The rose fades to black

[Titan]

The Sanctuary – Monitor Room

Andrew shook his head as Isis went in on poor Tachyon and Vivica. More of the same, but with different targets. How could Alycia and Sharon say Ashley was the problem when CLEARLY it wasn’t just her people like Isis had a problem with? In fact, Isis seemed to have a problem with almost everyone. But it was okay when she did it, apparently. The little mirror-y thing that let them watch what was happening at the restaurant was cool, though, he had to admit.

He watched in shock as Sharon and Alycia defended a helpless Zach. They were so strong, amazing fighters, but so was Persephone. Zach wasn’t moving, and Andrew felt his heart in his throat.

Come on, bro…they’re there to help you…just keep breathing…

Andrew stood up angrily, and turned away from the images on the scrying pool.

“Why aren’t they HELPING him?! They’re just letting him DIE THERE.”

John should just pick him up and get him out of there, do SOMETHING. He needed help. Killing Persephone wouldn’t help Zach to LIVE. Isis had at least gone to help.

After what seemed like an eternity, Steel contacted Oracle to let her know that they had arrived at the Infirmary. At least he hadn’t said either of them was dead. But Zizi left to help Sharon. And what about Zach? He wanted to go, be with his friend, but he knew he was supposed to stay here. He wiped his eyes, and went back to sit with Vivica.

“Notice when *I* suggested storming the Hellfire Club, Isis acted like that was a crazy idea?”

He nudged her with his elbow.

“I still think we should do what you said, letting Malice kill Black Widow for us.”

He looked off into the distance.

“But that still leaves Persephone…”

 

[Persephone]

As Persephone stared at Haleigh, she could see the tears falling from the blondes eyes and drop onto her cheeks. And there it was, a flicker of the person she used to be--the person before the transformation into Scion. She still loved Zach and every other person they were targeting, and THAT was why she was at Hellfire Club. Not the power without consequence, not the 'darkness' in her heart, not her 'lack' of soul. She was there for her FAMILY.

Alek: "And that’s exactly how you’ll present it to Helena. You mortally injured him in the way that would make the most psychological impact on his teammates and friends. When Alycia Barnett and Sharon Kelly arrived, you removed Alycia from the playing field. You retreated knowing that to stay would be to risk losing yourself as an asset to the Red Queen."

Persephone lifted her chin just enough to peer down at Scion with a steely gaze. She heard Alek, but didn't look at him; her eyes remaining focused on Haleigh. The woman clutched the necklace she took from Zach--a souvenir of her kill. She often did it, a sort of trophy. But Scion deserved this trophy....she earned it.

Alek: "These people seem to have nine lives apiece, so we have to be ready for all eventualities. You saw what they did to Haleigh, and she is Malice’s daughter. They will not hesitate to do worse to you if you fail them – especially if it looks like you let someone Ava and Haleigh care about live on purpose…"

THAT made Persephone snap her attention to Alek, her cold hard gaze narrowing as she stepped forward toward him.

"FUCK YOU. I made him SUFFER in ways you couldn't even IMAGINE. Letting him live? BULLSHIT."

She growled as she turned away, slamming the empty glass she was holding onto the wet bar. There was silence in the room, Persephone taking a slow breath in trying to calm down. She turned her head to look over her shoulder, meeting the teary eyes of Haleigh for the first time since the revelation that Zach was likely dead.

Haleigh: "It doesn't look like that. I'm compiling all the camera footage from the fight, and will certainly play it for them if they question her commitment. She didn't hold back, that's quite brutally obvious."

Finally, some validation. Turning away, Persephone kept both hands on the wet bar and let her head hang as she used the bar as support to lean.

Haleigh: "If they wanted us to succeed, they wouldn't keep sending us on solo missions. We're supposed to keep getting beaten, out there. That way we can keep getting beaten when we come crawling back here. They think they can break us, still. They're fucking wrong. Soon enough, they'll realize they are wasting their efforts."

"Not wasting their efforts, enjoying."

Persephone added cooly. The Sisterhood knew exactly what they were doing and how to pull the puppet strings. Everything that was happening was because THEY wanted it to, and they were savoring every moment of it.

 

[Wallflower]

The Black Corridor

The orb stopped spinning once Haleigh left. The interaction went about as well as expected. She knew that Haleigh would be obstinate suspicious and patronizing. That was to be expected. But Amanda was somewhat of a connessoir of The Six. In her days of captivity, Talisman had instructed her to read over all mission files that Hellfire had when it pertained to The Six, and the files were incredibly thorough. As a lover of literature it was clear that Haleigh was the "alpha antihero" on a team full of anti heroes. The Six may not have been the most morally fortuitous people, but they had crafted a bizarre code of ethics that they tried to follow. Every decision Black Widow made was to protect the people around her that she cared about. Despite her words just now, Amanda had laid the groundwork that would allow Haleigh to notice her...and perhaps even call on her if necessary. She didn't expect Haleigh to thank her for the information, or suddenly open up about her woes, but none the less a seed had been planted. An olive branch extended, a line of communication open.

But Amanda had to protect herself as well in this encounter. She had to throw in a line or two about Haleigh being domesticated about how she was being used by everybody around her, if only to save face. Even if Haleigh didn't believe her words, they were now in her mind. Perhaps she would begin to question Alek's regard for both Scion and Persephone. Perhaps her words might cause cracks. Haleigh didn't care what others thought about her, but it was clear to Amanda that after the punishment she just received at the hands of Malice, and knowing that Persephone had been tasked to kill Zachary Armani, Haleigh was going to have to adjust herself. She was going to have really analyze things and Cobra wanted to be part of that adjustment. Amanda didn't trust that Haleigh had truly just turned herself over to her darker nature, and she wanted to make sure that when the chips fell, when the inevitable departure of Scion and Persephone from Hellfire occurred that The Black Knight and her Queen would survive it.

Like everything in The Hellfire Club, it was a delicate dance, but Cobra was a survivor. Determined as always to ensure the future of the second chance at life she had, she needed to be smarter about things than the people around her. If called to the carpet for the information she gave to Scion, she would have a prepared answer, and if anything it would simply just make things worse for Scion. If Malice DID find out about the conversation, she would notice the emotional spikes that Scion likely had at the news. It would be yet another indication to Malice that she had yet to truly let go. There were ways to spin this, and Cobra was prepared to do just that, should it become necessary.

But right now, she was once again left alone in The Black Corridor of the mansion as the sole official member of the black court's Inner Circle. A tinge of loneliness crept through her, but she realized that soon this corridor would be full, and moments and opportunities to be alone, to not be watched. She took a sip of her incredibly chilled wine as a smile crept across her lips. Things were moving forward...and there was nothing but opportunities in front of her.

"Thank God for good wine."

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion – Red Rook’s Quarters

Persephone turned those hard eyes on him.

"FUCK YOU. I made him SUFFER in ways you couldn't even IMAGINE. Letting him live? BULLSHIT."

She turned away, angrily slamming her glass down. But she didn’t intimidate him.

“No, FUCK YOU. I’M not the one you need to convince, Seph. Let’s just hope he’s really dead.”

"It doesn't look like that. I'm compiling all the camera footage from the fight, and will certainly play it for them if they question her commitment. She didn't hold back, that's quite brutally obvious."

“Good.”

Haleigh was still backing her sister, and THAT was very good. With Ava gone, it was more useful to have Haleigh with Persephone rather than against her. But Haleigh was upset, crying even. He studied her. So she did care about something other than Ava. But Persephone seemed to be delighting in twisting the knife…

"If they wanted us to succeed, they wouldn't keep sending us on solo missions. We're supposed to keep getting beaten, out there. That way we can keep getting beaten when we come crawling back here. They think they can break us, still. They're fucking wrong. Soon enough, they'll realize they are wasting their efforts."

"Not wasting their efforts, enjoying."

“And they never get tired of it. They won’t stop until you play their game.”

He took the handkerchief out of his pocket and offered it to Haleigh, locking eyes with her.

"Or until you make them stop."

He turned back toward Persephone.

“I don’t want to see a THIRD rook in the Red Court during my time here.”

 

[Silver Swan]

Charope, LLC- Infirmary

NO! THIS IS TOO MUCH! I'M GOING TO GO THERE AND FLATTEN THAT MANSION! I'LL KILL THEM ALL! THEY CAN'T STOP ME! NONE OF THEM IS A MATCH FOR ME!

[ Not an idle threat, and it was true that few, if ANY within the Hellfire Mansion could match Silver Swan's raw physical power, BUT they had NUMBERS on their side, and other variables, such as magick users. But none of that mattered to Silver Swan. She wanted REVENGE.]

[ She was SHOUTING, and her sonic power was making the walls, the very foundation of Charope, LLC shake]

DON'T YOU SEE!? YOU SHOULD'VE LISTENED TO ME!

ZACHARY SHOULD HAVE LISTENED!

THEY NEVER LISTEN! JUST. LIKE. ROBERT!

[ Steel could see the tears streaming down her face, from her eyes, that were behind her silver eyemask. She was truly beside herself with GRIEF AND RAGE as she paced back and forth, she was ready to tear out of there, RIGHT NOW, and charge RIGHT OVER to the Hellfire Mansion. ]

I'll SLAM Black Widow and Persephone's heads together until they are nothing but bloody pulps of flesh, bood and crushed bones!

I'll KILL THEM ALL!

Sharon was still raging. He turned his head to the side, contacting Oracle again.

[via com]: “Oracle, Sharon is not doing well. I know you’re helping out there but…”

Turning his attention back to Silver Swan, he puts his hands on her arms.

“Sharon, we are going to get her. We’ll get her, alright? BOTH of them. But you cannot go there half-cocked. Let’s make a plan, and do this right. Besides, Alycia needs you right now.”

[ Sharon stood there before him, one moment she looked completely enraged, the next moment she CRIED OUT, not thinking of the pain she was unintentionally causing Steel, Delilah, Bishop and Isis]

[ Soon, she began to show signs that she was calming....]

He made comforting shushing noises, rubbing her arms.

“That’s it, Pretty Bird. Breathe.”

[ She WAS trying. She didn't want to hurt anybody in THIS place, not even by accident]

“This is so far beyond doing the wrong thing for the right reasons…I mean, Alycia. And Zach? How could she? This is just so disgusting and vindictive…how could they have ever been our allies, our friends?”

Delilah buried her face in Maxim’s chest and he put his arms around her, consoling her the best he could. He could have died, they could die, and for what? Because they knew the Six? Loved them? Had once loved Haleigh and Ava? It was like a nightmare they couldn’t wake up from.

[ Sharon looked over at Delilah in Bishop's arms, and mentally commanded her eye mask to disappear. She looked back at Steel]

If only I hadn't let Persephone catch me unaware with that damned WIND attack! I would've BEEN THERE. She KNEW she couldn't overpower me. NONE of those weaklings in that mansion are a match for me!

I coulde have BLOCKED her while Charope got Zach on to Dome, and evacuated!

DAMMIT!!!

[ She turned away from Steel, and flailed her arms aabout, but she didn't SCREAM, she didn't hit anyone or anything. She was trying so hard not to completely POP OFF again]

Those few minutes...they would've made ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

[ She turned back to Steel]

We have to get them, Steel. We have to get them ALL! This has gone TOO FAR, and they won't stop! They won't stop unless WE stop them.

[ She clenches her armored fists]

I'll tear Black Widow apart with my BARE HANDS, and use her techno organic limbs to BEAT Persephone to death!

[ She looked at Steel, Delilah, and Bishop]

I TOLD that woman that if she hurt any of my friends, I'd KILL her!

I HAVE to keep my word! I HAVE TO!

 

[Isis]

Charope, LLC- Infirmary

Bright lady...give me STRENGTH!

:: Isis silent cry to her goddess would be heard in the minds of Nicolas and Richard::

Zachary's wounds...they're so severe...were it not for Charope's first aid...

::FLASH!::

<< @Rampage and @Richard Martin at the parthenon would feel Isis' distress as she faced this truly "LIFE OR DEATH" emergency head on.>>

My nephew, my ward...the NEED is so great...and my emotions...they are....

:: The two men knew that Dominique was GENUINELY upset, and that she needed their spiritual support to help anchor her, allow her to CONCENTRATE::

:: Delilah, Bishop, Steel, and Sharon would see Isis standing behind Zach's fallen form, with her eyes tightly closed, she looked to be in PAIN, but she wasn't speaking aloud, as the hum of her powerful magicks played its melody in the air around them.::

I will NOT let that renegade goddess' [Persephone]'s destruction STAND.

:: the flickering golden form of the original goddess, Isis can be seen all around the area of Dominique and Zachary Armani::

I WON'T!

::The spinning circle of protect FLASHES a golden flare, as Orion is wrapped in "mummified" fashion, in a glowing golden ribbon of magick that immediately begins healing and closing wounds, organs are restored, systems are returned to homeostasis, and as the magick of this wrapping continues to kiss and permeate his body, he begins to stabilize::

Something's wrong....I can't quite...I can't COMPLETELY reverse some of the COSMETIC DAMAGE...the mystical BURNS caused by Persephone's mystic daggers.

:: the were charged with the magickal power of Hecate, the greek goddess of witchcraft, and while Zachary's body was responding to her nurturing magicks, there was something about his skin...the burns from the discharge of magick from the daggers, that was now leaving a SCAR!::

:: Isis could PUSH and become more AGGRESSIVE in her efforts to wipe away the lingering effect of the mystic burn, but that was not what was needed for Zach's sake, and so...he would have a PERMANENT "souvenir" of sorts...a reminder of that terrible trauma that he'd endured...::

::FLASH!::

<< The Astral Plane>>

:: Zach's mind, his spirit were here, he was at his "crossroads" ready to move on from his physical body, which had been violated in the worst way. He had heard and felt Alycia's touch, and her attempt to hold on to him, but then when SHE was struck down...the despair gave way to resignation. He was ready to let go until Isis anchored him, and now?:::

Zachary Armani! Settle....and come to me. There is no need for you to leave your house! I am sensitive to the plight of the weak, the distressed, the abused. I heal, I protect, I RENEW. I am ISIS, the goddess of rebirth and MAGICK, and I will see you THRIVE AGAIN.

The house is restored, come HOME now, Zachary.

:: As Zachary draws near, he reaches for Isis, and she takes hold of his hands::

<< Back in the infirmary>>

:: FINALLY, Isis speaks::

I DISPELL the darkness and season of winter of Persephone that has struck him down

I call upon a season of light and renewal

bring Zachary Armani healing, restoration, and wellness!

:: She concentrates, conducting this symphony of magick with a gentle but FOCUSED hand and as she moves further along, the golden glowing circle spinning around her and bishop begins to spin faster, the symbols in the circle glow before it FLASHES brightly with a crash of thunder, and a wirl wind of white tulip petals flows around them ::

Let the body be made WHOLE, let the spirit take it's rightful place!

The destruction of Persephone has been REVERSED, by MY power of restoration and magick, and now, I COMMAND, Zachary Armani, BREATHE AGAIN!

:: Isis thrusts her hands out to either side, and all sight of her and Orion is lost for a blinding moment, as the magick symphony of healing CLIMAXES.::

:: The glowing, golden "wrappings" around Zach's body begin to unwrap away from him , and the others begin to see the first signs of his restored body, and Zach GASPS with life renewed and body RESTORED.::

Let the breath of renewed life FLOW through you now.

:: The spinning, glowing golden circle of protection slows to its original speed, and the glowing white tulip petals begin to fall around Orion and Isis, and slowly fade::

:: Isis' glowing eyes return to norm as she looks to the others::

Zach is restored.

He will live. But he must take this time to rest.

And now...Alycia.

:: She left them, to go to the room that Alycia was in. ALYCIA was in a much better place than Zach was, which is why Isis saw to him first. Alycia had a stronger physical constitution, due to her status as an Amazon, and Isis had IMMEDIATELY counteracted the magickal aspect of Persephone's attack on her at the scene, now it was simply a matter of healing her wound, and bringing her to homeostasis on all levels::

:: holding her gloved hands over Alycia's form::

Let the winds sweep relief over her,
let the light of the goddess shine and kiss her,
Oh Charope....Brilliant Confrontation...Daughter of Athena
Let your wounds, be HEALED

:: the spinning circle of protection spins faster, as rays of light beam up around it, and a golden column of light shines down upon Alycia while winds howl. Another loud chime, and a brilliant flash of light, and soon::

Alycia...is restored...

:: Isis staggers back, and places her hand to her forehead::

Not since.....the battle against Set...have I used...so much POWER...

:: She sounded almost...OUT OF BREATH. She was EXHAUSTED.::

:: To the others, it LOOKED like a simple thing, but it was FAR MORE than just waving her hands and igniting a spell, ESPECIALLY in the case of Zachary Armani. They had NO IDEA what forces she tapped into, how DEEP it went, and people like Vivica, who talked much, but knew LITTLE, would no doubt write this off as ROUTINE...and that ANGERED her. She was SICK of being around...PEDESTRIAN people who did not appreciate her level of awareness and why she handled things the way she did...which allowed her to be able to do things like THIS::

:: she clutched her chest::

Nicolas. STAY where you are. Stay with your group. I will follow up with you personally!

Richard...inform the others at the parthenon that their friends WILL survive, and then return to me as quickly as you can.

:: a few tears fell from her closed eyes.::

::How much more would be allowed to happen!? How much longer would Black Widow and Persephone be allowed to LIVE without answering for what they've DONE!? The lunacy of it all was becoming more than Isis could stand::

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas was waiting for Richard to give some insight on how the healing was going but he would know soon enough.

My nephew, my ward...the NEED is so great...and my emotions...they are....

:: The two men knew that Dominique was GENUINELY upset, and that she needed their spiritual support to help anchor her, allow her to CONCENTRATE::

Richard stood up like he had been shot and Nicolas motioned for him to come over.

If you want to help her, stand here and be ready. Everyone else, please be still!

Nicolas grabbed Richard on each side of his head and the young men could feel their own energy pushing back through the rapport with Isis, bolstering her own mental strength. If this were mostly physical Nicolas could boost her on his own, but with her protected mind, this was the best way, so that her mystical psi-screen would not shunt off too much from any one mind. But from TWO directions? It was working and Isis was standing tall in her fight for Zach's life!!

:: Isis thrusts her hands out to either side, and all sight of her and Orion is lost for a blinding moment, as the magick symphony of healing CLIMAXES.::

:: The glowing, golden "wrappings" around Zach's body begin to unwrap away from him , and the others begin to see the first signs of his restored body, and Zach GASPS with life renewed and body RESTORED.::

Let the breath of renewed life FLOW through you now.

:: The spinning, glowing golden circle of protection slows to its original speed, and the glowing white tulip petals begin to fall around Orion and Isis, and slowly fade::

:: Isis' glowing eyes return to norm as she looks to the others::

Zach is restored.

He will live. But he must take this time to rest.

Nicolas let go of Richard's head and stepped back. They could still see what she was doing at this point and the CLARITY of their connection had never been so strong. She had reached to them and Nicolas and Richard had reached back to help her. Nicolas looked at the others, smiling a little.

She saved Zach! Barely, but he will live. Now on to Alycia, who seems to be in better shape.

Alycia...is restored...

:: Isis staggers back, and places her hand to her forehead::

Not since.....the battle against Set...have I used...so much POWER...

:: She sounded almost...OUT OF BREATH. She was EXHAUSTED.::

:: To the others, it LOOKED like a simple thing, but it was FAR MORE than just waving her hands and igniting a spell, ESPECIALLY in the case of Zachary Armani. They had NO IDEA what forces she tapped into, how DEEP it went, and people like Vivica, who talked much, but knew LITTLE, would no doubt write this off as ROUTINE...and that ANGERED her. She was SICK of being around...PEDESTRIAN people who did not appreciate her level of awareness and why she handled things the way she did...which allowed her to be able to do things like THIS::

:: she clutched her chest::

Nicolas. STAY where you are. Stay with your group. I will follow up with you personally!

Richard...inform the others at the parthenon that their friends WILL survive, and then return to me as quickly as you can.

:: a few tears fell from her closed eyes.::

Nicolas and Richard looked at each other, each of them stunned to see Dominique so weakened. Then they both resolved themselves and Nicolas spoke to the young man.

You heard her.

Richard turned to the group.

They will both be fine, but I have to go check on Miss D NOW. My apologies.

He looked at Blaze and turned for the door. Nicolas placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

No time for that. Be ready to land.

Richard nodded and Nicolas teleported him...

...30 feet above Charope, LLC.

Richard turned into Nitrogen, entered the ducts and was in the Infirmary in seconds. As Isis staggered back another step, a familiar set of arms grabbed her up into his arms, and she would look up to see Richard standing there, holding her and speaking to her via their rapport as he formed a third arm to wipe the tears from her face.

I got you Miss D. I am here now. Everything's gonna be OK. Just rest now.

Richard's bottom half turned into a luxurious chaise and he laid Isis there as his top half soothed her, rubbing her temples in a massage that she would find familiar and comforting. He stretched out a finger on the third hand and snagged two blankets, covering her with them to make her more comfortable.

Meanwhile back at the War Room, Nicolas stopped for a moment, reaching through his familial rapport with Isis to initiate a jump start of her physical body, strengthening her and increasing her ability to recover quickly.

 

[Orion]

From Giovanni's to Charope

It was dark and quiet. He didn't even try to move anymore, he just held his side and tried not to let go. He could still feel her clawing her way into his abdomen. The sharp pain of it competed with what he felt from the cuts to his hands and torso.

Charope: Oh...goddess....oh Zach....

"Aly......"

Charope: Lay STILL now....and don't talk. Just open your mouth for me.

She moved his head into her lap and pressed something to his lips. Whatever it was, he drank it. The pain lessened, but he still felt too weak to do anything except breathe in her compassion. It was enough to bring him back from the dead. He could hear his own heartbeat thundering in his ears.

"È necessario...... salvare il suo."

He muttered feverishly, his skin slick with perspiration. She told him to rest, and left him. He couldn't really say what happened after that. He was in and out of consciousness, almost numb to the pain now, except the heartache, which seemed worse than ever.

He ran through the halls of the embassy, trying to find her, trying to save her. The corridors lengthened dramatically, doors opened to stairwells that only went down. He couldn't get to the roof. And then, he was lying on his back, staring up at the night sky through teary eyes. She was lost, he couldn't save her.

Isis was talking to him. He tried to focus on her voice, tried to understand what she was saying. She offered her hands, and he took a hold of them, because he couldn't stay in this pit of despair.

He woke up sharply in a hospital room. He could move again, and instinctively, he clutched his abdomen with both hands as he gulped for air and sat up. Isis was saying something, but it didn't quite register. He was looking down at his hands. There were hypertrophic red scars on the back of them, and when he turned them over, he saw identical scars on his palm, and a long red slash across his right hand. The dagger wounds hadn't fully healed properly. Through the thin fabric of the hospital gown, he could feel the other cut, like a raised stripe that ran diagonally across his torso, from his left hip to her right shoulder. He stared distantly at the wall as he flashed back to the encounter for a few moments. It was like a vivid nightmare. He looked around at the people here, and his eyes settled on Delilah, the only official Six member present.

"They're breaking her there, I could feel it. They're going to break them both."

He told her, and then suddenly, he doubled over, grabbing at his heart with both hands and gritting his teeth. His heart.... his heart felt like it was on fire. Pain this intense could only mean one thing.

"Oh, gods... somebody died."

Delilah and Maxim were here, and out in the hall, John and Sharon could be heard. Isis had left, saying something about.... Alycia. Zach was off the gurney so fast, one might think there was a grenade on it. He collided with Sharon out in the hall.

"ALYCIA?!"

He asked, stricken with grief. He searched her eyes for the answer.

No, wait. Alycia can't be dead.

This pain wasn't coming from Sharon. She was a torrent of many emotions, grief included, but she wasn't the source of his heartache. In fact, now that he was paying closer attention, he could tell it wasn't coming from anyone present, but it was definitely coming from someone he shared a deep connection with. He wanted desperately to know who it was, but right this second, he couldn't deal with anything more than what was in front of him. He took a moment to breathe again. He glanced around again, now that he was out in the hall. Alycia was not here, and he remembered her being there to save him.

"Where is she?"

 

[Silver Swan]

Charope, LLC- Infirmary hallway

[ Sharon and John were out in the hall, he lead her out here, because her rage, her screaming was causing problems for Isis. Noticeably, she didn't resist his efforts to bring her away from the rooms inside the Infirmary]

Steel, I'm going. TONIGHT!

They won't get ANOTHER chance, d'you understand!?

THEY....

::CRASH!::

He collided with Sharon out in the hall.

"ALYCIA?!"

He asked, stricken with grief. He searched her eyes for the answer.

[ In TRULY rare moment, one that underscored how BESIDE herself the mutate was, Sharon was not only caught UNAWARE by a REVIVED Zach, who had rushed out into the hall in nothing more than a hospital gown, but he COLLIDED with her, causing them BOTH to fall to the floor.]

[GASP!]

ZACHARY!?

You're ALIVE!

[ HER silver eyes met his, and he saw something BEHIND the rage, for just a moment...it was sincere...RELIEF!?]

THANK YOU, ISIS!

[ ISIS had saved his life, but what was he doing out here, so SOON after being pulled back from the brink of DEATH!?]


[ They BOTH collected themselves after this intense, emotional staredown - them searching each other with their eyes, to insure that seeing WAS believing. Steel was trying to help Sharon up, but she waved him over to ZACH instead. He was ALIVE. Athena AND Isis be praised! But he was out here in the hallway, MERE MOMENTS after being revived, and Sharon could detect his internal rhythms already betraying signs of STRAIN]

Zachary?! Thank the goddess...

[ she stopped herself]

What are you DOING out of bed!? You...Isis saved your LIFE, You should be laying DOWN right now!

He took a moment to breathe again. He glanced around again, now that he was out in the hall. Alycia was not here, and he remembered her being there to save him.

"Where is she?"

Alycia...

Isis is with her.

[ Sharon had slowly risen to her feet]

Zach: I need to see her.

Sharon: No.

Zach: SHARON! I. NEED. TO. SEE. HER.

Sharon: NO!

[ She yelled]

Sharon: NO. NO! NO!


[ She stood, BLOCKING Zach or anyone ELSE from getting further down that hall to Alycia's room]

I'm not letting ANY one near her, ESPECIALLY YOU!

[ Tears began to well up in her silver eyes again]


If you had LISTENED TO ME...NONE OF THIS WOULD'VE HAPPENED

[ She squares her shoulders, bringing her fists to her chest in an X pattern]

YOU DIDN'T LISTEN! YOU DIDN'T BELIEVE...and you nearly DIED!

I HEARD YOUR VOICE in that distress call!

ALYCIA AND I...we SAW YOU!

That COWARD PERSEPHONE! She's ONLY good for hitting people that she KNOWS she can't beat from BEHIND!

She got the DROP on me with that damned WIND attack, and by the time I got back...I

[ She shuts her eyes tightly and shakes her head furiously]

I couldn't SAVE her[Alycia]. Persephone STABBED HER IN THE BACK as she was trying to evacuate you!

But I PUNISHED HER[ Persephone].

Oh YES, I DID!

[ She LAUGHED]

I BEAT HER INTO THE GROUND, and I used my SONIC SCREAM! I would have KILLED HER, but she managed to escape!

WHY couldn't you LISTEN TO ME!?

[ Sharon SCREAMS as tears now flow freely from her silver eyes]

NO ONE LISTENS!

Well That's FINE...because I'm going to do what must be done.

I'm going to KILL THEM!

[ Birds outside start ATTACKING people on the street, and flying wildly through the air]

I'm going to KILL THEM ALL!

They HURT ALYCIA, they nearly KILLED YOU, and I WARNED...I PROMISED Haleigh, that if she HURT ANY OF MY FRIENDS, I WOULD KILL HER!

She didn't believe me. Neither did Persephone. She TAUNTED me by saying "You could try!"

Well...

[ She seethed]

I'll do MORE than TRY. I'll SUCCEED!

I'm goint to bring that entire mansion DOWN on their HEADS...and then I will PERSONALLY CRUSH THEIR SKULLS!

They will NEVER hurt Alycia, you, or ANYONE I CARE ABOUT EVER AGAIN!

[ OUTSIDE Charope, LLC, BIRDS were being AGGRESSIVE with people on the street, dive bombing them, attacking them. THANKFULLY for Oracle, they didn't bother her directly, although she had a few close calls, and she saw birds CHASING people. It was a sign that Sharon's rage was on a level she hadn't seen before]


I'm going to PROTECT YOU AND ALYCIA, WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!

D'YOU UNDERSTAND ME, ZACHARY!?

YOU CAN'T STOP ME!

I WON'T LET THEM HURT EITHER OF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE AGAIN!

 

[Isis]

Charope, LLC- Infirmary

Thank you...BOTH of you...

:: Isis called to Nicolas and Richard, as she steadied herself by placing a gloved hand on the side of Alycia's bed. Alycia was stable, and would LIVE. Both she AND Zach would. Isis sighed with relief but she was not feeling well at this moment::


:: Isis' head was throbbing. She had not called upon this much power, or applied tihs much force of will since the battle against Set, BUT the level of emotion, and the struggle she experienced during the Purifiers incident was not too far away on the spectrum of pain::

:: Would Zach, who had bolted out of his bed almost immediately after she'd saved his life, realize what a risk he was taking? His body had only JUST come around from a truly traumatic experience, and had Alycia, and Isis not taken the steps they had, he would have shed this mortal coil all together. Did they KNOW what lengths she'd gone to!?::

:: She felt more than a little dismayed right now, and she wondered if once again, her efforts, her thorough manner of doing things, her FINESSE would be taken for granted by these people::

Bright lady...why is the vitality of YOUTH always WASTED on the young...

:: She truly didn't understand the way people like Zach, Vivica, Andrew, and Ashley behaved. But beyond that, she was NAUSEATED at the thought that this moment...which should've been a jarring wake up call for them ALL...would lead to nothing more than "MORE OF THE SAME." And THAT would only ADD to her anger and frustration.::

:: If they couldn't do an about face, and make some SUBSTANTIAL progress in dealing with the PROBLEM of Black Widow, Persephone, and the Hellfire Club; and a better job PROTECTING their loved ones, SHE would LEAVE, and take Richard with her. She would be better off, MORE EFFECTIVE on her own.::

:: She slowly walked...occasionally staggering, as she leaned against the wall and moved along, making her way into a small, dark, waiting room nearby. There was no one here but out in the hall, Sharon's sonic YELLING was shaking the walls, causing equipment to beep, shudder, and malfunction here and there...and Isis, who already head a headache, groaned...::

Please Sharon...have MERCY....

:: She said as she frowned with her eyes closed, and rubbed her temples...once again staggering as the dizziness set in. Tears fell from her aqua blue eyes. Sharon's righteous fury made perfect sense, and Isis agreed with her. If she could find her "second wind", she'd GO with Sharon to the Hellfire Club and use her magicks to slap them all down. Diana, Helena, Black Widow, ALL of them were overdue for a lesson in humility and they were just as FOUL and ROTTEN as the Purifiers. Those terrorists met THEIR end, the hellfire club should meet IT'S end as well.::

Richard turned into Nitrogen, entered the ducts and was in the Infirmary in seconds. As Isis staggered back another step, a familiar set of arms grabbed her up into his arms, and she would look up to see Richard standing there, holding her and speaking to her via their rapport as he formed a third arm to wipe the tears from her face.

I got you Miss D. I am here now. Everything's gonna be OK. Just rest now.

Richard...

[ she said quietly]

I...am...exhausted. Not since SET...have I used...this much power.

And already...Zach is abusing his body...he's acting like nothing happened! Alycia needs rest...Sharon is blocking them from coming here.

I'm tired Richard...

Richard's bottom half turned into a luxurious chaise and he laid Isis there as his top half soothed her, rubbing her temples in a massage that she would find familiar and comforting. He stretched out a finger on the third hand and snagged two blankets, covering her with them to make her more comfortable.

Meanwhile back at the War Room, Nicolas stopped for a moment, reaching through his familial rapport with Isis to initiate a jump start of her physical body, strengthening her and increasing her ability to recover quickly.

:: Dominique was able to inhale deeply, and EXHALE. she felt herself stabilizing, rather than CRASHING, thanks to Nicolas' neural jumpstart. It was...a RELIEF, and she did NOT protest his OR Richard's assistance at this time. Instead of feeling like she was going to PASS OUT, she now, just needed time to rest, which was a much better feeling. Still, she was concerned ::

Nicolas....thank you, my nephew.

Richard...this can't go on. They [ Persephone and Black Widow] must be stopped, before the next time...when it may well be TOO LATE.

 

[Steel]

Charope – Infirmary

Sharon seemed to be quieting, but was still clearly very upset. He knew what it was like to see people you served with injured, even killed – he knew how terrible it was for her.

If only I hadn't let Persephone catch me unaware with that damned WIND attack! I would've BEEN THERE…I could have BLOCKED her while Charope got Zach on to Dome, and evacuated!

“No, Sharon – don’t do this to yourself. I was there. I SAW you. You kept her from killing Alycia AND Zach. You did everything you could have done.”

He paused and looked her in the eye.

“You were amazing.”

But Sharon didn’t want to hear it, all she could see was what she could have done differently.

DAMMIT!!! Those few minutes...they would've made ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

“You don’t know that. No one does. YOU are not the one to blame: Persephone is. And Black Widow. You were right about them.”

We have to get them, Steel. We have to get them ALL! This has gone TOO FAR, and they won't stop! They won't stop unless WE stop them.

“We will. I promise you. That child…Alycia…Zach…Vivica – we will get justice for them. We'll throw everything we have at them.”

He drew Sharon out into the hallway, so she could have some peace to get a handle on things.

Steel, I'm going. TONIGHT! They won't get ANOTHER chance, d'you understand!? THEY....

“You cannot go there by yourself Sharon…even as powerful as you are-“

Zach came crashing out into the hallway and collided with Sharon, causing both of them to fall to the floor. He started to help Sharon up, but she pointed to Zach, so he picked him up instead and righted him on his feet.

He was asking about Alycia, wanting to see her. Sharon told him that Isis was with her.

“Come on Zach, let’s get you back to bed-“

But a shouting match had already begun, with Zach demanding to see Alycia and Sharon absolutely forbidding it, even BLOCKING the hall to her room.

I'm not letting ANY one near her, ESPECIALLY YOU!... If you had LISTENED TO ME...NONE OF THIS WOULD'VE HAPPENED

“Sharon, come on…don’t do this now…”

Sharon was yelling now, getting more and more agitated.

I WON'T LET THEM HURT EITHER OF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE AGAIN!

“Sharon, this isn’t your fault, SHARON!”

 

[Oracle]

Charope

It took very little time for Oracle to reach Charope, as near to Rose’s Sanctuary as it was. Even if Steel had not called her about Sharon’s state of mind, it would have been clear that something was not right with her. Birds were everywhere overhead, acting erratically, even attacking people! Oracle quickly entered the building and descended into the Infirmary to find Delilah and Bishop looking crestfallen.

“How are they?”

She wheeled herself towards them, concern on her face.

“Where’s Sharon?”

But they didn’t have to answer that question, because Oracle could hear Sharon YELLING out in the hallway.

“Oh my goodNESS!”

The walls were shaking with the sonic reverberance from her voice. Oracle slapped the button for the automatic door and wheeled herself out into the hall. John was trying to get Sharon’s attention but she looked to be out of her mind with anger and grief.

I WON'T LET THEM HURT EITHER OF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE AGAIN!

“Sharon, this isn’t your fault, SHARON!”

“What is going on out here?”

Her voice remained calm. Zach was standing there as well, in his hospital gown, looking thankfully alive but the worse for wear.

“Zachary, go back to your room and lie down. You should not be up.”

Her face softened as she looked at him.

“Thank god you’re alright though honey.”

She turned back to Sharon and wheeled forward.

“Sharon, I saw what you did out there – you saved Zach’s life. And Alycia’s.”

She tilted her head and looked down the hall.

“Could you take me to see her? Please?”

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Red Rook's Room

She watched her sister leaned against the bar, Seph's head hung, and her back turned to Haleigh. What was Seph thinking? Was she really angry because Alek had accused her of going easy on Zach and the Amazons, or was she upset about what she had done? Haleigh felt very bad for AVA in that moment, because she knew that deep down, her sister was feeling the same kind of pain Haleigh was. Seph was hiding it better, using anger as her armor, and soon enough, Haleigh would too.

Persephone: Not wasting their efforts, enjoying.

Alek: And they never get tired of it.

"Well if they keep this up.... then we're going to see how much they enjoy it..... when the missiles start to drop."

She said darkly, as she repaired the clasp on Zach's necklace, and then slipped it around her neck. She wanted to reduce this building to a smoking crater in the middle of New York for what they'd made Persephone do to Zach, but that was a very, very bad idea, and she still had SOME self control left. If the Queens DID succeed in pushing her too far, though.... the Inferno Incident would seem like a favorable alternative to the nuclear holocaust that a broken Black Widow could inflict in an instant.

Alek: They won’t stop until you play their game.

He said, offering Haleigh a hanky and locking eyes with her, looking almost like he cared. A thought struck Haleigh like a bolt of lightning, and her rage started to build.

"Did you know.... what she was doing.... while we were fucking? Is that why you asked for PASSION this time?? Because you're playing their game, twisting the knife for them? Trying to divide and conquer us for them? Is that why you asked if I still called her my sister?"

She had a scary, cold look she must have inherited from her mother.

"It's not going to WORK. I will NEVER abandon her, I will NOT let her suffer alone in this HELLHOLE."

She advanced on him, shoving his extended hand, handkerchief and all, into his abs and then, shoving him back.

"Do you know what they've done to her here? Do you know what they let the White King do?"

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion – Red Rook’s Quarters

"Well if they keep this up.... then we're going to see how much they enjoy it..... when the missiles start to drop."

And what did you mean by that little tidbit of information, my little Scion?

He knew what her power was. Would she do it though?

Absolutely.

"Did you know.... what she was doing.... while we were fucking? Is that why you asked for PASSION this time?? Because you're playing their game, twisting the knife for them? Trying to divide and conquer us for them? Is that why you asked if I still called her my sister?"

He held up his hands.

“No…”

"It's not going to WORK. I will NEVER abandon her, I will NOT let her suffer alone in this HELLHOLE."

“That’s what I’m COUNTING on!”

She came towards him, but he stood his ground, until she put a hand in his chest and pushed him.

"Do you know what they've done to her here? Do you know what they let the White King do?"

“YES GODDAMNIT!”

His fist smashed through a table that was next to him, splintering it into pieces.

“I’M the one who’s cleaned her wounds, held her, tried to make sure she stayed BREATHING! The only reason I didn’t attack Ravena right then for the despicable thing he did to her was because she CONVINCED ME NOT TO – but I DID promise her that I would help her make him very dead. AND I WILL. So where have YOU been, Haleigh? Why do you think Ava’s not here right now? Because you ABANDONED her. So don’t accuse ME, Scion – I’VE been HERE!”

He was breathing hard now, his blood pressure up. He stalked towards her.

“I didn’t know about Zach. Not until after you left me. If I had and I wanted to drive a wedge between you, think about it, I would have told you.”

He lowered his voice, glancing at Persephone.

“I asked for passion because I thought that was what YOU needed.”

He paused, his eyes narrowing, voice cold.

“And I wanted to find out if I could fuck you without having to order new furniture every time.”

He wet his lips, trying to breathe deeply.

“The best thing for ME right now, and for the both of you, is to stick together. You and Persephone divided does none of us any good. You would just become tools for the queens to use against you both.”

Keep protecting her, Haleigh.

He went to the bar and poured himself two fingers of whiskey before downing it and slamming down the glass.

“I’m playing the game to keep us ALL alive. It would be great if you both would decide to help with that.”

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

He crashed hard into Sharon, and they both toppled to the floor, which he suddenly realized was very cold to bare skin, as he rolled gingerly off of her.

Sharon: Isis is with her.

So she'd been injured, trying to save him. He felt horribly guilty for having run right into a trap like an idiot. Persephone had played him expertly, and Alycia had been hurt because of it.

"I need to see her."

Sharon: No.

Steele helped him to his feet. The burst of energy he'd used to get to the hall had left him. He glistened with a sheen of sweat, and trembled, but he didn't seem aware of his own condition.

"SHARON! I. NEED. TO. SEE. HER."

Sharon: NO! [She yelled] NO. NO! NO!

She raged at him, and it nearly knocked him over again. He swayed a bit, but luckily Steele braced him.

John: Come on Zach, let’s get you back to bed-

Sharon was unloading, and Zach seemed rooted to the spot, his breathing labored, his gaze fixed on the Silver Swan, wincing whenever her volume peaked.

Sharon: She got the DROP on me with that damned WIND attack, and by the time I got back...I [She shuts her eyes tightly and shakes her head furiously] I couldn't SAVE her [Alycia]. Persephone STABBED HER IN THE BACK as she was trying to evacuate you! But I PUNISHED HER [Persephone].

"No...."

He pleaded with a horrified expression.

Sharon: Oh YES, I DID! [She LAUGHED] I BEAT HER INTO THE GROUND, and I used my SONIC SCREAM! I would have KILLED HER, but she managed to escape!

She escaped.... SHE escaped.

He felt dizzy, with relief or fear he couldn't be sure. Ava had survived, but Persephone was on the loose. Oracle arrived, and encouraged him to go back to bed. He wanted to see Alycia, to make sure she was okay, but he might have to listen to them. He realized that he felt very sick, and even Sharon's fury wasn't boosting him. She was still shouting, and declaring that she'd storm Hellfire. He nodded weakly.

"Yes, Sharon, go. Rush... now..... right into their ambush..... just like I did...... Go MURDER Haleigh and Ava...... Go slaughter our loved ones..... and get yourself killed..... or captured..... by Malice and the rest......"

He stopped to catch his breath.

 

[MorningStar]

Charope – Infirmary

Sharon’s cry assaulted her ears – and Delilah started to draw in the sound to give the others some relief from the discomfort being inflicted. Sharon was blaming herself for what had happened, and John was trying to make her see that it wasn’t her fault. Sharon was not in a great mood for listening, but at least she seemed to be calming down. John pulled her out into the hallway outside – a breath of air would do her good.

She and Bishop watched Isis preside over Zach. It was an amazing thing to witness – for Delilah the second time in as many days but for Bishop the first that he was awake for. Even HE seemed in awe of what Isis was able to do. She let them know that Zach would thankfully survive, and left to tend to Alycia.

She squeezed Maxim’s hand, her face still worried.

“I hope Alycia’s going to be okay.”

Zach sat up abruptly, clearly disoriented.

Delilah took a step forward.

“Zach, just relax, you’re in the Infirmary – you’re going to be okay.”

He looked at her, and said something completely unexpected.

"They're breaking her there, I could feel it. They're going to break them both."

Delilah was taken aback. Ava had just tried to KILL Zach, and he still wanted to save them? Tears sprang to Delilah’s eyes.

“They just tried to KILL you, Zach – I’d say they’re PRETTY DAMN FUCKING WELL BROKEN.”

"Oh, gods... somebody died."

Again, Delilah was surprised.

“No…no one’s died, Zach. Isis healed you. She’s healing Alycia…”

But he was off the gurney and into the hall like a shot. They got an up close and personal view of Zach's ass..which wasn't half bad.

Delilah turned and looked at Maxim, amidst the chaos, speechless.

Bishop: “I look better in a hospital gown than HE does.”

Delilah patted his arm comfortingly.

The girl in the wheelchair – Zizi – arrived at the Infirmary.

“How are they?”

It was like some strange disjointed dream.

“Zach’s fine. Isis is healing Alycia now…”

“Where’s Sharon?”

Before she could respond, Oracle was off into the hallway, able to hear Sharon’s yelling. They ALL could hear Sharon’s yelling.

“So, do we consider this a ‘Birds of Prey’ problem or head out there to help?”

Bishop: "When you hear the cries of disembowelment, then you'll know it's time to step in."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone remained leaning forward against the wet bar, her hair cascading down and shielding her face as her head hung. Her head was throbbing and ears still ringing from Silver Swans attack. Gripping the edge of the bar, a sharp pain pulsated behind her eyes, Persephone wincing.

Alek: “And they never get tired of it. They won’t stop until you play their game. Or until you make them stop. I don’t want to see a THIRD rook in the Red Court during my time here.”

"You WON'T."

She warned through gritted teeth. The sharp pain passed, and the dull throbbing returning.

Haleigh: "Well if they keep this up.... then we're going to see how much they enjoy it..... when the missiles start to drop."

Now THAT was interesting information. One Scion probably shouldn't have shared out loud. But the conversation shifted almost instantly as Haleigh's anger growing.

Haleigh: "Did you know.... what she was doing.... while we were fucking? Is that why you asked for PASSION this time??"

Persephone groaned.

"Oh for Christ sakes."

Was this really happening now?

Haleigh: "Because you're playing their game, twisting the knife for them? Trying to divide and conquer us for them? Is that why you asked if I still called her my sister?"

Alek: "No..."

Haleigh: "It's not going to WORK. I will NEVER abandon her, I will NOT let her suffer alone in this HELLHOLE.

Alek: “That’s what I’m COUNTING on!”

Persephone was annoyed at this point. They were arguing in HER chambers about THEM fucking while her head was on fucking fire. Haleigh was loosing her shit over Zach. SHE was the one starting to crumble, and it was happening all over Persephone's damn bedroom floor.

[exasperated] "Would you two SHUT UP already."

But her request fell on deaf ears.

Haleigh: "Do you know what they've done to her here? Do you know what they let the White King do?"

It was then Persephone's head turned sharply toward the two.

Alek: “YES GODDAMNIT! I’M the one who’s cleaned her wounds, held her, tried to make sure she stayed BREATHING! The only reason I didn’t attack Ravena right then for the despicable thing he did to her was because she CONVINCED ME NOT TO – but I DID promise her that I would help her make him very dead. AND I WILL. So where have YOU been, Haleigh? Why do you think Ava’s not here right now? Because you ABANDONED her. So don’t accuse ME, Scion – I’VE been HERE!”

Narrowing her eyes, Persephone had ENOUGH of this conversation, them TALKING about her like she wasn't THERE, and acting like she was this DELICATE little ROSE.

"ENOUGH!"

AGAIN she was ignored as Alek stalked over and made himself a drink. Shaking her head, the fury and frustration BOILING over now.

Alek: "I asked for passion because I thought that was what YOU needed. The best thing for ME right now, and for the both of you, is to stick together. You and Persephone divided does none of us any good. You would just become tools for the queens to use against you both. I’m playing the game to keep us ALL alive. It would be great if you both would decide to help with that.”

"You know what would be FUCKING GREAT?!"

Grabbing the glass from Alek's hand, Persephone threw it to the ground.

"If YOU TWO would stop TALKING about me like i'm not FUCKING HERE! Talking about RAVENA and what he DID TO ME! STOP ACTING LIKE I CAN'T FUCKING HANDLE MYSELF! I AM NOT AVA. I don't need your PITY or your PROTECTION. I don't need a shoulder to fucking CRY on [to Alek] or someone to WORRY about me [to Haleigh]."

Persephone's chest heaved with anger as she pushed away from the wet bar and distanced herself from Alek.

"I'm REALLY tired of people thinking i'm so EASILY disposable. Silver Swan....Malice....BOTH of YOU. I haven't lived on this Earth for thousands of years without learning a thing or two about how to SURVIVE."

She found herself eye to eye with Haleigh, staring her down with a fury radiating from her eyes. Then her sight shifted to the Zach's necklace that was now hanging from Scion's neck. Persephone picked it up between her fingers, her eyes lifting back to meet with Haleigh's again.

"Hopefully this little momento reminds you of that."

She offered lowly before flicking it back to her chest before pushing past her.

"I need allies NOT babysitters."

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Red Rook's Room

He tried to say no, and stand his ground, and it only made her angrier. She was right about to really hurt him, as she posed the question about the White King. And then... HE finally showed her something she didn't doubt was real.

She didn't flinch as he hulked out on a table, she just watched him with a hard stare. He seemed nearly as angry about what happened as SHE was, and with that confirmation, she finally accepted that maybe Alek was worth more to them than a fuck buddy.

Alek: So where have YOU been, Haleigh? Why do you think Ava’s not here right now? Because you ABANDONED her. So don’t accuse ME, Scion – I’VE been HERE!

"You've been HERE, and I've been out THERE, terrorizing and killing ORPHANED CHILDREN, instead of telling Malice to go FUCK HERSELF, like I wanted to, because If I HAD refused, they would have tortured Ava some MORE because they KNOW she's my weakness. So DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE suggest that I abandoned Ava, because I abandoned MYSELF for HER."

Persephone kept interjecting but it was about as futile as trying to stop a tidal wave.

Alek: I didn’t know about Zach. Not until after you left me. If I had and I wanted to drive a wedge between you, think about it, I would have told you. I asked for passion because I thought that was what YOU needed. And I wanted to find out if I could fuck you without having to order new furniture every time.

She scoffed and tossed a pointed glance at the table he'd just destroyed, then looked back at him and folded her arms across her chest.

"Yeah, you were saying?"

Alek: The best thing for ME right now, and for the both of you, is to stick together. You and Persephone divided does none of us any good. You would just become tools for the queens to use against you both. I’m playing the game to keep us ALL alive. It would be great if you both would decide to help with that.

"And just WHY THE FUCK do you care again, exactly?"

Persephone: You know what would be FUCKING GREAT?!

Her sister asked, and then launched herself on an absolute tirade. Haleigh shook her head and glared. Persephone came over, played with Zach's necklace, and practically dared Haleigh to knock her ass out. Haleigh caught Persephone's arm as she pushed past, and fixed her with a searing stare.

"Oh bitch, you'd better adjust your fucking attitude right now, because I swear, I've fucking HAD IT with how difficult you are making this for me."

 

[Persephone]

She felt Haleigh grab her arm causing Persephone to stop. Slowly turning, she met Haleigh's searing glare with one of her own.

Haleigh: "Oh bitch, you'd better adjust your fucking attitude right now, because I swear, I've fucking HAD IT with how difficult you are making this for me."

"Or WHAT."

She goaded, getting extremely close to Haleigh's face.

"This is what you wanted, right? Persephone in full bloom so whats left of your sister can survive? Well you got her. And i'm SURVIVING. I'm doing what it takes to make them [Queens] happy. Unlike you, I don't feel remorse. My how the tables have turned."

Ripping her arm out of Haleigh's grasp.

"But if you want her back....I can let her out. For a moment. Like I did with ZACH."

Hinting to Haleigh about what exactly happened during her encounter with Zach. She could see the murderous look in Haleigh's eyes. She knew Scion wanted to use those missiles she spoke of earlier to blow Persephone back to ancient times.

"She's DYING to speak with you.....but....if you want to KILL me instead, by all means. Funny thing about being housed in one body: I go, SHE goes."

A subtle smile played on her lips.

"I want to be friends, Scion. I WANT to be allies with you. Because like you, I also care about Ava. I've lived with her for 10 fucking years. And you wanna know the truth? I've come to kind of tolerate you too. SO..."

Withdrawing her mystic dagger, she flipped the handle to face Haleigh so she could take it--TEMPTING the blonde to kill her.

"What do you say. Sisters in Sin? Or double funeral?"

 

[Recall]

The Sanctuary

:: Again, the girl opens her mouth. Oracle's request was not unreasonable, but Recall ALWAYS had the need to insert herself into something. Dominique felt that she talked too much, but rarely did she listen to anyone BUT Oracle, or Ashley, when that girl was insulting her, and she THANKED her for it, like an annoying SAP desperate for approval...::

Listen to me, and listen CAREFULLY, RECALL, I didn't SAY that I didn't think there was anything WRONG.

What I have a problem with, is Tachyon's rush to paint Rose as some kind of deranged LUNATIC. He may not being SAYING in those exact words, but I have been around long enough to know what this looks and sounds like.

:: Again, her own experience with her sister, in the aftermath of Set's attack, the way the people in her village wrote HER off as insane.::

The woman has been through HELL and has sustained losses that few of YOU would understand.

What she DOESN'T need is people like you :: Tachyon and Recall:: writing her off as some kind of unhinged woman. SHE'S not the one going around town targeting children, or deeming someone unfit for protection because he or she "won't contribute to society."

:: Vivica cocked an almost amused eyebrow as Dominique spoke. Nobody, not one single person was trying to paint Rose as a lunatic or some deranged creature. What SEVERAL PEOPLE NOW had noticed was that something was deeply and very wrong with Rose in a manner that was incredibly uncharacteristic of the way she normally operated. And those SEVERAL PEOPLE NOW who have noticed things were people who cared about her, knew who she was. Danny Donnelly for instance. She had seen his face when Rose attacked Persephone. He was her sentry. He knew her. Isis wasn't a doctor, and it appeared that quite some time ago, she had made the decision that she was better than those around her and closed herself off all but completely. Who was she to say how society or the people in it operated when she all but refused to really even be a part of it? ::

:: Recall spoke no words because none of THIS was important at the moment. She had just been trying to get Isis to see things in a different way and realize that her friend needed help, and not just help that came in the form of VENGEANCE. The important thing was these children. Vivica wasn't trying to insult Dominique, she was just trying to get her to see things from a different perspective, separate herself from the RAGE she was experiencinge in this moment. But as usual, Dominique admonished her and degraded her and made her feel like absolute shit for even DARING to have an opinion on things. For somebody as worldly as she portrayed herself and how much she liked to TOTE about how knowing she was about the way things operated, she certainly didn't have a very accurate assessment of HERSELF...that or she didn't care at all. Vivica couldn't decide what was worse. ::

:: Oracle recalled that Isis had a strong empathic bond with the victims that were in distress during the Purifier's rampage, and the sorceress had shared with her what it felt like for her when the 42 children died in the bus accident, Isis nearly PASSED OUT from the pain of the feedback of their screams and death cries. How much WORSE had it been for ROSE then?::

It's remarkable, how you groveled before Ashley and promised never to "shut her up" again, but that is exactly what you and Tachyon want to do with Rose, is it not? Instead of letting her have the vengeance that she DESERVES.

Sometimes...vengeance IS justice, and her children, herself, and EVERYONE ELSE involved would be FOREVER safe if Black Widow was REMOVED from the battle field, PERMANENTLY.

:: She'd had ENOUGH of entertaining Vivica. The girl ALWAYS thought she was a step ahead of someone, and that she was meant to teach someone. Isis wouldn't have anymore of that from her.::

:: She turned to Oracle, and breathed out slowly, closing her eyes for a moment as she attempts to calm herelf ::

:: Vivica rolled her eyes. ::

"Sometimes people aren't prepared to live with the consequences of their vengeance. Vengeance isn't always the final act."

Oracle...I will assist Rose in whatever way I can. I KNOW what it is to be pushed to the edge, and to be surrounded by people who look at you as some kind of monster instead of a woman who needs more than pity and passive sympathy.

There were BETTER ways to get the information we were looking for :: Casting a disdainful glance at Tachyon::

But I think the LESS of this group she sees, the better. If she can divine TRUTH from someone as she did from haleigh, what do you think she'd do if she discerned the way people like Tachyon and Recall felt about her, or if she discovers that Tachyon was manipulating her? Instead of casting JUDGEMENT on the person who DESERVES it (Black Widow)?

There is one thing I must clarify....Rose's powers, her very mana, is not entirely magickal. It is rooted in the energy and power of the astral plane itself, making it psionic as well as magickal.

I CAN appeal to her on various levels, not only because of my magicks, but becaues of my personal experiences, but IF it becomes a matter of her needing support for mental health crisis...I would suggest Dr. Karen Victoria, although after visitng with Firebird, I would agree with you, she IS reeling from what she perceives as failures regarding Persephone and Black Widow, add to that the Frost debcale.

:: Vivica rolled her eyes in the back of her head again, fearing that they would completely get stuck there if Dominique continued to talk. Thankfully, Oracle in a way that only she could was trying to highlight was Vivica saying in a nicer way, but it was clear that Isis didn't want to listen to anybody at all..like always. ::

:: But then shit hit the fan. ::

“Excuse me.”

The alert showed her a disturbance of birds – the calling card of someone they all knew.

“There is a large congregation of birds near the old Giovanni’s restaurant.”

She called up the tracker on Sharon.

“And Silver Swan is headed in that direction. Steel, get over there and check it out, offer your support if she needs it. The rest of us will remain here to protect the children if necessary. Now go.”

He nodded to her and was off.

“We must be prepared – if this is another Black Widow attack she may return here next.”

: Vivica's eyes widened she grabbed Oracle's forearm. ::

"Zizi..Zach loves that place. He could be under attack..."

"I just hope for everyone's sake the person he is under attack from..ISN'T the Silver Swan."

"Please...Oracle. We HAVE to get a visual on that building!"

Easier said...AND done.

:: Dominque stretched her arm, and gestured in a sweeping, circular pattern. A mystical tone sounds off, as a sparkling golden trail flows at an angled, circular parttern, and a large scrying pool SHIMMERS into view, soon revealing a clear visual of the scene, complete with AUDIO.::

:: They're ALL able to watch the horrific scene unfold::

Persephone. AGAIN.

:: Only this time, she had brutally attacked Orion, and was about to KILL him, when Charope, and Silver Swan made the scene attacking Persephone and keeping her away from Zach long enough for Alycia to administer special first aid to stabilize Zach::

:: The scene grew worse, as Silver Swan was blown away by a powerful microburst. persephone was smart enough to remove Sharon, KNOWING she was no match for the woman physically. The goddess and the amazon fought, and Charope certainly held her own , and took the goddess DOWN 12 stories, slamming her into a CAR. But Persephone survived that fall, and collision with the car, a testimony to the durability of the Olympians.::

:: Charope was seconds away from reaching Zach when...::

Gods of earth and air!?

"Oh my GOD!"

:: Her heart sunk in her chest as a brutal and violent fight ensued near a mangled and near death Zach Armani. Tears filled her eyes as she balled her fists and shook them in rage. ::

"That BITCH! That horrible...insufferable..NO SOUL HAVING BITCH!!"

"WHY!?! Why had he MET WITH HER AND NOT TOLD ME!?"

:: Her mind went to Alycia and recoiled in horror as she watched the woman get Mystic Daggers to the back and DRAGGED along. It was an ironic moment for her. At one point in her life she would have very much liked to have been the one throwing the daggers..to see Alycia now, in so much pain, trying SO HARD to save Zach's life and to buy him time to LIVE, it broke Vivica's heart. She was waiting for Sharon to show up...to save the day, to do SOMETHING! ::

Oracle: "Oh, god, no!"

:: She wished Zach would have just TOLD her what was happening. They could have had EYES on the building, they could have had the ENTIRE roster of the team there if necessary. He told her he wouldn't keep any secrets from her, that he would let her know what he was planning to do so that she could HELP. In this moment, after being yelled at by Isis, her thoughts being called ignorant and unfounded and seeing Zachary Armani, MANGLED almost beyond recognition on the ground, Vivica was feeling ANGRY. She was getting sick of those around her not listening to her. ::

"Come on come one come on...."

:: Everybody sprung into action at once. Isis left and Oracle faced them. ::

“I’m five blocks away, I’ll be there in minutes.”

Zizi prayed there was still time for her to fix this. She turned to Vivica, Xavier and Andrew.

“I’ve got to go help Sharon. John’s team is still outside. Recall, you’re in charge. Keep these children safe. Call me AND the Six if anything happens. I'll update you on Alycia and Zach's condition as soon as I get there.”

With a last look at Vivica, Oracle was gone.

"NO!"

:: She PUNCHED the wall next to her, breaking through in anger. Vivica knew that somebody had to look at the children, but everything in her told her to go be with Zach. She wasn't a high powered magick user, she wasn't the strongest woman in the world, but he had just been gutted by somebody he CARED about...LOVED was willing to put everything on the line for..Vivica wanted to be there for him when he woke up. She PROMISED she would look after him. ::

Now what? He would not be able to stay still. Xavier wanted - NEEDED - to do SOMETHING. He turned to Recall.

You're the boss. And until you tell me to do something different, I am checking EVERY GODDAMN BED in perpetuity until relieved of duty. Just say the word, I will hear.

And he appeared to leave...and stay all at once. In reality, he was checking all 23 at super speed and reporting back to the same spot every quarter second. Recall could see him standing there like an old projector film picture with lightning sparking all around.

:: Her gaze softened as she looked at Xavier, gesturing him to stop. ::

"Xav, well I gotta admit..I love when anybody calls me the boss. Please relax. I know..I want to go crazy too...but have a seat, please. If there's anybody that can get to the children fast enough, it's you...We need to hold our strength."

:: She gestured towards him to sit down. ::

After what seemed like an eternity, Steel contacted Oracle to let her know that they had arrived at the Infirmary. At least he hadn’t said either of them was dead. But Zizi left to help Sharon. And what about Zach? He wanted to go, be with his friend, but he knew he was supposed to stay here. He wiped his eyes, and went back to sit with Vivica.

“Notice when *I* suggested storming the Hellfire Club, Isis acted like that was a crazy idea?”

He nudged her with his elbow.

“I still think we should do what you said, letting Malice kill Black Widow for us.”

He looked off into the distance.

“But that still leaves Persephone…”

:: Vivica slumped down in her seat as Andrew sat back down with her, nudging her. ::

:: She smiled for a moment and wiped her face, before hugging him from the side for a moment. ::

"I needed to hear that."

[leaning forward, gritting her teeth]

"That...treacherous bitch Ava Cassadine deserves a WORLD of hurt for what she's done. I don't care if it's Persephone or whatever stupid excuse will be made in her defense when this is all over...if she LIVES that long. She is a monster. And I have every intention of being there when the light drains out of her eyes for the FINAL TIME."

"All these avatars and amazons and sorcerers around and yet NOBODY in the last thirty years has completely destroyed The Hellfire Club, but I'm an idiot for trying to navigate in the narrative that THEY'VE all contributed to over the years."

:: Leaning back ::

"I hate where things are now, Andrew. So divided. And look what's happening. We are playing right into The Hellfire Club's hand and people are too stubborn to realize it. I don't understand, Dominique. I don't understand why she is LIKE THAT."

:: tears formed in her eyes for a moment again. ::

"And I don't want to lose Zach...I can't..and I HATE that I am not even qualified to FIX HIM...whereas that WOMAN [Isis] is."

"I'm sick of people not listening to me, Andrew. During the Frost caper? I KNEW something was wrong...my ability ALLOWED me to KNOW that something was wrong about the situation, but the second I said anything, I was struck down, as if how could I possibly know anything about ANYTHING...which is ironic, considering my ability affords me QUITE A BIT of knowledge about things."

"Everybody charged forth and look what happened? All that pain Blaze and Karen experienced..because they wanted to believe it was really Frost. They didn't want to hear anything otherwise."

"I've BEEN saying something is wrong with Rose. Am I am not the only one. People who know her and trust her? But it's like because I didn't die and get reborn as some mythological warrior, I am not allowed to have a dog in the fight. Because I can't bend steel with my hands, that I am somehow less qualified to speak on things? As if my DECADE with The Six, getting their coffees and keeping things in their personal lives running SMOOTHLY negates my ability to help with the situation. I won't be told I don't have a right to sit at the table anymore, Andrew. Not by Isis or ANYBODY."

"I survived The Inferno. I survived bleeding out in the Cassadine Compound. I've faced terrorists, spent time in war torn nations, helped refugees, acquired intel that SAVED people from their governments. I've seen death and famine and destruction, and I've experienced a great deal of it in my personal life...but I am not about to use that like SHE DOES..like it's CURRENCY that makes her opinion more VALID than anybody else's."

:: waving her hands in the air she leaned back. ::

"Even in ALL of this..I'm willing to put my personal feelings aside. I've built a bridge with Alycia, I CARE about her. I hope she's okay and I THANK HER for being there to help Zach...when I couldn't! I love Sharon..I don't love how she operates, but I KNOW that if we could just help her find focus..help her find herself...she would THRIVE HERE..and Isis? She's just as lost as her two friends, but it's like saying that would make her appear weak. in ALL of this, I am willing to work with them..BE THERE for them and HELP them...because I do know a thing or two about being thrown into an entirely new life a world from home, mourning the loss of who I used to be. So what I wasn't assasinated...wasn't tortured beyond recognition, wasn't reborn an AMAZON..what I AM..is loyal...and SMART. I can be their teammate..and their friend, but I won't be their subordinate. That part of my life is over."

:: Vivica wrapped her arm around Andrew. Her mind again went to Alycia and Zach and Sharon, just HOPING that they were okay. She needed to live in the present. She needed to keep her mind focused and level headed. They would all need it soon. ::

"I know that's a lotta shit that probably doesn't make sense to you..so sorry for unloading..and not asking about you. All of this..it's more than crazy or textbook insane. It's a whole other level...how are you dealing with it? Are you okay? What are you feeling? Have you talked to Delilah at all?"

:: smirking, her eyes still a bit wet. ::

"Please choose any of the thousand questions I just asked you and use that as a starting point."

:: Vivica turned to face Xavier as well, her tone once again softened. ::

"And what about the speedster. Sometimes I forget that the two of you haven't been a part of this world for very long. I know it can't be easy...and looking at the two of you now...perhaps I haven't been very good at helping you guys through this. What is going through your mind, Xavier? You thinking about running for the hills like Sharon or Isis?"