Dream a little a dream

[Isis]

Museum of Modern Art

Ah yes, DELILAH....... that was another thing I wanted to talk to you about. I was hoping you might be able to comment on her state of mind. She seems to be slipping further and further away from herself. I know I said we should allow her to be emotional and let her work through this blue moon thing in her own way..... but I'm concerned for my friend..... and I think she knows it and that's why she's been avoiding me."

:: Dominique took a drink and nodded slowly::

Delilah came to the police station to advocate on my behalf to Detective Steel. She did so without any prompting from anyone on your team. Yes she had something to gain from it, since she wanted the Purifiers destroyed as much as I did, but she could have taken any number of actions and yet that was what she did.

I think that speaks to what lies beneath. On the surface she is DEFINITELY not "herself", but at her core, there remains an anchor.

:: they ate as they talked::

In Central Park, a triad patrol of Purifiers had killed a young couple, but I stopped them from killing the couple's baby and then Delilah & I finished them off. When I reached down to pick up the baby and bring her back to my suite at the Parthenon, Delilah could not BARE to look at the infant. Not once. I took care of the baby and healed the minor cuts she had sustained in the park and gave her a bottle, before Richard made sure she was safely transported to Rose. But I saw how Delilah went out of her away to avoid even acknowledging the baby's presence, even when she cried.

She's avoiding her pain, focusing on anything else that she can, relying on things like violence and aggression to propel her away from what is at the heart of her pain. It's a path that I have...personal experience with.

"Yes...... our interaction during the viper caper was..... intimate isn't the right word, but close..... it was very intensely personal. Neither of us will ever be quite the same, and I certainly gained a new appreciation and understanding of her during THAT time spent mentally linked to her. That night you left Hellfire, you saw what was on the surface. We were locked in a more private mental discussion. I didn't want to discuss it on front of Nicolas, as he tends to be a bit knee-jerk in his reactions, but Diana wants me in Hellfire and she was trying to convince me that it's where I belong. YOU have been there, YOU know what it is and isn't. My friends may think it's an organization of pure evil, but I DON'T have such a clear cut opinion of it. Certainly Hellfire crosses some ethical boundaries, but some of their achievements are quite impressive. Diana KNOWS my thoughts, and she knows I haven't outright dismissed Hellfire.

::Nodding in agreement::

You're right. The Hellfire Club itself is NOT pure evil. The lines of ethics are blurred, crossed...broken even, by some more than others. An INVITATION to join is significant. While many accept the invitation simply for the pleasures that the Club offers, others seek wealth and influence. In fact, the purpose of the Hellfire Club is to obtain and exert power through politics and economic influence instead of outward conquest and domination. Of course this "mission" had changed somewhat since Diana has been reigning over of the club...she essentially MARRIED Hellfire to Mystech and then after the Master Mold and Blackout incidents, she managed to severe any perceived connections between the two before it could harm the club's reach and influence, which had been considerable even BEFORE the mystech era.

Isis: I thought back to our PREVIOUS discussion about her when we encountered each other in the Parthenon during Blaze's..."debutante weekend".

"And now we've come full circle. You mentioned that night that what she did for me after Viper was as much for HER as it was for the truce. Could you elaborate on that assessment? Do you have any idea what she thought she'd GAIN from restoring me?"

Diana's physical presence at the Hellfire Club had become scarce. .She was taking frequent trips ...to Sheena Island. She refused to discuss any details with Helena or myself. But I noticed she'd been reviewing archived files on: Kyle Kelly, Patrick Phillips, Sharon Kelly and...yourself. In fact she moved all files and information pertaining to you to a PRIVATE server housed on Sheena Island, blocking access from anyone/anywhere else. Normally, the Sisterhood SHARED all of their intel to make sure we were covered on all ends, but suddenly she blocked Helena and myself out. Because of the relative calm that we were ALL experiencing in our lives up till the Blue Moon and Purifier incidents, and the standing of the truce...I didn't think anything of it. Diana has always wanted her own space even within the club.


When she HAD returned properly to the Mansion this last time, there was a woman she was seen consulting very closely with. A very regal woman who has a comfortable position in the club and resides at the mansion. I believe her name was ALICE?


Something else I noticed. toward the end of my time at the Hellfire Mansion, I began to notice a "changing of the guard"...new faces that seemed to leap frog from mere member to "Inner Circle" status. The White and Red courts were suddenly filling out their ranks on the "chess board".


Diana and I had an understanding from the beginning that my time with the Hellfire Club would begin and END at my choosing. But we both know Diana is not one to leave anything to chance. She wouldn't be willing to leave her Inner Circle without a proper MAGICKAL resource if she didn't have what she deemed a SUITABLE replacement waiting in the wings. As to WHO that is? I can't say. But that upstart, Maxine Dupont, the one lurking in the doorway the night Richard and I left, SHE was a new face to the New York branch. She came from the LONDON branch of all places and with this sort of change, there is certainly MORE to come.

::They paused as entrees arrived. This wasn't a discussion for others to overhear.::

Last week...Was that the first time you and she encountered each other SINCE the Viper caper??

"In a manner of speaking, yes. It's surprising to say, since I've been back here in the city longer than my comrades, but our others haven't really crossed. She dropped in on a lunch I was having with Cameron and Delilah a couple of weeks ago, right before the purifiers became a problem, but at the time I was so distracted, we didn't even speak. She apparently pissed off Delilah and Cameron, but she was gone before I even saw her. Why do you ask?"

Diana has been busy, Haleigh. As I told my nephew, she is making moves and assembling her "orchestra" to play what will doubt be a symphony of destruction. I suspect that YOU figure PROMINENTLY into her plans, plans that she had in mind even at the time of the confrontation with Viper, which no doubt REMINDED HER of all that she HAD when she reigned over Mystech.

 

[Ruby]

New York City – Vivi’s Studio – McSorley’s


:: Cass was having a blast, painting and sipping champagne while engaging in some girl talk with Vivi. She felt freer than she had been in a LONG time. She sighed and set her brush down in the water. She MEANT to paint something abstract, but for some reason it came out like a portrait of an old woman. ::

"Damn Cass! Georgia O'Keefe ain't got NOTHING on you! Is it anybody I know?!"

*laughing*: "Oh shut up!"

:: Vivi chuckled as she made her way to the kitchenette. ::

"Damn! Did we drink ALL the champagne? Hurry up and finish your painting before our buzz wears off and we discover we are both absolutely terrible artists!"

*teasingly*: “Oh…YOU! If anything, I’M the one who shouldn’t be near a paintbrush!”

:: Cass chuckled as Vivi made her way to a plush chair and started checking her emails or whatever. Cass finished her painting with a critical eye. Maybe it WAS good…or maybe it wasn’t. Cass wasn’t in the right mindset – sober – to really tell. She shrugged and heard Viv. ::

"Oh! Cameron just texted..."

:: Her eyes widened as she read the text in it's entirety. ::

"So..Cameron just asked me to join him and Delilah...at McSorley's?!"

:: laughing ::

"They tryna make a sista go to McSorley's!? That boy musta lost his damn MIND! However, dependent on if they even LET colored people into their establishment..seeing Cameron in that kind of bar might be worth it's weight in gold! Come on! Let's wash up and meet them down there! We gotta see this!"

:: An unreadable expression passed over Cass’ face at the mention of Delilah. Cass was up for going out and hanging with Cameron but she wasn’t sure about DELILAH. Still, Vivi seemed up for it and Cass had nothing better to do. ::

Um…yay?

“Sure! Sounds like fun!”

:: Cass and Vivi quickly cleaned up the workspace around them and washed up lightly. Cass was still unsure about Delilah but she quickly shrugged off those thoughts. She was still unsure about meeting up with Delilah, especially since Delilah seemed to have no clue that Cass would even be coming along, but she quickly shrugged off those thoughts. She would be civil, say hello and whatnot, and hopefully she wouldn’t have to talk to ol’ MorningStar for however long they’d be there. They made their way down to the street below, where they hailed a cab and headed to McSorley’s. ::

:: When they arrived at the bar, it was really hopping, it looked like, and Cass felt a bit better. They entered the establishment and Cass noticed there was…SAWDUST on the floor?! She laughed as she realized why Vivi was laughing at Cameron’s text. She knelt down and picked some up from the floor…before she was jerked away by Vivi who hauled her over to Cameron and Delilah. ::

"Oh now WAIT a minute! I know you aren't taking a shot without ME!"

:: Vivica grabbed the shot glass from Cameron's hand and downed it before he could even react. She laughed wildly. ::

[looking at the bartender]

"We'll have another round of..."

:: furrowing her brow at the menu ::

"...beer. Make mine dark. I'm hoping you don't mind I brought Cassandra along! I was showing her my art studio when I got your text! We thought we had better see Cameron King in a place like this before he leaves so here we are!"

“I’ll have a Guinness…”

:: Vivi complimented Delilah. Cass was more wary, and she was mindful of what Cameron had told her a few months ago: leave her alone for now. But Cass couldn’t ignore her completely. When she spoke, her tone was civil. ::

"That's quite the dress, mamacita! You're gonna turn a few heads tonight!"

Now or never…

*civil*: “Hello, Delilah.”

:: She turned back to Cameron…and her whole countenance changed. Her eyes sparkled, she had a smirk on her face, and she was more relaxed than she was a few SECONDS ago. ::

"Of course not! Hey CJ! Good to see ya!"

:: He gave her a warm hug and she hugged him back. ::

*happily*: “It’s nice to see you guys too!”

:: She sprinkled the sawdust she had in her hand onto Cameron’s head. Way back when, when she and her brother, Jacek, went to their aunt and uncle’s farm in the Polish countryside, she used to sprinkle HAY onto Jacek’s head. ::

*teasingly*: “What’s up, Cam? This place doesn’t seem like it would be fit for a…KING!”

:: Vivica divvied up the shots and drinks amongst them. ::

So...any special occassion? Or are we just drinking?"

"Just drinking! Cheers!"

:: Everybody downed their shots. ::

"So..Art Studio? Is that some new fancy word for vagina that I am unaware of? Or were you really at your studio? How IS Blaze doing this fine evening..or rather..WHO is she doing this evening?"

:: Cass rolled her eyes. Cameron was SUCH a typical man. If he wanted a reaction out of her, he would be sorely disappointed. Cass was quite happy where she was mentally AND emotionally. She took a drink of her Guinness and smirked at Cameron. ::

“Typical male.”

 

[Arsenal]

They departed for the Fencing Club, both men quiet as they traveled there quickly. They went up to the room Mike reserved for them both...he had already anticipated that this would be more comfortable for Simon, as it was more HIS territory.

As they suited up and readied themselves, he finally figured out the look Simon kept giving him, and LAUGHED. DAMN near ROLLED.

You think I am trying something over Doc? You are funny as hell to me! Look, Doc can handle herself and in spite of the fact that you two did not hit it off, you were not threatening, just mouthy...which, let's face it, Karen irritated at you is HILARIOUS. I wanted to actually become more familiar with you, learn some fencing and figure out how to not have you dead less than a week after you stir up shit. We will call it a favor to Ava and Cam if nothing else. So now...fencing is not my thing...yet. So no better time to learn than the present.

Mike actually did set up in proper form and while he was not nearly as good as Simon, the young man found that Mike was incredibly, almost IMPOSSIBLY, agile and balanced. The room was silent except for the click of the sabers and the breathing of the sparring partners.

 

[Firebird]

The Parthenon

Blaze's Limo



“The world will always be full of dicks, Blaze. That’s not a mutant thing.”

"No, it's not a 'mutant thing' exclusively but we're often the TARGET of that thing, And some are worse than others."

They both paused for a moment.

"You're fortunate in a way. The Nimrod identified you as a mutant, but Harbinger, Tachyon and Valkyrie sent it packing...and my team...we destroyed a global database that contained information on nearly every mutant sometime ago. You havent "made a name" for yourself in this town yet and in some ways, that's a good thing."

“Are you asking me to join a cult?”


He winked at her to show he was only joking. He knew Blaze was trying to be nice to him, but he wanted to show her that he was fine – no assistance needed for him.

She looked at rather serious.

"Sorry...I'm only out to recruit virgins for the volcano sacrifice."


Blaze wasn't without a sense of humour, Not by anymeans. in fact, her's was often deemed INAPPROPRIATE by most! So Andrew would find a match for his irreverant humour and timing of it.

“Amazingly athletic.”

He flashed her his winningest smile, the one that showed off his very white teeth.

"OH I bet! De has always kept a trim and fit figure. Now, just tell me when and where so I can get an eye full of your Cirque du soleil in action! "

Winking and licking her tongue out as she took a long, satisfying drink of champagne, and chuckled a bit

After a moment’s pause, he relented.


“She’s fine.”

Blaze's smile slowly faded into a more focused, attentive gaze.

He shrugged. He knew Blaze had been a friend to Delilah, and that she wasn’t speaking to her or the others now. That was pretty much all he’d gotten out of her since he’d met her.


“When we’re together, she just…is. We don’t talk much about the heavy stuff, don’t talk much at all really. I think that’s why she lets me near her: I don’t ask anything of her. I think she just wants someone to listen and let her…be.”


He shook his head.


“I don’t know what you want me to tell you…she’s clearly hurting, but she’s not…harming herself if that’s what you’re asking…”

Blaze slowly smiled once more, nodding.

"You've told me enough, Thank you."

"I just wanted to know for a fact that she was...doing what she wanted to be doing. Whatever passes for "OK" right now."

"I know you think the ONLY reason I asked you to ride with me was because I wanted to find out about Delilah, and YES that was a big part of it because like I said, these days, you're seeing/hearing more from her than any of us do. That's the way she wants it. But we still love and care about her."

"But I also wanted to reach out to you myself because we are on the same team. Maybe not the teams like you saw in the cathedral, but TEAM SPECTRA."

" You may not see it now, but you will come to understand that it's important to know who you can trust in this world now that you know that you're a mutant. You may have seen alot, Drew, but trust me...there's alot more you HAVEN'T seen...couldnt imagine...and the Purifiers was just the tip of that iceberg. You watch yourself out here. You won't be any good to Sally if you're taken out by an enemy you weren't prepared to face."

She hands him one of her business cards

"If you ever have questions or want to talk about things, just reach out."

She smiled at him as they were reaching the circle drive of the Parthenon.

"Thanks for the chat, Drew."

"If I liked boys, I'd leave you drained and wore out!"

Winking at him, she once again licks out her tongue before exiting the limo

"Catch ya later!"


And with that, Blaze struts her way toward the revolving door of the Parthenon, disappearing inside.

 

[MorningStar]

McSorley’s

”Damn! When did you get so bossy! I kind of like it!"

“I learned it by watching you, dickhead.”

They got up to get more drinks from the bar.

“Just remember – it will hurt Alycia a lot worse if you wait five years to do it…”

Before he could reply Vivica arrived and grabbed Cameron’s shot from his hand. Delilah was sort of impressed, and picked up her own whiskey shot.

“Well okay, then. 1-2-3-”

She downed it, and set the glass down roughly, pushing it towards the barman.

“How ya doin’ Viv? The Thunderbirds not with you tonight? Shame.”

Delilah and Vivica weren’t friends, but Delilah didn’t have the disdain for her that some of the others had. Viv was definitely not a part of the Six – despite her unfortunate connection to Blaze – so she didn’t really mind her being there. As long as she was there to party.

She looked around Vivica.

“Who brought Anne Frank?”

“I’ll have a Guinness…”

She rolled her eyes. Every chick orders a Guinness in an Irish bar, thinking it makes them look like they know what the hell they’re talking about.

"They don’t serve Guinness here. [to the barman] Give her a light.”

She took a drink and turned to Vivica, leaning on one elbow.

“So, Viv – have you seen that YouTube video with the schnauzer and the Styrofoam cup?”

Her face broke into a wide grin.

"So...any special occassion? Or are we just drinking?"

“Who needs a special occasion to drink?”

As if to punctuate that, she downed her pint and signaled for another.

Cameron: "Well..we finally decided we are going to work together to kill Malice so we thought we'd come down here to have a drink and celebrate!"

Fuckin’ aye.

"So..Art Studio? Is that some new fancy word for vagina that I am unaware of? Or were you really at your studio? How IS Blaze doing this fine evening…or rather…WHO is she doing this evening?"

“Probably the entire New York Liberty roster. Better watch out for Blaze, Viv – she’ll turn on you like that.”

Delilah snapped her fingers.

“And if there is one thing that Cameron King isn’t, it’s a typical male.”

She clinked glasses with Cam.

“So, Vivica, tell me: if you watch porn, does that make you, like, an expert? We could make a killing with that. Does it only work with video, or is a magazine enough?”

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh listened as Dominique shared the details of her interactions with Delilah. Haleigh didn't personally condemn ANY of her friend's actions, but that wasn't the problem. The problem was that Haleigh knew Delilah well enough to know that the actions Delilah was taking clashed with her high ethical standards of behavior. It was a major concern.

Isis: She's avoiding her pain, focusing on anything else that she can, relying on things like violence and aggression to propel her away from what is at the heart of her pain. It's a path that I have...personal experience with.

"Yes, it's a method that has always worked well for ME..... but I'm a violent, aggressive person. I'm concerned it may only compound the trouble Delilah's having. Part of me hopes this isn't just a phase. It's possible She's now experienced something so traumatic that she is adjusting her moral compass. If it's just a phase, she'll eventually shift back and then beat herself up over the things she's doing now. But if it's a sign of permanent growth..... then Delilah just activated AWESOME MODE."

Only time would tell for sure. The thing that worried Haleigh the most was past experience. Delilah's suicide over her well justified killing of Bishop was NOT a good precedent. Haleigh felt an immense pressure to solve the problem of Alexia's power. Until then, they were stuck. It wasn't going well. She felt a headache coming on.

Karen had helped her determine that stress was the trigger for her flashes. She needed to get a handle on her concern before it blossomed into a full blown blackout. The waiter came by to check on them.

"I'll have another Irish coffee. Better make it a DOUBLE this time."

She had to take the edge off. There were other problems to tackle, as evidenced by Isis's Intel on Diana.

Isis: Diana's physical presence at the Hellfire Club had become scarce. .She was taking frequent trips ...to Sheena Island. She refused to discuss any details with Helena or myself. But I noticed she'd been reviewing archived files on: Kyle Kelly, Patrick Phillips, Sharon Kelly and...yourself. In fact she moved all files and information pertaining to you to a PRIVATE server housed on Sheena Island, blocking access from anyone/anywhere else.

Sheena Island. Haleigh remembered the place all TOO well. There was a full size identical replica to the Arklay Mansion on that island, along with some technical advancements. It did NOT bode well that Diana was spending a lot of time there. Haleigh calmly ate her entree as Dominique continued to deliver bad news.

Isis: When she HAD returned properly to the Mansion this last time, there was a woman she was seen consulting very closely with. A very regal woman who has a comfortable position in the club and resides at the mansion. I believe her name was ALICE?

Haleigh made a considerable effort not to choke on her drink as Isis mentioned Alice. The pressure in her head spiked alarmingly.

DON'T do anything rash. Don't jump to conclusions. Diana is messing with me, that's all. These blackouts started when she showed up at the lunch with Delilah and Cameron. Malice must have done something then, downloaded all these..... illusions. It can't be true. It isn't.

Still, Diana had taken the files on Kyle, Patrick, Sharon and herself-- all the successful MysTech projects, and was reviewing them on Sheena island. Haleigh wondered what she could find out by hacking into the private server. She was THISCLOSE to saying 'fucck the truce, I need answers'. But Karen had warned her not to do anything rash.

Isis discussed a changing of the guard at Hellfire, and mentioned Maxine DuPont, a prominent member of the London branch, being here in the city.

"Yes, I've got some agents undercover in the London branch of Hellfire. From what I understand, they recently had a radical roster change as well. It would seem ALL of Hellfire is ushering in a new era."

Isis: Diana has been busy, Haleigh. As I told my nephew, she is making moves and assembling her "orchestra" to play what will doubt be a symphony of destruction. I suspect that YOU figure PROMINENTLY into her plans, plans that she had in mind even at the time of the confrontation with Viper, which no doubt REMINDED HER of all that she HAD when she reigned over Mystech.

"And here I was thinking you'd give me some GOOD news. I may be calling on you for backup sooner rather than later. I hope you won't find it difficult to help us shut down your former colleagues."

She drained her drink. There wasn't enough alcohol in the city to take the edge off at this point. She may have to make an excuse to leave lunch abruptly if she felt the blackout getting close. She gave a small smile.

"I appreciate you being so forthright with me Dominique. It'll be a great advantage in dealing with whatever diabolical plan Diana is hatching. If there's any way I can return the favor, don't hesitate to ask."

 

[Titan]

Blaze’s Limo

"You haven’t "made a name" for yourself in this town yet and in some ways, that's a good thing."

“I’m not going to hide in a corner, Blaze. That’s not who I am. If my ticket’s up tomorrow, so be it.”

"Sorry...I'm only out to recruit virgins for the volcano sacrifice."

He smiled.

“Well, that leaves me out.”

The conversation turned to Delilah.

”OH I bet! Dee has always kept a trim and fit figure. Now, just tell me when and where so I can get an eye full of your Cirque du soleil in action!"

“My birthday IS coming up.”

"You may not see it now, but you will come to understand that it's important to know who you can trust in this world now that you know that you're a mutant. You may have seen alot, Drew, but trust me...there's alot more you HAVEN'T seen...couldnt imagine...and the Purifiers was just the tip of that iceberg. You watch yourself out here. You won't be any good to Sally if you're taken out by an enemy you weren't prepared to face."

“You don’t have to worry about me – I keep both eyes open. But on the subject of trust – if you’ll excuse my frankness – why should I trust your group more than any other? Delilah doesn’t seem to.”

He held up a hand to stop her from interrupting.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you. And more than that, I like you, Blaze. But it seems to me this is about more than MY trust. So just make sure you’re deserving of her’s.”

She handed him her business card.

"If you ever have questions or want to talk about things, just reach out."

“I appreciate that, Blaze, I really do. But I won’t be your spy, if that’s what you want.”

"Thanks for the chat, Drew. If I liked boys, I'd leave you drained and wore out!"

He gave her a half smile.

“I’d have liked the chance to accept that challenge.”

He called out the window to her as she was entering the building.

“I won’t spy for you, but I’ll watch out for her, you have my word. I’ll keep her safe.”

 

[Longshot]

New York Fencing Club

< Soon Simon and Michael made their way to the prestigious New York Fencing Club. Simon was cheerfully greeted at the door as the two made their way up two flights of stairs and into one of the private rooms to prepare to do a little fencing. Actually, Simon was actually looking forward to this. While he had shown himself on the battlefield, not many had the chance to actually see him in his element. And he needed to blow off some steam with the stress of Vanguard and the public reveal only days away. As they got ready, Michael spoke up. >


Arsenal: "You think I am trying something over Doc? You are funny as hell to me! Look, Doc can handle herself and in spite of the fact that you two did not hit it off, you were not threatening, just mouthy...which, let's face it, Karen irritated at you is HILARIOUS. I wanted to actually become more familiar with you, learn some fencing and figure out how to not have you dead less than a week after you stir up shit. We will call it a favor to Ava and Cam if nothing else. So now...fencing is not my thing...yet. So no better time to learn than the present."

"Look..I'm just covering my bases. Let's be honest..most of you guys are insane. Just making sure the Good Doctor didn't put a hit out on me or something."

< Simon threw his a foil to Mike who was now somewhat across the room and smiled. >

"Just to make sure nobody gets hurt, use the foil. Since I don't think you will be joining a proper fencing team anytime soon and you probably already have much of the skill. We will treat this as an exhibition..an assault. Take your stance on the piste and we'll begin."

< As they both took their stance Simon extended his hand. >

"Your move."

< The pair went back and forthe. Simon was surprised to see how fast and agile Michael was for such a large guy. While his form may not have been traditional it was clear that Arsenal had an expert like ease with the use of weapons. They went on for quite some time. Michael was analyzing Simon's ability and was getting a taste at some of the natural enchancements his mutant abilities afforded him; more specifically the bio-electric current that ran down his back and subconsciously guided his movements. Unless Simon were to be completely blindsided he would always find a natural away to avoid getting hit dead on and had a very good chance of dodging and parrying. >

< The two took a moment to breathe as Simon threw off his mask and ran his fingers through his hair that was now lightly coated with sweat. >

"You know for a guy that's the size of the Empire State Building you sure move pretty fast..good on you."

< Simon went to open one of the windows as a cold breeze blew threw. He turned back to face Mike. >

"But..I think I could make you better..you mind?!

< He watched as Mike nodded. This was Simon's home. It was a place he felt incredibly confident. Not in a cocky "I'm better than you" kind of way, but in a way that spoke to the dedication of the sport and his skill level. >

"Here...get back in stance.."

"Fencing is all about understanding your own game..and adjusting your game plan according. A lot of people can win a match by executing a flawless series of moves..but not enough people understand WHY they are doing what they are doing..Footwork is tantamount to winning. You've got to be like a rubber band..FLEXIBLE..with a HARD SNAP...For someone like you..a stance where you place most of your weight over your front foot is ideal.."

< Watching Mike >

"So do it."

< He smiled. >

"Keeping that weight disporportionally over your front foot you can push off that leg faster than someone in a more balanced position..and with how hulking you are, when you charge, people are going to try and find their balance. They are going to brace themselves and try and choose the best form. For you, it will allow you smoother transitions between moves..and in terms of points? It keeps your leg target underneath your opponent..Go ahead. Come for me."

< Simon got into stance as he watched Mike apply this motion and charge forward with GREATER speed than before, perfectly landing his foil square into Simon's chest. >

"See? Now for most people, I wouldn't reccommend this as a stance..it makes it harder to shift backwards if you need to defend. But something tells me that you intimidate most people. If you charge at them..using this stance as your lead..they will retreat. Or they won't have time to react. It's the best stance for you.."

"In terms of game plan. I don't have to explain that to you. In fencing you have a lot of time to figure out how your partner plays. In battle you don't..Now see me? I'm used to figuring out my opponents moves pretty quickly in a fencing bout..but on the battlefield not so much.."

< Simon pointed his foil with the flat side of the saber towards the ground. >

"I'm impressed. And I'd like to learn more..and despite our difference in size, I think I could help you. What do you say..we help each other. You teach me the principles of battle combat and I teach you technique? We could meet a few times a week..I'm sure it would get the others off my back and lessen my need for such a security detail.."

< Thinking for a moment. >

"I may not look like I can run through walls, but I can kick my fair share of ASS. Whaddya say?"

 

[Recall]

McSorley's

Delilah: "So Viv - have you seen that YouTube video with the schnauzer and the Styrofoam cup?"

:: Vivica laughed loudly. ::

"Honey I AM YouTube!"

:: leaning in ::

"You keep these shots flowing and I just might balance a ball on my nose!"

:: Things seemed to be tense between Delilah and Cassandra. It made sense. Cassandra was a member of The Six and right now Delilah wasn't feeling any of them, which Vivica couldn't blame her for. She of course had heard the gossip of what had happened to Delilah and she couldn't say that in Delilah's shoes she would have handled it any better. Vivica ESPECIALLY identified with how Delilah felt about Alison, so for the time being, out of everybody in The Six..Vivica felt like she understood Vivica the most. Though, she would never say that. Her issues with Alison weren't even CLOSE to as to how DEEP they were between Delilah and her. ::

Delilah: "And if there is one thing that Cameron King isn't it's a typical male."

:: She drank her beer with ease and laughed. ::

"Lord ain't that the truth! She's got YOU figured out Cam!"

Delilah: "So, Vivica, tell me: if you watch porn, does that make you, like, an expert? We could make a killing with that. Does it only work with video, or is a magazine enough?"

"Oh we're feeling REALLY feisty tonight aren't we?"

:: sipping her beer. ::

"..but to answer your question..I was an expert FAR before ever watching a video!"

:: winking ::

"I can't believe I never thought of DOING that before..I'll tell you what..you secure me a multi picture deal and we can take the adult movie world by storm..or at the very least..I could probably have a pretty interesting career in Bangkok!"

:: looking around ::

"Not for nothing Cameron..but it's good to know you are still fun..at least when you have the right people around you! See? It's fun to scale the walls of the kingdom! Now.."

:: waving the bartender down. ::

"Who's ready for more shots? Delilah's trying to get me into porn and I don't think I'm drunk enough to seriously consider it. Sidebar, do they got any Hennessey in this place? Mama wants a little more than a pale ale tonight!"

 

[Isis]

Museam of Modern Art

And here I was thinking you'd give me some GOOD news. I may be calling on you for backup sooner rather than later. I hope you won't find it difficult to help us shut down your former colleagues."


She drained her drink. There wasn't enough alcohol in the city to take the edge off at this point. She may have to make an excuse to leave lunch abruptly if she felt the blackout getting close. She gave a small smile.

:: Dominique noticed Haleigh having a bit of difficulty. She did VERY WELL at concealing it, but Dominique was very observant. The issue of Delilah was troubling to her, as it should be, and the intel about Diana was also cause for concern. The curious "bond" between Haleigh and Diana was more than skin-deep and from the moment of Haleigh's restoration on Sheena Island, a move on Malice's part that went FAR beyond the necessary framework of the TRUCE, Isis wondered what Malice's TRUE motives were.Something was coming for Haleigh, and Isis was more than willing to provide whatever she could to help Haleigh prepare herself and by extension her TEAM for whatever it was. She knew that by doing this, eventually it would BRIGHTEN the TARGET that was now on her and Richard's backs, but she did not fear Diana OR the Inner Circle.::::

:: At the moment, Dominique discreetly signals the server and places her Centurion Card (a.k.a. Amex BLACK CARD) in the check jacket to take care of the check and gratuity::

One good turn deserves another.

:: Dominique says with a small smile herself::

"I appreciate you being so forthright with me Dominique. It'll be a great advantage in dealing with whatever diabolical plan Diana is hatching. If there's any way I can return the favor, don't hesitate to ask."

And I wouldn't worry[ about whether or not she'd help in a fight against Malice]. When it comes to Diana, Helena and myself? There's no love lost. It's only a matter of time before Diana crosses that line with me and if there's anything she loves to do- it's INVADE.

The more i learned about the MYSTECH era, the more distasteful I found it all to be. It goes against EVERYTHING my patron goddess Isis stood for.

If you find yourself in trouble or in need of aid, you have only to contact me, and I'll be there as fast as I can.

:: With the bill settled and the meeting concluded, Dominique and Haleigh exit the restaurant and the museum. Once outside...::

Will you be alright, Haleigh?

:: Dominique looked at her. The hybrid was a bit shorter than her, but the goddess could see this woman was looking far more pensive than she had been just a little while ago::

I have one other pressing matter to attend to.

Richard Martin is a young man with a....HEARTY appetite. This is due in part to his power. I've always made sure he's had PLENTY to eat, but since our re-location and being in a state of transition, wanting to keep a low profile, things like "going to the grocery store" have not been as easy to accomplish.

I intend to remedy that now before I return to the Clock Tower.

:: Indeed, Dominique could BUY a store, SEVERAL of them if necessary. But for the moment, She would have a TRUCK LOAD or 2 of a variety of foods, drinks and supplements delivered from the finest organic shops in town.::

 

[Sybil]

The Island of Aerie

It's not the same! Cameron, for all his faults and duplicity, when he was confronted with the realization, the WARNING that his path of choice would lead to DEATH...he listened. He STOPPED. He'd already escaped death once, NARROWLY [ the Inferno event]. He FINALLY GOT a clue! Delilah IS insane. She does the SAME STUPID, THOUGHTLESS THINGS over and over and expects a DIFFERENT OUTCOME each time! She KILLED HERSELF over a man! She then chose to have this man's baby even though it would KILL HER. She has no regard for her own life!

"Sounds to me like you are two very different people..and you seem to be basing the validity of her choices on what YOU think was the right decision for her. I can understand your frustration here. Seems to me though, that anybody who falls into a depression deep enough to make them end their lives was in pain for a long time..and not just over a specific situation..I'm not sure if her issues truly are rooted in a MAN..It sounds like they come from a far deeper place that was never acknowledged...by others or HERSELF for that matter..."

"Say what you will, but despite my killer instinct , I DID have a sense of self preservation. That's one reason why when you found me, I was able to allow myself to trust you DESPITE my deep seated hostility toward authority...and "maternal figures". And before you mention PATIENCE....I WAS PATIENT with her. We ALL were. But how far were we supposed to go with that? there are people who DIED, like Barbara Minerva, who didn't get a chance to COME BACK. She laid down her life in sacrifice to HELP US and she paid the ultimate price. But DELILAH...she throws her life away TWICE! Even when Athena and Hecate restored her,
she was willing to throw it away!"

"Sounds to me like some things I am saying to you are really hitting home or things you might have already heard and don't agree with. Pay attention to the things people say that sting and remember that often times when words hurt the most..it's because there is a hint of truth in them. As to how far you were supposed to go with that...that being PATIENCE..well I think the word speaks for itself. I look at you and I would give you a thousand years if necessary to move forward..to help you heal in the proper way..to reconcile the feelings within. A thousand years of time weighted against the salvation of somebody you deeply love and care for..that doesn't seem very long to me."

"She IS an idiot! She had a chance...and CHOICE and she made the WRONG CHOICE! She blames Morgan and I for her loss and she's going out of her way to be a cantankerous FUCK to EVERYBODY ELSE, but refuses to take responsibility for putting herself in the position to have it happen in the first place! For putting US in the position to have to make such a terrible choice!"

"While I don't know her personally..if she managed to be the closest person in the world to both you AND Morgan..then I assume that she is no idiot. As for her lashing out..is that not to be expected when you experience great loss..regardless if that loss is part of the choices you made to get there? People in pain cause pain..those are just the breaks. Is it right for her to solely blame the two of you for what happened? No. Not at all. But her behavior isn't uncharacteristic to anybody that might be in her position."

"She's an ungrateful, selfish COW! And NOW she's walking a dark path, tempting fate, being provocative and acting like she's so tough and bad ass. She doesnt know what it is to be BAD. But I'll GLADLY show her! Everybody else is at a loss of what to do, but I'M not! She needs her teeth knocked out and her face pushed in!"

[dryly] "Yes Alison..you're the baddest bitch in all the galaxy...but not bad enough that I couldn't bend you over my knee and wear you out like an impestuous child if I wanted. You're spiraling. Get back on track."

:: She stands up, exhaling loudly with agitation. She begins to pace around the sitting area::

I can't even THINK of her without feeling...HOMICIDAL! I'm not going to allow her steamroll over me, Hazel. I'm just not. Morgan and I did what was necessary. If we hadn't, she'd be dead & that baby would be orphaned. We cleaned up a mess SHE made and until she can face up to her foolish descisions, there's nothing to talk about.If she's too stupid to realize that, then she doesnt deserve to be a parent. what kind of responsible parent would chose to take herself out and leave her child alone in this world?

:: She looks at Hazel and then at Xavier, Shaking her head::

"This is ridiculous. I don't want to squander my time entertaining guests over some stupid runaway flashbulb. I don't want to talk about her anymore."

<< Hazel watched as Alison unleashed a flurry of rage about the situation. It was hard to watch. This was definitely a situation where there was so much deep seated hurt and anger and even remorse. Alison would not allow herself to become so enraged if she TRULY didn't believe herself to be at fault at all. But the blame game would get them nowhere. Hazel couldn't help the others..but she COULD help Alison get to a place of peace and perhaps a new understanding. Listening to her pontificate reaffirmed that Hazel was in the right place at the right time..but also that it would TAKE a lot of time. >>

"Your house your rules, my dear. But this conversation is far from over."

[turning to Xavier]

"It has been a pleasure to meet you Xavier..and Alison..you have no idea how overwhelmed with joy I am to see you. You know that I only pry because I truly love and care about you..and because I think it's important. However, all of this excitement has left me feeling a little drained. If you don't mind I would like to retire to my guest suite for now.."

<< She grabbed Alison's hand and squeezed it softly. >>

"My sweet, sweet girl...you are my favorite..you know that right?"

<< Hazel stood..her white flowing gown seemed to flirt with the floor as she walked..Apollo stood attention and followed her as she made her way down the hall. >>

"I'm going to give myself a little bit of a tour before bed..if only to ensure you aren't turning Barbara's SANCTUARY into some kind of wanton pleasure dome!"

<< Laughing. >>

"Just kidding!"

<< She dissappeared down the hall and deeper into the mansion. >>

 

[Black Widow]

The pressure continued to build, as Haleigh finished eating and leaned back in her chair. Dominique gracefully picked up the tab and Haleigh made no move to argue. Sometimes she paid, sometimes others did, it made no matter to her. They all had TOO much money to care.

Isis: One good turn deserves another.

"Indeed, thank you."

Isis: And I wouldn't worry[ about whether or not she'd help in a fight against Malice]. When it comes to Diana, Helena and myself? There's no love lost. It's only a matter of time before Diana crosses that line with me and if there's anything she loves to do- it's INVADE.

"Well, if she makes a move on YOU before her plan regarding ME is known..... I've got your back. I may owe her my life...... but that doesn't mean she OWNS ME or anything."

Isis: The more i learned about the MYSTECH era, the more distasteful I found it all to be. It goes against EVERYTHING my patron goddess Isis stood for.

Haleigh was one of MysTech's great achievements, against her will. She and Sharon had that in common. Yet despite benefiting immensely from MysTech's research and technology, Haleigh was glad to be rid of the global menace.

"Believe me when I say I took great pleasure in the destruction of MysTech..... the Six were a significant help in that regard and its the reason we all became a true family. If Diana didn't learn her lesson when we shut down her company, or she somehow forgot just how powerful we all are together, we'll just have to teach her AGAIN."

They walked out together, stepping out into the sun. Haleigh squinted and suppressed a scowl as the brightness of the day seared her retinas. She pulled her sunglasses out of her hair and slid them onto her face. Her eyes adjusted quickly to the change, but her headache spiked harder than before. All this talk of MysTech and Diana's imminent plans were taking their toll.

Perhaps I should call Rousey and take her up on that sparring match-- nah, I'll hurt her BAD. It wouldn't be right to ruin her career just to relieve some stress. Hmmm.... maybe I can drop in on Zach at the UN for a little afternoon delight--no, I can't nail HIM while I can still hear Cameron promising to fucck me with my own gun. Ah! My gun, that's it. I can head down to the danger room, run a few live fire exercises, blow through a couple thousand rounds.....

Isis: Will you be alright, Haleigh?

"Hmmm? Oh yes, of course. One way or another, Dominique, I'll always be 'alright'."

Isis mentioned one other matter that she needed to take care of, feeding Rich. Haleigh chuckled as Dominique mentioned not being able to go to the grocery store.

"Dominique, I haven't been to a grocery store in years. I have a distribution deal with Whole Foods Market, they supply all my bases and safe houses with weekly deliveries. Here, (she pauses for a second, then blinks) I just emailed you with my contact's information. Get in touch with her, let her know I referred you. She'll give you a great deal on a corporate account."

Haleigh's car pulls up to the curb and the door opens automatically.

"Thanks again for lunch. Tell the Birds I said hi."

She said with a smirk. She sat down in her car and shut the door with a sense of relief. She hadn't blacked out yet, but she knew it was coming. She programmed her car to take her home on autopilot in case the blackout hit while she was driving.

 

[Prophet]

McSorley's

:: Cameron was really feeling good and it wasn't just the copious amounts of alcohol that began to flow between the friends. For a few moments he didn't feel as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He wasn't stressed out about The Parisian Parthenon project that was still ongoing even in the face of The Purifiers attack. He wasn't stressed out about what happened with Haleigh and the fact that he was going to have to face Alycia at some point and tell her what happened. He wasn't stressed out about his sister or his teammates. He was just enjoying himself and that felt really good. ::

Vivica: "Not for nothing Cameron..but it's good to know you are still fun..at least when you have the right people around you! See? It's fun to scale the walls of the kingdom! Now.."

:: smiling ::

"Something tells me that getting you and Delilah together was a very VERY naughty idea."

Vivica: "Who's ready for more shots? Delilah's trying to get me into porn and I don't think I'm drunk enough to seriously consider it. Sidebar, do they got any Hennessey in this place? Mama wants a little more than a pale ale tonight!"

"We are supposed to be going to dinner in an hour. I'd rather not have a photo op with you falling out of the booth drunk. Not again. Remember the King Enterprises Christmas Party a few years ago? I don't know if you ever lived that one down!"

:: He watched Vivica's face light up as she laughed hard. ::

Vivica: "Please! I try to do a little Mariah Carey Karaoke on the top of a table to usher in the Christmas Spirit and wind up with your heels over your head on the ground just ONE time and they never let you forget it!"

[thinking]

"Also...if I can weigh in on your future career in the adult entertainment industry? We shared a small apartment together for many years..and if you plan on making the sounds that I heard coming from your bedroom on several occassions..I would just forget the whole thing now and save yourself the embarrassment!"

Vivica: "You pervert! I knew you were listening!"

:: Everybody was laughing as ANOTHER round of shots came around. ::

"Cheers!"

:: They drank them down smoothly. Cameron turned to the women. ::

"You know...three hot women in a bar..I feel a little Coyote Ugly tribute coming on. Whaddya say? Get up on this bar and show these patrons a little show! Don't make me COMPEL you into doing it."

 

[Ruby]

McSorley’s

”Who brought Anne Frank?”

:: And just like that, Cass wasn’t having any fun anymore. Still, if MOURNINGStar thought she could drive her away, she had another thing coming. Everybody seemed to be walking on eggshells when it came to Delilah. Maybe it was time to give back what she had been dishing out lately. ::

“Hey, why don’t you say that a little louder? I don’t think the entire BLOCK heard you quite well.”

:: Then Delilah told her that they didn’t sell Guinness. ::

“Rookie mistake.”

:: Thankfully, she then ignored her and focused ALL her attention Vivica. Thank GOD. As time passed and the coversation flowed, sorry, the conversation between Cameron, Vivica, and Cameron, everytime Cass spoke up it was largely ignored…no doubt intentional on Delilah’s part. ::

A total bitch move, if I ever saw one…

:: Instead of feeling down and out about it – yes, Delilah! She wasn’t going to cry like a baby! – she took the opportunity to look around the bar, half-listening to what they were going on and on about. It was a total DIVE bar, but Cass had to admit that it did have character. ::

Cameron: "Something tells me that getting you and Delilah together was a very VERY naughty idea."

Vivica: "Who's ready for more shots? Delilah's trying to get me into porn and I don't think I'm drunk enough to seriously consider it. Sidebar, do they got any Hennessey in this place? Mama wants a little more than a pale ale tonight!"

:: Cass turned back to the company she was with and smiled. ::

“Viv, you are way too classy for that shit.”

:: It would probably be largely ignored, but at least she said SOMETHING. Cameron then mentioned the Christmas party and Vivica laughed out loud. ::

Vivica:"Please! I try to do a little Mariah Carey Karaoke on the top of a table to usher in the Christmas Spirit and wind up with your heels over your head on the ground just ONE time and they never let you forget it!"

*laughing*: “I certainly hope that somebody had the gumption to record that little performance and place it on YouTube!”

:: Another round of shots came by, but Cass pushed hers away and asked for some water instead. Even with the electric atmosphere and the laughter they were all sharing, she wasn’t have as much fun as she would’ve liked. ::

Is it cold in here, or is it just Delilah?

:: She wasn’t aiming that at anybody, in fact, she kind of FORGOT she was in the vincinity of a telepath. She began looking all around the bar, checking out other patrons and whatnot. A particular man caught her eye. He had been waving and so she pointed at herself and he nodded. Then he gave her a wink. Cass broke into a grin and winked back. She may not be into men at the moment, but she wasn’t above having a little flirtatious fun. ::

Cameron: "You know...three hot women in a bar..I feel a little Coyote Ugly tribute coming on. Whaddya say? Get up on this bar and show these patrons a little show! Don't make me COMPEL you into doing it."

:: She turned around and rolled her eyes at Cameron. ::

Abso-fcuking-lutely not.

“NO.”

:: She could just imagine what THAT would be like: The Porno Twins would do a dance by themselves while Cass was on the outside…simply because Delilah was campaigning for Bitch of the Year. She was not into being humiliated in public. ::

Staying here, just to prove a point, is so not worth it.

:: Her eyes trailed back to the guy. Being on the outside looking in, at least, it certainly FELT that way, was not at all fun. A slow smiled played on her lips. Maybe it was time to ditch her company and have some of her OWN fun. ::

 

[Persephone]

Karen: Well I think if he's more than just a pretty face, which he'd HAVE to be to keep YOU entertained...

Yeah, he's great in bed.

Karen: He'll do the COURTEOUS thing and inform the Six of this privately before he hosts some MEDIA EVENT about it. I think we both know that Haleigh among others will NOT be happy if they find out about it at the same time as the general public.

"I agree. Hopefully he listens to my advice."

There was no much more to say about the situation other than that. Simon was a grown man and could make his own decisions. Karen went on to express her feelings about 'working' in New York. She was semi-retired now....most likely strictly working with members of the six and their plethora of mental problems. Honestly, any psychiatrist would make a boat load of money with the issues this team has.

Karen: Speaking of what is a good fit, before we go any further, this is just a formality, but I want to state on the record that these meetings are private and confidential. This office is free and clear of any technology that could compromise that confidentiality. You have consented to any diagnostic testing that I may need to run if it becomes necessary.

Slowly nodding, that little statement was always a fun way to kick off their sessions. She knew it was Karen just covering her own ass and making sure Ava felt confident knowing none of her personal issues would be leaked to the others...but regardless, it was slightly unsettling to hear every time.

Karen: Now then, picking up where we left off the last time, You were expressing that you were haunted and that you felt you were being dragged down, crippled even, but you weren't able to say just by WHAT aloud yet.

Ava bit her bottom lip as she looked away...she had seen Karen every day since the purifiers were taken out. Every day she expressed that she was haunted by something...that she had nightmares and hadn't had a decent night sleep in months. She talked about how Simon was concerned for her--how Alison came to her directly because of her concerns. She even told Karen that her powers had been effected by it, ultimately causing her to knock out Sharon while trying to rescue the children on the bus. She had opened up quite a bit to Karen....except for WHY this was all happening to Ava and what caused it.

Karen: The "Bus Accident" has been worst result of that so far and you've decided you need to push through your relutance to talk about it. If you're ready, you may begin...

Ava was silent for a few moments, not ready to talk...not ready to really go into the specifics. She knew eventually it would come to this point....that she would have to say it to Karen...but her pride was getting in the way. Her EMBARRASSMENT. Inhaling a deep breath, Ava exhaled slowly before looking at the doctor.

"For thousands of years I've only ever relied on myself. Any problem that needed to be dealt with....any issues that may have popped up....anything....I took care of it. It wasn't until my time with the Masters of Evil that I truly let others in....they became my FAMILY. But even then? If something personally happened to me I would handle it. I never wanted my issues to burden anyone else. I never wanted anyone to feel the weight of my 'drama'. When I came to The Six....when I merged with Ava Cassadine....I found that family again within all of you. But even now--after everything....there are situations that I don't want to put onto the others shoulders. ESPECIALLY this one. I brought this on myself the moment I got involved with him...the moment I craved power above anything else, and would do anything to get it.

Shutting her eyes, Ava was talking in circles.....she was avoiding the main point. The reason she was here.

"Last year....when I took my leave of absence from The Six....I left for my villa in Greece with James...."

- FLASH -

It was dawn, and the warm rays of sunshine began to cascade into the bedroom of Ava's Grecian mansion. She had been there for five days with her lover James Broslin. After what had happened during the Viper caper, Ava was beginning to question whether or not she should even continue on with the six. The whole ordeal was very taxing....and James could tell that there was a change in Ava. He convinced her she needed time away--needed time to sort things out and reevaluate her life. She needed a BREAK. It was then that she went to Morgan and Alison and asked for a short leave of absence.

Five days on the island and already Ava felt like a whole new woman. It was like a ton of bricks had been lifted off her shoulders--like she could breathe again. Being able to wake up and not worry about what catastrophe was looming around the corner was amazing. Being able to wake up next to James and know he was there for her was even more amazing. They had known each other since they were teenagers. They were the closest and oldest of friends. It was only natural that their friendship blossomed into a romance. For five days Ava felt the happiest she had been in a long time.

The sun became brighter as it rose higher in the sky. The sheer white curtains that hung across the vast wall of windows did little to keep the bright daylight out. Ava was still in bed, her body facing the window allowing the sun to hit her face. With her already closed eyes, she winced a little at how bright it was, finally stirring awake. She was groggy....out of it. Her mind still waking up. Slowly opening her eyes, she blinked a few times clearing her vision. It was then that she noticed something strange...or rather felt it. Wet? She felt wet....a warmth. Lifting her body up, she instinctively turned to look behind her.

GASP.

Ava's white sheets were soaked red with blood. And James.....James was MUTILATED next to her! His body literally ripped in half. His entrails spread across the bed. His blood splattered up the wall, across the room, on the floor....on AVA.

"NOOOOO!!!!!"

Screaming was all she could think of doing. HOW!? How did this happen?! She heard nothing...she felt nothing! NOTHING! Tears streamed down her face when suddenly....it dawned on her. Her breath hitched in her throat realizing that there was only one person who was so quiet, it rivaled death itself. Quickly, Ava jumped out of bed...but he was on her within milliseconds. Her body was slammed against the bedroom door; her cheek pushed against the white wood. He had both her hands in a vice grip behind her back; his body pressed firmly against hers.

Hades: Shhh..shhh..shhh..shhhhhhh....

Struggling, Ava felt her body getting weaker and her head began to spin. It was like her strength was being drained from her...her ability to fight back. Her eyes rolled shut...she could now feel the cold metal cuffs firmly secured on her wrists, and it was very evident at that point--Hades had bound her with mystic cuffs. Cuffs that had the power of Hecate, and the ability to completely drain a supernatural's abilities and strengths from them while completely BINDING them to the person who had control over the cuffs. It was like an ancient power suppression collar and dog leash all in one.

"You bastard..."

Ava hissed out, feeling both his hands release from her wrists and start to move up her waist. His face buried in her hair taking in her scent.

Hades: I've waited two thousand years for this--for you.

With every bit of strength she had left, Ava slammed the back of her head into Hades' face. She may have had the strength of a mortal now, but a head butt to the face was still painful in any regard. Hades stumbled back, groaning out in both pain and anger. Ava tried to put distance between them, but he immediately grabbed her by the bicep stopping her. SLAMMING the back of his hand into her face, she fell to the floor hard.

"UUUHHH!"

Without hesitation, Hades picked her up like a child would a rag doll. Throwing her back onto the bed, Ava felt the warmth of blood once again....but she felt other objects....bone and organs and flesh under her now. Cringing, Hades' body weight was now firmly on her. With her arms still cuffed behind her back, she groaned out uncomfortably feeling the pressure building in her shoulders. Tears fell from the corners of her eyes as he moved his hand down her neck and collar bone to her chest.

Hades: So you still like playing hard to get? I LIKE it.....But what I don't quite understand Persopina....is why you were so eager and willing for this insignificant little mortal? You enjoyed yourself...

Ava's glassy eyes widened in horror, realizing that Hades had been there the entire night WATCHING them. He could of been there the entire week for all she knew....it was disgusting AND violating.

Hades: As if....you LOVED it.

Hades roughly tore the bottom of her black silk night gown, creating a large tear up the side for 'easy access'. Ava's breathing began to increase; her chest heaving in and out as she tried to control the fear that was building.

"I DID love it. It was good--NO....it was GREAT."

She growled out viciously. She could see the anger radiating from Hades' eyes as he looked down at her. But her words were the only power she had left over him.

Hades: Really? How does he stack up NOW?

Hades' hand forcefully turned Ava's face to the side and firmly pushed it into the bed so she couldn't advert her eyes. There was James...in pieces. His body beyond recognition. The only piece of him that still LOOKED like him was his face...his eyes were frozen wide in horror. Ava shut her eyes tightly, cringing out in pain.

Hades: LOOK AT HIM!

He screamed, pushing his hand harder into her face to emphasize his point.

Hades: He cannot give you what I can! He is nothing more than a soulless mass of FLESH and BONES!

Hades released his firm hold on Ava's cheek, causing her to immediately turn and SPIT in his face. A mixture of saliva and blood dripped down his brow and onto his cheek.

"FUCK YOU!"

Hades didn't bother to wipe the spit, in fact he seemed to ENJOY it. His eyes were dark and filled with lust--like he was getting off on all of this. This was when Ava knew exactly what was going to happen...and that there was nothing she could do about it. Feeling his hands roughly pull her legs apart, his lower body went firmly between them keeping them forced apart. His upper torso hovered over Ava causing her to turn her face away in an effort to put distance between them.

Hades: LOOK AT ME!

Feeling his hand cup roughly around her jaw, he forced her to come face to face with him.

Hades: I've waited far too long for this not to see your beautiful face....

He then firmly placed his lips onto hers. Even as he kissed her, Ava grimaced, groaning out muffled protests. But then, he suddenly stopped. He pulled back, looking down at her in complete and utter confusion. Ava's breathing almost stopped...she didn't know what to think or do. He was seconds away from raping her and now he had this look of horror on his face.

Hades: Who are you....

Ava's brows furrowed, her breathing slightly labored at this point. He quickly placed his hand on her forehead, closing his eyes. It was only seconds later that they opened, staring down at her like she were nothing more than a piece of trash.

Hades: LEACH! You are NOT MY Persephone!!

He screamed, immediately standing from the bed and THROWING Ava across the room into a wall without an ounce of effort. Falling to the ground in a heap, Ava's eyes slowly opened, her vision blurred. But she could see Hades standing across the room looking at her.

Hades: AVA CASSADINE?! This MORTAL is now APART of YOU?! WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOU!!!

His voice bellowed, echoing in a thunderous roar. Ava's head lifted only slightly as he strode across the bedroom towards her. She felt a crack across her face, and then black. Everything was black.

- FLASH -

Ava looked away from Karen, her eyes filled to the brim with tears, but they did not fall. She had actually said it out loud for the first time in nearly a year. Hades had attacked her--nearly raped her--and kidnapped her into the Underworld. His thirst--his OBSESSION over her--cost James his life....and cost her even more later.

"I'm STRONG...i've dealt with things in my life that no one could even imagine dealing with...but this? This nearly killed me. What he did to me in the Underworld--"

Shaking her head, finally the tears fell from her eyes.

"I never felt so weak in my life."

 

[MorningStar]

McSorley’s

“Hey, why don’t you say that a little louder? I don’t think the entire BLOCK heard you quite well.”

Delilah smiled.

“Cass, Cass. No, really, it’s good you’re here. I had totally forgotten you existed.”

Delilah held up her phone so the speaker pointed at her.

“This is what I hear when you talk.”

A sound effect of cow going moo played.

She turned back to Cameron & Vivica.

"Something tells me that getting you and Delilah together was a very VERY naughty idea."

Delilah held up a hand.

“You may have turned HER into a lesbian, Cameron King, but don’t get any ideas. Although.”

Delilah looked inquisitively at Vivica. Slowly, she leaned toward her.

“There is something about her that is…appealing…”

She leaned in closer, as if she was about to kiss Vivica. At the last second, she broke it off and stood back again, laughing.

“Nope, still straight.”

She picked up her glass and saluted with it before draining its contents.

"You know...three hot women in a bar..I feel a little Coyote Ugly tribute coming on. Whaddya say? Get up on this bar and show these patrons a little show! Don't make me COMPEL you into doing it."

Delilah didn’t look away from her beer at his comment.

“Coyote Ugly’s down the street. Why don’t you head over there, and we’ll meet you.”

But then she paused.

“On second thought.”

She set her glass down on the bar, and reached down for Cameron’s hand. She climbed up onto the bar crowded with glasses, pulling Cameron up behind her.

“We’re doing this together, King. Viv, get that cellphone camera ready.”

Delilah walked up and down the bar, then returned to Cameron, putting her arms around him and urging him to dance with her. The patrons would notice an uncharacteristic light show flashing about the bar, seemingly in step with the movements of the two on top of it.

She leaned in to Cameron and laughed.

"What better use of my power than to make us look good?"

 

[Isis]

The Clock Tower

"Dominique, I haven't been to a grocery store in years. I have a distribution deal with Whole Foods Market, they supply all my bases and safe houses with weekly deliveries. Here, (she pauses for a second, then blinks) I just emailed you with my contact's information. Get in touch with her, let her know I referred you. She'll give you a great deal on a corporate account."

::It was nice to know that Dominique didn't sound COMPLETELY out of touch with life because she didnt do something as simple as travel to the grocery store::


Thank you! That will do quite nicely!

:: Dominique was relieved to have a plan to address Richard's hearty appetite, unaware that Oracle had pretty much done the same thing. Either way, his nutrional needs would be taken care of.::

Haleigh's car pulls up to the curb and the door opens automatically.

"Thanks again for lunch. Tell the Birds I said hi."

She said with a smirk. She sat down in her car and shut the door with a sense of relief.

:: And as the goddess and the hybrid bid each other farewell, Isis smirked at Haleigh's "Birds" comment::

"The Birds" indeed...


:: An emerging group, a team. A far cry from the Sisterhood and even the Six, but one that was destined to play a very necessary role in the future unfolding before Dominique and the rest. Today's meeting with Haleigh had been interesting and she knew that path with Haleigh and the Six would not grow distant because of her own change of affiliation. It was as she'd said to Ava during the eve of the Blue Moon, "Somethings are beyond 'good' and 'evil'::

:: Haleigh drove away and Isis walked a block from where they parted ways, quietly ducking behind a building before activating her own movement power, teleporting as a golden column of magick beamed down upon her.::

:: She returns to the Clock Tower, noting the presence of delivery men and a food truck!::
:: Inside and on the floor that housed the multi-level apartment she and Richard occupied, she found that food was being delivered. Richard was there, with Oracle.::

Hello Richard, Zizi. My meeting with Haleigh went very well.

Is everything alright?


::It appeared that Richard had eaten EVERYTHING in the pantry.::


Don't worry Richard, I was going to let you know that I have a solution for your nutrional needs, thanks to Haleigh , but it seems that you and Zizi have already worked something out.

:: Smiling a bit as she looked at the two of them::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The Parthenon- Karen's office

<< The doctor sat silent and listened with an expressionless face as Ava told her backstory.>>

<< The woman had been violently assaulted, was the victim of attempted rape, kidnapped and abused in a number of ways... all at the hands of Hades.>>

<< It was NO WONDER Ava was having problems, to the point that even her powers were flaring out of control at times. She'd gone through something so terrible and in her attempts to "cope" as she'd always done before, she was on the verge of FRAGMENTING in her psyche!>>

<< The LAST time that happened, Michael Armstrong wound being GUTTED on the Isle of Aerie.>>

Ava looked away from Karen, her eyes filled to the brim with tears, but they did not fall. She had actually said it out loud for the first time in nearly a year. Hades had attacked her--nearly raped her--and kidnapped her into the Underworld. His thirst--his OBSESSION over her--cost James his life....and cost her even more later.


"I'm STRONG...i've dealt with things in my life that no one could even imagine dealing with...but this? This nearly killed me. What he did to me in the Underworld--"


Shaking her head, finally the tears fell from her eyes.


"I never felt so weak in my life."

<< Karen couldn't stop the progress that Ava was making, not now. No matter how hard it was for Ava to FACE this again, Karen had to guide her gently but consistently to get THROUGH the telling..."RELIVING" of it. Only THEN could she begin to help Ava not only begin to let go, but also put DISTANCE between herself and this life altering event.>>


....


There's no shame in that, Ava. You were most certainly TRAUMATIZED in a most brutal way. Your companion was brutally murdered. You were harrassed, assaulted, nearly raped and then kidnapped and abused. ..there are women...who don't survive a FRACTION of what you went through, much less find the courage to talk about it...face it, in order to take BACK the power that your attacker stole from you.


Just take your time here, Ava. The fact that you can finally tell this story suggests that you've come a fair piece further than you may realize

<< Karen said in a calm, gentle tone>>

Please tell me what happened, how you escaped Hades.

 

[Seer]

And So

<< Haleigh returns to the Parthenon and makes her way to the floor of her suite. Her meeting today with Dominique had been pleasant, productive and also a bit unsettling. For those questions answered, several more were now opened and Haleigh unknowingly was apart of a growing club of Six members debating the merits of "The Truce".>>

<< Still, she knew the long term strategy was what was important. She said herself, that if Diana had somehow FORGOTTEN how powerful the Six was as a group, they'd simply have to TEACH her again. But how could they call themselves a GROUP right now in their current state??>>

<< The hybrid had alot on her mind as she entered the building. >>

<< Ava was in a closed session with Karen and Blaze was in her suite, enjoying some alone time. Cameron was out with Delilah, Vivica and Cass, while Nicolas and Sharon were making their way back to NY via the "sceneic route".>>

<< Haleigh had some unexpected downtime, which was probably a good thing considering she felt herself dangerously close to having another episode...another blackout.>>

<< But as she arrived on the floor and entered her suite, she soon was greeted by ANOTHER curious sight.>>

<< From a corner of the room she was in, a swirl of dark blue orbs formed near the floor and soon, TINKERBELL trotted into view, carrying the small white fuffy kitten by the scruff of her neck. The kitten HALEIGH had given Morgan a while ago!>>

<< The kitten squirmed a little and quitely mewed with a bit of protest as Tinker carried her from Limbo back to EARTH.>>

<< As unexpected as this was for Haleigh, the hybrid couldn't help but suspect that if Tinker was here, that her Mommy might not be far behind? Tinkerbell sets the kitten down and begins to groom her a bit before looking at Haleigh and meowing in the way that only a siamese can.>>

<< In a flash of violent light, a stepping disc opens horizontally and Spellbinder herself emerges as eldritch chimes play a brief "melody" in the air around Haleigh's suite>>

Spellbinder: Hello...Haleigh.

<< the one person of the Six Haleigh HADN'T seen since she arrived, was now standing in front of her in full effect, looking refreshed but with radiating the COLDNESS of Limbo that was felt even by Haleigh.>>

 

[Persephone]

Karen: There's no shame in that, Ava. You were most certainly TRAUMATIZED in a most brutal way. Your companion was brutally murdered. You were harrassed, assaulted, nearly raped and then kidnapped and abused. ..there are women...who don't survive a FRACTION of what you went through, much less find the courage to talk about it...face it, in order to take BACK the power that your attacker stole from you.

Ava kept her eyes averted from Karen as she spoke. She understood what the doctor was trying to say.....but she couldn't help feeling like she should have been strong enough to stop him. She should have been strong enough to save James. She was a mother fuucking GOD and she couldn't even protect herself or the person she loved. Ava questioned her abilities, her strength, her power.

Karen: Just take your time here, Ava. The fact that you can finally tell this story suggests that you've come a fair piece further than you may realize << Karen said in a calm, gentle tone>> Please tell me what happened, how you escaped Hades.

Ava inhaled a shaky breath, shutting her eyes a moment to collect herself.

"I woke up....in my castle in the Underworld..."

- FLASH -

Everything was dark and quiet. Had it all been a terrible dream? Was she still sleeping? Between the waking world and a dream state? She could hear noise around her--it was faint, but audible. It began to stir her awake. Opening her eyes, Ava blinked slowly trying to clear her vision--trying to clear her head.

Hades: There she is....

And then his voice made it undeniably clear. This was no dream....it was a waking nightmare. Ava slowly lifted her head seeing Hades standing in front of her. She was bound to a chair, her arms still pinned behind her back with the mystic cuffs. Her skin was stained with dried blood, and her tangled hair partially covered the side of her face that was now bruised and swollen. Lifting her dry, bloodshot eyes, they connected with Hades.

Hades: Look at those big blue eyes.....so beautiful. You're so beautiful....

Hades ran his hand across Ava's cheek, pushing the hair that was shielding her face back. Whipping her head away from his touch, he grabbed a fist full of her hair and forced Ava to look at him.

Hades: But I knew there was something off with you....you would never be with a maggot like HIM.

"Shut up."

Hades released Ava's hair, now walking away from her. He made his way to a decorative table placed behind the couch. His hand moved across a large black box.

Hades: I know we liked to play out games....you catch me with the hand maiden...I catch you with her son...

"Shut. UP."

Hades: But THIS? This was different. You LOVED him. I could see it the instant you started fucking him last night.

Hades' hand turned into a fist as his mind went to the night before when he watched Ava and James make love. Ava's eyes narrowed in fury....she was a wild animal and he was TRAPPING her in a corner. It was only natural that she strike back, regardless of the circumstances.

"You're right. I DID love him. I loved him MORE than I could EVER possibly love you."

Hades: Don't say that.

"He was more of a man than you have EVER been in your entire EXISTENCE. I USED you Hades--FOR POWER. I never WANTED you! I never LOVED you! You make me SICK! The only thing you were EVER good for was a FUUCK, and even that was mediocre at best."

Hades: LIES!

"What's wrong, darling? The truth HURT!?"

That's when Hades lost it. He screamed, moving swiftly over to Ava in two paces and grabbed her by her neck, SQUEEZING her esophagus shut. Ava's torso began to heave, trying desperately to get air.

Hades: "THIS IS THE MORTAL TALKING! That BITCH Ava Cassadine has corrupted your MIND!"

Hades grip became tighter. Any more force from him and he would CRUSH Ava's throat. His eyes glared mercilessly into hers seeing that she was on the verge of unconsciousness; finally he let go. Coughing out, Ava gasped for air, falling forward into a hunched position.

Hades: I WILL fix this. I will fix you. Then you can see the error of your ways....see that i've only done this for you. That I love you more than anyone else could ever love you.

Still gasping for air, Ava lifted her head weakly to see Hades walking back over to the large black box. He opened it, looking inside.

"You never loved me. You don't know the MEANING of love."

Ava managed to choke out; her voice raspy and hoarse from him strangling her.

Hades: I will prove my love to you by getting rid of that LEECH Ava. Then you will be mine again....fully in body and soul.

Ava watched Hades reach inside the box.

Hades: No one will keep me from you...and no MORTAL SOUL will prevent me from having my wife back!

His hands lifted, and resting in his palm was a CRAWLER. Crawlers were a demonic creature created by Hades thousands of years ago as a method of torture against mortals. Essentially they were like a supernatural lobotomy. They would enter through the person's ear canal and literally crawl their way up into the host's brain and latch on. The crawler fed off the human psyche, ultimately rendering the mortal brain dead once the crawler was finished. But because that wasn't bad enough, Hades made sure to make the processes unbearably painful. From the moment the crawler enters the mortal until it dies and falls out of the ear, there is a constant SEARING and BURNING pain in the person's brain, like being stabbed by thousands of burning hot pokers, over and over and over again. Usually the pain killed the person before the crawler did. If Hades was right....the crawler would latch on and feed off of Ava's psyche, leaving only Persephone in it's wake.

Ava's eyes widened, her breath quickening. She knew how terrible the crawler was....she was there many times when Hades used it to torture mortals. She could vividly see their bodies writhing on the ground, their voices cracking as they screamed, the blood dripping from their ears and eyes from the sheer pressure the brain was enduring.

"Hades...."

Ava could hear the disturbing and disgusting clicking of the crawlers legs as it crawled across Hades' hands as he held it.

Hades: This will help, my love. We will rid you of that mortal leech....and you will be my Persephone again.

Ava began to struggle against the chair, trying to pull her wrists apart in vain. Shaking her head quickly, she looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Hades....don't do this..."

Hades began to cross the room, closing in on Ava. Panicked breaths began to escape her parted lips. Her body instinctively recoiling into the chair in a hopeless effort to put more distance between them.

"You son of a BITCH!!"

Hades: It will only hurt for a little, my love....Then you will feel no more pain.

"HADES!"

Struggling, Hades grabbed Ava by her hair, forcefully yanking her head to the side and exposing her ear. As if on cue, the crawler began to move down Hades' hand and onto Ava's cheek. She could feel the sharp legs of the creature dig into her tender flesh. It began to crawl across her cheek until it finally reached her ear. What were mere seconds felt like years....then finally the crawler disappeared deep into Ava's ear, moving directly to her brain. In that moment, all Ava could do was scream.

- FLASH -

Ava's eyes were dry now as she stared blankly at a vase full of flowers sitting on Karen's desk...remembering the excruciating pain....and how it felt like it would never end.

"I fought for Ava....to keep her....I wanted to give up--I almost did..."

- FLASH -

Months....not days....not weeks....but MONTHS went by and the crawler was still struggling to feed off Ava's psyche. Screams could be heard echoing throughout the vast castle constantly. And when she wasn't screaming, it was because she had passed out from the pain. It was a daily routine that a chamber maid would come into her room and have to change the sheets because they were soaked in sweat. And daily, Ava would beg for the maid to help her....to stop the pain. Her body contracted and convulsed, her hands gripping the wrought iron frame of her bed, her eyes shut tightly. It was all a never ending fight....STRUGGLE to stay alive and keep the part of Ava with her.

The only thing that kept her going were her memories of Ava. Memories of her father Stavros....memories of growing up with Haleigh....memories of James...The Six....her life...her new FAMILY. She had to hold onto them for dear life, because the second she let go, the memories were gone. They would be sucked out of her and never return. It was a battle to keep Ava ALIVE and in tact, and Persephone's body was taking the toll. Ava's screaming had stopped for longer than usual, prompting Hades to go in an check on his wife. As he entered, he saw Ava laying motionless in her bed, either passed out or unconcious, with a dead crawler laying on the pillow next to her.

Hades: It's done! IT'S DONE!

Hades began to laugh with pure joy, realizing that finally, he was going to have HIS Persephone back, and not the tainted half mortal version. It had taken MONTHS for her to 'give up' and stop fighting the crawler. But it was all worth it in his mind. A few months of agony for Persephone would mean a life time of being with her. It was worth it. So worth it.

Hades: I will let you recover, then you will be mine tonight. Finally! My QUEEN is back!

With a giant grin on his face, he made his way over to a small table that held some silver decanters of wine. Picking up a goblet, he began to pour himself a celebratory drink. Ava's eyes slowly opened, seeing Hades' back was to her. He was so wrapped up in his "win" that he didn't see her slowly slip out of bed and pick up the brass candle stick that sat on the night stand beside her. With every ounce of strength she had, Ava smashed the candle stick across Hades' skull--his body immediately falling to the ground after impact. Literally, Ava began to BEAT Hades with the candle stick OVER and OVER and OVER again, SCREAMING out with each blow to his head. Blood splattered everywhere but she kept striking him until finally, her hands shakily dropped the candle stick onto the ground beside him. He laid their motionless....Ava's hands shaking along with her body. He was right....it was done. But the crawler didn't finish the job. Ava fought to hold onto her memories so badly, the crawler STARVED to death, leaving Ava's psyche in tact.

Hades was down....but he wasn't out. Even after beating him relentlessly, it would take more than that to "kill" him. And Ava didn't have the strength or the power to do it. Opening the bedroom door, she began to run. Run down the hall. Run OUT of the castle. She couldn't teleport out of the Underworld like she normally could. The mystic cuffs were still bound to her wrists preventing her from using any of her abilities. The cuffs were also slowly draining her of her life energy the further she moved away from Hades' side. But she needed to run.....she needed to make her way to the only place she knew would have help. The gateway to hell guarded by the Amazons.

Ava was barefoot, running over the jagged rocks sharp enough to be glass. Her feet were cut up, but she kept moving...struggling to go forward. Hades' blood stained her body, but her own started to mix with his as she stumbled a few times, cutting up her knees, legs, and forearms. Ava's breaths were labored....she was starting to get light headed. The mystic cuffs began to glow a soft golden hue the further she got away from the castle. Then finally, she saw it. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. With her body leaning against the cave wall, for the first time in over 4 months, she felt hopeful. She was almost there!

"Help!"

Her voice was strained and hoarse--virtually gone from the months of screaming. But she tried to shout for help anyway. Stumbling forward, she made her way closer and closer to the light. It was getting brighter--bigger. And soon, she saw two Amazon's standing guard with their back to the cave.

"HELP ME!"

She shouted out with all her might. It was enough for the Amazon's to turn around. And the sight they saw was unbelievable. Ava, standing barefoot, cut up, bloodied, bruised...She tried to take one more step forward, but the cuffs were taking too much life energy from her. She finally collapsed onto the dirt ground.

"He...cate....Get....Hecate...."

The only words she could muster out before succumbing to unconsciousness.

- FLASH -

Finally, it was all out in the open. Every. Last. Gorey. Detail. Karen knew the whole story. Even her mother, Hecate, and Athena didn't know truly what had happened during her time in the Underworld. Ava was silent for a moment before finally looking at Karen. The doctor had a good poker face....but even she could see in Karen's eyes the look of horror and shock. The look of sadness....like Karen were staring at a victim. And it was that exact look that made Ava NOT want to say anything. She didn't want to be known as a victim. She didn't want for people to take pity on her.

"My mother, Hecate, and Athena took me to Olympus to heal me. The Amazon's went and killed Hades on Athena's orders.....I was sedated for a few weeks....but even after I woke up, I stayed there for about a month. I didn't want to come back to this world--I wasn't ready. But...then I caught word that Circe was back and in the Underworld. I couldn't abandon the six like that...so I came back to help kill her."

Shaking her head.

"Then everything with Delilah happened....Morgan left...I couldn't leave too. So I stayed. [letting out a sardonic laugh] And here I am."