Rose of Destruction II

[Rampage]

Mike: You bullshittin'....REALLY?!

Yeah REALLY! And make sure Ma does not see you 'talking' to me, she will want to know wassup.

Nicolas had used his link with Mike to tell him what happened, and they both planned to keep it from Karen, at least for now.

Mike: No worries...she is a little salty today about leaving so she is busying herself on something or other. She does not want to leave you all and she REALLY wanted to get back at Cam's mother from another universe. Plus she feels pushed around a little. I will deal with that, or pay for it, as it comes. And I am not telling her shit. Give me the notes you have- hey - did Vivica wear the suit?

Nope. She probably has not had time to put it on yet.

Yeah probably. Look, you guys be careful, and tell Blaze to tell someone when she wants to hunt, at least for now. No one says shit to Doc about this. See you in a few minutes.

Cool.

Nicolas turned to the others.

He has been told, no one tells Ma anything. The goal is to get her through the portal and back to Aerie.

Nicolas was pacing, his energy still very high. He looks over to Delilah and Morgan, his eyes questioning.

We are supposed to SAVE them, right? Did either of you see anything there to be saved?

Nicolas looks around.

Did anyone?

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve imagined this exact scenario…”

The thought of him imagine her made her smile as she kissed him. She didn't understand why he would imagine when he could just do...but the fact that he did turned her on so much. His hand went to her wet hair, holding them together as they kissed for a long while before they finally pulled away. Persephone licked her lips, keeping them close to his.

"I distinctively remember you wanting to join me in a bath once..."

Alek: “Actually, I am pretty sure I wanted to fuck you in a bath on that particular day.”

Persephone let out a small laugh.

"Here's your chance."

She goaded with a grin seeing him already pulling his shorts down and more than ready to oblige. He climbed into the tub, sinking into the water and wrapping his arm around her, pulling her close. Her mouth met with his as his hands traveled to her chest, Persephone rolling her head back as he kissed her neck. With parted lips, her breathing began to pick up as he pulled away causing her to look at him. Her eyes were dark with need as his fingers touched her lips--she kissed them, her eyes locked with his. Then he turned her around in one motion. She could feel his lips immediately against the bruise on her back, Persephone eyes shutting at the tenderness of his kiss.

Alek: "I'll kill her for this..."

She couldn't help but smile, feeling the resentment in his voice. It was sexy as hell, knowing what he wanted to do to Blaze in revenge. Alek's arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her against him, her back immediately pressing against his chest as his hand traveled between her legs. Moaning out, her head fell back against Alek's shoulder and her eyes closed, her body reacted to his touch instantaneously. She felt his mouth on her neck, Persephone's arm hooking around to grasp the nap of his before rolling her head to have her mouth meet with his. She kissed him hungrily, feeling him lift her just enough to finally fulfill both of their needs. Persephone's back arched in response to him, breaking the kiss with a loud moan as her hand went to his that was firmly placed around her waist, holding her steady as his movements intensified. She dug her fingers in between his, interlinking them and holding his hand tight.

Alek: "God, every time you touch me I want to be inside of you..."

Persephone's breath hitched, unable to respond. She guided his hand up her body to her breast holding him there as she leaned forward, bracing herself with her other hand on the tub.

Alek: "I want my mouth on every inch of you...I want to fuck you so hard you forget everything but us."

"Do it."

She begged breathlessly.

"Make me forget."

Persephone head hung forward as his movements became harder and more intense causing her to cry out in pleasure. Both hands tightening around him and the porcelain edge as he did--he made her forget everything.

 

[Arsenal]

So, Ava was essentially gone, and they were dealing with Persephone in all her glory. Mike absentmindedly rubbed his chest, never able to forget what happened. He would need to see the video of the new redhead, see if there was anything he could think of to do. He came up empty his share of times, but sometimes an eye with no powers could think of something that these guys could not. Nothing like the desperation one can feel in that sort of battlefield to spark creativity and one focus. Viv would have that footage and he had no doubt it would be shared. But for now...time to cajole his Doc through this doorway in a few minutes.

Mike walked up behind Karen, who was brushing her hair and finalizing her makeup. He hugged her and at first she tensed, but he persisted and she eventually relented, melting back into him and grabbing one arm with both of hers. He kissed her cheek and took in her smell...man she smelled as amazing as she felt. He continued to hold on as he whispered in her ear.

Once we get back, I will give you one of my patented backrubs. Massage oil, the whole nine, OK? And we can relax and have dinner under the stars.

Doc might rage and rant, but she WAS not turning down his backrub. At least she hadn't so far...

 

[Goliath]

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Cassandra: "I don't look good in black...I look FANTASTIC in it."

"Oh..ok."

"This is a lot easier than I thought it was gonna be."

"Oof!"

:: She wrapped her legs around his body and knocked him to the ground as she stared at him for a few moments. He had never seen this side of Cassandra before. What made it so hard to attempt to bring her in last time was the fact that she was just a sweet, naive woman looking for love. She was nice and kind and thought of others and was almost child like with the way she saw the world. This Cassandra seemed naughty and ready to go and it gave him a bit of pause as to what the people she was hanging out with had done to do her. ::

Cassandra: "I could join you, Ben. I COULD because I think that I could be an EXCELLENT adition to them. But here's the thing: they would only keep me LOCKED UP and test me, TORTURE me, EXPERIMENT on me, if only to be sure that I am FOR them and ONLY them. I wouldn't be YOUR Cassandra anymore, and THAT would be a bloody shame."

:: Ben cocked one his already arched eyebrows even further as he looked at Cassandra with amusement and also a lot of regret. All it took was seeing him for five seconds and she seemed ready to forgive him, ready to run away with him again. He felt a tug at the pit of his stomach. How had she been able to survive this long without being killed or led to the slaughter. How could she be such a forgiving person? Maybe she was lonely or maybe she was trying to play him in the way that he played her. Still, bring Cass to Hellfire would be a lot easier than having to kill her to stay where he was. ::

:: Cass leaned her mouth to his ear again. ::

*whisper*: ”Is that REALLY what you want, my sweet boy, for me to NOT be your Cassandra anymore?” *teasing whisper*: I have my doubts...

:: Then she gently tugged on his ear, her signal for wanting MORE, and then trailed a line of kisses from his ear, along his jaw, and then to his lips…just because she could. Cass just may have entered into a dangerous game…and it PLEASED her; it THRILLED her. ::

:: Ben kissed her passionately for a few moments before biting her lip, finding himself getting lost in her scent and the sexual energy coursing through her body. Their chemistry was electric. He'd almost forgotten about that. For a moment he had convinced himself to grab her and to run away. Never look back. But they were BOTH in this too deep now. Cassandra was right. There were likely eyes watching them, eyes that might look at this scene and think Benjamin was being seduced by a member of The Six. He grimaced at the thought of what he was about to do. ::

:: Lurching forward he KISSED her neck up and down listening to her heavy breathing before GRABBING a lock of her hair and pulling it back HARD, causing her head to jolt back as his lips left the spot just underneath her jaw by her ear. ::

"You aren't my Cassandra anymore. You're theirs..."

:: His blue eyes smuldered at her as a mischevious grin crawled across his face. ::

"And I belong to Hellfire. That's what messed us up before. Thinking there wasn't such a division between us."

:: Ben KNEED her in the stomach as he used his augmented strength to kick her off of him as she flew back and hit the wall of the cathedral with a boom. He stood to the ground and dusted his suit off as Cassandra got up from the ground. She was a big girl. She could take a hit like that easily. ::

"I shouldn't have come here. I just wanted a moment to see you, to give you the opportunity to get out..but it's clear you don't want that. So our lines are CLEARLY drawn from this point forward. They will use me against you...and I will let them."

[cocking his head to the side]

"So..you might want to look inside of yourself and find a bit more strength in the days to come. Because if you buckle just as easily in the future as you did just now, you might find yourself pushing daisies at the end of all of this."

:: Benjamin rubbed his lip with his thumb for a moment. ::

"You taste the same too."

:: He spun around and began to walk away from her, calling out to her from behind his back. ::

"I look forward to tasting--I mean, SEEING you again, Cassandra. Very much so."

:: As he increased the distance between them, he looked down at the ground. She was a confusing woman, but his feelings were still there. He was torn between trying to protect HIMSELF and trying to get Cassandra to care about him just enough that she might kill him herself and he could leave with his hands clean. He didn't know what he was doing, but he knew that things were about to get a lot more interesting. ::

 

[Ruby]

From St. Patrick’s Cathedral to The Parthenon



:: Cass felt more ALIVE than ever. Being with Ben felt dangerous; forbidden, even. She LOVED that feeling. She may not have forgiven Ben, hell, she may not TRUST him, or even LOVE him, but she loved the new feelings he had awakened within her. It was pretty liberating. Baby Girl’s gotta grow up sometime. ::

:: Cass was gleeful that Ben kissed her back and made a happy noise as he bit her lip. Their chemistry was STILL the same and Cass couldn’t have been more pleased. Screw the Six and Hellfire. He was her Romeo and she was his Juliet…even if they had to play a game to keep up pretenses. She GROWLED with lust as he suddenly lurched forward and kissed her neck up and down. Then she YELPED in surprise and…PLEASURE?! as he grabbed her by the hair and pulled it back hard. ::

Playtime is ON!

Ben: "You aren't my Cassandra anymore. You're theirs..."

*teasingly*: “Oh, don’t be like that…”

Because after those kisses? YOU are still my Benjamin…

Ben: "And I belong to Hellfire. That's what messed us up before. Thinking there wasn't such a division between us."

“We shall see about that -- OOF!!!”

:: Ben had KNEED her in the stomach! Before she could react, he had kicked off of him sending her flying into the church wall. Cass laughed as she slowly shook herself and stood up, a big grin on her face. ::

Ben: "I shouldn't have come here. I just wanted a moment to see you, to give you the opportunity to get out...but it's clear you don't want that. So our lines are CLEARLY drawn from this point forward. They will use me against you...and I will let them."

NO! I am NOT okay with them using you as a tool!

:: But, of course, she couldn’t say what she really wanted to say. It was nothing but a game; a show. At least, on her part it was, although…her kisses were REAL. ::

Ben: "So..you might want to look inside of yourself and find a bit more strength in the days to come. Because if you buckle just as easily in the future as you did just now, you might find yourself pushing daisies at the end of all of this."

:: Cass narrowed her eyes. ::

“Oh, you thought all of this was REAL?”

:: Her grin grew bigger. ::

“It was NOTHING but a SHOW, Benjamin.”

Ben: "You taste the same too."

“Right back atcha, babe.”

:: Cass watched him walk away from her, all signs of her previous naughtiness and playfulness leaving her face. ::

Come back! We can figure SOMETHING out, can’t we?

Ben: "I look forward to tasting--I mean, SEEING you again, Cassandra. Very much so."

:: He was getting farther away from her. Cass felt such sadness just then. Her eyes were shiny with unshed tears. ::

*whispers*: "Come back. PLEASE come back…”

:: But he was too far away to hear. Everything within her was screaming that she should go after him, and convince him that SHE could – and would – protect him. She literally JUMPED when Cameron’s voice appeared in her head. ::

Cameron: "Cass return to The Parthenon at once. There has been an altercation involving The Six and Persephone. You need to be debriefed immediately. The streets are not safe. Persephone is still at large."

Uh…WHAT?!

:: She headed to where she had left her jacket and shoes, which, surprisingly, were still there, and put them back on. She hesitated for a moment and then ran after Ben, catching up to him and pulled on his arm, shoving him against a storefront. ::

“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo? Hi, lover!”

:: She took his right hand and held it, holding it above his head. A fierce look was on her face. Locking eyes with him AGAIN, she slowly began to DRAIN him, watching his expression turn from amusement to shock to ANGER. ::

Ben: “You…BITCH!”

“Oh, don’t be such a pussy!”

:: Cass sighed happily, feeling the effects of the draining immediately. She really DID need to feed soon. But she wasn’t going to drain Ben completely. Hell, she wouldn’t even render him unconscious. He WOULD be in a lot of pain though. Too bad, so sad. Ben was gritting his teeth and GLARING at her. ::

*conversationally*: “Earlier, you mentioned that Hellfire was going to use you to destroy me. Let me give you a tip, LOVE – they can destroy me by KILLING YOU.”

:: She leaned in to whisper in his ear. ::

”Because learning about your death would truly DESTROY me, and I care about you way too much to let that happen.”

:: It was a small one, but a confirmation nonetheless that yes, Cass still cared about him; that she still cared about what happened to him. She looked into his angry eyes before whispering in his ear again. ::

”I’m sorry that I had to do this, but I had to make it look GOOD.”

:: She let him go and the draining stopped. She watched as he fell to his knees, trying to catch his breath. She turned and walked away. ::

“Be safe, Benjamin…TAXI!”

Thought Call to Cameron: “On my way, Cam!”

:: She rushed to grab a taxi that had just pulled up. ::

“Hi, I need to go to The Parthenon hotel, please.”

:: She got in and shut the door, keeping her face neutral until they had pulled away from the curb. Then she allowed herself to cry. She cried because she just came to a very startling realization: not only did she care about him...but she still loved him. She was worried about Ben and she was worried FOR Ben, just like she was worried about Haleigh and Persephone and she was also worried FOR them both. ::

Persephone…

:: She rooted around in her clutch for her phone and pulled it out. NO NEW PHONE CALLS and NO NEW TEXTS. ::

*anger; screams*: “I SHOULD’VE BEEN THERE!!!”

Cabbie: *shocked*: “You okay, miss?”

*calmed*: “I’m fine. I’m fine.”

Those bitches left me out AGAIN!

:: She had been VERY hurt and angry when she discovered that Alison actually did ‘see’ her kidnapping by the Purifiers and that Cameron wanted to keep it from her (Cass) for the sole purpose of not upsetting the baby, blah, blah, blah. So it turned out that EVERYBODY knew about her own kidnapping except for the person who SHOULD’VE been told in the first place. ::


<< At The Parthenon… >>


:: Cass emerged from the taxi and quickly paid the driver before stomping up to the door. She paid the doorman and bellhop NO attention as she passed by, her anger and hurt fueling her as she made her way to the elevators. Ben’s words kept ringing in her ears: ”Have they been keeping you informed Cassandra? Do you know what's going on with them...better yet. How many of them have reached out to YOU? Checked in on YOU and made sure that YOU were okay, and safe?” She didn’t know if he truly meant them or if he was just screwing with her but they affected her nonetheless. She was SEETHING as she rode the elevator down to the lower levels where the Six’s headquarters were. ::

I should’ve been told! I would’ve BEEN there if I had known!

:: The doors opened and Cass strode out, walking purposefully down the hall to the War Room, her heels click-clacking on the floor. She appeared in the doorway and held up her phone. ::

“No calls, no texts…”

:: She looked at Cameron. ::

“No thought calls, well, excluding the one you sent AFTER THE FACT…”

:: She looked at Nicolas last. ::

“No teleportations, either.”

:: She left Morgan and her stepping discs out of it since she didn’t know the sorceress that well…but Cameron, Blaze, and Nicolas? They KNEW her and should’ve KNOWN to get into contact with her! ::

*hurt*: “Why the FUCK am I getting the notice NOW that there has been a situation with Persephone?!” *anger*: ”I SHOULD’VE BEEN THERE!”

:: She made her way into the room and dropped into a chair, tossing both her phone and clutch on the table. ::

“I WOULD have been there if I HAD KNOWN!” *sarcastically*: "Thanks...FAMILY."

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

When they were done, Seph leaned against him in the hot bath, the churning water in stark contrast to the peace he felt with her beside him. They lay in silence for a time, Alek absentmindedly stroking her arm. She’d asked him to make her forget, and he too had forgotten everything but her.

“So…when we’re at our cabin in the snow…tell me. What do you imagine us doing to pass the time?”

Amusement washed over his face.

“We won’t be out hunting.”

He clucked his tongue at the thought.

“Will you be sitting in your rocking chair, knitting? Or maybe we’ll play cards?”

He tickled her, laughing at the thought.

“Or maybe we’ll sit by the fire, and I’ll read to you. The Greek poets perhaps? Homer…or Aristophanes? Or maybe Shakespeare is more to your liking?”

 

[MorningStar]

The War Room

"That's what *I* would like to know. I could have had them BOTH!"

“Cam, calm down. There were eight of us there. NONE of us were effective against her.”

"We need to know more about that Bishop and SOON. Hopefully Vivica's recording will allow her to detect the nature of her power because if her field is THAT strong, we need to know what ELSE she's capable of."

“We should talk to Dominique again as well, see if she knows anything else – or can find out anything else.”

"I was able to see some of Persephone's allies within the Hellfire Club. More specifically, The Red Knight, Alek. It didn't take much digging to realize that she has STRONG feelings for him. Feelings that, well? I know all too well. He's also entertained relations with Scion. He was the man in the video that I was sent. He's not a primary target at this moment, but should shit hit the fan, he's definitely somebody we can use to our advantage, goad the goddess so to speak."

Delilah nodded, but her thoughts were stormy. What were Haleigh and Ava doing in that place? With an Inner Circle member no less? It didn’t look good – even Delilah had to admit that. Still...

“Smart, on Hellfire’s part. Give Ava an attachment to keep her sweet, so to speak.”

We are supposed to SAVE them, right? Did either of you see anything there to be saved? Did anyone?

“If they needed saving, they wouldn't be able to broadcast it. Especially with another club member clearly watching her every step. It seems so strange to me that Ava would attack Blaze like that, though, out in the open. She had to know that Blaze had the advantage…it’s odd.”

And then CJ entered, throwing a tantrum.

“No calls, no texts…No thought calls, well, excluding the one you sent AFTER THE FACT…No teleportations, either.”

“There wasn’t time…but hey, at least they called you in for the important stuff, like deciding to put KILL TEAMS on our former teammates.”

Delilah pointedly looked at Blaze.

*hurt*: “Why the FUCK am I getting the notice NOW that there has been a situation with Persephone?!” *anger*: ”I SHOULD’VE BEEN THERE!”

“Maybe because you’re acting like a two year old? It wasn’t a garden party, there wasn’t time to prepare, we just were in the right place at the right time when Morgan called. Plus it was eight to one: you weren't needed. If you had been, you would have been called.”

“I WOULD have been there if I HAD KNOWN!” *sarcastically*: "Thanks...FAMILY."

Okay, that was enough of that.

“Look, hon. I ain’t your family. This isn’t Big Love, it’s a team. And if this is how you act? No one wants that in the middle of a fight, so GROW UP, and let’s focus on what we’re going to do NEXT. MAYBE you’d like to know what HAPPENED instead of throwing a hissy fit?”

 

[Persephone]

He had made her forget everything for a moment. Blaze, Cameron's threat, the impending realities of what Persephone knew would be happening. She sat on his lap, holding his arms around her waist as she leaned her back against him and rested her head in the crook of his neck. The rolling bubbles of hot water were the only noise for a while as they just sat quietly.

Alek: “So…when we’re at our cabin in the snow…tell me. What do you imagine us doing to pass the time? We won’t be out hunting.”

Persephone grimaced at the thought as she ribbed him gently in the side with a small laugh. She understood why people did it for survival, but for sport? It was disgusting.

"I mean you could try. I would thoroughly enjoy thwarting your plans."

She grinned.

"The hunter becoming the hunted. I've done it before....but i'd spare your life. Only because you're cute."

Persephone teased with a kiss to his neck.

Alek: “Will you be sitting in your rocking chair, knitting? Or maybe we’ll play cards?”

Persephone gave him an are you kidding me look.

"Do I look like a spinster?"

Laughing as he tickled her, she grabbed his hand with her own, holding it tight--interlinking their fingers together. She buried her face into his neck, shutting her eyes. Steam all around them--the smell of lavender aromatic and bold. All the chaos and threats of imminent death from the Hellfire Club didn't exist in that moment. All the bullshit between herself, Haleigh, and the six didn't exist in that moment. It was a moment of peace.

Alek: “Or maybe we’ll sit by the fire, and I’ll read to you. The Greek poets perhaps? Homer…or Aristophanes? Or maybe Shakespeare is more to your liking?”

"It doesn't matter....as long as we're away from everything and everyone....i'll be happy."

She smiled against his neck.

"And there has to be wine. Lots of wine."

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

"I mean you could try. I would thoroughly enjoy thwarting your plans."

Hmm…the idea of going up against Seph in that way was intriguing. Who would win, he wondered?

"The hunter becoming the hunted. I've done it before...but I'd spare your life. Only because you're cute."

“It has its privileges.”

He grinned and shifted his body to a more comfortable position.

“But I wonder what prize I’d win if I beat you?”

He leaned down and kissed her neck, then bit it gently.

He teased her with the boring things she could be doing in a cabin the snow, and she gave him an incredulous look.

"Do I look like a spinster?"

He pretended to scrutinize her.

“I don’t know…I think I’ll have to make a thorough inspection to be sure…”

She linked her fingers with his, and buried her face in his neck.

“I’m sure I can think of something we could do together to pass the time…”

“It doesn't matter...as long as we're away from everything and everyone…I'll be happy."

He smiled and kissed her lips softly. He felt the same exact way.

"And there has to be wine. Lots of wine."

He laughed.

“Maybe we should look for a place that already has an excellent wine cellar. Winter is long there, after all.”

He smirked.

“And when we run out of canned vegetables, we can always move to a liquid diet.”

He closed his eyes, imagining it being just the two of them, feeling the calming of the water and having her touching him.

“I think if I had met you there, I never would have left Sweden. I could show you the Northern Lights…and the midnight sun. The polar night.”

He let his hand wander as he nuzzled her ear at this last bit.

“So much trouble to get up to when it’s dark 24 hours day…”

He thought for a moment.

“If you could go back and redo any part of your life, what would you choose?”

 

[Spellbinder]

To The Parthenon- War Room 2

“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.

Firebird: Just a bit banged up...and winded. Persephone thought she was gonna run over ME the way she did the others. But she learned today.

<<Spellbinder checked Blaze over, and asked if anyone else needed healing. Everyone seemed generally fine.>>

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?”

<< Spellbinder stood, with her hands on her hips, looking rather dark and brooding at the moment>>

:: He furrowed his brow. ::

"That's what *I* would like to know. I could have had them BOTH!"

:: Cameron gripped his fist in anger for a moment. ::

<< The revelation of that red haired woman had thrown them all off, and none of their efforts to breach that barrier workekd! Spellbinder could have teleported Persephone with a stepping disc, and was prepared to do that on the heels of Prophet's offensive move, but then Persephone pressed her advantage, and they escaped.>>

That red haired woman...she looked so much like Blaze, and the way she SPOKE, it was almost as if she...had ENCOUNTERED us before. But how can that be? I want to know who she is as well!

“Cam, calm down. There were eight of us there. NONE of us were effective against her.”

“We should talk to Dominique again as well, see if she knows anything else – or can find out anything else.”

Agreed, after my mother and Mike have evacuated.

<< She looked around the group>>

And not a WORD of this to my mom!

Nicolas, communicate the situation to Mike telepathically, and advise HIM not to say anything either.

<< Blaze looked at Morgan.>>

I know...I KNOW. But we have to get them out of here...the Hellfire Club is trying to keep us on edge, and they're attacking our friends, allies and loved ones. Talisman already tried it with my mother once, during the Frost debacle, and my mom want's PAYBACK but first we've got to cripple THEM.

"We need to know more about that Bishop and SOON. Hopefully Vivica's recording will allow her to detect the nature of her power because if her field is THAT strong, we need to know what ELSE she's capable of."

Maybe << regarding Vivica>> But she has to be able to SEE something in order to analyze it. That barrier...or forcefield or whatever it was...was largely INVISIBLE, save the feedback from any of our attempts to breach it.

And I agree about the need to learn what else she can do. She and Persephone were DEFINITELY smug in that moment of surprise that they had. We need to find a way to wipe that smug look off BOTH of their faces next time. We're not fooling around with EITHER of them.

<< She said coldly.>>

Nicolas turned to the others.

He has been told, no one tells Ma anything. The goal is to get her through the portal and back to Aerie.

Nicolas was pacing, his energy still very high. He looks over to Delilah and Morgan, his eyes questioning.

We are supposed to SAVE them, right? Did either of you see anything there to be saved?

Nicolas looks around.

Did anyone?

THEM?

That mystery woman doesn't count, Nicolas. All she did was get in the way. What was interesting to me, is that Persephone seemed content to hide behind her and that barrier! Nothing like the goddess that came to us in the beginning!

“If they needed saving, they wouldn't be able to broadcast it. Especially with another club member clearly watching her every step. It seems so strange to me that Ava would attack Blaze like that, though, out in the open. She had to know that Blaze had the advantage…it’s odd.”

And as For Persephone? As I told Zach, we'll save her...IF WE CAN. If she makes it too hard, or INFEASIBLE? we'll DEAL with her accordingly. It's that simple.

I'm not sacrificing ANYONE on some idea that we "must save them AT ANY COST." Zach heard what he WANTED to hear...but I was QUITE CLEAR to both him AND Delilah what would happen if Persephone and Black Widow left us no other choice.

<< Spellbinder said this with a cold tone as well.>>

We have KILL TEAMS ready if it comes to that.

But I'm giving Prophet my full endorsement to use his psi powers to excise the Persephone persona OUT of that body. That may be the only way TO save HER [AVA.]

"I was able to see some of Persephone's allies within the Hellfire Club. More specifically, The Red Knight, Alek. It didn't take much digging to realize that she has STRONG feelings for him. Feelings that, well? I know all too well. He's also entertained relations with Scion. He was the man in the video that I was sent. He's not a primary target at this moment, but should shit hit the fan, he's definitely somebody we can use to our advantage, goad the goddess so to speak."

We will regard them ALL as targets, Prophet.

That's how we need to view them from now until this is finished.

They've struck at us and our loved ones, and associates with no kind of hesitation or remorse. If the Red Knight or anyone ELSE gets in the way, they can be cut down as well.

<< the tone in Spellbinder's voice...it was one Delilah hadn't heard since the days of VALIANT! But this, along with her look as of late seemed to be in line with the changes she'd been going through since this all begin. But unlike the original time, she wasn't wild or misdirected. It wasn't being directed at members of her own team. It was clearly focused on her ENEMIES, and THAT was a good thing.>>

What Persephone did to Simon, Vivica, Zach, and Alycia? Firebird gave Perspehone a taste of her own medicine, and had that mysterious woman not arrived, we would've given her the gang beating she DESERVED.

As I said in the meeting earlier...those two have FORFEITED their right to consideration or gentle treatment. They'll be handled the way they DESERVE to be handled, and IF they survive, once we have them back in OUR custody? We'll deal with the rest as it comes.

<< At that moment....>>

“No calls, no texts…”

:: She looked at Cameron. ::

“No thought calls, well, excluding the one you sent AFTER THE FACT…”

:: She looked at Nicolas last. ::

“No teleportations, either.”

:: She left Morgan and her stepping discs out of it since she didn’t know the sorceress that well…but Cameron, Blaze, and Nicolas? They KNEW her and should’ve KNOWN to get into contact with her! ::

*hurt*: “Why the FUCK am I getting the notice NOW that there has been a situation with Persephone?!” *anger*: ”I SHOULD’VE BEEN THERE!”

:: She made her way into the room and dropped into a chair, tossing both her phone and clutch on the table. ::

“I WOULD have been there if I HAD KNOWN!” *sarcastically*: "Thanks...FAMILY."

<< Morgan's violet eyes widened at Ruby's outburst. Even Firebird looked at her bestie in belief>>

Firebird: EXCUSE ME!? I'm sorry...but I was busy FIGHITNG against Persephone, seeking JUSTICE for our LOVED ONES that she hurt. WHERE WERE YOU!?

Spellbinder: Yes, Ruby, perhaps YOU'D like to tell US where YOU were, and why you didn't bother to let anyone KNOW where you were going? In case you hadn't noticed, the situation we're in? The danger level is HIGH and it's FORTUNATE that Prophet WAS able to locate you with a psi-scan.

<< Prophet hadn't told them where/WHO Ruby was with, lucky for HER.>>

“There wasn’t time…but hey, at least they called you in for the important stuff, like deciding to put KILL TEAMS on our former teammates.”

Delilah pointedly looked at Blaze.

<< Firebird rolled her eyes and waved her hand>>

Firebird: Oh, so you would've taken time out of your daily chanting of "Blaze is a bitch" To respond and SHOW UP?

Spellbinder: That's ENOUGH, ALL of you!

<< She commands>>

Ruby, take your seat.

<< She looks at the Blaze, Delilah, Ruby, and the rest of the group>>

That's ENOUGH of the bickering and the bitterness, from ALL of you, do you understand!? We have a CRISIS on our hands, and we don't have TIME for your passive aggressive remarks, your egos, feelings and idiosyncrasies. LIVES are at stake, and the Hellfire Club is poised to strike at us HARD. We have ONE chance...ONE small window to take this and turn it around to our advantage.

If ANYBODY in this room is not able or willing to get on board, LEAVE NOW.

<< She POINTED to the door and waited for a few moments.>>

By remaining, you indicate that you are ready to GET TO WORK.

Part of that means...COMMUNICATION AND RESPECT, and it goes BOTH ways, among EVERYONE. That INCLUDES YOU, Delilah, and YOU Blaze!

<< And looking at Ruby>>

And YOU as well, Ruby.

You were given a pass the LAST time you ran out of here because you couldn't face the truth, the REALITY of the situation. We're not having that AGAIN, is that clear!?

NOW then, Ruby. The situation is this: Firebird and Perspehone had a confrontation, We arrived to confront Persephone, and CAPTURE her IF possible, only to find that she was being aided by a mystery woman who bears a striking resemblance to Firebird, and has a power set that we are not yet clear on. They escaped, and here we are now.

We're discussing the matter and I've made it CLEAR that NO ONE is to say one word about this to my mother. She and Michael are evacuating to Minerva's Aerie shortly, and if she hears this news, coupled with her own strong desire to strike back at Talisman, she will almost certainly change her mind. It was HARD ENOUGH to convince her to leave in the first place.

Going forward, EVERYONE is to remain in contact with at least one other member of the team. If you see or are confronted by a Hellfire member, you send out a distress call FIRST, THEN stand your ground. And we're THROUGH discussing HOW to handle Persephone and Black Widow. We have KILL TEAMS in place, whether anyone likes it or not, as a last resort. LIVES are at stake. Not just ours, but the city, the COUNTRY even. They're playing for keeps, and so are WE.

We'll TRY to capture them, but if they make it impossible for us...then SO BE IT.

Going forward, NO secret runs, no HUNTING on your own...

<< looking at Blaze>>

NO wishy washy emotions about it.

<< looking at Cass.>>

It's time to FIGHT BACK, and REMIND them who they're dealing with.

 

[Isis]

The Parthenon- Dominique's Diamond Suite

:: Vivica settled into the Black Diamond Suite as she grabbed a bottle of water from the mini fridge in the corner and took a long drink before exhaling quickly. ::

"So now we aren't even safe in daylight.."

:: She put her hand on her head. ::

"Ugh..why did Blaze have to go hunting? I know that's what she did."

I think you, ESPECIALLY, know the answer to that. You, Simon, Zach, and Alycia....are four reasons WHY Firebird went hunting.

:: Richard and Dominique both recalled Firebird saying that she would get PAYBACK sooner rather than later.::

"That would have never have happened if she hadn't been patrolling..but in this case..I'm glad she did. I know I can crack the code on Mystique's power set and we can figure a way around it. But she worries me. Her face...there are so many similarities, so much symmetry to..Blaze's. That puts me on edge."

Persephone and Black Widow deserve NO moment's peace after the things they've done. Firebird simply gave her a taste of her own medicine, and I for one, am GLAD she did it.

:: she looked at Richard and Vivica::

We could've gotten OUR pound of flesh as well, were it not for that mred haired woman who appeared out of no where, shielding Persephone that that barrier of her's

:: Recall noted Mystique's resemblance to Firebird::

Yes...their resemblance is unsettling. I wonder what the significance of that is.

:: Dominique knew of her in name , and court title only. This woman had come aboard AFTER Dominique's time with the Inner Circle. Had there been more time, Isis herself would have tried a variety of spells to try and breach that barrier.::

[looking over at them]

"Are you both okay?"

I am fine....althought I am disappointed that Persephone ESCAPED.

:: In this moment between the three of them, the clear difference between their desired outcome and that of the Six's would become clear::

That woman has much to answer for...and BLOOD is as good a payment of that debt as anything else.

:: Richard nodded i full agreement::

I still cannot believe that Zach holds out HOPE for her, especially after what she did to him!


:: By now, Oracle's alert had gone out to the rest of the team.::

I wonder...

:: she trailed off in thought for a moment.::

We are good, Viv. But YOU are not whole. Look at you! Miss D, she needs these cuts closed.

It was not our first rodeo. I numbed the cut areas with a minute blast of cool Nitrogen and plucked the glass out of her back painlessly

Hold still...

:: She said as she waved her hands around Vivica's hands and arms, and a trail of golden "ribbon" energy flowed around, and covered her hands, and arms, soothing and healing all cuts, and wounds.::

Is that better?

Funny how you never know who you care about getting hurt sometimes...until you see them hurt. I met her gaze for a second and I could tell that she could tell that she made my short list.

:: Isis looked at Vivica. She could see the weariness and the sense of injustice in the woman's face::

Firebird wanted justice for you, Vivica. As well as Simon, Zach and Alycia. We ALL do. It doesn't matter whether or not they WERE under dursess at the time they defected. They have crossed ALL lines of restraint at this point, and the response they receive MUST include FORCE.

Persephone may have escaped, but there is one small consolation, she KNOWS she can't hide FOREVER and that NEITHER team will give her a moment's peace outside the walls of that mansion.

For now...let's prepare ourselves. Shadow Weaver and Arsenal will be evacuating soon.

For the sake of peace and safety, let's NOT mention this to or around Shadow Weaver.

If you need to check in with Oracle, Vivica, now's the time to do so...within the safety of these walls.

 

[Artemis]

The Sanctuary- on the way to the enclosed garden

:: Alycia gives Sharon a knowing look, for several moments. The mutate tries to ignore it...but soon....::

Sharon: WHAT!?

[ she asks in an exasperated tone]

Alycia: As if you don't KNOW, Sharon.

:: Alycia nudges her::

I SAW you and Darren in the library, making eyes at each other. You LIKE him!

Sharon: I do NOT.

[ Sharon looked away, trying NOT to blush ever so slightly]

Alycia: mmmHMMM! don't FRONT, girl! I know you do! But he IS fine!

:: Nodding in whole hearted agreement as Sharon finally turns to look back at her best friend::

Sharon: Okay....I Do. And he asked me out tonight!

Alycia: Look at you! pulling him in! I'm a little JELLY.

:: She said with a wide smile as teased Sharon a bit. Alycia was GENUINELY Happy for Sharon to be reminded that she was a WHOLE woman, not just the powerful or the vengeful Silver Swan! ::

Sharon: I wasn't expecting that to happen.

Alycia: That's usually when it does.

Sharon: But its nothing more than sharing a meal.

Alycia: And that's all it needs to be. Just enjoy yourself, Sharon, and let Darren see as much of YOU as you are comfortable with him seeing. You deserve this moment! And don't worry, I'll tell Rose that you couldn't be here tonight for dinner, she'll understand. You've been here for the past 2 days, you needed some personal time.

:: at that moment::

[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.”

:: Sharon and Alycia looked at one aother....with Sharon starting to express something, but Alycia seemed to know just where she was going::

NO, Sharon. You heard Oracle...Everyone is FINE. There's nothing we can do about it at this moment. You go on with Darren. But you stay in touch with me. I'll be here with Rae and Danny, and Oracle and Gabe are due to arrive soon. Steel, Titan and....:: pausing:: Orion and Valkyrie are at the clocktower, The Six are at the parthenon, and so are Isis, Matrix , and Recall.

We're covered.

You go and enjoy yourself. You deserve this moment.

and it may be one of the FEW that you or any of us HAS.

Just BE CAREFUL!

[ Alycia didn't tell Sharon that she'd issued Darren a STERN warning regarding his treatment of her, but she had the sense that he knew not to test her on that. With that, she hugged Sharon tightly, wishing her a good time tonight, and waving as the mutate takes off into the air, flying back to Charope, LLC, where she'll use Alycia's luxury apartment on the top floor of the building to get ready for tonight.]

[ Alycia smiled with satisfaction, before turning to make her way to where Rae, Danny and the others were. She reached them]

Hey. The meeting with Rose and Darren went well enough. I made sure that Rose's leverage in that situation was in tact.

[ but before she could continue, Tachyon suddenly appeared]

Excuse me team...why did no one tell me that Elizabeth had a hot date tonight?

[ She eyed Xavier for a moment]

That's news to ME too, Xavier. In case you weren't aware, Sharon and I have been BUSY with meetings between Rose and Clandestine, Inc!

[ She stood there with her hands on her hips]

I assume you got Oracle's alert about the fight between Firebird and Persephone?

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “But I wonder what prize I’d win if I beat you?”

Persephone grinned at him thinking he would beat her. So cute. She coyly whispered something in his ear about his prize--something most men would love to do but many women don't agree to. Teasing him was almost as much fun as the act itself....ALMOST.

He teased her a little more, she jokingly asking if he thought she was a spinster.

Alek: “I don’t know…I think I’ll have to make a thorough inspection to be sure…”

"If you need to inspect, I haven't been doing my job thoroughly enough."

She quipped as she hooked her arm around his neck, giving his skin a nip then a kiss.

Alek:“I’m sure I can think of something we could do together to pass the time…”

"I'm sure."

She whispered against his skin, continuing to kiss it a few more times. Finally she let her head rest back against the crook of his neck, telling him wherever they went, as long as it was away from everyone and everything she would be happy. She just wanted to feel free again, because the moment she stepped foot in Hellfire Club it was like she was in a prison. Freedom and wine and sex. The Grecian holy trinity.

Alek: "Maybe we should look for a place that already has an excellent wine cellar. Winter is long there, after all. And when we run out of canned vegetables, we can always move to a liquid diet."

Persephone just smiled.

Alek: "I think if I had met you there, I never would have left Sweden. I could show you the Northern Lights…and the midnight sun. The polar night.”

"That sounds beautiful..."

She murmured, trailing off as she stared at the rain hitting the window panes.

Alek: “So much trouble to get up to when it’s dark 24 hours day…”

"Mmm...don't temp me."

She felt his hands gently trailing along her skin causing her softly smile. But she was a little taken aback by what he asked next.

Alek: “If you could go back and redo any part of your life, what would you choose?”

Persephone hesitated, her eyes lowering absently to the water. She had lived a very long life, filled with mistakes and regrets. Too many to count. She was a horrible person, there was no doubt about that. There was no way she could choose one. One redo was so insignificant in the grand scheme of her life. But as she quietly contemplated, in her heart she really did know what she would change if she could do it all over again. The one mistake that even to this day was effecting her.

"I wouldn't have seduced Hades."

So drunk on power, she didn't care at the time what pain she caused Hecate, what pain she caused her mother, or what the aftermath was once she seduced and married Hades. HAD she known, she would have never done it. Because even now, Hades had leverage over her life. He managed to come back and torture her for MONTHS prior to the Blue Moon. It was SO recent, the effects of her choices were still haunting her.

"He was my worst mistake....because I still suffer from it today. Three thousand years later."

Scoffing.

"My life would have been completely different though....who knows if I would even be here had I not done it. The Butterfly Effect."

Persephone sighed as she shut her eyes, nuzzling into his neck.

"What about you?" What would you redo?"

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – The War Room




:: MorningBitch started in on her IMMEDIATELY. Cass still didn’t have a clue as to why she hated her so much but she was willing to apologize for apologizing to her back at Melrose Place for what happened to Alexia, and she was willing to apologize for taking part in the bizarre dream to help save Alexia, and she was willing to also apologize for voluntarily sacrificing part of herself in order to bring Delilah back to life in that same bizarre dream thing. So, really, it could be ANY of those three. Actually, having Alexia here with Delilah, though it meant certain death for MorningBitch, sounded like an EXCELLENT idea right about now. ::

Delilah: “Look, hon. I ain’t your family. This isn’t Big Love, it’s a team. And if this is how you act? No one wants that in the middle of a fight, so GROW UP, and let’s focus on what we’re going to do NEXT. MAYBE you’d like to know what HAPPENED instead of throwing a hissy fit?”

“Don’t flatter yourself. When I said ‘family’, I wasn’t referring to YOU.”

MorningBITCH.

Firebird: “EXCUSE ME!? I'm sorry...but I was busy FIGHITNG against Persephone, seeking JUSTICE for our LOVED ONES that she hurt. WHERE WERE YOU!?”

:: Cass narrowed her eyes at Blaze and frowned, but she didn’t say anything. After all, SHE had gotten pretty upset at Blaze during the whole Haleigh-is-Malice-and-Christopher’s-daughter-as-well-as-Morgan-and-Blaze’s-sister reveal, so Blaze got a free pass. Then it was Spellbinder’s turn. ::

Morgan: “Yes, Ruby, perhaps YOU'D like to tell US where YOU were, and why you didn't bother to let anyone KNOW where you were going? In case you hadn't noticed, the situation we're in? The danger level is HIGH and it's FORTUNATE that Prophet WAS able to locate you with a psi-scan.”

:: Cass grew still. Would Cameron sell her out? If he did…she would be DONE with this team. She would go find another hotel and hole up there for however long it took for the rest of the Six to bring down Hellfire. MorningBitch said a catty remark about her [Cass] being fortunate enough to be involved in the KILL TEAMS meeting and Blaze retaliated before Morgan told them BOTH, well, ALL of them, really, to just shut up. ::

That's ENOUGH, ALL of you!

<< She commands>>

Ruby, take your seat.

<< She looks at the Blaze, Delilah, Ruby, and the rest of the group>>

That's ENOUGH of the bickering and the bitterness, from ALL of you, do you understand!? We have a CRISIS on our hands, and we don't have TIME for your passive aggressive remarks, your egos, feelings and idiosyncrasies. LIVES are at stake, and the Hellfire Club is poised to strike at us HARD. We have ONE chance...ONE small window to take this and turn it around to our advantage.

If ANYBODY in this room is not able or willing to get on board, LEAVE NOW.

<< She POINTED to the door and waited for a few moments.>>

By remaining, you indicate that you are ready to GET TO WORK.

Part of that means...COMMUNICATION AND RESPECT, and it goes BOTH ways, among EVERYONE. That INCLUDES YOU, Delilah, and YOU Blaze!

<< And looking at Ruby>>

And YOU as well, Ruby.

You were given a pass the LAST time you ran out of here because you couldn't face the truth, the REALITY of the situation. We're not having that AGAIN, is that clear!?

NOW then, Ruby. The situation is this: Firebird and Perspehone had a confrontation, We arrived to confront Persephone, and CAPTURE her IF possible, only to find that she was being aided by a mystery woman who bears a striking resemblance to Firebird, and has a power set that we are not yet clear on. They escaped, and here we are now.

We're discussing the matter and I've made it CLEAR that NO ONE is to say one word about this to my mother. She and Michael are evacuating to Minerva's Aerie shortly, and if she hears this news, coupled with her own strong desire to strike back at Talisman, she will almost certainly change her mind. It was HARD ENOUGH to convince her to leave in the first place.

“No, I agree. Karen SHOULDN’T hear about any of this.”

:: Which was ironic when she, herself, had gotten upset about THAT very thing – not being told about what was happening at present – herself. ::

Going forward, EVERYONE is to remain in contact with at least one other member of the team. If you see or are confronted by a Hellfire member, you send out a distress call FIRST, THEN stand your ground. And we're THROUGH discussing HOW to handle Persephone and Black Widow. We have KILL TEAMS in place, whether anyone likes it or not, as a last resort. LIVES are at stake. Not just ours, but the city, the COUNTRY even. They're playing for keeps, and so are WE.

We'll TRY to capture them, but if they make it impossible for us...then SO BE IT.

Going forward, NO secret runs, no HUNTING on your own...

<< looking at Blaze>>

NO wishy washy emotions about it.

<< looking at Cass.>>

It's time to FIGHT BACK, and REMIND them who they're dealing with.

“We should also take back St. Patrick’s Cathedral from them as well.”

:: Cass surprised even HER when she spoke without thinking. ::

“That’s where I was. I was checking to see how the reconstruction was coming along. I couldn’t bring myself to go INSIDE…but the outside is looking beautiful. Churches are supposed to be safe havens, places of quiet reflection, and to become one with whichever god you serve. They are not meant for evil. Maybe we can put some kind of protective spell over it to keep it safe?”

:: She was stalling; she KNEW she was stalling. She grabbed one of Cameron’s fingers and grasped it for strength. ::

“I was looking at the architecture when…HE – Ben – surprised me. He’s my…ex. He told me that Hellfire was going to use him against me. He also said that he’s a member of the Black Court…”

:: She forced herself to NOT think about OTHER things that had happened. ::

“We fought…he sent me crashing into the wall of the cathedral and then I…drained him. Not enough to kill him, but enough to cause him great pain.”

:: Cass frowned and narrowed her eyes as she thought back on his words. ::

*slowly*: “I NEVER told him about my past, or what I was, or anything of the sort, but it sounded as if he KNEW those things…and if they [Hellfire] know about my background, they WOULD be pretty anxious to experiment on me. You know, on account of them being modern-day Nazis.”

:: Cass laughed, but it was a bitter one. ::

“So I may need round-the-clock protection. NOT because I’m scared or fearful, but because I don’t relish living my German lab days all over again.” *wobbly voice*: “I don’t want to become something completely unrecognizable…”

:: She was now gripping Cameron’s finger, but not hard enough to cause him pain. She took a deep breath before speaking. ::

“Ben’s not the guy I fell for…”

:: She lied because she still had feelings for him, even after everything he said. ::

“…because he’s perfectly willing to see me off to their labs and be turned into something that I truly DETEST.”

:: Cass felt a bit of self-loathing as she spoke. ::

“I wish that I had a picture of him so that you can all see what he looks like and be aware, but I threw every picture away when things…ended.”

:: She sat back and let go of Cameron’s finger and crossed her arms. She didn’t mention all the kissing and biting because to her, as much as it pained her, they were a moot point. Sure, it had been fun playing a naughty sex kitten, but Ben had made it perfectly clear that he would be coming for her…and not in a romantic way. She felt a twinge of pain as she realized that Ben WANTED her DEAD. Of course, she already knew that, but knowing that was different than ACTUALLY KNOWING it. ::

 

[Tachyon]

[ She eyed Xavier for a moment]

That's news to ME too, Xavier. In case you weren't aware, Sharon and I have been BUSY with meetings between Rose and Clandestine, Inc!

[ She stood there with her hands on her hips]

I assume you got Oracle's alert about the fight between Firebird and Persephone?

Indeed I did Alycia...and I went to check on her, unaware that her friend and her would be holding hands in a bar and staring into each other's eyes. I excused myself and returned BACK here...where I had come in part to look for you. YOU were supposed to be healing and I came to see why you weren't when Rae set me straight...great job on all of you. I also brought some of the older kids some cricket gear to teach them how to play a proper game. Oh, and I got you these to brighten your journey to health as well. I DO hope you like them.

Xavier went back and forth to the car in less than a second, presenting Alycia with a vased bouquet of orange and yellow Tiger Lillies in the center surrounded by light flowers of Christmas Rose. Alycia would notice them as two of the flowers of Athena and the lillies selected in two of her patron colors. He had obviously done his homework with what could have been an extremely mundane and randomly selected gift. And the flowers were hard to get HERE this time of year as well. Had he picked them fresh in their natural habitats?

As she looked at the flowers, he simply stood. He had no idea how she would accept them, or even IF she would. But she had been through a lot since he had been here, and he had admired her efforts (among other things). She certainly deserved them, deserved to feel that someone had been truly thinking about her and considering her feelings and how to make her happy, even if for just a little while.

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

Alek asked her what his prize would be if he won at a hunt against her, and she whispered something that made his eyes widen followed by a lascivious smile spreading over his face. His body responded immediately to the mere suggestion; the prize itself would be infinitely more arousing.

“A friendly competition then…we owe it to ourselves.”

He insinuated what trouble they could get up to when in a place where it was night around the clock.

"Mmm...don't tempt me."

“Oh I’ll tempt you…every day until you say yes.”

He smiled, and asked her what she would change if she could.

"I wouldn't have seduced Hades."

That surprised him. That had been how she had achieved such power, and for her to be okay with giving that up…it said something about her.

"He was my worst mistake…because I still suffer from it today. Three thousand years later."

He hugged her tighter.

“I’m sorry.”

And he was. No one should have to suffer their mistakes that long.

"My life would have been completely different though...who knows if I would even be here had I not done it. The Butterfly Effect."

“You would be here. You’re a survivor.”

"What about you?" What would you redo?"

“Aside from meeting you ten years ago?”

He laughed, but then his expression turned pensive as he really thought about the question.

“I think…I think I would try to have a better relationship with my mother.”

He let his hand float on the water.

“The only person who gave a damn about me was my grandfather, and I hated her for that. That she didn’t give me the love I thought I deserved. And I blamed her, for us having such a shit life.”

He paused.

“Still do, I suppose.”

He shook his head.

"Doesn't matter now, though, does it?"

There wasn't anyone left, save him.

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "I'm sorry."

Persephone shook her head, dismissing his sentiments. The truth was, there was no one to blame but herself. It was all cause and effect. The effects just outlived the cause in this particular case.

"It's my own fault. Reap what you sew."

But at the same time, had she not seduced Hades, her life may have taken a completely different course. Hecate and the other Gods may not have banned her from Olympus which lead her to travel the world. And that ultimately lead her to meet Darkchilde whom became like a sister to her. They created something massive--something the Hellfire Club could only DREAM of becoming. But again...that was all lost as well. But it then lead her to this timeline--to Spellbinder. To this moment. Cause and effect.

Alek: “You would be here. You’re a survivor.”

He tightly squeezed her and Persephone faintly smiled, her hand gripping around his forearm unconsciously. She then asked what he would change, and he responded with wanting to have a better relationship with his mother. Another thing she could relate to him about. But unlike him, she did salvage her relationship with her mother. His was now gone and he wouldn't be able to have that chance.

Alek: "Doesn't matter now, though, does it?"

She turned her head to him, taking his free hand that was floating on the water's surface and bringing it around her.

"Relationships with parents are a strange thing. You hate them one minute...then crave their love and approval the next. Regardless of how you felt about your mother and what you wish you could of had with her, YOU created the life you have now. You're successful and powerful and feared. And loved.....by Helena."

Persephone felt her stomach turn. Pulling herself away from Alek, she turned herself around to face him.

"Like I said, it's The Butterfly Effect. Would you be here now if what happened in the past didn't happen?"

She gave him a gentle smile before leaning in and kissing him, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pulled herself closer.

"Ready to get out? Order some dessert--watch a movie. Just...relax."

 

[Artemis]

The Sanctuary- Garden

Indeed I did Alycia...and I went to check on her, unaware that her friend and her would be holding hands in a bar and staring into each other's eyes. I excused myself and returned BACK here...where I had come in part to look for you.

Oh really?

[ She eyed him with a bit of intrigue]

OU were supposed to be healing and I came to see why you weren't when Rae set me straight...great job on all of you. I also brought some of the older kids some cricket gear to teach them how to play a proper game. Oh, and I got you these to brighten your journey to health as well. I DO hope you like them.

[ he looked at the beautiful and unique bouquet in Xavier's hand]

Athena!

presenting Alycia with a vased bouquet of orange and yellow Tiger Lillies in the center surrounded by light flowers of Christmas Rose. Alycia would notice them as two of the flowers of Athena and the lillies selected in two of her patron colors. He had obviously done his homework with what could have been an extremely mundane and randomly selected gift. And the flowers were hard to get HERE this time of year as well. Had he picked them fresh in their natural habitats?

:: As she reached out to take the vase, her feminum bracelets shimmered::

Oh...these are beautiful! They remind me of some of the flowers on Themyscira.

:: She brought them close to her face, and took in their beautiful, soothing scent::

Xavier, these blooms, they are quite fresh, and there's NO WAY these are available anywhere around HERE!

:: She was surprised, AND impressed. She knew he couldn't have gone to Themyscira, the island was IMPOSSIBLE for mortals (mutant or otherwise) to find, and men aren't ALLOWED there except under the most unique circumstances, and even THEN...not without an escort.::

Thank you!

:: She smiled, and closed her eyes as she inhaled the beautiful sent of the flowers, and she thought about her promise to herself to make SURE she took time to look out for, and reward HERSELF.::

:: She came forward, with that vase in hand, and kissed Xavier on the lips::

That was very thoughtful, very SWEET of you.

One good turn deserves another.

:: she looks at Rae::

Sharon will not be here for Rose's dinner tonight. She has some...personal business to attend to.

:: Looking at Xavier::

So perhaps you would like to join me here?

 

[Tachyon]

:: As she reached out to take the vase, her feminum bracelets shimmered::

Oh...these are beautiful! They remind me of some of the flowers on Themyscira.

:: She brought them close to her face, and took in their beautiful, soothing scent::

Xavier, these blooms, they are quite fresh, and there's NO WAY these are available anywhere around HERE!

:: She was surprised, AND impressed. She knew he couldn't have gone to Themyscira, the island was IMPOSSIBLE for mortals (mutant or otherwise) to find, and men aren't ALLOWED there except under the most unique circumstances, and even THEN...not without an escort.::

Thank you!

She really did appreciate them, which was most certainly good. Xavier prided himself on his research.

No need to thank m-

:: She came forward, with that vase in hand, and kissed Xavier on the lips::

That was very thoughtful, very SWEET of you.

And there it was again. The strange connection, the scent, the spark he felt when he was being cheeky while trying to help her before. He was not sure what it all meant, but he was there for the ride.

:: she looks at Rae::

Sharon will not be here for Rose's dinner tonight. She has some...personal business to attend to.

:: Looking at Xavier::

So perhaps you would like to join me here?

I would be honored. In fact, I think I hear Rose calling for dinner now.

Xavier offers Alycia his arm as they all enter for dinner. Luckily, there was a place on the table for the flowers. He pulled out a chair for Alycia AND then one for Rae and then seated himself between the pair. One could hardly do better than that! He noted that Elizabeth was late and hesitated to wonder what might be keeping her...

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

She pulled him closer, told him that he felt good, and held him as if there was no one else. When they locked eyes he told her he needed her, and it felt like the words didn't quite express just how true the statement was. It was both liberating and terrifying to say it out loud. He wouldn't have been surprised if that admission was taken as a 'red flag', game over, but she didn't freak out, instead she gave him something incredible: herself.

Ashley: Then take me…have me…I’m all yours, all for you…

Did she know what that meant to him? It wasn't about possession, it was surrender he was looking for. He kissed her again breathlessly, overwhelmed by desire for her, and a instinct to let her feel everything he was feeling.

"My love...."

Ashley: Don’t stop…don’t ever stop…

"I won't..."

He promised, and it wasn't something empty, said in the throes of passion. He meant it, because he felt it, deeply and truly, racing through him like electricity.

It didn't matter that there was a storm outside the clock tower at this moment, they were oblivious to it, because it was as if they were alone in the eye of the hurricane, protected from the danger.

Recently he'd fought for his life, and nearly lost, but right now, in her embrace, he felt immortal, as if he could go on like this forevermore. He groaned with euphoric pleasure in her ear. Periodically he managed to say a word, but it was always her name. He was losing the ability to form coherent thoughts. He was losing himself in her.