Different ways of life

[Seer]

<< Matrix carried Isis, Silver Swan, Charope and Recall back to the Clock Tower, and they went inside, looking worse for the wear due to the emotional warfare they'd all just experienced.>>

<< But any chance of their being some sort of peace back at the clock tower was as elusive as a mirage in a hot desert.>>

<< As the group made their way to meet Oracle, Andrew, Tachyon, and Steel are already in attendance.>>

<< The only other two missing are Orion and Valkyrie, who are...otherwise occupied.>>

<< Some think this will merely be round 2 of their earlier meeting, they couldn't be more wrong.>>

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Zizi decided to spend some time working on Haleigh’s video file, looking for any clue that it was trying to tell them something more than what it appeared.

Andrew: “I think it might help if you played it a few times in slow motion.”

She knitted her brows together, giving him a look of displeasure.

“Oh, get a girlfriend, Andrew!”

She had found nothing, and as Tachyon and Steel returned to the Clocktower, she quickly shut the file. There was no need to broadcast Zach’s humiliation any more than it already had been.

She tried not to think about what was going on in the bedroom. What was abundantly clear to all that met her, was that Ashley was a different kind of person, and though she was hurting, the usual kind of comforts were not going to help her. And if Zach gave her what she needed…

But Zizi was worried. It had been a long time, and Berserker’s presence should not have affected her as much as it did. Especially for someone who usually let absolutely nothing affect her. She needed to spend some time alone with Ashley, try and help her through this, but not with everybody watching. That would just be cruel. So she just had to pray that Zach could help her through this crisis long enough for her to get real help. Though Zizi feared the cycle would just continue, and Ashley would never heal.

John let her know that Matrix was bringing the others back to the Clocktower, and would be there shortly. Sure enough, minutes later he, Isis, Silver Swan, Charope and Recall arrived. It was a packed house, but two were noticeably missing.

Zizi greeted everyone and reached out to Vivica for yet another hug and reassurance that she was alright.

“Are you SURE you’re okay, Viv? If you want to go lie down, no one would think less of you…Simon’s still resting in the guest room downstairs. I could make up a bed for you…?”

She turned to the others.

“I’m glad you’re all back here safe. How did it go with the Six?”

Of course Oracle KNEW how Recall’s tête-à-tête with Cameron had gone, because she had broadcast it in living color. But she was going to pretend she hadn’t seen it, at least until they could talk alone later.

 

[Titan]

The Clocktower

It had been a VERY weird day. First they found out Zach’s ex really WAS a total psycho (though a HOT one) and had left the Six for the Hellfire Club, some super secret club of super villains. Then they found out her SISTER (equally hot) had done the same thing. And then the sister attacked Vivica. And then the crazy ex girlfriend sent Zach a super hot video of her and some guy hung like a freight train going at it in some kinky fight club sex thing. (Andrew had almost fainted at the sight of THAT.) People were yelling at each other and storming out, and now everyone was back again, and Zach and Ashley were having sex again. And he was out here with Oracle watching the porn again.

He breathed out heavily.

Yep, it had been a hell of a day.

He stood behind Zizi, looking over her shoulder as she worked.

“I think it might help if you played it a few times in slow motion.”

She turned her head to look up at him, and she did not look accommodating.

“Oh, get a girlfriend, Andrew!”

His face fell, and he turned and slumped into a nearby chair.

“I had one. And she dumped me!”

He put his head in his hands. Zach got to sleep with Valkyrie TWICE, and here he was, watching a paralyzed computer nerd look for hidden messages in a sex tape.

Oracle: “Oh, Andrew…”

Zizi patted his arm comfortingly, then he felt her stiffen and turn off the monitor. An alert was going off letting them know Tachyon and Steel were coming into the Clocktower.

Andrew tried to make a manly face as he waived to them.

“What’s up…dudes?”

The others came in shortly after. He was actually surprised by this, because most of them seemed like they weren’t coming back when they left earlier. But here they all were. Zizi asked them about the Six.

He wondered if any of them had checked on Delilah…

 

[Steel]

The Clocktower

Steel liked the feeling of being on the tail. It was like second nature to him, so he didn’t even really have to think about it. And like most observe and do not engage operations, nothing happened. No one jumped out of the bushes to attack Vivica. No dragons tried to burn the Parthenon down. He followed her there. She talked to Cameron. She met back up with the others. She got in the car back to the Clocktower. End of story.

He nodded to Tachyon who arrived at the Clocktower at the same time he did. Andrew was already there with Zizi. He had an odd expression on his face. Well, odder than normal.

“What’s up…dudes?”

Steel looked at him carefully.

“Did you take a bunch of drugs, son?”

Turning to Zizi, he smiled.

“We had no problems. Matrix gave Viv & the others a ride, so I hightailed it back here. They should be here any second.”

And it wasn’t long before they were. It felt like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Were Dominique & Sharon just going to start complaining about everyone and everything again? Cause that was not what he was here for. As much as he wanted to be welcoming, he had to admit that Ashley had a point: they had done good work when it was just Zizi, Ash, Viv & him. They didn’t fight. They just got the job done. That’s why they worked. This new dynamic…he wasn’t so sure about. It’s not that he didn’t like the newcomers, because he did. It was just…it seemed like they wanted everyone to work with them but didn’t want to work with anyone else themselves.

 

[Tachyon]

One advantage of being the new guy: no one expected very much of you.

One disadvantage of being the new guy: no one expected very much of you.

It gave him some freedom to be sure, but it was BORING, and it did not have to be. He was capable of recon duty, or to assist if someone were attacked. He trusted Zizi had her reasons (Alison DID vouch for her) but he could not help but think that he was in a position to work easily with anyone WITHOUT friction and that was a skill in short supply so far. This meeting, or afterward, he would have more to say.

He entered with Steel after nods exchanged and he had to smile as John accused Andrew of drug usage. He got comfortable and waited as the room filled with everyone EXCEPT the two lovebirds from before. As the last group came in he gave Rich some dap, tried not to drool as he acknowledged Dominique, who seemed a bit upset. He looked to Rich who reassured him with a look.

Last was Vivica and she looked like she had been in a hell of a tussle and was still more than a bit put on about it. He showed her his seat (which was comfy but he was no twat) and grabbed her a quick glass of water with sliced cucumber and a sprig of mint. He looked to see if any of the others wanted any and Dominique nodded yes, receiving hers in about 3 seconds as he found somewhere to stand so he could see everyone...

 

[Recall]

The Clocktower

:: It was a quiet car ride for Vivica, but the fact that she was putting miles between herself and The Parthenon put her a bit at ease. For the first time tonight, she was taking a moment to relax. The injuries from her battle with Persephone were now causing a dulling pain throughout her body as the slighest indication of a migraine began to set in. In short, it had been one hell of a night for Vivica Lennox, but it had been one of great personal growth for her. She had faced Ava Cassadine and this time lived to tell about it. This time she had people who thought enough of her to help out and not leave her to her death, and she hoped she had given Ava a moment of pause about what she was doing. Her condemnation of Cameron played through her head in perfect detail on a loop. She had been brutal, and while she felt just in what she had said and the decision she had made, she could help but feel the smallest amount of guilt for the way she acted. But she had felt pushed into a corner, and she wasn't about to make the same mistakes that she had in the past. ::

:: Soon, they all had arrived at The Clocktower and made their way to the top floor. Oracle, Tachyon, Andrew and Steel were already there and she was glad to see so many friendly faces. It was a first for the evening. Immediately, Zizi pulled Vivica into a hug and she received it warmly. ::

"Are you SURE you're okay, Viv? If you want to go lie down, no one would think less of you...Simon's still resting in the guest room downstairs. I could make up a bed for you...?"

:: She pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself. ::

"I'm pretty sure I just experienced a RAGE blackout, but other than that..I think I'm good. We are still going to be in the same shit show tomorrow, so no sense in delaying the inevitable. But thanks for the concern...while it's on my mind, I'd love to talk to you later..in private. I know we all have a lot on our plates right now..but there are some things I will just feel safer addressing as soon as possible. Please?"

:: Vivica was talking about the business of the server housed at Clandestine. It had been on her mind all night. She was loyal to the agency, and at a basic level, she trusted them to keep it safe, but Vivica wasn't going to let it stay in their hands any longer. Not with Haleigh going rogue. It was too dangerous. She didn't see Zach around..but she had a feeling he might be one of the people in her way at the moment. Taking out her phone, she sent a text message. ::

>>"Hey Maverick...long time no talk. Listen, I'm sure you know what's gone down, and it's got a girl on edge. I'd love to see you..as soon as possible. I could use a little piece of mind, literally. Please keep me posted. -Goose."

:: She hadn't been in contact with Jack since she left for the states, but if there was anybody else besides Zach at Clandestine that might be able to help her, it was definitely him. Vivica turned her attention back towards the group. Just then Xavier offered her a seat and grabbed her a refreshing glass of water with some cucumber and mint. Looking at the glass, she realized how positively parched she was. She gulped it down and gave Xavier a smile of thanks. ::

Oracle: "I'm glad you're all back here safe. How did it go with the Six?"

"I can't speak for the others, but for me, it was a mixed bag. I'm not so sure how reliable an alliance with them is for the foreseeable future. It was pretty clear that nobody knows their ass from their elbow there. And it's clear we can't trust them to look out for us. We need to focus on each other and what this means for US...as well as our allies in the city...like that Danny Donnelly who helped Rose rescue Simon and myself. He seems promising..."

:: Pausing for a moment. ::

"Speaking of Rose..."

[she looked towards Sharon and Alycia]

"Something is very wrong with her. I don't know the nature of your relationship, and I don't know her all that well, but she has always seemed like a very calm and serene woman. Tonight, when Ava attacked Simon and I...and she came to our rescue...it was a side of her I have never seen, and from the looks of it...Simon and Dannny hadn't either. She looked positively possessed full of rage...and her goodbye message was to have me tell Zach that he had FAILED...in an almost DEMONIC voice.."

:: shaking her head. ::

"I'd much rather go and see if Rose is okay than any other members of The Six. She seemed shaken and unusual. It's clear that Zach must have not been visiting her lately..and after everything we went through with The Purifiers, I think she deserves our attention."

 

[Citadel]

Brooklyn - Near Heritage

:: The encounters with Rose both in the "Rose Garden" District, as he had taken to calling Rose's entire city block as well as the revelation that another Cassadine was poised to continue on the family tradition of destroying everything around them had been very sobering. He had sensed that the coming darkness in the city for months, and he was trying desperately to stay on top of things, only to arrive too late and with no a clue to decipher. As he walked down the streets of Brooklyn towards Heritage, his bar, it was almost as if the city could sense his own distress and was working hard on pleasing it's sentry. He passed inebriated couples in various states of romance around every corner and dark alley, street performers singing and dancing, thrill seeking peddlers who were dangerously far from the garment district trying to sell him knock off handbags. Every foot he took on the sidewalk seemed to remind him exactly why he loved New York City and why he felt so compelled to protect it. Whenever he was in doubt, the city reminded him. Whenever he was unsure, the city took care of him and vice versa. Their relationship was not one understood by many, but before long, by the time he was just across the street from his bar, he was beginning to feel a lot better about things. He would figure this out, and when the time came, he would protect his city just as he always did. ::

:: The night was wearing on and people were flooding the streets on their way home or to some kind of fancy after hours event, a hallmark of city night life. As he approached the doors of his bar, a calm came over him. The bar was all but empty, outside of the few regulars that remained as fixtures in the location, as if they were barstools. They were more part of the bar than Danny was himself. The jukebox was playing some soft old soul rock music as Danny made his way through the main area, behind the bar and promptly made himself a drink. Well not so much a drink as much as a glass of vodka with a few ice cubes and an olive. ::

voice: "I got me a few numbers tonight, Danny! Yes sir! Things are looking up for good old Gus!"

:: Danny smiled as he looked in the man's direction. Gus, one of the afformentioned regulars was firmly in his regular spot, shelled peanuts all over his chest and a large glass of half dranken, warm gin resting closely next to him. He was an absolute slob and a real piece of work. But he had always been a patron, from the moment Danny opened his doors, and he was nice enough, malleable and he knew when to shut up and go home. Not every citizen of New York was glamorous and well read, but they were all equally important. Gus played his part, and Danny was grateful for his business. ::

another voice: "I don't know, Gus. I'd try those numbers if I were you. I know for a fact at least one of them was for Chang Phang's on 32nd!"

:: Looking over, Danny saw the friendly face of his bar manager, Angel Ramos. One of Danny's oldest friends. They had grown up in the same neighborhood. Used to box each other and swindle tourists for cash together in their wildest days. His parents didn't even mind his friendship with Danny, although they had an arsenal of creative ways to say "hispanic". He was one of the few in his life that hadn't been phased by the revelation that he was gay, and Danny always made sure to bring him into whatever it was that he was doing. Angel was the bar manager for Heritage, he was a good old latin Brooklyn boy, who was happily married and about to have a baby. Danny let him work whatever hours he wanted and take whatever amount of tips there were up for grabs. While his bar was a modest success, it was never about money for Danny. It was about creating a safe space for his city. ::

"Ah give him a break, Angel! Like the broads of Brooklyn could resist the charm of such a gamboni! Last call, Gus. You want anything before we start breaking things down?"

Gus: "Just put a few ice cubes in her, Danny! I'll be gone soon! *Hiccup* Got some calls to make!"

Angel: "I hope you like mongolian beef, Gus! Cause that's the only thing your ugly ass is getting tonight!"

:: The three men laughed. Danny took a sip of his drink. ::

"Hey meathead, why don't you go home to your wiffe? I'm sure she's still up. If only to accuse you of flirtin' with all the women at the bar and of me takin' advantage of your good nature!"

:: Angel smiled ::

Angel: "Aye dios mio, she's KILLING me with these pregnancy mood swings! I come home early, I ain't workin' enough, I come home late, I been cheatin'. Damned if I do, damned if I don't!"

"Veronica is a good woman, Angel. You only got three more months of this...and then I'm sure she'll find a whole new set a things to bust your chops about."

Angel: "Alright, boss. I'm out. Try not to burn the place down."

"I wouldn't break even with an insurance policy payout at this point."

:: Angel made haste and was out of the bar in a flash as Gus finished his drink and before long, Danny was by himself, listening to music and mopping the floors of the bar, happy to be alone and doing something that he loved. Even if it was mopping floors. When George Michael's "Faith" came on, his mopping became a bit more animated as he began to shake his hips back and forth, using the mop head as a microphone. ::

"Well I guess it would be nice, if I could touch your body! I know not everybody, has got a body like you--ooh-ooh!"

:: He was lost in the moment, so much so that he didn't hear the doors opening, doors he had forgotten to lock. Soon a familiar voice called out to him, singing along to the song. ::

male voice: "Cause you gotta have faith, a faith, faith!!!"

:: Danny's eyes widened for a moment, as he was caught in the act, a little embarrassed, immediately readjusting, making sure to hold the microphone...he meant mop in his hand, in a far more professional way. ::

"Jesus Christ! You scared the hell out of me! When did YOU get back in town?"

 

[Discord]

To Brooklyn

:: The last six months has been surprising to say the least. The mutiny of Hellfire Europe had brought about great change to the courts but it had not been the change that Daniel had wished to see. To bare witness to the likes of Archer Fairchild, Bretta O'Malley and Alistair Thatcher take the highest positions the Inner Circle had to offer was not something he was interested in entertaining. They were simply more of the same thing. Daniel was an American and one of the few in the club who had a "dual citizenship" among both the american and european courts, and so, he said his goodbyes to the only person left he respected in Hellfire Europe, Juliette De Lacroix, the new White Queen and he returned to the states, resigning as The Red Bishop. He was not out of the game, but he would no longer serve on a court of self inflated interest and belief. He had been working towards finding the RIGHT candidates for the European Inner Circle, and he knew he was on to something. Once the red court met Amanda Sefton, he knew it would be a done deal. She would bring him in when the time was right, but for now, he was experiencing an extended bout of free time. ::

:: He had been stateside for several months, tying up loose business ends and acclimating himself to the state of business in the city. He was a venture capitalist with an extensive portfolio, and as a highly skilled and severe empath, he often gained an advantage in business deals, able to see his competitions true emotional ties and how to exploit them. For awhile now, he had maintainted ownership on a piece of land that The Zenith Group needed in order to complete construction for The Parisian Parthenon location. He had entertained meetings with the likes of Ava Cassadine and Simon Pratt, all wining and dining him in order to get him to soften his resolve to turn the piece of land into a profitable strip mall, something that would drive down the value of the Parisian Parthenon and quite frankly, entertain Daniel to pieces. But something had happen in recent weeks, the drive to complete the Parisian project had all but halted and Daniel had found himself a bit bored, that is, until he had attended The Blackout Party. Daniel was often a guest and companion of Helena Quartermaine. Whenever he stayed in the states, he maintained residence at the Hellfire Mansion, spending his days in meetings and assessing prospects, and spending his nights drinking champagne and embarking in all kinds of gossip with The Red Queen herself. The two were very similar creatures who enjoyed each other's company very much. She treated him like some kind of fashionable gay accessory, and she was one of the only people that he wasn't bothered by that with. Helena was a true girlfriend, and there was nobody that he would rather spend the day having brunch with and shredding the general public's lack of fashion sense with. ::

:: The Blackout Party had been a doozy. He saw a new and poised Inner Circle ready to take charge, one that was far more effective and powerful than their European counterparts. Their courts were filling up and they seemed poised to take the same ideas that the now deceased Rebecca Everhart had for her own court, and move them into the future. For an empath, Blackout Parties were often the pinnacle of esctacy, and this one was no exception. He had his naughty fun, and then gossiped about it with Helena the next morning like two school girls. In the back of his mind, he always flirted with the idea of joining an American court, though he wasn't quite sure how he would fit in. But he was an opportunist. If his plans didn't work in Europe, he might call the ear of his gal pal, and see what he could accomplish in New York City. One thing was clear, no matter what side of the pond he was on, his blood ran RED. Tonight, he had been having quite a fabulous night out. Drinks at The Rainbow Room, dancing at Chateau. Everything had been perfect...but his mind began to wonder. Daniel came from a family of great privilege and success. He grew up with all the trappings of very rich and successful American tradition. He rode horses, there was an actual and established cocktail hour. He had tennis lessons and a private tutor. He lived behind the gates. But Daniel secretly craved people who were not like him. He was turned on by the every man. He was not a man that entertained long term relationships. The thought of reliving the archaic and ancient mating ritual of his blue blood parents was not something that excited Daniel. For as poised and regal as Daniel was, he was always a bit intrigued by those who lived their life in a different way. ::

:: Danny Donnelly was one of those people. Daniel had met him a few years ago on a particularly drunk night out. He was a gorgeous man. A bit older, a whole lot more carefree..and he was sexy as hell. Not to mention, they had the same name. Daniel was incredibly interested in the man who was in his mid thirties and still insisted on being called "Danny". He hadn't seen Danny in a minute, and as the alcohol circulated through his system, he found himself leaving his fabulous group of friends and stomping the curbs of the streets of Brooklyn, a place that Daniel had only heard about. Before long, he found himself in front of the bar that Danny owned. Heritage. It was equal parts cool and tragic. Outside of his blue collar upbringing, Danny was actually kind of a cool guy. He REALLY loved New York and his bar hosted a number of unique memorabilia and history. Outside of all that, Daniel was drunk and looking for a good time, and Danny Donnelly was just kind of that good time guy. ::

:: He stepped into the doors of Heritage, only to find Danny exactly as he had envisioned. Carefree and singing along to George Michael, Daniel watched with a bit of morbid curiousity as Danny swiveled his hips and sang into a mop handle. This was why he was drawn to the man. He just did things that didn't exist in Daniel's world. Smiling, he stepped forward and sang along to the jukebox. ::

"Cause you gotta have faith, a faith, faith!!!"

:: Daniel laughed as he watched the man feel so totally and completely caught. ::

Danny: "Jesus Christ! You scared the hell out of me! When did YOU get back in town?"

:: Shaking his head with amusement he sat down on a barstool and unbuttoned one of the buttons on his shirt. ::

"I've been back for a few weeks actually. It's only now that I've been drunk enough to endure to endure the smell of sawdust and puke. At least long enough to say hello."

:: Smirking. ::

"How's it hanging, Danny? I hope as well endowed as ever.."

:: Daniel stood up from his stool, walked behind the bar and began to make himself a drink by himself. ::

"Don't act like you're so surprised to see me. I'm not a ghost.."

:: laughing ::

"So..how is the sentry of the city handling the aftermath of the blackout party..."

:: taking a sip of his drink ::

"Gotta tell ya, this one was particularly titillating. In fact, that's half the reason I'm here."

:: cocking his head to the side. ::

"I've been in the city for weeks now...and for whatever reason, all I can think about is that hairy little chest of yours...and how good your scruff feels against my neck. Thought I might surprise you..and see if you haven't lost that loving feeling? You're a Hall & Oates fan from what I remember?"

 

[Citadel]

Brooklyn - Heritage Bar

:: Daniel. ::

"Of course he would show up tonight."

:: Everybody had that person in their life that wasn't necessarily good for them on paper. Daniel was that guy for Danny. He was rich and powerful and privileged and kind of boring, but for whatever reason, Danny enjoyed him immensely. He was such a wasp, not unlike Simon Pratt who he had met earlier that evening. Danny knew of Daniel's connections to the Hellfire Club and that alone should have been enough to keep him away, but for whatever reason, Danny always felt himself drawn to the man who had once been the Red Bishop. As an urban elemental, Danny was easily able to discern good from evil. He could tell those who wished to destroy the city that he loved and those who wished to help it grow. Daniel never knew this, and Danny would never say it to him, but Daniel was not as dubious as he liked to believe. He was power hungry, and he was gunning to take control of something..ANYTHING really. But Danny saw the good in him. His quest for power and his ability to wind up on the right side of things was intriguing to Danny, but not surprising. Daniel had all the makings of a hero. Danny had seen it from the first time that they met, all those years ago. ::

Daniel: "Cause you gotta have faith, a faith, faith!!!"

:: Immediately Danny tensed for a moment. ::

"Jesus Christ! You scared the hell out of me! When did YOU get back in town?"

Discord: "I've been back for a few weeks actually. It's only now that I've been drunk enough to endure to endure the smell of sawdust and puke. At least long enough to say hello."

"Well don't I feel like the belle of the ball."

Discord: "How's it hanging, Danny? I hope as well endowed as ever.."

"I've never been one to dissappoint. Maybe you should take a closer look."

Discord: "Don't act like you're so surprised to see me. I'm not a ghost. So..how is the sentry of the city handling the afermath of the blackout party...Gotta tell ya, this one was particularly tittilating. In fact, that's half the reason I'm here. I've been in the city for weeks now...and for whatever reason, all I can think about is that hairy little chest of yours...and how good your scruff feels against my neck. Thought I might surprise you..and see if you haven't lot that loving feeling? You're a Hall & Oates fan from what I remember?"

:: Danny smiled a bit mischieviously for a moment. These two had always teetered the line of intriguue with each other. Danny was not a guy who wanted a long term relationship. As a gay man, he could always see his life from one of two ways. One of those ways was simply by himself, raising a child and being both authorative and understanding, and the other was him meeting a man and raising a man with another person. It was conflicting. The latter was always fighting with the Danny that coulldn't be bothered by a relationship. Whatever the case, Danny was very glad that Daniel had came to see him. He moved his way across the bar, over towards Daniel. He grabbed the empath's colllar and lifted him close. ::

"Oh I haven't lost that loving feeling, Daniel. But be honest, you're a rich girl and you've gone too far, but you know it don't matter anyway."

:: He pulled Daniel closer to him, kissing him passionately. Delicately, he set Daniel back down. ::

Discord: "Mmm..you know just what to say..."

"Yeah...and your ass is just as firm and high as ever...."

:aniel peaked in esctacy as Danny moved over his body, unbuttoning his shirt and kissing his neck with reckless abandon. He began to completely unbutton Daniel's shirt with seductive purpose. ::

"Let's see if this hairy chest can satisfy you, Daniel. You like how this feels?.."

:: He did. Danny kissed Daniel's chest and made his way down the man's bare torso. He kissed the man's chest with abandon.."

"Be a good man for me. Kiss me you fool!"

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

For a while he didn't think about how horrible things were, he just focused on her, giving her what she needed. He had not ever expected to see this side of her, and though he knew it was for someone else, it was still nice to feel, and be felt.

He could have taken all night with it, but they could already hear people returning. Zach couldn't remember if he'd locked the door behind himself when he came in, and suspected at least one person would barge in. He sped up the tempo and poured on the passion, so they could at least finish before they were rudely interrupted.

Laying together afterward, he held her close and rubbed the streaked mascara from her face with the pad of his thumb. The emotions of the group returning from the Parthenon were flooding the apartment on the other side of the door. Zach gave Ashley a kind smile.

"You'd better fix your war paint. Some of the women out there are feeling RUTHLESS."

He would much rather just stay where they were, and pretend the situation they were faced with didn't exist, but it was clear they weren't going to get that luxury.

 

[Isis]

The Clocktower

Zizi greeted everyone and reached out to Vivica for yet another hug and reassurance that she was alright.

“Are you SURE you’re okay, Viv? If you want to go lie down, no one would think less of you…Simon’s still resting in the guest room downstairs. I could make up a bed for you…?”

She turned to the others.

“I’m glad you’re all back here safe. How did it go with the Six?”

He looked to see if any of the others wanted any and Dominique nodded yes, receiving hers in about 3 seconds as he found somewhere to stand so he could see everyone...

:: It was encouraging to see that not ALL of the men on this team had forgotten their manners. Andrew was nice, sweet even. But could he really last? John...one minute Dominique thought she might like him, the next she wanted to sweep him into the dust bin. How could man with such strong mana be so...naive, and so willing to be a TOOL for a system (the police department) that ultimately didnt value OR respect him, AND he was steadfast in his support of that cow VALKYRIE!? Dominique recognized no man made authority. She'd struck down "men in uniform" in the past during her travels around the world, and would do so again if necessary.::

:: sitting posed, Dominique looks at Zizi::

I found my nephew in a state of mania and distress. He'd been like that for several days, following the truth about Haleigh being revealed and her abrupt departure. I restored him, helped him clean up, and was about to extract him from the Parthenon, and the SIX. That team is in utter disary, with Cameron King being being the worst among them.

:: Zizi was aware of what a "special case" Nicolas was. Dominique's nephew was the son of the demonic god SET. Should he be killed, Set would be able to break out of the prison that Dominique had banished him to, using Nicolas' blood and body to return to this world. Dominique was charged by her goddess to guard Nicolas and keep that from ever happening.::

However, after talking with him, and Delilah Trelevan, who seems to be doing far better than when I last saw HER, I decided to allow Nicolas to remain with them. He needs them....and they need him...I sense that mutual need to be GENUINE. Nicolas and Delilah expressed a genuine belief that all hope was not lost regarding Haleigh Davidoff, but that they were going to take care of each other, and be ready for HER.

I allowed him to remain.

:: looking at Richard, then Sharon, Alycia and Vivica, before returning her gaze to Zizi.::

But I WILL be watching.

"I can't speak for the others, but for me, it was a mixed bag. I'm not so sure how reliable an alliance with them is for the foreseeable future. It was pretty clear that nobody knows their ass from their elbow there. And it's clear we can't trust them to look out for us.

We certainly can't.

Those of us who have personal connections to any certain members of that team, such as myself and Nicolas, or Delilah for example, at least have THAT option...but there is no point in looking for a coordinated group effort from that team.

And while the REALITY of this danger has crystalized for them after some of them saw the attack on Recall and Longshot by Persephone, they are STILL collectively holding on to some sort of...HOPE...regarding Haleigh. It will be their downfall. The same goes for anyone in THIS room....

:: Zach was missing at the moment so...::

OR on this team.

We need to focus on each other and what this means for US...as well as our allies in the city...like that Danny Donnelly who helped Rose rescue Simon and myself. He seems promising..."

:: Pausing for a moment. ::

"Speaking of Rose..."

[she looked towards Sharon and Alycia]

"Something is very wrong with her. I don't know the nature of your relationship, and I don't know her all that well, but she has always seemed like a very calm and serene woman. Tonight, when Ava attacked Simon and I...and she came to our rescue...it was a side of her I have never seen, and from the looks of it...Simon and Dannny hadn't either. She looked positively possessed full of rage...and her goodbye message was to have me tell Zach that he had FAILED...in an almost DEMONIC voice.."

:: shaking her head. ::

"I'd much rather go and see if Rose is okay than any other members of The Six. She seemed shaken and unusual. It's clear that Zach must have not been visiting her lately..and after everything we went through with The Purifiers, I think she deserves our attention."

:: Rose! The woman was regal, and mysterious, but she knew her, and had a friendly connection to her. Rose had taken the baby that Isis had SAVED from the Purifiers in Central Park!::

I do know that among other things, Rose has the power of mediumship and divination. Perhaps she has perceived or divined some of Zach's behavior of late, and KNOWS why he has been so neglectful in his duty to her and those children, and she's ANGRY. If so, she has EVERY RIGHT to be. This situation effects even HER.

Of everyone on this team, Zach been the most naive and foolish of all where Haleigh and Ava are concerned. Is he even AWARE of Persephone's attack on you, Vivica?

 

[MorningStar]

The Parthenon – Delilah’s Suite

Delilah returned to her suite, tired, tipsy and full of burritos. And no less worried about Cameron and the inevitable fallout from his turning off his emotions as they pertained to Haleigh. He insisted he was fine, and at this point all Delilah could do was be there to catch him if he needed it.

She took a hot shower, then crawled into bed and flipped the tv on.

“Yessss…”

Project Runway was still on.

She picked up the half-eaten bag of powdered sugar donuts from her nightstand, and noticed her phone. Grabbing it, she stared at it for a minute indecisively, before dropping it onto the bed next to her. She continued to watch. They were critiquing the final collections.

She looked at her phone again, then picked it up and dialed. He answered on the first ring.

“Hey.”

Maxim: “Hey.”

“Did I wake you?”

Maxim: “Me? No way, I never sleep. Just watching tv in bed.”

“Me too.”

Maxim: “Everything okay?”

“So Cameron slept with Haleigh. And he told Alycia about it, the moron. And I’m pretty sure either Sharon or Vivica nearly broke his jaw. And Ava attacked Vivica and nearly killed her. How’s your night?”

Maxim: “Well, you know, Erin won Project Runway. [scoffs] She made a dress that looks like it has turds on it.”

“I know!”

Maxim: “And that Zac Posen, what a total dickhead.”

“I know! Laurence right?”

Maxim: [agreeing] “Laurence...”

She laughed, smiling.

Maxim: “So…you want to go back to that Ava Cameron thing?”

She sighed, turning onto her side.

“So now everyone but me pretty much hates Haleigh, and Cameron acts like he doesn’t care. Well I guess, he actually doesn’t care. He’s turned off all his emotions when it comes to Haleigh, so it’s like Stepford Cam over there.”

Maxim: “Hold up. Turned off his emotions? Is that like an actual mutant thing? Can YOU do that?”

“No, not like this. Not officially…”

She let that sentence trail off. They both knew what she had been like…after…

He was silent on the other end of the line.

“I shouldn’t have called…it’s just. I don’t have anyone I can talk to about this now. With Cam acting all weird...”

Maxim: “No, you should. I’m…glad you called.”

He paused.

Maxim: “Your friends-“

He sighed.

Maxim: “They’re doing what they need to do to get through this. Even Cameron. And you kindof have to let them do it. As much as it sucks. You know what they say about going through hell… And when they come out the other side they’ll need you.”

She nodded, even though she knew he couldn’t see it.

Maxim: “But you. You need to let yourself feel what you feel. It’s okay to be sad that you’ve lost your best friend. It’s okay to hope that you’ll get her back one day. If you want to be able to be there for your friends when they need it, you have to let yourself feel it now. But it’s going to take time for you to work through all of it. It’s a totally bone situation.“

“Totally bone.”

He was silent a long moment.

Maxim: “If they come for you, you can’t hold back, Lilah.”

“I know.”

Maxim: “I’m here if you need to talk about it. About her. I can listen.”

She smiled.

“Thanks.”

Maxim: “Delilah?”

“Yes?”

Maxim: “They turned on you like this, didn’t they, because of me?”

“Everyone but Haleigh.”

She could hear his long exhale through the phone, before he spoke again.

Maxim: “Goodnight, darlin’. If you need me…just call.”

“Goodnight.”

She pressed End on her phone, but she didn’t go right to sleep. She just lay there for a while, thinking about what to do.

Everyone but Haleigh…

 

[Artemis]

The Clocktower

She turned to the others.

“I’m glad you’re all back here safe. How did it go with the Six?”

:: She was going to skip this meeting, and retire to her quarters. But then she thought better of that. Why should she let that BASTARD interrupt her efforts anymore than he already had? He wasn't worth it. He wasn't worthy of HER, he NEVER HAD BEEN.::

It was a waste of time.

:: She said coldly.::

It was a mistake for me to go there.

:: Alycia looked tired and grim. On the way back to the clocktower, Dominique had conjured a hankerchief to give to her, and the amazon had wiped the tears away, but she definitely looked like she'd been through an emotional storm, and she HAD been. Cameron King was a liar and a FRAUD, and Haleigh Davidoff prooved Alycia to be RIGHT all along.::

:: It was a good thing Black Widow was the ENEMY in FACT as well as PERCEPTION, because NOW it would be all the more justified, all the more SATISFYING to KILL HER.::

We don't owe Prophet anymore professional courtesies.

:: Again, said in a low, cold tone as Sharon placed one of her hands on Alycia's in support.

"I can't speak for the others, but for me, it was a mixed bag. I'm not so sure how reliable an alliance with them is for the foreseeable future. It was pretty clear that nobody knows their ass from their elbow there. And it's clear we can't trust them to look out for us. We need to focus on each other and what this means for US...as well as our allies in the city...like that Danny Donnelly who helped Rose rescue Simon and myself. He seems promising..."

Morgan sent me a text several days ago. She told me that she and her family were discussing leaving the Parthenon. I haven't heard back from her since that night, so I don't know if that's changed....

Sharon: Something must have happened, probably the revelation of Haleigh, because according to Cass, The Victoria family is still there.

Alycia: Well... I didn't get to see her, because everything was pretty DERAILED by that thoughtless asshole jerkoff Cameron.

:: Dominique smirked and Richard looked away...::

Sharon: I didn't reach Morgan either, because of what happened. But I don't mind trying again. I know that if she, Blaze, and Karen were aware...they'd stay in touch with us and be willing to help or exchange information. Cameron King is NOT the face of that team, nor should he be regarded as such. His own foolhardy behavior and misguided attitude will be his downfall.

:: Pausing for a moment. ::

"Speaking of Rose..."

[she looked towards Sharon and Alycia]

"Something is very wrong with her. I don't know the nature of your relationship, and I don't know her all that well, but she has always seemed like a very calm and serene woman. Tonight, when Ava attacked Simon and I...and she came to our rescue...it was a side of her I have never seen, and from the looks of it...Simon and Dannny hadn't either. She looked positively possessed full of rage...and her goodbye message was to have me tell Zach that he had FAILED...in an almost DEMONIC voice.."

:: shaking her head. ::

"I'd much rather go and see if Rose is okay than any other members of The Six. She seemed shaken and unusual. It's clear that Zach must have not been visiting her lately..and after everything we went through with The Purifiers, I think she deserves our attention."

I spoke face to face with Delilah. She is quite certain about Haleigh...but I know that she won't allow Haleigh to hurt anyone that she cares about...that WE care about.

:: Alycia AND Sharon stared at Vivica for a moment.::

Vivica, you make it sound like Rose was about to turn into CARRIE!

Before she attacked Ava she said "You KILLED my children..."

Don't forget, PERSEPHONE....however unintentional it may have been at THAT time...did the enemies work FOR them, when she K.O.'ed Sharon , preventing her from getting more children out of the bus before it finally exploded. Perhaps there is some lingering RESENTMENT, and for Rose to see Ava attacking you and Simon, someone who TRIED to help the night of the bus accident, it pissed her off to no end.

Sharon: But even so, WHERE was Zachary when this occurred? And to hear that he has NOT been in contact with Rose?

:: Now THIS pissed Alycia off. Another man, another FAILURE...::

Zach inherited my portfolio when I was forced into exile with the Six. Among my ongoing projects was Rose and her sanctuary. He HAD been doing a fantastic job, picking up where I left of, ENSURING that the streams of funds and other support she needed, that Sharon and I had secured for her before, were firmly in place, EXPANDING that even.

...but Ana-Leigh, she advised me that it's been OVER A MONTH since he last contacted ROSE! I would call that a FAILURE too.


I want to know WHY that is!

:: And NONE of them was yet aware that Rose's sanctuary had been intruded upon by the Hellfire Club's Black Knight, Cobra, or WHY that happened!::

Sharon: In the video, she said she was going back to the sanctuary after she rescued Simon and Vivica. Maybe We should go see her, RIGHT NOW, and make sure she's okay.

:: Vivica's point about it needing to be them INSTEAD of the Six was spot on.::

Rose has no close ties to anyone on the Six. She only met some of them directly during the Purifiers battle. I think it would be best if Sharon and I alone went to see her.

But AFTER I get an explanation from Zach about why he's been NEGLECTING his responsibility!

:: Alycia's hand balled into a fist...::

If I had known he was going to get so damn SLOPPY after his two faced, twisted, robo-slut ex fiance showed her true colors....

:: Xavier and Rich again couldn't help but audibly react to Alycia's withering description of the infamous Haleigh Davidoff, and it was clear that whatever happened between herself and Cameron at the Parthenon had a lot to do with it. But only Sharon, Dominique, Vivica and Richard knew most or the whole story.::

 

[Silver Swan]

The Clocktower

I Also spoke with Cass and while she is truly shaken by the events, she IS ready to defend herself and her team. But she can't do it alone, and unless she, Delilah and Nicolas have the support and coopration of Morgan, and her sister, then that team is woefully unprepared for what is coming to them. Cameron is....

[ Looking at Alycia, and recalling the bizarre things he said in his "defense" as he deflected the consequences of his actions on to everyone ELSE around him, including Sharon and Alycia...]

...He is LOST.

How ELSE would you describe someone who could justify doing what he did.

[ She left it at that.]

He CAN'T be relied upon, nor can his judgement be trusted at this point. Our points of contact with the Six should be Delilah, and Morgan.

[ Vivica brought up Rose, and the conversation shifted. Neither Sharon or Alycia appreciated the way Vivica described Rose...but Recall wasn't saying this to 'tattle' on her. She acknowledged that Rose had helped save her life, but she seemed GENUINELY concerned, UNNERVED by what she'd seen.]

Vivica, you make it sound like Rose was about to turn into CARRIE!

Before she attacked Ava she said "You KILLED my children..."

Don't forget, PERSEPHONE....however unintentional it may have been at THAT time...did the enemies work FOR them, when she K.O.'ed Sharon , preventing her from getting more children out of the bus before it finally exploded. Perhaps there is some lingering RESENTMENT, and for Rose to see Ava attacking you and Simon, someone who TRIED to help the night of the bus accident, it pissed her off to no end.

But even so, WHERE was Zachary when this occurred? And to hear that he has NOT been in contact with Rose?

:: Now THIS pissed Alycia off. Another man, another FAILURE...::

Zach inherited my portfolio when I was forced into exile with the Six. Among my ongoing projects was Rose and her sanctuary. He HAD been doing a fantastic job, picking up where I left of, ENSURING that the streams of funds and other support she needed, that Sharon and I had secured for her before, were firmly in place, EXPANDING that even.

...but Ana-Leigh, she advised me that it's been OVER A MONTH since he last contacted ROSE! I would call that a FAILURE too.

Alycia: AND I want to know WHY that is.

Sharon: So do I!

Maybe our MISTAKE was in trusting Zach to handle the case of Rose ALONE.



[ She looked at Alycia]

Maybe you and I should have taken that particular project BACK from him, once WE returned.

Alycia: But there's no way we could've known that things were going to go the way they have. I mean....HALEIGH....AND AVA!?

Sharon: AND Zachary has overlapping, ENTANGLED relationships to BOTH women. Given his behavior since the truth about Haleigh came out...is it any WONDER he's gotten so SLOPPY and neglectful!?

[ Sharon didn't know just how SPOT on what she was saying was, as no one in the room had YET found out that Zach slept with Ava RIGHT before she attacked Simon and Vivica. Hell, they didn't even know what...or WHOM he was doing right now!]

In the video, she said she was going back to the sanctuary after she rescued Simon and Vivica. Maybe We should go see her, RIGHT NOW, and make sure she's okay.

[ Vivica's point about it needing to be them INSTEAD of the Six was spot on.]

Rose has no close ties to anyone on the Six. She only met some of them directly during the Purifiers battle. I think it would be best if Sharon and I alone went to see her.

AFTER I get an explanation from Zach about why he's been NEGLECTING his responsibility!

:: Alycia's hand balled into a fist...::

If I had known he was going to get so damn SLOPPY after his two faced, twisted, robo-slut ex fiance showed her true colors....

:: Xavier and Rich again couldn't help but audibly react to Alycia's withering description of the infamous Haleigh Davidoff, and it was clear that whatever happened between herself and Cameron at the Parthenon had a lot to do with it. But only Sharon, Dominique, Vivica and Richard knew most or the whole story.::

I agree. he has MUCH to answer for.

After what happened with the purifiers, and knowing that all of the children...

Isis: AND infants even....

...that she cares for. It's not a stretch to assume that there aren't OTHER people out there that would have nefarious interests in her sanctuary.

[ Sharon looks around]

WHERE is Zachary!? You would think that considering all of this stems from HIS ex-fiance, and that it extends to even ROSE, someone he CLAIMS to care about, he would be PRESENT!

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower

Ashley rested her head on Zach’s chest, and nestled in closer to him. He wiped her face with his thumb, perpetuating the lie. But she let him.

"You'd better fix your war paint. Some of the women out there are feeling RUTHLESS."

She smirked.

“I’d look better than them if you poured tar over me and wrapped me in a paper bag.”

She closed her eyes with a sigh, one hand playing with his chest hair. She was dozing off, finally a feeling of contentment having washed over her, shutting out the world, when there was a commotion outside her room.

Zizi [via com]: “Uh, I think you two better get out here.”

Ashley opened her eyes. She could tell Zizi was trying to whisper. They were clearly having some type of meeting out there, but Ashley wasn’t having it. They could whine and bitch without her, for all she cared. She was busy, and besides the last thing she wanted right now was to look at Sharon and Dominique’s smug faces.

She slipped out of bed and pulled Zach’s discarded shirt on, feet padding to the door which she opened but only leaned out of.

“Can you take this powwow downstairs? We’re sort of in the middle of something here.”

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Zizi looked up at Vivica with concern.

"I'm pretty sure I just experienced a RAGE blackout, but other than that..I think I'm good. We are still going to be in the same shit show tomorrow, so no sense in delaying the inevitable. But thanks for the concern...while it's on my mind, I'd love to talk to you later..in private. I know we all have a lot on our plates right now..but there are some things I will just feel safer addressing as soon as possible. Please?"

“Of course, of course. It’s been on my mind as well.”

Of course Zizi knew exactly what Vivica wanted to discuss, but this was yet another thing that wasn’t for public ears. She changed the subject to the Six.

We don't owe Prophet anymore professional courtesies.

So then, she knew. Poor Alycia. Zizi made a little sad face at her. She knew what it felt like to care about someone who didn’t care about you in return. She hated to see it in the face of the Amazon.

Those of us who have personal connections to any certain members of that team, such as myself and Nicolas, or Delilah for example, at least have THAT option...but there is no point in looking for a coordinated group effort from that team.

“That’s what my intel on them has been saying. They are fractured.”

And while the REALITY of this danger has crystalized for them after some of them saw the attack on Recall and Longshot by Persephone, they are STILL collectively holding on to some sort of...HOPE...regarding Haleigh. It will be their downfall. The same goes for anyone in THIS room....OR on this team.

Zizi stayed silent. She knew there was no use in going down the rabbit hole of arguing about holding out hope that Haleigh was just playing the long game. She kept Zach’s firm belief that Haleigh was trying to get a message to them to herself. There would be time to discuss that later, if she even found anything.

"I can't speak for the others, but for me, it was a mixed bag. I'm not so sure how reliable an alliance with them is for the foreseeable future. It was pretty clear that nobody knows their ass from their elbow there. And it's clear we can't trust them to look out for us. We need to focus on each other and what this means for US...as well as our allies in the city...like that Danny Donnelly who helped Rose rescue Simon and myself. He seems promising..."

“Yes, Danny has always been a champion for this city. He could be very useful to us. We should reach out to him, make contact. Maybe Rose can make an introduction?”

"Speaking of Rose...Something is very wrong with her…She looked positively possessed full of rage...and her goodbye message was to have me tell Zach that he had FAILED...in an almost DEMONIC voice.."

“Yes, I noticed her seemingly erratic behavior as well. Zach just thought it was her being upset with him about a reading she had given him.”

Of everyone on this team, Zach been the most naive and foolish of all where Haleigh and Ava are concerned. Is he even AWARE of Persephone's attack on you, Vivica?

“He’s aware. He was here with me when it was happening.”

Rose has no close ties to anyone on the Six. She only met some of them directly during the Purifiers battle. I think it would be best if Sharon and I alone went to see her. But AFTER I get an explanation from Zach about why he's been NEGLECTING his responsibility!

“Can you ask her about Danny while you’re there?”

WHERE is Zachary!? You would think that considering all of this stems from HIS ex-fiance, and that it extends to even ROSE, someone he CLAIMS to care about, he would be PRESENT!

Zizi turned away and faced the console, pretending to be calling up the feed from Ava’s attack, but she took the opportunity to hiss into her com:

“Uh, I think you two better get out here.”

Footsteps came from the bedroom, and Ashley peeked out. Zizi’s eyes closed briefly as she realized she was wearing the shirt Zach had on earlier that day.

“Can you take this powwow downstairs? We’re sort of in the middle of something here.”

Zizi cleared her throat.

“Um, yes. Okay. We should check on Simon anyway…”

 

[Silver Swan]

The Clocktower

[The OTHERS couldn't have heard it, but SHARON did, along with a few OTHER things]

"You'd better fix your war paint. Some of the women out there are feeling RUTHLESS."

Zizi turned away and faced the console, pretending to be calling up the feed from Ava’s attack, but she took the opportunity to hiss into her com:

“Uh, I think you two better get out here.”

Footsteps came from the bedroom, and Ashley peeked out. Zizi’s eyes closed briefly as she realized she was wearing the shirt Zach had on earlier that day.

[Sharon eyed Oracle. There was no way she could hide that whisper from the mutate, but she ALSO heard Zachary]

WAIT a minute....I just HEARD Zachary....he's....

[Sharon looked at Valkyrie. She looked even more unattractive than usual, and....she was wearing ZACHARY'S shirt!]

Oh HELL NO!

“Can you take this powwow downstairs? We’re sort of in the middle of something here.”

ZACHARY! I KNOW you're in there! GET OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!

[Sharon BELLOWED as she stood up, marched right over and SHOVED Valkyrie out of the way with such force, causing her to fall back against the door]

GET OUT here, you....

[ The door was WIDE open now, and EVERYONE could see]

So THIS is where you've been! SLUTTING IT UP with THIS viking tramp!

And don't bother denying it. I HEARD EVERYTHING just now, INCLUDING you warning Valkyrie about US.

Is THIS your idea of being a RESPONSIBLE person, Zachary!?

While ROSE hasn't heard from you in over a MONTH, and YOUR rabid ex-fiance has betrayed everyone, AND her sister, Persephone...the woman who rendered ME unable to help SAVE more of those children from that BUS, is attacking members of YOUR team, YOU'RE in here...screwing around with this TRASH!?


We [ Alycia and I] TRUSTED you to carry on the work that we did with Rose, and LOOK how you've behaved!

GET OUT HERE AND EXPLAIN YOURSELF!

[ Sharon's voice was enhanced by her sonic power, and it was PAINFUL for people in close quarters to hear, but she WANTED Zach to HURT. She WANTED him to be REMINDED of the PAIN that Rose had to live with ever since 42 of her children had DIED!]

[ She turns around and looks at Oracle]

HOW can you tolerate someone like this!?

[ Gesturing at Valkyrie]

This woman is USELESS!

And you let her walk around here thinking she can intimidate, disrespect, and BULLY people...well she CAN'T. It's TIME someone put her in her place, and I'm JUST the person to do it!

Alycia: ZACH, you....OH GAWD...YOU FUCK UP! THIS is your idea of watching out for ROSE!? By carrying out surveilance BETWEEN THE SHEETS with THIS bitch!? MOST of the mess we're facing right now is because of YOUR ex-fiance!

:: Alycia stands up so fast that her chair falls to the floor::

Alycia: Haleigh, that LIFE and RELATIONSHIP RUINING CANCER that YOU can't seem to realize is a MONSTER who destroys EVERYTHING she touches!

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

Her hair smelled nice, the way she rubbed his chest felt good, and the longer they laid there, the less motivated he was to get out of bed.

Ashley: I’d look better than them if you poured tar over me and wrapped me in a paper bag.

"Yeah, but I don't like the taste of tar...."

He said quietly, and they almost fell asleep peacefully. Then Zizi's voice came over the comm. On the other side of the door, there was a lot of conversation, and Zach couldn't make out very much of it, but he DID hear his name being thrown around like a dirty word. Ashley took the initiative, pulling on his shirt and going to the door. It was sexy enough that Zach just watched, until Sharon started screaming. He rolled over, searching for his pants, because he didn't want to be naked when the freight train hit him.

Sharon: ZACHARY! I KNOW you're in there! GET OUT HERE RIGHT NOW! GET OUT here, you....

He barely got his pants to his hips in time. He was zipping them shut when she barreled through the bedroom door. He wasn't going to get a shirt, but half dressed was better than nothing.

Sharon: So THIS is where you've been! SLUTTING IT UP with THIS viking tramp! And don't bother denying it. I HEARD EVERYTHING just now, INCLUDING you warning Valkyrie about US.

"Oh, qui andiamo."

Then Sharon proceeded to read him the riot act for some things that were out of his control, and the fact that he was again spending time with Ashley. She demanded that he explain himself so loudly, his ears were ringing. He calmly stood there, and tried to listen, but his expression was grim and he was shaking his head. Sharon started ripping Ashley, and Alycia tag-teamed in on Zach. Both of them were bundles of stress and fury. Zach maintained his composure despite the challenge. It was a good thing he'd already relieved a lot of stress today.

Alycia: ZACH, you....OH GAWD...YOU FUCK UP! THIS is your idea of watching out for ROSE!? By carrying out surveilance BETWEEN THE SHEETS with THIS bitch!?

"Wow, the two of you are being EGREGIOUSLY INAPPROPRIATE right now. I don't even know where to begin. You don't approve of my relationship with Ashley? We're all WELL AWARE of your opinion, thank you."

Alycia: MOST of the mess we're facing right now is because of YOUR ex-fiance! Haleigh, that LIFE and RELATIONSHIP RUINING CANCER that YOU can't seem to realize is a MONSTER who destroys EVERYTHING she touches!

"You seem a LOT more upset with her than you were earlier. What did you find out at the Parthenon?"

 

[Mystique]

Sitting on the edge of the bed, the room was dark except for the fire that was slowly dying in the fireplace. The dim light danced along her wavy auburn hair as she scrolled through the pictures on the iphone. Persephone arriving at Zachary Armani's door. Zachary answering it. Persephone entering. And the last photo now WITHIN the apartment showed Persephone and Zachary pressed against the door kissing.

Mystique attached all the photos into an encrypted message entitled "A Gift". The message to be sent to Oracle of the Birds of Prey. Pressing send, her hazel eyes watched as the bar loaded on the screen until finally a bubble popped up with "Message Sent". A smile tugged on her red stained lips.

Looking to her right, she gently pushed Persephone's brunette hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. Her fingers traced down her temple, brushing past a healing cut that the goddess had suffered earlier from her encounter with Recall, Longshot, and Rose. The pads of her fingers slid down her cheek to her jaw.

"Collateral damage."

She whispered, her finger sweeping past Persephone's bottom lip as she studied the contours of her face. Mystique stood from the goddesses bed, it was time to leave. Looking down at the iphone in her hand, she needed to return it to MASQUE before the mafia princess realized it was missing.

With that, Mystique disappeared.

 

[Artemis]

The Clocktower

"Wow, the two of you are being EGREGIOUSLY INAPPROPRIATE right now. I don't even know where to begin. "

Oh WE'RE being inappropriate? Have you LOOKED in the mirror lately?

:: she moved away from the conference table and was now half way between the group and Sharon::

You don't approve of my relationship with Ashley? We're all WELL AWARE of your opinion, thank you.

OH PLEASE. "Relationship" MY ASS! You FUCKING Belligerent Barbie over there does not qualify as a relationship.

Do you even KNOW what a relationship is?

Your ex-fiance certainly didn't know how to maintain one...OR RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S relationships....

"You seem a LOT more upset with her than you were earlier. What did you find out at the Parthenon?"

I didn't FIND anything. I was REMINDED...

[ Zach was a smart man, AND intuitive, AND an empath, at this moment, as Alycia responded, coupled with her emotions, her very HEART, he should KNOW what she discovered. It wasn't so much that she found out, it was more that the things she discussed with Cameron...and IMPLIED with Zach after the Purifiers attack, had COME TO PASS. Cameron AND Haleigh.]

[ She wasn't ABOUT to reveal anything more in front of this wench Valkyrie. At the moment, Alycia couldn't decide which woman was WORSE, and how STUPID Zach was for being with BOTH of them. ]

Isis: SPEAKING of INAPPROPIATE....All of you, LOOK at the screen!

PICTURES, TIME STAMPED: Persephone arriving at Zachary Armani's door. Zachary answering it. Persephone entering. And the last photo now WITHIN the apartment showed Persephone and Zachary pressed against the door kissing.

Mystique attached all the photos into an encrypted message entitled "A Gift". The message to be sent to Oracle of the Birds of Prey. Pressing send, her hazel eyes watched as the bar loaded on the screen until finally a bubble popped up with "Message Sent".

:: ANOTHER moment of disbelief, as Alycia looked at the pictures, placing her hand over her mouth....and then BACK to Zach::

You...and AVA!?

ISIS: So THAT'S where he went when he tore out of here earlier, unable to handle the truth about Black Widow and Persephone!

AND you were with her...BEFORE she attacked Recall and SIMON!

You were saying something about "BEING EGREGIOUSLY INAPPROPRIATE" just now?

:: Alycia scoffed::

But YOU with your ex-fiancee's sister. You LITERALLY slept with the enemy!

:: Alycia was ready to storm RIGHT UP to Zach and PUNCH HIM IN THE FACE, and knock some teeth out, but she had a feeling that VIVICA was going to beat her TO THAT!::

No WONDER you FAILED Rose, Zach. No WONDER she's pissed. She probably KNOWS about all of this due to the nature of her powers!

:: Her tone was tinged with bitter disappointment. ::