Rose of destruction

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- Infirmary

Ashley: What am I doing.

It was like a door slammed shut in his face. She pulled away and began to panic, and he instinctively reduced that emotion and tried to restore her calm.

"What do you mean?"

Ashley: I know better than this. I- I had forgotten then, why I don’t let people near me. I forgot. And then I remembered. And now…

He sat up abruptly as she got out of bed, leaving him suddenly colder. It looked like she was trying to leave, he couldn't just let that happen.

"Ashley, wait--"

Ashley: I can’t. I can’t do this.

"Yes you can, you ARE--"

She started to cry, and it was like somebody knocked the wind out of him. He jumped out of bed quickly, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her back in, trying to supply her with the same happiness she'd just gave him just a few minutes ago.

Ashley: I’m so stupid. I’m always so stupid…

"No Ash, no, stop. I told you once, and I'll say it as many times as I have to until you believe it. If we don't let ourselves feel anything, then nothing will matter."

He kissed her again.

"Please, let yourself feel something. Don't shut me back out. Alone and empty-- that's no way to live. Please, stay with me, Ash. I want to make you happy. All you have to do is let me."

 

[Valkyrie]

Charope, LLC - Infirmary

Happiness was a lie. It only brought pain. Why couldn’t she find her clothes? She was hyperventilating. She had to get out of here. Had to get away. Before he saw how she felt. What was she saying? Before he felt how she felt.

She told him she couldn’t do this.

"Yes you can, you ARE--"

“It will just end up hurting.”

She was crying, and couldn’t see, and gave up on the dress. She just covered her face in her hands and wept. It would all come crashing down, the same as before. And he would hate her and she would be alone.

And then his arms were around her and she couldn’t push him away. She just clutched at him as she cried.

"No Ash, no, stop. I told you once, and I'll say it as many times as I have to until you believe it. If we don't let ourselves feel anything, then nothing will matter."

And then he kissed her. She whispered his name through her tears.

"Please, let yourself feel something. Don't shut me back out. Alone and empty-- that's no way to live. Please, stay with me, Ash. I want to make you happy. All you have to do is let me."

She opened her eyes and looked into his as they plead with her.

“Until Haleigh snaps her fingers and you go running back to her?”

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- Infirmary

She was weeping, and he could hardly stand it. He breathed in that pain, and didn't give it back. He kicked himself for making her sad, for ruining the moment.

Ashley: Until Haleigh snaps her fingers and you go running back to her?

He looked at her in surprise at first, but then he supposed it was a fair question to ask. He'd been with Haleigh for a very long time, and though she'd gone to the dark side, he was still fighting to bring her back. It wasn't unreasonable to think he still had feelings for Haleigh. But he'd left Haleigh for a reason, and it was a reason that he knew would never go away.

"Haleigh loves CAMERON. She's always loved him, and she always will. She hardly even CARED when I broke up with her. She felt more relief than sorrow. Why would I go running back to that?"

He lifted her chin gently, and kissed her tears away.

"Listen, I'm not going to try to bullshit you. I will always care about Haleigh. But I'm not what she wants, and I've accepted that. I'm not pining after her, I'm not biding my time until she comes to her senses. I left her, so we could both be happier. It's time for me to move on and find somebody who wants ME."

He had been starting to think that maybe that somebody was Ashley, but her question about Haleigh had reminded him of something. He searched her gaze, and her feelings.

"Now, I want YOU. Do you still want the Red Knight?"

 

[Spellbinder]

Limbo

"Morgan...."

She coughed again, but this time it was a sob. She didn't try to stop the tears, there was no use in that.

"WHY should I make life easier for myself? After the things I've done? Bishop? and that kid I shot? And I can't even stop them from hurting Ava, what they did to her before she became Seph was HORRIBLE! And then.... and then--"

She couldn't even say his name, she just shook her head, and buried her face in her hands. She'd let that happen too. She'd been fucking Alek while Persephone was pulling out Zach's insides.

There was no way for ME to imagine how I could comeback from the Inferno. But not once do I recall my mother, or Ororo saying that it would be EASY either.

<< She looked upon Haleigh, and in the safety, and ultimate privacy of where they were, the demon sorceress had a look of sympathy on her face as she stepped forward, and took Haleigh in her arms, in an embrace.>>

<< It was the first time, SINCE the truth bomb, that they'd hugged...as SISTERS...and after ALL Haleigh had been through, the abuse, the conflicts, the diving deeper and deeper into darkness, she needed this moment. She needed this CONTACT.>>

Your life...AFTER this "Hellfire" phase...WON'T be easier. Just as you made choices, you'll now have to pay the consequences for them. But as your sister, I'm doing for you, what no one could do for me the night I had that nightmare on the butte in the pacific ocean, and descended into darkness.

I've ACTIVATED your link to your FAMILY, something to help ANCHOR you until the time is RIGHT for me to get you...AND Persephone OUT OF THERE!

<< She held on to Haleigh, slowly rocking her back and forth to reassure her>>

You two renegades have made this more difficult than it has to be. But I didn't come back from Limbo to SHRINK BACK from any challenge.

After what I did to you during the Inferno....it seems that now, WE come full circle.

I may be RESCUING you from a hell you didn't NEED to walk through. But i WON'T be delivering you from the PENANCE you have to make for your actions.

There are many people who now want to KILL YOU and Persephone.

<< She lets go of Haleigh and looks at her in the eye>>

And there are others who LOUDLY hold on to their faith that you were doing this under duress, that you can still be saved.

<< She lifts Haleigh's face up a bit, with her hand under the hybrid's chin, and then runs both her hands gently down both sides of Haleigh's face>>

<< a gentle, refreshing wind sweeps across Haleigh's face, wiping away the tears>>

"I..... I trust you. But even so, it isn't simple. I'll have to keep being Scion, or my mother will know something is not right. Make sure no one can be caught out alone. If Seph or I get an attack order.... we won't be able to refuse."

That's why I said you need to GIVE Malice something.

I've been watching the two of you. I've watched HER in moments that she THOUGHT were PRIVATE. In her moments of solitude, when no one's watching she...she seems almost HUMAN.

<< Morgan couldn't believe she was saying this, BUT IT WAS TRUE, and she wouldn't deny OR invalidate someone's personal trauma or tragedy, not even MALICE'S.>>

BUY yourself some time, Haleigh. USE the psi-path that you have with your...MOTHER...and GIVE her something that will help you TURN A CORNER in your relationship with you, because if you keep TRYING her the way you are now? YOU'LL lose...and the goal for you is to SURVIVE so that you can eventually THRIVE.

<< a theme she's repeated to more than one person throughout the past two days>>

I have to send you back now.

<< Eldritch mist begins to fill the room, as Haleigh finds it harder to see Morgan's form>>

Know that you made a choice that has tipped the scales in YOUR favor now.

Malice may be your mother. But your BIG SISTER is SORCERESS SUPREME. EVERYONE in that mansion will find out what that means!

<< Morgan pushes Haleigh through a vertical oriented stepping disc. Mind, Body and Astral Self are ONE again, As HALEIGH awakens from a truely RARE but also mind/soul shifting sleep!>>

 

[Valkyrie]

Charope – Infirmary

"Haleigh loves CAMERON. She's always loved him, and she always will. She hardly even CARED when I broke up with her. She felt more relief than sorrow. Why would I go running back to that?"

“That doesn’t mean you don’t want her back.”

Everyone wanted her, it seemed. People she tried to kill wanted her. Hellfire wanted her. Hell, even Andrew wanted her. Nobody wanted Ashley. Except maybe Zizi, and she was just too polite to kick her out.

"Listen, I'm not going to try to bullshit you. I will always care about Haleigh. But I'm not what she wants, and I've accepted that. I'm not pining after her, I'm not biding my time until she comes to her senses. I left her, so we could both be happier. It's time for me to move on and find somebody who wants ME."

“Really?”

She couldn’t imagine anyone not wanting Zach. And that’s why she couldn’t allow herself to feel this way about him, she reminded herself. Because it would hurt too much to lose something this good.

"Now, I want YOU."

Her heart swelled.

"Do you still want the Red Knight?"

She looked into those green eyes as they studied her, then slowly shook her head back and forth.

“He never loved me.”

Her chest heaved as she took a shaky breath.

“And he wasn’t the man I thought he was.”

She wouldn’t take Alek back now if he begged. Could Zach really feel the same about Haleigh?

Ashley took another breath to steady herself. There was so much going on in her mind. Her jealousy…wanting to be the woman Zach wanted, truly wanted…her fear of what that would mean…what she would eventually have to lose. She bowed her head.

“Sometimes…it’s easier to stop yourself from caring because being lonely isn’t as bad as losing someone.”

She raised her eyes to look into his.

“And I don't want to lose you. When I thought Delilah was going to hurt you, I wanted to kill her. And I would kill, to keep you safe.”

She buried her face into his neck, holding him tighter.

“I care about you, Zach, and it scares the shit out of me. I never care about anyone.”

She looked into his face once again.

“I don’t give a damn about the Red Knight, or anyone else. All I want is you.”

She tried to read his face, see what he was feeling, wondering what he would say. Maybe he would decide she was too crazy, or maybe he wouldn’t believe her, and he’d tell her to get out. What would she do then? She couldn’t go home and cry to Zizi, not again. She’d go away, far away. Screw Hellfire, screw Sharon, screw everyone. She’d disappear where no one could ever find her, where she’d never have to care about anyone again.

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- Infirmary

A 'Yes' would have crushed him. The momentary pause before her response was excruciating. Then she shook her head, and he let out a breath he'd been holding unknowingly.

Ashley: He never loved me. And he wasn’t the man I thought he was.

"Then he's the world's biggest fucking idiot and he never deserved you."

She was feeling so many emotions right now, he wasn't sure where to even start. He gave her a second to speak, and give him something to go on.

Ashley: Sometimes…it’s easier to stop yourself from caring because being lonely isn’t as bad as losing someone. And I don't want to lose you. When I thought Delilah was going to hurt you, I wanted to kill her. And I would kill, to keep you safe.

He hadn't expected her to say that, but then, he hadn't expected any of this with her. She leaned into him, and he wrapped both arms around her tightly.

Ashley: I care about you, Zach, and it scares the shit out of me. I never care about anyone.

"Putting yourself out there is scary. It means giving someone else the power to hurt you. But you don't have to be afraid, Ash. I care about you too. I could never live with myself if I hurt you."

Ashley: I don’t give a damn about the Red Knight, or anyone else. All I want is you.

She said, looking up at him, but she was filled with uncertainty. He wanted to believe her, but it was easy for people to say the right things, and pull the right strings. He tucked her hair back behind her ear, and kissed her gently.

"Don't tell me. Show me how you feel."

 

[Malice]

The Hellfire Mansion

:: Hours earlier, when the night, and the darkness had a firm hold on the world around them, Diana and Ravena do what they did best.::

:: For a man and a woman who were seemingly insatiable, they, by the nature of their powers, had managed to find ways to combine the physical AND the mental/spiritual, to create an all encompassing experience that touched, stimulated, titilated BOTH of them, helping to drive them BOTH over the edge, in a cascading waterfall of ecstasy and satisfaction.::

:: The chemistry was undeniable, and it was one of the reasons why Ravena knew he'd made the right choice by joining the White Queen's court- arguarbly the most powerful of the three courts- as her King.::

:: After some time, the White King AND Queen were asleep.::

<< FLASH!>>

Haleigh thought, and then reflexively checked the camera in the White Queen's suite. Her thoughts were relatively safe for now. Her mother was sleeping, and so was the King. She wondered if she could get there fast enough and drive a wooden stake through his chest before Malice would sense her intentions and wake up. No, too risky. Any moves against the King would most certainly mean repeat trauma for Persephone. She had to minimize the blowback. Alek touched her hair, and caught her stare. Haleigh looked at him for a moment, then began to kiss him slowly, and closed her eyes. Her HUD went dark, and then split to several camera views, as she checked all the other key players.

<< Haleigh herself falls asleep, due to the actions of Spellbinder. The events in Limbo take place.>>

<< Haleigh is returned to the Mansion, set on more even ground by contact with Spellbinder.>>

<< We have a lingering view of Diana as she slumbers.>>

<<FLASH!>>

<< The original arklay mansion, at it's peak and glory.>>

:: Diana moves through the mansion. There's a STORM raging outside, but it does not frighten her. She's here to find something VERY precious and important to her.::

where are you??

:: She calls out...softly, not in the voice of the woman she is today, but the LITTLE GIRL she was when THEY brought her here.::

They promised that if I was a good girl, they'd give you back to me!

:: and then she hears it...the soft MEW of her precious kitten! So faint, and yet, so DISTINCT and CLEAR to her even as the elements rage outside the walls and windows of the large mansion. Her kitten, the last remaining anchor of her former life, and family is here, and needs Diana to FIND HER!::

KITTY???

:: Diana climbs the stairs, to the second floor, now standing at the beginning of a long hall , filled with so many doors. This was a rich man's dream, but a little girl's NIGHTMARE.::

:: Diana had no choice, she had to begin opening EACH DOOR to find her kitten!::

:: and so she begins.::

:: Room after room, empty. No monsters...no bad men...but no kitten either.::

:: She hears the kitten's cry again::

Where are you??

:: She says with growing anguish::

:: each door revealed nothing.::

:: She stood at the other end of the hall, now realizing she'd have to descend the stairs, and make her way DOWN. Down THERE...where those unholy sounds came from, but if her kitten where there, that's where she would go too!::

:: Everything is hard when you're this small. Everything seems so big...but she's not scared...she's NOT. All she wants is to find her kitten, and get OUT of here.::

<< but as little Diana makes her way down, reaching the doors that would take her to places that NO CHILD, even ones with nascent psi powers, should go.>>

:: the little girl rounds a corner on a lower level, she finds an adult, hunched over someone else. ::

<< in dreams, we often do things that we'd never do in waking reality, like a child talking to a stranger, in a large, dark scarey place like this>>

Excuse me...I've lost my kitten. Could you please help me find her?

:: The adult stops what he....IT is doing....and slowly turns to look at Diana.::

:: Diana's eyes WIDEN as the creature rises to it's full height. It would be the FIRST TIME she'd EVER encounter a bio hazard like THIS::

:: She doesn't know what she would one day learn, but her instincts to FLEE don't fail her.::

:: And she RUNS as far and as fast as her little legs will carry her.::

Mommy!!!!

:: she cries out in desperation...but mommy is not there. mommy will never come for her again, and she will NEVER see her kitten again either. She realizes this as she now stands in the great hall...and begins to shiver, and cry!::

<< thunder CRASHES, and lights around the great hall flicker. We began to see a circling 360 view of Diana, who finally realizes that she SHOULD feel utter DREAD in this place, as the howling/gurgling/moaning of zombies now coming out of the rooms she'd looked in earlier, can now be heard.

Malice: NO!

:: That was Diana, the little girl. MALICE, the WOMAN finally ASSERTS herself, and takes control of this dream...this sad dream that she's had before...always locked inside this mansion...not her biological birthplace...but certainly the birthplace of MALICE...ALWAYS searching for the one thing she'd been POWERLESS to protect and save. Her beloved kitten.::

Malice: I WILL NOT SUFFER LIKE THIS! I have NOTHING TO FEAR!

:: And with that, Malice PULLS HERSELF OUT of this dream, and back into CONSCIOUSNESS, waking REALITY!::

:: Her opal blue eyes snap open, and she realizes that she'd been...shedding TEARS even while she was sleeping.::

:: She slowly sits up in her bed, and reaches for a tissue off the nightstand::

They took her away from me, and I'll never find her.

But I made them pay. ALL OF THEM.

:: She thinks as she looks out of the window. It's early morning....and there's no need to think of this ANYMORE.::

:: She slips out of the bed, and makes her way to the large, luxurious shower chamber. Ravena will join her soon enough::

 

[Valkyrie]

Charope, LLC - Infirmary

He kissed her gently. But his eyes said he didn’t believe her.

"Don't tell me. Show me how you feel."

He was giving her a chance. Her head told her to cut and run, but she couldn’t make herself do it. Instead, she took his hand and raised it to her lips, kissing his fingertips then pressing it to her cheek and holding it there. She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his hand, the excitement at his touch. Opening her eyes, she reached out and touched his face, and then leaned forward and kissed him, holding it until she was lost in it.

Her hand trailed lower, down his chest and then circling his waist, as the kiss deepened. When they parted she took his hand once again, and with a demure look turned and led him back to the bed. She got in and sat with her legs outstretched, then beckoned to him to sit facing her. They pressed their bodies together, legs wrapping around each other. Her hand stroked his back, his shoulders, the back of his head. Her mouth explored him, kissing his mouth, his cheeks, his forehead, his neck.

And when she guided him inside her they stayed like that, moving slowly against each other, skin against skin, face to face, eyes locking in an intimacy they had never shared before.

The panic, the fear, the loss she had felt were gone now, with only one thing taking their place:

Love.

 

[Isis]

The Infirmary- Dominique's suite

:: First there was nothing but blackness. No form, no structure. Her consciousness spread out across the endless expanse. She was so. TIRED. Was this what a coma was like?!::

:: But she didn't know that she had the gift of TIME on her side. With MorningStar keeping watch over the building and all therein, Matrix sitting sentry in her hospital suite, and a visit from Spellbinder, who's magickal assist worked in tandem with Nicolas' neural jumpstart.::

:: Soon, she began to pull herself back together, and with each breath, heartbeat, she began to grow stronger again. She wasn't in a coma after all. She was slumbering so deeply and peacefully. Just Oracle had said, she EARNED it.::

:: Time passed, and soon, she began to rise up the levels of unconscious to awakening.::

oh bright lady, i feel as though I've slept for a YEAR!

:: She almost felt...EMBARRASSED by this. She'd never known herself to take such time like this. But she had NEEDED it.::

As her eyes began to flutter open, as she started to wake, I came over and kissed her cheek, let her know I was there, that everything would be all right. At almost the same time, Set-boy walks in like he owns the place with her favorite flowers in a vase. Showoff motherfucker. But he came through last night so I give him a nod that he returns as he comes to the other side of Miss D and kisses her cheek...

:: She accepted Richard's affection as he welcomed her back to the land waking reality. But he wasn't the only one here!::

Nicolas nods in reply to Rich nodding at him and then comes to the other side of the bed, kissing Dominique on her cheek as she continues to awaken slowly, smoothly.

Rise and shine, Queen. How are you feeling this morning?

:: She placed a hand gently on the back of Nicolas' head as he kissed her, and she held on to the hands of BOTH her nephew, and her ward for a moment, before letting them go to take their seats::

:: Sighing::

I don't know when I've slept so...peacefully...and thoroughly.

And though I feel like I might have MISSED OUT on something...I wouldn't change it!

:: She noted the vase, and the beautiful floral arrangement::

These are LOVELY, Nicolas. I have always enjoyed plants and flowers, they can make all the difference in an environment, helping to promote calm, healing, clarity and peace.

:: She looks at Richard::

I know Spellbinder was here. I felt her magickal touch, and heard her "whisper" even in my unconscious state.

:: She looked at Nicolas::

And I have you...all three of you to thank for helping me to recover from what SHOULD have been a coma inducing exhaustion.

The greatest power is not always found in magicks,

:: taking Nicolas' hand::

Psionics,

:: Taking Richard's hand::

or even gifts as wonderous as yours.

The greatest power is found in FAMILY.

And thankfully, the bright lady has helped me to TEMPER my...willfull pride...showing me the wisdom to know when to ask for HELP. The two of you lent me your spiritual support, allowing me to save Zachary and Alycia.

:: She looked at them both with gratitude and relief::

Alycia by herself would have been a relatively simple task...but with Zach, the need was...SO GREAT. It wasn't JUST a matter of his physical body, but his very spirit, that I had to attend to.

:: As Nicolas and Richard heard her refer to the three of them as a FAMILY, it had an impact on both of them. That SHE had even arrived to this place with Nicolas was a telling sign of the progress they had made, and for Rich, who had become the next best thing to an orphan when he found out he was a mutant, he knew that he'd never be alone again. He and Nicolas would always have a rivlary. but they PROVED they could come together when Isis needed them to.::

Richard: Miss D, Delilah came to see you. She's waiting to talk with you.

Isis: Oh well by all means, let's bring her in here!

:: A tone sounds off in the hallway where Delilah and Steel are speaking::

Isis: Delilah, please come to my suite.

:: Back in the suite, Isis looks at Richard and Nicolas::

And just how ARE Zach and Alycia?

:: Dominique was not aware that Zach, at this moment, was messing about with Valkryie....and IN THE INFIRMARY no less! Delilah would find a more than supportive ear in Isis when she expressed her agitation over Valkyrie.::

 

[Black Widow]

Limbo

Morgan: There was no way for ME to imagine how I could comeback from the Inferno. But not once do I recall my mother, or Ororo saying that it would be EASY either.

Haleigh ran both hands through her hair, and looked down at her feet. Could she come back from this? It was hard to believe that was possible. She remembered the last thing Cameron had said to her. 'I wish I could hate you.' She didn't know if she could go back and find that he did hate her. He had tried to tell her, the night she left, that even if she became the monster, he'd still love her. She wanted that to be true more than anything else, but she just didn't think it was possible anymore. Too much had happened since then, and she'd crossed too many lines.

Morgan pulled Haleigh into a hug, and it should have felt weird. But now she'd spent a torturous week at Hellfire, where her every word, her every look, her every touch was carefully planned with ulterior motives and everything done to her by someone else had a threat attached to it: One wrong move and you will suffer. After all that, an embrace like this was the most comforting thing she'd had in what seemed like forever.

Morgan: I've ACTIVATED your link to your FAMILY, something to help ANCHOR you until the time is RIGHT for me to get you...AND Persephone OUT OF THERE!

She sobbed, because she wanted to believe it was possible, but she was terrified that Morgan's attempt would only make things worse.

"I don't want..... I don't want any of them to die, Morgan. Not for me. Not for my safety."

Morgan told her that there were some that wanted to kill her, and some who still wanted to save her. She shook her head sadly, and warned her sister that she'd still have to keep playing the game, or Malice would KNOW.

Morgan: That's why I said you need to GIVE Malice something. I've been watching the two of you. I've watched HER in moments that she THOUGHT were PRIVATE. In her moments of solitude, when no one's watching she...she seems almost HUMAN.

"She was, once. A lot was taken from her."

She replied, her voice much steadier now.

Morgan: BUY yourself some time, Haleigh. USE the psi-path that you have with your...MOTHER...and GIVE her something that will help you TURN A CORNER in your relationship with you, because if you keep TRYING her the way you are now? YOU'LL lose...and the goal for you is to SURVIVE so that you can eventually THRIVE.

She nodded silently.

Morgan: I have to send you back now. Know that you made a choice that has tipped the scales in YOUR favor now.

"Morgan--"

She started, wanting to ask her to tell them all that she was sorry, that she'd made a terrible mistake and wished she could take it all back. But she couldn't take it all back, and being sorry didn't seem like enough to make up for it.

"I made my choices, and I'll do what I have to. I know you want to get me out, and I.... WANT OUT. But listen.... Protecting THEM is more important than saving me. Malice is my MOTHER, and she'll do ANYTHING, she'll kill ANYONE to own me."

Morgan: Malice may be your mother. But your BIG SISTER is SORCERESS SUPREME. EVERYONE in that mansion will find out what that means!

Haleigh fell backwards through a stepping disc, and when she tried to 'catch' herself, she awoke on her sofa at Hellfire. Had it just been a vivid dream? No, something felt different. She remembered what Morgan had said, about the psi-path she shared with Diana. She checked the cameras. Her mother was still asleep. Could Haleigh control that link while Malice was unconscious? This was the best opportunity she'd get to try. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to reach out with instinct alone.

She got flashes of something familiar. Arklay, it looked like. Searching, she was searching for something. Reaching up to turn a door handle, finding nothing but darkness. There were so many doors. She could hear the mewling of a kitten. There was the horrifying flash of a towering zombie, with a crash of thunder that even made Haleigh jump, and the link was broken just like that.

On the video feed, Malice woke up. Haleigh watched her carefully, and cut the feed when Malice headed for the shower. Haleigh got up and went to get dressed. She knew what to do now. The nearest pet store was ten blocks away. Also, it was closed until 9 am.

Whatever, I can easily get in.

She put snow in the cameras at the pet store, and started her search. There were plenty of little furballs to choose from, but not just any little critter would do. If she wanted this to work, she'd need to find the perfect reminder.... there!

"You're an adorable little motherfucker, aren't you?"

She reached into a wire crate filled to capacity with a litter of kittens, and pulled one out. It mewled at her as she tucked it snugly into her jacket and left the store, reappearing in the White Wing just outside the White Queen's Chambers. She started hammering on the door with her fist.

"HEY! Quit fucking around in there mother, I need to talk to you!"

 

[Silver Swan]

The Sanctuary- Rose's brownstone

[ Rae and Danny would here Sharon LOUDLY expressing her agitation to whomever she was talking to, and then....]

[ Both of them of them were on their feet now, and saw Sharon making her way for the front door of the brownstone]

Danny, keep Rose out of sight! Alycia is on her way. I'll stall him as long as I can.

[ Rae followed Sharon.]

He brought up his large hands and banged on the door. And banged. And banged.

I KNOW YOU ARE IN THERE! OPEN UP OR I COME BACK WITH...

looks at the officer beside him.

...BETTER COPS THAN THIS ONE.

He fidgeted with the papers in his folder and he had a pep in his step.

UGH! This annoying, wretched pinhead POMPOUS!


[ in her previous form, her previous life, when she was SENATOR Sharon Kelly, she could have EASILY stalled, fought Dennis Nedry in an entirely different way. But NOW? Despite being the powerful, vengeful Silver Swan, Sharon Kelly was legally DEAD in the eyes of New York, and the world at large. Certain astute individuals, like Lauren Danvers, knew the truth, but they also knew they couldn't say anything. Sharon herself could send Dennis Nedry to the MOON with her bare hands, EASILY, but what good would THAT do in a situation like this? It would only cause more problems, invite more scrutiny to Rose, and endager the woman and her children]

DAMN YOU, BLACK WIDOW!

[ The mutate thought with a SCOWL as she placed her hand on the door handle, and began to pull. She may not be a senator anymore. But she still remembered the details of her life, and she still had some tricks she could use to STALL Nedry.]

[ Now, pulling the doors open, Nedry gets an eyefull of the powerful and intimidating mutate, as she glares at him with her silver eyes]

What do you WANT, Nedry?

[ She says with that cold voice of hers. He tries to push past her. How amusing. As if he could EVER overpower HER.]

Oh NO, sir. You're not going ANY futher until you show me your signed COURT ORDER. If you don't have one? Then you'll REMAIN outside until you do. If you can't get one...because there IS NO EMERGENCY HERE...then you need to LEAVE.

[ She knew how this worked. No CPS worker could just demand entry, without a court order, and he or she should be prepared to state what sort of actual emergency they are there to investigate. If there's no court order, and they can't state the nature of the emergency, they HAVE to wait outside until they have a judge signed court order. This was the first step in stalling, while Danny and Rose watch- sight unseen- and listen...]


[ There were other advantages Sharon had. Whatever information he was armed with, Nedry would NOT know just WHERE the Orphange house was on this block. She and Rae could easily lead him on a VERY long "tour" and get him LOST in the network of buildings, buying them even more time until Alycia could get there.]

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- Infirmary

When they'd started this, he'd been desperate to feel something, ANYTHING to replace the sense of loss he'd felt when he let Haleigh go. But now, he found himself wanting to feel something real, a connection to another person that was more than just superficial. Each time they were together, he could feel their passion building on itself, becoming stronger, and more intense. He didn't want that to stop, but if she was going to fight it, he wouldn't force it either. He couldn't put himself through another relationship where he had to convince his significant other to let someone else go.

He didn't want to make the same mistakes. He could have died last night, and that was sobering. He'd followed his heart and it nearly got him cut in half. There was a great deal of risk involved, but that didn't mean he could just stop himself cold. Was he risking too much with her? Was he, once again, just a consolation prize because her first choice was unavailable at the moment? He couldn't read her mind. To find out for sure he'd have to take a leap of faith. He needed to let himself feel it all, he needed to follow his heart, or he'd get lost in the cold, cruel reality of emotional warfare as it existed around him.

She looked at him, and there was a sincerity in her gaze. She kissed him, and there was affection on her lips. He kissed her back, desire laced with reverence. He followed her back to bed like a shadow, as if a second of separation would be unbearable. With his eyes, his touch, his lips, he seemed to be trying to memorize her. There was the excitement that had been there before, but now, he could feel something more rising up, as everything else fell away. There was only one thing she felt now, and he felt it too, like a drug taking him higher. He took her with him. This time they reached dizzying heights, and he didn't try to keep her quiet, he didn't care if everybody in the city heard her, or even if they heard HIM, calling her name.

 

[MorningStar]

Charope – Infirmary

John and Delilah talked as they sat alone in the waiting area of the Infirmary, and he helped her to come to some conclusions that she hadn’t been admitting to herself. But he wasn’t able to convince her that his teammate on the BOP and the NYPD wasn’t so bad…and in the end they had to agree to disagree. He had promised to talk to her about her apparent anger management issues. As if that was going to do any good, but Delilah let him delude himself.

A strange tone sounded around them, and they could both hear Isis’ voice.

Delilah, please come to my suite.

Steel: “Now that is just downright unsettling.”

“Well, it appears I’m being summoned.”

She laughed, and gave his hand a squeeze.

“Thanks for the talk.”

She smiled, and then made her way out into the hallway and down to where Isis was. Nicolas and Rich were there with her.

“You rang?”

She deadpanned, then broke into a goodnatured smile.

“Nicolas, Rich – my what beautiful flowers!”

She went to Dominique’s bedside.

“How are you feeling? You did an awful lot yesterday – you must be exhausted.”

Delilah looked at her friend with concern.

 

[Artemis]

From the Infirmary to the Sanctuary

"THEN GO."

He growled over his shoulder. Vivica agreed that Alycia should go, and then she tried to reach Zach.

Vivica: Just...calm down until there's REASON to freak out. Please...just stay put. I trusted you to do what you feel is necessary...please. Trust me now.

"FINE."

He huffed angrily. If they weren't going to let him help with Rose, then he was going to have to focus on SOMETHING to keep himself busy. He needed to speak with Bishop before he left, so he could find out more about Haleigh's attack.

"I'm going to interview Bishop. Do you want to be there to record it?"

:: It gave Alycia NO pleasure to reject Zach for THIS particular situation. She and Sharon would still need his help for the bigger picture, which would likely see them ALL in court, but right now, He COULDN'T be anywhere near Rose, for HIS safety, if nothing else! She wished that he understood that, she believed that in time, he would::

:: Thankfully, Vivica ran some timely interference, softening the blow that Sharon and Alycia had delivered. They WEREN'T his enemy, nor where they out to sabotage him where Rose was concerned. Vivica understood that clearly::

"Zach if you go..you will be adding an element that will cloud things. Steel has his X-Unit there..and there is nobody alive that can beat down Sharon. I know you want to be there...to HELP...but let's be smart. Let's be real. Your presence could complicate things. Could make Rose do something she will regret...It could hurt the chilren. They've been through enough..."

"At the hands of your ex-fiance.."

:: They weren't good thoughts to have, but she couldn't help it. She both understood Haleigh's reasoning and hated her for it. ::

"Alycia! Go! Get with Sharon and you protect her from that CPS bastard. I will down the fort here...WITH Zach."

:: She looked at Zach a bit desperately. ::

"Just...calm down until there's REASON to freak out. Please...just stay put. I trusted you to do what you feel is necessary...please. Trust me now."

:: Zach decided to zero in on Bishop for that interview, which reminded her, she needed to pass that recorded footage that Sharon had obtained to Oracle. ::

:: She looked at Vivica and sighed, shaking her head.::

It gave me no pleasure to turn him away. But it's for his own protection!

:: Alycia brings her arms up, preparing to spin and change....but then...::

::For now, she headed for the room that he had just come out of and was surprised to see Alycia in almost a panic and Vivica was there. Cass smiled and leaned against the doorway. ::

“Now I KNOW you aren’t leaving when we came all this way to see you!”

:: Chuckling, Cass entered the room. ::

“It’s so good to see you!!”

:: She went to Alycia and gave her a small hug before handing her the flowers. ::

“These are for you.”

:: She went over to Vivica and gave her a hug as well. ::

“It’s nice to see you, as well, Vivi!”

:: A surprise, but a familiar, friendly voice::

Cass!

:: she held her arms out to embrace her friend::

They're lovely!

:: Inhaling the beautiful floral scent from the bouquet::

Thank you for thinking of me!

Believe me when I tell you, I needed this time. The last 24 hours have been HARROWING to say the least. But thanks to Isis, and another gift from Spellbinder, as well as the mending of friendships/relationships...I feel better inside AND out, and not a moment too soon!

Rose is having some problems, and needs my help.

:: Before anyone ELSE could arrive, Alycia brings her arms up once more, and SPINS. In a flash of light/crash of thunder, she transforms/changes into her costume (black with silver accents that match her feminum bracelets), standing before her allies for a moment in a pose::

Cass, I must be going, but we'll see each other again soon. You be SAFE, you hear me? Things are VERY uncertain for all of us right now. Be ready to defend yourself, your friends, your FAMILY, with LETHAL force if necessary.

:: There was no guarantee that even SPELLBINDER could break through whatever mental malfunction that Haleigh and Persephone were operating under, and while Morgan wasn't KNOWN for faltering when it came to stopping people from hurting her or the ones she cared about...there was ALWAYS the possibility that the OTHER members of the Hellfire Club, particularly that TALISMAN and any other magick users present, might have something planned for even HER.::

:: She looks at Vivica.::

Thank you for coming to see me.

I'll update everyone once we've chased Nedry away from Rose.

:: And with that, she runs out of the suite, there's a moment where Zach and Ashley would hear the high heeled foot falls of the amazon, but she dashes past the room they are in, too focused on her purpose to notice them OR what they are doing, it's a brief reminder to Zach of what he is NOT allowed to be involved in at this moment::

:: Alycia makes her way up to the top floor of her building, briefly dashing in her office to pick up a flash drive that she'll pass to Oracle.::

:: Once again out in the hall. She takes the elevator up to the ROOF of Charope, LLC, and takes off with a running start to the edge. An odd "gravity defying" sound is heard as she LEAPS into the air with beautiful form and grace, propelling herself from one roof top, over SEVERAL, to land on another. She runs , jumps and leaps AGAIN, repeating this process, and covering a VAST amount of distance using her amazonian speed, strength, and ability to leap/jump up to 1200 feet from a standing position.::

:: She covers the roughly five blocks in mere minutes, sight unseen by the average pedestrian as she moves across roof tops, before finally, with one last leap, descending and landing on the city block that houses the Sanctuary, and she ducks out of sight. A quick text to Oracle::

>>to Oracle: I'm at the Sanctuary to confront Nedry, and demand he produce his court order for this visit. If he does not have one, I'll send him packing. If he does. I'll make his tour as slow and unproductive as I can. He still has to state the emergency he's here to investigate. I've got several contacts at the court, I can STOP whatever he's trying to start today. I have something to give to you, on behalf of Zach. It's very important material, and he'd like you to review it.

:: she moves with stealth, making her away behind the scenes toward the confrontation at Rose's front door. Nedry is getting mouthy with Sharon and Rae, trying to intimidate them.::

:: Alycia sneaks up right behind him. It would be SO EASY for her to SNAP HIS NECK TWO TIMES in one move before he knew anything.::

NEDRY.

:: She says loudly, to startle him...and HOPEFULY push him one step closer to the heart attack he looked like he'd have any day now.::

Alycia Barnett, Rose's legal counsel.

And so we meet again.

I assume you have a COURT ORDER for this little visit you're attempting to make today?

 

[Isis]

Charope, LLC- The Infirmary- Isis suite

“You rang?”

She deadpanned, then broke into a goodnatured smile.

:: Delilah responded quickly. Dominique appreciated that she always observed etiquette, and since there time working so closely together during the Purifiers Caper, she came to understand and appreciate Delilah in a whole new light.::

Hello, Delilah.

:: The sorceress motioned for her to come further in::

“Nicolas, Rich – my what beautiful flowers!”

They are indeed! My nephew was quite thoughtful.

She went to Dominique’s bedside.

“How are you feeling? You did an awful lot yesterday – you must be exhausted.”

Delilah looked at her friend with concern.

I...hadn't used that much power since the battle against Set.

It left me utterly exhausted, so much so that I was on the verge of crashing into a coma.

But Nicolas' neural jumpstart saved me from that, instead, allowing me to sleep.

Richard kept sentry, and Spellbinder paid me a visit...honoring a covenant that she and I made during the emergency of Set.

:: she looked among her visitors::

But now, actually I feel most refreshed and centered...if not a bit...embarrassed that I've slept for SO LONG.

:: She looked at Delilah again, and held out her hand to the young woman::

I understand that you stayed here, and watched over ALL of us through the night.

I thank you for your care and your vigilance. If there's anything you need from me, don't hesitate to ask.

Tell me, how are Alycia, Zach, and Bishop??

:: Nicolas, Richard and Delilah all knew that Dominique took her role as well as of her efforts to help those in distress very seriously. She had slept so deeply, that she hadn't seen or heard any of the events over the past 24 hours, only sensing Spellbinder on another plane of existence, when she looked in on her.::

We must not rest on our laurels.

:: Referring to Black Widow and Persephone::

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Mansion- White Queen's Chambers

:: Ravena flowed into the shower chamber, moving with the mist itself before appearing behind Malice, and placing his hands firmly on her shoulders, pressing himself against her::

Perhaps your codename should be "Everlast."

:: Malice said with a smirk, as she slowly turned to face him, and take all of him in. What better way to start the day than to enjoy herself, and be lavished in more than one way? ::

:: Diana and Ravena had no reservations about being in the alltogether in front of one another. Both of them maintained their bodies in EXECELLENT condition, with Diana looking better than some women HALF her age, and Ravena being immortal. Both believed that every aspect of their being, including their physical appearence, was meant to be an advantage, one of meany weapons in their personal arsenal.::

:: And so, as they enjoyed the view, and FEEL of each other in the beautiful, luxury, waterfall shower chamber

reappearing in the White Wing just outside the White Queen's Chambers. She started hammering on the door with her fist.

"HEY! Quit fucking around in there mother, I need to talk to you!"

:: Despite being surrounded by the steam of the large, luxurious waterfall shower chamber, and the sound of the waterfall cascading down on their two beautiful bodies, they both heard scion's call, LOUD AND CLEAR. Malice looked visibly irritated, but Ravena, who was smirking a bit, reassured her, and urged her to see what Scion wanted.::

:: Moments later, the doors to the shower chamber FLY open, and Malice stands there, wet, and wrapped in a WHITE robe, that is also a bit wet now.::

This had BETTER BE IMPORTANT, SCION.

You interrupt me at your PERIL.

:: She says as she stares at her daughter. It hadn't been THAT long ago since Malice delivered a brutal, all encompassing OBJECT LESSON to Haleigh, and the rest of the Inner Circle. Was this girl really going to try her SO SOON after?::

 

[Persephone]

Persephone sat on the stone bench of her shower, letting the scolding hot water burn her skin to the point of redness. The jets of water rushed over her body as she laid her head back against the tiled wall, her wet hair slicked to her head and eyes closed. Her mind racing about what had transpired at the beach, in the Red Parlor...everything leading up to the events. Was she being unreasonable? Could she allow herself to open up to someone after years of being closed off. Could she take that chance even though the risks may very well outweigh the rewards? Since the moment they had met, she felt something with Alek that was undeniable....a connection....a trust. Something she hadn't felt in a very long time. But the feeling was terrifying. It was something she wasn't sure she could commit to.

After some time, Persephone shut the shower off and exited. The bathroom was filled with a foggy steam--thick and white. She dried her wet hair with a towel; the damp tousled locks clinging to her bare shoulders as she made her way into her massive walk in closet to dress. Finally emerging in a casual outfit of black distressed jeans and a crimson fitted t-shirt, she exited her bathroom. It was immediate, the reaction to the mutilated body in her bed. Her eyes went wide in shock and lips parted just enough for a small gasp. She didn't immediately recognize who it was....she was more taken aback by the fact that this bloodied, mangled mess was in her bed bleeding all over her new sheets than anything else. And wondering WHY it was there in the first place.

Persephone's eyes narrowed inquisitively as she stepped closer to the body, looking at it's face as she tilted her head. The jaw was ripped clear off but the eyes remained frozen open in fear. It was THEN she realized EXACTLY who it was. Staring at the face of Angelo Muniz, Persephone's eyes went cold. ARTIC. She saw Angelo's own dick shoved down his throat. She saw the message 'Does this turn you on?' burned into it's torso. She saw the undeniable passion of the kill. And she knew Alek had done it. And all conflicting feelings were GONE.

"Un...."

Persephone's chest began to heave in anger.

"Be...."

Her hands clenched into fists.

"LIEVABLE."

She growled out, her body trembling in fury. She wanted to KILL him. She wanted to make him SUFFER for thinking he was allowed to do this. Thinking he had the RIGHT to do this. Thinking she was his PROPERTY. Persephone had dealt with that ENOUGH with her ex husband and she sure as hell wasn't going to be a victim of that AGAIN. Every fiber in her wanted to storm down to his chambers and attack him verbally and otherwise. But she knew....that's exactly what he wanted. He wanted her reaction to be bold and mammoth. He wanted to see her get angry because HE was angry. In that moment, Persephone's body stopped trembling. Her exterior was eerily still and stoic. Her face even and unreadable. Her eyes dark and steely. Running her tongue along her bottom lip, she grabbed her phone off of her night stand and dialed security.

"Where is the Red Knight."

Her voice matched her demeanor.

>> His chambers, my lady.

"I will need a clean up crew to my chambers. Send the body to Talisman. I'm sure she'll enjoy reanimating it."

Lowering the phone from her ear, Persephone turned and immediately exited her chamber and two doors down to Alek's. She didn't bother knocking. Pushing the door open, there he was, looking smug and covered in blood spatters.

Her eyes hard and expression cold and even.

"So your free to kill the people *I* fuck? Leave their mutilated bodies on my nice clean sheets? But you're allowed to fuck whomever you want, including my supposed sister without consequence? Did I get that right?"

She hissed.

"Am I missing anything?"

Persephone lifted her chin, glaring at him for a moment longer before she finally let out a low laugh. Her head shaking as she looked away. A sadistic smile spreading across her lips.

"Oh honey..."

Her voice low and sultry; laced with condescension.

"You're just a little boy.....starting a game.....you're NOT going to win."

There was an unnerving level of calm to Persephone as she stood a moment longer peering down at him.

"But thank you for solidifying why I NEVER allow anyone in."

Persephone turned, exiting his bedroom.

"You're all the same."

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- The White Queen's Chambers

The door opened, and Malice was NOT pleased to have been disturbed. Haleigh looked at her mother. All that time she was out, her mother was STILL in the shower? Must have been that motherfucking White King. Oh well, they could get back to their hanky panky soon enough. Haleigh put on her most contrite look.

"Good Morning, My Queen."

Diana: This had BETTER BE IMPORTANT, SCION. You interrupt me at your PERIL.

She nodded her head solemnly.

"I know, I know. I've been a naughty little girl, but don't hit me, I'm holding a kitten."

She unzipped her leather jacket a bit, and out popped its furry little head.

"It's for your anger management. Like a stress ball, you know, that you squeeze when you get frustrated. Only, if you squeeze this little one TOO hard, it's eyes will bulge out of it's head, so I suggest petting it instead, like a normal person."

She offered, pulling it gently out of her jacket with on hand. It was purring in its little kittenish way, happy to have been cuddled and warm, but soon it started to shiver and mewl.

"It's okay, it's not rigged to explode or anything. It's just a gift..... in good faith. Whenever I piss you off, just stroke this precious kitten, try to make peace with all the shit that fucked you up, and remember: we have a symbiotic connection, we can either bring each other UP or we can bring each other DOWN. I'm going to try to do my part here, I'd appreciate a little cooperation."

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Mansion- White Queen's chambers

She nodded her head solemnly.

"I know, I know. I've been a naughty little girl, but don't hit me, I'm holding a kitten."

!?

She unzipped her leather jacket a bit, and out popped its furry little head.

the baby!

:: the kitten looked JUST LIKE her precious, beloved kitten...from ALL THOSE YEARS AGO!?::

"It's for your anger management. Like a stress ball, you know, that you squeeze when you get frustrated. Only, if you squeeze this little one TOO hard, it's eyes will bulge out of it's head, so I suggest petting it instead, like a normal person."

She offered, pulling it gently out of her jacket with on hand. It was purring in its little kittenish way, happy to have been cuddled and warm, but soon it started to shiver and mewl.

Don't cry....little one

:: She has the impulse to reach outo and take the kitten into her hands just then...but she pauses. This is all...so TERRIBLY coincidental. Her dream...her private dream...her private anguish...JUST last night, and now THIS!? Malice eyes Scion suspiciously.::

"It's okay, it's not rigged to explode or anything. It's just a gift..... in good faith. Whenever I piss you off, just stroke this precious kitten, try to make peace with all the shit that fucked you up, and remember: we have a symbiotic connection, we can either bring each other UP or we can bring each other DOWN. I'm going to try to do my part here, I'd appreciate a little cooperation."

:: Scion was taking this moment and pressing her advantage. Diana was NOT missing those little jabs she threw in to her explanation of her gift. ::

Give her to me.

:: she comands, as she takes the kitten from Scion and gently cups her in her hands, bringing her close to her chest::

Cant you see that she's cold?

:: she moves across the room, to an old wooden chest that sat at the foot of her large bed. she opens it and brings forth a blanket. the SAME blanket from the picture of her as a little girl, holding her baby kitten::

:: As she wraps the kitten in the blanket and cradles her, Malice seems almost...MATERNAL, with her new pet. Far gentler and caring than Haleigh had EVER seen her with a human being::

The punishment you got, was the punishment you deserved. You seemed to think that you could use your position, your bloodline to somehow tromp around here above everyone else, and TRY me. It does NOT work that way.

Besides, it's not like you're record of accomplishment WARRANTS such bravado.

:: she takes a moment to gently pet the kitten on her little forehead, calming her ::

You FAILED with Rose.

:: Looking up at Haleigh::

And you FAILED with Bishop.

You left him alive enough for Isis to SAVE. All you did ...was drive him and Delilah BACK into each other's ARMS.

I did not deliver my attack on Delilah in order for her to turn around and find HOPE.

:: The kitten mewled softly.::

She's hungry....

:: Malice looks at her, and then back at Haleigh::

Go now.

:: She said calmly::

Finish your work.

:: ANOTHER CHANCE? Malice did NOT give second chances. But Haleigh had timed her offering just right, and made it count. She did what Morgan said she should, she bought herself some time.::

:: She waited until Haleigh was gone, and she closed the double doors to her master suite behind the hybrid.::

:: And then, in that moment when she was alone, she brought the kitten to her face::

Welcome home, little one.

:: she said softly, as she nuzzled her new kitten::

:: For a moment...it felt like her dream...her nightmare had finally been resolved, and though she knew this wasn't her ORIGINAL kitten, it was close enough.::

No one will take you from me.

:: the kitten mewled a bit, purring at the same time. Diana closed her eyes and sighed a bit::

 

[Lord Ravena]

A moment with the White Queen...DELAYED. She was irritated at the delayed gratification as Lord Ravena soothed her.

It's OK...GO. Remember my nickname? I will be ready when you are.

So Diana exited the room for the guest that Lord Raven already was outside, the SCION. But there was something else...and that something was intriguing him as he cleansed himself. He placed on a silk robe and exited as Haleigh was dismissed. He could actually FEEL the emotion from Diana! She was touched on a primal level, one a deeply emotional level with a purity usually reserved for children.

As he walked over to Diana, he saw the beautiful kitten! A defender of the dead, cats were sacred in many religions. But in this case the cat was a defender of the part of Diana that she had lost and she vowed that she would not lose again. This kitten was important to the White Queen, and so it was important to her King.

With a wave of his hands in intricate fashion, Malice would see a large white kitten bed with a pure white pillow, a cat condo for play in pure white, beautiful bowls for feeding in stainless steel with white trim, preset dispensaries containing the best dry food for the kitten, a pure white carpet-clad scratching post and a diamond collar which appeared in his hand. Sitting beside Diana, he places the collar gently on the kitten and chants an incantation.

Wards...protect this dear creature from harm,
Should true danger encroach, send me an alarm.
Turn away attacks and good fortune rise to dismay,
any harm that comes this way.

And with that, Diana could see the enchantment take hold of the collar on the kitten. Malice looked up at him and started to speak, but he held up one finger.

One last thing, my Queen.

Lord Ravena gave Diana in hand a pure white double-walled stainless steel baby bottle in order to feed the kitten. There was milk in it and s he handed it to her, he encouraged her to nurse the kitten, who could already smell the milk and mewled in hunger.

I hope that it brings you true joy.