Rose of destruction

[Berserker]

The White Princess’ Suite

Persephone clawed at his back, the pain only intensifying his lust. When she asked him to make her scream, he could have come right then at the sound of the need in her voice. And he obliged her, building her moans into that scream she wanted, as she came again and again. He gave her no respite, no time to rest or recover. She would only feel his unrelenting need, faster and faster, as he became unable to hold himself back.

He flipped her over onto her stomach making a primal noise, taking her again with hardly any pause. He grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled her backwards into a kneeling position against him. His breath came hot against her neck, his hands extending his need to touch her as they found her most sensitive places. With one last thrust forward he cried out in release.

His arms wrapped around her in one last effort to possess her, his body still moving against hers but now with less urgency. His breathing slowed and he finally released her, before they fell together back onto the carpet in exhaustion.

 

[Rampage]

She gave Nicolas a big hug. ::

"And thanks for the compliment, because I feel like shit."

[pausing, she smiled]

"I always have time to chat with you, Nicky! What's up?"

Nicolas smiled back at Vivica as she deflected the compliment. He motioned to the bed they were standing beside and a steel suitcase appeared there.

A good friend of the two of us wanted me to give this to you since you weren't answering his texts. It's something that we whipped up to help since you were flying with the Birds now and we cannot watch you like we want.

Inside the suitcase lay a form fitting battlesuit. A note lay atop the suit.

I see you were busy, so I sent it instead. It is compression resistant and Kevlar impregnated to turn blades and small arms fire. The suit evades detection through mimicry of surroundings and ambient temp matching. The fingers and toes feature retractable claws - they are so you! Use them to fight OR climb, they are rated for both.

Finally, the index finger on each hand features a sat-uplink. You just became your hacker friends' eyes and ears even more.

I will be in touch. Be safe.

Nicolas smiled as she studied the gear.

Two things. He wanted me to tell you that, and I quote, "the goddamn caltrops are in the front pocket of the case". The table shows you which does what.

And finally, I demand to see you in this FIRST.

Nicolas' smile became a mischievous grin...

 

[Persephone]

He was relentless, unwavering, unbridled in his need. He was taking every inch of her and giving no room for reprieve. She reached her limit over and over again, to the point it was overwhelmingly constant that all she could do was take it and cry out in pleasure. Persephone could tell he was on the verge, his movements becoming faster and more urgent. He flipped her over, already in her before she could register the sudden position change. He grabbed a fist full of her hair, pulling back hard and causing her to cry out in pleasure. He held her there, taking her until he couldn't any longer. Then finally, she felt him reach his climax, wail out in pleasure.

Persephone felt him release her hair, wrapping his arms around her waist tightly as he slowed his movements down. Letting her head hang, her hair fell forward, shielding her face as she panted out in utter exhaustion. Shutting her eyes tightly, Persephone remembered this feeling all to well....and for the first time in a very long time, she felt regret. She may have goaded Alek into fucking her--the sex being on HER terms. But she didn't want it--not like she had wanted it before. She was still furious with him....furious with Haleigh....furious at herself.

Alek collapsed next to her, Persephone following suit by falling onto her side. The adrenaline began to slow in her body and she started to feel just how rough the sex had been. Grimacing a bit as she rolled onto her back, she swallowed hard as she kept her head rolled away from Alek. Her eyes focused distantly across the room. Despite everything, she knew this was the right course of action. She knew Haleigh was right in saying that being with Alek put her in a stronger position than being against him. She was stubborn as all hell, and it stung to admit it, but she NEEDED Alek. But she would also make sure Alek NEEDED her too.

It was a game of thrones indeed.

 

[Masque]

Hellfire Mansion – Hellfire Gym to the Catacombs




Sweet release.

Gia was breathless as the personal trainer collasped on top of her, completely and utterly spent. After running on the treadmill, a personal trainer appeared offering to help her work out. Hellfire employed several personal trainers, male AND female, who were also adept at being PERSONAL ‘trainers’. :garrick: So OF COURSE Gia took him up on the…latter. Since Gia was Gia, she also added some SPICE to it, thrilling to his girly screams and cries of pain. She pushed him off of her before sitting up, stark naked, before grabbing her clothes and pulling them on. She stood up, leaving him still groaning and moaning on the floor of the weight room. Still gasping for breath, man, was he ever GOOD, she threw a white towel with the Hellfire logo around her neck.

“Thanks for the work out; I REALLY needed it.”

Leaving him whimpering on the floor, she pushed the door open to the main area of the gym and headed for the fridge where the bottled water was kept. Just as she opened the door and reached for a water, she heard somebody click their tongue and then heard Ravena’s voice.

Lord Ravena: “No. This will not do.”

She turned to see the White King frowning at her, appraising HER, no, appraising her CLOTHING. Before she could even react, he waved his hands and instantly she was in a new outfit. All traces of her ‘workout’ were gone, and her hair and makeup FLAWLESS.

“What--?”

Gia felt awkward under his intense stare, but then he smiled.

Lord Ravena: “Come with me, my Bishop. We have a meeting with the Queens.”

Gia’s grey eyes widened with surprise. She gulped.

*strangled*: “Q-queens? PLURAL?”

Gia didn’t like the sound of THAT. What could the Red and Black Queens possibly want with/from HER? Ravena held out his arm and Gia took it, feeling like a lamb being led to the slaughter. They made their way through the mansion in almost companionable silence, her heels click-clacking on the floor. When Ravena led her into the Catacombs, Gia almost balked. Images of the last time she was down here with the Queens, where they made an example of Haleigh to the entire Inner Court, flooded her mind.

*nervously*: “M-my King? Why are we in the Catacombs?”

They stopped in front of some closed doors. Gia could feel her legs shaking as Ravena opened the doors and gestured for her to take her place in front of the Queens. Gia swallowed hard and slowly walked until she was right in front of the Queens. She was scared as hell.

*small voice*: “You…you wanted to see me, my Queen?”

It took every ounce of her being to look Diana full in the face. She didn’t dare look at either the Red Queen or the Black Queen. She didn’t even dare try to make a fuss over the adorable kitten that was mewling contently in the presence of her new mama.

 

[Lord Ravena]

The child grew more and more apprehensive as they approached the chamber. Loud Ravena grew silent, she had much to learn. Even among children, she was a child.

Lord Ravena took his place with the Queens as she stumbled to her place, her voice devoid of fire or energy.

He was genuinely angry for a moment. Then it passed. She would have a chance to get herself together. A real chance. And she would make it, or die.

Lord Ravena gesture to Coco and the beast made its way over.

Sweet Coco... You have a new friend to watch over now... Understand?

His eyes shimmered and Coco licked his face in understanding before he set her down.

Now for the show. He sat, waiting his turn to pet the new kitten, biding his time...

 

[Berserker]

The White Princess' Suite

Alek laid there next to her, the nail marks on his back bleeding onto the white carpet, but he didn’t care. He hadn’t wanted it this way. He had wanted to spend every night next to her kissing her tenderly and making love to her gently. But she had turned it into this. Pure carnal desire and base actions with no intimacy between them.

It didn’t have to be this way. If she would just stop for a moment…think about what she was doing…let herself feel what she felt. But she was too stubborn for that. And by god as much as he wanted to, he couldn’t walk away. So here they were, lying there, not touching.

She was on her side turned away from him. He reached out to touch her but pulled his hand back. She rolled onto her back then, but kept her head turned away from him. It occurred to him that maybe he had been too rough with her. He rolled onto his side, finally touching her arm lightly.

“Seph?”

She didn’t say anything.

“Are you okay?”

He looked her over, concern showing on his face now.

“Did I…did I hurt you?”

He ran the back of his hand softly down her cheek.

“Please…talk to me.”

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "Seph?"

It dawned on her the minute he said her name that she had been abnormally quiet in the moments after their encounter. She had literally stormed into confront him, assaulted him, then fucked him like an animal, only to follow it up with the complete opposite in emotions. But she literally just didn't have the strength to care. She just wanted to lay there in silence for a little while longer, letting everything sink in. Reflecting on what had occurred. Was she there because SHE wanted to be there deep down. Was she there because Haleigh's words drove her to be there? Was she really there to play the game? Or was this the excuse she needed to let herself be with him. You would figure after over 2000 years of living she would be able to figure out her damn emotions. But after living 2000 years with heartache and hardship, sometimes shutting down was better than opening up.

Alek: “Are you okay? Did I…did I hurt you?”

That question snapped her out of it. Her brows furrowed as she finally turned her head to look at him.

"What? NO."

She said softly but firmly.

"You know I can take it hard."

An off handed way of assuring him she was fine. Persephone pushed herself up, pulling her hair around her back and over her one shoulder. She stared down at her wrist, the faintest reminder of why she had gotten angry. The real reason she was so fired up. Her own demons.

Alek: "Please...talk to me."

She lifted her eyes, knowing the game needed to continue.

"I'm still pissed off."

She started.

"I was wrong."

She rolled her eyes weakly as she said the words. It felt like acid on her tongue.

"And I hate being wrong."

That part was truthful.

"Haleigh in her 'Haleigh' way showed me my error in judgement. So I came here angry. I wanted to hurt you."

Scoffing softly, she craned her neck from one side to the other, cracking the bones in her neck. Haleigh definitely opened her eyes despite Persephone's persistent stubbornness. Finally she looked back over her shoulder.

"I'm not something you can possess, Alek. And that's how you made me feel. Like you were free to do whatever and whomever you wanted but if *I* did I would get punished for it. By you AND Helena."

She went hard before, building up his anger. Getting him to that point of no return. Making him want her so badly physically he wouldn't be able to function without having her. Now she needed his heart again. And even as she was saying the words, trying to play the game, apart of her knew what she was saying to him was TRUE. That she was being honest with her feelings. She was so conflicted with what was happening, but she needed to persist regardless.

"I lived through that before with my ex-husband. I won't again."

 

[Berserker]

The White Princess’ Suite

"You know I can take it hard."

Relief showed on his face. But at the same time, it made him feel like shit. He had let his anger get the better of him. He had fucked her, and he knew she deserved better than that. He looked down into her dark eyes, gauging her feelings. She sat up, pulling her hair over one shoulder to reveal her slender back.

"I'm still pissed off."

He nodded, but didn’t interrupt her.

"I was wrong. And I hate being wrong."

THAT surprised him, and it showed.

"Haleigh in her 'Haleigh' way showed me my error in judgement. So I came here angry. I wanted to hurt you."

He laughed without humor.

“You did.”

"I'm not something you can possess, Alek. And that's how you made me feel. Like you were free to do whatever and whomever you wanted but if *I* did I would get punished for it. By you AND Helena. I lived through that before with my ex-husband. I won't again."

He lightly stroked her bare back.

“I don’t want to possess you, Seph. I can possess a thousand other girls easily.”

He sat up so she could see his face.

“I want an equal, a partner, an ally. Someone I don’t have to pretend with.”

He touched her knee gently, just wanting some contact.

“I was angry. I made mistakes. But I never wanted to punish you…I just wanted you to know how much I was hurting.”

He leaned towards her, and bowed his head, his breath on her neck.

"Don't you see, I'd never look at another woman if you asked me not to? That is the power you have over me."

He tilted his face up to hers, his eyes examining her face, asking a question without words.

 

[Enchantrah]

Much to Helena's surprise, Diana opened up about how when she was a little girl and taken to Arklay Mansion, she had a kitten like the little one in her arms. One that Lord Spencer took from him. She intimately revealed parts of her dream to Helena, the blonde's brows furrowing in dismay. They had been through a lot together throughout their friendship--Diana seeing Helena at her absolute worst. But she never knew this about Diana. She could see the actual LOVE in her eyes for the little kitten that reminded her so much of the one she lost. It was maternal....a little ironic considering she was anything but to her on daughter.

Diana: Imagine my SURPRISE, when this little one was presented to me this morning...by SCION.

Helena let out a laugh.

"She's finally starting to learn."

Diana carefully handed the little kitten to Helena explaining she named her Perle and the meaning behind the name. Helena smiled, cuddling the little kitten against her chest and noting the fabulous diamond collar that adorned it's neck.

Diana: Ravena has conjured the most lovely gifts for the baby.

Helena squinted her eyes, the center of the little diamond flower turning into a RED RUBY pendent, a nod to her court and their friendship.

"Now it's even more lovely."

She quipped with a grin.

Diana showed her the other gifts Ravena bestowed upon Perle, as well as telling her that Gia even brought some gifts as well. And THAT was the reason they were all summoned, aside from Diana dotingly showing off her new pet.

"Interesting....seems there might be hope for Count Neferia's daughter afterall."

Then Diana sent one more snap shot of what Ravena gifted to HELENA. Her room was filled with her favorite flowers. Gorgeous assortments spread all around her chambers. Helena smirked, gently petting the sleeping kitten.

"So does that mean I can fuck him and give you a kitten in trade?"

She joked wickedly.

Diana: ...I've also decided to lift the ban on Scion, allowing the rest of the White Court to interact with her. Perhaps she'll be able to make better use of her time than spending all of it in the RED WING.

Rolling her eyes, Scion WAS getting rather comfortable in the Red Wing amongst her Red Knight. She already had to deal with the on again off again relationship he had with Persephone, adding Haleigh to the mix made it even more annoying.

"Good. She needs some separation from my Knight. Inter-court relationships build strength, but she tends to leave a wake in her path."

Kelly: "Well, well...Diana, you've taken a pet."

Turning to see Kelly enter the catacombs, Helena lifted a single brow with intrigue as the Black Queen walked over to them, looking at little Perle sleeping in Helena's arms.

Kelly: "Charming."

Helena couldn't help but smirk. Kelly looked like she wanted to pump it full of toxins and see what would happen to it.

"Your enthusiasm is boundless, Kels."

She snarked, her smirk turning into that of an amused grin. It was pretty hilarious how polar opposite Kelly and Diana were in regards to the little feline. Helena handed Perle back to Diana gently.

Kelly: "I assume the kitty isn't the reason you called us here. Scion up to her old tricks again already?"

"Scion is actually on Santa's Nice list."

She responded as Lord Ravena entered with Masque who looked utterly petrified. Eying the girl for a moment, Helena looked as if she were about to DEVOUR her. But then her attention turned to Ravena.

Ravena: Sweet Coco... You have a new friend to watch over now... Understand?

Coco responded with a kiss to Ravena's face and Helena watched with a slightly less bitchy expression.

"The flowers were beautiful, Lord Ravena. Thank you."

Coco trotted over to Helena's side, sitting next to her while lifting his nose to sniff Perle.

"I'll make sure Coco is an adequate size for Perle to play with."

She reassured Diana.

"But for now...."

Coco turned to Masque, growling and snapping almost as if on cue. Helena grinned.

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "You did."

Good.

Alek: “I don’t want to possess you, Seph. I can possess a thousand other girls easily. I want an equal, a partner, an ally. Someone I don’t have to pretend with. I was angry. I made mistakes. But I never wanted to punish you…I just wanted you to know how much I was hurting.”

Alek sat up, placing his hand on her knee. She looked down at it, letting his words sink in....Stop it. Don't let him in. She could feel herself buckling at what he was saying--believing it. She was the QUEEN of lashing out when she was angry. Case and point, fucking Alek in Haleigh's chambers. She understood where he was coming from. She GOT IT. She just hated the fact that she DID. And she hated that what he was saying was resonating with her so much. She felt the power slipping away again. Just like she did on the beach.

Feeling him close behind her, she felt his breath along her neck causing her skin to react with goosebumps. Her eyes shut, inhaling a slow deep breath in an effort to ease herself. She felt his hand on her face, moving it so their eyes would meet.

Alek: "Don't you see, I'd never look at another woman if you asked me not to? That is the power you have over me."

She saw it in his eyes. He WASN'T playing a game. He was truthful with his words...or lack there of. She could see him asking her without saying anything. She could see his need. His want. Persephone's once dark and hard eyes were soft and her brow creased. She shifted her body toward him, lifting her hand to his face, searching his eyes again for any deception. Any inclination of a lie.

"No one else."

She whispered finally.

"If you really want this....if what you say is true...."

Her fingers gently gripping his face, trying to hold onto her bearings.

"Then your mine...and i'm yours."

Shaking her head.

"If you don't. Then this ends now. Cleanly. No revenge. No anger. It just ends."

She gave him an out. For everything. Every mood swing, hurtful and malicious thing she said. For every punch and hit and game. It was up to him now. Persephone put the ball in his court, taking a HUGE risk by doing so.

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Mansion- Catacombs

Helena squinted her eyes, the center of the little diamond flower turning into a RED RUBY pendent, a nod to her court and their friendship.

"Now it's even more lovely."

She quipped with a grin.

:: Diana smirked a bit, even in a moment as sweet as this, Helena was never one to be outdone or left out, she was STILL competitive at heart ::

All eyes on Perle.

:: Diana replied knowingly, as Helena handed kitten back to her.::

"Interesting....seems there might be hope for Count Neferia's daughter afterall."

Then Diana sent one more snap shot of what Ravena gifted to HELENA. Her room was filled with her favorite flowers. Gorgeous assortments spread all around her chambers. Helena smirked, gently petting the sleeping kitten.

"So does that mean I can fuck him and give you a kitten in trade?"

She joked wickedly.

Oh there's DEFINITELY hope for Chrissy, and I'm going to make SURE that she's put on the right path. Her father would expect no less.

:: Chrissy was a child, but had great potential, and vast resources at her disposal. Even IF she werent a member of the Hellfire Club and it's Inner Circle, she had the potential to stand alone. It make perfect sense to ensure that she used her abilities and resources not only for her personal benefit, but for the advancement of the Inner Circle's agenda, and through HER, they may even break Count Nefaria himself out of HIS confinement.::


:: Helena joked (well timed) about Ravena, and Diana "fake laughed" right along with Helena as she reached for a flute of champagne::

WE'RE a package deal, sweetheart.

:: She looked at Helena knowingly, as her opal blue eyes glowed , and she smiled like the cheshire cat::

So anytime you're ready for a wild, mind AND soul bending ride, you're welcome to visit the white wing. Just be sure you can HANDLE it, my dear.

:: Maybe a joke, maybe NOT. Diana and Helena had enjoyed each other's company on more than one level in the past before, but the nature of their relationship had always been kept a MYSTERY to other members of the inner circle. But they - including Alek- KNEW that Diana and Helena were closely aligned, and he wasn't the only one capable of hot and heavy cross-court relations.::

No kittens required for admission. ::she winked:: Perle will require my TLC for a while, she's a very young kitten, probably taken from her birth mother too soon....

:: Diana knew all too well what kind of trauma THAT could cause, being that SHE was taken from her birth parents at a very young age...::

:: regarding Scion, the ban being lifted, and the eyebrow raising amount of interaction she'd been having with Alek...::

"Good. She needs some separation from my Knight. Inter-court relationships build strength, but she tends to leave a wake in her path."

She does. Restraint and discipline have never been her hallmarks. HOWEVER, she seems to have turned a corner, and is INDEED learning. There's hope for her yet.

Additionally...SHE'LL be responsible for Chrissy's combat training after this little gathering. Scion may be an absolute MESS when it comes to interpersonal relationships and skills, but she's also a walking weapon, with the power to bring down entire armies. Who BETTER to help mold the White Bishop into someone that both I AND her father can be pleased and proud of?

:: Most everyone in the mansion was "visible" to Malice via their individual psi signature. But there were some exceptions- namely Lord Ravena and Talisman, who both had PSI screens, BUT in its own way, that helped make each of them readily identifiable to Malice as well. She had other ways to account for them. the sound of her high heels clicking on the stone floor of the catacombs echoed as Kelly drew near.::

"Well, well...Diana, you've taken a pet."

< She walked over to them and bent down, meeting the cat at eye level. It wasn't all that. But she faked it. >

"Charming.."

< Rising back up. >

:: Diana eyes Talisman as she visually inspects the kitten::

clearly NOT a pet person.

:: Which was fine, but people like Talisman were why Ravena had created that charmed collar. If Talisman wanted to AVOID sharing Lord Spencer's fate, she'd do well to keep her distance from Perle.::

Helena couldn't help but smirk. Kelly looked like she wanted to pump it full of toxins and see what would happen to it.

"Your enthusiasm is boundless, Kels."

She snarked, her smirk turning into that of an amused grin. It was pretty hilarious how polar opposite Kelly and Diana were in regards to the little feline. Helena handed Perle back to Diana gently.

"I've been putting that Bishop sample to some good use. I'll have something concrete for you in a few days."

< cocking her head to the side for a moment. >

"I assume the kitty isn't the reason you called us here. Scion up to her old tricks again already?"

"Scion is actually on Santa's Nice list."

She responded as Lord Ravena entered with Masque who looked utterly petrified. Eying the girl for a moment, Helena looked as if she were about to DEVOUR her. But then her attention turned to Ravena.

Excellent, Talisman. It's going to be time to draw and quarter the heart of MorningStar soon. I'm going to enjoy hurting her TERRIBLY.

:: And it was worth nothing that Diana now seemed focused on hurting people OUTSIDE the mansion, instead of INSIDE...for now...although Alek and Persephone were in that..."pending" stage ::

And yes, it appears that my prodigal daughter HAS learned the error of her ways, and has changed her behavior. She has been granted a reprieve. I am now allowing the rest of the White Court, along with the mansion staff to interact with her, and offer support.

But she does have one new task that I expect her to fullfill.

:: at that moment Lord Ravena arrives with Chrissy. Helena eyes the girl like she's a tasty little morsel.::

:: Ravena greets Coco, who no longer seems quite so jealous of Perle::

Coco responded with a kiss to Ravena's face and Helena watched with a slightly less bitchy expression.

"The flowers were beautiful, Lord Ravena. Thank you."

Coco trotted over to Helena's side, sitting next to her while lifting his nose to sniff Perle.

"I'll make sure Coco is an adequate size for Perle to play with."

She reassured Diana.

:: Diana nodded with approval::

"But for now...."

Coco turned to Masque, growling and snapping almost as if on cue. Helena grinned.

:: Diana looked at Chrissy::

Gia swallowed hard and slowly walked until she was right in front of the Queens. She was scared as hell.

*small voice*: “You…you wanted to see me, my Queen?”

It took every ounce of her being to look Diana full in the face. She didn’t dare look at either the Red Queen or the Black Queen. She didn’t even dare try to make a fuss over the adorable kitten that was mewling contently in the presence of her new mama.

:: Diana stands up, still craddling Perle, who was wrapped in her blanket, and slowly makes her way to Chrissy::

Why so fearful, Chrissy?

Do you think so little of my relationship with your father, and what he meant to US, that I would mistreat you for no reason?

You musn't confuse your status with that of Scion's.

:: She allows Chrissy to see the kitten up close, knowing that will BREAK the "current" of fear running through her just now.::

Calm yourself, and look upon Perle.

The gifts you left for her are most satisfactory.

:: After a few moments, she turns away, and brings the kitten to Lord Ravena, and gently hands Perle to his waiting arms, letting him tend to the kitten.::

One good turn deserves another.

:: She turns back to Chrissy and draws near.::

You started off VERY badly with me, and the Inner Circle. You definitely did NOT behave in a way that was becoming of your father's memory and mantle in his role as the original White Bishop.

And I've warned you ALL what would happen, if you didn't behave accordingly.

Telepathically to Chrissy: You are a member of the WHITE COURT. You need to recognize what that means.

It's time for you to LIVE UP to your codename, MASQUE, and to demonstrate that you ARE your father's daughter. Your king and I are going to HELP YOU begin on that path, which is why you're here now.

:: she brings forth the beautiful, feminine golden mask, designed from the FINEST gold this world has, and conjured by Lord Ravena, made specifically for Chrissy's young, beautiful face.::

Behold...

:: She allows the queens to view it before turning to hold the mask out to the girl to take::

Made specifically for YOU, from the finest gold this world knows, and CHARMED by the magick of your white king. Wear this mask, in your role of the White Bishop- in battle OR for formal events, and you cannot be robbed of your visual sense, your face, and head will be protected from bullets, and you will be shielded from telepathic domination - such as possession from anyone OTHER than your Queen.

:: Chrissy holds the mask in her hand, and Malice unexpectedly grabs hold of the girl, lifting her chin up, forcing the girl to look up to Malice in the eye::

This is a gift, and it is meant for a fighter, a warrior, a woman with vast resource and capability.

You ARE Giuletta Christina Nefaria, MASQUE of the White Court. TODAY you begin to operate in that role!

:: The sound of Malice's power signature sounds off, as a white halo forms around her head, and a beam of white psionic energy travels from her to Chrissy's head::

:: Malice uses her psionic power to UNLOCK the part of Chrissy's personality, and psyche that is directly associated with all the hopes and dreams her father had for her in the role of Masque. She telepathically DUMPS the knowledge of several fearsome physical fighting styles, as well as use of melee weapons and various firearms into Chrissy's mind, and unlocks the "FIGHTER" in Chrissy, restructuring her mind just enough to make the woman FEEL more like a fighter, with the skill and willingness to USE IT. Her MATURITY increases, and her stance changes- she will stand with the White Court in her role of Masque, and not be so quick to shrink back in fear, OR be intimidated by those she considers BENEATH HER. a DIVA with the ability to BACK IT UP.::

:: In short, Malice unleashes the warrior/fighter within the mind and soul of Chrissy to BALANCE the diva in her.::

:: The experience seems "instantenous" for those watching, but it is actually QUITE significant, and for a moment, PAINFUL for Chrissy- like a gigantic "brain freeze"...but soon, it passes::

:: Lord Ravena, once again acting in perfect timing with Malice, waves his hand, and conjures Chrissy's new battle costume, and outfits her with weapons, that she now knows how to use!::

:: Suddenly, from several different entry points in the control room, nearly a dozen well armed members of the WILDPack storm the scene::

Malice: Chrissy, they're coming for YOU. Handle yourself...or DIE.

:: And she doesn't disappoint, Masque strikes in ernest. Cutting them ALL down , as she displays a level of profeciency with firearms the others didn't think she HAD, and in truth, she HADN'T...but that was BEFORE Malice's psionic contact.::

:: after the fury of gun fire, and the simulated creatures are all fallen, Masque stands there.::

Excellent.

You have the skill, the ability to take down men more than TWICE your size, you have access to the same fighting ability that your father had, and proficieny with a VARIETY of weapons.

Now how do you feel, MASQUE?

 

[Berserker]

The White Princess’ Suite

Persephone touched his face, her eyes probing his. He gazed back into them, letting her look for whatever it was she was trying to find. Whether she did or she didn’t find it, her next words came at a whisper.

"No one else. If you really want this...if what you say is true...."

“I do. It is.”

He felt her soft fingers on his face. His hands went to her waist and slide to either side of the small of her back.

"Then you’re mine...and I'm yours."

His eyes closed, he pressed his cheek against her hand.

"If you don't. Then this ends now. Cleanly. No revenge. No anger. It just ends."

He opened his eyes, so close to hers, and looked into those dark orbs. It was as if all he’d ever wanted was contained in them.

“I’ll never stop being yours…”

He leaned towards her, then pulled back, hesitant. Again he leaned towards her, and this time kissed her, so gently that their lips barely touched. His hands slid up her back and he held her close to him, his mouth finding hers again and holding there this time. When he finally pulled back from her, he whispered, "Is this okay?" tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before kissing her again softly.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- White Drawing Room

She downed glass after glass, played hand after hand, and she listened to them in her head, watched them in her HUD, arguing and provoking each other. She heard them throwing her name around, both trying to use her as a weapon, trying to hurt each other with her involvement one way or another. By the time Alek slammed Seph into a column, Haleigh had consumed an entire bottle. She almost leapt from her seat, ready to intervene, ready to rip Alek apart, when her sister told him to 'go on'.

"Bring me another bottle."

Dealer: Princess, you've had a lot, perhaps you should slow down--

Haleigh looked up at him with an expression that was cold and scary. She reached for the empty bottle next to her glass.

"Bring me another bottle, or I'll crush this one, and you'll eat it."

He gave a hand signal, and another bottle was brought over. She couldn't drink fast enough from the glass, and gave up on refilling it, just drank from the bottle, as she watched Alek nail her sister against a marble column that strained from the abuse. She wanted to stop watching, cut her link from the feed, but she couldn't. The second he went too far, she needed to be able to respond. She hated herself for having orchestrated this, hated that she'd let it go this far, hated that she was even capable of sitting here and allowing this to continue.

Alek threw Seph down on the floor, and behind Haleigh, everyone at the poker table erupted in laughter. She turned to glare at them, her vision blurred by angry tears, ready to kill every last one of them. Haleigh didn't go back to the blackjack game. She seemed frozen there, as she was calculating the fastest way to end each of them in turn so that she could make one trip around the round poker table and leave nothing but corpses playing the game, with their faces twisted into grotesque grins, death dealt to them before they even realized the danger. The blackjack dealer took the opportunity to give another hand signal, this time to the White Guardsmen, who he instructed to escort the Princess back to her chambers. They flanked Haleigh, and lifted her onto her feet, but she shoved them back.

In the Drawing Room, Haleigh drained the last of her second bottle, and smashed it over the head of the Guardsman who was stupid enough to reach for her again. In her suite, Alek flipped her sister over and took her again, roughly.

"I don't need any fucking help."

She told them, a frag grenade appearing her in right hand. They all backed away, giving her a wide berth as she stalked out of the room. They didn't need to be afraid, she wasn't going to use this on them. She was going to tear Berserker off her sister, and shove this grenade up his ass, and if he survived that she'd make him swallow a Hellfire missile.

She didn't care what the consequences would be. She didn't care if it blew their game to smithereens. By the time she reached her own door, at the peak of her rage, Alek and Seph had stopped fucking, and he was asking her if he'd hurt her.

Not as much as I'M about to hurt YOU, you big dumb son of a bitch!

She thought, reaching for the pin on the grenade, and lifting her leg to chamber a stomp kick that would knock her front door clean off its hinges. And then her sister spoke, and Haleigh paused, and lowered her foot back to the floor. She was rooted to the spot, shaking with fury, still clutching that grenade, as she listened to them reconcile. The microphones in the room couldn't hear them whispering, but on the other side of the door, Haleigh still COULD. She fell to her knees in the hall as she heard Seph ask him to forsake all others, and bowed her head as he agreed, and promised he would always be hers.

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “I do. It is. I’ll never stop being yours…”

Her breathing had stopped at his omission, his eyes truthful, his touch bringing her closer. She stared deep into his eyes, so much uncertainty in her own stemming from so many different reasons. He moved to kiss her but hesitated, Persephone's parting her lips, her eye line lowering to his mouth as her thumb gently ran along his bottom lip.

"It's okay."

She whispered, barely audible. He moved to her again, gently grazing his lips against hers. Her eyes shut, feeling his hand move up her back, pulling her to him as his mouth met with hers again, this time longer and deeper. She didn't want him to stop, feeding off the gentle touch. A stark difference from just moments before when they could barely look at each other while fucking. He pulled away, just enough.

Alek: "Is this okay?

He asked in whisper.

No.

"Yes."

He softly kissed her again, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her head dipping into his touch. She deepened the kiss, her hands on either side of his face, running down the length of his neck before breaking it.

"But not here."

She whispered back, her lips brushing against his as she spoke. It wasn't lost to her that Haleigh was on the other side of the door. She heard her come to the door. She could hear her heavy breathing. Her accelerated heartbeat. Persephone closed her eyes, giving Alek a passionate kiss, one that lingered--one that would give him life if he were dying. She gripped onto the nape of his neck, holding him there until finally she broke it. Her forehead resting against his.

"Your chambers....tonight."

She whispered, gently tracing her fingers down his cheek. She could feel the hesitation as he tensed.

"I'll be there. I promise."

She gave him one more kiss, one of reassurance before pulling away. Her dress was only an arms length away as she pulled it over top of her head and stood, zipping it up enough to close it, but not fully. She didn't bother with her shoes. Looking down at Alek, she gave him a sincere smile.

"I'll see you later."

And she went for the door, opening it enough to walk out but without him seeing Haleigh on her knees outside in the hall.. Persephone quickly closed the door before bending down and grabbing Haleigh in a hug, disappearing in a tornado of winds. They reappeared in her chambers, Persephone still holding Haleigh in the middle of the floor.

"It's okay."

A moment of compassion....LOVE toward Haleigh. One that Persephone had not shown since Ava had left. Holding her tightly, Persephone shut her own eyes knowing what Haleigh had just saw. How horrible it must have looked. How Persephone would not have had the restraint to sit there and do nothing like Haleigh just did.

"I'm okay. WE'RE okay."

 

[Lord Ravena]

Diana receives the mask and passes the kitten to Lord Ravena , who caresses it as it sleeps. Helena compliments him on the flowers and he touches her face, looking upon her.

Beautiful flowers for a beautiful queen.

Diana takes center stage, addressing Giuleta's fear and its lack of basis, then complimenting her gifts. She then declares that the Bishop will now act as one, and Lord Ravena notes the movement of the White Queen's power signature. He had seen her UN-MAKE someone; now he was certain that someone was being MADE. As the child absorbed the gift from Diana, Lord Ravena clothed her for battle, in raiments both comfortable to movement, distracting to weak male foes and representative of her station within the Court. As weapons he placed on each hip an AE Desert Eagle .50 in white with gold trim and converted to full automatic with silencers to boot! Clips for the weapons embedded themselves in nearly hidden slots for them and she was now ready for war.

And then the inevitable test. Lord Ravena actually was rooting for the child, and she performed admirably. He was quite pleased that her gifts would not be wasted in death or disuse.

Excellent.

You have the skill, the ability to take down men more than TWICE your size, you have access to the same fighting ability that your father had, and proficieny with a VARIETY of weapons.

Now how do you feel, MASQUE?

How indeed? He would be watching this one. Malice had given her an edge; he wanted to give her a PURPOSE. They would be speaking very soon.

 

[Masque]

Hellfire Mansion – The Catacombs




Gia cast a disdainful look at the Red Queen’s quasi-pet, who was growling and snapping at her. She didn’t like dogs.

*sarcastically*: “WOOF.”

Gia also couldn’t help but watch Diana draw near to her with suspicion. The LAST time she was down here with the Queens, they made an example of Scion by torturing/humiliating the girl, and, as far as she knew, she was still in the doghouse with Diana. ANYBODY would be suspicious if they were in her present position.

Malice: “Why so fearful, Chrissy?”

Because I don’t know what to expect.

Malice: “Do you think so little of my relationship with your father, and what he meant to US, that I would mistreat you for no reason? You musn't confuse your status with that of Scion's.”

Gia looked at Diana in surprise and…renewed HOPE?! For the time being, though, she REFUSED to dwell on what Diana meant by ‘relationship with her father’. Things would just be better that way. Diana holds the kitten up to Gia. Gia softened further, and her cautious nature went away as she looked upon the adorable face.

Malice: “Calm yourself, and look upon Perle. The gifts you left for her are most satisfactory.”

*shyly*: “Well, it was what my father would’ve done if he were still the White Bishop. I just want to follow in his footsteps.”

Diana turned away and handed the kitten to the White King.

Malice: “One good turn deserves another.”

Diana turned back and came near to Gia again.

Malice: “You started off VERY badly with me, and the Inner Circle. You definitely did NOT behave in a way that was becoming of your father's memory and mantle in his role as the original White Bishop.”

Gia looked down at the ground. She knew that she hadn’t been living up to her father’s expectations.

Malice: “And I've warned you ALL what would happen, if you didn't behave accordingly.”

Telepathically to Chrissy: “You are a member of the WHITE COURT. You need to recognize what that means.”

Malice: “It's time for you to LIVE UP to your codename, MASQUE, and to demonstrate that you ARE your father's daughter. Your king and I are going to HELP YOU begin on that path, which is why you're here now.”

Gia looked up with a curious look on her face as Diana brought forth a mask; and not just ANY mask, but the most beautifully feminine mask that she had ever seen.

Malice: “Behold...”

Diana showed the mask to the other Queens before, to Gia’s utter amazement, holding it out for GIA to take.

Malice: “Made specifically for YOU, from the finest gold this world knows, and CHARMED by the magick of your white king. Wear this mask, in your role of the White Bishop- in battle OR for formal events, and you cannot be robbed of your visual sense, your face, and head will be protected from bullets, and you will be shielded from telepathic domination - such as possession from anyone OTHER than your Queen.”

Gia now held the beautiful mask – meant for HER! – in her hands staring at it in wonder when Diana grabbed her unexpectedly by the chin, forcing her to look into Diana’s eyes.

Malice: “This is a gift, and it is meant for a fighter, a warrior, a woman with vast resource and capability. You ARE Giuletta Christina Nefaria, MASQUE of the White Court. TODAY you begin to operate in that role!”

Gia nodded with renewed assuredness. The sound of Diana’s power signature could be heard even as a white halo forms around the White Queen’s head, sending a beam of white psionic energy from her to Gia’s head.

”Ungh!!”

Gia felt as if she were experiencing a GIGANTIC brain freeze…that was over almost as soon as it had begun. But in THAT moment, Gia gained NEW knowledge of several physical fighting styles that were completely FEARSOME, she gained NEW knowledge of the uses of melee weapons AND various firearms, AND she’s started to feel like a…FIGHTER!? Gia stands up straighter, feeling somehow TALLER. She also started to feel…more grown up. Gia now felt like she was a conquerer; that could take on the world and WIN. She felt as if everything her beloved father had been drilling into her since childhood was now MORE than a possibility; they were a SURE thing. Now she felt that she was not just a MAFIA princess…but a WARRIOR princess!

Oh WOW!

And the surprises just kept on coming! Lord Ravena waved his hands again and Gia was now wearing her NEW battle costume, complete with weapons; weapons that she now knew how to USE. To complete the look, Gia took that gorgeous mask and placed it on her face, and yes, it was made to the EXACT measurements of her face. It was also extremely comfortable to wear as well, despite it being made of pure gold. She stared at Diana with a FIERCE look in her eyes. She was ready; she was MORE than ready. As if on cue, nearly a dozen well armed men stormed onto the scene.

Malice: “Chrissy, they're coming for YOU. Handle yourself...or DIE.”

Gia nodded and turned her attention to those of the men, quickly dispatching them in rapid succession, using her weapons like a PRO. Well, she actually WAS a pro NOW but she wasn’t five seconds ago. At least, not before Diana’s psionic contact downloaded all kinds of knowledge and information into her. Normally, her quick response with the weapons should’ve SURPRISED her but because of Diana, it was all in a day’s work. She had the knowledge, so she WASN’T surprised at all.

Tough luck, bitches.

After the gunfire had ceased, MASQUE stood there: tall, strong, and IN CHARGE.

Malice: “Excellent. You have the skill, the ability to take down men more than TWICE your size, you have access to the same fighting ability that your father had, and proficieny with a VARIETY of weapons. Now how do you feel, MASQUE?”

Gia should’ve been breathing heavily from the exertion, but she wasn’t. In fact, she hadn’t even broken a sweat! NOW, it was as if taking on a bunch of strong, muscular men didn’t even FAZE her in the slightest.

“I feel…”

Gia took off her mask and grinned at her Queen.

“FANTASTIC.”

A steely glint came into her eyes, and a serious and FIERCE expression came upon her face as she looked upon her Queen.

"I'm ready and WILLING to take my rightful place as White Bishop of the White Court."

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Red Rook's Chambers

The door opened, and Haleigh looked up, blinking back tears. It was her sister, but still she tried to put the mask back on. The grenade in her hands disappeared, as Persephone bent down and grabbed her.

There was the sensation of heavy winds on her skin, and the next thing she knew, they were somewhere else. Seph was hugging her tightly still.

Persephone: It's okay.

"It's not okay."

She said quietly, shaking her head, trying feebly to shrug the embrace. She was not as composed as she would have liked to be.

Persephone: I'm okay. WE'RE okay.

For a moment she just sucked in air, and waited for the trembling to stop. When she could, she finally looked her sister in the eyes. As soon as she did, all pretenses were dropped.

"Why are you being nice to me? This is all my fault. I should never have let you stay here, I should never have allowed this to happen. But I didn't want to do this alone....."

The tears came back in a rush.

"I was so fucking selfish, I knew..... I came here to die and I..... I didn't want to die alone."

She took a deep breath.

"Now I don't want to die at all, and it's too late for you. Even if I kill him, and everyone in this fucking place, it's too late. The position I put you in.... what you've had to do.... what you've had to endure, it's irrevocable, and it doesn't matter how sorry I am, and it doesn't matter that I wish I could take it all back."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone could hear the agony in Haleigh's voice, the guilt and regret as she said it wasn't okay. Persephone just held her, feeling her sisters body trembling in her embrace. Shutting her eyes, she ran her hand down Haleigh's back gently, trying to coax her down. Trying to COMFORT her. She then felt Haleigh pull away, Persephone's eyes meeting with Haleigh's. She would see the concern in them--the pain not from what happened between her and Alek, but what she was witnessing now.

Haleigh: "Why are you being nice to me?"

It was a strange turn of events....but regardless of how Persephone had treated Haleigh thus far, she did CARE for her. She just never wanted to admit it or show it. It was hard NOT to care for someone that her counterpart risked her life to go after. If she didn't care about Haleigh on some level, what Ava had done would have been for nothing.

"Because you're my sister."

She finally relented, saying the words she knew Haleigh NEEDED to hear.

Haleigh: "This is all my fault. I should never have let you stay here, I should never have allowed this to happen. But I didn't want to do this alone....."

Persephone shook her head, seeing the tears welling up in Haleigh's eyes.

"Let me? You know there's no way in hell you could have gotten me to leave. I wasn't going to leave you alone. Not then, not NOW."

She watched as the tears spilled down Haleigh's cheeks, Persephone's brows furrowing, having never seen Haleigh in this state before. Haleigh looked utterly defeated. She looked DESTROYED.

Haleigh: "I was so fucking selfish, I knew..... I came here to die and I..... I didn't want to die alone."

That statement came as a shock. Persephone knew that Haleigh wanted to push the six away by doing horrible things--be the horrible person she believed she was. She knew that Haleigh was pushing Diana's buttons and antagonizing her at every turn. She just assumed it was in sport....a cheap thrill to see how far Diana could bend before snapping. She didn't know Haleigh was literally on a SUICIDE mission. She had joked about it in jest and thrown it in Haleigh's face, but it was never a serious consideration. Haleigh Davidoff was STRONG and FEARLESS. The thought of her choosing death was unfathomable.

The look of shock and pain were painted across Persephone's face as her mouth was agape in disbelief. But what was probably the most painful part was hearing how she didn't want to die alone. That she only wanted Persephone there so Haleigh could leave this place with someone she loved by her side.

Haleigh: "Now I don't want to die at all, and it's too late for you. Even if I kill him, and everyone in this fucking place, it's too late. The position I put you in.... what you've had to do.... what you've had to endure, it's irrevocable, and it doesn't matter how sorry I am, and it doesn't matter that I wish I could take it all back."

Running the pads of her thumbs along Haleigh's cheeks, she brushed away the tears that continued to fall, hearing the pain in her voice. Hearing that guilt that coated every word. Persephone could feel the burn of tears in her own eyes causing her to look down between them, the goddess taking Haleigh's hand within her own.

"What i've done in here is on ME."

She looked up at Haleigh, conviction in her eyes.

"NONE of this is your fault. I antagonized Diana. I pushed Helena's buttons. I made myself a target to them."

She reached up and cupped Haleigh's face with her hands, forcing their eyes to meet.

"I fell in love with Alek despite my better judgement. *I* did these things, Haleigh. NOT YOU. You've put me first throughout this entire ordeal. I've hated it [laughing cynically] I hated how you've been up my ass....but you have NEVER stopped trying to help me. So don't you DARE blame yourself for MY carelessness."

Persephone pulled Haleigh into a hug, holding her again. She shut her eyes as she grasped Haleigh's short blonde locks feeling her cry. Finally she let her own tears fall, hidden from Haleigh. She wouldn't let her take on any more guilt. But she knew she needed to address the catalyst to all of this--what happened tonight with Alek.

"What happened....with Alek....I did that on purpose, you need to understand that."

Persephone quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks from behind Haleigh's back before pulling away and looking at her.

"I PUSHED him to the brink because I knew if I went in there apologizing and saying I was wrong he would see right through it. He needed to see me angry. He needed to GET angry. So I MADE him ANGRY."

She dipped her face down to catch Haleigh's eyes.

"I told you not to watch. I told you I knew how to handle someone like him."

She said with a such guilt in her tone, wishing she could of thought it through more. Taken Alek somewhere that Haleigh wouldn't have been able to see.

"I needed to make him to feel the passion....so when it was over and the anger was gone, he would realize how much he needs me. How he LOVES me. And he DID."

Persephone took Haleigh's hands again.

"He's fully aligned to me, Haleigh. Which means YOU'RE safe too. YOU will make it out alive. YOU will go home to your family. And YOU will make amends. You're NOT dying here. I PROMISE you that."

 

[Enchantrah]

Ravena; "Beautiful flowers for a beautiful queen."

"Flattery will get you everything."

She purred with a deliciously evil smirk. Helena still had her reservations about him, but he was being smart about his approach. Helena LOVED being spoiled.

Coco then barked at Gia, causing the girl to get smart.

Gia: *sarcastically*: “WOOF.”

"Cute."

Helena sneered with a roll of her eyes. She gently petted Coco's head, watching as Masque carefully began to navigate around Diana and Ravena, the look of fear in her eyes. Gia obviously learned from the last time she was down here that treachery and foolishness would not be tolerated. She was naive but smart. Diana thanked her for Perle's gifts then bestowed one upon Gia. The golden mask that Ravena had created for her.

"Oh good, it covers her WHOLE face."

She added callously with a grin. Glancing over at Kelly, Coco was sniffing in her direction curiously. Obviously picking up a WIFF of something interesting. Helena leaned in towards Kelly as Diana continued to speak with Gia about what was in store for her following the gift of the golden mask.

"So, when am I going to get my Bishop clone?"

She asked with a lift of her eyebrows and sly smile.

"Even Coco can smell the progress, sweetie. I'm thoroughly curious about the specifics."

Gia: "Ungh!"

Helena looked back over at what was happening, half hoping Diana was psi blasting her to oblivion. But alas, she was just awakening the TRUE potential of the young girl. Giving her the abilities of combat, both physical and with weapons. She took away her sweet, shy, wallflower persona and replaced it with boldness and fearlessness. About damn time she lived up to the Neferia name. The moment the assault ended, Gia LOOKED different. The way she carried herself, the way she took in her surroundings. Diana was masterful in what she did, much like Kelly was in a DIFFERENT way.

Helena folded her arms across her chest as Diana called forth the WILDpack, a group her crosstime alternate used to use frequently because her abilities weren't as precise and strong as Helena's were. They were weak yet the came in GREAT numbers, like a swarm of bees they attacked relentlessly. But Masque dispatched of them quickly and effortlessly. That caused Helena's brow to perk up.

"Now THAT is a White Bishop worthy of the name."

She praised.

Malice: “Excellent. You have the skill, the ability to take down men more than TWICE your size, you have access to the same fighting ability that your father had, and proficieny with a VARIETY of weapons. Now how do you feel, MASQUE?”

Gia: "I feel.....FANTASTIC. I'm ready and WILLING to take my rightful place as White Bishop of the White Court."

"Hallelujah!"

Helena grinned as she walked over to Ravena.

"Sorry, I felt the power."

Taking little Perle out of his arms, Helena smiled sweetly down at the tiny kitten as it awoke from it's slumber. As Helena cradled it, walking back toward The White Queen, Perle immediately fell back to sleep.

"Impressive job, Masque. I saw your father just now."

A poignant compliment from the Red Queen.

"It seems the White Court is now a complete powerhouse."

She gently stroked Perle, questioning whether her own court was starting to unravel or finally flourish in it's own right. After the talk she had with Mystique, she was beginning to question the relations between her Knight and Rook....she would have to speak with ALEKSANDER later.

 

[MorningStar]

The Infirmary

She and Dominique discussed Zach and his “relationship” with Valkyrie. The two of them seemed to share the same opinion of the bitch girl.

I can heal the sick and injured, I can bring vitality to the old, and strength to the infirmed. But not even the bright lady herself would attempt to fix a mind and a heart....they want what they want, no matter how inexplicable the desire may be. That is tied to free will. Some people chose things that are TOXIC for them.

That gave Delilah pause, but she said nothing. This is how most if not all of the Six felt about Bishop. And even if they might tolerate him now, there was a time no matter what she had said they would have let him die there on the floor of his apartment. Delilah certainly didn’t UNDERSTAND what the hell Zach could see in a person like that, but she wasn’t going to deny him the right to do it. As long as she kept her grubby little hands off Maxim.

What was she saying? Why was she acting so possessive?

I sincerely hope that he's learned something from his near death experience, and doesn't waste precious time with HER. I hope that he's going to REPAIR his relationships with Sharon and Alycia. They went to his aid immediately, they are the ones who made it possible for me to save his life.

“Oh I’m sure he WILL – he cares about both of them, and he knows what they did. What YOU did. This…fling…won’t change that.”

Their conversation turned to what the Six was planning for Black Widow and Persephone.

They [Black Widow and Persephone] may not leave ANY of us with any other option, Delilah.

She sighed.

“I know that, it’s just…it doesn’t make it any less weird, or any easier, to be talking about this.”

Beyond what the Six, OR the Birds of Prey may be creating in the way plans of action...each of us has the right to DEFEND ourselves, we also have an ethical obligation to PROTECT our loved ones.

She gave Isis a sad smile.

“I know. And I will. But that doesn’t mean I want to. Even now.”

But no sense in letting an opportunity of communication pass you by, my nephew is here. Before you leave, the two of you could talk, and he could tell you what was discussed among the members of the Six.

“I’ll do that. You take care of yourself, Dominique. And thank you again, for all you have done.”

Leaving Dominique’s room, she went to find Nicolas, who was with Vivica in Alycia’s room, which she had vacated. She knocked on the open door before entering.

“Nicolas – Vivica.”

She nodded to them both.

“Nic – I was wondering if you wanted to brief me on the meeting you had in the War Room? I spoke to Morgan earlier, but I’d like your take.”