Rose of destruction

[Rose]

The Sanctary- LATE night

<< Our view moves slowly through the multi level brownstone that is Rose's house>>

<< beginning with a lingering view of her parlor , and moving through the halls, up the stairs, to the second, and third floor, with views in each room. Rose's own master bedroom was on the top floor. Rose lay in the large bed, with Sable curled up nearby her. >>

<< For the first time in DAYS, Rose was now sleeping, as were her guests, and her children.>>

<< But her sleep was rather fitful, as she tossed and turned, and soon a frown could be seen on her face as she struggled in her sleep.>>

<<FLASH!>>

KEEP AWAY, YOU MONSTER!

Rose moves in and fights much better than Haleigh expected. A combo from Rose sent a jab towards the jaw, which Haleigh ducked, a hook to the ribs, which Haleigh absorbed by tucking her elbow, and a front kick that Haleigh stuffed by raising her boot.

Rose: You're not the ONLY ONE who knows how to fight with her hands, Black Widow.

Black Widow: "I don't WANT to kill you, but I WILL if I have to."

Switching to offense, Haleigh threw an uppercut that Rose leaned back away from, an elbow strike that connected as she leaned back in, and cross punch that Rose managed to deflect. Another combo from Rose, another matched defense from Haleigh. Time to trap fight. Haleigh faked a haymaker then jabbed with the other hand, tagging Rose's chin and getting her attention. She lifted a knee to draw Rose's gaze down and then tried a hook towards Rose's temple but got blocked that time.

This bitch is fast, but I bet she's not faster than a BULLET.


She fully committed to a right roundhouse kick, but dropped her left hand to draw from her holster. Rose saw the gun come out

Rose: NO!

<< She took the kick right in the hip as she lunged forward to fight Haleigh for control of the pistol.>>

Rose: Won't....LET YOU....

<< Haleigh was stronger though, and she continued to sweep the gun up towards Rose,>>


<< Rose sidestepped away from the barrel as she tried to knock Haleigh's head off with another punch. >>

HAAIII

<< But before Rose could land a truly thunderous Soul Power charged punch to Black Widow's head>>

<< BLAM!!!!>>

<< EVERYTHING now seems to be moving in SLOW. MOTION for Citadel as he watches in horror...>>

The sound of a single gunshot rang in the nighttime air,

<< Rose's SOUL POWERED punch rang Haleigh's bell again. Haleigh staggered sideways down on one knee, and Rose stopped cold>>

<<GASP!>>

Past the smoking barrel of her pistol, Haleigh watched the kid crumple to the pavement as a bloodstain bloomed across the back of his Captain America t-shirt.

<<FLASH!>>

<< A three way, horizontal split view of...>>

<< Scion.>>

<< Rose.>>

<< Citadle.>>

<< and finally, a lingering view of Jake O'brien's fallen form, laying face down, blood on his back, and on the ground around him.>>

JAKE!

JAKE!?

<< Rose CRIES out...as she begins to TREMBLE>>

Jake...

<< But her dreams...her MEMORIES didn't end THERE.>>

<<FLASH!>>

<< MOMENTS EARLIER, as the aircraft had descended into a bombing pattern...>>

"Sorry, but it's my SISTER and the love of my life we're headed to, DO believe me when I say I'm properly motivated to expedite this--"

She fell silent when she spotted the plane. It was flying a standard bombing run flight pattern, and Haleigh had direct access to its target database. Two targets...... their SUV..... and the bus full of innocent orphan children. The aircraft launched two missiles simultaneously, and Haleigh's heart sank.

She had to choose. There was no time to second guess or weigh the options. She decided to save her SUV, and the six lives inside. She detonated the missile several meters before it reached them, muting the impact on their vehicle. She swerved forcefully, throwing the SUV into an induced roll so that the belly of the vehicle would absorb the shrapnel and most of the blast. As they flipped upside down she saw what twisted metal remained of the warhead hit the pavement and ricochet back at her. She tried to shield her face, but it wasn't enough. It knocked her clean out.

....could have saved them...refused....didn't care then....doesn't care now...

<< Rose tosses and turns more as her sleep seems more like a riptide of memories tormenting her...>>

<< Rose GASPED...and recoiled as she looked at Haleigh, one moment in SHOCK...the next in cold CONTEMPT as her eyes began glow>>

YOU...COULD HAVE SAVED THEM!? But you REFUSED!

<< Rose bellowed black tears began to fall from her glowing purple eyes>>

You CHOSE to let them die...MY CHILDREN...the unwanted...the WEAKEST and MOST IN NEED...

"Yes, I chose to let them die. If I had tried to save THEM.... I would have risked Rampage, Firebird, Recall, Charope, Prophet, and myself. Logically, I chose to save those who had the most to contribute to society."

She replied, unapologetic.

NO!!!!!

<< Not since the Unloved had attacked and killed her adoptive parents, had Rose felt such a sense of LOSS, BETRAYAL, and HOPELESSNESS! Black Widow, had come to PERSONIFY the very kind of people Rose sought to shield her children from, but in the end, THIS was the woman who ALLOWED the purifiers to SUCCEED in their attack on her sanctuary that would snuff out 42 innocent lives!>>

<<FLASH!>>

<< Zachary and Rose are THROWN clear of the blast and barely conscious as they are PELTED with glass. SHARON, who was RUNNING forward is knocked back and SLAMS into a nearby car. Ava is knocked off her feet. BOTH women are still fully conscious. The BUS has been HIT! It's in FLAMES...car alarms near by are going off, CHILDREN are crying in pain. >>

<< the FLAMES they begin to close in around Rose, she doesnt fear the FLAMES, she FEELS the PAIN , the psychic SCREAMS of the hurt and DYING children, and the lights of their little souls burning out...one by one!>>

<< It's too much, it's as though she's now reliving the moment in FULL effect, and the pain is as real NOW as it was THEN!>>

AHHHHHHH!!!!!

<< She BOLTS upright, SCREAMING/CRYING OUT, as black tears can once again be seen falling from her purple eyes.>>

<< Her chest is heaving as she struggles for a moment, before realizing she's in her bed, in her master bedroom.>>

<< Sable earnestly nudges Rose, trying desperately to show her concern for her mommy, which in turn, causes Rose to settle quickly.>>

Just a dream...the foulest NIGHTMARE....a REMINDER of the EVIL that is in this world, UNCHECKED, UNPUNISHED.

<< She'd talked with Sharon earlier, AT LENGTH, and she TOLD the mutate what she'd divined from Haleigh, about her ROLE in the death of those 42 children.>>

<< Sharon made an AGREEMENT with Rose. She would let SHARON bring the hammer, fist, spinning star or whatever method of JUSTICE down on Black Widow, while Rose remained here, ready to defend herself and her children, with LETHAL force if necessary, but only if Black Widow, Persephone or anyone ELSE tried coming here again. Rose would NOT go to them, she would not expose herself OR her children to unecessary risk like that. She'd let SHARON take the fight TO them. Rose KNEW Sharon could do it, she had the power, and the WILL to do it, and THAT was what allowed her to settle herself enough to fall asleep tonight, but sleep was no true rest for Rose, as we now see. Her heart, her SOUL churned with fury over HALEIGH DAVIDOFF, and anything ASSOCIATED with her.>

<< Rose reaches for a tissue from a kleenex box on her nightstand, and wipes her face. >>

<< a short while later, Rose suddenly APPEARS into view inside the orphange.>>

<< She begins to do her standard checking procedure, a head count, a vitals and stat check, all the paces. >>

I do NOT run....a 'BABY SLUM'

<< As that ignorant, crude, PIG, Dennis Nedry had so ignorantly tried to IMPLY!>>

<< All the surviving children were present and accounted for, except little Jake. His bed was empty. He was at the hospital. Rose stood there, and looked at his bed, and on the nightstand, a picture of Jake O'brien, and Zachary Armani.>>

<< after looking at his empty bed, and then that picture for a few moments, Rose picks up the picture.>>

<< She TELEPORTS once more, still holding that picture of Jake and Zach, now appearing in the Monitoring Room, which is part of the tech-control center of the entire Sanctuary block>>

<< She stands there, and slowly looks around, listening to the soft ambience of computers and data, power, energy humming, various devices, recording, streaming, broadcasting, etc. And all of this technology, ALL of it has ONE THING in common. it is ALL . CLANDESTINE. INC. ALL connected to Zach Armani. ALL. CONNECTED. TO HER!!>>

<<FLASH!>>

You're Zach Armani's companion, are you not?

<< But even as Rose looks upon the woman, she can sense that something is not right about her.>>

"Not anymore."

She said coldly. Rose beckoned the kid over, and Haleigh let his hand slip from hers. She was going to have to fight her way out of here, and she could let ROSE keep the kid alive throughout the fight. She'd be able to grab him as soon as she struck Rose down.

Your purpose here...it is not benevolent. Your intentions for this child...are OBSCENE... Just like that woman who has been perverted by science [Cobra].

Surely you know, I will NOT allow you to carry this child away from his home. Why are you doing this? You're supposed to be an ALLY. That IS what Zach has told me...

"Don't be too hard on Zach. I had THEM ALL fooled for a very long time. Hell, I'd even convinced MYSELF I was a hero."

<< she begins gripping the picture, tighter and tighter, as her hands tremble.>>

<<FLASH!>>

<< She looks at Vivica.>>

Please tell Zach Armani that he has...

<< her eyes glow purple again>>

FAILED.

<< her voice, her very countenance looked DARK as she said that ONE word to Vivica regarding Zach.>>

<< the images of CI's logo are all around her. No matter where she turns, THAT WOMAN'S MARK is there. It might as well be the MARK OF THE BEAST!>>

<< and then she looks at the picture frame in her hand, that is now CRACKING from her grip>>

FAILURE!

<< SHE SNAPS the picture frame with her bare hands and SLAMS it down to the floor, SLAMMING her high heel on the part of the glass that covered Zach Armani's image>>

LIAR!

<< She looks looks at the viewing screen, which has a small revolving CI icon in the bottom right corner.

MURDERER!

<< pulling back her fist, now surrounded by a mix of purple/white halo (soul AND psycho power) she throws a truly THUNDEROUS punch STRAIGHT into the viewing screen, causing it to SHATTER with spectcular, EXPLOSIVE result.>>

<< She turns , without missing a beat, and SMASHES her hand through the glass case of a fire axe on the wall, and now, weilding that fire axe with her meta human strength, AND charging it with PSYCHO POWER, the omega level psi, proceeds to BREAK, CHOP, SMASH, DESTROY ALL Clandestine Inc equipment in the monitor room, moving from the main area, to the smaller data rooms, where she COMPLETELY destroys all hardware and equipment.>> SMASHING, CRUSHING, BASHING, TEARING WHATEVER is there that was installed by CI.>>

<< the RAMPAGE does not go unnoticed, by Clandestine Inc's board of directors, as they watch Rose....for as long as they can, until she turns to one of the cameras viewing her, and stares at it....tilting her head, before finally unleashing a massive astral energy blast RIGHT AT IT >>

<< Moments later, Rose appears outside, on the street, still weilding the psycho power charged axe. she is in the same spot that COBRA had arrived, standing in front of ANOTHER camera, that is attached to a pole in the ground. >>

<< by now, SHARON has been awakened by the sound of Rose's RAMPAGE and she, in turn, summoned Rae and Danny, who are now rushing outside toward the source of the disturbance, where they Rose SMASH the camera, and then, dropping the axe, she UPROOTS the pole with her bare hands, and unleashes ANOTHER bolt of astral energy, one that shoots down into the opening in the ground, and begins ZIG ZAGGING like a runaway bolt of LIGHTNING, zooming across the ENTIRE network of cameras, and other CI security net systems, FRYING IT ALL and completely SEVERING their link to the Sanctuary.>>

Sharon: ROSE! What's happened!? What's GOING ON here!?

<<The trio rush to her, and are just in time to see the SPECTACULAR, PSYCHO POWER induced LIGHT SHOW and FEEDBACK as Rose has just DESTROYED the entire security network that blanketed the sanctuary.>>

<< She picks up the still glowing fire axe, and turns to face her oncoming friends, standing in a completely non aggressive posture while weilding the axe, with CALM expression on her face.>>

Everything's fine, Sharon.

I was just PURGING this place of HER presence, her CORRUPT, SOULESS PRESENCE. Her and that THOUGHTLESS, NEGLECT FAILURE, Zach Armani.

<< By now, CI was getting RED ALERTS, which Zach would be getting as well.>>

<< Rose had just destroyed MILLIONS of dollars worth of equipment in under 15 minutes, and she looked as calm and casual as could be. The feedback and disturbance caused by this was so massive, that Oracle registered it on her end>>

<< She looks at them a bit longer, before speaking>>

Black Widow invaded this place. She used her technopathy to BY PASS ALL of the security that HER company had installed her. It was no better than an OPEN WINDOW.

<< She said bitterly>>

I no longer need or want it here.

I will use my OWN psionic powers, along with Danny's urban elemental abilities, which he ALREADY used to supplement and BUFFER the gaps that CI couldn't account for.

Sharon, please inform Alycia that Zach Armani's services are no longer required.

Clandestine Inc, and ANYONE apart of that corrupt, INEPT company, are FIRED, effectively IMMEDIATELY.

Sharon: Alycia had already required Zach return your portfolio back to her, but I WILL make sure that she's secured it from her, first thing in the morning. She's still in recovery from the attack on her by Persephone tonight, she and zach both needs their rest....and Rose, I'd like it if WE ALL went back inside now.

Rose: I understand. Just please be sure to follow up on that first thing tomorrow. I have every confidence that with ALYCIA BARNETT back at the helm, the quality of SECURITY AND ADVOCACY will improve ...

<< She looked up over head...>>

A DRONE... it REGULARLY circles over this area....

<< She lifts her hand, and a halo of soul/psycho power forms around it, as she aims and FIRES another bolt of astral energy, hitting the drone and shooting it down from the sky. Rose was thorough, and she did not miss. >>

As I was saying....with Armani and the rest of those corrupt MINIONS in that company created by HER out of the way...things should improve.

There's one other thing. Zach Armani is no longer welcome here. No further contact with Jake either.

Sharon: But Rose...you saw him at the hospital, he really does care about Jake! He...

Rose: << holding up her hand>> The decision has been made, Sharon. He wasn't thinking of Jake until Jake was shot down by his rogue lover. Where has he been in the last two months? Why hasn't he come here since the attacks by Hellfire began?

It's TOO LATE for him to do anything now, and short of him bringing Haleigh Davidoff to JUSTICE, which he WON'T do, there's nothing more I WANT OR NEED from him.

<< Sharon didn't press any further.>>

I am fine, Sharon. Thank you all for being so responsive, but there is no danger here.

I'll have breakfast for you all tomorrow morning. Goodnight.

<< Rose turned from them and calmly walked away, going back into her brownstone, and closing the door. >>

<< Sharon, Rae and Danny stood there, with various looks of disbelief on their face, when....>>

 

[Silver Swan]

Outside the Sanctuary

I am fine, Sharon. Thank you all for being so responsive, but there is no danger here.

I'll have breakfast for you all tomorrow morning.

<< Rose turned from them and calmly walked away, going back into her brownstone, and closing the door. >>

<< Sharon, Rae and Danny stood there, with various looks of disbelief on their face, when....>>

Oracle>>: Silver Swan?? This is Oracle. My scans registered a MASSIVE disturbance at the Sanctuary, is everything okay there?

[ Silver Swan looked around for a moment. DESPITE the level of destruction Rose had just caused, it was so tightly focused and CONFINED, that NO buildings had been destroyed. the Monitoring Room was completely destroyed, but the children themselves were none the wiser, thank the goddess.]

[ there HAD been some power flickering, but thankfully, the power supply for this area did not comple from CI.]

<<Silver Swan: Everyone is fine here, Oracle. The children are still sleeping, and I'm here with Rae and Citadle. << she paused for a moment.>> Rose has just severed her connection to Clandestine Inc. She destroyed ALL of their equipment, and the entire security net over this city block in under 15 minutes. There's no structural damage to any of the buildings, the power gride is intact. She applied her desctruction with LASER focus and refinement, and the children are none the wiser.

[ She looks around once more, realizing what this means]

Clandestine Inc is Black Widow's company. Black Widow was Zachary's companion at the time of the purifiers attack and the bus accident. He lead her here. In her mind, that, coupled with his recent neglect in his obligations regarding her and the Sanctuary, she has decided he is as much to blame as Black Widow.

Has anyone TOLD Zach that Rose KNOWS what Haleigh did that night? Does HE even know? I need to be the one to tell him, Oracle. Alycia, myself and Zachary were the ones that once worked together on her behalf, this conversation needs to be handled amongst the three of us.

Rose also made it CLEAR that Zachary, and anyone apart of Clandestine is FIRED, effective immediately. She wants him BANNED from the premisis. No contact with her, any of the children, INCLUDING Jake. She asked me to follow up with Alycia, to make SURE that she got her portfolio back from Zach. I told her I will do that first thing in the in the morning. She was understanding. She's returned to her home now. And Oracle? Rose is CALM right now, so I will be doing what I have to to KEEP her placated. I will follow up with Alycia tommorow, and deliver the news to Zachary.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- The White Princess's Suite

Alek: Ava isn’t here right now. As for Persephone…I’m confident in my chances of winning that one. But tell me, which is it? Do you want me to care about her or not?

She didn't respond to that right away, just lifted her glass and drank it down about halfway. He finished his, and gave her an assessment of each of the other circle members.

Alek: Amanda can definitely handle herself in a fight…assuming she’s properly motivated to participate in it.

"Then I'll have to figure out what properly motivates her."

Alek: Of the rest…Heidi is your best bet. Ruthless and powerful. But she hates you already, so don’t expect any favors from her.

"Yes, jealous bitch, isn't she? Maybe she'll relax after today's little display of discipline, now that she's seen proof that she's still Mommy's favorite."

Alek: Max on the other hand…I think she’d do a lot for the chance to get into your pants. And you know what she can do.

"Hmm, maybe. Certainly she wants SOMETHING from me, but she has yet to make her intentions clear."

Alek: Emiko…getting her to do what you want at the time you want it is almost impossible.

"And yet quite possible, if we both want the same thing at the same time."

Alek: Gia lets her bodyguards do her fighting for her.

"Only because she has nothing to fight for.... YET."

Alek: Mystique…fighting isn’t really her thing, but I wouldn’t put it past her either. She’s…inventive.

"Mm, inventive can be good, depending on the application."

Alek: So…are you just deciding who next will warm your bed, or do you know something I don’t about what we’re going to be sent into next? Or is this mere…speculation.

Haleigh held out her beer glass for him to take, and when he did, she moved in closer to him, as near as she could get without being in his lap.

"My bed is quite warm enough, with a bear in it, but I'd even fuck Heidi if it would calm her ass down. If I'm trying to keep the target off Persephone's back, I need as few enemies as possible."

She leaned against him, and dropped her volume below the threshold for the bugs in the room to pick up, and whispered in his ear.

"Speaking of Persephone, and to answer your earlier question, what I want is to know whether or not you DO care, and also, whether or not your ability to play the game will be negatively affected."

She played with his hair.

"Both concerns have been alleviated in the course of this conversation, so now we only have to figure out what exactly is driving HER. What do YOU think she meant by 'you do what you have to do'?"

She asked him quietly, without venom. She was inclined to agree that he had a fairly decent understanding of Persephone, and she wanted all the extra insight she could get.

"Does SHE care? Is it a test for you, or me, or both of us? Or is she still playing as well?"

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

He listened as she spoke of her breakup with Cameron, and how heartless the man had been towards her. It made his blood boil. This was precisely his problem with Cameron, the man didn't CARE who he hurt, he only cared about his own happiness. In this moment, as in many others, Zach wanted to hurt Cameron very badly, but he wouldn't. He understood the ramifications of action against Cameron, and mostly his concern was how it would effect Haleigh, or any others who inexplicably cared about what happened to the asshole. He managed his anger, and tried to help her with HER emotions, until the conversation turned to Bishop's attack.

Alycia: I don't know exactly. Sharon said she saw the footage playing when they got there, but she didn't tell me what she saw. In that moment, it wasn't terribly important, saving Bishop's life was. But maybe you'll be able to find something that you can use in it. I won't STOP you from doing what you need to do...unless I think your SAFETY is at risk, Zach. Sharon and I risked our lives for you...because we LOVE you. You've been in our lives for so long...and I KNOW your history with Sharon. I KNOW I Speak for Sharon too when I say this- we CAN'T imagine our lives OR this world without you. I WON'T have you throwing your life away, do you hear me!?

"I'll be careful."

He assured her. They discussed Rose and the Sanctuary.

Alycia: When Sharon and I couldn't carry on, you did a WONDERFUL job. You even developed a relationship with little Jake, one of the children that you and Rose saved during the Inferno.

"I'm so relieved he's going to be okay. I wonder how soon I can visit with him..."

Alycia: But...Rae was right, we HAVEN'T been helping Rose the right way, and that has to change. She's in trouble, and the clock is ticking. She CAN'T be tabled because of Haleigh, not when Haleigh is DIRECTLY responsible for the trouble that Rose is now facing! You've done your best. The evidence is clear. But now it's time for you to hand that baton off to me. But your help is STILL needed, so I'm ask YOU to open your eyes. Rose and Jake are not out of danger yet, and if Dennis Nedry isn't stopped...

She held her hand out to him, and he left the window, and went back to sit on the edge of the bed next to her, taking her hand and assuaging her uncertainty.

"WE will stop him, Aly. He's not going to trouble Rose for very long."

Alycia: Black Widow told Rose that her children were weak, and had nothing to contribute to society.

His brow furrowed and he frowned. Surely Haleigh didn't think that.... she had always been adamant that mutants were the FUTURE of the human species. Mutant children, then, logically, would contribute to that evolution.

Alycia: We CAN'T let her words be the epitaph for those children. If they are separated from Rose...you know what will happen to them. We CAN'T let that happen. So while I AM uniquely qualified to fight Dennis Nedry, I'll still need your help. Will you be there for me, Rose, and those children? CAN you do that, even with this....MESS about Haleigh and Persephone all around you?

"If you, Sharon and Rose will LET me? Of course. Just tell me what you need. I hope you know that just because I care about what happens to Ava and Haleigh, doesn't mean I've stopped caring about what happens to the Sanctuary, OR what happens to you, or Sharon, or any of the rest of the Birds of Prey, and most of the Six."

He says, with a gentle smile.

"So, we made up, right? We're friends again? Because I REALLY didn't like it when you were mad at me."

She nodded, and his smile grew warmly. He leaned to pull her into a hug, just to be sure.

Morgan: WELL now!

She was behind him, and he startled out of the embrace with Alycia to turn in surprise. His gaze, tossed quickly in the direction of her voice, landed first on her legs.

GODS!

Morgan: Is this part of the recovery process?

She asked, as he looked upwards for a safe place to keep his eyes. He did NOT miss her plunging neckline on the way up.

Got to keep my eyes ABOVE the cleavage. She's with NICOLAS....

Morgan: Well let ME get in on the action!

She did NOT just say that.

He thought, as she pulled him into a hug, a bit unexpectedly. He returned it, keeping in mind that Nicolas would appreciate it if he did his best to maintain platonic thoughts right now.

Morgan: Oh Zach.... << She slowly rocks him back and forth a bit, holding him TIGHTLY, unintentionally reminding him that she too is super strong.>> When I heard...I feared the WORSE.

He made a small, nasal noise when she compressed his chest a bit too much, but she released him before she hurt him, so all was good.

Morgan: But Isis saved you. BOTH of you.

"Yes, we were very lucky. It's good to see you again, Morgan."

Morgan: ALYCIA!

Alycia: Morgan!

Morgan went over to the bed and leaned down to hug Alycia next, and the way she bent over sent Zach's gaze reeling back to the window. He walked over that way, and reached for his phone again, praying for a distraction. Valkyrie to the rescue:

>> Zach: Quit the fancy talk…just tell me you want to fuck me.
>> Zach: But trust me, you’ve never had such a feast.

He smirked again, as he sent back a response.

>>I can hardly wait. Maybe I need you to come back in the morning, and give me another power boost.

He looked up into the reflection in the window, and saw that it was safe to turn around, because Morgan had stood back up again. Her and Alycia were discussing Persephone.

Morgan: And Persephone may have gotten away for now to lick her wounds, but she can't hide forever. Not from ME, not even in THAT mansion.

What did she mean by that, exactly? He watched as she walked over to sit in an armchair, and listened to what she had to say.

Morgan: that's part of why I'm here, Alycia. I came to see you. To tell BOTH of you, that I'm BACK. Things have gotten out of hand, and there are things that ONLY I, as this world's Sorceress Supreme can address. I inherited that title, and mantle through my bloodline, but I didn't always understand, or CARRY IT the way I should. That's CHANGED now. I'VE changed.

He saw a flash of something undeniably DARK on her face, and it gave him an 'Oh shiiiiit' feeling.

Morgan: EVERYONE in that mansion, from MALICE on down, is going to find out what that means. Haleigh and Persephone can run, but they CAN'T hide from me.

She looked normal again. Zach glanced at Alycia to see if she was at all freaked out, because he wasn't really sure WHAT to think about what he'd seen.

Alycia: Morgan...you should know that Zach has...very strong feelings about Haleigh and Persephone. He thinks they can be saved.

Morgan: Maybe they can. Maybe they CAN'T.

"Not just that they CAN, Morgan, but that they SHOULD be saved."

Morgan: How easy or IMPOSSIBLE that is will depend << she looks at Zach again, with a very serious look on her face>> ENTIRELY on them. As it is, they've pretty FORFEITED any consideration for gentle treatment due to their actions, the fact that you two are sitting here, in the INFIRMARY, while a CHILD is in the hospital too? This has already gone too far, and as I told Delilah, I CAN put a stop to this.

Alycia: How, Morgan?

There was more discussion, and it was very interesting indeed. Morgan was a POWERHOUSE, and Zach felt a little more encouraged to hear that she was exploring options OUTSIDE the 'kill team' idea.

"Morgan, you should know that Haleigh sent me a message. She said she was trying to get Malice to kill her, and that as long as Malice had her 'bodies', she'd have the power. She also said that the Queens were breaking Ava, and that I should get the Six to save her. I think we saw tonight what kind of effect the Hellfire club is having on them. Obviously her message was genuine, but some of it went over my head... like the plurality about her 'bodies'.... can you shed light on that? Or on what happened the night she defected?"

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Club -- The White Princess' Suite

Haleigh commented on the information he gave her with a seasoned eye. She really did sound like a general building an army. And then she held out her glass to him, and he reached for it, only to find that she came with it. She was close now, very close.

"My bed is quite warm enough, with a bear in it, but I'd even fuck Heidi if it would calm her ass down. If I'm trying to keep the target off Persephone's back, I need as few enemies as possible."

She pressed her body against him, and began to whisper in his ear.

"Speaking of Persephone, and to answer your earlier question, what I want is to know whether or not you DO care, and also, whether or not your ability to play the game will be negatively affected. Both concerns have been alleviated in the course of this conversation, so now we only have to figure out what exactly is driving HER. What do YOU think she meant by 'you do what you have to do'?"

Well played, Scion. At a normal voice, he said:

“If you do decide to fuck Heidi, make sure you invite me. Hell, I’ll even watch.”

Then in a level matching Haleigh’s:

“I didn’t get it at first, but when you said she had sent me to you…I think she actually expects me to continue our little…workout sessions. She’s concerned about how the change in our ‘status’ looks to those who might be watching…more concerned than I am, if I’m honest.”

"Does SHE care? Is it a test for you, or me, or both of us? Or is she still playing as well?"

He planted a kiss on Haleigh’s neck then lifted his head again to her ear.

“I don’t think it’s a test. She wasn’t…like before…just now. I think…she’s afraid of what this might cost her, if she allows herself to give in to it completely. She’s doing what she has to, to survive.”

I think she cares. He was telling Haleigh the truth. Despite himself thinking that this could be a test from her earlier…the way she had run out…that she sent him to Haleigh…it all pointed to someone who was doing what she had to do, but didn’t like it.

He looked into Haleigh’s face so she could see his sincerity, and brushed a piece of hair out of her eyes.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Vivica gave them an update on Zach.

“Trust me, he’s more than good.”

Zizi coughed. She of course didn’t have any problem with Zach and Ashley…spending time with each other. But Ashley could be a little less up front about it. But she seemed happier than she had been recently – and the fact that she was even there with them was a good sign. So she was willing to deal with a little bit of ‘TMI’. And besides, it was nice to see someone find a person to care about and be cared about by in return.

Her mind came back to the conversation. The others were discussing Rose, and whether she was an ally or not.

“If she COULD HAVE killed Black Widow, why DIDN’T she?”

“Maybe because she’s not a killer…”

Zizi asked for some time to work on neutralizing Black Widow before they galivanted off to the mansion.

“A day or two, Zizi - and then I expect us to do something about this. I didn’t come back here to sit on my ass.”

“Xavier, maybe you could help Vivica with research? Your area of expertise notwithstanding, I’m sure you can get through materials faster than anyone else here. We need something we can use against Persephone. I’ll work on Black Widow. Andrew you can help me here, and I’ll talk to Sharon as well. Ashley, John, you’ll be on bodyguard duty. I’m sure Delilah will need a break. Everyone should get a good night’s sleep first, though – it’s been a long day for all of us.”

Ashley and John were then having words about Sharon, with John defending her. He had done well earlier in trying to keep her calm, and she could see that he was becoming more understanding when it came to her. Of course, that wasn’t going to sit well with Ashley.

“Is it so easy for you to forget what she did to me?!”

“Ashley…”

She started but was interrupted by the large wall panel of the conference room lighting up, showing a schematic of the city which soon zoomed in on a section of the city that they knew well.

“That’s the Sanctuary!”

Oracle looked at the flashing alert on the panel.

“Electronic feedback and a huge discharge of power at the site.”

She flipped up a control panel set into the conference table.

“Looks like contacting Sharon can’t wait.”

She activated the com connection to Sharon.

[via com] “Silver Swan? This is Oracle. My scans registered a MASSIVE disturbance at the Sanctuary, is everything okay there?”

<<Silver Swan: Everyone is fine here, Oracle. The children are still sleeping, and I'm here with Rae and Citadel. << she paused for a moment.>> Rose has just severed her connection to Clandestine Inc. She destroyed ALL of their equipment, and the entire security net over this city block in under 15 minutes. There's no structural damage to any of the buildings, the power grid is intact. She applied her destruction with LASER focus and refinement, and the children are none the wiser.

[via com]: “My goodness Silver Swan. Is the compound secure? Do we need to send backup?”

She looked around the table, silently letting them know to be ready.

[via com]: “Steel’s people are still holding the perimeter around the Sanctuary round the clock, but we can have someone there in a flash.”

She gave Xavier a warm smile.

Clandestine Inc is Black Widow's company. Black Widow was Zachary's companion at the time of the purifiers attack and the bus accident. He lead her here.

Valkyrie: “That is BULLSHIT!”

Zizi silenced her with a look.

In her mind, that, coupled with his recent neglect in his obligations regarding her and the Sanctuary, she has decided he is as much to blame as Black Widow. Has anyone TOLD Zach that Rose KNOWS what Haleigh did that night? Does HE even know? I need to be the one to tell him, Oracle. Alycia, myself and Zachary were the ones that once worked together on her behalf, this conversation needs to be handled amongst the three of us.

She looked at Steel and Vivica, who were the only ones present when Rose had revealed Haleigh’s part in the deaths of those 42 children, who had also spoken to Zach since. They both shook their heads no.

[via com]: “We’ve not told him, Silver Swan. And we’ll do as you wish.”

Sharon also let them know that Zach, and Clandestine, were banned from Sanctuary premises.

[via com]: “We’ll need to get something up in place of that tech as soon as possible. This is a dangerous time to be without it. Please, Silver Swan, make sure Rose understands that.”

And Oracle? Rose is CALM right now, so I will be doing what I have to KEEP her placated. I will follow up with Alycia tomorrow, and deliver the news to Zachary.

[via com]: “Please do what you can to help – we’re here whatever you need. And Silver Swan? Thank you.”

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower

Ashley stared down at Steel. Sharon had almost gotten Zach killed, and then had been RAMPAGING all over the infirmary, and somehow THAT had made Steel go all team Sharon on her. What. The. Fuck.

She tapped her foot, waiting for an answer from him. Zizi started to speak, probably to defend him or her or BOTH. She was about to cut her off when things started flashing in the room. Some kind of disturbance at the Sanctuary, thankfully, not at the infirmary.

“Looks like contacting Sharon can’t wait.”

“And this is where I zone out…” she mumbled under her breath.

Turning her back on Steel, she glanced at her phone. Message from Zach:

>> I can hardly wait. Maybe I need you to come back in the morning, and give me another power boost.

She tapped out the reply with naughty thoughts in her head.

>> Try and keep me away. You’ll be Superman by the time I’m done with you.

And Sharon was STILL talking.

Clandestine Inc is Black Widow's company. Black Widow was Zachary's companion at the time of the purifiers attack and the bus accident. He lead her here.

Oh so now she was blaming Zach for THAT? She was SUCH a BITCH.

“That is BULLSHIT!”

Zizi gave her a look, and she went to a chair away from everyone else and sat down with a huff.

[via com]: “Please do what you can to help – we’re here whatever you need. And Silver Swan? Thank you.”

Thank you. THANK YOU?! For what? Being around once again when shit was going down and doing nothing about it? She stood up and walked towards Zizi.

“Now that Big Bird is off the line, am I allowed to speak?”

She didn’t wait for Zizi to give her the nod.

“So what the hell did Haleigh do that has Rose so hot and bothered. Aside from shooting a kid that is.”

She crossed her arms. She could see Zizi’s mind trying to figure out a way to keep the answer from her.

She keep her eyes locked with Zizi’s as she said,

“Andrew?”

Andrew: “She chose to save the Six instead of the bus carrying Rose’s children, and 42 were killed. She told Rose they weren’t worth as much as the Six.”

Ashley shook her head and made a noise that said “unbelievable” while pulling out her phone to text Zach.

Oracle: “Ashley, no. I gave Sharon my word.”

“Fuck your word, and fuck Sharon.”

In an uncharacteristic move, Oracle grabbed Ashley’s hand that held the phone. Her voice had more force than Ashley had ever heard before.

Oracle: “I said, no.”

“He needs to know.”

But she didn’t make a move with the phone.

Oracle: “And Sharon will tell him in the morning. Do you really want to look so catty that you couldn’t wait to run and tell him something horrible about his ex? Do you think he’ll thank you for that?”

“Rose could be going there right now.”

Oracle: “You heard Sharon. You know she isn’t.”

“Why should I do anything Sharon wants?”

Oracle: “Because I asked you to.”

They locked eyes for a moment longer.

Oracle let go of her hand, and she slowly put the phone back into her pocket.

“If she doesn’t tell him tomorrow, I will.”

Oracle nodded.

Oracle: “Deal.”

 

[Titan]

The Clocktower

Say...anyone up for dinner? I can whip up a Shepherd's Pie in record time. Or we can order pizza and I can get it and bring it back still piping hot. Any takers?

“Aw…mate…pizza sounds brill.”

He rubbed his rumbling stomach.

“Hey, you ever make the full Irish? Because that could really hit the spot…”

"Zach just made contact via com link. He's good."

“Trust me, he’s more than good.”

Andrew’s mouth hung open as he looked at Ashley’s smug face.

That lucky bastard. In the middle of a major crisis, half dead in the hospital, and he STILL can score. Leave some for the other guys, buddy.

"I gotta side with Andrew on this one.

“Why, THANK you, Viv.”

We keep getting blindsided. Rose is on a path of vengeance right now. She's relaxed, but there is no way in Hell that she isn't going after Scion with everything she's got. She's made contact with us and we have eyes on the place...we just have to keep them on the place until she makes a move. She almost destroyed Haleigh before...I think she deserves a second chance at it. And if she could... If she could make one more stop to zap that stupid, miserable...fucking *biting* BITCH of a woman, Ava Cassadine into oblivion all the BETTER..I swear if that bitch lays another hand on anybody I care about..All I need is about two hours to research and I can come up with about 46,000 ways to destroy a goddess. Even if it means pricking my finger, slaughtering a chicken and praying to Satan, I'll FIGURE IT OUT."

“Viv’s right. Why aren’t we letting the heavy hitters take her out? If they can, all the better.”

“We can’t just sit back and let Rose do this for us while we run and hide. We are ALL stronger together than separately.”

“Then let’s work with her, back her up. She cares about those kids so much…and we HAVE to make sure they stay safe.”

"And at SOME point The Six is going to have to do some lifting of their OWN. We can't keep shouldering the burden of this stupid war they've started. When I left Blaze it seemed as if she was going to rally the troops. I can make contact and see if anything has come from that..."

“Uh…Blaze didn’t really seem like she was much in a fighting mood last time I saw her. I’m sorry, I know I’m new and all, but the Six don’t seem to be much good for anything right now. I think we’re on our own.”

Zizi expressed her fears that Sharon would go off to attack by herself.

“We couldn’t get that lucky. If she wants to act like the psychotic bitch she is, let her. But let’s face it – we all saw the video – chances are she’s down at the Hellfire Mansion right now fucking tattoo girl. She’s proved she can’t be relied on.”

Andrew was inclined to agree.

“She really is a loose cannon – popping off on Ashley like that the other day. Who’s to say one of us won’t be next?”

“Come on, Ash…I know you don’t get along with her, but she saved Zach tonight. She’s NOT in league with Hellfire for fuck’s sake. And she should be here, with us.”

“Is it so easy for you to forget what she did to me?!”

“No, Ash…”

He wanted her to know that they were on her side, but then craziness started happening in the conference room. Something had happened at the Sanctuary, and Oracle contacted Sharon to check on her. Everything was alright there, sort of. Rose had decided to destroy every piece of security equipment they had.

“Hmm…I’m not sure Rose is playing with a full deck after all…”

Which became even more worrisome after Sharon told them that Rose was blaming Zach for Haleigh’s attack. Ashley took offense, blaming it on Sharon, and storming off into the far corner of the room. He got up and sat next to her, putting a hand on her arm, but she didn’t turn to look at him.

Zizi ended the communication with Sharon.

“I volunteer to go over to the Sanctuary, if someone is needed there.”

But his words were forgotten as Ashley was getting up and crossing the room towards Oracle.

“So what the hell did Haleigh do that has Rose so hot and bothered. Aside from shooting a kid that is.”

He could tell the room was trying to decipher whether telling her was going to send her into a screaming rampage or not.

“Andrew?”

He wasn’t stupid, and he didn’t want to be on her bad side.

“She chose to save the Six instead of the bus carrying Rose’s children, and 42 were killed. She told Rose they weren’t worth as much as the Six.”

Ashley and Oracle proceeded to have a standoff about whether to let Sharon tell Zach about it or if Ash was going to call him right now and spill the beans. Ashley relented, surprisingly enough.

“Let him have a good night’s sleep, Ash. He needs it.”

He turned to Oracle.

“But Ashley IS right. What if Rose decides to eke out some vengeance against Zach?”

Oracle: “Delilah is with him now, as is Isis – so he’s perfectly safe. The two of you [Ashley and Steel] can head over in the morning and relieve them and keep watch. That should be sufficient protection until Sharon is able to tell him about Rose.”

“I want to see him too – he should know we’re all pulling for him.”

Oracle smiled at him.

Oracle: “Of course. We can all visit tomorrow – after Zach and Alycia have had a chance to sleep and we’ve gotten some ourselves.”

 

[Spellbinder]

Charope Infirmary- Alycia's suite

"Morgan, you should know that Haleigh sent me a message. She said she was trying to get Malice to kill her, and that as long as Malice had her 'bodies', she'd have the power. She also said that the Queens were breaking Ava, and that I should get the Six to save her. I think we saw tonight what kind of effect the Hellfire club is having on them. Obviously her message was genuine, but some of it went over my head... like the plurality about her 'bodies'.... can you shed light on that? Or on what happened the night she defected?"

<< Morgan leaned back in her seat and looked upon Zach with her violet eyes.>>

I think you haven't seen how much WORSE it can get, and I'm here to make sure we don't get to that point.

<< He had always been so...easy going, and long suffering. Morgan and Alison used to stare at him in amazement, not just because he was very easy on the eyes, but because they'd never seen a MAN who could be as calm, as even...as empathetic as Zach, even in the face of monstrous odds, and deadly situations! Was he even REAL!? Well, his near DEATH was confirmation of that, and Morgan wanted to make sure he wouldn't be hurt anyMORE because of how he was, how he felt about Haleigh and Persephone.>>

Malice ALREADY killed her once, Zach. The body she wears now, is her THIRD to date.

<< Alycia and Zach stared at her disbelief.>>

It's true.

In the aftermath of the Frost debacle, when my mother and Isis helped Haleigh discover the TRUTH about herself, she immediately went to Sheena Island to confront Malice, without telling anyone.

It did not end well for her.

Sometime ago, after Malice had learned that Christopher harvested her ova, and then fertilized them with his own genetic material, she decided that she would completely upend his plan for "Project Scion." That moment would set events in motion that we're ALL still dealing with to this day.

When Malice killed her on Sheena Island, she discovered she HAD inherited at least ONE aspect of her mother's powerset, allowing her to PROJECT her consciousness into one of her "copies"...which are house on Sheena Island.That is why she went from being a red head, to being BLONDE with a short cut overnight. There IS a catch though, she can ONLY project herself into a genetic copy of HERSELF. She's gone through three bodies now. The "SUPPLY" is not endless.

After this incident on Sheena Island, I met with her just a day or two later, and we were filling out paper work and contracts to get the ball rolling on my Sanctorum project. She was speaking cryptically to me then, and I didn't realize what...or why, until later that same night, in the War Room, when she finally told us the truth.

Since that night, with everything that's happened, I've been in Limbo, observing them, ALL of them in that mansion, via my Scrying Glass. I've seen what Malice has been doing to them. Ava is not broken, she's been made dormant by Malice's psi powers, allowing Persephone to become the dominant persona.

<< Morgan shook her head.>>

Ava was stupid for following Haleigh. She was FOOLISH to throwing away all the PROGRESS that she'd achieved in therapy with my mother. Alison BEGGED her not to go, but she did so anyway, and this is the result.

<< She waves her hand as Zach attempts to protest.>>

She didn't need to do this to herself, Zach. There were OTHER ways to handle it. I'm TELLING you that, and it's going to start happening now.

<< her voice, with its icy resonance, and her demeanor were definitely cold and FOCUSED.>>

As for Haleigh, I know what she wants, and how far she's willing to go to get it.

You're right, she IS trying to goad Malice into killing her. She overestimated her ability in that regard. What happened on Sheena Island was it. Haleigh may be legendary for causing people to run off the rails. Malice WROTE THE BOOK. HALEIGH will break before Malice does...and she's starting to realize that...and now...

<< she looks at them both>>

She wants OUT...no matter WHAT the cost.

<< Morgan abruptly stands up, looking rather agitated, as she begins to slowly pace around the room>>

But thanks to her AND Persephone, simply EXTRACTING them will not be an option. If Haleigh had LISTENED to my mother...this could have gone in an ENTIRELY different direction. If she'd TRUSTED US more than she FEARED Malice, WE could have protected her AND ourselves.

<< she turns on her high heel to face Zach and Alycia>>

But what's done is done, and all of this has gone on LONG ENOUGH.

I am going to put a stop to it.

I'm sure that you're aware that Haleigh has stockpiled a MASSIVE amount of nuclear weapons and other artilery? Enough to NUKE the entire eastern seaboard MULTIPLE TIMES!

Alycia: WHAT!?

<< Spellbidner looked at at Alycia and Zach. Apparenly he HADN'T told her. weren't they TEAMMATES, FRIENDS?? how could have NOT have told her when it was something that put them ALL at risk?>>

<< After a few moments....>>

My father is responsible for all of this, and Haleigh has been dealt a TERRIBLE hand. NO ONE asks to be born...and SHE....SHE was CREATED. My father's legacy continues to haunt me, my mother, my sisters....and not even DEATH or ABSENCE offers relief from it << that last part was definitely a reference to Frost.>> his twisted machinations cast a shadow so long...and even with him being damned to Limbo, we still suffer from his abuse.

But the line between victim and monster IS thin. I should know.

They're not possessed, Zach, I have SEEN what possession looks like. That is NOT what is going on here. On SOME LEVEL, Haleigh WANTED to go to Malice. She was equal parts INTRIGUED AND REPULSED by the fact that she was the biological daughter of this...SUPER PREDATOR.

Understand this: They have done TOO MUCH at this point and they MUST answer for it. That child in the hospital, what happened to of you, the attacks on Vivica and Simon....ALL of it. They made choices, choices have consequences.

Creation is but the first step along the road of life! She has made the decisions for what comes next - she will bear responsibility for the paths she chose. Persephone as well.

I want you to stand back for now. Rest yourselves, recover, Regroup with your team, and TAKE CARE of each other, and let me handle my exploratory mission regarding the CRISIS of my sister and Persephone. My findings from that exploration will determine my next course of action.

I know you want them to be rescued...and I'll certainly TRY to SAVE them. But at this point there's MORE at stake than those two, and I can't stand by and see ANYONE ELSE be hurt or possibly killed by them. If they leave me no choice, I will DEAL with them accordingly.

<< She notices Alycia's facial expression soften from a look of dismay to a look of sympathy. Morgan herself looks at Zach once more.>>

I HAVE seen what's been happening...what Malice has been doing to Haleigh. I want to FREE her and Persephone. But sometimes....FREEDOM comes at a PRICE, and I If Haleigh MUST die in order to be TRULY free of Malice and OUR father's abuse and the threat of it going forward, it will be at the hands of her sisters, myself and Blaze.

It's late...and I know this was A LOT of heaviness.

Alycia: Morgan....I...

<< Morgan could see the distress on Alycia's face>>

Morgan: Alycia, don't do this to yourself. You don't need to feel or EXPLAIN anything right now. You've been through HELL over the past twenty four hours. The only person you owe anything to...is YOURSELF. Your SAFE now. Delilah and Isis are here, and you WON'T be left alone to pick up the pieces as you begin that journey of moving on. I PROMISE you that.

<< Morgan hugs Alycia once more....tightly, as both women hold on to one another for dear life. Zach would realize they were BOTH remembering what happened to Alycia in Arklay mansion. And now, add that to what'd she'd been through at the hands of Haleigh, Cameron, and PERSEPHONE?>>

Morgan: Just rest now, Alycia. They won't hurt you again. I PROMISE.

<< and with that, goes a MINOR sleep spell to help Alycia settle and avoid the risk of anxiety attack. Morgan gently lays Alycia down and covers her, placing that magick flower near her. It's soothing vapors will ensure that Alycia sleeps a full, beautiful sleep, and that when she awakens tomorrow, Isis' magick will have restored her completely>>

<< Morgan looks upon Alycia with a smile, and feeling of relief>>

Too often, she's felt like she was disposable, and I'm not going to leave her to pick up the pieces alone. Neither will Delilah.

<< she looked at Zach. >>

I don't know about this "Birds of Prey." Delilah says I would like the group, especially Oracle. I certainly look forward to meeting her. I HOPE that the team is treating Alycia AND Sharon right.

They may be with that group, but they're OUR [ The Six] family, as are you.

Now come on, let's let Alycia sleep.

<< Zach offers Morgan her arm, she is pleased by how gallant he still is after all these years. Together, they make their way down the hall, turning a corner, to another hall, and finally reaching his room>>

I want to talk to you just a little more, before I put YOU to bed.

<< she smiles at him, and again he sees a flash of that dark visage across her face, it's this beautiful, yet unholy look...one that NICOLAS and more recently DEREK have seen.>>

<< Inside of his suite>>

I saw the look on Alycia's face when Haleigh's stockpile was mentioned. don't have to be a telepath to know that there's some sort of disconnect going on somewhere, Zach. Is everything OKAY with your team? They have Sharon, Alycia, Dominique, yourself...even Vivica..

I know you're feeling some kind of way about Haleigh and Persephone.

<< she faced him, and took his hands into her own>>

You've always been so....long suffering.

But I'm concerned that may be what got you HURT.

Do you know how LUCKY you are that Sharon, Alycia, and Dominique were able to save you?

Do you know how DEVISTATED we would've been if we'd LOST the two of you!?

<<sighing as she looked him over, including his hands>>

Isis restored you, but you bear the scars of Persephone's vicious attack, her mystic daggers.

<< Without hesitation, Morgan PULLS DOWN his gown, leaving him in the all together, and "examines" his chest. To the oberserver, it was DEFINITELY an "eye opening" moment to behold, the sexy supermodel and the handsome CI commander in what LOOKED like a compromising position!? but Morgan seemed QUITE comfortable with herself , and she felt that Zach would be fine as well, especially because she wasn't doing this to be sexual with him.>>

These scars are from the mystical BURNS of the magick energy that Persephone's daggers are charged with. That magick energy is from the power of HECATE.

Isis COULD have pushed harder to wipe these scars away, but she didn't want your healing to be anymore TRAUMATIC for you than it already was.

But I am the avatar of Hecate, her daughter, and as this world's Sorceress Supreme, I have the power to remove these scars from your body.

<< She looked him in the eye>>

Would you like me to use my magick to remove them for you?

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – Isis’ Diamond Suite to The War Room II to Cass' Penthouse

"That's what they're trying to tell us. So we should BELIEVE them."

Blaze said coldly. They Wanted to make enemies, they HAD them, and Firebird was going to make sure they KNEW what the fires of COMBAT felt like!

" They aren't OURS anymore, so we don't treat them with CARE, OR handle them delicately."

“But WE [the Six] do need to handle this. And I’m with you every step of the way on THAT.”

"Spellbinder is ready to take action."

"We just need to get little boy blue (Prophet) and mary mary quite contrary (MorningStar) on board. They're the only ones trying to keep hope alive."

:: Cass sighed, but she didn’t reply. Honestly, she loved Blaze to death, but sometimes she got annoyed by what she said about the others. ::

*mutters*: “Maybe that’s a GOOD thing…” [about them trying to keep hope alive]

"And Cass, take it easy, okay? You don't have to LIKE Rich right now...but he's not your enemy. He and Dominique came here to help and support us. "

"We need to work with the few allies that we have left, not alienate them."

:: Now Cass was straight up ANNOYED. She knew that she still had issues to work out, but she did NOT appreciate Blaze chastisizing her in front of Little Boy. ::

*icily*: “FINE.”

We are not on the same team, but we need to still maintain information and support between one another. And Cass is cool, we do not have to be buddy-buddy in order to attain goals together. Besides, I am not very...sociable. Pretty sure it's all my fault.

:: Cass offered a small smile to Rich. It was nice of him to try and play referee, but he didn’t have to do that. Rich asked about the rest of the Six and Blaze reported that Morgan was busy, and that Cameron and her mom were up in his penthouse, as was Mike. She said that the best thing would be to check in with them from the War Room. Soon, they were on the move from Isis’ suite to the War Room, where Blaze contacted Prophet, Shadow Weaver, and Arsenal. Cass sighed and sat down in the chair nearest her and waited. ::

:: Soon Mike, Karen, and Cameron appeared in the War Room. ::

Someone attacked Cam, that was where we were when you contacted us. Please tell me you have good news.

:: Cass gasped and looked at Cameron. ::

“Oh my God, are you okay?!”

:: She was still a bit hurt by his silence. Okay, so maybe she sent more than enough ‘thought calls’ to him but it was only because she was so worried about him when all she received was complete RADIO SILENCE. Still, his well-being trumped her hurt. Morgan and Nicolas then showed up as well. ::

:: Everybody started talking and saying their own opinions on how to deal with both Haleigh and Ava. Cass may have told Blaze that she was behind her every step of the way but…KILL TEAMS? REALLY? That didn’t sit well with Cass. Sure, she was horrified by what Haleigh did to that child but…KILL TEAMS. It just didn’t gel with what everybody in the Six had been telling her: that they were her family, that she could TRUST each of them [including Ava, to a degree ], that they would ALWAYS be there for her. Cass had a real problem with the killing of both Haleigh and Ava. She wasn’t okay with it. ::

No, NO! This isn’t right. None of this is right!! It just doesn’t fit in with what I know to be true. They are still FAMILY to me, at this present time, and FAMILY never gives up on each other!

:: She was reminded of what she had told everybody in that weird dream: ”When the chips are down…I will ALWAYS have your backs.” She couldn’t quite bring herself to turn her back on them. Cass began to get visibly agitated. ::

:: Nicolas went into his scary form and asked Morgan to perform a scrying spell because something happened to ALYCIA?! Morgan did and Cass was shocked, SHOCKED, by what she saw!! ZACH getting attacked by…PERSEPHONE!! Same with both Sharon AND Alycia?! She was too distraught by what was transpiring that she laid her head down on the table. She couldn’t even begin to speak. ::

:: Both Nicolas and Rich apparently received a message from Isis and as it turned out, BOTH Zach and Alycia will be okay!! Cass started crying because, really, it was all too much for her right now. She placed her palms on the table and slowly rose from her seat. ::

*apologetically*: “I-I’m sorry. I can’t do this right now. I know we’re supposed to be doing ‘team stuff’ but I can’t…I just can’t!!”

:: She practically ran for the door before stopping and turning around. Tears were still streaming down her face. ::

“Look, I’m NOT like you guys. I can’t just…jump up on board with killing Haleigh and Ava…OUR FAMILY. It’s not sitting well with me. I KNOW that what they did, what they are doing, and what they will be doing, is wrong. I KNOW that!” *voice breaking*: “But I can’t seem to abandon them as easily as you guys have. It just doesn’t gel with everything that you have told me, over and over and over.”

:: Cass wiped her eyes. ::

“I DO trust you, ALL of you, but I’m so sorry. I can’t deal with this right now.”

:: And Cass left, running through the corridor to the elevator and taking it all the way to her floor. Then she ran down the hallway to her suite and choking back tears, she wrenched the door open and burst into her safe place. She then slammed the door shut before dropping to all fours and just letting go and releasing all the pent up tears that she had been holding back: tears for her broken family, tears for Zach and Alycia, tears for the unknown, tears for Haleigh, Ava, AND Persephone. She let it all out. ::

 

[Steel]

The Clocktower

“Is it so easy for you to forget what she did to me?!”

She didn’t understand. And he understood. He really did. She was used to not trusting people. To having people betray her. She acted the way she did so that no one could hurt her. And now, she was hurt. But Sharon had been hurt too, and needed their understanding just as much. He had seen that in her after Persephone’s attack, and again at the Infirmary. She needed their compassion.

But he couldn’t begin to say any of that, because suddenly they got word that something was going on at the Sanctuary.

“That’s the Sanctuary!”

“The children…have they been…?”

He stared at the screen intently as if some flashing explanation was about to come up. Oracle contacted Sharon, who luckily was there, to find out what was going on. Turns out Rose had decided to rip out all the CI tech herself. Which didn’t make his “they needed to work with Rose, she wasn’t going to try and kill them” argument look so great. But all the kids – and Rose – were safe, which was what mattered.

Oracle asked Sharon if she wanted them to send backup.

“I’ll let my people know to be extra alert – they’re the last line of defense and they have to hold it.”

Once Sharon signed off, Ashley was as antagonistic as ever, even arguing with Zizi. Luckily, she was able to talk her down. But he felt the need to do something.

It was decided that the two of them would relieve Delilah in the morning at the Infirmary. That would be a good time for them to talk…but he didn’t want to leave her stewing all night about what he had said. As they all started to go their separate ways, Steel caught Ashley by the arm.

“I haven’t forgotten what she did to you. I just understand better what she’s going through. The same way I understand what you’re going through. She’s a part of our team, just as you are, flaws and all.”

He let go of her arm.

“Just try and remember that everyone has been hurt. Everyone needs someone to care.”

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Finally it was time for everyone to get some rest. Even Oracle’s eyelids were drooping – she should have asked Tachyon to grab her a Big Gulp when he went for the pizza.

She held back with Viv as she noticed Steel stop Ashley.

“I haven’t forgotten what she did to you. I just understand better what she’s going through. The same way I understand what you’re going through. She’s a part of our team, just as you are, flaws and all. Just try and remember that everyone has been hurt. Everyone needs someone to care.”

She hoped Ashley would hear John’s words. Or at the very least, realize that he did care about her. The last thing this team needed were two more of its members at odds.

Ashley: “I hate to break this to you, John: the only people Sharon cares about are herself and Alycia. You’re straight out of luck big guy.”

Ashley moved past Steel towards the elevator. Zizi took his hand and gave it a squeeze.

“I’ll talk to her.”

She & Viv followed Ashley to the elevator for the ride up to the main floor.

“You know John was only trying to help. He cares about you. We all do. But Sharon is not your enemy.”

Ashley: “I think you’ll have a tougher time convincing Sharon that I’m not hers. Might want to start there.”

The doors opened and Ashley stepped out. Zizi sighed. She followed Ashley into the common area. She watched her pick the flower arrangement out of the trash can.

Ashley: “WHO threw this away?”

She filled the vase up with water and carried it into her room, shutting the door behind her.

Zizi looked at Viv.

“That was weird, right? She’s acting weird.”

 

[Tachyon]

Andrew asked could HE ----HE! make an Irish Breakfast! The proper way to answer that involved more swearing than he wanted to do in front of Zizi, at least for now.

Oracle went to work LEADING and she gave everyone some homework as they decided to at least be ready for the pair. She turned to Xavier.

“Xavier, maybe you could help Vivica with research? Your area of expertise notwithstanding, I’m sure you can get through materials faster than anyone else here. We need something we can use against Persephone. I’ll work on Black Widow. Andrew you can help me here, and I’ll talk to Sharon as well. Ashley, John, you’ll be on bodyguard duty. I’m sure Delilah will need a break. Everyone should get a good night’s sleep first, though – it’s been a long day for all of us.”

No problem. I already have some ideas but I will do some more digging. I wonder if Mina would like to chime in? I will check...

Just then, an alarm went off that indicated that something was happening at the Sanctuary. It was all Xavier could do not to already BE THERE. But his sudden appearance could make things worse, so he held off...for now.

“Electronic feedback and a huge discharge of power at the site.”

She flipped up a control panel set into the conference table.

“Looks like contacting Sharon can’t wait.”

She activated the com connection to Sharon.

[via com] “Silver Swan? This is Oracle. My scans registered a MASSIVE disturbance at the Sanctuary, is everything okay there?”

saythewordsaythewordsaythewordsaytheword

[via com]: “My goodness Silver Swan. Is the compound secure? Do we need to send backup?”

She looked around the table, silently letting them know to be ready.

[via com]: “Steel’s people are still holding the perimeter around the Sanctuary round the clock, but we can have someone there in a flash.”

She gave Xavier a warm smile.

Fucking right you can.

Sharon informed them that Rose cut off her security because of the ties to Black Widow and Zachary...and Xavier could not blame her for that. She also held Zach in contempt for essentially being the primary connection between the Sanctuary and the perpetrator of the night. That was a stretch at best and somewhat unfair at worst and it occurred to him that Zachary might be a target of the woman. Ashley, meanwhile, went off the deep end, swearing and attempting to warn Zachary ahead of Sharon telling him what Rose decided about his access. Thankfully, Oracle handled here, but Xavier was set to destroy the phone if necessary. Ashley got a LOT of rope, and he was not keen on watching her hang the team with it. He relaxed as the scene began to lower in temperature when the pizzas chimed in as ready.

Xavier nodded and went to the door.

0:00:00.000

2 minutes or less, GUARANTEED.

And he sped off...

0:00:08.943

...coming to a halt at the pizzeria . A credit card signing and he had the first ten.

I will take these to my car and be right back, OK?

0:01:24.772

Stepping around the corner, he sped to Charope , dropping the ten off outside the room with Richard with a note.

I know you will not rest, but I'll be damned if you do not eat. -X

0:01:33.587

He knew that Rich's nose would do the rest and he rolled back, stepping in the pizzeria and grabbing the last 10.

You guys have a great night!

0:01:48.122

Back around the corner, dropped off 4 pies for the others at Charope with instructions to freaking eat...

0:01:54.730

and back to the Clocktower, setting the remaining six pizzas in the common area after striking out at the conference room.

0:01:58.648

AND there you have it. Enjoy! It is piping hot still.

Satisfied that SOMETHING was not in the shit for once, he opened the first box and grabbed a slice...

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

Morgan had taken Sharon's seat, and Zach strategically planted himself back in his own armchair. Once he reclined back, it was perfect because with the bed in between them, she was only visible from the neck up.

Morgan: I think you haven't seen how much WORSE it can get, and I'm here to make sure we don't get to that point. Malice ALREADY killed her once, Zach. The body she wears now, is her THIRD to date.

Surprise dawned on his expression.

Morgan: It's true. In the aftermath of the Frost debacle, when my mother and Isis helped Haleigh discover the TRUTH about herself, she immediately went to Sheena Island to confront Malice, without telling anyone. It did not end well for her.

"No, I can't imagine it would have."

Morgan continued to fill them in, and the more she talked, the less questions Zach had. He DID throw one out, after Morgan explained about Haleigh's 'copies', and there being a limited supply.

"Any idea how limited?"

Morgan: She mentioned there being 'over a dozen', but didn't give a specific count.

A realization hit him when she said it, and he shook his head grimly as he commented.

"Gods Almighty, she planned to die over a dozen times to keep any of us from going up against Hellfire."

After that sank in, Morgan continued.

Morgan: Since that night, with everything that's happened, I've been in Limbo, observing them, ALL of them in that mansion, via my Scrying Glass. I've seen what Malice has been doing to them. Ava is not broken, she's been made dormant by Malice's psi powers, allowing Persephone to become the dominant persona.

"Persephone lured me in using Ava's emotions as bait, knowing I'd come running because of......[he paused uneasily] my history."

The Queen of the Underworld is a TREACHEROUS BITCH.

He thought, and immediately felt guilty for indirectly thinking that way about Ava. He didn't hold AVA responsible for that, but he still couldn't get the image out of his head of HER attacking, and he was afraid he never would.

Morgan: Ava was stupid for following Haleigh. She was FOOLISH to throwing away all the PROGRESS that she'd achieved in therapy with my mother. Alison BEGGED her not to go, but she did so anyway, and this is the result.

"She LOVES her sister, Morg--"

Morgan: She didn't need to do this to herself, Zach. There were OTHER ways to handle it. I'm TELLING you that, and it's going to start happening now.

He pressed his lips together in a hard line, and tried to be patient.

Morgan: As for Haleigh, I know what she wants, and how far she's willing to go to get it. You're right, she IS trying to goad Malice into killing her. She overestimated her ability in that regard. What happened on Sheena Island was it. Haleigh may be legendary for causing people to run off the rails. Malice WROTE THE BOOK. HALEIGH will break before Malice does...and she's starting to realize that...and now... She wants OUT...no matter WHAT the cost.

His head in his hands, he stared at his bare feet as he replied.

"Of COURSE she does. She doesn't BELONG with those monsters. YOU know what's being DONE to them, you KNOW we have to get them OUT of there ASAP."

Morgan: But thanks to her AND Persephone, simply EXTRACTING them will not be an option. If Haleigh had LISTENED to my mother...this could have gone in an ENTIRELY different direction. If she'd TRUSTED US more than she FEARED Malice, WE could have protected her AND ourselves.

"Haleigh never feared Malice. She feared seeing any of her loved ones die."

Morgan: But what's done is done, and all of this has gone on LONG ENOUGH. I am going to put a stop to it. I'm sure that you're aware that Haleigh has stockpiled a MASSIVE amount of nuclear weapons and other artilery? Enough to NUKE the entire eastern seaboard MULTIPLE TIMES!

Alycia: WHAT!?

"Ah, yes, the Hellfire Missile Cache. Clandestine did notify me of that, right before they told me about Jake."

Talk moved on to the topic of exactly who's fault all this was.

Morgan: They're not possessed, Zach, I have SEEN what possession looks like. That is NOT what is going on here. On SOME LEVEL, Haleigh WANTED to go to Malice. She was equal parts INTRIGUED AND REPULSED by the fact that she was the biological daughter of this...SUPER PREDATOR.

"Ok fine, so they're being COERCED, then. They are NOT acting of their own free will, I can ASSURE YOU."

Morgan: Understand this: They have done TOO MUCH at this point and they MUST answer for it. That child in the hospital, what happened to of you, the attacks on Vivica and Simon....ALL of it. They made choices, choices have consequences.

He gave a nod of acknowledgement, his expression was grave.

Morgan: I know you want them to be rescued...and I'll certainly TRY to SAVE them. But at this point there's MORE at stake than those two, and I can't stand by and see ANYONE ELSE be hurt or possibly killed by them. If they leave me no choice, I will DEAL with them accordingly.

"If they leave you no choice..."

He echoed in a hollow tone. He stared in distant thought as Morgan and Alycia talked some more. It was the sudden silence that snapped him out of his reverie. He stood once he noticed Morgan on her feet.

Morgan: Too often, she's felt like she was disposable, and I'm not going to leave her to pick up the pieces alone. Neither will Delilah.

"Neither will I."

Morgan: I don't know about this "Birds of Prey." Delilah says I would like the group, especially Oracle. I certainly look forward to meeting her. I HOPE that the team is treating Alycia AND Sharon right.

"There's been some personality clashes, like with every team I imagine."

Morgan: They may be with that group, but they're OUR [ The Six] family, as are you. Now come on, let's let Alycia sleep.

He nodded, making a mental note to push his talk with Bishop to the morning, and came around the bed, offering his arm to Morgan politely. They walked down the hall.

Morgan: I want to talk to you just a little more, before I put YOU to bed.

They were back to his room now, and she was smiling darkly again. The look she had gave him a chill.

Morgan: I saw the look on Alycia's face when Haleigh's stockpile was mentioned. don't have to be a telepath to know that there's some sort of disconnect going on somewhere, Zach. Is everything OKAY with your team? They have Sharon, Alycia, Dominique, yourself...even Vivica..

"There's disconnects EVERYWHERE, Morgan. Things are happening so quickly, we haven't had a chance to EAT or SLEEP or do ANYTHING except survive. If only we knew about all this sooner, we might have been better prepared for all these attacks. I'm still STUNNED that after ALL THAT HAPPENED the night she left, nobody thought to call me."

Morgan: I know you're feeling some kind of way about Haleigh and Persephone.

She took his hands, and he was grateful for her compassion.

"Of COURSE I am. You know how much they mean to me, after all these years."

Morgan: You've always been so....long suffering. But I'm concerned that may be what got you HURT. Do you know how LUCKY you are that Sharon, Alycia, and Dominique were able to save you? Do you know how DEVASTATED we would've been if we'd LOST the two of you!?

He didn't answer, he didn't want to think about it.

Morgan: Isis restored you, but you bear the scars of Persephone's vicious attack, her mystic daggers.

The shirt of his scrubs set was off faster than he thought possible, and his phone clattered to the floor. She had his pants low on his hips by the time Zach grabbed her hands. He could not remember EVER having stopped a gorgeous woman from taking his pants off before. She looked up at him and he smiled ruefully.

"You'll find absolutely nothing wrong with my lower half, Miss Victoria."

Morgan: These scars are from the mystical BURNS of the magick energy that Persephone's daggers are charged with. That magick energy is from the power of HECATE.

She said, looking at his chest, and reaching to touch the marks. If anybody walked in right now, he would have some explaining to do. He glanced at the door.

Morgan: Isis COULD have pushed harder to wipe these scars away, but she didn't want your healing to be anymore TRAUMATIC for you than it already was. But I am the avatar of Hecate, her daughter, and as this world's Sorceress Supreme, I have the power to remove these scars from your body. Would you like me to use my magick to remove them for you?

He looked at her, and then smiled, because his mind flashed to Ashley, and what she had to say about his scars.

"Thank you, Morgan, but that's really not necessary. Your magick would be better spent on more important things than my vanity."

His phone buzzed loudly on the tile behind him. Compelled by habit, he turned and bent to pick it up.

From Ashley >> Try and keep me away. You’ll be Superman by the time I’m done with you.

He smiled to himself a moment, recalling the recent fun he'd had with Ash in this very room, then remembered Morgan was still there.

"Thank you for providing us so much intel, Morgan. And it's good to hear you acknowledge the idea of saving Haleigh and Ava. I will help you in any way you need, please ask."

 

[Spellbinder]

Charope Infirmary- Zach's suite

His shirt was off faster than he thought possible, and his phone clattered to the floor. She had his pants low on his hips by the time Zach grabbed her hands. He could not remember EVER having stopped a gorgeous woman from taking his pants off before. She looked up at him and he smiled ruefully.

<< Morgan looked at his hands as he grabbed her's.>>

What's the problem?

"You'll find absolutely nothing wrong with my lower half, Miss Victoria."

<< She smirked, he was a heartbeat away BLUSHING.>>

How sweet.

Don't worry, Zach. I feasted to my fill earlier this evening.

<< She grinned at him, WIDELY, like the cheshire cat, and one last time, her face was enshrouded in shadow, save for her glowing eyes.>>

<< She was, of course, referring to her HIGHLY charged encounter with Derek Forrester, but Zach would assume she meant Nicolas.>>

"You'll find absolutely nothing wrong with my lower half, Miss Victoria."

Mmmhmm.

I bet if I was Sally Spectra, you wouldn't have stopped me!

<< She joked as she looked at him knowingly.>>

<< it was fine, the scars were on his chest area, and hands anyway.>>

These scars are from the mystical BURNS of the magick energy that Persephone's daggers are charged with. That magick energy is from the power of HECATE.

<< He glanced at the door. WHAT was he worried about!? Morgan couldn't help but be slightly amused. She figured him not to be so...SHY?>>

Isis COULD have pushed harder to wipe these scars away, but she didn't want your healing to be anymore TRAUMATIC for you than it already was. But I am the avatar of Hecate, her daughter, and as this world's Sorceress Supreme, I have the power to remove these scars from your body. Would you like me to use my magick to remove them for you?

He looked at her, and then smiled,

"Thank you, Morgan, but that's really not necessary. Your magick would be better spent on more important things than my vanity."

His phone buzzed loudly on the tile behind him. Compelled by habit, he turned and bent to pick it up.

<< Morgan looked at him, with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. She watched as he fiddled with his phone, and seemed to be quite amused with whatever message he was reading. He ALSO seemed to forget that SHE was standing there.>>

<<AHEM!>>

<< She cleared her throat loudly>>

hen remembered Morgan was still there.

"Thank you for providing us so much intel, Morgan. And it's good to hear you acknowledge the idea of saving Haleigh and Ava. I will help you in any way you need, please ask."

This really IS a Six problem....and you, Alycia, Sharon...even Dominique, and Vivica- though she doesnt like it- are part of US. You may WORK with the Birds of Prey, but you're PART OF US.

REMEMBER that, Zach.

And remember what I said. I am sorceress supreme. EVERYONE in that Mansion, from MALICE ON DOWN, will find out what that means.

<< she took his hands into her's one last time.>>

I'll do everything I can to try and save them. But I make no guarantees. Sometimes...salvation...and FREEDOM come at a PRICE.

<< She hoped he understood just what she meant.>>

Now you WATCH yourself!

<< She pulled him into a warm, tight hug, and as her icy, magick aura enveloped him, she kissed him on the cheek. She released him>>

Now get in the bed.

<< She commanded, as she lightly pushed him, applying a fraction of her strength, causing him to fall into the bed. She smirked with amusement as she covered him with the blanket. She LIKED giving commands to men. >>

You need your rest.

I'll leave you with a FULL night's sleep.

<< She began to activate the same spell on him that she had Alycia.>>

You, your body will awaken tommorow completely refreshed, as though you have sleeped 12 hours, even though it's only been several, and Isis' spell will have run IT'S course on you.

Tomorrow is another day....and the two of you are well on your way.

Good night Zachary. Sleep the sleep of the JUST.

<< the spell activated fully, and Zach was now drifting off>>

You deserve it.

<< she turned on her high heels and walked toward the door way, turning back to look at the now sleeping Zach Armani>>

Both of you.

<< she placed her hand on the light sensor, and turned the lights off>>

<< and with that, Spellbinder walks down the hall, we hear the sound of her high heels clicking along the floor, before she disappears from our view, via stepping disc.>>

 

[Seer]

Through the night, and the next day>>

<< Hellfire Mansion>>

<< The White Wing of the mansion>>

<< The White Queen and King, having spent another long, decadent night together, are both enjoy a rare moment of slumber. >>

<< Should we envy Malice's dreams, or the fact that Lord Ravena has none?>>

<< A lingering view on The White Queen, as she slumbers...>>

<< But we delve into HER dreams...we suddenly SHIFT to another room of the White Wing.>>

<< While Haleigh Davidoff, Scion, daughter of Malice, a woman who NEVER sleeps, has actually FALLEN ASLEEP without knowing it!>>

<< When her eyes snap open, she is somewhere else completely, LIMBO, the SUMMIT, that large, MASSIVE stone castle, carved from the very rock of the LARGEST mountain in the endless expanse of Limbo. >>

<< And she finds herself in her PREVIOUS form. >>

<< She's been in this eldritch dimension before, but there's only way to get here, and that's by the power of SPELLBINDER. Still, the hybrid doesn't see the demon sorceress anywhere just yet. >>

<< Haleigh is in Morgan's Chamber of Dreams.>>

<< She hears the whisper of mistral winds outside, and sees stepping discs randomly opening at various angles and closing almost as quickly. >>

Spellbinder: Hello, HALEIGH.

<< That voice, with its icy resonance, it's all too familiar, and as chimes sound off, Haleigh is drawn to it's direction, from BEHIND.>>

<< Spellbinder, the QUEEN of Limbo, stands before her, in yet ANOTHER outfit that speaks to the changes in attitude and demeanor she's exhibited lately.>>

-------------------------------------------------------------
<< Charope, LLC>>

<< Zach awakens from what feels like the most deep and refreshing sleep he's had in ages. He recalls his very positive encounters with Alycia Barnett and Morgan Victoria
from the night before, mending his precious friendship with Alycia, and having a very productive, but sobering and even perhaps hopeful conversation with Morgan regarding scion and Persephone.
Morgan's appeareance, manner of dress, demeanor, all were unusual for him, less so for Alycia, who had been around Morgan in those "early years," but in his last moments with Morgan, he felt her compassion toward him, she offered to remove the scars from his encounter with Persephone, and with one last hug and encouragement, she cast a minor sleep spell on him, as she had Alycia.>>

<< Now, he was awake, feeling ready for the world, and the world was certainly not going to disappoint, as his device was blowing up with URGENT communication from CI regarding a MAJOR incident at the Sanctuary.>>

<< Specter, who was not in the office of CI last night, was greeted to the chilling footage of Rose utterly destroying every piece of CI equipment and technology she could find, and SEVERING the link between her domain and CI completely with her
psycho power. But even as he and his fellow board members watched, soon, their view was cut off, as they saw her look directly at them via one of the cameras, and fire a bolt of astral energy at it.>>


<< As the official liason to the sanctuary, all attempts at contact were to go through Zach. He didn't know that he, and CI had officially been FIRED by Rose, and while Sharon Kelly was going to inform him and Alycia personally, Zach would initiate contact with SHARON first,
recalling that she said she was going to the Sanctuary last night.>>

<< Oracle dispatches designated Birds of Prey team members to go to Charope to offer Delilah relief and respite from a very long vigil over the building and those recovering inside. It was a much needed break for her. After she looks in on Zach, Alycia, and Isis, she will return to the Parthenon to see Cameron, Morgan and the others, and get some much needed rest.
She and Alycia will have another task at hand, digging into just who Dennis Nedry is.>>

<< Others- such as Cass, Blaze, and Nicolas from the Six, along with Vivica and other BoP members, will be visiting their loved ones and/or teammates at Charope as well, and various conversations will occurr, some will lead to bridge building, while others may provide hope OR concern.>>

<< Bishop is ready to be discharged, but has been asked to meet with Zach to discuss some details regarding his attack, including what was on the footage that Sharon saw on his wall mounted flat screen.>>

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

<<Clocktower>>

<< Steel ensures that his X Unit continues to secure and block a wide perimeter around the city block that houses the Sanctuary, while Silver Swan's birds, and Citadle's unique urban elemental powers help bridge the gap as well. It'll do for now, but a more
permanent solution is definitely need.>>

<< Among other things, Oracle is crafting a suitable alternative to CI to present to Rose. In the interest of fostering a STRONG open line of communication with the mysterious, and powerful PSI, she hopes that this will help do the trick.
She knows that having Rose on THEIR side in the coming days and weeks will make a WORLD of difference in a battle against the Hellfire Club and anyone there in. >>


<< While there, She and Steel take a moment to discuss Sharon, Alycia, and Dominique, and how things with them have shifted since that violent confrontation between Ashley and Sharon. It seems that the attack on Zach and the near fatal injuries he and Alycia sustained was a course altering moment,
and it was apparent that since the Amazons rushed to his aid, that their relationships with him were not entirely lost.>>

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

<< The Sanctuary>>

<< Rose, Sharon, Rae, and Danny sit together in the dinning room of Rose's beautiful, "old world" brownstone, enjoying a truly delicious breakfast that she made herself. As Rose was truly passionate and gifted in the act of care giving, nurturing and nourishing, this also extends to her culinary ability.>>

<< She seems quite calm, and serene this morning, the way that her guests know her to be. She shows no hesitation or regret for her actions last night either. >>

<< While they sit together and converse, Sharon is urgently contacted by Zach via the communication devices given to all the BoP by Oracle. He reaches out to her through a private channel. Sharon excuses herself to another area of the house to speak freely.>>

<< The city block that houses Rose's dwelling, and the orphanage, looks calm, and peaceful. There is no VISIBLE evidence of the massive damage Rose caued to the ci security network there.>>

<< While security is covered for now by several unique sources, one thing...one PERSON they can't BLOCK OUT, is CPS worker - Dennis Nedry, who has decided to come calling once more, and the look on his face says it all he is more interested in harrassing Rose, than investigating any legitimate issue.>>

<< His credentials allow him to pass the blockade that Steel ordered, and that is communicated to Steel and Oracle.>>

<< The confrontation between Rose and Dennis Nedry will happen very soon.>>

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Zizi was flitting around the Clocktower, humming to herself and periodically slurping from a Big Gulp. She had slept a couple of hours after Vivica had left, but had been up at dawn working on various methods of electromagnetic pulse generation, and now was sketching out plans for a new security system for the Sanctuary. She was going to need help on both of these – and had someone in mind to give it.

There was a knock on the door and her surveillance camera told her it was John. She pressed on a control panel and the door clicked open for him. She called to him, still engrossed in her work.

“Come on in, John honey!”

He set down a second Big Gulp in front of her.

Steel: “Thought you might need a refill by now.”

She smiled warmly up at him.

“Aw, John, you spoil me!”

He sipped a to go cup of coffee he’d brought with him.

Steel: “I thought I’d swing by and see how things were going before I went over to Charope. You know, with-“

He inclined his head towards Ashley’s room.

“I haven’t seen her yet this morning. She was…okay…last night. Not ranting and raving was a good sign.”

Not wanting to wake anyone, Zizi had texted the team reminding them of what they had discussed the night before: everyone was free of course to visit with Zach and Alycia at Charope, and other than that Vivica and Xavier were going to work on Persephone, she would work on Black Widow and Rose, and Ashley and John would provide support at Charope.

As if on cue, Ashley came stumbling out her room, dressed in a tan trench dress, grabbing a donut from the tray Zizi kept on the counter and shoving it into her mouth. It was WAY too early for Ashley to be awake, let alone dressed and

Oracle peered closer at her.

“Are you- are you wearing makeup?”

Ashley: “Wha?”

Ashley gave her a look like Zizi was insane.

“I’m heading to Charope Zees, as instructed.”

She grabbed Steel’s coffee cup and took it with her as she ambled out the door.

Zizi turned to John.

“I think that was her way of saying you two are cool.”

 

[Steel]

The Clocktower

“I think that was her way of saying you two are cool.”

He raised both eyebrows at her.

“Right.”

Oracle: “There’s a pot of coffee on the counter. Help yourself.”

“Now it’s your turn to spoil me. For someone who mainlines caffeine and sugar all day, you make the best coffee in the city.”

He got up and poured himself a mug.

“So what you working on here.”

She sighed.

Oracle: “Trying to come up with something to replace all of Clandestine’s tech, that got smashed.”

“That reminds me, I need to check in over there. Excuse me for a moment?”

He pulled out his phone and went into the kitchen to make a call. He pressed a number of his speed dial and waited for the other end to pick up.

>> “Artifice.”

“How are things going over there?”

>> “All’s quiet, Chief. Nothing to report overnight except the usual drunks.”

“Good. Make sure you keep the perimeter secure. Who’s there with you?”

>> We’ve got mostly crowd control for the day: Replica, Forcefield and Chimera.”

“Keep up the good work. Let me know if anything happens. Don’t forget, their surveillance is down – it’s up to you guys.”

>> “Roger that, Chief.”

He rejoined Zizi.

“Sorry about that. Everything’s fine over at the Sanctuary.”

 

[Specter]

Clandestine Intelligence

Griffin arrived just as the sun was cresting over the skyline, black coffee in hand. Some people awkwardly congratulated him, some just tried to 'act normal'. Sentry was waiting for him in his office.

"Good Morning?"

Tom: Morning. The caretaker at the Sanctuary destroyed all company property on the premises at 03:12 this morning. Hazel pulled up an invoice for everything installed on the premises.

Griffin took a packet of paper that must have listed everything item by item. He didn't need to look at the whole thing, the total sum cost was in a box in the top right corner on the top page.

"MILLIONS of dollars in equipment?!"

Tom: In about fifteen minutes.

The captain of security replied calmly, and directed Griff's attention to the recordings they had of Rose's rampage. He drank his coffee as he watched, dialing Zach to no avail. He tried three times, then sent some text messages with a lot of capital letters. The woman was clearly going off the rails, and Zach was the Primary Liaison. They'd already tasked Verdict to go over today to smooth out any hard feelings about Haleigh's 'visit' and clean up the mess.

"Well that changes our approach."

Tom: I already talked to Audrey to cancel the clean-up crew, and drafted a SECURITY team to escort Hud instead.

"Good call, I'll give him a heads up."

Tom: Did you reach the Director?

Griff nodded, and they shared a meaningful look as Griff pressed his phone against his ear. Two rings, and then Verdict's voice was on the other end.

Verdict: Hey, I already talked to Gav, there's plenty of capital available to take care of the hospital bills, and then some.

"Yeah, listen Hud, I want you to exercise EXTREME caution at the Sanctuary."

Verdict: Why, you think the caretaker is still worked up? I'll be alright, you know I've got a good defense.

"Oh, she's pissed. Apparently overnight she went on a rampage and destroyed millions of dollars worth of our equipment."

Verdict: What? Why would she-- does Zach know?

"No one's heard from Zach since Cassie told him about the hurt kid last night. Maybe they had a falling out at the hospital? I tried to call him but he's probably asleep. He would have called us with a game plan if he knew about the situation though."

Verdict: Oh-kay. Am I still trying to salvage our contract?

"I doubt you'll be able to."

Verdict: We can't leave those kids high and dry.

"We can only do what our clients ALLOW us to do."

Verdict: Alright, I'll do my best.

"Copy that, keep me posted."

After the phone call was over, Tom looked at him with a raised brow.

Sentry: So, what DID Haleigh have to say?

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

“Sorry about that. Everything’s fine over at the Sanctuary.”

Zizi look relieved.

“Thank heavens.”

She spun around in her chair to face Steel, steepling her fingers in her lap.

“Aside from the obvious that we need to keep the Sanctuary protected, I’m hoping a peace offering will show Rose that she can trust us, then maybe she’ll help us.”

Zizi sighed and tilted her head.

“And we so need her help.”

Steel: “We need Sharon & Alycia too.”

Zizi looked at him, saying nothing for a moment, then waved her hand.

“And Isis.”

She sighed.

“We’re supposed to be a team. We should be facing this threat as a team.”

Steel: “I talked to Alycia. She doesn’t understand why we give Ashley the time of day. And she’s hurt that Zach seemed to take comfort in her instead of Alycia and Sharon.”

Zizi shook her head sadly.

“They’ve only just met her, met us. They don’t know what she was like, when you first brought her to me. They don’t know how far she’s come.”

Steel: “But they’re good people.”

“Yes, they are.”

She gave him a small laugh.

“But getting them all to see each other the way we do is no easy task.”

Steel: “Sharon is taking the current situation especially hard. She’s trying to cover her feelings with anger.”

“It’s a terrible situation for her to be in. Her feelings will not be resolved quickly. However, I am heartened by their relationship with Zach.”

Steel laughed then.

Steel: “Are you joking? Sharon nearly killed Zach herself when he tried to see Alycia.”

“But when he was in need, both she and Alycia didn’t’ hesitate to go to his aid.”

She smiled.

“And she wasn’t angry with Zach because she hated him – you heard her yourself, John.”

Steel: “She blames herself for what Black Widow and Persephone are doing.”

“All of this is because Sharon cares. Isis cares. Alycia cares. And maybe, if they can find their way back to Zach, they can find their way back to us too.”

Steel: “But there’s still Ashley…”

“Yes. Sharon’s physical violence against her…it will be difficult to convince Ashley of anything right now. Fighting together had taken them one step closer, and now they’ve taken 50 steps back…I’d like to say in time…”

Steel: “But we don’t have a lot of time.”

She sighed out sadly.

“Exactly.”