Rose of Destruction II

[Matrix]

Apparently the plan was to CATCH this hag? At least it was THEIR plan. If I got the trick in my hands, she might ACCIDENTALLY break into several pieces before I can stop myself.

Cam took point and seemed to be ready to cut open the force field when it opened and Persephone hit us with Hurricane force winds, knocking all of us on our ass. I was up in a shot and ready to take my shot when Delilah shielded us from...rain?! And now this...what is that word X used....pinchprick is talking big shit. I get outside the shield and aim my right hand as mini-railgun, firing too late as they disappeared. The explosion in the place they had been was crazy, but it made no difference. It killed roaches and rats and that's it.

Dammit!

<< As the cloud burst that Persephone summoned began to blow itself out, Spellbinder looked among the group>>

Is everyone ALRIGHT? Does anyone need healing!?

<< No one seemed to indicate they were seriously hurt, but Firebird was looking very distraught>

It's alright, Firebird. You did your best. No one could have anticipated that mystery woman...

And at least THIS time, there were no casualties on OUR side. Persephone got the message. We're not fooling around with her OR Black Widow any longer, and we're NOT playing this on Malice's time table.

I made my way over to Blaze and met her gaze.

You all right, Red?

I had no idea what else to say, so I just gave her a hug...

 

[Prophet]

Cafe Aroma

"Just...a few...more second..."

:: Though he was moving VERY quickly, he felt as if he was in slow motion. Was he prepared to do this? Was he prepared to tear into Persephone, knowing that he could very well lose Ava in the process. By the time his hands were over his head, he had made the decision that he was. Though Ava and Persephone were in the same body, they operated VERY differently. Ava might not be able to live with what Persephone had done to them so far. And they were only just beginning. She would never forgive herself, and so..if she perished, he would at least be able to say that he brought Ava Cassadine peace. But he didn't get that chance. ::

Everyone, FORWARD!

<< She, motioned as she, Firebird and Isis took to the air, Rampage, MorningStar , Recall, Matrix were hot on Prophet's heels. They were gonna take Persephone DOWN, and CAPTURE her. And Mystique, WHOEVER she was, could either stand down, or get PUT down.>>

Cameron made ground again, jumping into the air in preparation to attempt to slice Mystique's shield in half. Both Mystique and Persephone quickly glanced at each other, both on the same page as to what to do. Just as Cameron reached the barrier with his psionic blade, Mystique smirked.

Mystique: "Try again, lover boy."

[to Mystique] "NOW!"

The barrier immediately dissipated with a simple blink of Mystique's eyes. In that EXACT moment a blast of HURRICANE FORCE winds exploded out from the 'wall', SLAMMING into Cameron and EVERYONE ELSE instantly sending them FLYING BACKWARDS. The sky CRASHED and ROARED, opening up in a fury of rain all around New York City.

"UGGGHH!"

:: The winds WHIPPED into his body in a nanosecond as he was BOMBARDED from all sides. Every blast that hit his skin STUNG with pain as he felt as if he were into a BLENDER. Gaining his composure, he squinted his eyes, trying to see through the winds as he made out that he was about to make quite the impact against the wall of a building. Thrusting his PSI Blade in front of him, it FLEXED with his reg energy signature, the psionic energy burning BRIGHTER as waves of his power flexed around him. ::

<< VOOM! >>

:: His blade made contact with the wall of the building at the last POSSIBLE second as he used it to slow his impact, DIGGING into the very wall as he slid down the side of the building, his blade the only part of him on the wall. SLAMMING down in a near CRASH, he plunged his fist into the ground, DENTING it underneath him in a classic superhero fall. He came up from his knees. ::

"You WANT ME? You're going to GET ME and EVERYONE ELSE WITHIN THE INNER CIRCLE."

Persephone shouted over the commotion of the elements.

"YOU WANT TO BRING BACKUP BLAZE? THEN I'LL BRING FUCKING BACKUP [Inner Circle]"

Persephone grabbed Mystique's hand.

"I'll give Haleigh your regards."

With one last CRASH of thunder, Persephone and Mystique disappeared in a tornado of winds.

<< GASP!>>

<< they were COMPLETELY bombarded by an onslaught of hurricane force winds! She and Firebird, despite being among the best fliers around, were caught completely unaware and couldn't buck them. Isis didn't have time to transform into her sand storm/cloud form, EVERYONE, including Rampage, was blown back, BUT MorningStar's quick thinking resulted in them all being covered in a GLOBE of solid light, buffering their impact against cars or a building! They still had a rough landing, but a lot less damaging than what it would've been if they'd freefalled/crashed unprotected>>

<< They were on the ground, and MorningStar sheilded them from the sudden MONSOON that Persephone unleashed, but while the forcefield was down, no one among them had a chance to rally themselves to try and capture her!>>

:: His face contorted with anger. ::

"You are NOT getting out of here in her body, Persephone! NOT TODAY!"

:: There was a CRACKLE in the air as his power signature flexed around his body. He was preparing to unleash a TELEKINETIC BIO BOMB BLAST, one of his most powerful attacks. Even as a GODDESS, Persephone would find herself hard pressed to at the VERY least retain her consciousness. He formed his hands in front of him as an orb began to swirl in the space between his hands, a crackling sound could be heard flickering throughout the area. ::

Persephone: "I'll give Haleigh your regards."

Mystique smirked.

"I'll see you all SOON."

Giving them a wink, she disappeared with Persephone in a tornado of winds.

"NO!"

:: He CAST OUT his hands as the brillaint bright red blast cannonballed forward like a cascading laser RIGHT where Mystique and Persephone were standing. At the SECOND it was about to make contact, Persephone and Mystique DISSAPPEARED as the blast hit the part of the street they had been standing, causing the pavement to CRACK and upheave. He gritted his teeth. ::

"DAMMIT."

Firebird: THIS ISN'T OVER, PERSEPHONE!

Spellbinder: "Not by a LONG shot! You'll face us AGAIN, and you'll ANSWER for what you've done, Persephone!"

"Your days in that body are NUMBERED."

<< As the cloud burst that Persephone summoned began to blow itself out, Spellbinder looked among the group>>

Is everyone ALRIGHT? Does anyone need healing!?

<< No one seemed to indicate they were seriously hurt, but Firebird was looking very distraught>

It's alright, Firebird. You did your best. No one could have anticipated that mystery woman...

And at least THIS time, there were no casualties on OUR side. Persephone got the message. We're not fooling around with her OR Black Widow any longer, and we're NOT playing this on Malice's time table.

:: The dust was settling. As Cameron made his way over to Morgan and the other, he noticed Vivica struggling to get back onto her feet. Hesitating for a moment, he extended a hand and she didn't refuse it. He helped lift her up, but then she made it very clear, even silently so, that this was the extent of that interaction as she began to walk in front of him. His eyes went back to Morgan. ::

"I think we are all okay. As much as we can be."

"Morgan is right. You saw how pissed off she got just now. She will be coming back for more, and we've proven just now that we are ready."

[thinking]

"We need to check in with those not there. Just to be sure. Who knows where Persephone retreated to. For starters, where is Cassandra? Is she okay?"

 

[Persephone]

Both Persephone and Mystique appeared in a tornado of winds back within the safety of the Hellfire Club. Although the term safety was used loosely. Now inside Persephone's chambers, both woman stood silently and looked at each other before Persephone moved past Mystique and took a seat on her couch, leaning forward with her forearms on her knees and her head hanging forward. She could still feel the effects of Cameron's attack....it wasn't anything like Malice's dull, numbing pain that lingered behind her eyes. This was different. He reached deep--VERY deep--bringing forward flickers of Ava again. Pulling her back...almost like a rubber band right before it snapped. Shutting her eyes, she knew if he had pulled any more she would be gone or even dead. Haleigh was right. Cameron was just as dangerous to her as Malice was.

Mystique: "Here."

Looking up, Mystique held out a glass of scotch to her. Persephone looked at it a few moments before taking it.

"Thanks."

More than just a mere thank you for the drink. If Mystique hadn't arrived, she would of been in a world of pain. MORE than she was already in. Tossing back the scotch in one shot, Persephone loosely held the crystal tumbler in her hand, swirling the little remnants of liquor left as Mystique took a seat next to her.

Mystique: "You okay?"

Persephone didn't immediately answer.

Mystique: "Aside from Firebird's obvious low blow tactics of calling in every super within a ten mile radius."

Persephone scoffed finally looking over at Mystique.

"Can you believe that? She turned a fair fight into EIGHT against one. I'm powerful, but even THOSE odds are not in my favor."

Mystique smiled.

Mystique: "If there's one thing I know about Blaze Victory, she talks a big game but never follows through. You would of taken her out. She knows that. That's why she called in the calvary."

Persephone nodded with a sigh, glad she was hearing affirmation that she wasn't as weak as she was feeling in that moment. It felt like one punch after another--constantly getting beat down whether it be Helena, Diana, Rose, Sharon....now Alek. Rolling her eyes shut--Alek. She completely forgot why she had even LEFT Hellfire to begin with. Then again, that WAS the whole point. She just wasn't betting on fucking Blaze fucking up the REST of her night.

Finally she looked back at Mystique, both women soaking wet from the monsoon Persephone had unleashed on the city before their strategic retreat.

"You really backed me up out there. Thank you, Mystique...seriously. I owe you."

Mystique: "I new pair of boots maybe."

Persephone smirked.

Mystique: "You're apart of this court, I have your back. And...doesn't hurt that I like you."

Softly laughing, Persephone felt Mystique's hand on top of hers.

Mystique: "What they said about you? Is WRONG. They stand on these pedestals and look down their noses at everything and everyone that doesn't fit into their conformity. I've seen it--WATCHED it. They want you dead because they can't MOLD you, Persephone. Because you are STRONG and they're AFRAID of what you're capable of. Like I said....I know them more than they know themselves. Having the ability to be unseen has its perks....inside and outside these walls."

Persephone's eyes stayed locked with Mystiques, the eyeliner slightly smudged from the rain but still highlighting her hazel eyes. Being unseen may of had its perks....but it had its downfalls as well. And Persephone could see that having spied on the six for so long was starting to take a toll on Mystique. This woman was ready to BE SEEN and STRIKE. It was evident in her display at Aroma, and it was evident in her fiery eyes right now.

"You'll get your chance to take them out. And this time...we'll fuck them up so bad they'll be BEGGING us for mercy."

Mystique: "Oh I have no doubt."

Running her finger along her curled wet lock of red hair, Persephone pushed it back away from her face. Mystique smirked, stopping Persephone's hand and holding it in place by her face, Mystique's other hand running along Persephone's thigh.

"What?"

Mystique: "You need to go back to Alek. And I need to debrief Helena. We'll have fun later, Persephone. Until then? We still need to play the game."

Mystique gave Persephone a knowing look....not that it was any surprise considering Mystique KNEW EVERYTHING. But it was obvious the Bishop was well aware of Helena's inner workers and current plans involving Persephone. But Mystique was right....she needed to continue to play. Otherwise she was in just as much danger within the Hellfire Club as she was at Aroma.

 

[Mystique]

They arrived in a tornado of winds back in the Rook's chambers within the Hellfire Club. Both women were quiet, Mystique's eyes meeting with Persephone's before the goddess walked past her and to the couch, taking a seat. Mystique looked to Persephone who was hunched over. Silently, she went to the wet bar, giving the Rook a moment as she fixed her a scotch. Walking over, she held it out to her.

"Here."

Persephone looked up. She looked like she was in some sort of pain. Prophet's attack most likely.

Persephone: "Thanks."

A heavier 'thank you' than most. She knew Persephone was thanking her for more than just the drink. Taking a seat, Mystique looked to the Rook, her brows lowering just a bit.

"You okay?"

Persephone: "You really backed me up out there. Thank you, Mystique...seriously. I owe you."

She smirked.

"A new pair of boots maybe."

She joked--both women soaked from rain. But Persephone didn't owe her anything. She was the Red Rook and that meant she would be there when needed. The same went for Alek.

"You're apart of this court, I have your back. And...doesn't hurt that I like you."

She admitted. She saw similarities in herself and Persephone. She may have been a mystery, but she still had a past. She tried to explain that the six were scared of her. That they couldn't mold her into the person that they wanted--into AVA. She knew the six better than she liked to admit, and she knew how fickle a people they were. She wanted to hurt them....FIGHT them. She got a small taste of it tonight, but she wanted MORE. She wanted to SHOW THEM what she was capable of. What she could DO to them. Exactly who she was.

Persephone: "You'll get your chance to take them out. And this time...we'll fuck them up so bad they'll be BEGGING us for mercy."

"Oh I have no doubt."

Mystique confirmed with a smirk, knowing it was only a matter of time. Persephone reached forward, pushing a lock of her wet hair away, the goddess' eyes dark and filled with lust. Mystique lifted her hand and grabbed Persephone, stopping her.

Persephone: "What?"

They may have just been through a battle, but the war within the walls of Hellfire was still going on. She needed to remind Persephone of this. BUT she allowed her hand to linger up the goddess' thigh...so dangerously close.

"You need to go back to Alek. And I need to debrief Helena. We'll have fun later, Persephone. Until then? We still need to play the game."

Persephone: “But I want to play games with you. And I know Alek does too."

She grinned, Persephone pushing Mystique’s hand further into the crease of her legs while biting her lip suggestively.

Persephone: ”You must know battles and violence make me hot."

Persephone's grin growing as Mystique gripped her thigh.

“Oh I know exactly what makes you HOT."

Mystique leaned in even closer, her lips grazing Persephone's before moving past her face and to the goddess’ ear.

“In due time…trust me. I’m going to collect.”

She whispered seductively, her hot breath on Persephone’s ear. Mystique pulled away, her hand letting go of the Rook's and withdrawing from her leg.

"Have a good rest of your evening, Rook."

Persephone: "Bishop."

She ran her finger along Persephone's collar bone and across her chest as she stood from the couch and made her way to the chamber room door, disappearing as she went.

 

[Firebird]

Aroma Cafe

I made my way over to Blaze and met her gaze.

You all right, Red?

I had no idea what else to say, so I just gave her a hug...

Firebird shut her eyes tightly for a moment as Rich hugged her. she placed her arms around one of his arms, holding on to him for a moment.

"That lousy tramp! She needs to ANSWER for what she did to Vivica, Simon, Zach, and Alycia! What makes her think she has ANY right to PEACE after what she's done!?"

All of them, including Vivica, could hear the sincere desire for PAYBACK in Blaze's voice.

"I could've stopped her. I could've PUNISHED HER, but that....OTHER woman got in the way...LITERALLY, and did you see that SMUG LOOK on that treacherous snake's FACE!? She thinks this is some kind of GAME!"

Spellbinder: It's a game she'll LOSE, no matter WHO she has trying to protect her.

<< Morgan gently takes Firebird into her arms, hugging/squeezing her tightly with sisterly support and reassurance>>

Spellbinder: It's alright, Firebird. You did your best. No one could have anticipated that mystery woman...

Spellbinder: And at least THIS time, there were no casualties on OUR side. Persephone got the message. We're NOT fooling around with her OR Black Widow any longer, and we're NOT playing this on Malice's time table.

"Morgan is right. You saw how pissed off she got just now. She will be coming back for more, and we've proven just now that we are ready."

[thinking]

"We need to check in with those not there. Just to be sure. Who knows where Persephone retreated to. For starters, where is Cassandra? Is she okay?"

Isis: Earlier, Cassandra was at Charope's Infirmary. Recall, did you contact Oracle about this? Were you able to record the fight?

They had no idea, that at this very moment, Ruby was consorting with ANOTHER member of the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral, no less!

Spellbinder: Prophet, cast a psi scan around this entire area, see if you can pick up Ruby's psi signature, and if so, contact her, tell her to return to the parthenon for safety's sake. I'll teleport the rest of us back to the Parthenon.

Isis: Richard, you, Recall and myself will return to my diamond suite for the immediate moment, allowing Recall to communicate with Oracle in safety. I believe the amazons are still at Rose's sanctuary, they'll need to be alerted as well....

Matrix: Steel , Xavier, and the others at the Clocktower....

Isis: Of course, but we really SHOULD make haste, before the local law enforcement comes.

Firebird had a moment to look around and SEE the massive amount of damage that she and Persephone had caused in their battle, and the locals would no doubt be freaked out by the wild weather patterns that had rampaged through the area, along with the fire elemental phenomena.

Spellbinder: Okay. Let's go everyone!

<< eldritch chimes, and a mystical tone sound off as Spellbinder and Isis teleport their groups out of site, as the wail of sirens grow closer and closer. >>

<< Next stop, the parthenon.>>

 

[Persephone]

Despite Mystique's warning--knowing she needed to continue the deadly games within the clubs walls, Persephone still couldn't help but find Mystique incredibly attractive in that moment.

“But I want to play games with you. And I know Alek does too. You must know battles and violence make me hot."

She grinned teasingly, lightening the mood that had been so obviously dampered by the seriousness of the six and growing war. She pushed Mystique's hand further up her thigh, dipping it in between the crease of her legs. Mystique responded by gripping it, causing her to grin playfully.

Mystique: “Oh I know exactly what makes you HOT."

She watched as Mystique moved to her, their mouths almost meeting before she diverted and went to her ear. She was a tease....it was hot.

The heat from Mystique's breath played against Persephone's ear as she whispered that she would undoubtedly collect. She then pulled away with a smile.

Mystique: "Have a good rest of your evening, Rook."

[smirking] "Bishop."

Feeling Mystique's finger run across her chest as she walked by, Persephone watched as she disappeared before even opening the door. The playfulness was over...the moment of fun gone. Reality hitting her like Blaze's body as she zoomed past her at Aroma. She had wanted to forget what Mystique had told her EARLIER about Helena wanting her dead; and the way Alek looked when he came back from his meeting with her. Blaze certainly achieved THAT. But now she was back and she needed to continue with the charade. And knowing Alek, if he was awake, he was already aware of what happened. Haleigh as well.

Exiting her room, she went a couple doors down to Alek's chambers. She didn't bother knocking as she cracked the door open slowly and peeked in to see if he was still asleep. She hoped he was so she could crawl back into bed with him and pretend like Aroma never happened. He wasn't.

"Hey..."

She walked in fully now, still soaked and looking like a wet dog as she shut the door behind her. The look on his face said it all.

"I went out for coffee and I ran into Firebird. Talk about a shitty way to sober up."

She lied, taking the soaked oversized red cardigan off so she only had on her wet black tank, black jeans, and black boots on. She never planned on coming back to his room that night. But Cameron's threats hit her hard and she wanted to see him...WARN him about Prophet and what he was capable of doing.

 

[Seer]

<<Back to the Parthenon>>

<< Prophet LOCATES Ruby and sends an urgent "thought call" to her, directing her to return to the Parthenon tout suite.>>

<<Spellbinder, Firebird, Rampage, Prophet and MorningStar return to the Parthenon via stepping disc, arriving in the War Room II. For Firebird's sake, Recall has agreed to "download" a copy of the fight, and event that she record to the Six' computers so they can review it and glean whatever information they need.>>

<< In the War Room II, Spellbinder has directed everyone present NOT to say anything about this to Shadow Weaver. Having finally gotten Shadow Weaver to AGREE to evacuate to Minerva's Aerie, the news of this could cause her to do an about face. Rampage will communicate the situation telepathically to Arsenal, while Prophet will inform Harbinger- who likely is already aware, but checking more than once never hurts.>>

<< The group in the War Room II takes a moment to gather themselves, so that they can see Karen and Michael off in a calm manner. Firebird herself has calmed, which is a very good thing. >>

<< In Isis' diamond suite, She, Recall and Matrix take a moment to process what has occurred as well. Dominique strongly suggests that they too NOT say anything to or in the presence of Shadow Weaver about this incident, knowing how it might upset her, and cause her to change her mind about leaving. The IMPORTANT thing is that Firebird is okay, and that they gained some additional insight and intel not only on Persephone, but this mysterious Red Rook, who calls herself Mystique.>>

<< While in the safety and privacy of Isis' diamond suite, Recall takes this time to communicate with Oracle, who will in turn inform the others at their various locations so they'll be aware. It's an encouraging sign for Oracle, to see Isis with Recall.>>

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<< The Sanctuary>>

<< As the children enjoy the last of their wonderful play time and fresh air i the enclosed garden area, Rae, Danny, and Xavier, along with Sable enjoy themselves as well. Sable plays in the grass nearby Rae and Xavier, who continue to talk. >

<< Sharon and Rose have returned to Rose's brownstone, and Rose has begun cooking her special dinner for her guests this evening. Alycia, having bid farewell to the handsome Darren Hudson, has also returned to the brownstone. The amazons ask Rose if they can help, but Rose smiles and declines. She knows her way around the kitchen- as Danny and Rae can attest to- and she makes cooking look far easier than it is for most.>>

<< So, as Sharon and Alycia make their way over to the orphanage house and the enclosed outdoor area to rejoin Rae and the others, this gives THEM an opportunity to talk, since Sharon actually will NOT be able to stay for this dinner, because she's going to dinner with Darren at Ambrosia!>>

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<< O'Malley's>>

<< Oracle and Gabe's pre-dinner drink was off to a most rattling start, with the sudden event of the violent battle between Firebird and Persephone. >>

<< Soon it would be time for them to head to Rose's Secret Garden, but first, Oracle had to handle "Birds of Prey" business. Thankfully, she could do this while "on the go.">>

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<< The Clocktower>>

<< Ashley and Zach were enjoying themselves, when they received urgent communication from Oracle.>>

<< Steel and Andrew would receive this information as well. Everyone needed to be aware and on guard, just in case, and this reminded Steel of Isis' offer to meet with her in her Diamond suite later this evening....>>


--------------------------------------------------------

<< And a bit later >>

<< Spellbinder, Firebird, Rampage, MorningStar, Prophet, and Ruby, along with Isis, Recall, and Matrix would be gathered on the floor that housed Karen's office, to see the doctor, and Arsenal off as they evacuated Minerva's Aerie. For this moment, even Tinkerbell was present.>>

<< THIS would give everyone a peace of mind, removing two potential targets from the option and reach of the Inner Circle. It wasn't that Shadow Weaver and Arsenal were weak, but the psychological value of these two as TARGETS was underscored in the wake of the near fatal attacks on Vivica, Simon, Zach, and Alycia. They all decided that it was time to take away some of the "cherry picking" that the Hellfire Members were engaging in.>>

<< And while this was happening, Bishop would receive a beautiful Spectra box, delivered via express courier. Inside was his desire suit, custom tailored by Sally Spectra herself, along with that beautifully designed ring, and other accessories.>>

<< A selection of dresses and accessories was sent to Delilah's apartment and waiting for her to make her selection. When Delilah did arrive to find this, she'd also find a personal note from Sally Spectra, wishing her a "HOT TIME on the COLD TOWN!" tonight. >>

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

Alek laid in bed with his arm behind his head. He tossed his iPad on the side table. Reports in the fight were coming in all over the place now. And she was out there, because she had left him, when she had said she would stay.

"Hey..."

“Hey.”

She stepped into the light from the fire and the low burning candles. And he saw her, soaking and shaken. He was up out of bed like a shot and to her, forgetting to be hurt.

"I went out for coffee and I ran into Firebird. Talk about a shitty way to sober up."

“Are you alright?!”

She had peeled off her sweater. He put his hands on her arms and rubbed them.

“You need to get out of those wet clothes. Here, get yourself under the hot shower…”

For once, he wasn’t trying to get into her pants, he was showing genuine concern for her. He saw the look on her face.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

 

[Persephone]

He looked pissed as she entered, laying on the bed with his iPad obviously having known what had just went down. The room was still slightly chilly from earlier, the wet clothes not helping. Folding her arms across her chest, she pushed the cold, damp shirt further against her skin causing her to shudder.

Alek: “Are you alright?!”

He was out of the bed in a flash, over to her almost instantly. His warm hands went to her bare arms and they felt amazing against her goosebump filled skin.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Alek: “You need to get out of those wet clothes. Here, get yourself under the hot shower…”

A steaming hot shower sounded like heaven, but her face didn't express that. No relief, no sense of calm. Cameron's words just playing in her head like a broken record on repeat.

"Alek, stop."

Alek: “What is it? What’s wrong?”

She didn't look at him immediately, trying to figure out what the best course of action was. How she could keep Cameron from hurting him. Maybe she and Mystique could sneak attack him, kill him at the Parthenon before he even knew what hit him. She could crack open the Earth and have him descend into hell....in HER territory and play with the inside of HIS head. Shutting her eyes, Haleigh had been her only weakness thus far...but she knew deep down The Six would always try and SAVE Haleigh before resulting in killing her. But now? Alek was a weakness as well, and she was scared he would die because of her stupidity of falling for someone inside the Hellfire Club.

Persephone simply leaned in and wrapped her arms around Alek, resting her head against his chest. She just wanted one moment. A single moment of peace before diving into the shallow end head first.

"Prophet is going to be coming for you."

She finally said.

"He got into my head..."

Her voice trailed off, HATING that not having a psi screen or protection of some sort left her absolutely vulnerable to Cameron, Nicolas, and Diana. She could still feel the after effects of him grasping for Ava--his words resonating with her. He was going to try and rip her apart. He was going to either get her out of Ava or kill Ava trying. He needed to DIE....she was going to kill Prophet before he had the chance to do what he promised.

"I'm sorry."

 

[Oracle]

O’Malley’s

They watched the Six converge on Persephone and Mystique. Oracle was half excited to see what ELSE Mystique could do, but of course, she didn’t want anyone to be hurt. She knew Gabe was having a hard time processing all of this, but now wasn’t the time for her to comfort him about what he’d learned.

As she watched, she noticed something different about Prophet’s fighting style.

“Psi blade…nice move…”

But it wasn’t able to find its mark as Persephone unleashed hurricane force winds back at him, throwing him and the rest of his team backwards, before she and her compatriot disappeared.

Oracle immediately got on her com.

[via com]: “Recall, are you alright?”

The Six as well as her team left the scene. Thankfully, none of them had looked the worse for wear. She immediately began downloading all security camera and cell phone footage from the area to the Clocktower before wiping it clean. The damage was still there, but at least there wouldn’t be proof that they had been there.

Oracle glanced at Gabe.

“I just need a second.”

[via com]: “Valkyrie, Orion, Tachyon, Steel, Titan, Charope, Silver Swan, this is Oracle. Be advised: Persephone has just attacked Firebird. Everyone is fine, but be on guard. No one is to go anywhere alone. Watch your backs.”

The downloads and wipes having finished, Oracle broke down her control unit and returned it to her purse. She picked up her glass and drained it thirstily, before swiveling towards Gabe. She set the empty glass down and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“So, how are you doing with all of this?”

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: “Psi blade…nice move…”

[sarcastically] "Yeah.."

This was insane.

He watched the event unfold on the small projection, in awe of everything that he saw. Dudes with psi blades and axes....one guy that turned his arm into a fucking gun. Now he would HAVE to meet him. But his eyes went to Ava, seeing her falter and fall to her knees screaming. He grimaced, watching, thinking that this was it. He was about to watch her die. But she unleashed a massive hurricane attack causing Gabe's eyebrows to raise with surprise. And then Ava and the red head chick were gone.

Zizi: “I just need a second.”

"Take your time."

He said with a bit of an exasperated tone. He needed a moment to process everything anyway. And a beer. He needed beer. Waving Liam over for another, his friend quickly obliged and Gabe downed it in record time. Being around mutants wasn't the problem. Being amongst chaos wasn't the problem. Working for Cassadine Enterprises, he knew what Stavros did--he knew he worked closely to MysTech and what that company was a front for. It was finding out that Ava was a the new 'Storm' and Zizi was literally in charge of a superhuman task putting her in the thick of everything too. THAT was what he was having trouble processing.

Zizi: “So, how are you doing with all of this?”

Nodding a bit.

"You know...processing."

He said simply.

"Didn't realize how deep you were in this. When you told me you ran a mutant task force I thought you meant a group that helped mutants. Not a fucking mutant army."

He swiveled his chair to her now.

"Pretty cool. Kinda scary, but cool. Your teams good, right?"

He didn't mention Ava. There was no need to bring her up after what he just witnessed. He would dive into the documents later.

"So...mind if I scan through your files back at the Clocktower? Familiarize myself with everything? I could be way more helpful that way to you."

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

Alek looked into her face, waiting for her to tell him what was wrong. He raised his eyebrows in surprise as she wrapped her arms around him, her head against his chest. He pulled her in against him, one arm across her back and the other holding her head. He leaned down and rested his cheek on the top of her head.

“Shh…you’re okay…you’re okay now…”

"Prophet is going to be coming for you."

So what.

“Let him come.”

He tried to reassure her, holding her close. She didn’t need to worry about him.

"He got into my head..."

“That doesn’t matter now.”

"I'm sorry."

He pulled back, putting a finger under her chin to lift her eyes to him.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. And you don’t need to worry. I’ve been around a long time. I can handle myself.”

He smiled at her. All that mattered was tonight. After that, it didn’t matter. What had been before would come again, the same old battles, the same old enemies. He would be cold, and hard. And he wouldn’t care.

 

[MorningStar]

Aroma to the War Room

MorningStar could see the difference in Cameron instantly. He was harder, colder. And he had no qualms about destroying Persephone.

As he unleashed a massive attack, the red headed woman's shield dropped, and Delilah was thrown back forcefully like she had been hit by a hurricane, along with everyone else.

“No!”

Delilah stretched out her arm, immediately encasing them all in a shield. She landed with a grunt, definitely bruised but thankfully not broken. Water poured down on top of the shield. But Persephone and Mystique had left in a tornado of winds.

“Blaze, Viv, you two okay? Everyone else in one piece?”

Blaze was clearly coming off the rails, leading with her emotions rather than her head, BLINDED by extreme anger. Vivica hadn’t run when she was overmatched, choosing to stay by Blaze’s said. That said a lot about her. And everyone else...they were pulling no punches when it came to Persephone.

Delilah felt the familiar feeling of her stomach flip flopping as she passed through a stepping disc, finding herself in the War Room. She sank down into a chair.

“Well, that was fun. How the hell did that woman stop Blaze’s attack?”

 

[Persephone]

Alek tried to comfort her, but it was futile. This attack on her was just the beginning. Prophet was out for blood. She tried to explain that he would be coming after Alek as a means to hurt her, but Alek didn't seem concerned.

Alek: "Let him come."

She shook her head against his chest.

"He's out for blood...he got into my head..."

Alek: “That doesn’t matter now.”

But it did. She heard Prophet's words--his threats. He wanted to rip her apart and didn't care if he killed her in the process. She hadn't expected that, NOT from him. He seemed colder....more calculating. He seemed unfeeling in the way he presented himself. Completely different than the Cameron King she had known before. Something was different about him, and it made Persephone heed his threats against her.

Sighing out she apologized for putting Alek in the six cross hairs. He was already there because of being the Red Knight, but now Cameron would be coming after him specifically to hurt HER. Alek pulled away, lifting her chin up so she could look into his eyes.

Alek: “There’s nothing to be sorry about. And you don’t need to worry. I’ve been around a long time. I can handle myself.”

He reassured. Persephone looked at him, her eyes darkening in anger, feeding off his confidence.

"I won't let him touch us. He's in for a rude awakening if he thinks i'm going to lay down and roll over."

Her hand lifted to his face, running down his beard.

"I should of ordered room service."

She quipped with a smirk, an effort to lighten the mood.

"But Aroma has the best pastries....HAD the best pastries. UGH, have I mentioned that I can't STAND Blaze Victory. She attacked ME and brought in the fucking A-Team. Stupid cunt."

She sneered, growing angry again at the thought of Blaze and her dirty fucking low blows.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Zizi asked Gabe how he was doing.

"You know...processing."

Zizi nodded, her lips pursed in a sheepish smile. She nodded to Liam in thanks for another beer.

“Talk about awkward…” she said under her breath.

"Didn't realize how deep you were in this. When you told me you ran a mutant task force I thought you meant a group that helped mutants. Not a fucking mutant army."

“Oh, only three of those are actually on my task force.”

She gave a half laugh.

“I guess that’s beside the point.”

Gabe turned toward her.

"Pretty cool. Kinda scary, but cool. Your teams good, right?"

She smiled.

“The best.”

"So...mind if I scan through your files back at the Clocktower? Familiarize myself with everything? I could be way more helpful that way to you."

She looked down at her lap, thinking, then raise her eyes back to his face.

“Gabe…what you saw…I’m a part of something, and it’s dangerous. If you want to walk away…”

She put her hand over top of his.

“I’ll understand. I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

She looked down again.

“I mean, there’s always going to be the chance that someone will come for me, or the people I’m with…and if you’re with me…”

She looked up again, now speaking with more conviction.

"This isn't a fight you asked for."

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

Ashley: No complaints so far.

He smirked, because that was true. What she always expressed was the absolute opposite of 'complaints'. He pressed his lips against hers, his hand on her leg, gripping her thigh, as his other hand found the nape of her neck.

She slipped her hands under his shirt, and he raised his arms as she pulled it over his head. The movie played on, casting them in ever changing shades of light, but neither of them cared about it any more. The thunder picked up outside, and lightning flashed throughout the Clocktower, as Ash kissed his chest.

Ashley: I’d better check your progress…

She said, and ducked under the blanket. He let his head drop back against the cushions of the sofa, closing his eyes, focusing on what she was doing. He could feel her hands, her lips, her tongue on him.

GODS....

There seemed to be a constant crashing of thunder now, and the lightning was such that it seemed like daylight in here.

<<FLASH>>

Storm clouds built overhead so fast, he could actually see the columns billowing upwards. The sky grew dark, blocking out the last traces of sundown, and thunder shook his bones as lightning tore the sky all around them. The bottom seemed to drop out of the could base and rain poured down. Luckily they had the table umbrella open already. But something was wrong..... the rain was acid, eating through the umbrella quickly.

He shook his head, opened his eyes again, and pushed the blanket off, so he could focus on Ashley again. She was bringing him closer to a climax. Rain hammered against the windows, as if it were trying to dissolve them, as if it were trying to command his attention.

"Ash.... Ashley...."

Oracle [via com]: Valkyrie, Orion, Tachyon, Steel, Titan, Charope, Silver Swan, this is Oracle. Be advised: Persephone has just attacked Firebird. Everyone is fine, but be on guard. No one is to go anywhere alone. Watch your backs.

He had known something was wrong, deep down, he'd felt that. He locked eyes with Ashley. Persephone's name provoked aggression in her, as it always did, and he could feel it too, with a flash of indignation, because Persephone had tried to kill him, and now she was trying to ruin a perfectly good night. He wasn't going to let it happen.

He reached for Ashley, pulled open the tie on her dress, undid the buttons, and pushed it off her shoulders, kissing her with renewed passion.

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

Alek saw her face steel, the anger in her eyes.

"I won't let him touch us. He's in for a rude awakening if he thinks I'm going to lay down and roll over."

He smiled down at her, a glint of evil in his smirk.

“That’s my girl. The streets will run red with Six blood. And we will bathe in it.”

Her hand touched his face, and he closed his eyes briefly at the feeling of it.

"I should of ordered room service. But Aroma has the best pastries...HAD the best pastries. UGH, have I mentioned that I can't STAND Blaze Victory. She attacked ME and brought in the fucking A-Team. Stupid cunt."

“Well, she knows she’s no match for you in a fair fight. And, it seems, in an unfair one.”

There was a low rumble of a laugh in his chest.

“I heard she brought six, no seven people to save her?”

He kissed her cheek, smiling.

“You should have woken me, I would have loved to see you shut them down.”

He knew she didn't need him to "save" her, not from the Six. But the thought of her in action was very appealing indeed. He rubbed his nose against hers.

“Do you want me to heat up something for you? There’s still some pasta.”

 

[Cypher]

Zizi confirmed to him that the portion of her team there was okay. Good. He didn't want anyone hurt. But now, he knew he needed to learn EVERYTHING there was to know about her team, this other team, the evil people that Ava and Haleigh aligned themselves with. He needed to cipher through the files, be true to his codename and fucking become an expert about everything there was to know about these people.

Zizi: “Gabe…what you saw…I’m a part of something, and it’s dangerous. If you want to walk away…I’ll understand. I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

Gabe gave her a crooked smile, placing his hand on hers.

"I became apart of this the moment I agreed to help Rose. That obviously puts a target on my back if these people want to hurt her and her kids."

He reassured her, not wanting her to feel any kind of guilt.

"Liz, i'm good. I'm a little shocked by the magnitude of it all, but i'm good."

But she looked down, her tone changing.

Zizi: “I mean, there’s always going to be the chance that someone will come for me, or the people I’m with…and if you’re with me…This isn't a fight you asked for."

Gabe shook his head firmly. No. No way. He would NOT let her take on the burden of trying to protect him from this. And he sure as hell wasn't going to walk away from her. Not with her in the middle of it all. Not with her in danger.

"NO ONE will hurt you. You got me? I don't care what the fuck I have to do to make sure that doesn't happen. Befriend the blonde bitch....be buddy buddy with Zach. Win John over with donuts. I don't care. Liz, you don't need to worry about me. I'm GOOD. I GOT this. I just need to learn more about it so I'm not blindsided like I was just now."

He took her hand, gripping it tightly. Looking into her eyes. SHOWING her that he was steadfast in his convictions.

"I'm not walking away. Not for this, not from you."

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “That’s my girl. The streets will run red with Six blood. And we will bathe in it.”

Persephone's smile turned into a sultry one, loving the way he had confidence in her and her abilities. Loving that he was just as sadistically turned on by power and bloodshed as she was. She touched his face, her fingers gently gripping his beard. She explained what happened with Blaze...it made her gut burn in anger.

Alek: “Well, she knows she’s no match for you in a fair fight. And, it seems, in an unfair one. I heard she brought six, no seven people to save her?”

Persephone rolled her eyes. Blaze was a spineless bitch who talked a lot of game but couldn't back it up. She WISHED Blaze would have left the six out so she could school her on what the elements could DO to fire.

"She's fucking pathetic."

She felt the anger building in her again, wanting so desperately to knock Blaze in the face AGAIN. But Alek leaned down, kissing her on the cheek causing the anger to slowly dissipate.

Alek: “You should have woken me, I would have loved to see you shut them down.”

She smiled as he gently rubbed his nose again her; Persephone stealing a small kiss before he moved away.

Alek: “Do you want me to heat up something for you? There’s still some pasta.”

She took his face into her hands, pressing her lips against his fully now, wanting to feel his fuel to her fire. She pulled away just enough so she could speak.

"Maybe a hot bath...get out of these wet clothes. [with a smirk] It's still pretty cold in here."

She joked, referring to their little snow show they had earlier.

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower

The storm raged outside, but it was nothing to what she was feeling. If anything, it excited her, the crashes of thunder outside while they were safe and warm inside.

She took her time, maximizing his feeling, teasing him then rewarding him. She felt the blanket being ripped away, and her eyes watched him, making her want him more. She started making ‘yummy’ noises as he said her name.

And then her head was invaded by Zizi’s voice.

Oh for fuck’s sake, could we not have ONE day?!

She licked him one last time, then sat back on her haunches. She locked eyes with Zach, her chest rising and falling with breathlessness. This was when it happened. He would run off to make sure Ava was okay, that no one had killed her, and to try and convince everyone to save her. Again. She supposed it was his nature, to save the damsel in distress. Except Ava wasn’t fucking in distress, she was trying to kill people. Including the man Ashley…

“It’s okay…”

She started, but instead of rolling off the couch and sprinting to the rescue, he pulled her closer, his hands on the belt of her dress, the buttons. She grinned as he pushed her dress off her shoulders, felt him as he kissed her passionately.

“Remind me not to bother putting that dress on again…”

She found his lips again, her hands exploring him. She loved the feel of his body against hers.

And he had picked her…

Fuck Ava and Haleigh. They could try their worst, but they would always lose.