The Pain of War

Rosemont Manor — The Library

Juliette was mildly impressed to hear that Diana was dead, but other than the lift of an eyebrow she didn’t respond. She asked after Ravena, and was floored by the report that Ava had given him the true death. She did not doubt this claim, as her focused gaze always produced truthful answers from humans. She was troubled by the revelation, because Ravena was an old and powerful vampire. He had been a very valuable ally to have.

“He vas useful to me.”

Juliette replied, to discourage the impudence she saw in Persephone’s eyes. She could attack blitzkrieg style, and gravely injure the woman before anyone finished blinking their eyes. Liam would dutifully keep Haleigh still. Juliette considered it heavily, but then Haleigh revealed that Helena had put out the hit on Ravena and that Persephone was just following orders. Gleefully, no doubt. There was no glee for Juliette. It was not a good thing that there was one less of their species in the world, with so few of them to begin with. Perhaps it was time she made one herself....

Juliette glanced over at Brienne, commenting on the nerve of Helena to call for their assistance even after ordering one of their allies dead. Brienne rolled her eyes and was unsurprised. Haleigh further explained the desperation Helena and Kelly were in, and indicated how the American Queens would treat them. Juliette did not need to be told this, as she had met the American Queens already. As White Princess of Europe, she would visit the American Branch from time to time. The Queens were invariably condescending, in a very sly manner.

Liam suggested they withhold their assistance from the Queens, and Haleigh encouraged him. Juliette, however was thinking they should feint. They could offer assistance, and draw the Queens in, taking advantage of an opponent’s weakness to strike. Liam asked about Heidi, and Juliette drained her glass to disguise her displeasure. Heidi was Liam’s little pet, and had ingratiated herself the former White Queen as well. Heidi hated Juliette openly, and was jealous of Juliette being the White Princess.

Brienne came and sat on the arm of Juliette’s chair, while Liam played to the attractions of the red headed sister. Liam liked to be a devil’s advocate, but Brienne was more cautious. When Liam suggested helping Haleigh with Heidi, Brienne interjected. Juliette nodded her support, as Brienne demanded proof of their claims. The story they told was quite feasible, but it was a leap to believe that the American Queens’ hauteur extended as far as the complete intended subjugation of the European Branch.

“Oui, vhile Liam ‘as a vested interest in dze leetle mairmaid, Brie and I ‘ave nodzing to gain from ‘elping you unless Ve can be assured dzat vhat you claim is true.”
 
Rosemont Manor — Library

Ava stated that Ravena and Diana were planning on destroying the branch. Liam congenially suggested that the Europeans should be thanking Haleigh and Ava for stopping Diana and Ravena. Haleigh shrugged as she replied that while their gratitude would be appreciated, it was unnecessary. She went on to explain to the Europeans what kind of schemers the American Queens were. She didn’t have to lie or even embellish the truth, she gave an honest assessment of the way Helena and Kelly handled interpersonal relationships.

Liam: “I gather it would be your preference if we withheld assistance from Helena and Kelly.”

“Oh definitely, they want us as dead as we want them. But I think you’d find Ava and I are much less despotic, and much more conducive to mutual gain.”

She responded with a smile. Liam moved on to ask a question Haleigh had been waiting for. She had gathered intel on the Europeans from Heidi. She paid no apparent attention to the way Juliette drained her drink at the mention of Heidi. Instead, she gave Liam a gentle sigh and a look of appeal as she told him that Heidi was enamored with Rav and favored by Diana. She ‘admitted’ to losing track of Heidi and assuming that Heidi was with Helena and Kelly. With sincerity she said she didn’t want Heidi to die for them, that she wanted to win Heidi over, but didn’t think it possible.

Liam: “Perhaps I could help...”

He replied as she’d expected. His smile was alluring. She leaned towards him as her expression began to match his.

“I would be extremely grateful if you did.”

Brienne: “Whoa whoa whoa.”

Haleigh held Liam’s gaze for an extra beat before glancing at Brienne, who was insisting that they needed more than ‘flowery words and flirtatious smiles’. Haleigh smiled at that and lifted her glass for a sip. Brienne wanted evidence, proving she wasn’t stupid, and then she threatened to have them thrown in the dungeon, proving she wasn’t too smart either.

“Don’t you like your Knights? I mean, OUR Knights are of the highest caliber, but if yours are of lesser quality and you want to be rid of them...”

She paused to glance at Ava, then turned a sharp smile back on Brienne.

“We’d slaughter them.”

Brienne said she didn’t care about the American Queens, that she was just looking out for the Europeans best interest, and Haleigh gave an understanding nod. Juliette backed her fellow Queen’s demand, as Haleigh glanced around the room looking for a screen to hack.

“Of course, it’s no surprise you don’t want to take our word for it. Well I’ve got a plethora of video evidence, but I imagine you don’t want to watch surveillance all afternoon, so let me just present some snippets...”

She found nothing in the Library to display the feeds on, but that was fine. A large television screen materialized a few feet away, hovering at a suitable viewing height and positioned so that the Europeans could easily see.

“Let’s go in chronological order, shall we? First, the proof that Diana and Ravena were intent on tyrannizing this branch.”

The screen flickered to a scene at the Banquet Hall in Ahadi. We see the room from Haleigh’s point of view. She is watching her mother and Ravena as they sit together at the table. The room is loud with the congregation of people socializing amongst themselves, but Haleigh is locked on to her King and Queen. She plants a bug under the table where they are so she can hear what they say.

Rav: “Leave Juliette to me. She can be easily exploited and will be inclined to follow my lead.”

Diana: “If you INSIST. What about that little King of hers, will he be a problem?”

Rav: “Probably. However we should dispatch him tactfully, or Heidi will be quite troubled. Our other main concern is the Shaw heir. She’s a pampered little brat, entitled in her own mind. She will not be easily brought to heel.”

Diana: “Our Princess can give her lead poisoning the SECOND the girl has a thought of revolt.”

Rav: “There is likely to be retaliation for killing Brienne.”

Diana: “My daughter, like a COCKROACH, could survive nuclear war. Let the Europeans retaliate against her. It will be AMUSING to watch.”
Click to expand...

The images on screen paused and then faded to black, while Haleigh smirked and sipped some more cognac.

“Now, later that night, Helena ordered the hit on Rav. You’ll have to forgive me, there’s no video for this clip, I only have audio I pulled from Ava’s phone mic.”

The screen stays black but the audio feed begins to play.

Helena: "You look like shit."

Helena took a long drag of her cigarette.

Helena: "You do realize being apart of my court requires you to look the part as well? For God sakes Persephone, you look like Heidi just dragged you out of the damn Aqua Ring."

Persephone: "My apologies my Queen."

Helena: "So how's my Knight?"

Persephone: "The last I saw him during rounds, he was as arrogant and pretentious as ever."

A low sultry laugh came from deep within Helena as she put out her cigarette and stood.

Helena: "Uh huh."

Despite Persephone's effort not to roll her eyes before, she did this time causing Helena to laugh once again.

Helena: "Arrogance still makes the panties wet, my dear. And with Alek? He makes everyone's panties wet."

Persephone: "Is there a reason you summoned me, [gritting her teeth] my Queen."

Helena: "You're going to kill Ravena, tonight. Now, actually."

She said it so casually, like she asked Persephone to take out the trash.

Persephone: "You want me to kill Ravena?"

Helena: [cooly] "Did I stutter?"

Persephone: "The White Queen--"

Helena: "You leave the White Queen to ME and do as you're ordered, Rook. I want him DEAD within the hour or Heidi won't have anything to fish out of the Aqua Ring."

Persephone: "As you command, my Queen."
Click to expand...

That was the end of the recording, and the last of the cognac in Haleigh’s glass. She moved to get up, but Liam stood and insisted he top off both her AND Ava’s glass. She sat back again and focused on playing the next clip.

“Thank you Liam. Now we told you that we didn’t stop our Queens out of any favor to you, so you may be wondering what motivated our mutiny.”

The screen comes to life again, once more from Haleigh’s perspective. She is in the catacombs with Helena and her mother. Gabe is bleeding out on the floor. Helena is talking to Diana.

Helena: "I need Berserker and Persephone obedient until we can take them all out."

Helena's eyes shifted to Scion, a cool smirk coating her cherry red lips. She slowly stepped forward, standing right in front of Scion so she could look in the White Princess' cold, robotic eyes.

Helena: "But once the Brits are bones beneath our feet....our [wrinkling her nose condescendingly ] 'little pact' is null and void. Your sister will die a slow and painful death, and there ain't nothing YOU [pushing Scion's nose] can do about it."

Helena grinned, turning away from Scion and gesturing behind her to Diana.
Click to expand...

Haleigh gave a derisive chuckle as the screen faded back to black.

“That’s what she thought. Now she’s on the run with Kelly, and they’ve both lost their entire courts, while my mother lost everything, including her LIFE. I suppose you want proof of that too. Here it comes. I have video footage of this, but it’s a bit limited. We had several camera angles in the White Wing, but by this point in the battle, most of them had been destroyed.”

On screen there was a view of the fight. It was far away and at an odd angle. The picture itself was overexposed, but they could see Diana, in her diamond form, being attacked.

Helena: "Kelly! Shimmer her out!"

But it was too late to do anything, Diana's diamond form fractured and violently exploded outward, Helena's eyes widening in horror.

Helena: "NOOO!!!!!!"

She screamed out, lunging forward as if she could somehow stop Diana from getting killed. Even from the distant camera angle, Helena’s face was stricken with horror and pain, her eyes glassy as she watched the diamond pieces fall to the ground. Helena clasped Kelly's hand, who was on the same page as her, both Queens shimmering out of the Hellfire Club. A second or two later, Haleigh is seen coming into frame, diamond shards crunching under her boots as she walked over her mother’s remains.
Click to expand...

“Satisfied yet?”

Haleigh asked Brienne, drinking the freshly poured cognac.
 
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Liam was always the type to swoon for the ladies and give them prospects of support while simultaneously working them for more information. It was how he did business, but in this situation Brienne needed a little more proof before offering to go into an all out war with the American Hellfire Queens. So far everything they heard was hot air with no actual concrete evidence that they were telling the truth. Juliette agreed with Brienne, the two Queens eyeing the red head and tossing the ball into her court. Frankly, Brienne didn't care whether the entire American Hellfire Club was completely dismantled. She just needed to be certain that these two bitches weren't going to go for coup number two. She stated as much, suggesting that if they didn't offer proof, they could very easily have their Knights send them to the dungeons.

Haleigh: “Don’t you like your Knights? I mean, OUR Knights are of the highest caliber, but if yours are of lesser quality and you want to be rid of them...We’d slaughter them.”

Brienne perked an eyebrow up, a sly smirk dancing along her lips.

"So says the woman who's Knight came from OUR club."

She may not have gotten along with Heidi's pretentious ass, but she was of European blood despite her defection to the American branch.

"There are plenty more where that came from, I assure you."

But Brienne waved her hand as she took a sip of her martini.

"But alas, i'd rather see physical proof than ruin our newly renovated library."

As much of a bitch as Brienne was, she only liked to fight if she had to. It didn't mean she couldn't, nor powerful enough to kill someone within seconds, but blood sport was hardly her forte. She enjoyed mind games far more.

Haleigh: “Of course, it’s no surprise you don’t want to take our word for it. Well I’ve got a plethora of video evidence, but I imagine you don’t want to watch surveillance all afternoon, so let me just present some snippets...”

Haleigh was far too eager to present her evidence as a television materialized in the middle of the room. Clips played in chronological order, Brienne's eyes narrowing specifically to Ravena and Diana's conversation about Haleigh taking her out. Brienne's eyes slid over to the newly appointed White Queen, still narrowed, before returning back to the screen.

"I always knew we should have drove a stake into that undead asshole."

Nudging Juliette.

"No offense."

The clips continued, giving a little more information on the inner workings of the American club. Apparently there was some tension between Helena, Persephone, and their delicious Knight Alek. It had been far too long since she'd seen Berserker. Brienne continued to watch as Liam refilled Black Widow and Persephone's glasses before finally, the television disappeared.

Haleigh: “Satisfied yet?”

"Very."

Brienne tipped her glass in the American's direction, a bit of a salute to their victory.

"I never liked your mother, or Helena. And don't even get me started on Kelly King-- "

The contempt in her voice at the mention of Kelly King was more than apparent.

"The Americans have always disregarded our club because we've grown with the times. They were old with an old school way of thinking, and despite Diana NEVER admitting it, she was fearful of our growth. Your branch has needed new blood for quite sometime. So, with that being said...

Brienne lifted her glass to Haleigh.

"I'm more than willing to extend an olive branch to you and your [looking to Persephone] new Red Queen. Because as far as i'm concerned: out with the old, in with the new. Helena's done, whether dead or not. And so is that bitch Kelly King."

An alliance with Black Widow and Persephone was far more lucrative than dealing with Helena and Kelly. Hell, Brienne would rather cut her own tongue out than have to play nice with those two old bitches. As far as she was concerned, this new American Branch could be VERY promising.
 
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Liam offered Haleigh and Ava a seat, much more inviting than the White and Black Queens. Ava already disliked Juliette, the familiar smell of death making her grit her teeth. As for Brienne, her reputation as a bitch held strong. Haleigh did what Haleigh did best, flirted her way into Liam's good graces, as he was all too willing to accept her as the newly appointed White Queen, but ALSO, help in finding Heidi whom he obviously had some sort of relationship with. That made Ava perk up. If he could find Heidi, maybe he could find Alek. The more people trying to track him down, the better.

"In that case, your majesty..."

It was the first time Ava's words were laced with seduction.

"I also need assistance in finding my Knight, Berserker. Helena's taken him."

Brienne: "Whoa whoa whoa. Before we offer extensions of help, I need a little more from you two than your flowery words and flirtatious smiles."

Brienne was far less swayed by Haleigh's words, which Ava didn't blame. If she were in their position, she would be on edge too. That was when the Black Queen decided to make threats, stating she would have their Knights take them to the dungeons if they didn't provide proof. To that, Ava couldn't help but smirk.

"They can try."

She warned with a smooth confidence.

Haleigh: “Don’t you like your Knights? I mean, OUR Knights are of the highest caliber, but if yours are of lesser quality and you want to be rid of them...We’d slaughter them.”

Ava glanced at Haleigh before looking back at Brienne, who seemed to take solace in the fact that Heidi had come from the European Branch and apparently they had 'more where that came from'. It was pretty words for a pretty girl, because she quickly swept her threats under the rug stating she didn't want to get into a fight and would rather see proof because she hated the American Queens. With that, Haleigh finally started the footage, showing clip by clip the Queens and Ravena digging their own graves. Ava didn't watch the footage, instead her eyes were set on Brienne and Juliette. She could see the rage building within both the woman, especially Juliette as Ravena basically called her a lap dog who was disposable. The evidence was glaring, and no one in their right mind would try and dispute it.

The footage ended and the television disappeared. Ava took a sip of her freshly replenished cognac, awaiting their reactions.

Haleigh: "Satisfied yet?"

Brienne: "Very.

It seemed as if the Black Queen was just as eager to welcome the newly appointed White Queen as Liam was now that the proper evidence was provided. Even going as far as to stating that Ava was the Red Queen despite Helena's unfortunate living status. It seemed regardless of Helena and Kelly being alive and on the run, Liam and Brienne had denounced them as Hellfire Royalty. To that, Ava raised a surprised brow, before lifting her glass in a gesture of thanks to the Black Queen.

"Well, I supposed I need to get used to Red a little bit longer."

Persephone joked before taking a sip of her drink to seal the deal. Looking to Liam now, it seemed as if the rocky start of the meeting was starting to smooth over. Now was Ava's opportunity to speak more on Alek.

"We came here, not only to meet with you in regards to our club's status, but also for assistance. Before Helena and Kelly fled, they took my Knight. He was loyal to Helena for many years before his loyalty shifted to ME."

Brienne: [with a laugh]"Bloody hell, she must have LOVED that."

[sardonic] "Like a child who's toy was taken away from her."

Ava rolled her eyes.

Brienne: "And what a toy he was..."

Looking to Brienne with an even stare, she leaned forward as if closing in the gap between them.

"He's MY toy now."

Ava whispered with an assertion that left no room for arguments. Brienne couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, holding her free hand up as if to say she conceded. Leaning back, Ava turned her attention back to Liam.

"Their last known location was a ping from the Panama Canal -- a transmission sent to this estate."
 
Rosemont Manor — The Library

Liam offered to help Haleigh with Heidi, primarily because it was apparent to him that Heidi would be much more appreciated under Haleigh’s regime. Secondarily, Haleigh was much more agreeable than her mother had been, and he was inclined to cultivate an alliance with her. The way she smiled and said she’d be extremely grateful gave him the impression she was thinking about having him right there in the Library. The thought stirred his virility. When Ava addressed him as ‘your majesty’, her tone caught his attention. He was delighted to find these American women were every bit as salacious as he expected.

“Please, Liam is preferred. I’d much rather hear you call my name.”

He interjected before drinking a bit more of his hot toddy. Ava mentioned her Knight needed recovery as well, but Brienne intervened assertively. She went so far as to suggest they could be escorted to the dungeons if they had no proof of their claims. To their credit, neither of them got defensive or upset. Both responded to the threat with an amused confidence that Liam found quite sexy.

Liam didn’t really care to see the evidence. He assumed it would be readily provided, because he assessed that this move they were making would be suicidally stupid if what they said was false. The women in front of him did not seem suicidal OR stupid. They were clearly competent and calculating. Brienne, however, was diligent in requesting to see such evidence before accepting their story.

It was no great surprise for Liam to see the way Ravena spoke of them. Juliette would be incensed, and Brienne was disrespected as well. Liam finished his drink as he watched the clips calmly. He insisted on pouring the Americans a second round, and then made himself another drink as well while Haleigh finished presenting her case. Brienne was satisfied and toasted to their ascension, and Liam raised his glass as well.

“I’ll drink to that.”

He added, and they all drank before Ava brought up the business of her Knight. Apparently Alek had switched loyalties. Liam smiled warmly at that.

“Well, you’re a vast improvement on Helena, so one could easily understand.”

He said, giving Alek a bit of credit where it was due. For a mercenary, every now and then the man displayed a measure of savvy. Speaking of the hippy-haired henchman, there looked for a second like there might be a fight over him between Brienne and Ava. Brienne relented after a verbal exchange, and Ava turned back to Liam to mention the last known position of Helena and Kelly.

“Yes, that transmission was a vague request for assistance, nothing more.”

Juliette: “I propose Ve entertain dzeir request. Dzey do not know vhat ve know. Ve could gain more initially from dze pretense of alliance dzan an outright dismissal.”

Haleigh: “Juliette, I like the way you think.”
 
Rosemont Manor — Library

Haleigh was more amused than intimidated by Brienne’s threat. Brienne didn’t really want a fight on her hands, instead it seemed she was more interested in seeing some confirmation of their claims. Haleigh had expected the Europeans to have doubts, and had already gathered some evidence to present. They didn’t have a screen in the Library so she brought one in and began playback of the various clips.

First up was a conversation between Lord Ravena and her mother. The two displayed an obvious disregard for the Europeans. Brienne gave Haleigh a pointed stare after hearing Diana describe what measures Haleigh might’ve taken against opposition. Haleigh calmly held Brienne’s gaze, her mouth twisted in a smirk as she lifted her glass to her lips. She waited for some witty comment, but Brienne wisely left it alone and instead mentioned that they should’ve staked Rav.

Juliette was very clearly displeased, while Liam seemed unsurprised by the whole exchange. Haleigh made herself appear disinterested in their reactions, but she didn’t fail to notice the shifting in the Queens. Their guards were dropping more with every clip. By the time Haleigh was done and the flatscreen was disintegrating, even Brienne admitted she was satisfied. Brienne told them that she never liked the American Queens or the way they ran things, and raised her glass to Haleigh and Ava. Ava mentioned having to wear Red a little longer, and Haleigh gave her a look.

“You say that as if you aren’t stunning in the color.”

Haleigh replied in a good-natured tone. The conversation shifted to the Red Knight. Brienne revealed a prurient interest in Alek, which provoked a bit of a reaction in Ava. Haleigh watched the exchange closely but didn’t intervene. Ava shifted her attention back to Liam as she brought up the transmission. He replied that it was a vague request for assistance. Juliette spoke up then, suggesting in her thick accent that more could be gained from deceit than denial.

“Juliette, I like the way you think.”

Haleigh said with half a smile. Juliette’s light brown eyes locked onto Haleigh’s.

Juliette: “You vill like dze vay I do many dzings.”

The vamp intoned. Haleigh held her gaze for a moment.

“Well. We’ll see.”

She said, and there was the slightest lift in Juliette’s brow, a glint of intrigue in her expression. Haleigh took a sip before continuing.

“I do agree you’ll get much better results from gaming the Queens at first. I caution you though, to always be sure you have the tactical advantage over them. And don’t underestimate them. They may be OLD, but they aren’t senile. They’re sharp, and in their weakened state they’ll be paranoid.”

Juliette: “Ve are vell versed een gaming Queens, but your concern ees appreciated.”

“Of course, my friend. If you need anything, I’d be happy to help.”

Liam: “Well Haleigh, give me your number and I’ll keep you abreast.”
 
It seemed as if the evidence Haleigh provided was enough to not only sway Brienne, but the vampire as well. Juliette suggested that they play it close to the cuff, allowing Helena and Kelly to believe that the Europeans were open to helping them. Ava nodded as Haleigh verbally agreed to the idea. They needed to draw the former Queens in without suspicion -- it was the only way to gain any information about their whereabouts.

Haleigh: “I do agree you’ll get much better results from gaming the Queens at first. I caution you though, to always be sure you have the tactical advantage over them. And don’t underestimate them. They may be OLD, but they aren’t senile."

Ava glanced over at Brienne as she scoffed at the senile part. Arching up a brow, she could tell the Black Queen was considerably underestimating Kelly and Helena.

Haleigh: "They’re sharp, and in their weakened state they’ll be paranoid.”

"And paranoia runs deep within Helena more so now than ever. Her own Bishop turned out to be her dead niece undercover."

Brienne: "ALEXIS?! Fucking hell, she's alive?"

"She is."

Brienne: "Honestly doesn't surprise me. That girl used to have enough drugs and alcohol coursing through her to tranq two elephants. And she STILL show up to brunch looking unfazed. [laughing] Helena has GOT to be losing her shit."

Ava took a sip of her drink, unaware that Brienne and Alexis had known each other, let alone hung out in the same circles. It made sense given they both came from prominent families and were both members of Hellfire.

"That's my point. She IS losing her shit, along with the realization that she's losing everything else around her as well. She's not going to blindly trust anyone despite desperately needing your help. Tread with caution, she's like a caged dog right now."

Brienne looked to still be amused at the fact that Alexis was alive, shaking her head as her chuckling subsided.

Brienne: "Noted."

Juliette: “Ve are vell versed een gaming Queens, but your concern ees appreciated.”

Haleigh: “Of course, my friend. If you need anything, I’d be happy to help.”

Liam: “Well Haleigh, give me your number and I’ll keep you abreast.”

Ava's eyes slid over to Liam, whom was all too eager to exchange information with her sister. Once the exchange was done, Ava stood, finally smiling at him. Out of all the regents in the room, Liam was likely the one that would take the initiative to help with Alek's search, if not for his own selfish need to find Heidi.

"While we wait for them to contact you, I would be more than appreciative if you could continue to help me narrow down the search for my Knight."
 
Rosemont Manor — The Library

Brienne wisely demanded proof of the story they were being told, and Juliette voiced her agreement. Juliette’s displeasure at Ravena being eliminated was somewhat diminished by the revelation that he thought her “easily exploited”. She was piqued by the suggestion, more than she was grateful for his attempt to spare her. Most of all, she was vexed by the idea that his opinion of her might have permeated the entire American Branch.

Certainly, Heidi would not have defended Juliette’s reputation. And yet, Liam was very fond of Heidi. He was undoubtedly going to attempt to recover his little pet, and Juliette knew that she would likely have to tolerate the woman. She spent a few minutes thoroughly considering her options regarding Fathom, as the others watched the footage provided by Haleigh.

When it was done, Brienne declared that she’d never liked the previous American Queens, and they all toasted to the new ones. Ava segued to discussing her Knight, a man Juliette was only vaguely familiar with. Brienne showed a modicum of interest, and Ava immediately bristled. En garde! Juliette thought, and she noticed that Haleigh tensed a bit as well. Brienne, having found a soft spot, decided to reserve a true attack for later and backed off.

Liam continued to play the ever accommodating King. Juliette still wanted to play their cards close to the vest, and said so. Haleigh smiled as she replied that she liked the way Juliette thought. Juliette turned her glamour on once she had eye contact. Time for a little test.

“You vill like dze vay I do many dzings.”

She said, a mesmerizing lilt in her tone. Haleigh did seemed trapped in her eyes at first, but her response was more resistant than Juliette was expecting. She was a difficult mark, likely because of some hereditary mental fortitude due to her mother being a telepath. Juliette was fascinated. Haleigh relayed her concerns regarding the former American Queens and how they might be in their desperation.

”Ve are vell versed in gaming Queens, but your concern ees appreciated.”

Juliette replied, and Haleigh extended herself to help. Liam seized the opportunity to get the girl’s number, under the guise of keeping her abreast. To Juliette’s amusement, Haleigh seemed acutely aware of his intentions, the girl’s smirk conveyed her understanding. Liam’s phone buzzed from inside his pocket, as Haleigh told him that she would very much enjoy “being kept abreast”.

Juliette rose from her armchair, moving smoothly to a bookshelf just behind and to the right of the sofa where Haleigh and her sister began to stand as if to leave. As Liam agreed to help Ava find her Knight as well.

Juliette searched for an old volume, and pulled it from the shelf before silently approaching the sofa from behind. Haleigh had eyes in the back of her head, it seemed. She didn’t flinch when Juliette slipped in next to her to hand her the book.

“‘Ave you read dzis?”

Juliette asked, standing close to the girl, taking in her scent. Spicy, and a very interesting scent indeed.

Haleigh: “No, but I understand it’s the reason “machiavellian” has become a derogatory term for manipulative and conniving political maneuvering.”

“So eet ‘as. Von should do von’s own research, form von’s own opinion on dze subject matter. I suspect you vill find eet very enlightening, vedzer or not you find eet’s tacteecs suitable. Consider eet a geeft, from von Queen to anodzer.”
 
Rosemont Manor — The Library

There was some further discussion with regards to the deposed American Queens, but Liam was much more interested in getting to know the new American Queens. They each wanted his help in securing their respective Knights. Liam agreed to this without reservation, primarily because one of the Knights in question was Heidi.

The other one, Aleksander Hallbjorn, was of no particular interest to Liam. However, it was an easy way to curry favor, which made it worth his attention. Juliette rose to her feet and breezed by on the way to a bookshelf, and it was at that moment that Liam realized the Americans were standing up too.

“Leaving so soon?”

He asked, setting his teacup down and pulling himself out of his armchair. He reached for Haleigh’s arm gently.

“I was hoping to convince you to join us for dinner, to get better acquainted.”

He suggested, looking down at them with a sly smile. Haleigh replied that they had a lot to do back home, and requested a rain check. Juliette squeezed in between them to hand Haleigh a book. There was a little exchange, and then Haleigh thanked her before saying that she hadn’t thought to bring Juliette a gift. Juliette smiled with great amusement.

Juliette: “Oh, but you ‘ave.”

“Well ladies, shall I walk you out?”

Haleigh: “Thanks, but that’s not necessary. No doubt you three will have a lot to discuss after we’re gone. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future, Liam.”

“I look forward to inventing a decent reason to call.”

He quipped, provoking a little chuckle from her. They exchanged goodbyes too formally for his liking, and then regretfully, he watched the two of them leave the library.
 
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Rosemont Manor — Library

Haleigh complimented the way Juliette’s mind worked, and didn’t miss the intense way Juliette’s focus narrowed. Was that a suggestive attempt on her part? Was that an exercise of her innate power, the same power Ravena had used on her mother? If so, Haleigh could tell by Juliette’s reaction to her response that the vamp was surprised at her resistance. Haleigh took a sip of her drink while Seph enlightened Brienne about Alexis’ return.

Meanwhile, Haleigh cautioned Juliette and Liam about the state of paranoia that the former American Queens would be operating under, but Juliette brushed the warning off dismissively. Still, Haleigh offered her assistance to them, congenially. Liam took advantage of the opportunity to get her contact information. Haleigh smirked at the double entendre he used.

“Oh, I’d very much enjoy being kept ‘abreast’.”

She replied, identifying the number attached to the phone in his pocket and shooting him a text message to establish two-way contact. Haleigh and Seph rose to leave, while Juliette got up from her arm chair to move to a bookshelf and Liam sprung to his feet to offer them an invitation to dinner. His fingertips grazed the underside of Haleigh’s forearm, transmitting a little static shock that made her skin tingle. She glanced up at the friendly smile he offered.

“Unfortunately we have a lot to deal with back home. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the challenges of an abrupt leadership change. Would you be willing to allow us a raincheck?”

Liam: “Certainly.”

He said, as Juliette squeezed herself in between them. Haleigh’s attention shifted smoothly as Juliette asked in her thick accent if Haleigh had read the book Juliette was offering her. It was Machiavelli’s The Prince. Juliette was standing so close that her body was almost pressed against Haleigh’s side. Haleigh didn’t shift away for space, only moved to receive the book. She admitted she hadn’t read the volume before, but was aware of the concepts it had perpetuated. Juliette insisted Haleigh give it a chance, and presented it as a gift.

“Well, thank you. I wish I had thought to bring you a gift.”

She said, but Juliette smiled widely, replying that she had. Her response implied that she valued the information she had been brought, and Haleigh made a mental note that Juliette appeared to believe knowledge equaled power. Liam seemed to have a slightly diverging philosophy, but Haleigh was still forming his profile.

He offered to walk them out, but Haleigh politely declined. She told him she looked forward to hearing from him, and chuckled when he replied that he invent a decent reason to call. As she passed by the flatscreen she had produced, it disintegrated and faded from view, but Haleigh left behind a few microscopic devices scattered around the library for observation purposes. When they reached the car, Haleigh scanned it for sabotage of any mechanical components as well as any surveillance equipment that may have been added while they were inside. She waited until both her and Seph’s doors were shut before she spoke.

“That went well. We’re very good at.... this... aren’t we?”

She asked, tossing a glance at her sister as they pulled away.

“Do you want to be the primary on Liam —and likely Juliette— or shall I assume responsibility for working them? It seemed like you and Brienne hit it off well enough. I don’t have a preference for division of duties with the Europeans, but I do think we’ll benefit from coordination before we get too tangled up.”
 
The meeting was a success, at least in terms of not being attacked on sight. It seemed as if the Europeans were willing to extend an olive branch considering the damning evidence Haleigh provided against the former American Queens. As everyone bid their farewells, Ava let Haleigh take the lead with Liam knowing her flirtation would certainly make the King more eager to help. Ava needed all the eagerness she could get to narrow the search for Alek.

Exiting the library, Ava ran her tongue along her red stained lips as she exhaled a deep breath.

Haleigh: “That went well."

"Better than I anticipated."

She honestly believed they were going to walk into the lions den.

Haleigh: "We’re very good at.... this... aren’t we?”

Ava glanced to Haleigh, a knowing look in her eyes. They had always been calculated, however they were always tethered by rules and restrictions. It was something they both struggled with for many years within the six...a reason why they seamlessly blended so well into Hellfire -- minus the psychotic torture and mind games given by the former Queens. So it wasn't difficult for Ava to fall into the role of Red Queen, she had always been a Queen.

Haleigh: “Do you want to be the primary on Liam —and likely Juliette— or shall I assume responsibility for working them? It seemed like you and Brienne hit it off well enough. I don’t have a preference for division of duties with the Europeans, but I do think we’ll benefit from coordination before we get too tangled up.”

Ava crinkled her nose as they reached the large double doors leading to the massive front driveway where her car was waiting.

"You take the lead on Liam and...her. I still can't stomach the stench of vampire."

She growled with a roll of her eye. Climbing into the drivers seat, Ava waited for Haleigh to get in before revving the engine and taking off down the long and winding driveway.

"I'll work with Brienne. She's young but she's resourceful, especially when it benefits her. I'm sure dangling Kelly King in front of her nose to do with as she pleases will be motivation enough."

Continuing down the scenic English countryside, Ava's eyes remained on the road as everything that had just transpired began to sink in. She would do anything it took to get Alek back, even taking on the role of Red Queen. However she knew this would open up an entire new laundry list of problems when they went back to New York.

"We need to meet with Delilah before our new titles reach her first."

She cared for Delilah -- loved her -- but Ava also knew that Delilah would likely see their claim to the Hellfire thrones as an even bigger act of betrayal. Enough to solidify the ending of their friendship, and potentially start another war.

"She won't forgive this, despite how we present the situation. [sighing] And I don't have time to fight when he's still out there..."
 
Rosemont Manor — Leaving

As they walked out, Haleigh and Ava shared a moment of agreement, that their meeting had gone well and that they were both pretty good at the game. It wasn’t surprising. Haleigh was in her element, and Ava had clearly been channeling Persephone. It really was unfortunate that Diana and Helena had failed to take advantage of them as ranking members.

The potential they presented, each alone and also as a pair was remarkable. Instead the Queens had chosen to ostracize and torment them, turning them towards objectives they were sure to revile instead of having them tend to matters unrelated to the Six. Haleigh could not comprehend the decision the former Queens had made.

Her mind shifted to current events. She asked her sister how they’d divide up the Europeans. In her opinion there was an obvious arrangement, and Ava seemed to be thinking the same way. She would deal with Brienne, leaving Liam and Juliette to Haleigh. Ava mentioned still being unable to stomach the ‘stench’ of vampire. Haleigh recalled Juliette smelling fairly nice, but she understood Ava was afflicted by her experience with Ravena.

Haleigh looked over the leather bound book Juliette had given her, thumbing through pages gilded in 24 carat gold. She wondered if Ava was correct in thinking Vampires were all the same, and if reading this book was going to actually give her some insight. She could tell that Juliette had chosen this book for a reason.

Ava drove them away from the English mansion, speculating about how Brienne could be motivated to get involved to their benefit. Haleigh nodded as she listened, her own mind analyzing Liam next. Ava broke her concentration by dropping Delilah’s name. It had an impact, still. Haleigh could hear her mother’s laugh echoing in her head. Ava said that Delilah would not be forgiving, and then sighed before lamenting that she didn’t have time while Alek was still ‘out there’.

“No, we can’t expect her to understand why we would still choose Hellfire, even if we present perfect logic.”

Haleigh agreed calmly.

“And as for Alek, his recovery is our top priority, whatever it takes.”

She added firmly. There was not much else for them to discuss on the journey home. When they got back to the Parthenon, Haleigh led them to Delilah’s apartment suite and knocked on the door. She glanced around as they waited for the door to open. She calculated the chances that Delilah would mount an immediate attack, either when she saw Haleigh at the door or when she heard what they’d done.

Malice: You aren’t WORRIED, are you?

No.... I just don’t want to have to hurt her. Haleigh thought back to her mother, which just provoked another of her mother’s eerie laughs. Haleigh steeled herself further.
 
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The Parthenon - Delilah's Suite

Delilah sat on her plush white sofa, her head bowed into her hands, fingers massaging her temples. So much had happened in such a short time - plus the mental fortitude that was required to keep up her end of Cameron's plan - it was giving her an almost permanent headache. One hand reached out for the rocks glass of whiskey that sat on the coffee table in front of her, the rest of her body not moving as she brought the glass to her lips. She had to steady herself. She needed to be ready the moment Morgan was. Leaving this plane while Cameron was still battling Malice was a risk, and that risk weighed heavily on her, but it was too important for her not to go. Something was wrong in Limbo. And she had to make sure her daughter was safe.

At least Blaze and Nicolas were still on Aerie, so she didn't have to deal with their post-mission sycophantic praise for each other and Morgan while deriding her for hiding Cameron's plan from them. She didn't feel bad about it - they had been hiding things from her for years. Turn about's fair play. No doubt Alison was filling their heads with lies about her. But honestly, at this point she didn't give a fuck.

She almost mistook the knock at the door for the pounding of her head. She turned and looked at it for a moment without getting up, deciding whether she should bother. Morgan probably wouldn't use the door, though in light of the state of their relationship lately she might. Hopefully Morgan had been sincere when they had spoken, and she really did want to make amends, but Delilah didn't allow herself to believe that fully. Time would tell. Her visitor list wasn't that long normally, so even if it wasn't Morgan, it might be important. No one would come to her otherwise. And not many people had access to these private residential floors either.

So with a deep sigh she stood up, downed the last of her drink, returned the glass to the table, and walked to the door.

Pulling it open, her jaw immediately and involuntarily clenched. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. Though Delilah could guess what this was about. She wanted to see Cameron again.

"I could have met you at the service elevator. You didn't need to come to my door, Haleigh."

But it was more than that, so with a feeling of reluctance she stood aside so that they could come into the suite. Because, hey, if she ended up having to beat the shit out of Haleigh, better to do it in private.
 
Parthenon — Delilah’s suite

Haleigh ignored her mother’s laugh and took a deep breath, preparing herself psychologically to interact with Delilah.

“Listen Ava, if there’s an altercation, just let me handle it.”

She said quickly as they waited for Delilah to come to the door. She smoothed down her skirt, brushing at a smudge that marred the white fabric. White was the absolute worst color for keeping clean. She straightened her shirt and then the door opened to reveal Delilah, who looked very unhappy to see her. Haleigh didn’t take it personally. There were no greetings, Delilah started out with the statement that she could’ve met Haleigh at the service elevator. To go to Cameron?? Haleigh thought without understanding, and then it hit her.

“Why, what happened?! Is he dead?? Did she possess his body?!”

She asked, immediately checking Cameron’s life support machines without waiting for an explanation. There were no apparent changes to his condition. Haleigh glanced around the apartment as they walked in, taking stock of their environment.

“No, he’s still comatose... so why are you in here drinking alone then? Have you still not heard from Morgan?”

She asked with mild concern. She had no idea where to stand and knew she wasn’t welcome to sit anywhere. She went over to check the window.

“She must still be recovering from her injuries.”

She said with a soft sigh at the end. The costs of their ‘rescue’ threatened to weigh on her, but she suppressed the signals coming from her emotional processor. Feelings wouldn’t help her here.

“I don’t understand why you don’t have a direct line to Ororo. She’s got your kid, did she not realize you’d want to check in periodically? I mean I know she’s not going to have a phone but an ‘enchanted looking glass’ is exactly her jam.”

She thought out loud, and then she turned to her sister as she began to problem-solve.

“Ava, can you still get in touch with Mistake?”

Malice: Freudian SLIP...

“Mystique, or Shockwave, or Powergirl, or whatever she’s going by these days? SHE oughta have some link back to Ororo, given that’s how she got out of Limbo.”
 
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Haleigh's words of finding Alek were confident, causing Ava to look from the road to meet her sisters eyes. There was no wavering in her stare -- no lies wrapped in pretty bows for Ava's benefit. Gently nodding her head, she quickly looked back to the road feeling the wetness creep upon her eyes.

We'll find you, baby...we'll find you..

Ava thought, knowing they were far closer now than they had been before arriving in England.

The trip home was uneventful and quick, arriving at The Parthenon to seek out Delilah. Inhaling a deep breath and shutting her eyes for a moment as they approached Delilah's door, Ava was already anticipating the massive brawl between her sister and friend.

Haleigh: “Listen Ava, if there’s an altercation, just let me handle it.”

Scoffing out the breath she had just inhaled, it turned into a sardonic half laugh.

"Right."

It was in then that the door opened, Delilah's expression tensing immediately. She was guard, but her gaze didn't leave Haleigh.

Delilah: "I could have met you at the service elevator. You didn't need to come to my door, Haleigh."

Perking up a brow, it was as if Ava wasn't even there. Delilah had tunnel vision when it came to Haleigh, but Haleigh didn't seem to care. Her first immediate reaction was to ask about Cameron, the tone in her voice causing Ava to tense thinking that something may have happened to him. She was furious with Cameron and what he had tried to do to her and Persephone, but that didn't mean she wanted him to die.

Haleigh: “Why, what happened?! Is he dead?? Did she possess his body?!”

Ava placed her hand on Haleigh's forearm to try and calm her.

"Haleigh..."

Ava's voice was quiet and steady, like trying to talk someone off the edge of a building.

Haleigh: “No, he’s still comatose... so why are you in here drinking alone then? Have you still not heard from Morgan?”

Ava's tension left her body hearing that Cameron was okay, despite still being in a coma. She knew Cam's death would literally send Haleigh into the deep end....something Ava related to wholly. She already felt like she was standing right there on the edge of that building with her sister. Haleigh moved into Delilah's apartment, Ava slowly entering as well. Morgan's name was brought up, asking if she was still recovering. She was supposed to be the direct line to Ororo for Delilah, but apparently she was MIA on Aerie with Blaze and Nicolas.

Haleigh: “Ava, can you still get in touch with Mistake?”

Ava lifted a curious brow at that. Mistake as in, Alexis was the mistake, or Haleigh had made a mistake in regards to demonizing Alexis? An answer she knew her sister would never admit.

Haleigh: “Mystique, or Shockwave, or Powergirl, or whatever she’s going by these days?

"How about, Alexis."

Ava had no ill feelings toward Alexis, in fact she owed Alexis a lot for what she had done under the guise of Mystique in Hellfire. Ava was a direct line in hurting Haleigh that Alexis could have easily taken, but instead she chose to help Ava AND Alek. She was apart of the Red Court, a court that Ava now ruled. A level of respect and loyalty was evident in Ava's tone.

Haleigh: "SHE oughta have some link back to Ororo, given that’s how she got out of Limbo.”

Ava dug her iPhone out of the pocket of her crimson trench coat, taking a few steps away from both Delilah and Haleigh as she found Alexis' contact information. Placing the phone to her ear, Ava glanced back at the two blondes as she waited for her to answer.
 
Shaking her head as she read the reports of what happened at both the funeral AND Rosemont Manor, Alexis sighed heavily while putting the iPad down on her lap and laying her head back against the couch. Ava was a fucking speeding train hurling toward the edge of a cliff at high speeds. She knew Alek's disappearance would make her unravel slowly, but to confront Zizi at her boyfriend's funeral was bold, even for Alexis. But on top of all that, claiming the Red Queen's crown?

"Jesus..."

She whispered in disbelief. Alexis honestly believed that once they were ALL out of Hellfire, no one would go back. Maybe Alek, but that was because it was the place he gained all of his power and prestige. But Ava? Alexis understood why. It was a sure fire way for the European regents to work with her in finding Alek. It was brilliant actually, but god damn, it wasn't what Alexis was expecting.

Her phone buzzing against the glass coffee table snapped Alexis out of her thoughts. Sitting up, she looked at the caller idea and smirked, picking it up immediately.

"Well if it isn't the Queen herself."

Ava: "You heard?"

"You're surprised?"

Ava: [small laugh] "Not at all."

Laughing, Alexis stood from the couch of her luxury hotel suite, walking to the large floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the city. Across the street was a perfect view of The Parthenon.

"You do realize if I know, Helena knows. I know you're used to playing with fire, Persephone....but this seems a little much, even for you considering the circumstances."

Alexis may have found the situation both brilliant AND amusing, but there was a hint of concern in her tone. Helena had eyes everywhere which meant she was already aware of the throne change. If there was one thing Helena loved more than power it was titles, and TAKING that title? It was an invitation for war. And unfortunately for Ava, Helena already had the one person that could break her.

Ava: "It needed to be done. I needed the European's on my side before Helena could get to them."

Slowly nodding, Alexis knew Ava was right, but it was still a risky move.

"Yeah...well, you might be right, but you still opened Pandora's Box, sweetie."

There was a pause on Ava's end.

Ava: "Alexis, I'm not calling because of Helena. I'm calling because of Delilah."

That might have surprised Alexis more than the whole Red Queen revelation. An immediately tension filled her body, her eyes narrowing at The Parthenon as if she was looking at Delilah herself.

Ava: "She needs to speak with you."

Alexis scoffed loudly, pivoting away from the window and taking a few heated strides toward the couch.

"I've done a lot for you in the past, Ava. And i'll do what I can to help track Alek down. But THIS? You can fuck right off with this."

Ava: "I'm not asking you to meet with her for her benefit...it's about her daughter."

Alexis immediately stopped, the anger, the resentment, the heat that was quite literally radiating from her body all disappeared. She held the phone closer to her ear, her eyebrows furrowing as concerned washed over her sapphire eyes.

"Alexia? Is she okay? What happened?"

Ava: "We don't know. That's why Delilah needs to speak to you. She's concerned about Alexia's wellbeing considering...[hesitating]...you're--"

"Alive? Here?"

The momentary lapse in anger disappeared, but moreso a hurt filled Alexis' heart. Shaking her head, her free hand clutched at the orb necklace that Ororo had given her -- the small piece of Limbo that Alexis still had. This bitch actually thought she hurt her daughter. Unbelievable.

[gruffly] "Wow."

There was no response on the other end, just a sympathetic sigh on Ava's part.

Ava: "Please, Alexis...Just ten minutes, that's all I'm asking for."

Alexis didn't immediately response, her eyes shifting back to the window that overlooked The Parthenon. Ten years she hadn't spoken to these people. Ten years. And now they wanted ten minutes to accuse her of hurting a child. But what angered Alexis more than anything was the hurt she felt -- the hurt she was allowing these people to cause her again. They thought so little of her. Tossed her away like garbage. Thought she was evil enough to cast to stone. But even after all that, this hurt Alexis more than she would ever admit.

"I'll give you five."

Hanging up the phone before Ava could respond, Alexis' eyes lowered to the floor, staring absently for a few moments longer, letting Ava's words marinate. Then, her body melted away from sight.
 
The Parthenon — Delilah’s Suite

Delilah assumed Haleigh wanted to sit with Cameron, so she questioned the waste of time for Haleigh to come up to her apartment and then the extra time they would have to spend together on the way back down to the basement levels. But Haleigh misunderstood her.

Black Widow: “Why, what happened?! Is he dead?? Did she possess his body?! No, he’s still comatose...”

Delilah's eyes closed briefly, one hand going to her throbbing temple.

"He's fine, Jesus. As fine as he can be, at least. I would have told you, you know. Just because the rest of you revel in withholding information from us lesser beings..."

She resignedly stood aside so the two of them could enter.

Black Widow: “So why are you in here drinking alone then? Have you still not heard from Morgan?”

Delilah shook her head. Morgan had seemed so willing to help, but then...

Black Widow: “She must still be recovering from her injuries.”

The corner of Delilah's mouth turned up in a half smile.

"Yeah. Right. Must be."

Or Blaze and Nicolas had changed her mind about the whole thing. Or she'd just decided that Delilah wasn't worth her time. Again.

Black Widow: “I don’t understand why you don’t have a direct line to Ororo. She’s got your kid, did she not realize you’d want to check in periodically? I mean I know she’s not going to have a phone but an ‘enchanted looking glass’ is exactly her jam.”

THAT made Delilah laugh out loud incredulously.

"I wasn't exactly consulted on the terms when my friends took my child away from me and stuck her on another plane of existence."

Delilah squeezed the pendant on its chain around her neck, the mirth leaving her face.

"She's alive. Or I think so. I don't know what else would be affected if something happened to Ororo, to Limbo. But if she's all alone..."

No, she couldn't talk about that. Not here. Not in front of Haleigh. She wasn't her friend, not anymore.

Black Widow: “Ava, can you still get in touch with Mistake?Mystique, or Shockwave, or Powergirl, or whatever she’s going by these days? SHE oughta have some link back to Ororo, given that’s how she got out of Limbo.”

Ava: "How about, Alexis."

Delilah looked up.

"Alexis?"

She might know something, know how she'd been able to leave Limbo. If it had been some sort of loss of control on Ororo's part... But-

"Why would she help me?"

Delilah watched, which some surprise, as Ava pulled out her phone and placed the call. Delilah's hands fidgeted nervously, until she noticed it, and clenched them together.
 
Parthenon — Delilah’s suite

Haleigh nearly malfunctioned when she thought something had happened to Cameron, but recovered when she found him to still be in stable condition. Delilah made some snide comment about how she would’ve told Haleigh if something went wrong, that she wasn’t in the habit of keeping information to herself like ‘the rest’ of them. Haleigh gave Delilah a looked of incredulity.

“For fuck’s sake, how do you even function with that HUGE chip on your shoulder?”

She asked mildly, folding her arms across her chest.

“Have you ever considered that no one likes to tell you things because only an insane person looks forward to that judgmental stare of disapproval you have perfected?”

She added, but they were going to get sidetracked if she didn’t move on. She asked why Delilah was in here drinking all alone, and surmised it was because she still hadn’t heard back from Morgan, or more importantly, hadn’t gotten to check on Alexia. Haleigh sighed, thinking that she wouldn’t have made the Alexia ‘threat’ if she’d realized Delilah literally wouldn’t be able to check in immediately. She had known she was crossing a line, but not been aware of the full impact.

It was too late to look back. She moved on to a current problem, acknowledging that Morgan must still be in recovery. Delilah’s response indicated that she didn’t believe that. Haleigh didn’t think Morgan would just completely disregard Delilah’s concern, not when it came to Alexia, but it wasn’t a disagreement to fight over so instead she just said that she didn’t understand why Delilah didn’t have a direct line or some magic mirror to be able to check in on her child. Delilah actually laughed at that, and for a split second Haleigh thought things between them might be okay. Someday. In the distant future.

Malice: Foolish girl. You KNOW she hates you. You KNOW her laughter would be more genuine if she were standing at your grave.

Haleigh tried to ignore the suggestion, as Delilah commented that she wasn’t exactly consulted when Alexia was taken to Limbo. Haleigh shook her head slowly.

“Well, that’s unacceptable. Ororo should know better, and if she doesn’t, then she needs to be made aware. If Morgan hasn’t communicated your maternal needs, then I WILL.”

She replied, and then Delilah said that Alexia was alive, but the way she expressed it seemed unsure. And she worried that Alexia might be all alone. Haleigh’s instinct was to reassure Delilah, but she saw Delilah’s demeanor harden. It was a shift she had seen before, a defensive cover after an unintentional reveal of vulnerability. Haleigh looked over at Ava as if she hadn’t noticed that, bringing up the first solution she could think of; Mystique. Ava called her up, while Delilah questioned why Alexis would help.

“She’s a bit of an ally, for Ava at least. It’s worth a try.”

She answered, before she turned her attention to the call. Alexis started off with a greeting for ‘the Queen’. News travelled like lightning. That was both good and bad. Haleigh’s eyes darted over to Delilah’s face, trying to recall if Delilah’s hearing was good enough to pick up what a person on the other end of a phone call was saying. Her memory access wasn’t as perfect as Vivica’s, but her instinct was that this was about to explode. Despite her reluctance, it was time to dive on the grenade at their feet.

“Delilah, there’s something you should know before Mystique gets here.”

Malice: Wouldn’t want little Litebrite to get the wrong idea about you...

“I’m sure you and Cameron anticipated some fallout at Hellfire as a result of your attack. A power vacuum is the most obvious and expected outcome. Ava and I have determined that the best move for us was to capitalize on that vacuum. I’ve assumed my mother’s title. Ava usurped Helena. We would benefit from a Black Queen we could trust, perhaps you’re interested in the position?”
 
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Parthenon — Delilah’s Suite

Apparently, the fact that Delilah was a decent person was distasteful to Haleigh. If Cameron had been hurt or - heaven forbid - die, she would never have hid that from the others, even Haleigh. Not that Haleigh seemed to care much about Cameron at all when she was busy fucking Bishop.

Black Widow: “For fuck’s sake, how do you even function with that HUGE chip on your shoulder?”

"How do YOU function with that infallibility complex on yours?"

Delilah mimicked Haleigh's folding of her arms across her chest, doing the same with her own.

Black Widow: “Have you ever considered that no one likes to tell you things because only an insane person looks forward to that judgmental stare of disapproval you have perfected?”

"Then maybe stop doing shit you know I'll disapprove of?"

But it was time to move on, and Haleigh decided to play 20 questions instead of getting to the point. Why was she drinking by herself? Hadn't Morgan contacted her? Didn't she have a red phone that connected her directly to Ororo? The throbbing in Delilah's head intensified. As if sending her daughter to Limbo had been Delilah's idea. Like sending the kids to camp.

Black Widow: “Well, that’s unacceptable. Ororo should know better, and if she doesn’t, then she needs to be made aware. If Morgan hasn’t communicated your maternal needs, then I WILL.”

As if Delilah could believe one word out of Haleigh's mouth.

"Your sister has consistently taken the position that I should just get over it."

Morgan's recent offer of help notwithstanding, Morgan had been less than understanding of the fact that Delilah was upset. about how things had unraveled on Aerie, when Harbinger had taken her daughter from her. Morgan and Haleigh were more alike than she'd realized; they probably all should have recognized the family resemblance ages ago. They were both always right and could do as they pleased and nobody better say boo about it. Well fuck that.

The not knowing what was happening in Limbo was killing her. At the same time, she was afraid to know. Ava suggested talking to Alexis. But there was no way Alexis was going to help her.

Black Widow: “She’s a bit of an ally, for Ava at least. It’s worth a try.”

"Huh. Irony."

Ava was on the phone, and Delilah didn't feel the need to talk, so she stood there in silence. Until Haleigh broke it.

Black Widow: “Delilah, there’s something you should know before Mystique gets here. I’m sure you and Cameron anticipated some fallout at Hellfire as a result of your attack. A power vacuum is the most obvious and expected outcome. Ava and I have determined that the best move for us was to capitalize on that vacuum. I’ve assumed my mother’s title. Ava usurped Helena."

Delilah would have liked to have said she couldn't believe what she was hearing, but nothing Haleigh would do could shock her anymore. She started to move to refill her glass.

Black Widow: "We would benefit from a Black Queen we could trust, perhaps you’re interested in the position?”

Delilah looked at Haleigh and rolled her eyes. She put her hands on the bar, turning her back to Haleigh and Ava. She gripped the counter.

"We didn't go through all this to get you out of there so you could just waltz right back in. We destroyed the mansion, what, so you can go in an rebuild it? What the hell are you two thinking?"

She turned to face them both.

"Are you thinking? What's the plan? Staff memo that Hellfire's now a force for good? Or should we just warn all our allies that you might try to kill them again, but that they shouldn't worry, because you're just filling the power vacuum?"
 
Stepping away from Delilah and Haleigh, she knew they would be bickering, and frankly she was tired of hearing it. Delilah had every right to be angry with them, but Haleigh had every right to be defensive of her actions. It was a losing battle for both of them because neither would budge. Ava dialed Alexis' number, putting the phone to her ear with a sigh.

Alexis: "Well if it isn't the Queen herself."

An amused smirk tugged on the corner of her lips.

"You heard?"

Alexis: "You're surprised?"

Ava softly chuckled, not being surprised in the slightest. Alexis was good at her job as Red Bishop, just because she no longer held that title didn't mean she didn't have her connections to information. It would be useful in the future.

"Not at all."

Alexis began to show her concerns that if she knew that Helena knew as well. Ava was fully aware of this fact. Hell, she wouldn't be surprised if the Europeans were the ones who leaked the information as soon as she and Haleigh left. Regardless, what done was done. She needed the allegiance of the European regents in order to find Alek, telling Alexis as much. But Alexis was unintentionally side tracking the conversations - Ava finally bringing them back to why she REALLY called. That was when she could hear the venom in Alexis' voice.

Alexis: "I've done a lot for you in the past, Ava. And i'll do what I can to help track Alek down. But THIS? You can fuck right off with this."

Rubbing the bridge of her forehead roughly as if Alexis' words some how slapped her across the face, Ava didn't blame her for her anger. Alexis had every reason to hate Delilah, Haleigh, and everyone else in The Six for what they had done to her, but this needed to be asked. Not for Delilah, but Alexia. Ava said as much, and Alexis' shift in tone actually made Ava raise her brows with surprise. She was acting as if she cared...as if she had some sort of relation with Alexia. Glancing over at Delilah who stood quiet and anxious afar, Ava turned her back as she whispered why Delilah needed to speak to her, the words bitter as she said them. Ava shut her eyes hearing Alexis reply, sighing out softly knowing that despite her resentment and hatred toward Delilah, that it stung knowing she thought Alexis may have done something to harm her daughter.

"I'm sorry--"

Alexis: "Fuck you, Ava."

"Please, Alexis...Just ten minutes, that's all I'm asking for."

Alexis: "I'll give you five."

The line went dead. Five minutes was better than nothing. Not only for Delilah, but for Ava's future relations for Alexis as well. Lowering the phone from her ear, Ava craned her neck back, cracking it from side to side as she turned around.

Black Widow: "We would benefit from a Black Queen we could trust, perhaps you’re interested in the position?”

Ava's eyes widened as she gave her sister a 'what the fuck' look, seeing Delilah turn away.

"Really?"

Because THAT was a fantastic olive branch to extend the woman who despised the fact they both defected to the very club she was offering Queenship to.

Delilah: "We didn't go through all this to get you out of there so you could just waltz right back in. We destroyed the mansion, what, so you can go in an rebuild it? What the hell are you two thinking? Are you thinking? What's the plan? Staff memo that Hellfire's now a force for good? Or should we just warn all our allies that you might try to kill them again, but that they shouldn't worry, because you're just filling the power vacuum?"

"I'm thinking this is the ONLY way I can get the man that I love BACK from Helena. I needed an alliance with the European Hellfire Club in order to gain their connections and resources, and if that meant that I would have to waltz right back into that club, then that's exactly what i'm going to do. I won't let her take him from me. She took ENOUGH from me already."

Ava countered with defiance.

"I have no intentions of hurting anyone, least of all YOU, Delilah. But I will step into that throne to make sure that Helena doesn't again. Because if she does--WHEN she tries--this last battle will look like a fucking trip to Disneyland."
 
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