t up for the argument that would ensue.

It was a futile effort as far as argument prevention, though, because all they apparently needed for an argument to start was for Valkyrie to show up with her smug fucking face. Zach was hot under the collar about the grenade, while Haleigh was just getting even more anxious as she worried about the Malice-target rich environment she was finding herself in. But Ashley, meanwhile, was threatening Delilah for being moderately pleased that Zach had survived thus far.

Haleigh snapped at Ash for her threat on Delilah, Zach snapped back at Haleigh for calling Ash a bitch, and Delilah snapped at Haleigh for ‘suddenly caring’ about her feelings. There was another reticent wince from Haleigh, who was starting to wish she’d just gotten on the helicopter with Alek and Seph, at this point. They could all be anywhere the fuck else, if only Haleigh could count on her mother to drop dead. Ashley cooled it enough to ask who was trying to kill who. Haleigh almost gave herself whiplash when Delilah replied that she was actually trying not to kill Haleigh. She stared at Delilah for a moment, before realizing Alek was there next to her.

She called him, somewhat affectionately, a stubborn motherfucker. He offered that the word she was looking for was stupid, and she smirked. Yeah, because it was borderline stupid not to have hopped on that free helicopter ride the fuck outta this hell on earth. But she didn’t give him a hard time about it, because she couldn’t blame him for not wanting to be the person explaining to Seph what happened to Haleigh and why.

Alek asked Ash about Zach, specifically if he was the fiancé. Ash replied yes, with an absolutely nauseating amount of zeal. Haleigh fought an eye roll, a feat that rivaled resisting her mother’s mental control. Then she took a deep breath, as Delilah remarked that they had to be kidding.

“Evidently not, since he bought a ring last week and now she’s got the iceberg that sank the fucking titanic on her left hand.”

Haleigh grumbled, more to herself than anyone in particular. In fact it wasn’t entirely clear that she even realized she’d said it out loud, since the next beat she turned to Alek and started talking to him about a failsafe plan if she went Scion again. Her mood seemed to improve when he grinned at her.

Alek: “Oh, I definitely promise. It will be my absolute pleasure to kill you.”

“I knew I could count on you.”

She said with a conspiratorial smirk. Ash cut in helpfully that she’d kill Haleigh, which made Haleigh’s smirk suddenly warp into a malicious smile.

“Oh please do try.”

Cameron balked, telling her to stop planning her own death. Alek shot back coldly that there seemed to be plenty of people planning it for her. But Haleigh just shrugged.

“Well you know if one does something daily for a month, they make it a habit.”

She replied, as if they were talking about adding flossing to the daily routine. Delilah tried to get them back on task, but even though Haleigh had been ready to leave since before she’d walked into this place, she couldn’t while Malice still hung over her head. Nobody really argued against that, which would’ve been good — except that Ash found a way to twist the engagement knife.

This fucking bitch. Haleigh thought, wanting to punch her, not because she was feeling any particular grief over Zach, but just on principle she was over the taunting and gloating. But instead of giving in to the instinct of violence, she started out with a saccharine tone and a forced smile.

“Hey Valkyrie, you know I have to compliment you....”

Her smile dropped and her tone hardened.

“on your Amazon-level ability to be a vindictive harpy for no good fucking reason.”

She finished with a steely glare, as her fists balled at her hips. It could’ve been a fight right then and there, but then Cameron surprised Haleigh by grabbing her suddenly and kissing her. He made her forget why she was even upset, with that kiss. Her hands slipped up over his pecs to grip either sides of his neck, pulling herself into that kiss like she could escape Hellfire through it. And for a second, she felt like she did. Then Zach cleared his throat and sniped that there was a nice alcove nearby to make out in.

“Yeah, ahem. I’d say a quickie in the corner’s not out of the question, but he’s right, we should take care of business first.”

Haleigh said, smoothing down her hair and trying to temper her smile as she extracted herself from Cam’s arms. Cameron agreed on killing Diana, but was also concerned about Helena. Haleigh’s mouth became a cutting smile.

“Oh, I think Helena’s suitably distracted for the moment.”

She intoned, while Alek allowed only that he was here for Haleigh, and by that he really meant he was here for Seph. And he added darkly that he owed Cam for what had happened to Seph. Haleigh pursed her lips, noting that as something she’d have to mediate later, after the big problems were solved.

Alek texted Helena that Persephone was ‘dead, killed by the Six’. Haleigh nodded at the cover story. She understood implicitly that Alek was already working on damage control, and she trusted him now, to watch out for her sister, even while he had to watch out for himself too.

Cameron tried to map out a plan, but Alek laughed, doubtful. Delilah replied defensively on Cameron’s behalf that they had a ‘Plan’. Haleigh wanted to believe in it, but found it challenging as it seemed they couldn’t all stop bickering long enough to execute the damn plan.

Zach, for example, usually a fairly congenial guy, was absolutely rankled by Cameron’s suggestion, to such a degree that Haleigh had to cut him off at one point. Zach got his shit together enough to suggest that the Six go after Diana while he and his new fiancée stayed here to target Helena. Alek, probably out of habit more than anything, tried to discourage the hit on Helena. Ashley provided a few justifications for hunting Helena, and Haleigh was loathe to sound like she was agreeing with the bitter old crow, but she did need to give Alek some motivation to cut his own ties with Hellfire, for her sister’s sake.

“Last night Helena was positively giddy to tell me that Persephone would die slowly and painfully after we dealt with the Birds of Prey. So if you ask me, Helena could choke on a big bag of rubber dicks, and she’d still have died with too much dignity. If you can’t kill her, I get it. But don’t lie to yourself about it, Alek. She would rather lose you entirely than let Seph have any part of you.”

She said, and then since they were talking about the devil she decided to check that feed to see if she was still alive and even anything to worry about. When she saw the fight was about to spill out into the hall, Haleigh pulled an AR-15 out of thin air and quickly jammed the barrel right into Alek’s face, an antagonistic snarl on her face. Seconds later when Emiko popped Helena out of danger, Haleigh dropped her aim to the floor.

“Just in case Helena happened to see you standing there with all of us. You know, in case you need a cover story later.”

Because if he DID want to stay in Hellfire for some masochistic reason, then Haleigh owed it to him to help him survive this whole ordeal. Delilah stammered Alexis’ name, but it wasn’t exactly news to Haleigh. Alexis used Mystique’s voice to command the Red Guard, and gave them precious little time to get going.

Delilah: "How is she here? And why here?”

“How can only be Ororo, doing whatever the fuck she felt like doing without bothering to tell us. And why here? Because Helena’s here, and Alexis has a huge fucking axe to grind with her Aunt.”

Ash: “How did she get in here and why the hell are the Red Guards listening to her?”

“I see you’re about as astute and well-informed as an Amazon too. She’s the Red Bishop. But why do you care anyway? Let’s just thank her and stop wasting our 30 seconds.”

 

[Firebird]

Hellfire — The White Wing

Blaze sent a column of fire down the hallway towards the dark haired one who had conjured the snakes who were now all around Morgan, but she blinked out of the way and joined her comrade. She told them she wasn't afraid of snakes, or them.

Fathom: “Pity. That makes you stupid, not brave.”

"Well pip pip cheerio to you too."

Blaze braced for an attack from the blonde bitch, her bodied surrounded in flame. Fathom sprayed her with water. It just became steam, hissing off her skin.

"I'm hotter than that bitch."

But Blaze was caught off guard as another rush of water from her other side as the original intensified. She found herself trapped between the two walls of water, being crushed by their pressure.

Fathom: “Fire has always been the weakest of the elements.”

She couldn't get a breath, she couldn't get hot, all she could feel was the cold of the water, praying that Morgan could shake off her fear in time to help her.

Spellbinder: "BLAZE!!!"

She could just hear Morgan's voice...but she couldn't get any sounds out of her drowning lungs to respond. She could feel her bones crushing, the pressure like nothing she'd ever felt. And then she gave in to the blackness, as dark as the ocean floor.

 

[Titan]

Hellfire Mansion - The Red Wing to the Black Wing

When he saw Haleigh standing there in the Red Wing, with Delilah and some other Six people, he didn't even think. He just did it. And why not? He was a fine specimen of a man. She was a hot looking woman. They could make some beautiful Irish babies together. He could solve this WHOLE Black Widow/Persephone problem with 3 pints and a packet of crisps. Salt 'n Vinegar preferably.

Steel was using his disapproving voice. Which really didn't sound much different from his regular or angry voices. But HE was the one who wanted him to give up on Delilah in the first place. And if she just happened to get a little bit jealous over his crush type feelings for Haleigh? Well, that wasn't his fault in the slightest.

Haleigh: “Later.”

Andrew felt as if he were walking on air. John was pulling him along, but he managed a little wave as they went. When they were around a corner and out of sight he went down on one knee and did a major fist pump.

"Yes! Later! she said."

He was over the moon as they moved their way deeper into the Black Wing.

Recall: "They're planted. Keep your eyes open. There's no way she's left her wing unattended. If you think a place is too obvious for someone to be hiding, that's exactly where they are. Let's not be afraid to fuck shit up. The decor is tacky anyway."

Viv knew a lot. It was impressive, actually. If he hadn't just SCORED A DATE WITH HALEIGH DAVIDOFF he would have felt bad that the sum total of his infiltration knowledge came from watching Zizi play Call of Duty Black Ops. She signaled for them to stop, and that was one signal Andrew knew, so he did.

Recall: "There's a laser grid down this corridor. I saw it last night in the Hellfire blueprints. It has a sixty second recharge."

And then STABBED a guy, THREW him down the hall, and he was SLICED UP like cubed chicken.

Recall: "Run run run!"

Andrew hauled ass.

They found themselves in a crossroads, safe for the moment. And then there was a noise, a hissing, and Andrew was very sorry he had had that thought.

Cobra: "A snake?! Perhaps you are smarter than my Queen lets on. And that little grid move was impressive. It's a shame you've moved past your clearance. Means I have to kill you now. Can't have you knowing our secrets now can we?"

Andrew was starting to think he maybe should have joined Hellfire, because they had a shit ton of straight foxes working for them. He was amazed how fast fast the tall, dark haired woman was, and it seemed like instantly Viv was being thrown against the wall. He was distracted, unfocused, so he didn't register that the woman was throwing a blade at him until it sliced the skin of his knee.

Steel: "Strike one."

Andrew involuntarily made a noise. It was stinging like a giant paper cut.

Steel: “Titan!”

John sounded concerned, but no need. He waved Steel off.

"Don't worry! Just a flesh wound! Carry on!"

Cobra: "You've got right around forty five minutes or so with that venom before the necrosis starts happening. Two hours tops and that beautiful thick thigh of yours will fall off. I don't know what exactly you thought you were doing in The Black Wing, but I'm here to tell you, you got the short end of the stick. The other colors might bleed on a whim, but we don't waver like that in The Black Wing."

He did NOT want to know what necrosis was.

Steel: "We're here to kill you all. And I've heard the best antivenom comes from the dead snake that did the biting."

"Antivenom? What the hell?!"

Steel was fighting her, but Andrew kept hearing the word antivenom over in his head with an image of himself on a date with Haleigh with only one leg.

Vivica was ripping his pants. A dream he'd had actually, but now it didn't seem so very exciting.

Recall: "Andrew. I need you to sit in the chair here, and I need you to keep your shit together. Sit up right, remain calm, and really, really focus on being as still as possible."

"Um, okay."

He did as she instructed.

Recall: "You were born to kick something like this. This is what you do, babe. Defy the odds. That feeling when you are about to execute the perfect knock-on on the field. Use that. And focus on your body. Make it stay exactly how it is right now. And then John will kill her, and we can stick a needle in you and be on our goddamn way."

"You should leave me and go. I'm a goner. Tell my mam I love her."