The Blackout Party

[Wallflower]

Hellfire Mansion - To the Lunar Ballroom

:: The night so far had been a success. Despite the brief hiccup of the arrival of Scion earlier, things were now reaching a fever pitch all around the mansion, and the main hysteria seemed to be coming from the Lunar Ballroom. Moving as quick and silent as her namesake, Amanda moved through the mansion until she arrived at the entrance to the ballroom to a scene she was not necessarily prepared for. All around her, the normal classical elegance of the space had been transformed into a disco inferno and seemed to be existing in another time itself. She narrowed her eyes and smiled as she saw just who was responsible for such a transformation. Using her heat sight to guide her, she spotted the queens of the court in some sort of tantalizing choreographed ritual. Even Ravena himself was participating. ::

"And now on the mainfloor...The Witches of Eastwick!"

:: Stepping through the doorway, Amanda found herself transformed, as her entire outfit and hair shifted to something more appropriate to the time they were in, the spell somehow knowing exactly what each person's specifications would be me. All of these people were strangers, but she decided that if she was going to let go and join in on the fun, that she would do so with a bit of mystery. As if reacting to her very thought, all at once a black lace, cobra like masquerade mask manifested over her face with a sparkle. People could say what they wanted about Kelly Shaw, but this spell was very thorough and meticulous, which ironically was two words people described Talisman as. She saw The Red Queen pass by on her way out and she gave a knowing nod. ::

"Either Archer Fairchild was criminally lousy in bed..or she killed him."

:: Laughing to herself she soon found herself in the space that seemed to be reserved for The Inner Circle, and since Helena had left a group of loney vulnerable shirtless men in her wake, Cobra decided to pick up right where the red queen left off. At first she didn't know if this was something she was allowed to take part in. No other members of The Inner Circle outside the kings and queens were there, but Amanda decided that part of letting go always involved a little bit of danger, and her encounter with Archer had made her realize...she LIKED danger. Soon each queen seemed to be enthralled for a moment with the men of their choosing. Some of them more surprising than others. Diana and Ravena had taken public displays of affection to it's very limit in recent weeks. Cobra's eyes flickered at the sight of Benjamin Lewis, the man she had ran into earlier on her way to greet Scion at the door. ::

"That's curious..."

:: The Black Queen was many things, but in all that Amanda had experienced, she wasn't the type to let some man use her sexually and then betray her, in fact, Amanda wasn't entirely sure that Kelly even needed sex at all. But the last few weeks had proven that something had changed inside Talisman. She was more full bodied, yet even harder to read. She had even complimented Amanda on her work thus far and had told her that this night belonged to her as well. It was like she had gone from robot to human overnight, and while Cobra trusted Kelly with her life, she did begin to wonder if this new shift would come at a cost. She would keep an eye on this man with the stone cold blue eyes. If he tried anything, she would strike. ::

:: Letting the strobe lights dance over her body, she thought about her old life for a moment. Right now, she would have been locked down for the night, forced to stare at concrete walls, as a thief and murderer. All starting with the fact that somebody had stolen something of unmeasurable value to her, and ever since that moment she found herself on a downward spiral. Cameron King never had to pay for that. While she had done unspeakable things and live under extreme circumstances, he lived in a castle in the middle of Manhatten like a king. To know that she was so close to him. To know that even if all the cards in the house of Hellfire came falling down, at the very least, she could storm his kingdom, break his neck and move on. It was exhilirating and it warmed her cold blood, loosening her up as she danced, a safe distance in between both the queens, keeping her eyes on them. Her predatory nature shifted into gear for a moment, as the thought of claiming Cameron King's life right here and now, crossed her mind. But there was something that she learned while in The Hellfire Club, and it hadn't come from Talisman. The way to truly win, to truly seek revenge is a long way. It take years, decades even. Amanda was in this for the long haul. Tonight she was celebrating a new chapter, and he was have an existential crisis at the loss of his lover. ::

"Now THAT is some true imagery and subtext.."

:: Everything was coming up roses for Amanda. She had performed well tonight and she knew it. Where the other members of The Inner Circle were wasn't necessarily important, because the only one in the eyesight of two of the most important members, was her. Taking this moment, she grabbed a flute of champagne and took a delicate sip, before leaning back as a throng of men danced around her, as glittered rain down on her body. She smirked as the men's hands enshrouded her face. ::

"Daisy Buchanan? Eat your heart out!"

 

[Goliath]

Hellfire Mansion - Lunar Ballroom

:: Gorgon took the precious few steps that now felt like many trying to determine whether or not he had successfully just convinced the black queen to give him a spot on her court. He had crossed a traditional boundary of mixing work with pleasure and she had responded by kissing him, directing him to the bar and then igniting a spell that made gave everybody disco fever. It was a confusing encounter to say the least, but as more members of the inner circle began to gather and enjoy, he had seen the benefit and perhaps one of the more truer natures of The Hellfire Club. These people were incredibly powerful in a number of different ways. While most mutants in the human world wanted to be accepted and equal, these people seemed to want to forget the human race existed altogether and just live their lives above the conventions of society. It would take a crazy person not be tempted by that. He ordered a flute of hemlock and a scotch for himself as he began to work his way back towards the floor. In the reflection of one of the bar mirrors, Ben found that he had been transformed as well, and more specifically, he was shirtless, oiled up, and in the tightest fitting pair of jeans he had ever been worn in his entire life. Glitter began to fall and stick to his skin as he made his way over to The Black Queen. ::

:: Almost on cue she seemed to spin around and playfull smirk. ::

Talisman: "Much better, Benjamin."

:: The drink floated towards her hand. ::

"Shirtless? Really?"

Talisman: "I told you that tonight you were my play thing. And I meant it. And be thankful - you could be in bell bottoms."

:: He watched as she took another sip. In this moment it seemed as if she were truly in her element. She looked strong, powerful and sexy. All of them did for that matter. If he was going to join rank with demons, that they were incredibly attractive and alluring. It softened the blow. Still, his quick thinking had bought him a little bit of time to figure out exactly what he was wanting to get out of this. It may not have been Kristen Pratt's ultimate goal, but it was enough for him. Ben knew that the information he shared with Talisman would most certainly come to the attention of both Kristen and Diana, but he was hoping that his display of honesty had bought him a bit of regard with Talisman. If she played along, perhaps he would be left alone. He decided that if anybody was going to hold this information over his head, he would rather have it be Kelly Shaw. With her he had a chance. ::

"Oh..I'm very thankful."

Talisman: "Good..because it's time for you to serve your QUEEN."

:: Snapping her fingers, Benjamin felt himself somehow pulled towards the queens as his hands gripped her hits and he kissed her wildly on the neck, his cold skin tantalizing her as brushed his face with hers, grabbing her by the hand and spinning her around, before dropping their interlocked hands, all while swaying to the beat. He didn't consider himself much of a dancer, but he figured that this was a night of reckless abandon, and as long as he just continued to do the weirdest moves he could think of, he would be fine. He made sure to avoid the glance of the white queen as his eyes settled on a mysterious woman in a masquerade mask. He was sure he had seen her before, but this costume change everyone had experienced, as well as the heavy amount of scotch in his body, had caused his mental faculties to slow down. She sure seemed to recognize him however, and he noticed that she seemed to eye the situation unfolding between him and Kelly very closely. In this moment, he realized that it was the silent femme fatale from earlier. The Black Knight, and it seemed that he was her latest stakeout. ::

:: She was right to be cautious, but still...Benjamin didn't like being watched like that. He did the watching, and so he felt as if he should give her a show for her concern. Dipping Kelly, he flung her up as his lips began to move all over her body from her neck, all the way down to her exposed navel, before his haunting eyes made with Amanda in the distance. A wicked smirk appeared on his face as he nodded to the woman. Leaning into Kelly's ear, he whispered, his lips ever so often making contact with her ear lobe. ::

"This is quite a spell, my queen. But when does it end? I don't think I'm making a good impression on your knight over there..."

 

[Talisman]

Hellfire Mansion - Lunar Ballroom

< Both Helena and Diana had been receptive to the effects of Kelly's spell, both now getting a taste of the history he had experienced with their counterparts, both to varying degrees of success. Her lips were still warm with the taste of Diana's as The White Queen changed the song playing overhead and brought the dancing to new heights. The lyrics were ironic for the three women dancing in the center, but none the less she danced. The goal of her spell had been achieved. She had wanted to bond with The Sisterhood and she had, but she also wanted to show the others in The Inner Circle the power of showing a united front. And as the song played, soon members of The Inner Circle would find themselves drawn here, compelled to engage in the scene, even if they didn't want to. If patrons of the party saw them all dancing, engaging in any number of discretionary behavior, all together, it would squash any rumors that still existed over the departure of Dominique Devereaux. >

< Spinning on her heels, she was faced with her next order of pleasure. Benjamin Lewis. Dressed to her OWN specifications, he sauntered over to her with a fresh glass of ice cold hemlock, just as she liked it. Taking a sip. >

"Much better, Benjamin."

Gorgon: "Shirtless? Really?"

"Yes really."

"I told you that tonight you were my play thing. And I meant it. And be thankful - you could be in bell bottoms."

Gorgon: "Oh...I'm very thankful."

< Kelly smirked as she waved her finger in the air, gesturing with it for him to come forth, and he did, whether he wanted to or not. She wrapped her arms around his neck. >

"Good...because it's time for you to serve your QUEEN."

< His mouth was on her neck as he kissed her wildly. A tingling sensation shot up and down her spine as she titled her head back, closing her eyes. Why she had foregone the comfort a handsome man could bring for so long, she didn't know in this moment. Still, as they locked hands, she couldn't help but view him in her own unique and scientific way. His musculature was well defined and he had the kind of lean athletic build of an olympic swimmer. His bone structure looked as if it had been carved out of stone, severe and impressive. She had yet to see his mutant ability, but at least she could determine now that this was a specimen that she could work on, improve if necessary. But was he capable of truly being her Black Bishop? A source of counsel and advice? Only time would tell. He had the right framework. Framework that was rubbing all over her body in this very moment as the two danced to the beat. >

< A few moments later, Ben spun her around, and began kissing her entire front side, all the way down to her navel. For the moment, he was hitting all the right buttons. He leaned in, whispering into her ears while nibbling on hear earlobe ever so slightly. >

Gorgon: "This is quite a spell, my queen. But when does it end? I don't think I'm making a good impression or your knight over there..."

< From the corner of her eyes, her cobalt blue eyes rested on Amanda Soto, dancing a few feet away in a mysterious and sexy esemble. She truly had been one of Talisman's greatest personal accomplishments. She had been rebuilt from the ground up, excelling in every test of strength and intellect Kelly could think to throw at her. She was poised, deadly and had a mystique about her that made her even more alluring. She was perfect. >

"Then that means I've done a good job with her. You're a stranger, putting his hands all over The Black Queen. She is my knight. It is her place to watch, should you try anything stupid."

< She scratched his open back with her black nails and smiled. >

"And the spell will fade when the spell needs to fade. So why are you complaining. Are you not...ENJOYING yourself?"

< Kelly reached down and grabbed the bulge at the center of Benjamin's tight jeans. >

"Seems like you're enjoying yourself."

< Benjamin grunted for a moment, with a mixture of pain and pleasure. He had no idea just how good at that mixture she could BE. >

Gorgon: "Go....on."

< Laughing. She took a spin and did a signature disco move, ending with a wink. >

"Not just yet...there's still a bit more of you I think we can cover in glitter!"

< She kissed him yet again. The Blackout Party was at it's PEAK. >

 

[Masque]

Hellfire Mansion – White Wing




Haleigh: “Federal Agents Nicholas Briggs and George Henderson…”

Gia looked up and stared at Scion.

“What, you know them or something?”

Then Gia held up her hand. She shook her head.

“Never mind. Of COURSE you do. After all, you’re the one who put my father in prison.”

She took another sip and then nibbled on a hunk of cheese. She felt sad all of a sudden.

Haleigh: “Don’t worry, they won’t be botheri ng you anymore.”

WHAT?!

At this, Gia set down her wine and cheese and stood up, her hands balling into fists.

“Did those two White BITCHES also kill them? I’m going to KILL them! That’s the LAST thing we need here: Hellfire crawling with federal agents!”

Gia covered her face with her hands. Oh, this was turning out to be one HELL of a night.

Haleigh: "If you don't mind some unsolicited advice, I've got a few suggestions for you. First of all, the White Queen is NOT to be trifled with. If you don't show her the respect she deserves, you'll be left with an IQ close to room temperature."

Gia uncovered her eyes and gave Haleigh a ‘REALLY?!’ look.

*sarcastically*: “I’ve realized that. Thanks.”

Haleigh: "Looks like the Queen is still a bit busy, you may be waiting up here a while. Now, as far as the other court members go..... you'll have to divide and conquer. Pick your battles wisely, because each time you face off, the scoreboard is updated."

“Of course I will! It would be just like Diana to make me miss the entire party.”

She grinned, cheering up for a bit.

“And I can definitely pick my battles. If the Rook and Knight leave me alone, then I will leave THEM alone. It’s a win-win.”

Yeah, right. Fat chance of THAT ever happening.

“Look, Haleigh. I appreciate your telling me this but to be honest, you aren’t telling me things that I don’t already know. I mean, I KNOW you’re not supposed to dick around with Diana. I DO and WILL show her the respect she deserves. If she wants me to get on my hands and knees and beg for mercy, I’ll do that. I’m completely okay with showing weakness to my Queen. What I’m not okay with is showing weakness to the OTHER court members, because showing weakness is what will get you eaten alive here at Hellfire.”

Among other things.

 

[Black Widow]

the Hellfire Club --White Bishop's Quarters

Gia asked Haleigh if she knew the agents who'd delayed her arrival. She didn't, but before she could answer, Gia retracted the question with an assumption that Haleigh didn't bother to correct. Then Gia lost her temper, based on another conclusion that she jumped to.

Gia: Did those two White BITCHES also kill them? I'm going to KILL them!

"Okay, contrary to popular belief, murder is not the answer to every problem. I don't need to kill them, when I can simply convince them to discontinue their pursuit of you."

Gia: That’s the LAST thing we need here: Hellfire crawling with federal agents!

Haleigh, in mid-bite of another strawberry, started chuckling as she chewed, shaking her head. Gia was full of fire, and Haleigh remembered being that young, having that much to prove, having that much to learn.

"Hellfire is ALREADY crawling with federal agents, Miss Nefaria. What, you assume that because they work for the government, that MUST mean they're on the up and up?"

She asked, tilting her head to the side a bit.

Gia: And I can definitely pick my battles. If the Rook and Knight leave me alone, then I will leave THEM alone. It’s a win-win.

"Yeah, good luck with that."

Haleigh said, clearly giving up on the subject. She caught sight of a woman in red approaching the dance floor, and switched cameras to get a better look at her. After the woman spoke with Helena, Haleigh followed her from camera to camera, as she led Helena to the Red Lounge, where Haleigh discovered Ava was waiting. So, her sister had decided to join the Red Court. Haleigh listened in on the conversation, and despite her displeasure at Helena's attempts to repress her sister, she kept an even expression.

Gia: Look, Haleigh. I appreciate your telling me this but to be honest, you aren’t telling me things that I don’t already know. I mean, I KNOW you’re not supposed to dick around with Diana. I DO and WILL show her the respect she deserves. If she wants me to get on my hands and knees and beg for mercy, I’ll do that. I’m completely okay with showing weakness to my Queen. What I’m not okay with is showing weakness to the OTHER court members, because showing weakness is what will get you eaten alive here at Hellfire.

"No, Gia..... No. You don't show weakness to ANYONE, least of ALL to the White Queen. You show her obeisance, you show her toughness..... but if there's anything inside you that's not BRUTAL STRENGTH, you'd better kill it now, before it gets you killed, because if my mother thinks you won't last? You won't."

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Club - Somewhere Underground

Aleksander was holding the man up by his collar, because the douchebag's legs had given out, and he was punching him repeatedly in the face. He was careful to only use a fraction of his strength, or it would have been over too quickly. Alek liked to draw it out; otherwise, it was no fun. He gave the man one last punch before releasing his grip on the collar, letting him drop to the stone floor in the basement room Alek had chosen to have his "conversation". Still keyed up, he took a few steps away from the heap of flesh on the ground - more jello than man - and ran fingers through his shoulder length hair which had come unbound during the altercation. He paced back towards the man and gave him a couple kicks to the stomach for good measure.

"NEVER disrespect the Red Queen."

He spit on the unmoving mass of flesh before him.

"Asshole."

He turned his back and, retrieving a length of deep red ribbon from where it had fallen onto the floor as well as his suit jacket, exited the room. He shrugged into the jacket, then pulled his hair back from his face and tied it as he walked. The suit was a red so deep it looked black to the eye until the light hit it a certain way. Taking the stairs two at a time with his long legs, he paused at the door to the main level, doing up a couple more buttons on his shirt that had come undone, so that the deep scars that ran across his chest were only barely visible. He fingered the bear claw in his pocket, the one he always carried with him for luck. Buttoning the jacket as well - he wore no tie - and taking a deep breath to calm himself, he opened the door.

He had timed it perfectly so that he reached the Red Lounge just as Helena Quartermaine was exiting it.

"My Queen."

He came up behind her, planting a chaste kiss on her cheek.

"Excuse my absence - some scumbag gained access to the party on a stolen invitation, but he's been taken care of. He won't be eating solid food for a while. Or feeding himself at all, for that matter."

The side of his mouth turned up in a self-satisfied grin. Helena leaned back to whisper to him, and he nodded. Keeping an eye on the new Red Rook was no difficult task - he had caught a glimpse of her earlier in the evening.

Taking leave of the Red Queen, he entered the lounge, where the newest addition to the Court was still sitting.

"Ava Cassadine? Aleksander Hallbjörn, Red Knight. The Red Queen asked that I make sure you were integrated into the Court as seamlessly as possible. And what the Red Queen wants, the Red Queen gets. I make sure of it."

He took her glass from her hand, and looking into it and seeing that it was empty, held it up for an attendant to bring another. He unbuttoned his jacket and sat, close to Ava. Turning towards her he leaned in, looking into her face with his piercing blue eyes.

"So...what can I do to make you feel welcome."

 

[Persephone]

Despite being in the Red Lounge, Ava could hear the 70's Disco music pumping from the Lunar Ballroom. Oh no, if there was any era she hated more than the 80's, it was the 70's. Hairy men AND women, pornstaches, horrible clothing...nope, she decided to lay low in the lounge until the Disco Inferno was over. Taking a seat once again on the couch, Ava finished off her tumbler of scotch and stared out the large tinted glass windows that overlooked the ballroom.

Aleksander: "Ava Cassadine?"

Turning to the voice, Ava saw a large and very attractive man standing in the doorway. Maybe this was a strange welcome gift from Helena? Doubtful, but not totally impossible.

Aleksander: "Aleksander Hallbjörn, Red Knight. The Red Queen asked that I make sure you were integrated into the Court as seamlessly as possible. And what the Red Queen wants, the Red Queen gets. I make sure of it."

Integrate my ass. So Helena did send him, but to WATCH her. Ava kept her eyes on him as he moved over to her and took the empty tumbler out of her hand, giving it to one of the attendants to refill. He was bold, that was for sure. Watching him sit closely next to her, he leaned in, his eyes keeping contact with hers.

Aleksander: "So...what can I do to make you feel welcome."

At that moment the attendant handed Ava a replenished scotch., but her eyes remained locked on Alek's.

"Now that's a loaded question."

She responded, a sly smile creeping along her lips as she took a sip of her drink. Her eyes finally left his, moving down his perfectly sculpted face and to his chest. The way he was leaning into her, she could see the slight indication of a scar. Delicately, Ava used the back of her fingers to move the lapel away, revealing more of the prominent scarring. Lifting her eyes back up to meet his, the man was definitely not from this time.

"You got me a new drink, so that's a start."

Moving her fingers away from his shirt, she let them trace down his skin before retracting them back.

"But i'm curious....Are you Helena's play thing? [whispering] Because I really don't want to get in trouble my first night as Rook."

She teased, not giving two disco balls whether or not Helena would approve. After the night Ava just had, a little flirtatious fun was more than welcomed.

 

[Berserker]

Hellfire Mansion - Red Lounge

He was being less than subtle with Ava, but then why should he be? He could tell she appreciated what she saw, and he had no qualms about enjoying himself with a woman who looked like she did. Especially on the night of the Blackout Party.

"Now that's a loaded question."

He grinned.

"Loaded and ready to fire."

He raised a finger in the air, summoning a drink for himself. She moved his shirt collar to look at his scars. But she didn't flinch. So she was the type of girl that scars turned on. Plus one for the new Rook.

"You got me a new drink, so that's a start."

"And I always finish."

He took a deep drink. Her fingers were tentatively moving down his chest before she pulled them away. He set his glass down and grabbed her hand - firmly, but not so that he would hurt her. He slowly guided her fingers over the scars, keeping his eyes locked with her's.

"A bear."

Responding to her unasked question.

"But i'm curious....Are you Helena's play thing? [whispering] Because I really don't want to get in trouble my first night as Rook."

He leaned in closer, still holding her hand against his chest, so that he could whisper back into her ear.

"Oh I think you really do. I think you're dying for a little trouble."

His lips were just barely grazing her neck, when he dropped her hand abruptly, and moved his left to her calf, which he then slowly moved upwards as he answered her other question.

"Helena has..."

He paused, looking around for the word.

"Toy boys...for that. I am her Knight, her guardian: I do not service her."

His left hand continued its movement, while the right at her waist also moved upwards to cup her breast.

"You however..."

His lips found her's, a little roughly - a promise of what could be in store later.

"Perhaps you'd like me to show you to your new quarters..."

 

[Silver Swan]

Hellfire Mansion- Highdark Hall- VIP Black Diamond Suite

:: Maxine moved into a battle stance. ::

"Thank heavens, I thought that would never end."

[smirking]

"Now does that dress have a zipper or am I gonna have to rip it off?"

I wouldn't worry about my dress. It costs more than everything YOU'RE wearing, that's for sure, and it'll last a lot longer than YOUR FACE will, once I'm finished with you!

:: She moved with great speed as she tackled Silver Swan, and the two collided with great strength as they crashed through a wall and back into the suite. In an instant, Maxine kneed Sharon, causing the mutate to hunch over Domino's knee, as her free hand delivered a proper SMACK to Sharon's ass. ::

"That's for your long winded monologue. I knew if I poked and prodded you'd come out to play."

[ Sharon was LIVID! How DARE this woman sully her body with her roving hands! She was going to beat Maxine into the GROUND!]

:: She grabbed Sharon by the hair and tossed her into a table as she rose to her feet. ::

"Look, I'm not interested in who you were. I'm not interested in what goes on in your life. You could liberate an oppressed nation, feed the hungry, save the poor. None of that interests me. What DOES interest me...is that when you punch it stings. Hurts even..."

:: She began to walk closer and closer as Sharon was about to no doubt land her next assault. Maxine was begging for it in all honesty. ::

"And I'm starting to think a very naughty part of you likes the fact that you can toss me around like a rag doll and can TAKE IT."

:: laughing ::

Don't flatter yourself, trash. I've taken it EASY on you....SO far.

[ Sharon was on her feet ]

"In fact...I think it turns you on. I know it sure as hell scratches MY itch."

:: Maxine moved once again into battle mode. ::

[ Sharon squares up, THROUGH being "nice" with Domino.]

"So, do with me what you will, Silver Swan. I just have one question...Your place or mine?"


:: Domino charged forth. ::

It'll be my PLEASURE!

[FLASH!]

<< A small, but no less powerful camera, inconspicuously perched in the high corner of the ceiling of the lounge, captures this moment, which is being accessed by Scion. Harbinger has her methods, Scion has HER'S! >>

[ zoom/dashing forward, Silver Swan CATCHES Domino by her wrists, and IMMEDIATELY cancels out her momentum, taking her off solid ground into the air in a classic "Bird of Prey vs Snake" move, removing her from her envrionment of stability, She spins Domino around once...twice [faster]....three times [faster still] before SWINGING the woman up over her head and, still holding her by her wrists [holding them pinned above her own head], she zooms down and SLAMS Domino to the ground]

[ now straddling Domino and pinning her down, Sharon makes one thing quite clear]

GET THIS STRAIGHT, Domino. You're NOT my equal. You're NOT my PEER. You DISGUST ME.

[ Domino tries to upend Silver Swan, and the two women tumble over, each struggling for dominance. One moment Domino is on top, the next Sharon is on top, NOT allowing Domino to escape her grip.]

[ Sharon gains the upper hand and rises to her feet, snatching Domino up, still holding her wrists over her head, and shaking her violently. An ordinary human would already be dead, most mutants would be near death or in a coma, even some super strong mutants would be hurting BADLY from the physical punishment Sharon is dishing out.]

[ Domino has an upclose look into the wild, silver eyes of the mutate, and while Sharon has leverage, Domino has one unexpected "opening" and opportunity, and she takes it, she suddenly PLANTS one HUGE kiss on Sharon]

[ The mutates eyes widen, and now suitably distracted, Domino frees herself and forces Sharon back against the wall, pressing up against her and furiously making out with her.]

[ Sharon's eyes close for a moment, before they snap back open and she SHOVES Domino back.]

[ She commands with such a shout!]

WAIT a minute...WAIT A MINUTE!

....

[ Domino looks at Sharon....Sharon looks at Domino....]

[ She was right. It felt GOOD to just...CUT LOOSE and be WILD, ANGRY, VIOLENT...and there not be any moral or ethical push back over it! It felt GOOD to revel in this aspect of herself...and WHO was providing this....opportunity? This WOMAN(!?) well, there hadn't been any OTHER woman OR a man for that matter who could match Sharon OR SUVIVE her since...CAMERON, but even HE couldn't have survived THIS kind of..."foreplay!" ]

[ As a matter of act...She'd been with HIM in this place TOO! Were ALL her wild, shocking, questionable sexual encounters going to happen here!?]


Oh...the HELL with it!

[ Sharon launches forward and grabs hold of Domino, kissing her passionately. The two fall to the floor...and the rest...is history]

 

[Persephone]

He grabbed her wrist firmly causing her eyes to deepen in color. But he then guided her hand back to his chest and over his scars.

Aleksander: "A bear."

A war wound he most definitely enjoyed flaunting. She didn't mind a bit, her hand still firmly placed on his chest as he leaned in closer to Ava. His lips a whisper away from her ear.

Aleksander: "Oh I think you really do. I think you're dying for a little trouble."

He wasn't wrong. If anyone would of told her yesterday that she would have defected to the Hellfire Club and joined the Red Court, she would of thought they were insane. But there she was, in the Red Lounge, with a sexy bear wrestler who obviously was as turned on as she was. A part of her hated what she had done....but another part felt freed. She felt like she was liberated from the constraints of morality. She felt like HERSELF again. So Ava decided to just go with it. Take the Red Court for what it was and enjoy the part of her that had been tamed.

"And what? You're going to give it to me?"

She whispered back, feeling his lips pass by her neck. Alek let go of her hand and moved it to her leg, but Ava kept her hand firmly on his chest. Feeling him trace his fingers up her thigh and to her waist, his lips were dangerously close to hers.

Aleksander: "Helena has...Toy boys...for that. I am her Knight, her guardian: I do not service her."

"Good."

Helena probably slept with half the Hellfire Club, but it was nice to know she hadn't sunken her claws into at least one man...especially the man so intimately close to her in that very moment.

Aleksander: "You however...."

Ava grinned right as Alek went in for a kiss, their lips perfectly in sync, feeling him roughly deepen it. A soft moan could be heard muffled between their mouths as he pulled away.

Aleksander: "Perhaps you'd like me to show you to your new quarters..."

"Now what's the fun in that?"

Ava smirked before turning to the bar attendant that was standing awkwardly nearby.

"You, OUT."

He got the hint, quickly exiting the Red Lounge and shutting the door behind him. Ava faced Alek once again, her smile returning.

"You....come."

Her fingers latched around the back of his neck, pulling him towards her as she laid back on the couch. Their lips met in a fury, his body pressing onto hers. She could feel the heat between them rising as she ripped his shirt open, completely exposing just how massive his scar was. Ava's eyes studied it for a moment, her breath labored as she ran her fingers along the indents of the puckered skin. He had a story....and she'd figure it out. Looking back up at him, he certainly wasn't in the mood to stop as he roughly began to kiss her again. The Blackout Party was starting to look up...in more ways than one.

 

[Berserker]

The Red Lounge

"And what? You're going to give it to me?"

She would be able to feel his smile on her skin.

"All that you want...and more."

Ava cleared the room, and Alek had to admit the way she gave orders was incredibly sexy. Though not as sexy as when she turned it on him.

"You....come."

He laughed softly as he allowed her to pull him on top of her.

"Oh most definitely...but not quite yet."

She ripped his shirt open, and he finished the job, pulling it and his jacket off behind his back and tossing it across the room. He put his hands in her hair as he kissed her, hard, pressing the length of him against her as he hiked her dress up over her hips.

"Welcome to the Red Court..."

 

[Black Widow]

the Hellfire Club --White Bishop's Quarters

Haleigh was monitoring the situation with her sister, and it seemed to have gone well, because Ava was wearing red now, and Helena was returning to the party. A brawny, sexy, bearded man entered the frame after Helena's departure, his suit about the color of Haleigh's blood. He introduced himself, and in the back of Haleigh's mind, a search program began to run. Haleigh watched as the Red Knight and Rook shared a drink, and then a kiss, and then a little more. She disconnected from the feed after that, because it wasn't her style to watch any sexcapades other than her own.

She switched feeds again, curious about how Domino was fairing against the Silver Swan. They were rolling around on the floor, and she was astonished to find that their violence went sharply sexual. She watched for just a couple of seconds longer, to be sure she wasn't hallucinating, and then she detached from THAT camera too.

Well, I didn't expect the fight to go like that. Although I guess anybody who spends as much time on Themyscria as Sharon would HAVE to develop an appreciation for females, or else be stuck taking care of themselves all the time, and that gets boring fast. And Sharon seems like the type to associate sex with violence. So.... all those times Sharon got physical with me.... did I miss the undertones?

The thought gave her pause, and it was followed by the realization that Domino was like the European version of Haleigh. Violent, insolent, resistant to damage. Haleigh shook that idea out of her head and started scanning the surveillance for the other members of worth, but it was getting to the point that maybe she was going to need to tune out for a while.

Alison would have a FIELD DAY in this place.

Her picture-in-picture view next settled on the Lunar Ballroom dance floor, where the 70's fever seemed to be fading. Diana and Lord Ravena were taking their leave, and Haleigh had a good idea of what that meant. She set her plate on the coffee table and smoothly rose to her feet.

"Looks like your wait is almost over.... which means it's time for me to take my leave. Thanks for the fruit, and good luck with Diana. Maybe if you survive, I'll see you later, I'm going to try to enjoy the party. It IS my debut, after all. It wouldn't do to hang out in the White Wing all night."

She said, and saw herself out of the White Bishop's suite. She strolled down the Portrait Hall, out into the Atrium, and into the Lunar Ballroom where she saw the King and Queen coming to the exit. Her gaze travelled the entirety of the White King's form. His tuxedo jacket was gone completely, his bow tie hung, undone, around his collar. His shirt was gaping open and destined to stay that way, since it was missing the upper buttons. She gave him a racy smile.

"My King, certainly you saved a dance for your Princess?"

She asked, passing on his right and reaching out to slide her hand up his forearm and redirect him back to the dance floor. She looked across him at Diana, and wanted to take a screenshot of the woman's expression.

"The White Bishop holds herself in readiness for you, your Majesty."

She thought, as she gave the White Queen a knowing look.

Don't worry, mother.... I'll keep him warm while you address Gia's tardiness..... when we're done, would you like me to send Kelly up to your bed chambers as well?

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Mansion- From the Lunar Ballroom to down to the White Wing

:: It was actually a marvelous time. It really DID harken back to a more...."care free" time for Diana, and to see a GLIMPSE of a life that "might have been"...and utlimately WAS (from Kelly's timeline) it...seemed to provide some sort of satisfaction to the cold, BLACK HOLE where her heart should be. But that feeling, if only for this night only, was her's ALONE to secretly enjoy.::

:: This Black Out party was turning out to be a success on so many levels, and as the darkness grew stronger and swallowed the lights on floor after floor in the mansion, Diana and her newly crowned White King, Lord Ravena made their way out of the Lunar Ballroom, into the portrait hall, arm in arm.::

Thank you for the dance, my Lord.

:: Diana allowed herself a moment of levity::

You dance divinely.

Now....how about an encore in my....

She strolled down the Portrait Hall, out into the Atrium, and into the Lunar Ballroom where she saw the King and Queen coming to the exit. Her gaze travelled the entirety of the White King's form. His tuxedo jacket was gone completely, his bow tie hung, undone, around his collar. His shirt was gaping open and destined to stay that way, since it was missing the upper buttons. She gave him a racy smile.

"My King, certainly you saved a dance for your Princess?"

::FLASH::

<< A horizontal split screen view of Scion facing Lord Ravena in the top panel, Diana's unblinking opal blue eyes watching BOTH of them in the bottom panel>>

She asked, passing on his right and reaching out to slide her hand up his forearm and redirect him back to the dance floor. She looked across him at Diana, and wanted to take a screenshot of the woman's expression.

"The White Bishop holds herself in readiness for you, your Majesty."

:: Malice releases her arm from Ravena's allowing him to entertain the little girl, who was certainly reveling in her newfound position and status. ::

Good. I need to have some words with little Chrissy.

:: Indeed she did. Diana had been strong business associates with her father, Count Nefaria, and in times past, they enjoyed each other's company as LOVERS. He served the White Court quite well as the White Bishop, and he was a keen strategist, which impressed Diana, and what lead her to appoint him as her White Bishop. His CAPTURE..an unfortunate consequence of his OVERREACH, trying to BLACKMAIL Scion of all people.::

:: Diana COULD have saved him, but like so many others before who had made carless mistakes, she refused, opting to let him learn the FOLLY of his ways.::

:: He was a powerful, capable man, but his love of conquest, was perhaps his greatest weakness. What a pity his DAUGHTER, "CHRISSY", as he so affecitionately called her, seemed to LACK his ambition, his laser focus, and his drive. She inherited his membership, AND his title, thus placing her in the Inner Circle as the White Bishop. So far, her debut left MUCH to be desired.::

:: But she wasn't the ONLY little girl who sought to try Malice's patience tonight...::

She thought, as she gave the White Queen a knowing look.

Don't worry, mother.... I'll keep him warm while you address Gia's tardiness..... when we're done, would you like me to send Kelly up to your bed chambers as well?

:: Diana ignored Haleigh's look, gliding past her and haughtily tossing her hair in the hybrid's direction as Haleigh finds her next two steps forward, and even of her perception of time SLOWED DOWN a bit as the cold, almost NUMBING aura of Malice's psionic energy once again encompasses all three of them. She RESPONDS to Haleigh telepathically, in what would be the LATEST round of their little "back and forth." ::

I'm sure you will, Scion. Lord Ravena is accustomed to fine performances, and can appreciate the novelty of an OPENING ACT. But don't set yourself up for a humiliating fall. The opening act is just THAT, and has NO value over the STAR ATTRACTION.

:: She wasn't there to hear Lord Ravena's speach for why he chose to present himself to MALICE and the WHITE COURT as their new white King. ::

And as for Shaw, no thank you. As amusing and SATISFYING as her display has been, I've had my FILL of that technotronic tramp for the night. HOWEVER, if you keep trying to bait me, I WILL send you to fetch CAMERON KING and have you bring HIM to my budoir, and FORCE you to watch as Lord Ravena AND myself have our way with him. I'll ravage him, body and soul...and Lord Ravena will consume him, and leave little to NOTHING of him in tact.

Think of THAT as you continue to lust after Ravena, while simultaneously lingering on the memories of Cameron's touch on and IN you, little girl. Those will be ALL you have left of him if you keep testing me.

:: Malice's evil laugh echoes like a soft wind in Haleigh's mind as they each go in opposite directions, with Malice finally arriving to Masque's quarters in the White Wing, entering and SHOVING Masque down on the floor, now standing over her in her diamond form::

I ASSUME you received my message from Fathom and Nogitsune?

I do NOT suffer sloppiness from members of the White Court.

EXPLAIN your tardiness.

:: Malice commands as she stands over the woman::

 

[Masque]

Hellfire Mansion – White Bishop’s Quarters



Haleigh: “No, Gia..... No. You don't show weakness to ANYONE, least of ALL to the White Queen. You show her obeisance, you show her toughness..... but if there's anything inside you that's not BRUTAL STRENGTH, you'd better kill it now, before it gets you killed, because if my mother thinks you won't last? You won't."

Gia sat there, mulling over Haleigh’s words. The chick was right; Diana DIDN’T seem to suffer pansies at ALL…so WHAT, in god’s name, did she even WANT from her?

Haleigh: "Looks like your wait is almost over.... which means it's time for me to take my leave. Thanks for the fruit, and good luck with Diana. Maybe if you survive, I'll see you later, I'm going to try to enjoy the party. It IS my debut, after all. It wouldn't do to hang out in the White Wing all night."

Gia looked up and nodded. Despite the knowledge that SHE was the one who sent her father to prison, Gia liked Haleigh.

“Oh, I do plan on surviving. I have…plans later myself.”

Haleigh took her leave and Gia was all alone. She went to her bedroom and got her phone. She texted somebody.

Hey! Sorry I haven’t greeted you yet. I was held up, and now I’m going to be held up AGAIN. Let’s meet up later?

She put her phone down and walked back into her living room…only to be thrown down onto the floor by the White Queen.

Well, now. THAT was supposed to happen MUCH later and with another person…

I ASSUME you received my message from Fathom and Nogitsune?

I do NOT suffer sloppiness from members of the White Court.

EXPLAIN your tardiness.

:: Malice commands as she stands over the woman::

Gia kind of chuckled and pushed her hair away from her face. Her grey eyes narrowed as she got up onto her knees placing her hands on her thighs.

*coolly*: “I did, as a matter of fact. Killing the only family I had…nice work.”

She slowly got up and stood in front of her Queen.

“Message received…LOUD and CLEAR. As for my tardiness, you’ll have to thank Special Agents Nicholas Briggs and George Henderson for that. They brought me in for yet another round of questioning about me, my father’s businesses, what-have-you. You know how THOROUGH those agents can be.”

Gia sighed and bit her lip. A contrite expression was on her face.

"I DO apologize for that, my Queen."

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Lunar Ballroom

Haleigh felt a chill creep up her spine, seize her brain stem, and spread across her mind. It was a familiar kind of brain freeze, and caused her no alarm. In fact, she found it strangely soothing in a way. Her pace slowed, her arm still linked with Lord Ravena. Her back was turned to Malice, something only the bravest [or craziest] would allow to happen, but she didn't turn as Diana's cold voice filled her head.

Malice: I'm sure you will, Scion. Lord Ravena is accustomed to fine performances, and can appreciate the novelty of an OPENING ACT. But don't set yourself up for a humiliating fall. The opening act is just THAT, and has NO value over the STAR ATTRACTION.

If it was possible for Haleigh to smirk mentally, that was exactly what she did as she answered her mother's 'warning'.

Perhaps, most of the time that's true.... but have you ever come across that Primer that was SO good, that you thought about them periodically throughout the Headliner's routine performance? I mean don't get me wrong, the Marquee Act is good, you're a fan and all, but you're used to their moves.... and then WHAM.... someone fresh and new kicks things off right.... and next thing you know, you're trying HARD to find out when the new act's next show is going to be?

Haleigh could see Diana's eyes narrow behind her, through a camera that pointed in her direction. It was the next best thing to having eyes in the back of her head. But even if she hadn't gotten the satisfaction of Diana's darkening expression, she immediately got confirmation of just how much Diana appreciated Haleigh's prurient sense of humor. She MUST have struck a nerve, because what came next could have ONLY been considered a scathing, unmistakable threat on Cameron.

Malice: Think of THAT as you continue to lust after Ravena, while simultaneously lingering on the memories of Cameron's touch on and IN you, little girl. Those will be ALL you have left of him if you keep testing me.

It was true, somewhere in the constant torrent of information, audio/visual streams, and OODA loops, her tryst with Cameron didn't leave her mind completely. Especially not with the way the Blackout Party was going, and the overwhelming, pornographic encounters happening on multiple camera feeds simultaneously. Yet, if Diana was expecting a rash reaction, she'd be disappointed. Recently Haleigh had been through a GAUNTLET, to say the least. But as horrible as it had been, and would likely continue to be, Haleigh was persevering, and she had LEARNED many things, not just about her true nature, her origin, and her new body, but also about her mind, her latent psionic genes, and her mother. She was still figuring out the nuances of moving her own psionic 'aura', from one body to another, or across the astral plane. It took a lot of effort.

One thing that did NOT take much effort though, was creating a little black box of her own, after seeing the deepest, darkest pit of Diana's soul. It came quite naturally to her, after years of practice categorizing and securing her own mind. All this time, she had never stopped to consider just HOW she was capable of organizing her own thoughts and emotions that way, but after seeing the 'black box' where Diana had secreted away all the things that could hurt her, Haleigh realized that it was an ability she'd gotten genetically. So if there was any part of her that would have reacted to Diana's threat to Cameron, that was something Haleigh had locked away in her own black box, and even SHE didn't feel it now. The only thing she felt was the residual satisfaction Malice had derived from the attempt to again put Haleigh in her place.... but Haleigh just laughed softly right along with her mother, and had a parting thought.

So you draw another line in the sand, between me and the King. I didn't realize you were capable of getting so attached to a man..... see how much we're learning about each other? If you don't want me to have him..... then it's of no consequence to me, I guess I'll just have to keep my fantasies to myself.... or rather, just between US, since you insist on being inside my head at all times. Oh, but I'll fuck him REAL good in my mind, so maybe you'll learn a new trick or two.

And so the bell rang on another round of their cerebral duel. Malice went off to abuse someone else, and Haleigh let Lord Ravena take her out onto the dance floor. The DJ seemed to be taking a smoke break, and some nondescript dance floor jam was on autoplay. Haleigh faded a song in that had been danced to many times before, and this one was at least from a decade in which she'd been alive. The easily recognizable beginning of 'Sweet Dreams [Are Made of This]' began to play, and the White King began to lead his Princess. An opening in the dance floor grew organically, as the crowd realized who was coupled and how much room they would need. The music was pumping so loudly that they could not hear the buzz of the rumor mill starting up. Many members stopped dancing and just backed off to watch, amazed by the way they moved with each other. Their timing was impeccable, and they both seemed to move almost instinctively. Smooth, glamorous and energetic, it was some unholy blend of Quickstep, Tango, and Mambo, suited perfectly for a ballroom, and astoundingly, also flawlessly matched to the song. It was not as overtly lecherous as the veritable orgy everyone had been partaking in before, but had an erotic undertone, sensual and intense. Most mere humans would have found it to be challenging, physically demanding to the point of breathlessness, but Haleigh wore an easy smile and when she spoke, her cadence was even.

"Congratulations on your coronation. It's been a LEGENDARY party so far."

 

[Persephone]

He was thorough, that was for sure. And he certainly knew his way around a woman. Slipping the jeweled straps of her red dress back onto her shoulders, Ava stood from the couch and swept her now tousled locks to the side.

"Do you mind?"

Her bare toned back facing Alek, an indication that she wanted him to zip up her dress. The skin on her back was flushed red in the shape of finger marks, proof of just how intense their encounter had gotten. Ava felt his body behind her again as he slowly zipped up her dress. He was a tease...she liked it.

"Keep doing that, and we'll never get back out there."

Smirking, she turned around to face him, her icy blue eyes meet with his.

"You certainly do know how to welcome a girl."

She captured his bottom lip with her teeth before fully kissing him once again. Their lips finally parted but Ava kept her eyes closed for a moment longer. Alek didn't realize it, but she needed that release more than she chose to admit. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions from the start of the day until literally right before he entered the lounge. She needed to forget everything and just FEEL something other than the pain and guilt of that day. He gave that to her. She was grateful. Running her hand down his cheek, she smiled.

"Get dress handsome. I should make face before Helena decides to punish me."

Rolling her eyes, she really was done with the whole blackout party. In fact, if she had it her way she would go back to her newly appointed chambers and go round number two with Alek. But alas, she was the new Red Rook and needed to make an appearance as such.

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion - Red Lounge

Sweat glistened off his naked body, but Alek made no move to cover himself, though he collected his clothing from the floor, not taking his eyes off Ava as she dressed. Her back was to him, and she gracefully inclined her neck as she asked him to zip up her dress.

"Do you mind?"

"Well, yeah, I kinda do."

He walked slowly towards her, then gently put one hand on her waist, and the other took hold of the zipper.

"I liked it a lot better going the other direction."

He zipped the dress slowly, agonizingly slowly, his other hand moving to the back of her shoulder and lightly tracing down the bare skin of her back.

"Keep doing that, and we'll never get back out there.

He whispered into her ear before kissing the arc of her neck.

"That's sort of the idea."

She turned around to face him.

"You certainly do know how to welcome a girl."

"Any job doing is worth doing well."

He smiled mischievously, giving her a look that said what he'd like to do next, when she kissed him. This evening certainly was going his way.

Get dressed handsome. I should make face before Helena decides to punish me."

Alek pulled on his suit slacks, then sat down to put on his shoes and socks.

"Luckily, when Helena has someone that needs punishing, that job comes to me."

Standing, he finished dressing, pulling his shirt and jacket on. Straightening them, he saw that the buttons on the shirt were completely ruined, so the shirt hung open to his waist. He inwardly shrugged - nothing to be done about it now. And a ruined shirt was small payment for time well spent.

He ran a hand through his loose hair, looking around to make sure he had retrieved all of his clothing. He leveled a smoldering look at her, before taking her hand and pulling her to him, pressing their bodies together. He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"I'll save you a dance. And maybe later, I could welcome you some more."

He went to the door and opened it, holding it for her. He put his hand on the small of her back as he led her towards the ballroom.

 

[Persephone]

Aleksander: "Luckily, when Helena has someone that needs punishing, that job comes to me."

Ava grinned, pulling a few of the bobby pins that were holding her hair back in a bun out, allowing the mass of locks to cascade down her shoulders and back.

"Remind me to break a few things then."

She teased, feeling his hand grasp hers, pulling her to him. Their bodies met again and Ava moved her hands around his torso and behind his open shirt. She could feel the heat rising between them again as he tucked some hair behind her ear.

Aleksander: "I'll save you a dance. And maybe later, I could welcome you some more."

"I'm counting on it."

Her eyes dark with desire. Alek opened the lounge door and escorted her out toward the ballroom. The disco was officially over as she heard some modern music pumping throughout the venue. Approaching the entrance of the Lunar Ballroom, Ava saw the crowd of people parted in a circular fashion with Haleigh and Lord Ravena dancing in the middle. Her blood went cold seeing that man all over her sister. Narrowing her eyes, she leaned into Alek, her hand guiding his from the small of her back to her hip as she remained close enough to speak with him.

"What do you know about him?"

Her eyes staying locked on Lord Ravena, not realizing the stares that SHE was now getting from various members of the club. But Ava was focused on Ravena and couldn't shake the feeling that he was bad news....more than just White King bad news, but someone linked to her past. With Alek being apart of the Inner Circle longer than she, Ava hoped he would know something.

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Mansion- From the White Wing to the Portrait Hall

Gia kind of chuckled and pushed her hair away from her face. Her grey eyes narrowed as she got up onto her knees placing her hands on her thighs.

*coolly*: “I did, as a matter of fact. Killing the only family I had…nice work.”

She slowly got up and stood in front of her Queen.

Oh don't be so naive or dramatic, Chrissy. If you'd been here ON TIME, my emissary, Kristen Pratt would have prepped you, briefed you on your fellow White Court members, and what they can do.

:: The White Queen shifted her weight a bit over to one of her high heels, rolling her other ankle, and tilting her head a bit as she watched the girl collect herself and then sit down::

Nogitsune is my White Rook, and a trickster. She's a mistress of riddles and ILLUSIONS. She LOVES her play time, though sometimes, she plays a bit ROUGH, and some of the people she's FRIGHTENED have been quite literally scared to DEATH.

:: Smirking a bit::

Your father is ALIVE, but how WELL he is, depends on who you ask, considering his current status ::Federally incarcerated:: He was one of the many men who overreached, trying to play a game of black mail with my "delightful" daughter...and he LOST.

:: She shifts out of her diamond form and into her normal human form, staring at Chrissy with a predatory look in her opal blue eyes. ::

The only reason you're NOT DEAD right now, is because of the nature of the relationship I had with your father, Count Nefaria.

:: Little Gia didn't know the HALF of it! ::

He was a capable, POWERFUL man, who served the White Court, served ME well. His slip up and CAPTURE caused his memebership and rank/title in the Inner Circle to be passed to YOU, and so far, you're doing a LOUSY job of carrying the mantle.

I told you earlier, I DON'T tolerate sloppiness, and I'm sure my White Knight and Rook delivered the same warning.

Gia sighed and bit her lip. A contrite expression was on her face.

"I DO apologize for that, my Queen."

:: The girl explained her tardiness, and it was plausible. The same career agents that nabbed her father, where now after her.::

Your apology is accepted...

:: Leaning in close and cupping the girl by her chin, forcing her to crane her neck as she held her face up::


FOR NOW. If you continue to be sloppy, AND harbor these FLIPPANT thoughts about the White Court in your head...to say that I'd make you wish you'd NEVER BEEN BORN would be an UNDERSTATEMENT.

:: She YANKS Chrissy out of her chair by her arm. Haleigh was REALLY starting to crystalize to Delilah why "CHILDREN" were a burden a person was better off WITHOUT. ONE child in the White Court to "look after" and DISCIPLINE was More than enough. She was not about to "suffer" TWO. ::

:: She YANKS Chrissy to her feet by her arm::

Now, you're coming with me. We have something to discuss with the White Princess.

:: Malice swings Chrissy around and practically TOSSES her out into the hall of the White Wing.::

Get moving.

:: Diana coldly commands, as she "finds" Scion in the same place she'd been DYING to be, the arms of the White King, dancing to the hypnotic, dream like synths and beats of Annie Lennox, no less. The song was an apt selection, for a variety of reasons, but if Diana was ONCE AGAIN going to have to handle "BUSINESS" just as she was about to DIVE into wanton pleasure...then she wouldn't be the ONLY ONE to SUFFER.::

SCION!

:: Malice telepathically SHOUTS in Haleigh's mind with a FORCE that people like Cameron were all too PAINFULLY familiar with. Haleigh had it RIGHT earlier, Diana WOULD abuse ANYONE who she felt DESERVED it.::

Your presence before me is required, in the portrait hall. NOW!

:: She walks behind Chrissy, FORCING the girl to lead the way, as they make their way toward the center hall, and UP two floors to the PORTRAIT HALL::

:: She grabs Chrissy's arm, and swings her around, practically THROWING her down into a chair::

You see, Chrissy. I don't like MESSES, OR loose ends.

If you'd BEEN HERE on time, we could have addressed this already, and NOW because of your TARDINESS...granted, it was a tributary to an issue that has to do with your father and my daughter...I am once again DELAYED in having MY fill this evening...and I'm losing my PATIENCE.

:: If Scion didn't bring her insolent self out to the portrait hall tout suite, Diana would deliever a PSI SHOCK to her that would make the ELECTRIC CHAIR seem like static electricity::

Now, we're goint to fix this problem, and I EXPECT from this moment FORWARD, you will occupy the position once held by your father with a MODICRUM of competence...or ELSE.

 

[Berserker]

The Ballroom

Alek could feel Ava tense as they entered the ballroom. He followed her gaze to where the new White Princess danced with the new White King. Her "sister's" bed partners seemed to be a hotspot for Ava - he filed that bit of info away for later. Alek cared little for who was fucking whom, except when it was HIMSELF doing the fucking or when the knowledge of it could benefit his queen. But his eyes did narrow a bit as the two newest members of the White Court looked very familiar with each other. It was no secret that the White Queen had taken Ravena to her bed - and as, for today at least, HIS queen was allied quite closely to Diana...should the White King stray, the Red Court would be put upon to assist the White in taking care of him. And while part of Alek had a hard on for a fight of that magnitude, another part realized what a complete and total pain the ass of a situation that would be to be in.

Plus, he'd heard things about this new White Princess, and he wasn't ready just yet to watch her brain reduced to jello by Malice.

"What do you know about him?"

He snagged two flutes of champagne off a tray as the attached waiter sped by them, and handed one to Ava, taking a gulp of the other.

"Our illustrious new white king. Came over from the European arm of the HC. Vampire. Creepy son of a bitch. Likes to flirt, so watch out. Despite what you see going on there, he's Diana's new consort, which means she's fucking him a lot. And often in view of other members of the Inner Circle."

He took another drink, giving Ava a look that said it was strange, even for such as them.

"There's been talk about Malice's behavior - allowing a man to influence her to such a degree. Giving him such a high position on her court, etcetera. Like she's slipping. But only a fool would think so. And only a fool who wanted to be very dead would say it out loud."

He smiled at her.

"Malice keeps dropping hints about his 'noble lineage' or something like that, but no one knows exactly what it is. Or if they do, they aren't sharing it. But if you ask me, it's the reason Malice has allowed him to get so close to her; she wants something from him. And it aint his cock."

He leaned in closer to Ava, and lowered his voice.

"I don't normally give a damn whether the other courts implode, as long as it doesn't hurt Helena, but friendly advice: if you care about your sister, tell her to tread very lightly. She's used to speaking her mind to Diana and doing as she pleases, but she's in a whole different world now."