Rose of Destruction II

[Persephone]

Alek: “Don’t tell me you’re going to pass out on me now…”

"Hardly..."

She said between kisses, her body flushed pink from both the effects of the hemlock and being aroused. Her mouth and tongue kissing up the length of his neck.

"God you're so hot...."

She moaned against his neck, her hand sliding up his chest as she buried her face deeper into him. Alek laughed as he gently stroked her back.

Alek: "I'm glad you think so."

She let out a little giggle, nipping at his flesh as he reached across her to put his empty glass down.

Alek: "I guess you don't want to eat first?"

"Mmm..."

Her free hand now slid its way down his stomach as her mouth reached his ear, taking his lobe into her mouth. She was definitely planning on eating something. She began to whisper softly in Swedish, her lips against his ear seductively. She grinned, a low sexy laugh following suit as she lifted herself up, her eyes meeting his.

"I'm famished."

Pressing her lips against his, she moaned as she broke the kiss, moving her lips down his throat, to his chest, then stomach. Looking up at him with playful eyes, she went even lower seeing his immediate reaction to her. HE would be the one who needed nourishment after she was done with him.

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

Alek asked Seph if she wanted to eat, but she could not be deterred from her target. He closed his eyes, enjoying her attentions. Her mouth moved from his neck to his ear, and he grinned as she whispered sweet nothings in his native tongue.

She laughed, the sound of it washing over him - swelling his heart as well as another organ, before lifting herself up so she could lock eyes with him.

“You really are amazing, you know that?”

"I'm famished."

Of course it wasn't food she was hungry for. His eyes closed and he began to moan as Seph made a meal out of Junior.

“Where…can I get…that Hemlock stuff again?”

He was going to need a supply.

---

He pulled the china plate out of the microwave, carefully holding it at the edges. It was better fresh, of course, but reheated was okay too. He returned to the bed, climbing in beside Seph, twirling one of the wide noodles around the fork and blowing on it a bit before holding it out to her.

“Okay, this is the tagliatelle.”

And then filling the fork from the other side of the plate.

“And this is the veal.”

He fed her that bite when she finished with the pasta, then he put a larger bite into his own mouth before stopping to look at her reaction.

“So…survey says?”

 

[Persephone]

Alek had been more than satisfied, his cries of pleasure an indication of that. But now HE was hungry, Persephone having worked up an appetite in him. He left the bed and began to heat up the food he had brought back after his errand. She still had a little hemlock left, at least one more glass before she polished off the whole bottle. One glass could do a lot of damage, especially the stash that Kelly had. So she poured herself the remaining bit and climbed back into bed. Propping herself up, she sipped the poisonous liquid and followed Alek with her eyes as he made his way over with a plate of food.

"Smell delicious."

Alek: “Okay, this is the tagliatelle.”

He held out the tangled flat noodle that was wrapped around the fork out to her. Smiling, she took it with her mouth and began to chew.

"Mmm...that's amazing. What place is this again?"

She thought she knew of all the great Italian restaurants in the area, but this place was stumping her.

Alek: “And this is the veal.”

Persephone shook her head with a friendly grimace as he held it out for her.

"I don't eat meat. But you enjoy."

She communicated with animals, she didn't eat them. Which was a little ironic considering she would be more than willing to rip a human apart without a second thought. But animals were different....they were innocent. They weren't malicious by choice, they only reacted to situations they were placed in. Instinctual in their ways.

"I WILL have that though."

She snagged a piece of garlic bread off the plate with a grin before taking a bite.

Alek: "So...survey says?"

"It's delicious....you'll have to take me there sometime. We could buy the place out, have them make everything on the menu."

She finished the garlic bread and washed it down with a long drink of hemlock.

"Gods, I love Italian food. I could literally eat my way through Italy--I have actually. [she said with a small laugh] But not in a long while."

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

Alek smirked as he saw Seph had filled herself up another glass of the “magick liquid”. God that stuff was a wonder. He was still tender where her mouth had been.

"Mmm...that's amazing. What place is this again?"

“Sant Ambroeus, 77th & Madison. Everything is amazing.”

He tried to feed her the veal, but she wrinkled her nose, saying she didn’t eat meat. He put the bite in his own mouth instead.

“Sorry, I’m sorry, I should have known that.”

"I WILL have that though."

She took the garlic bread off the plate, which he turned so that the pasta side was facing her and the meat him. He handed her the second fork he had brought.

"It's delicious...you'll have to take me there sometime. We could buy the place out, have them make everything on the menu."

He grinned cockily.

“That would be awesome…you know I can eat a lot…”

He planted a kiss on her neck.

"Gods, I love Italian food. I could literally eat my way through Italy--I have actually. But not in a long while."

He looked at her seriously.

“We should go. Just pick up and go.”

He smiled, a little sadly, then glanced back down at his veal.

“Just as long as I’m the only meat that touches those lips.”

He raised his eyes to hers with a suggestive grin, before leaning forward to kiss her.

"I'd offer to take you to Sweden, but...not much to see. Copenhagen, maybe."

He looked at her for a moment.

"You've probably been everywhere, though."

 

[Ruby]

St. Patrick’s Cathedral




Ben: "So many years...and that's all you have to say to me? I can't say I'm surprised…disappointed but not surprised."

“What, were you expecting me to declare my love for you? I did that once and look how well THAT turned out.”

:: He stepped closer to her, and Cass watched him warily. She still didn’t know why Ben was there, but she could probably guess. She would stay on guard. ::

Ben: "You still smell the same. So many years later..."

:: Cass felt a lump in her throat. Ben smelled the same too. She had always loved and enjoyed his scent. It made her feel at home. It made her feel SAFE and PROTECTED. HE made her feel safe and protected. But Ben was no longer her safe place. She turned her head slightly away from him so he wouldn’t catch the emotion on her face, and then turned back once she got herself under control. ::

*softly*: “So do you.”

:: He drew nearer to her and Cass tensed up. She bit her lip to keep from crying out as he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. It was all she could do to resist the urge to lean into his hand. ::

DON’T TOUCH ME!

Ben: "Don't act like you're not happy to see me. I can sense it. There's a part of you...deep down...that's happy I'm here."

:: Cass narrowed her eyes. He was GOOD because…he was right. She WAS happy that he was here. Shortly after That Night, when he betrayed her and revealed himself to be an agent of MysTech and when she attacked HIM in self-defense, she had thought about him a lot. She didn’t know how the hell he survived her draining him of ALL his energy but he did, and she had been worried of what he might have faced at MysTech. It had upset her to think of the torture that he might’ve gone through as punishment for not capturing her. She loved him; she didn’t like the thought of him being tortured. She was HYPER AWARE of Ben standing next to her. ::

I’ve missed you.

:: But of course she couldn’t say that out loud, even if she wanted to, which she DID. ::

Ben: "It's hard to picture you...as a religious woman..After everything you've been through."

*surprised*: “I NEVER…”

:: Cass stared at him. She had never told him about her past and what she was. Oh, she had PLANNED on telling him, she had even made arrangements to take him on a romantic weekend for the two of them. She had made EVERYTHING perfect and she would’ve told him the truth about herself and what she was. She had made the decision to tell him EVERYTHING because after eighteen months, she had felt that she trusted him enough to tell him her story. But, two days BEFORE the weekend, Ben had shown his TRUE colours. ::

Ben: "You've certainly made a splash in the last decade or so. So much so that it's caught the attention of The Inner Circle of The Hellfire Club..."

:: Cass fought the urge to roll her eyes. ::

And there it was.

:: Ben smirked at her, almost as if he were ENJOYING this. ::

Ben: "Do you know that they sought me out? Found me in Prague actually. Invited me here."

You should’ve just stayed in Prague. That way, you’d still be safe.

:: Cass could only stare into his beautiful blue eyes as he laughed a bit, his lovely face INCHES from hers. ::

Kissmedontkissmekissmedontkissmekissmedontkissme…KISS ME!

Ben: "What have you done that would make The Hellfire Club want to destroy you...using ME?"

:: Before she could say ANYTHING, Ben’s lips were on hers and it felt WONDERFUL. For the few seconds that the kiss lasted, Cass kissed him back with EQUAL passion, her lips moving against his greedily…almost HUNGRILY. She had her arms around his neck with reckless abandon, all thoughts of Hellfire Club, The Six, Malice, EVERYTHING, gone from her mind. All that mattered to her, in that moment was her and Ben. ::

*fondly; whispers*: ”Benji…”

:: All too soon the kiss ended and then Ben did something that almost destroyed her. He touched his forehead to hers; a gesture that SHE always initiated when they were together. A gesture that always had the unspoken message of, “I feel safe and protected with you”, to it. ::

Ben: "Must have been something good."

:: Cass pulled away and looked at him, not saying anything. Her eyes were filled with fondness. Then she pulled him into an embrace, her lips grazing his ear as she spoke into it. ::

*whispers*: ”Go back to Prague, Ben. Go back and forget that you ever knew me. These people…they will DESTROY you. They don’t care about ANYBODY. As soon as you outlast your usefulness, they will no doubt KILL YOU. Leave this city.” *tear-filled voice*: ”I don’t want you to get hurt…or WORSE.”

:: Then she let him go and looked into his blue eyes again. She reached up and caressed his cheek with the back of her hand. She had to make this count. She then forced herself to lay a slap on his face so powerful, her own hand was stinging. She then stepped back, her body trembling and silent tears spilling down her face. She never wanted to hurt him; she never wanted to hurt him the FIRST TIME, but he had left her no choice. This time, she actually CHOSE to slap him but it was all a game; a SHOW. She couldn’t let THEM hurt her Benji. Hellfire probably had eyes and ears everywhere, so she had to make it look GOOD. ::

I’m so sorry, my sweet boy.

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “Sorry, I’m sorry, I should have known that.”

Persephone let out a light hearted laugh.

"It's okay. You're not expected to know everything, Berserker."

She teased with a smile, dipping the garlic bread it in the pasta sauce that he turned toward her before eating it. She suggested going to Sant Ambroeus one night for dinner, buying the whole place out for themselves. He grinned.

Alek: “That would be awesome…you know I can eat a lot…”

Persephone lowly laughed as he began to kiss her neck. It was like his lips were further intoxicating her.

"I'm counting on it."

She countered seductively with a smirk as he continued to kiss her neck. Persephone mentioned Italy and wanting to go there and eat all the delicious foods offered. It had been a while since she had been back there, and it would be amazing to go back with him. Alek pulled away, his face now serious as he looked into her eyes.

Alek: “We should go. Just pick up and go.”

Yes.

She instinctively thought. Just leave the Hellfire Club behind. Leave all the bullshit and conflicts that weren't even HER problems anymore. But she couldn't do that to Haleigh....she couldn't leave her there to fend them all off alone. She would get her out first, THEN she would go. Her brows furrowed seeing the sadness in Alek's eyes as he pulled away to look at her, her own eyes mimicking his feelings. She gently grasped his muscular forearm, squeezing it reassuringly.

Alek: “Just as long as I’m the only meat that touches those lips.”

He cracked a joke to ease the tension. Persephone laughed softly, rolling her eyes playfully at his wicked grin as he looked at her.

"I think I made that pretty apparent about 10 minutes ago."

She quipped as he leaned in and kissed her. She pushed her mouth forcefully against his, deepening the kiss, wanting taste him more. But he pulled back much to her disappointment. God damn, I don't remember Hemlock making me this fucking horny before. Kelly....you fucking minx.

Alek: "I'd offer to take you to Sweden, but...not much to see. Copenhagen, maybe. You've probably been everywhere, though."

"To hell and back."

She casually replied with a smirk, her eyes burning a trail down his body as she took in every curve, every bulge of built muscle, every imperfection in his rough weathered skin. She ran her tongue along her bottom lip before biting it, her mind quite literally spinning as she blinked heavily.

"That doesn't matter....we could get a cabin there [Sweden]. Away from everyone and everything. I can make it snow so no one can get to us."

She finally blinked her line of sight back up to his, a seductive smile on her lips. Her voice low and soft. Sensual and breathy.

"You can make me scream and no one would hear....because we would be miles....and miles.....away."

Rolling her eyes shut from not only the high of the hemlock but the thought of being secluded with Alek and away from the Hellfire Club. She let out slow breath from parted lips and she knew Alek was there without even opening her eyes. Her lips met with his, the feeling sending electricity throughout her. Her mind was clouded but her body was fully alert. Everything was warm as she broke the kiss and extended her head back giving him access to her neck; every feeling more heightened. His lips alone were about to send her over the edge.

"You feel so good..."

Her voice barely audible as her words breathlessly trailed to a stop. Her eyes shut in pure ecstasy, her arm slinking around his neck. The hemlock was in full effect and it was doing exactly what Persephone wanted it to do--making her forget everything outside Alek's room.

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

"It's okay. You're not expected to know everything, Berserker."

He smiled. He wanted to know everything about her. He suggested they just pick up and leave, go to Italy, go anywhere. He wanted to so badly. Wished they could. But it was a pipe dream, and he knew it. She squeezed his arm, and he smiled at her.

He offered his homeland to her as a destination, but it was a bleak prospect. There was a reason he had left it, after all. She didn’t seem to care.

”That doesn't matter...we could get a cabin there [Sweden]. Away from everyone and everything. I can make it snow so no one can get to us."

The idea of just the two of them, away from all of this, all these people. It was almost more than he could bear.

"You can make me scream and no one would hear....because we would be miles....and miles.....away."

He laughed.

“We might cause an avalanche. But I’m pretty sure it would be worth it.”

Her eyes closed and he studied her face, leaning closer, pulling back and then leaning in again and kissing her lips softly. She extended her neck and he kissed her there.

"You feel so good..."

He couldn’t imagine feeling one thousandth as good to her as she did to him. He tried to shove the plate onto the table but it crashed to the floor instead. He never looked up from her.

Her arm curled around his neck, and they might have been in that cabin in the snow. Everything around them went away. He shifted position to lay her down, then let his mouth travel south, stopping at each landmark to look up at her as he kissed the tender skin. And then finally it was his turn to taste her, slowly, gently. He paused to kiss her thigh, his teeth nipping at her flesh, before moving back into position. He growled against her, biding his time as his hunger rose, but letting her know the beast she was about to unleash.

 

[Persephone]

He read her need, the plate and silverware crashing to the floor barely registering to Persephone as he kissed her. She just wanted him. She wanted him over and over and over again until her body couldn't handle it anymore. Alek laid her back, Persephone inhaling sharply as his mouth began to travel down her body hitting all the right places. Her hand gripped the sheets as he reached her most sensitive areas, ravishing them like an animal. Her back arched and her hips moved helping him along until finally she was there. She heard him growl sending her even further over the edge.

The world was already dizzy from the hemlock, but he made everything else completely vertigo.

"Now. You, now."

She commanded with breathless need, her eyes finally meeting with his after the rolling wave has subsided. He lifted himself as he made his way up toward her, Persephone grabbing his tricep and back as he immediately gave her what she wanted without a moment of hesitation. He fucked her hard--passionately but hard. Their bodies moving perfectly together as she called for him to go faster, harder, over and over again. She met her peak more times than she could count.

She would make Helena hear her. The spiteful bitch deserved it.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- The Red Queen's Chambers

Helena smiled in spite of herself, and Haleigh did too. She knew then that her efforts would be rewarded, and this was perfect. She'd set Alek on the path to split him from Seph ALREADY, all she had to do was make sure he'd follow through. He wanted to save her, so things were looking good. And with Helena on board, that meant they were actually SHIELDED even more, because there would be less variables to account for, less to worry about because there wasn't the unknown of 'what if Helena finds out'.

Helena: Has anyone ever told you....you are so much like your FATHER? It's quite disturbing really....a trait not well received within these walls, mind you.

Haleigh feigned taking offense.

"Why would you SAY such a hurtful thing?"

She asked dramatically, and Helena admitted that she had a point. Haleigh managed to temper her smirk. Helena told her to get up, and slowly Haleigh rose, a calm patience about her.

Helena: Fine. I WON'T have Alek kill your sister.

Helena said, her back turned to Haleigh, which was good because that meant Haleigh didn't have to hide the flash of triumphant relief. Helena shook a martini, and Haleigh let herself have a genuine smile. She was dialing it down to a satisfied smirk when the Red Queen turned back around.

Helena: As long as you make her life a living hell.

NO!

She thought, but her expression was carefully controlled, neutral.

"What did you have in mind?"

Helena: Take him away from her. Make him want YOU more. FLAUNT it in front of her. Honey....if you want to work with me to save your sister, I'm going to at least enjoy watching you hurt her.

Though the proposition didn't APPEAR to faze her at all, it was like a knife to the heart. She'd JUST gotten Seph's trust, and they were in a good place. But what was it that Haleigh had JUST told Berserker?

Betray her, and she will live.

She was getting a taste of her own medicine, and it was a bitter fucking tincture. Her gaze never wavered, because Helena was watching her closely now, looking for a negative reaction. Haleigh just kept the eye contact locked, as she calculated this new equation.

Helena: You succeed? She lives. And you OWE me....and I WILL collect ten-fold. Do we have a deal?

Haleigh took a deep breath, and chose her words very carefully.

"For as long as she lives.... you will have your Knight. That's the deal. All terms accepted."

She grew a conspiratorial smile as she looked at this woman, who'd ordered a hit on her ex-fiancé, and her sister. This woman, who'd already done so much to earn her contempt, and would likely do a whole lot more before all was said and done. This woman was her enemy, without a doubt, but Haleigh smiled as if she were a friend and confidant.

"See, I knew coming to YOU was the right thing to do. Bitches need to stick together."

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

She turned for another kiss, and he was all too happy to oblige her.

Ashley: I like you as an animal.

"Yeah you do...."

He replied salaciously, still on the high from their ecstasy. She was too exhausted to do anything but lay down, and he smiled with blissful satisfaction.

Ashley: You know what they say, animal in the bedroom… …sexy sexy man…everywhere else.

He raised an eyebrow at her, amused and confused at the same time. She laughed, his new favorite sound. It was a melody he wanted to hear as much as possible.

"I don't think they actually say that...."

She reached for him, and he was there in a heartbeat. She pulled him towards her, and he snuggled up against her contentedly.

Ashley: I don’t think I can move…sleep…must sleep…

"Noooo come on, stay awake! We can finally leave here now. Let's go back to the Clocktower, I'm sure John would appreciate it if he didn't have to sit out in that lobby any more, and that'll be a much more comfortable place for us to take a nap...."

 

[Valkyrie]

Charope, LLC - The Infirmary

"I don't think they actually say that...."

“Well, I’M going to say it.”

She stuck her tongue out at him, then smiled and drew him down next to her for some sleepy cuddling. All she wanted to do was sleep, with him next to her.

"Noooo come on, stay awake! We can finally leave here now. Let's go back to the Clocktower, I'm sure John would appreciate it if he didn't have to sit out in that lobby any more, and that'll be a much more comfortable place for us to take a nap...."

She let out a big sigh, basking for a last few precious seconds in the warmth and safety of their little world. Truth be told, she didn’t want to leave the sanctuary of the hospital room. Outside were decisions to be made, arguments to be had, battles to win. In here it was just the two of them, and nothing could touch them.

She finally made herself sit up, turning her head to look and him and pouting very pitifully, before giving him a quick kiss and scooting off the bed in search of her dress. Zach had thoughtfully put it on a chair when he’d retrieved his scrubs earlier, and she made SURE to keep her back to him and she slipped into it and tied the sash at the waist. She ran a hand through her hair as she turned back, seeing him in the scrubs again.

“One day soon we are going to burn those things.”

She opened the door, and it was like coming out into the sun after being in a bunker for days. Steel was still sitting in the waiting area, alone.

“John, if you drive us to the Clocktower you don’t have to play bodyguard anymore.”

 

[Steel]

The Infirmary

John was no stranger to boring details, but this one really took the cake. It was like being the security guard on a porn set. Ash shouldn’t need him there, but she wasn’t exactly in work mode. Without warning and after some very loud noises, Ashley emerged from Zach’s room, luckily wearing clothes this time, with Zach following her.

“John, if you drive us to the Clocktower you don’t have to play bodyguard anymore.”

He said a prayer of thanks, looking heavenward.

“Thank the lord. I was about to go mental sitting here.”

They walked to the elevator and rode it to ground level. Ashley and Zach waited while John brought the SUV around. Ashley got into the back seat next to Zach.

Before he pulled out, he turned around in his seat, and gave them his best cop glare while using his best cop voice.

“If the two of you start making out back there, I’m stopping the car and you can walk.”

He pointed at both of them, then turned around and put the car in gear. He looked at them in the rear view mirror.

“I mean it: no kissing, no holding hands, no cuddling, so sexual acts. I am too fucking old for this shit. You keep your hands to yourselves, got it?”

 

[Valkyrie]

Steel’s Badass Black SUV

Ashley jumped into the back of the SUV and sat in the middle seat, Zach in the seat next to her. Before they had even started, they were getting a lecture from the morality police.

“If the two of you start making out back there, I’m stopping the car and you can walk.”

“Yes, Dad.”

He did not seem to appreciate the humor in that.

“I mean it: no kissing, no holding hands, no cuddling, so sexual acts. I am too fucking old for this shit. You keep your hands to yourselves, got it?”

“Why don’t you pull your gun out and threaten to shoot his balls off if he touches me?”

Ash rolled her eyes & sighed.

“Fine, we’ll just talk about the weather or something.”

She gave Zach a sidelong glance, and a mischievous smile spread across her face.

“Let’s see…the weather…the weather.”

She mimed looking out the window at it. Meanwhile, she crossed her legs at the knee, and began inching the hem of her dress up her thighs until it just barely covered her goodies.

“Hmm…I think we might see an area of high temperatures rolling in this evening, creating depression in the atmospheric pressure. We might get storms, even a Barber pole is possible, maybe some ball lightning. What do you think, Zach? Think that pole and ball might come inside the depression later?”

She turned to look at him with eyebrows raised, one hand absentmindedly stroking the outside of her thigh and the other casually touching her chest.

Steel: “Bloody hell...”

 

[Artemis]

Secret Garden- Old World Library

:: Charope and Rose made their way to the Library.::

:: Thankfully, Rae and Danny where able to take over from Rose and it was deemed appropriate to let them remain outside in the enclosed garden to enjoy what was left of the afternoon sun.::

:: On the way to the old world library, Alycia talked with, and prepped Rose for this meeting with the man from Clandestine Inc. Alycia herself had reviewed the contract, and there WAS an obscure close that would allow Rose to severe all relations with Clandestine inc if a sentinel event that caused injury or DEATH to the client(s) occured. Black Widow's attack on the Sanctuary, and Jake being shot in the back certainly qualified as such an event.::

:: Alycia advised Rose to listen to what Darren had to say, but that the final decision was HER'S to make, and that Alycia herself would be there to block any attempts that might be made to scare or intimidate her into continuing to do business with Clandestine.::

:: Alycia hoped that this company did not simply morph and mutate to follow it's founder and director, and that in this age where "corporations are people" (no matter how absurd that "ruling" was), Clandestinc Inc's ethics were HIGHER than that of Black Widow's::

Only one way to find out...

:: She replied, as Rose asked her how productive...or even NECESSARY this meeting actually was....::

:: And with that, she opens the double doors. They step in to find Sharon and Darren standing CLOSE to one another by the fire place.::

:: Alycia clears her throat loudly and cocks and eyebrow::

Well....at least he didn't piss her off to make her want to STRANGLE him.

:: But that was rather an ODD proximity to Sharon for him to have, even though the two had just met! Still, looking the way HE did...ALL views of Darren would be pleasing ::

I wonder....

Good afternoon...early evening.

I'm Alycia Barnett, Rose's legal counsel, and I'll be present for this meeting.

:: She extends a hand to shake Darren's, as her feminum wrist bracelet shimmers::

Zach....Darren...do ALL the men at Clandestine Inc look so FINE? I've been looking in the wrong place!

:: She thought to herself with a bit of a smirk, as a fleeting image of Cameron came to her mind, and she compared him to Darren OR Zach...::

...and DEFINITELY wasting my time.

:: But Cameron's loss was g, his BETRAYAL was going to be Alycia's SPRINGBOARD for sure. She thought about XAVIER, among other possibilities for a well deserved FUN TIME. But that would come later. For now, BUSINESS. IMPORTANT business.::

I took the liberty of printing out a hard copy of the contract between Rose and Clandestine Inc.

I was present when it was originally drafted, and signed.

:: they all seat themselves, with Sharon and Darren returning to their original seats, and Alycia and Rose, who stared at Darren with coldness in her expression, sitting together, and the wooden coffee table in the center of the group.::

Things have certainly CHANGED since that time, haven't they Darren?

:: She looked at him, and he could see she was in full lawyer mode at this time. He knew of her- an ambitious corporate lawyer, who "switched sides" and became a capable, resourceful private attorney, and then a progressive, powerful ADA, then a high powered federal agent- who served in the president's cabinet, now a mutant rights advocate as well as a powerful and respected presence in the World Court, having the ear of key figures in the UN, and she lived up to her Amazonian named, which meant "Brilliant Confrontation."

:: Rose sat beside Alycia, in a prim, elegant pose. Her purple hair flowed, even though there was no wind or breeze present, and her scarf also flowed, and even glowed a bit. She continued to stare at Darren.::

 

[Spellbinder]

The Parthenon- Firebird's penthouse

<< Spellbinder was once again in the parthenon, wearing yet ANOTHER outfit , with her hair pulled back in a sleek bun. She looked glamorous, with a darkness that she was now showcasing as only she could.>>

<< She sat in front of the vanity- applying her make up, in the guest room, one of several in Blaze's penthouse. In fact, the entire Victoria family, along with Mike, had been staying here for several days. Morgan's own no dwelling was being consturcted on the Illustra site and was not quite ready yet.>>

<< But SHE was ready. Ready to BUST some heads. >>

<< Her private meeting with Haleigh had been a TEST, one that Haleigh had passed. Because of that, Morgan activated the last gift that was Haleigh's birthright, the psychic rapport to the rest of her sisters.It would be a LIFE LINE for Haleigh, and Morgan NOW knew that Haleigh woud not have to be KILLED in order to save her from herself, but that didn't mean she wasn't in for a long HARD road after all of this. Morgan herself knew that all too well, and she wondered if Haleigh was REALLY prepared for what was to come. Sometimes, the AFTERMATH is just as traumatic as the event itself, and Morgan had haunting reminders of the Inferno, even as she strived for years afterward to balance the scales. One of the most recent haunting reminders was Bianca Ceasul.>>

<< Haleigh was addressed for the time being, Persephone was another issue, one that Spellbinder was uniquely qualified to deal with given Persephone's legendary link to the Dark Trinity, and its originator, Hecate.>>

<< After her "meeting" with Haleigh, she teleported to Minerva's Aerie, for ANOTHER private meeting with Harbinger. They'd come up with a sound plan to either extract Persephone as well, or DEAL with her. >>

<< Beyond that, the expanded Hellfire Club? well...once the immediate need was addressed, the Six would be HAPPY to show them what THEY could do, although some among the Six seemed less enthusiastic about that than others, they needed to understand who they were dealing with, namely MALICE and the other queens, and apparently a....king??>>

<< So much had been addressed, but so much remained unanswered and unresolved.>>

<< At least now, the wounded had been healed and were relatively safe...>>

But this is just the beginning....

<< She said softly, as she finally allowed herself to face the OTHER big issue, one that was PERSONAL to her. Her wild and demonic night with Derrick Forrester, and the CONSEQUENCE of yielding to that base instinct with him!>>

<< and...as if on CUE>>

Nicolas teleported inside the suite, the mystical alarms allowing the move due to recognition of his stature with her. She was finishing her makeup and look AMAZING in her sexy outfit as he approached, hugging her from behind and eliciting a quickly hushed exclamation from the pretty sorceress.

CAREFUL Nic....these are estee lauder lips, takes two hours to apply!

<< she was only half joking...>>

Good afternoon. You look good enough to eat. And since I figured we have a spare hour before we need to be anywhere, I am certainly glad that I blocked out this time on your calendar, Ms. Victoria...

<< Morgan smiled a bit, and turned around in her seat, rising to her full height in those silver heeled high heels >>

Oh Nicolas...

<< Suddenly she felt a wave of regret. She'd told Derek she had a man that she LOVED, and that was true.>>

<< This wasn't something she could address right now, not with this crisis on hand, and she wasn't about to risk causing ANOTHER fracture in the team the way Cameron had with their ally, Alycia.>>

<< She takes Nicolas' hands into her own. She knew what he wanted. She certainly had no objections to giving that to him...but she needed to talk.>>

I have been very busy.

I know that I've not been able to say much of what I've been doing...regarding Haleigh and Ava...but you understand WHY that is, don't you?

<< She looked at him with her violet eyes.>>

I...don't need anyone accusing me of making the same mistake I made during the Blue Moon. That's NOT what I'm doing...

<< she pulls away for a moment, and takes a few steps, turning from Nicolas, and looking across the room, where Tinker was laying comfortably on the king sized bed.>>

...and even IF it were...Haleigh is Blaze's and my SISTER!

This is a FAMILY emergency, and if ANYONE is most qualified to take the lead on this, and call the shots, it's ME.

<< Morgan was allowing herself to give voice to some of the anxiety that she'd suppressed since all this began.>>

I...TESTED Haleigh last night, Nicolas.

She PASSED that test, and so...we're NOT going to have to kill her.

Alison and I have devised a plan regarding Persephone as well.

We can get them out...we can rescue the from THERE....but we CAN'T save them from the weight of their own actions.

<< she turns to face him again.>>

They're going to have a long, hard road out of hell. Just like I did, just like you did.

Beyond that?

The Hellfire Club...the Inner Circle has changed...grown.

They've "fired shots" that MUST be answered, and I'm ready for it. So is Blaze. What about you?

<< speaking of getting ready to fight, she had something she wanted to show him, but she awaited his response first.>>

 

[Rampage]

Something was eating at Morgan, and she turned to speak to Nicolas.

<< She takes Nicolas' hands into her own. She knew what he wanted. She certainly had no objections to giving that to him...but she needed to talk.>>

I have been very busy.

I know that I've not been able to say much of what I've been doing...regarding Haleigh and Ava...but you understand WHY that is, don't you?

<< She looked at him with her violet eyes.>>

Nicolas gives her a half smirk, trying to lighten the mood.

You did not TELL me why, but the reason seems obvious. Loose lips sink ships and it is hard to plan to go against an Omega-level telepath when she knows what is coming. So yes I understand, Morgan.

I...don't need anyone accusing me of making the same mistake I made during the Blue Moon. That's NOT what I'm doing...

<< she pulls away for a moment, and takes a few steps, turning from Nicolas, and looking across the room, where Tinker was laying comfortably on the king sized bed.>>

...and even IF it were...Haleigh is Blaze's and my SISTER!

This is a FAMILY emergency, and if ANYONE is most qualified to take the lead on this, and call the shots, it's ME.

<< Morgan was allowing herself to give voice to some of the anxiety that she'd suppressed since all this began.>>

I...TESTED Haleigh last night, Nicolas.

She PASSED that test, and so...we're NOT going to have to kill her.

Alison and I have devised a plan regarding Persephone as well.

We can get them out...we can rescue the from THERE....but we CAN'T save them from the weight of their own actions.

<< she turns to face him again.>>

They're going to have a long, hard road out of hell. Just like I did, just like you did.

Beyond that?

The Hellfire Club...the Inner Circle has changed...grown.

They've "fired shots" that MUST be answered, and I'm ready for it. So is Blaze. What about you?

<< speaking of getting ready to fight, she had something she wanted to show him, but she awaited his response first.>>

That was one thing I was hoping to speak to you about...LATER ON. In speaking with Delilah, we decided as well that they need not die. The attacks, the strategy here, something says that Haleigh is trying to fail. We think that if we give her an out she will take it. You agree it seems, so great.

Nicolas walks over to Morgan, placing his hands on her shoulders, his body and eyes hinting at a dark change.

Our plan was essentially to go over there and kill everyone and take them back, so I know that the two of us are prepared to make the Hellfire Club answer for their sins.

As for any aftermath, we all have had to walk that walk. All I can do is try to remember that my sins were, in time, forgiven, and that, in time, I must be willing to forgive. That is what family does. As for others, I cannot say. But that is something we concern ourselves with once we get them back.

Her eyes were searching for answers, and his eyes provided them. She was obviously not done, so he awaited her response.

 

[Tachyon]

"Hot DAMN! Xavier!"

:: She ran to the door, opened it and threw her arms around him, lingering for a few moments, taking him in completely. ::

"Oh my god! My little ebony road runner!"

Meep! Meep!

She felt good and smelled great and was familiar and friendly, so Xavier was happy to return the embrace. Rae was an awesome person, awesome enough that he actually left a relic with her rather than taking one from her.

And how is my fallen angel? Still leather in your wings?

:: she kissed him on the cheek. ::

"I've been dreaming of Wyle E. Coyote for weeks and I couldn't understand why!"

"I knew you were in town. Oh honey. It's so good to see you!"

As it is to see you, my de-

Aaaaaaaaand she was kissing him. Just something light but it took away his words for a second.

"You've joined this team? Oh shit. I gotta make sure you're okay, dear. Come on in, come on in!"

:: Rae invited Xavier in once again her power working for her. ::

"Sit down in the sitting room...and [thinking] who is the time witch you've been sleeping with. Do I know her?"

The questions were as fast as he was. Laughing, he took a seat across from Rae and started with the last one first.

She is just a friend, a really good friend who I met in the street and had a couple of fights with before we decided that talking made more sense. I dunno if you know her...Alison Marble...but I would not be surprised if you did. You seem to know everyone else you want to know.

He relaxed a bit as he continued. His face became more serious now as he spoke about the team.

In all honesty, the team is having some growing pains, some cultural clashes, and it could not be at a worse time. It will be on some of us to cut the shit and get back to what is important, like these kids. That is in part why I am here. I brought some cricket gear for some of the kids who asked.

Nodding his head towards the street, he whispered to Rae.

Speaking of the kids...who are the suits outside? Is everything all right?

 

[Isis]

The Parthenon- Delilah's apartment

"I didn't get to thank you properly, Dominique. Thank You."

:: Dominique nodded.::

Good to see he hasn't lost ALL of his manners....

"Good to know you haven't completely turned your back on me, Dominique. I appreciate that."

:: Exhaling. ::

:: She looked upon Cameron. As was the case with Zach, one didn't have to APPROVE of someone's behavior/choices, in order to find it within themselves to help that person when they were in need. Cameron had done a very bad thing to Alycia, and added to an already huge burden that no one should have to carry on their own.::

:: She cast a quick glance to Richard. She found herself feeling GLAD that she and Cameron's time as lovers as was brief as it was intense. Had he done to HER what he'd done to Alycia...he wouldn't BE HERE right now. If Dominique hadn't made that a reality, RICHARD certainly would have.::

:: he cupped one of his hands on his forehead. ::

"Dominique..would you please enact a protected thoughts spell?"

:: he waited for her. ::

Easy enough...

:: She replied as she extended her hand, and moved it in a circular motion. A mystical tone sounds off as she casts her spell. IF anybody was zeroing in on Cameron at this moment, they'd find themselves "blocked"...getting nothing but "white noise" or "static" where his thoughts and psychic "voice" should be heard.::

"I've done it so that I cannot be used as a pawn. I've done it so that for the first time in a long time I can stand against Hellfire as a FORMIDABLE opponent..and I will."

The Hellfire Club's inner circle has changed considerably since you last crossed swords with them.

:: She said matter of factly::

"Who has been Malice's favorite prey...over the years? ME. Who is the person who found himself madly in love with the woman who happens to be her daughter? ME. Who is the one who's mother she recruited to serve as her Black Queen? Me. So much room for hurt...so much room to destroy me, to hurt my SISTER. I couldn't allow it any longer. I couldn't let this...passion, the same passion I betrayed Alycia with, the same passion I attacked Morgan with as soon as she arrived back...the same PASSION that has always led me to do the most IMPULSIVE and STUPID things be the thing that destroyed my family...my friends."

:: Cameron spoke and Delilah was clearly struggling with what he'd done. Dominique herself saw the "reasoning" he had...but wondered if he was OVERESTIMATING his relevance to Malice in THIS situation. Her end game wasn't simply about hurting any ONE person in the Six. The truce had been broken, and she used ONE person in the six to hurt them ALL, now, in her mind, and by her own words, it was time to go GLOBAL.::

You may not recognize how deep this connection between Malice and Black Widow runs. I had an opportunity to speak with the hybrid shortly before her...defection, I was WITH her...i ASSISTED her in finding out the truth about her connection to Malice.

What you assumed to be romanticizing on Black Widow's part was....ANALYSIS and AWARENESS that was something MORE happening between them than just the "truce."

Haleigh Davidoff's entire existence is owed to Malice, due to an act that occurred without her knowledge OR consent. Nearly ALL the events that lead to the six's formation are tied to that ONE act. They may ENCOMPASS you, but they are not BECAUSE of you.

"Haleigh is somebody I know better than anybody. I KNOW that she thought what she was doing...was the right thing..but she ROMANTICISED Malice...and she REFUSED to listen to me when I tried to tell her that I might possibly understand Malice in a way that she doesn't..as Malice's ultimate prey..the man who has seen her do things..to his own BODY that would give the most depraved person pause. I know Malice in a way she doesn't and rather than listen to me, she...assumed she had a handle on things. She didn't..."

:: shaking his head. ::

"I can't have Haleigh know what I've done..or anyone for that matter. I need Haleigh to think I still love her, because I need to have a pulse on things. I need them ALL to think I am still the Cameron I was. Malice will use me against her. And I am counting on it..."

To Richard via her "hearing thoughts spell": He doesn't entirely understand what's happening. He's coming from a place of...HYPER VIGILANCE. Despite his..."modification" of self, there's a PRIMAL instinct where Malice is concern, and THAT may cause him to jump the gun despite him thinking it will make him better suited to fight.

Cameron sat down, and she looked down at him.

“I will NOT use you as bait.”

I can tell you both now it's not going to be a question of that. Judging by her most recent statements regarding the Six, she doesn't even consider this group a major THREAT right now.

POSSESSING Black Widow was more important to Malice than any preoccupation she had with Cameron, and it's only the FIRST STEP of an all encompassing plan. I HEARD her very words the night that the truth about Black Widow was revealed.

You may be a SURVIVOR of her's, but as a former "COLLEAGUE", and someone who has seen her operation up close and personal, I have a different perspective to offer that might give you more clarity.

:: He looked at Delilah. ::

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I just...I knew you would try to stop me..try and get back...what I gave...and..I just needed to do this. I did."

:: pausing ::

"Because this time...I'm not getting taken out by Hellfire. I'm going to destroy each and every one of them by my own hand..or at least as many as possible."

:: she shook her head. Malice had done TERRIBLE things to Cameron, he WAS a survivor of her's, so much so that he'd now resorted to a most DRASTIC and EXTREME measure to be PREPARED to protect himself from HER, and try to protect his loved ones. She could UNDERSTAND the move in THEORY, but sadly...it might not afford him what he thought it would.::

:: She looked at Richard once again, as they both watched Delilah and Cameron. Clearly they were close. But Delilah wouldn't be able to save Cameron from the consequences of his own actions. She doubted that CAMERON was prepared to face the long term consequences himself. But she wasn't going to try and convince him to change his mind. Of all the people to try, she was further down the list, and honestly? she was TIRED of watching people make these extreme choices without regard for consequence to themselves or others around them. All she would do now...is be true to their status as trusted ALLIES.::

"I do not need anybody's opinion of what I have done.

::rolling her aqua blue eyes::

To Richard: famous last words...

What I do need...is help. Isis - I know you..you are one of the only people who can watch the goings on of the hellfire mansion undetected. And you might be able to cloak what i've done from the likes of Malice.."

You're assuming that Malice is even LOOKING your way.

:: He might not want anyone's opinion, but She wanted him to realize that he COULD be overdoing it. The return on this personal sacrifice could be minimal, if ANYTHING at all. ::

Malice has...decided that she is going to RECLAIM the mantle of Mystech. She, along with her expanded Inner Circle, among them- TWO magick users...

:: One was Talisman, but the Six were NOT aware of Lord Ravena...not YET.::

...and the recent aquisition of Black Widow and Persephone, has put them in a position of advantage.

It's not merely about the Inner Circle vs. The Six. They've begun a pivot to a global mindset. The recent actions have been meant to cause emotional distress. Malice isn't even RELYING on the strategy of forcing Black Widow and Persephone to hurt any of you.

Given your...collective state of affairs since the Blue Moon, they are counting on YOU :: The six:: doing most of the work of deconstructing yourselves FOR them...and then they will strike.

I CAN view the goings on inside the Hellfire Club undetected, and while it is certainly within my power to CLOAK from detection, if you know Malice as well as you believe that you do, then you know she CAN discern her prey in a NUMBER of ways, even BEYOND a mere telepathic scan.

Beyond that, what about your....dimensional mother, Talisman. Does she not have similar gifts of sight as Harbinger? Wouldn't SHE be able to "see" what you've done?

I can at LEAST cause HER difficulty in "viewing" you.

 

[Enchantrah]

Haleigh had a good poker face, she'd give her that much. But there was no doubt in Helena's mind that this was causing more agony for Haleigh than the princess let on. It made it that much more entertaining.

Haleigh: "For as long as she lives.... you will have your Knight. That's the deal. All terms accepted."

Helena lifted a single brow as a smirk appeared on her lips. Wise choice in words, Scion. The girl far less stupid than one might think. Helena would not lay a finger on Persephone....however indirect methods of murder WERE her specialty.

"I expect to see results SOON, Scion. Otherwise the deal is OFF. I don't have time for games; I need Alek focused and Persephone hardened before the REAL battles begin OUTSIDE of these walls."

The time to meet face to face with The Six and Birds of Prey was quickly approaching, and she needed a fully functioning and cohesive court before then. Haleigh was on borrowed time.

Haleigh: "See, I knew coming to YOU was the right thing to do. Bitches need to stick together."

Helena narrowed her eyes unamused.

[flatly] "Get out."

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

She made a pouting face, which he answered with puppy dog eyes. It was a stalemate, so she kissed him and got out of bed. He pulled his pants on, as she found her dress. Ashley mentioned that one day they would burn his scrubs, but Zach just shrugged into his shirt.

"Trust me Ash, these are better than the backless dress they put me in at first."

He replied, and grabbed his phone, wallet, and keys from the table, before picking up Cass's gift too. Ash went out into the waiting area, and Zach followed, looking like the cat that got the canary when his gaze landed on John.

They took the elevator up, and Zach waited with Ashley while John brought the car around. When it pulled up, he opened the door for Ash, who slid in only as far as the center seat. Zach got in, and was reaching to put his arm around her when Steele turned around with a don't-even-think-about-it glare.

John: If the two of you start making out back there, I’m stopping the car and you can walk.

Ash: Yes, Dad.

Zach bit his bottom lip to keep from chuckling, because Steele was NOT amused.

John: I mean it: no kissing, no holding hands, no cuddling, no sexual acts. I am too fucking old for this shit. You keep your hands to yourselves, got it?

"Yes, sir."

He replied respectfully, and it was hard to tell if he was playing on the dad joke or not.

Ash: Why don’t you pull your gun out and threaten to shoot his balls off if he touches me?

"Let's not give the man any ideas!"

Ash: Fine, we’ll just talk about the weather or something.

Zach rested his arm on the door, and tried to honor John's request. Yes, the weather. The weather is a safe topic. Until Ashley gets a hold of it. She looked past Zach, out the window, leaning a little his way without making any contact. He glanced down at her neckline, because it was quite captivating at this angle, and that was when he noticed her crossing her legs and easing her bottom hemline up about as far as it could go. Yes, she had his undivided attention. She spoke of heat, and atmospheric pressure, poles and balls, and Zach brushed his beard with his hand to cover up the indecent smile she provoked.

Ash: What do you think, Zach? Think that pole and ball might come inside the depression later?

She was keeping her hands to herself, but in a not so innocent way. Zach cleared his throat, nodded, and undressed her with his eyes.

"Indeed, that sounds like a pretty intense storm. We'll probably get very wet. I'll be on the lookout for a flood warning..... certainly I'd say you can expect several inches this evening."

Steele: Bloody hell...

"I don't think John likes talking about the weather. Hey, listen though, seriously John. We really appreciate you watching our backs today. I owe you a beer, my friend."

He said, reaching up to pat Steele on the shoulder.