The Pain of War

The Leviathan at Sea

At first, there were just two small blips on the horizon, dark silhouettes against the sunset. In time, those two shapes became identifiable ships. The smaller of the two, a quaint little private yacht that belonged to Ava Cassadine, was trailing behind the larger ship at a short distance off its starboard side.

"I thought the Red Court double-crossed us..."

Heidi said, glaring at the little yacht as they sailed past it. Jack wordlessly shook his head, the little shrug in his shoulders indicating he didn't know either. Heidi turned her attention to the larger ship ahead. Much more impressive, it was larger even than the Leviathan, but that meant it moved slower and was a bit less maneuverable. It was the Queen Zenobia, their current destination.

The Leviathan moved into position on its port side, expertly slowing to match the Queen Zenobia's speed. A plank of sorts, a meter wide and several meters long, extended until the two ships were linked. Heidi fluidly stood from her lounge chair and strode out of the observation deck. She took a staircase down to the main deck. Coco trailed behind her, the little dog's toenails click-click-clicking on the deck surface as they went. Jack followed as well, though he moved silently.

When Heidi led them to cross the plank between the two ships, Coco stopped and whined in complaint. Heidi slowed and attempted to encourage the creature to keep following her. No matter how safe Heidi promised the plank was, though, Coco did not seem to want to transverse it on foot. Heidi scooped the dog up in her arms and carried her. Jack was right behind her, a briefcase in each hand. He didn't seem to have any reluctance to cross the plank, so Heidi crossed without further delay.

The staff aboard ushered them to where the Queens were. Jack went straight to the Black Queen and requested a private word with her. Heidi did not have to be jealous, as his intentions were not a secret to her. Instead, she turned to the Red Queen. She handed Coco over without ceremony.

"Well, it's good to see you've survived that pathetic little revolt your treacherous court attempted. I managed to keep your dog from being roasted, but there's no need to thank me, really.”

She said, and then she glanced around briefly.

“Where's my Queen? No doubt she requires my report."
 
Alix had instructed to keep applying the medicine every couple of hours until it was gone, which meant she either had to stick around The Clocktower longer then she had originally anticipated, or take it to go. It really depended on how hostile the rest of The Birds would be. Alexis didn't give a shit if they liked her or wanted her there, it was a matter of her lack of strength. She couldn't defend herself if things escalated, and with someone like Ashley in the mix, that had a tendency of happening.

Zizi: "Vivica is...protective."

Alexis couldn't help but cock up an eyebrow at that, as if to say, no shit. But then again, she couldn't really blame her. If the positions were reversed and the Red Bishop who had the ability of invisibility were in her headquarters? She'd be on edge too.

Zizi: "She's been let down in her life. Something most of the people who find their way here seem to share. I'm not sure why that is."

Alexis' amused expression faded at Zizi's words. A menagerie of second-rate misfits. At least that's what Helena would always call The Birds of Prey. Yet for some reason Alexis felt more relaxed with Zizi than she should have been. There was a warmth there that was inviting, and likely the reason why everyone who was apart of this team stayed. Regardless, it was an unsettling feeling for Alexis to have -- a stupid feeling. She couldn't let her guard down, not this easily. Not with Zizi York of all people. She hadn't realized she was lost in thought until Zizi exclaimed and Alexis looked over to see Andrew embracing her, looking no worse for the wear.

Andrew: "Helloooo."

Alexis' eyes narrowed just slightly, knowing exactly where this was going.

Andrew: "Are we getting a new teammate?"

"Absolutely not."

Zizi was much more gentle in her response.

Andrew: "Hey, if you ever want to compare scars..."

"Keep pushing Casanova, and i'll make sure you don't recover from the next one."

Alexis warned with a salacious smile.

John was trying to escort him out, telling Zizi that he would stay with Andrew and keep on eye on him. They both started to head toward the door before John stopped and looked over at her.

Steel: "Glad you're doing okay."

Alexis' eyes met with his, a bit surprised by his admission. She blinked her line of sight away, unsure why these people were being so damn nice to her. It was starting to make her feel uncomfortable.

Zizi: "Well, I don't think you need worry about those two. That leaves Ashley and Zach, who I doubt we'll see before morning in any case. Though they did bring you here, so it would be rather strange for them to object to you staying the night. Also I can't imagine Zach kicking anyone out of anywhere. And Ashley will do whatever Zach asks, for better or worse."

Alexis vaguely remembered being brought to The Clocktower by Zach and Ashley, flashes of memory playing in her head. She didn't know why they did it, but they did...

Zizi: "The more...opinionated of our membership who you may remember from your time with the Six - Sharon Kelly and Alycia Barnett - have decided we are not a good fit for them."

Alexis straight up scoffed out at the mentioning of Sharon and Alycia.

[deadpan] "A 10 inch dildo wouldn't be a good fit for them."

She said with a roll of her eyes. The two notorious for being out right bitches who couldn't handle being told what to do or being wrong. Alexis was very aware of the tension the two Amazon's had in regards to The Birds AND The Six. It was her job to know. But fuck, Stevie Wonder could see that it was only a matter of time before those two bitches went rogue.

Zizi: "The Six must have been very big on having a leader..."

"Well that's the understatement of the fucking century."

Shaking her head bitterly at the thought of both Morgan and Alison.

Zizi: "So I think you'll find those that might have objected no longer have a say. And besides. Perhaps best not fall off the grid just yet...until that's completely healed?"

Sighing heavily, Alexis let her head fall back onto the chair. She really didn't want to take advantage of Zizi's kindness, which was a strange feeling considering she didn't care who she used as long as she got what she wanted. But, with Zizi if felt wrong to use her. Maybe it was because she was so kind and Alexis wasn't. Or maybe it was because Alexis felt guilty for being involved in Gabe's murder. Either way, it was a shitty fucking feeling and she hated it. Rolling her head to look at Zizi, her hardened expression softened just enough to show concession.

"Fine. I'll take the couch."

She knew ZIzi would offer her bedroom, so Alexis took that off the table immediately.

"And hopefully by morning this will be out of my system."
 
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It was strange. They were out of Hellfire, but they had yet to escape hell. Both sisters commiserating over alcohol like it would somehow dull the pain. Haleigh's eyes hadn't left her glass of cognac, but Ava's did. They wandered to the various occupied tables that were filled with people who's biggest problem was who was going to pay the bill. The irony of everything was almost comical. They were free, but they both still felt like prisoners.

Haleigh: “Like a nightmare, when you think you wake up, but the horror continues. If anything, it’s gotten worse.”

Much worse.

Ava thought as she tipped her empty glass toward Haleigh to refill.

Haleigh: “Well I was pretending to celebrate our great victory, Hellfire has been destroyed, and we survived.”

Scoffing at the thought that they 'survived'. They barely scratched by, and in the process lost more than they both could accept in that very moment.

"If that's what you want to call it."

Ava felt like a shell. Like she were running on autopilot since the moment Alek had been snatched from her grasp. Her mind was so focused on him she hadn't let the other 'stuff' in yet. The 'stuff' she had done. The people she had hurt. Ultimately killed. The betrayal, the guilt, all of it was simmering on the back burner as her mind focused on trying to find the man she loved.

Haleigh: “I’m still alive, but only just, and honestly I’m tired of acting like I don’t feel utterly defeated.”

Ava sighed out heavily in agreement. At least Ava wasn't alone in her misery. But Haleigh's voice turned much colder as she spoke next, a tone Ava was all too familiar with. She knew this had to do with Alek...her eyes watching her sister as Haleigh refused to look at her.

Haleigh: “I’m fairly sure the Queens stole your yacht to make their escape. It disappeared from the harbor and I can’t locate it anywhere."

"Unbelievable."

Ava muttered under her breath. At this point nothing those two bitches did surprised her anymore.

Haleigh: "I tracked Heidi’s Leviathan on satellite feed out into the Atlantic. She turned southeast and has disappeared as well. I assume their position is being cloaked after regrouping with the Queens. If I had to guess, they’ll cross the Antarctic on the way to the Pacific. The Mariana Trench has got to be the place Heidi crawled out of, and all the little island chains provide low tech places to resupply without appearing on a camera. If they’re clever enough to split up their shipments to the multitude of commercial ports, it’ll be impossible to anticipate where they might dock at any given time.”

Haleigh was stalling, talking about Heidi's boat and the Mariana Trench. Things that meant little to Ava. She didn't want to know the details of the voyage, she wanted to know if and where they would dock so Ava could get Alek and sink the fucking boat, killing every fucking person on it that hurt him. But as Haleigh took a sip of her drink, prolonging the inevitable admission that she didn't know where Alek was.

“I’m sorry, Ava—”

Ava blinked her line of sight away, her jaw tightening.

Haleigh: “I no longer think I’ll be able to find him.”

Looking at her drink silently, the room seemed to go just as silent in those long moments after Haleigh's admission. For someone with Haleigh's abilities...her powers...her sources...to say that she couldn't track them down, Ava couldn't help but feel like all hope was gone in that moment. Her eyes were lowered, but tears filled them.

"I should have listened to you."

She admitted softly. All of Haleigh's warnings about getting involved with Alek fell on deaf ears in Hellfire.

"He would be safe now if I had..."

Ava's voice trailed off, her own words bitter on her tongue. She knew this was her fault, but guilt wasn't going to find him. Self loathing wasn't going to find him. And Ava wasn't about to give up just because Haleigh couldn't track him down. She still had Max...and if all else failed...she had someone else.

Downing her drink in one gulp, Ava shut her eyes and exhaled the heat of the alcohol, composing herself.

"I'll start at the Mariana Trench...i'll forward the information to Domino."

She finally looked at Haleigh, no evidence of tears left. She wouldn't give up on Alek. She refused to, even if every lead led to a dead end.

"It's a start."

Ava paused for a moment, knowing her own relationship wasn't the only one that was in a dire situation. She hesitated for a moment, unsure how to ask how Cameron was doing. The thought of Diana winning and taking over Cameron's body was unsettling to say the least, but she knew how devastating it would be for Haleigh to lose the man she loved to her own psychopath mother.

"Have there been any...signs of Diana within Cameron? Anything familiar?"
 
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The Parthenon - Starlight Lounge

Haleigh commiserated with her sister on their 'survival' of Hellfire. It was strangely comforting to know her sister understood exactly how she felt about this whole grievous mess they'd found themselves in. The others wouldn't know, couldn't know, what they'd been through. Ava had been there through it all, the impossible and heinous tasks they'd been assigned, the daily hell of trying to figure out how to survive in a place where anyone, or everyone, might try to kill you at any given time.

Everyone except Alek. He wasn't perfect, there had been times that Haleigh had doubted his loyalty, but now he was about to die for choosing Persephone over Helena, and Haleigh wasn't so sure she could find him anymore. She explained the situation to her sister. She watch her sister's gaze drop, not just disappointment, but sheer devastation. She hated this, but it was better to do it now. Ava took the blame on herself, as if she were the one factor that their predicament hinged on, but Haleigh shook her head, reaching across the table to rest her hand on Ava's forearm gently.

"It's not your fault. He should have listened to me. If he had, you two would be on Aerie right now, trying your damnedest to make a baby. And if I had listened to either of you, who knows where we'd all be. But really Ava, we all just did the best we could. And if anybody's at fault, ultimately, it's me."

She said soberly. Ava slammed back her drink and declared that she'd start at the Mariana Trench and forward the info to Domino. It was a start, she said. Haleigh gave another grim nod.

"I'm not going to give up the search, I just.... I don't want you to hang all your hopes on my abilities. I'm not omniscient, there are ways to avoid detection, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Queens had developed a contingency plan for concealing themselves from me."

She added, not wanting to crush all hope. Her brow lifted a bit as she thought of another avenue to explore.

"And there's also Alison, she might be able to help."

Haleigh suggested before finishing her own drink. There was a pause, and Haleigh could tell Ava was about to broach a subject uncomfortably. Her sister asked if there had been any signs of Diana in Cameron. Haleigh poured them both another glass, as she contemplated whether or not to tell her sister the truth. She could obfuscate a bit, give an answer that wasn't exactly a lie, but certainly an omission. There hadn't been anything beyond signs of life in Cameron, thus far, she could say. But that would be sidestepping something equally concerning. Haleigh took a sip and cleared her throat quietly. Her voice dropped to a lower volume than before.

"There's been signs of Diana. In my mind, still."

She tried to gauge her sister's expression as she continued carefully.

"I'm not sure if she can reach me from the Astral Plane, or if it's just some.... viral subroutine running rampant. She's been in my head so long now..."

She said, then paused to shudder. She took a big gulp of her drink.

"Ava, if I become Scion again... don't try to 'save' me, don't stop to ask questions, don't stick around. I want you to get the fuck out of here, and never look back."
 
The Clocktower

Alexis didn't seem to take it as a strike against them that Sharon and Alycia hadn't decided to stay as part of the team. But it was information that Zizi hadn't wanted to hide from the girl. Zizi commented on the Six's apparent very strong need for one overarching leader to their group - and apparently it had mattered very much to Sharon and Alycia who that leader was.

Alexis: "Well that's the understatement of the fucking century."

Zizi cleared her throat, not wanting to speak bad of the Six, but not necessarily wanted to excuse them either.

"Yes, well, ahem."

Zizi suggested that Alexis might not want to be completely alone until her shoulder was healed, just in case something happened. Zizi sat quietly while the blonde thought about the situation. It cost nothing to be patient. And after all, it was the girl's decision to make.

Alexis: "Fine. I'll take the couch."

"Well, it's a start."

Zizi smiled broadly.

Alexis: "And hopefully by morning this will be out of my system."

"And if not, we'll be in a position to get you help."

Zizi set her teacup back in her lap and put her hands on the wheels of her chair, starting to back it up.

"Though I have complete confidence it will be all healed by morning."

She did a quick three point turn and headed for the linen closet.

"I'll get you a pillow and a blanket."
 
Guilt weighed heavily on Ava's chest, knowing that Alek was likely being tortured or worse because of a relationship she should have ended long ago. She shut her eyes at the thought of him hurt, the familiar feeling of sickness overcoming her stomach once again. It wasn't until she felt Haleigh's hand on her forearm that made her look up.

Haleigh: "It's not your fault."

She shook her head in disagreement, knowing that was a lie.

Haleigh: "He should have listened to me. If he had, you two would be on Aerie right now, trying your damnedest to make a
baby."

Ava's eyes furrowed a bit at Haleigh's admission, unsure when she had told Alek to take her and leave for Aerie. Either way, she appreciated her sister's sentiment, but the blame wasn't on Alek. He had done more than enough on his end to protect Ava in Hellfire, more than Haleigh even knew. And the one thing Ava could have done to protect him...she couldn't.

Haleigh: "And if I had listened to either of you, who knows where we'd all be. But really Ava, we all just did the best we could. And if anybody's at fault, ultimately, it's me."

"Don't start, Haleigh..."

Her sister was so quick to put all the blame on her shoulders, and nothing Ava could say would change that.

"You know if you hadn't gone to Hellfire, this situation with Diana would have been far worse. We tamed the beast for as long as we could, and unfortunately there was collateral damage because of it. But that damage is nothing compared to what would have been if you didn't keep Diana in check for as long as you did."

And THAT was the damn truth, whether Delilah, Zach, Morgan, or anyone else tried to deny. Ava sighed out, because she knew she could tell Haleigh that until the end of time yet she would still blame herself. Ironically, Ava understood that sentiment as well. Hesitating for a moment, Ava finally breached the topic of Cameron and Diana and whether there were any signs of Diana.

Haleigh: "There's been signs of Diana. In my mind, still."

Ava slowly nodded as she exhaled in response.

"And you're sure it's her?"

Haleigh: "I'm not sure if she can reach me from the Astral Plane, or if it's just some.... viral subroutine running rampant. She's been in my head so long now..."

Ava didn't want to suggest that Haleigh was suffering from PTSD in regards to Diana switching Scion on and off like a light switch. But Haleigh confirmed as much. It could just been some residual trauma from everything that happened and not actually Diana reaching across the astral plane.

"If you're questioning it...I doubt it's her, Haleigh."

She tried to reassure her sister as Haleigh shuddered at the thought.

Haleigh: "Ava, if I become Scion again..."

[warning] "Haleigh--"

Haleigh: "..don't try to 'save' me, don't stop to ask questions, don't stick around. I want you to get the fuck out of here, and never look back."

Ava shut her eyes, rubbing her brow roughly as Haleigh continued anyway, telling her to leave and not look back. It was something she had heard many times before when they were both in Hellfire, and something Ava would never agree to. But both of them were mentally and physically exhausted. Both of them were running on auto pilot. So in this situation, Ava decided to try and ease off the topic at hand.

"We'll figure it out if we get to that point, okay?"

Pouring both herself and Haleigh another glass, Ava looked at her before taking a sip.

"Are you staying with Cameron tonight?"

Drinking half the pour.

"I know neither of us will be getting any sleep tonight."
 
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The Parthenon - Starlight Lounge

Haleigh tried to console her sister and help her understand that what happened to Alek wasn't solely her fault. They were all at fault, and none more so than Haleigh was herself. Ava wasn't having it, and told Haleigh "don't start." Haleigh gave her sister a serious look.

"Don't ask me to pretend this doesn't all stem from the decision I made--"

She began, but Ava was already asserting the argument that things would be much worse if Haleigh hadn't gone to Hellfire and essentially placated her mother for as long as possible. Haleigh didn't really have a rebuttal for that point, and it made her feel slightly better about the way things were, so she accepted it without further debate. Instead she raised her glass a bit, a silent toast to the idea that she'd maybe done something good, or at least not inherently bad.

"Don't try to tell that to Delilah, she'll light your ass up."

She grumbled, finishing her glass as Ava asked about Cameron, and signs of Diana. That was going to require another round, so Haleigh poured heavily. She considered omitting the truth, but in the end she decided that Ava needed to know the risk they were currently up against. Without giving every little detail, Haleigh told Ava that she was hearing her mother in her head still. Ava took it much better than Haleigh expected, even tried to reassure her.

Haleigh still shuddered at the thought, and then she tried to warn Ava away. If she became Scion again, it would not bode well for any of them. Ava didn't even want to entertain the idea, and brushed it off quickly, planning instead to cross the bridge when it caught fire. Haleigh was about to launch more argument, but Ava asked her if she was going to stay with Cameron tonight. Haleigh grimaced and shook her head, focusing her attention on her glass again.

"No... Delilah was right. I'm a threat to him. To all of us really. If he can't defeat my mother, when she gets out, she'll capture my mind and make me a murder machine again. She won't let me stop until she's the only one I have left to turn to. I'm determined to resist her... but it won't matter in the end. I can't hold her off for fucking ever. Worst of all, she may get a power boost if she takes Cameron's body."

Haleigh shuddered again, and down a large portion of her glass.

"Guess I'll stand watch... there's nothing left to do but wait..."

Ava: "I know neither of us will be getting any sleep tonight."

Haleigh made an abrupt noise of amusement that couldn't quite pass for a laugh, and tipped more amber liquid into their glasses.

"No, but at least we can drink."
 
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Hotel Indigo - Cardiff

Ashley collapsed into a giant armchair as soon as she entered the hotel suite.

"Ugh - I don't understand why everybody likes flying in airplanes so much. And that's coming from someone who can fly."

Cooped up in the small metal box for all those endless hours had been excruciating, and now she was exhausted. Of course, it was morning here. It had been several days since the battle at the Hellfire Mansion. Zizi had flown out the following day to comfort Gabe's mother and arrange the funeral. Zach had arranged for discreet security to protect Zizi and Mrs. Jerome, since of course she had insisted she didn't need any help. And now they had come here in that gods forsaken contraption to attend said funeral, which would happen the following day.

"AND I'm starving."

They had eaten on the plane, of course, but that had to have been at least an hour and a half ago. Her face brightened at the thought of food.

"Do they have McDonald's in this country?"

Of course they did. They had to. Everywhere had McDonald's. That was one of the best things about it. That and the pies.

Ashley kicked her shoes off and let them drop to the floor with one thud then another.

"What are we gonna do until tomorrow? We could surprise Zizi. She hasn't been very talkative on the phone though. I'm not sure she even wanted us to come."

Talking to Zizi these past few days had been like pulling someone's teeth out with a rusty pair of pliers. And not nearly as much fun.

"She's not been her usual self, at all."
 
Hotel Indigo — Cardiff

Ash crashed into an armchair as soon as they checked into their hotel room. Zach deposited their suitcases on the floor by the closet as Ash griped about airplanes.

“Well, it’s faster than rowing a longship across the Atlantic. And less work, too.”

He offered with a smile. She declared she was starving, which provoked more seriousness from him. Starving was a deadly state of affairs. She asked him if there was a McDonald’s in this country. Zach pulled out his phone and made the arrangements on the app.

“There’s one three blocks down, and it’ll be delivered here in half an hour.”

He said, as she kicked off her shoes. When she asked him what they were going to do to pass the time, his heart skipped a beat. But right before he could raise an eyebrow at her, she mentioned surprising Zizi.

“Sure, that’s a good idea.”

He replied. She went on to explain that Zizi hadn’t been as talkative as usual and probably didn’t even want them to come. In her estimation, Zizi hadn’t been herself lately. Zach gave an understanding nod.

“This is a tough time for her. Even if she didn’t want to admit she wanted us to come, I’ve no doubt she’ll appreciate having her best friend here for support.”

He reassured her with a gentle smile as he sat on the arm of her chair, his hand brushing her hair behind her ear. He leaned over to plant a kiss on her temple.

“I ordered way too much food. Why don’t we take some to her, with the closest thing to a Big Gulp that Europe has to offer?”
 
Ava sat in a familiar booth, in a familiar restaurant, which lead to events she had yet to deal with. Events that, quite honestly, were the furthest thing from her mind until she received a phone call that morning from Gabriel Jerome's mother. His funeral was being held in Wales tomorrow, and she had invited Ava to attend. They had a relationship years ago before Ava and Persephone had merged together, one that lasted long enough for his mother to ask her to help lay him to rest. Little did his mother know that she was the very reason he was dead. When Persephone took control, her first priority was self preservation by any means. She needed information and resources to help dissolve Cassadine Enterprises relationship with the Zenith Group in order to stay on Helena's good side, and that involved certain skill levels that Cypher had. Unfortunately, he soon got involved with the Birds of Prey and was put on Helena's radar which ultimately lead to his death. Despite the balance of both Persephone and Ava as a whole identity now, it didn't diminish the guilt of being the reason why Gabe was in Helena's crosshairs.

The waiter came to refill Ava's sake just as her guest arrived. The waiter held out the bottle in a silent offering of the beverage.

Alexis: "Just water."

Alexis said as she held up her hand, denying the drink. She slid into the booth across from Ava.

Alexis: "Interesting location choice."

Ava downed the sake shot in one go.

[deadpan] "I was feeling nostalgic."

Alexis: [scoffing] "Is that what we're calling it?"

Ava rolled her eyes at that before gesturing with her chin to the folder in front of Alexis.

"Is that why you called me?"

Alexis pushed the folder toward Ava. Opening it, Ava reviewed the contents, her eyes shifting quickly through the information. It looked like there was some kind of communication line that flickered in, the location coming from off the coast of Guam and being delivered to England.

"Cambridge?"

Alexis: "Rosemont is located in Cambridge."

It then dawned on Ava why this was so important. Rosemont was the European Hellfire's version of Arklay. It was used as the European vacation mansion, amongst other treacherous things. Linking that with the fact that days earlier Haleigh suggested the Queens were likely going toward the Mariana Trench, it seemed as if they finally got some kind of solid clue.

"So they're trying to communicate with the European royals..."

Alexis shrugged, taking a sip of the water the waiter delivered to her.

Alexis: "The Europeans hated Diana. They looked at her as a power hungry threat to their territory. Add Ravena into the mix and there was a reason the new White Queen invited them over to play nice. Now that Ravena and Diana are out the picture - so to speak - it makes sense that Helena would extend an olive branch. She doesn't want to admit it, but she needs help to ensure hers and Kelly's thrones stay in tact."

Ava knew exactly where Alexis was going with this, finishing her sentence.

"What better way than to secure allies with the Europeans."

Alexis nodded.

Alexis: "They're vulnerable. The Birds and Six are hunting for them. You are hunting for them. I'm hunting for her. Helena won't admit it, but she needs back up."

Ava's eyes dropped to the information in the file once again, noting the little red dot in the middle of the ocean indicating the transmission ping.

"Any idea what the transmission said?"

Alexis sat back, shaking her head.

Alexis: "Nope. That's a question better suited for your bitch of a sister."

Alexis grinned as Ava's eyes flicked up narrowing. Alexis raised both her hands, her grin morphing into a smirk.

Alexis: "Hey, you know my history. I'm happy to help you, but she can go fuck herself with a rusty AK."

Ava closed the folder, her eyes remaining trained on Alexis. There was only one reason Ava was considering Alexis' help, and that was because she knew Helena better than anyone. Alexis had been undercover as Mystique for years, on top of her general familial relationship with the Red Queen. But there was still the question as to why Alexis would help Ava, considering Ava was the sister of someone Alexis despised.

"Why do you want to help me, Alexis? Mystique. I was quite literally the biggest weapon you had against Haleigh in Hellfire, and you just let it go? You had MANY opportunities to fuck me over with Helena and Haleigh, and you didn't. So why? Why not take advantage of everything you knew? Why help me now after everything you know?"
 
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The Jerome Home - Llantrisant, Wales

Zizi had already been staring at the box on the desk in front of her for an hour. She looked around her, seeming to look for someone to rescue her. But there was no one.

She had been staying at Gabe's mother's house since she had arrived in Wales the morning after the battle. This was the room he had stayed in when he'd come to visit her, where he had been staying for several months since his mother's health got worse. His things were everywhere around her. His mother had asked her to help go through what he had accumulated there. Of course she had agreed, she wanted to help in any way she could. But now that she was supposed to be doing it, she just couldn't. Hence the box of photographs in front of her that she couldn't bear to look at.

In some ways, strangely, being here was easier. Having to be around her teammates was suffocating. And feeling that way only made her feel worse. The way they looked at her. The way they didn't know what to say, or how to help. She didn't hold that against them. Zizi didn't know either. But with their faces surrounding her she couldn't possibly forget any of this. That Gabe was dead. And that it was all her fault.

Under any other circumstances, Zizi would have loved the picturesque little cottage surrounded by grass and forest and wildlife. Gabe had picked the perfect place for his mother to live. To finally get what she deserved after the horrors his father had wrought on her. It was idyllic.

We could have been happy here.

Zizi adored Gabe's mother. She had filled a gap that Zizi's own mother had left. Arriving on her doorstep to break her heart had been the hardest thing Zizi'd ever had to do. But she had done it. They had both cried. And then with the iron will cultivated by adversity, the strength that had helped her raise a boy into a man all alone, Mrs. Jerome had handed Zizi a handkerchief and set about doing what needed to be done.

Of course Zizi couldn't tell her exactly what had happened. Murdered, by a former client, still at large, was all she'd said. The police were sure to catch her any day.

Zizi couldn't say what really had happened. That she'd seen it happen. That she'd seen his spirit depart for the next world.

So she called the town church, the minister, the funeral home. Ordered food for the wake. Put off her friends when they called. Comforted Gabe's mother. Made her tea. Forced her to eat something. And stared at the box on Gabe's desk. Stared at all the things that reminded her of Gabe. Which was everything.
 
Hotel Indigo — Cardiff

Pfft. These modern airplanes. Ashley didn't know how they'd ever caught on.

Zach: “Well, it’s faster than rowing a longship across the Atlantic. And less work, too.”

Ashley narrowed her eyes at him.

"And just HOW many longships have YOU rowed, smart guy?"

She mumbled something about it being a very comfortable way to travel before grumbling even more loudly than the rumbling in her stomach that she was starving and wondering aloud if this country had McDonald's.

Zach: “There’s one three blocks down, and it’ll be delivered here in half an hour.”

"Half an HOUR? What do they have to do, get it from England?!"

She was grouchy.

Zizi had left the morning after Hellfire with hardly a word except some instruction that Alexis-freaking-Quartermaine (Ashley still couldn't believe it) was her new houseguest and probably bestie. Now that she was marrying Zach and moving out, looked like Zizi had wasted no time replacing her. No time at all.

She wiggled the toes on her now shoeless feet.

What were they going to do now? They could go see Zizi, the only other person they knew here. But the way she'd been acting on the phone, she'd probably shut the door in their faces.

Zach: “Sure, that’s a good idea.”

Ashley had expected him to suggest they give her space. She said Zizi probably didn't want them to come.

Zach: “This is a tough time for her. Even if she didn’t want to admit she wanted us to come, I’ve no doubt she’ll appreciate having her best friend here for support.”

Ashley scoffed. But it came out half-hearted because Zach chose that exact moment to kiss her forehead.

"I think she's found a new best friend in that Alexis. She's ghosting me, I know it."

Zach: “I ordered way too much food. Why don’t we take some to her, with the closest thing to a Big Gulp that Europe has to offer?”

Ashley nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing against her invisible enemy, and slapped her fist against her palm.

"Hah! Alexis Quartmaine probably doesn't even know what a Big Gulp is!"

She looked up into his face seriously.

"Did you order enough pies? Cause I am NOT sharing."
 
It had been an...interesting couple days to say the least. The night Alexis agreed to stay at the Clocktower, she took to the couch to rest her shoulder when Zizi headed off to bed. It was then she finally looked at her phone seeing the messages from Ava. Helena had Alek, and not in the Helena Quartermaine way. She was going to kill him. She was going to kill him and make him suffer for the way he had turned his back on her for another woman. Most would assume jealousy, but Helena was far more complicated of a woman than to stoop to that level. She craved the need Alek had for her. She craved the sense of worship he gave her. The moment Helena met Alek, she fell in love with him in ever way a mother would. Helena would never admit it, but it was blatantly obvious to Alexis that Alek was the heir Helena always wanted. The Quartermaine Alexis could never be. So for Alek to turn his back on the woman that gave him life so to speak, it brought out a hatred that only rivaled Helena's hatred for Alexis. And that was more than enough for Alexis to want to help Ava.

For two years they worked closely together, became as close to 'friends' as Alexis would allow. She was the one woman Alek couldn't fuck, and ironically it turned their relationship into a mutually respected one. It was when Ava walked into Hellfire that the tides turned and she could see the change within the Red Knight. The times they snuck off into a darken corner to be alone, Alexis knew. The nights they met at their safe house, Alexis knew. Every time she could have been the whistle blower that ended Ava's life and ruined Alek, but she didn't blow that whistle. It may have partially been because of her friendship with Alek...but mostly it was the fact that Ava was very quickly taking the ONE thing Helena loved away from her. It was a heartbreak not even Alexis could do to her aunt.

But Hellfire was no more, and these texts could have easily been trashed and ignored. However Alexis couldn't let Alek die at the hands of her bitter bitch of an aunt. So she put Mystique's resources to good use, pulling in favors that not even the most loyal of Hellfire members could deny. The Queens were smart so there wasn't much information to go off of, but a ping to the European Hellfire Club was definitely a huge lead so she contacted Ava.

Walking up to the hole in the wall Japanese restaurant that Ava had met Gabriel Jerome at months ago, Alexis heavily sighed knowing exactly why this location was chosen. Alexis didn't know Gabe, so his death meant little to her. However she did like Zizi...she was the one person who hadn't written Alexis off because of her last name and history. So Gabe's death was weighing a little heavy on her because of his relationship with Zizi. The irony was thick.

Walking up to the booth, the waiter offered Alexis some sake, but she turned him down as she sat. Commenting on the choice of location, Ava was obviously wallowing in her own guilt. But that wasn't why they were meeting. Passing Ava the folder, Alexis took a sip of her water.

Ava: "Cambridge?"

"Rosemont is located in Cambridge."

That was enough for Ava to catch on and realize the importance of why Alexis reached out to her. Helena needed allies, even if it made her look weak. The American Hellfire branch was in ruins, leaving the Europeans as top dogs for the moment. Helena was very much an opportunist and never did anything short sighted despite her reputation. She was known as the easy going Queen for a reason, but Alexis knew better. Helena played up the popular assumptions about her only to rip the rug out from under a person when they felt most comfortable. She was a viper in tall grass. She was fucking Helena Quartermaine. It was why she was still alive and Diana was 'dead'. Again, it wasn't much of a lead, but it was definitely a look into how Helena's mind was working.

Ava: "Any idea what the transmission said?"

Alexis sat back, shaking her head.

"Nope. That's a question better suited for your bitch of a sister."

Alexis grinned as Ava's eyes flicked up narrowing. Alexis raised both her hands, her grin morphing into a smirk. She knew her snide comments about Haleigh wouldn't sit well with Ava, but eh..she didn't really care.

"Hey, you know my history. I'm happy to help you, but she can go fuck herself with a rusty AK."

That was when Ava closed the folder and began to ask the hard hitting questions about WHY Alexis was helping her. Why she had helped her in Hellfire. Fuck, this was definitely not the direction she wanted the conversation to go in. Alexis wasn't much of a...sharer of feelings. At least not anymore. Looking away, Alexis couldn't help but let out a small chuckle while shaking her head.

"You know, I asked myself that ever fucking day in that damn place."

Looking back at Ava.

"You're right. You were the perfect weapon to use against Haleigh. I could have brought her to her knees just by whispering in Helena's ear."

Alexis paused for a moment, nibbling the skin on her bottom lip. Finally she licked her lips and sat back against the booth.

"But I saw a lot of myself in you. A lot of what happened to me happening to you because of someone who supposedly cared about you. You put your life on the line to help her only for YOU to get shit on in the end, Ava."

Alexis leaned forward now, putting her forearms on the table. She hissed in contempt.

"I did the same."

Scoffing, she sat up a little straighter, though her sapphire eyes were still icy with bitterness.

"I put my life on the line for those people -- for Haleigh -- time and time again only for them to turn their back on me when I needed them most. Yeah, you walked into Hellfire voluntarily to help your sister, but what the fuck did she do to help you when you were in there? Fuck Alek? Piss off her mother so Diana would take it out on you? You got shit on again and again, Ava. You got hurt, abused, assaulted, and for what? [scoffing] I wasn't going to add onto that. For whatever fucking reason I felt a kind of kinship toward you after seeing the shit you were going through when Scion was flying pretty. So I kept my mouth shut when I knew everything that happened within those walls. I tried deter the raging fire in your path when I could."

Alexis let out a slow breath, rolling her eyes shut.

"Because I didn't want to see someone else's life get ruined because of them."

The bitterness and resentment within Alexis was very fresh and real. She hated Haleigh. She hated Morgan. Blaze. Delilah. Alison. ALL of them for throwing her away like trash. For treating her like trash. Alexis shrugged off the anger, looking at Ava more casually now, trying to downplay the scathing words she just unleashed onto her.

"Plus I like Alek, and he loved you, so there's that."
 
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They had a lead. A small lead, but a lead nonetheless. Helena was in communication with someone from the European Hellfire branch, which meant she could be using their resources to hide. Even if that wasn't the case, whomever that transmission was sent to, Ava would find out and break every bone in their body until she found out why Helena contacted them and what the transmission said. The contents of the transmission could be even more helpful, but Alexis didn't know what was in it, and suggested snidely to ask Haleigh. That was when Ava finally asked WHY Alexis was helping her considering her hatred for Ava's sister. Alexis said she questioned that every day she was in Hellfire causing Ava to narrow her eyes slightly.

"Then why."

She reiterated, not wanting the run around or some bullshit lie.

Alexis: "You're right. You were the perfect weapon to use against Haleigh. I could have brought her to her knees just by whispering in Helena's ear."

Lifting a brow to that, there was no doubt Alexis was bold in her statements. Yet she didn't go to Helena, and Ava could tell it was more than just a flippant decision.

Alexis: "But I saw a lot of myself in you. A lot of what happened to me happening to you because of someone who supposedly cared about you. You put your life on the line to help her only for YOU to get shit on in the end, Ava."

"I put my life on the line for my sister. And I would do it again without a second thought, despite what happened to me."

Ava interjected with a severe tone, leaving no room for debate.

Alexis: "I did the same. I put my life on the line for those people -- for Haleigh -- time and time again only for them to turn their back on me when I needed them most. Yeah, you walked into Hellfire voluntarily to help your sister, but what the fuck did she do to help you when you were in there? Fuck Alek?"

Ava looked away at that, her face remaining even.

Alexis: "Piss off her mother so Diana would take it out on you? You got shit on again and again, Ava. You got hurt, abused, assaulted, and for what?"

"To keep her alive."

She snapped as her midnight eyes slid back to meet Alexis'. What Alexis was saying was striking a very large nerve within Ava, because in reality, it was all true. Ava became the proverbial punching bag for Diana, Helena, and Ravena, taking hit after hit just because she was the easiest target to hurt Haleigh. So Ava had to adapt. She shut off her emotional core and became Persephone, attacking people she cared for, killing people she cared for, and destroying the lives of people she cared for, just to prove herself and keep them both alive. Haleigh didn't have a walk in the park like Alexis was suggesting, but there were situations Haleigh was fortunate enough not to be put in.

Alexis: "[scoffing] I wasn't going to add onto that. For whatever fucking reason I felt a kind of kinship toward you after seeing the shit you were going through when Scion was flying pretty. So I kept my mouth shut when I knew everything that happened within those walls. I tried to deter the raging fire in your path when I could."

Ava's face remained hard as Alexis spoke, but her eyes softened just a bit. There was little reason for Alexis to help her in Hellfire. It literally didn't benefit her at all. But she did, in more ways than Ava probably even knew of.

Alexis: "Because I didn't want to see someone else's life get ruined because of them."

Looking at Alexis in that moment, despite never knowing her before, she could feel the pain and resentment radiating from her. The Six logs classified Alexis as a traitor, banished to Limbo after attacking The Six. But it was very apparent that she too, was a pawn in Helena's games. Unfortunately Ava could relate. So as Alexis switched gears and became more casual, obviously trying to redirect the anger that stemmed from her past traumas, Ava didn't bother to cut into her like a hot knife to butter like she normally would. There was no reason to, because no amount of defense on Haleigh's behalf would ever change Alexis' mind.

Alexis: "Plus I like Alek, and he loved you, so there's that."

Ava's eyes lowered at the mentioning of Alek, before blinking her line of sight back up.

"Thank you."

Her words were sincere, though the tone was somber.

"I know you have a history with The Six -- with my sister -- but what you did for me in Hellfire....you will always have an ally in me. Take that as you will, or don't take it at all. But I owe you, Alexis. And I will pay up when you need it."

It was an offer of friendship, or at least a cordial relationship considering the circumstances. Despite Alexis' and Haleigh's mutual hatred for one another, Ava couldn't deny what Alexis had done for her.

"I should go. I don't want this lead to go cold."

Ava closed the file, sliding it closer to herself.

"Thank you again for this."
 
The Parthenon

Haleigh stood watch, for days. Nothing happened, and nobody was coming for them. Those who survived Hellfire had seemingly evaporated, with one exception. The Nefaria girl that wasn’t Gia was still in New York. Haleigh surveilled her but she made no contact with the others and just went about her own business.

Haleigh gave Delilah space, and that seemed to be the least offensive thing, though she was 100% sure Delilah hated her even staying here in the same building. It didn’t make sense for her to go anywhere else, however. So she retreated into her old penthouse and laid low.

Room service once a day. A case of Kentucky bourbon delivered occasionally. No other requests, not even to see Cameron. She monitored his vitals, and kept her distance. There was no change, no sign of success or failure on his part. Clearly it was a prolonged struggle. He had to be in more danger with each passing day. No amount of alcohol could distract Haleigh from that.

Still, she continued to try, because at the very least the whiskey took the edge off. Also if her mother returned, Haleigh wanted to be too blitzed to be very useful to Malice, or at least drunk enough that Delilah and Ava had the advantage in a fight. Speaking of Delilah and Ava, the only two of the ‘team’ that remained in this realm currently, Haleigh kept watch over them through their cellphones.

It was the most effective strategy, as no one went anywhere without their lifeline anymore. Haleigh could keep track of their locations and activate their microphones or cameras if needed. It was probably an incredible invasion of their privacy, but in Haleigh’s mind it was a necessary evil to safeguard their lives in this era of extreme vulnerability.

Naturally, she listened to Gabe’s mother invite Ava to the funeral. Haleigh didn’t have any particular attachment to Gabe, but he had been a part of her sister’s life, and Haleigh had watched him die. She’d made no attempt whatsoever to save him. She’d broadcast his murder to the Birds of Prey, and stood by robotically as Helena laughed with Diana about him choking on his own blood. It was one of the many regrettable things she’d done.

Malice: What’s most AMUSING is that while you call it ‘regrettable’, you don’t actually FEEL the regret.

“Oh, you can fuck all the way off.”

Haleigh grumbled to herself, staring out the window as her mind reached out to find Ava again. She found her sister just in time to listen in on a conversation she was having with none other than Alexis Quartermaine.
 
Hotel Indigo — Cardiff

His woman was irritated, apparently by the method of travel. Zach tried to make a joke that did not succeed in cheering her up. Evidently she was hungry, and she suggested McDonald’s. He didn’t particularly care for the food there, but in the interest of lifting her spirts he opted not to object, and instead had it arranged to be delivered as soon as possible.

She wasn’t happy with that either, but Zach didn’t respond this time, because he could sense concern broiling beneath and knew there was something else bothering her. Luckily for him, she wasn’t going to bottle it up or make him guess what it was. She was worried about Zizi.

Zach tried to reassure her, sitting on the arm of her chair and kissing her gently. She was also apparently afraid that she was losing Zizi as a friend, and that Alexis might be taking her place. Zach’s hand traveled to the back of her neck, beginning to massage there slowly. He suggested they take food to Zizi, and a Big Gulp, if it was possible to find one here.

Ash: “Hah! Alexis Quartermaine probably doesn’t even know what a Big Gulp is! Did you get enough pies? Cause I am not sharing.”

“Of course I got enough pies, what kind of man do you think I am??”

He asked with a smile that hid his sudden realization that he might need to give Zizi his piece of pie. His humor faded slowly into seriousness.

“Zizi is not the type to ‘ghost’ anybody, and even if she were, she loves you. I’m sure she’s only distant because she’s dealing with the arrangements for Gabe. But I can always make Zizi irritated at the very mention of Alexis, if that woman tries to steal your best friend.”

He offered, the corners of his lips curling up wickedly.
 
Hotel Indigo — Cardiff

Zach's hand was massaging the back of her neck, which made her unconsciously press back against it, like a cat leaning into the hand that's petting it. Zach was wanting to take food to Zizi, which was good, she guessed. But he'd ordered before they'd decided they were going to do that, and that meant there was a serious chance that he hadn't actually ordered enough. Especially the pies. Now Zach was the kind of guy to not even think about it, because he would automatically share. Cut them all in half or something ridiculous like that (the whole point of McDonald's pie was you didn't NEED a fork to eat it). So, she made sure.

Zach: “Of course I got enough pies, what kind of man do you think I am??”

What kind, indeed. The kind that inexplicably hated McDonald's. This had all been way too easy.

She narrowed her eyes as she tilted her head upward to look into his face.

"Did you put in a second order from somewhere else for yourself?"

She scrutinized his features for any clue to his obvious ulterior motive.

"Are you trying to get me to do something I don't want to do and bribing me with Welsh McDonald's?"

Zach changed the subject back to Zizi.

Zach: “Zizi is not the type to ‘ghost’ anybody, and even if she were, she loves you. I’m sure she’s only distant because she’s dealing with the arrangements for Gabe. But I can always make Zizi irritated at the very mention of Alexis, if that woman tries to steal your best friend.”

That brightened her face right up. She stood up from the chair so she could slip her arms around his neck and plant a kiss on his lips.

"Aw, Zach, I love you. You think of everything."
 
Hotel Indigo — Cardiff

Zach didn’t argue with Ash’s request for McDonald’s. At first she seemed to happily accept that, so long as there was enough pies to go around. Then after a beat, her gaze narrowed at him, and she asked him if he’d placed a second order for himself somewhere else.

“No.... but that would’ve been genius!”

He replied, stroking his beard thoughtfully with his free hand. Her suspicion was not alleviated by his reply, and she asked if he was trying to bribe her with the food. He gave her an astounded expression.

“Would that actually work??”

He asked, without being too invested in her answer. He tried to reassure her about what was really bothering her, the recent change in her friendship with Zizi. That seemed to cheer her up a bit, and earned him a hug - and a kiss - AND she even told him she loved him. Which he knew, but was still warming to hear out loud.

He kissed her back, his arms sliding around her naturally as he started to nuzzle her neck. Unfortunately, there was a knock at the door before the couple could become too amorous. Zach groaned as he peeled back from her.

“That’s the food, probably. Should we call Zizi first, or just show up at his mother’s place?”
 
Hotel Indigo — Cardiff

Zach had offered to use his powers to make Zizi hate Alexis. That just showed what a great guy he was. His hands slipped around her waist and she almost forgot that she was hungry. Almost. And then there was a knock at the door, and Zach pulled away with a groan.

Zach: “That’s the food, probably. Should we call Zizi first, or just show up at his mother’s place?”

"Just show up. Definitely."

That way, she couldn't tell them not to come. The loss of heat now that Zach wasn't touching her was palpable. But on the other hand, the food was here.

Zach answered the door and returned with a large shopping back. Ashley stuck her hand inside and pulled out a Big Mac and unwrapped the paper. She took a giant bite of the double decker burger; It tasted like pure Valhalla crossing her lips.

"Mmmm...that's better."

It came out mumbled through her full mouth. She kept chomping as she found her shoes and slipped them back on.

"Ready!"

She garbled it out, then swallowed visibly.

"I can't wait for fries and pies!"

Zach had a car with a driver, which Ashley definitely could get used to, because it let them sit in the back together. It was about a twenty minute drive to Gabe's mother's house. They left the city streets for green pastures and finally woodland, so that you would never know you were so close to a major city. They pulled up the drive, and the driver stopped near the front door. Ash jumped out and enthusiastically knocked at the door. An old woman answered, looking startled.

"Is Zizi here?"

Then she saw Zizi rolling up the hallway behind the woman. Ashley waved brightly and started yelling to her.

"Zizi! We brought McDonald's! They don't have Big Gulps here so we got you two larges!"
 
The Jerome Home - Llantrisant, Wales

Zizi had made some tea for Maggie, bringing it into the cozy sitting room on a tray with some biscuits. She had just set it down on the coffee table when there was a knock at the door.

"Do you want me to get that?"

Maggie Jerome: "No, dear, thank you - it might be the minister wanting to go over the service."

She arranged the tea things and was heading back to clean up the kitchen when she heard a very familiar sound.

Ashley: "Is Zizi here?"

Zizi pivoted and wheeled down the hallway towards the front door, coming up behind Mrs. Jerome. Her brow wrinkled in confusion.

"Ashley? Zach?"

Ashley: "Zizi! We brought McDonald's! They don't have Big Gulps here so we got you two larges!"

She forced her surprised face into a smile.

"How thoughtful."

And it was thoughtful, Zizi chastised herself silently. She turned to Maggie and introduced her guests.

"These are friends from New York, Ashley and Zach."

She turned towards the couple.

"And this is Margaret Jerome, Gabe's mother."

There was a spot of silence before Zizi continued.

"Why don't we take this into the kitchen. Would you like to join us Maggie?"

Though she couldn't exactly picture Mrs. Jerome eating a fast food hamburger. She had always made such wonderful dishes for Zizi and her father when they all lived in New York.

Maggie: "No, thank you, dear. I'll just have my cup of tea and let you visit with your friends."

Maggie headed back towards the sitting room, and Zizi led the way into the kitchen. It was a lovely old room, the floors hard wood and the walls stone, with a long dark wooden table in it that clearly had seen a lot of years of good use.

Zizi wheeled to the cupboard, and pulled out some plates, grateful for a minute to compose her thoughts and her face. She brought the plates back to the others and set them on the table.

"Of course I'm happy to see you both, but what are you guys doing here? Did something happen?"

Something else, that is.
 
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