The rose fades to black

[Steel]

The Sanctuary – Bunker

Tachyon present and accounted for. Delilah has Bishop. What are we to do next?

“Hey, X – nice to see you. How are Alycia and Sharon?”

Oracle signaled for them to wait until she was finished with whatever it was she was doing. He nodded to Andrew, who was standing behind her, watching her attentively.

Isis arrived on the scene at that point. It was interesting to Steel to see Isis so concerned about these children. For someone who appeared to have such a hard heart…there really was much more to her than met the eye. And she had clearly spent much time here with Rose and the children, to know so much about their security protocols.

In my former life, I was trained as a midwife, and I was a caregiver to young mothers and their children.

Another surprise, but one that explained her connection to this place.

These children are terrified that what happened to their fellow orphans at the hands of the purifiers is going to happen to THEM tonight! The older ones are trying to keep things in order, but they need help.

He nodded.

“Then let’s get in there. The quicker the better. Can you help us with that Isis? You seem to know your way around the place.”

I can get us to the bunker, and once inside, I can help with the care and safe guarding of the children.

”I’ve disabled the red alert and the building’s defense. Isis, lead the way – let’s get those children to safety.”

Despite being a mutant, he never quite could get used to magick – it still always seemed a wonder to him. They were outside one minute and the next underground, outside two large iron doors. Tachyon cracked the lock for them, then nodded to Steel. His body rippled as it became organic steel, and getting his fingers into the seam between them was able to push the doors open. He allowed himself to fade back to flesh then, so as not to scare the children with his appearance.

Do not make any sudden moves. They will be defensive. Some of you they've never seen before. I will take point.

She was right, and he was happy to acquiesce, though he kept alert for any problems.

Isis was recognized by the children, and she was good with them, soothing them.

“Stay here with the older children. Keep reassuring them. Isis and I will check on the babies.”

Steel nodded, and smiled at the group of children staring at them. Tachyon went out for takeout, which the kids took gratefully. He wondered how much “fast food” they got to have.

Steel knelt down near to them, and pulled his badge from the clip at his waist.

“Hey kids…everything’s going to be okay now. My name’s John.”

He showed them his badge, letting a few of them handle and play with it.

“I’m a policeman, see? And these are my friends. You’re all safe now.”

He turned and looked at Tachyon and Titan, then turned back to the kids.

“We’re all just like you. See?”

He held up his arm and made it turn once more into steel, then back again to flesh.

 

[Titan]

The Sanctuary – Bunker

“The security systems are on red alert. I need to disable them before we go in there or we’re likely to get barbecued as soon as we take a step inside.”

“Um, I vote for NOT being barbecued.”

Steel and Tachyon arrived, and he nodded to them as he watched Oracle work. He had no idea what she was doing, but it looked good.

Tachyon present and accounted for. Delilah has Bishop. What are we to do next?

Delilah has Bishop? Delilah has Bishop? What the hell? He nearly gets himself killed and suddenly she’s back in his arms? Is that all it takes? Being totally useless?

Hell, I could do that.

Before he could take that thought further, Isis arrived, saying she’s heard the cries of distress from the children.

Probably so she could find them and EAT them.

Titan DIDN’T trust her, not after the other night, and as much as she appeared to care about these children, he couldn’t help but feel like she had an ulterior motive. After all, she wasn’t exactly the warm and fuzzy motherly type. And where was Rich? He had left him with Blaze, but surely where Isis went, he did – or that’s usually how that worked. Why had she left him at home this time? Very sketchy.

In my former life, I was trained as a midwife, and I was a caregiver to young mothers and their children.

Yeah, Nurse Ratched.

These children are terrified that what happened to their fellow orphans at the hands of the purifiers is going to happen to THEM tonight! The older ones are trying to keep things in order, but they need help.

Andrew couldn’t deny that the kids needed help.

“We can’t leave them to fend for themselves like this…how do we get inside?”

Can you help us with that Isis? You seem to know your way around the place.”

I can get us to the bunker, and once inside, I can help with the care and safe guarding of the children.

Xavier said he was going, and Andrew agreed.

“We should all go.”

”I’ve disabled the red alert and the building’s defense. Isis, lead the way – let’s get those children to safety.”

Isis teleported them or whatever inside.

Do not make any sudden moves. They will be defensive. Some of you they've never seen before. I will take point.

He scoffed.

“They wouldn’t be scared of ME. Kids LOVE me.”

Tachyon and Steel opened the doors into where the kids were, and the kids crowded around Isis. It was like watching children taking candy from a stranger in a white van. And then, to boot, Isis went to check on the babies. Thankfully, Oracle went with her.

“Stay here with the older children. Keep reassuring them. Isis and I will check on the babies.”

So…

The kids were all staring at them.

I know this SUCKS right now, yeah? But you guys did awesome and Rose will be SO PROUD of you all. I am not asking you to trust me completely. Trust the Magic La- UM....ISIS. Trust ROSE. and in the meantime...who's HUNGRY?!

“I know I am.”

A look from Steel made him think twice about acting on that statement, though. And then he started in on the “kindly officer Steele bit”.

Andrew pushed in front of him.

“Come on, John, don’t be so boring. No one wants to hear about how many kitty cats you’ve saved from trees.”

He picked up a few of the happy meal toys and started to juggle them, then flicked them each up in the air to land perfectly in front of the child they belonged to.

One of the kids had a ball, which he motioned for the kid to toss to him. Catching it, he looked around the room.

“Okay, off that bed, off the ceiling fan, through the chair legs, off the desk, and into the trash can.”

He threw the ball, causing it to do just what he’d said.

He retrieved the ball and tossed it back to the kid.

“Now you do one.”

 

[Tachyon]

One of the kids had a ball, which he motioned for the kid to toss to him. Catching it, he looked around the room.

“Okay, off that bed, off the ceiling fan, through the chair legs, off the desk, and into the trash can.”

He threw the ball, causing it to do just what he’d said.

He retrieved the ball and tossed it back to the kid.

“Now you do one.”

Impressive. But all of them had tricks.

I'll have a go if you don't mind.

He motioned for the kid to toss to him and he looked at Andrew, winking with a wry smile. He spun the ball in his hand and balanced it on his finger like the Globetrotters. Xavier then wiggled his finger a super speed, creating a mini-vortex. The paper ball began to levitate, bouncing at first and then hanging in midair motionless before twisting into the same trash can. He gave it back to the same kid and waited to see what he would do. His tongued lashed out, caught the ball, then he turned and SPIT it, watching it bounce off each wall before knocking the trachcan over. Xavier went to look and it was inside. He turned back, impressed as the kid gave a BIG smile.

Well...I've got two to play basketball with! Who's next?

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Catacombs

"Yeah, and I dusted ROSE. I was home free, but the bitch called in backup. Maybe if YOU hadn't sent me in there solo....."

FALSE. I was "monitoring" you the entire time. You were behind schedule, you were on the ropes, and the arrival of one mutant, with a passive power HARDLY constitutes..."BACK UP." Certainly nothing that a woman who has fought the Silver Swan before couldn't handle!

You were slapped DOWN by Rose, and left for DEAD. If ANYONE was dusted, my dear, it was you.

And you arrived here before us, before ME, in a HEAP of defeat...EMPTY HANDED. A FAILURE.

Then she fixed her mother with a cold glare.

"Oh, CALM YOUR TITS, MOTHER.

But...Ravena and I put you back together...once again.

Talk about DISAPPOINTMENTS.

"Rules are for the little people."

And in MY eyes, that's what you ARE, little girl.

"Oh, CALM YOUR TITS, MOTHER. Of COURSE I let Valkyrie walk out of here. She was demoted and sent to purgatory. If you wanted her dead you'd have killed her already. But as I understand, you don't kill an exile, you ostracize and humiliate her. And so, we did. Our Red Knight didn't seemed overly concerned about killing her on sight, so I didn't bother. Trust me, she probably WISHED we'd killed her, so she didn't have to go back to her own personal hell with the B-Squad Justice League and think about how much 'fun' Alek is having without her."

From Haleigh, via their psi path:

You know I used to think you were a tactical mastermind, with all your intricately layered plans, and your ability to adapt to anything the Six threw at you but ever since coming here? I find your methods leave MUCH to be desired.

I don't CARE what you think. MY way works. It has worked since before you were ALIVE, and it will continue to long AFTER you're DEAD. Your life is in MY hands. The sooner you ACCEPT that, and do things MY way, the EASIER ALL of this will get for you!

:: But Haleigh wouldn't listen. Wouldn't LEARN, she hadn't before, why would she now? And so, the time for chances, and talking was fast approaching the END.::

Then she fixed her mother with a cold glare.

"Oh, CALM YOUR TITS, MOTHER.

:: Enchantrah shot Talisman an "oh SHIT" glance, while Ravena covered a SMIRK on his face::

:: Diana simply LOOKED at her twisted, misguided little daughter as she applied her "alice in wonderland" 'logic' to why Diana should be THANKING her for that unwarrant EXPOSURE of footage from the Blackout Party...::

You silly fool.

:: Shaking her head::

Do you think I CARE about Sharon's....reputation? She'll NEVER have the acceptance, the TRUST that she struggles to find amongst her so called friends. The moment she was REVIVED by a faction of mystech, her LEGACY as the champion of mutant rights MUTATED right along with her. That one fact alone is enough to drive her over the edge.

Her friends... They're WEAK and they are INTIMIDATED by her, and with good reason! She can be even more LETHAL than YOU when unleashed. Perhaps I should have had ALICE capture HER.

:: And that idea wasn't completely off the table anyway::

ANYTHING that Sharon told her little rat tag team was of any CONSEQUENCE? Do think that I, or Talisman, or Ravena couldnt DISCERN what she would do?

She simply let them know that the hour of their destruction, their DEATH, was at hand. She was nothing more than a glorified "CHICKEN LITTLE." And for all her efforts, what has it availed? NOTHING. While WE have accomplished SEVERAL painful strikes against them. Well... MOST of us have.

Even your "liked to had been" SISTER was more effective in the field than YOU were, AND she managed to emerge from an encounter with Rose on her own two feet, same with Cobra! But YOU? Nothing but TALK. just like now.

If you're fooling ANYONE about your little episode in timesquare it's only YOURSELF.

:: She closes in and leans down::

You were SLOPPY, and if you don't know it...I'm TELLING YOU NOW that you were.

:: Malice's perception of Haleigh at this point, is what what might see if someone were looking at their target down the longe barrell of a GUN, primed to FIRE.::

From Haleigh, via their psi path:

But you'd better be CAREFUL with the messages you're sending. You brought EVERYONE HERE, and now they may really start to doubt you. Now they can see that as QUEEN you must make me KNEEL, you must continue to CUT ME DOWN, because otherwise they might think I have RISEN ABOVE YOUR CONTROL.

:: She slowly stands up and steps back. No response, simply raising her hand and extending it forward, and the sound of Malice's psionic power signature rings out FURIOUSLY as the ROOM is enveloped in WHITE, while HER form is enveloped in BLACK, and she PSYCHO BLASTS Haleigh, completely the destroying the chair she was sitting in, and sending the Hybrid flying across the floor::

You WILL LEARN what it means to ADDRESS your QUEEN in such a tone, little girl. This ISN'T the Six. What YOU think, what you WANT, simply doesn't MATTER! You are here to do as I command!

:: She walks forward, and thrusts her hand out again, psycho blasting Haleigh AGAIN, causing her CLOTHES to become tattered and any equipment she was carrying to be destroyed::

The ALTERNATIVE, is simply NO future at all!

:: Malice stands over the fallen form of Scion, and then looks over to the queens and nods. They move forward and take their places::

You will LEARN TODAY!

 

[Seer]

Imagine


<< And now, the Inner Circle bear witness to a symphony of discipline and punishment. One that is rarely required, but when it is...it is ALWAYS an immersive, and memorable experience.>>

<< The White, Red, and Black Queens have very distinct and unique sets of powers. We've seen the White and Red Queen work together before to deliver a one-two punch. But what happens when all three come together for a KNOCK OUT?>>

<< Imagine that with every step forward, evern breath and heart beat...with each passing moment, more and more of the membranes in the fragile, but intricate structure that is the MIND, snapping and falling away. Coherent thought loses its struture and uniqueness, and all higher forms of thinking begin to fade, leaving nothing more than basic instincts, the most powerful and driving among them- the need to FEED.>>

<< NO memory of the life from before, NO connection to the things, images, emotions, and other pieces that made your life UNIQUE, something you'd want to hold on to. NO path of connection to the PEOPLE who were once so ESSENTIAL to your life. Now...all THEY are, is a potential FOOD source to you.>>

<< Like an artist, no longer willing to devote anymore effort to something she's spent painstaking hours on, Malice induces this sensation in Haleigh, DECONSTRUCTING her mind, UNRAVELING it.>>

<< After all, SHE was the one who CREATED the exact copy of Haleigh's mind, a whole BODY ago. And what she can create, she can most certainly DESTROY.>>

<< ROBBING Haleigh of all higher levels of awareness and senses, leaving her ONLY with the bare minimum, she has more incommon with the BIO HAZARDS that once roamed the halls of the original Arklay mansion now.>>

--------------------------------------

<< Enchantrah's power activates, and The entire Inner Circle finds themselves in the BIO SYSTEMS LAB>>

<< For those that have never been here before, right now, this is as REAL AS LIFE for them, courtesy of Enchantrah's power. It's a terrifying place of tests and trials within the citadle, and now, with Haleigh little more than a ZOMBIE, Malice addresses the Inner Circle>>

Malice: What would you do, if a member of the inner circle, REGARDLESS of the court, became a LIABILITY, a THREAT not only to the security and GOALS of this cabal, but your personal safety?

<< She looks at Berserker and Persephone in particular. as Haleigh now comes LUMBERING toward them, SAVAGE as ever, with NO real memory of either of them. All she wants from them NOW is their FLESH.>>

<< She SNAPS and CLAWS at Berserker, missing him by a HAIR, before the sound of TALISMAN'S power can be heard activating, and she ensnares Black Widow in mystic chains, pulling her back to "more COMFORTABLE" distance, but still giving them a frightful EYEfull of the woman they once knew.>>

Malice: would you STRIKE her down? Or would you be WEAK and FALTER? Would you ERR on the side of foolish sentimentality? Or would you DISPOSE of her like the BIO HAZARD that she IS!

<< Talisman "parades" Haleigh around the assembled Inner Circle>>


Malice: Fortunately for all of you, who are so faint of heart, that deciscion will NEVER be yours to make!

<< FLASH!>>

<< Once again, courtesy of Enchantrah, they are NOW in the AQUA RING in all of its operating gloring. with Malice, now in diamond form, standing on the large metal platform, holding Haleigh by her neck>>

Malice: Those who cross that line, from being an ASSET to being a LIABILITY are DISPOSED of, WITHOUT hesitation. Many BEFORE her have learned this as their FINAL lesson. DON'T let it be YOURS.

<< She TOSSES Haleigh letting her fall toward the dark, evil waters, where NEPTUNES await her, but as she falls toward their gaping jaws...>>

<< And in a testimony to Malice's power, as SLOWLY as she made Haleigh's deconstruction happen, she SNAPPED Haleigh's mind "BACK IN PLACE" within the twinkling of an EYE, leaving her FULL AWARE of what appeared to be her final fate when...>>


<<FLASH!>>

<< Haleigh being obliterated by Spellbinder. Haleigh being attacked by Silver Swan. Haleigh being turned into a zombie by Viper. Haleigh being destroyed by Malice.>>

<<EVERY moment of DEATH that she has experienced, She RELIEVES in FULL effect, courtesy of Malice, Enchantrah, and Talisman working together to ensure that ALL senses of Haleigh's being are touched by this, while Haleigh is but a mere PASSENGER< and the Inner Circle bear witness to ALL of this.>>

<< And FINALLY, when each death is experienced...the FINAL death (to date), the one on Sheena Island, THAT one is made to STICK!.>>

<< FLASH!>>

<< NOW imagine, being DEAD and buried.>>

<< THEN imagine how you'd feel, assuming you COULD feel this...after a YEAR in the ground.>>

<< No power, no ability to change OR escape the situation.>>

<< The White, Red and Black Queens ensure that Haleigh feels this in her mind, her body, her soul.>>

<< And THEN, as awful as this all was, suddenly, it's OVER...with Haleigh laying before Malice >>

Malice: Get this creature OUT OF MY SIGHT!

<< She commands to the nearby guards, who HURRY to comply>>

Malice: << Looking among the inner circle>> Let that be a lesson to ALL of you. Class dismissed.

<< The Queens and King would remain behind with Malice as the rest of the inner circle took their cue to exit QUIETLY. Each of them processing what they'd seen, as the Queens turned Scion inside OUT as PUNISHMENT for her behavior.>>

<< Malice remain stone faced.>>

 

[Lord Ravena]

The business of restoring the Prodigal Child was done, but alas! Her insolence knows no bounds! Lord Ravena found himself smirking, not because of what she said, but because of what her lack of respect surely would mean.

The Queens banded together and Lord Ravena took his seat, leaning forward as he watched the punishment unfold. The Foolish Princess was deconstructed, reminding him of beasts he had made of the unworthy to become fully made. He could sense the ability to sway the child in this form, but Enchantrah focused her power...

...and they were transported somewhere else. Not REALLY, but even HIS senses were fooled. He was impressed. This display of power was sensual in its ferocity, its COMPLETENESS, and no one could escape the intoxicating scope of it. Lord Ravena was rapt, analyzing the interplay of power before him and then - TOO SOON - it was over!

Malice: Get this creature OUT OF MY SIGHT!

<< She commands to the nearby guards, who HURRY to comply>>

Malice: << Looking among the inner circle>> Let that be a lesson to ALL of you. Class dismissed.

<< The Queens and King would remain behind with Malice as the rest of the inner circle took their cue to exit QUIETLY. Each of them processing what they'd seen, as the Queens turned Scion inside OUT as PUNISHMENT for her behavior.>>

<< Malice remain stone faced.>>

Lord Ravena stood, felt compelled too, out of genuine respect for what he had seen. This was where he wanted to be, what he wanted to be around. He met the gaze of each of them in turn...

 

[Firebird]

The Parthenon- Dominique's Penthouse

I decided that I would give this info to her in as pure a way as possible. I lifted my now-empty hand and turned it into a holographic projector that showed Isis giving her the exact information she gave me as close to in-person as possible.

• Richard, Black Widow attacked the sanctuary, intent on kidnapping a child for some nefarious purpose. Rose confronted her and pursued her. The confrontation reached outside of the sanctuary, where Rose was aided by her friend Danny Donnelly, aka Citadel. She forced Black Widow to release the child but during that confrontation, the child was SHOT IN THE BACK by Black Widow. Rose nearly KILLED her in response, before she and Citadle rushed the injured child to the hospital, leaving Haleigh for dead!
  
  Rose put the sanctuary on RED ALERT. The cries and terror of the surviving children in her care registered with me, much like those of the children I was too late to save from the Purifiers when that all began. I am here now, with Oracle, Titan, Tachyon and Steel. Steel has set up a perimeter to keep the MORTAL NYPD away, Oracle is deactivating the defenses of the sanctuary as quickly as she can, and I will get us to the children. Will be here to maintain the security and well being of these children.
  
  I have no further information on Rose or the child that was injured. Black Widow herself does not appear to be here either. There's no way to know if she's dead or alive at this point. But even if she DID die...remember what MorningStar told us about the CLONE bodies. This isn't over. Tell Firebird and Ruby what I have told you. The Six need to know what has occurred.
  
  Stay alert, Richard. Things are going to get worse. We will remain in contact
• 
  
• I looked at her as she heard it all, could see the shock and anger and determination on her face. I wished it were better news, but that was what we had and we had to deal with it.

Blaze AND Cass sat there with various looks on their faces. Disbelief wasn't one of them. But Disappointment, anger, and DEFINITELY determination were among the others.

"What's she trying to prove? That she's as NASTY and DEPRAVED as her mommie dearest?"

I am here for now. Isis will let me know what she needs as time goes on. But yeah, your girl has gone off the deep end and will need to be handled sooner rather than later.

"She WILL be. We can't just sit on our hands while certain people in this hotel don't know what to do. We can't HIDE anymore either. She made her choice, and now we have to make ours accordingly. She forfeits her right to consideration, just as she negated OUR need for consideration when she dropped this truth bomb on us! "

Looking at Cass, then at Rich, Blaze looked rather grim now.

"And WE [The Six] have to stop her, no matter WHAT it takes, no matter WHAT the cost. Not just her, PERSEPHONE as well. They've already hurt Vivica, Simon, and now they're going after weak and helpless children!? I would EXPECT that from a baby killer like Malice, but I...thought that Black Widow would have at least ONE shred of humanity left in her. I guess I was giving her too much credit. "

" And as for Persephone...well I've got a few things to deliver to HER personally for what she did to my friends."

"Rich, I'll need you on hand, when I deliver this information to the others. Some of them may not believe me for whatever stupid reasons they can come up with to try to hide from the truth. They'll only respond to hard evidence. "

Looking at Cass again.

"What are you thinking, Cass?"

 

[Matrix]

Red stepped up hard. She talked about putting in work on the play sisters.

"Rich, I'll need you on hand, when I deliver this information to the others. Some of them may not believe me for whatever stupid reasons they can come up with to try to hide from the truth. They'll only respond to hard evidence. "

I had her hand again before I even thought about it.

I got you, Red. Let us make sure shit is settled in the now and then its whenever. You call and I will be here.

What was she dealing with that someone here would not believe her by NOW? You would have to be a special kind of stupid or Haleigh must have sunshine between her legs if dudes don't see clearly by now. I don't even WANT any ass THAT good that I forget right and wrong. I just shook my head for a second as Blaze continued.

Looking at Cass again.

"What are you thinking, Cass?"

Hopefully not how much of an asshole I am, or how she would like to fight me in this room. I like her OK, but I wish she would have gone to HER quarters. She is not interested in being a 3rd wheel and I have no idea how to bring her into...whatever this is. Though she should be there as a member of the Six I guess. I waited to see what she would say...

 

[Isis]

The Sanctuary- Bunker

Oracle smiled genuinely as Isis cradled one of the babies.

“Do you think it’s safe to bring them back above ground? They would feel more at ease in their usual surroundings, if we could manage it?”

:: Sable, Rose's beloved pet cat, Sable, quickly jumped into Oracle's lap, greeting her and responding to her with approval Isis smiled at the sight of the cat welcoming Oracle.::

It would appear you have passed an important test.

:: Isis said as she continued to craddle the now calm baby girl.::

There is an enclosed courtyard above ground, where Rose would give the children playtime and exercise time. It should be be...one plot over from this adjoined building. As long as it as the enclosure is still intact, then I see no reason why we couldn't bring them there, to give them some sense of normalcy. Some of the chidlren...given their obvious physical mutations, would be easily identified, and possibly targeted, but the privacy enclosure, along with the blockade Steel has imposed, should be sufficient.

:: From the sound of things a room away, Xavier, John and even Andrew were making great strides in calming and occupying the children. Xavier even gathered them some...JUNK FOOD. Isis was SURE that Rose wouldn't approve...under NORMAL circumstances, but having been through such a scarey ordeal, and still being as brave as they could be, a TREAT of this magnitude was in order. They'd NEED the active time to burn off all this energy though...::

With a little luck...we could have them all sleeping comfortably, in their own beds...and then it would just be a matter of guarding the sanctuary until we hear word from Sharon, Alycia...or Rose herself.

:: She looked at Oracle::

I'm prepared to stay here and protect these children as long as it takes.

:: Oracle heard the sincerity in her voice. She knew that Isis was sensitive to the plight of the weak, and those in need. These children certainly qualified on both counts.::

Have the others lead the children up to the courtyard. I'll teleport the two of us, the babies, and Rose's pet all together. I'll activate a spell of SILENCE around this entire block so that no outsiders or onlookers can hear the activity of the children, or US.

 

[Rose]

The Hospital

"Alright, that's enough. Alycia, I'm sorry if I disappointed you, but I'm only human. I have flaws, and limitations, and needs, AS DO WE ALL. But now is NOT the time to focus on that. The more divided we are, the harder it will be to defeat Hellfire. And now is NOT the time to discuss business portfolios, because we're all hurt and angry, and not thinking clearly, but MORE IMPORTANTLY, a little boy just got SHOT, and I CARE ABOUT what happens to him. So if you want to discuss our differences? There will be time for that, AFTER I SEE JAKE."

Silver Swan: A little boy was shot by YOUR ex-fiance. A woman you REFUSED to believe had betrayed the Six, and put us ALL at risk! What does it say about HER that she could go back to that orphange, where 42 children DIED not that long ago...and try to STEAL one of those surviving children...one YOU claim to care about!? Just LEAVE, Zachary. NOW!

<< Silver Swan commanded as she pointed toward the doors that he emerged from>>>

Charope: There's nothing YOU can do for him, Zach.

<< Alycia closed her eyes, shaking her with sorrow>>

<< What was she saying? Was she saying that he was BEYOND help? Was she saying that...>>

<< Zach wouldn't get the chance to find out, as ROSE burst through the double doors behind Silver Swan and Charope.>>

Rose: YOU! The CARDS I pulled on you have ALL flipped. You're a DANGER to yourself, you're danger to my CHILDREN! YOU lead that woman to my children!

<< Her purple hair begins to flow.>>

YOU brought that TWISTED SOUL to my children!

Do you know what she did!? DO YOU, ZACH!? Do you KNOW the CHOICE she made for 42 of my children!? Well *I* do now! And she's a VILE, DISGUSTING woman with NO conscience, NO decency.

<< Was this merely a woman beside herself with emotion? OR was there MORE to what she was saying? If Zach was SMART he would listen carefully to WHAT she was saying, rather than HOW.>>

If you share her heart...you can share her FATE!


Silver Swan: Rose...please...He was just LEAVING.


Charope: Rose...

Rose: I don't want him here. I don't want ANYONE here. LEAVE ME and my children ALONE!

<< She shakes her head>>

OUT. ALL OF YOU.

<< POINTING at all three of them>>

NOW!

<< her voice echoes as a soul satellite sparks into view in front of her pointed hand and charges forward, GROWING in size as it ENVELOPES Silver Swan, Charope AND Orion. They are surrouned by the globe of purple/white energy...flickers of soul power, but MOSTLY the psycho power. For them, it's like being trapped inside of a front loading spin dryer as they are ALL upended and tossed about inside the large satellite, before they are SHUNTED via the astral plane, and immediately, ROUGHLY dropped onto the ground outside the hospital. >>

 

[Silver Swan]

Outside the Hospital

Rose: YOU! The CARDS I pulled on you have ALL flipped. You're a DANGER to yourself, you're danger to my CHILDREN! YOU lead that woman to my children!

<< Her purple hair begins to flow.>>

YOU brought that TWISTED SOUL to my children!

Do you know what she did!? DO YOU, ZACH!? Do you KNOW the CHOICE she made for 42 of my children!? Well *I* do now! And she's a VILE, DISGUSTING woman with NO conscience, NO decency.

If you share her heart...you can share her FATE!

Rose...please...Zachary was JUST leaving!

[ but there was such FORCE behind what Rose was saying. Her vitals, which were normally VERY consistent, were SPIKING like crazy, her internal rhythms were building up as if in some sort of...crescendo!]

Rose...

I don't want him here. I don't want ANYONE here. LEAVE ME and my children ALONE!

<< She shakes her head>>

OUT. ALL OF YOU.

<< POINTING at all three of them>>

NOW!

No, DON'T!

her voice echoes as a soul satellite sparks into view in front of her pointed hand and charges forward, GROWING in size as it ENVELOPES Silver Swan, Charope AND Orion. They are surrouned by the globe of purple/white energy...flickers of soul power, but MOSTLY the psycho power. For them, it's like being trapped inside of a front loading spin dryer as they are ALL upended and tossed about inside the large satellite, before they are SHUNTED via the astral plane, and immediately, ROUGHLY dropped onto the ground outside the hospital. >>

[ It all happened so FAST! Before anybody could say or do anything, Rose pointed, SHOUTED, her voice echoed as they were enveloped in her power signature. Then they were being spun around as if in a dryer, before they suddenly found themselves being "dropped" OUTSIDE on the ground]

Charope: ...wha...:: a bit winded as she sat up and got her bearings::... what just happened!?

[There was no time to do anything! But thankfully, Sharon was well nigh invulnerable, and they were dropped from any significant height. Rose just...]

Silver Swan: She...threw ALL of us out!

[ They all needed a moment to right themselves. Sharon shook her head, standing to her feet, and then helping Alycia up]

Silver Swan: I don't understand...She's never used her power on US before!

[ But Simon's words started coming back to her. Rose's shift in behavior and attitude lately...this had to be an example of what he was referring to!]

[ But before she could think of discussing it with Alycia, Zachary was up on his feet, and making his way back toward the entrance of the hospital]

And WHERE do you think YOU'RE going?

[ Silver Swan ZOOMS in front of him, cutting off his approach but Alycia wasn't going to allow Sharon and Zach to even come close to FIGHTING each other out here in front of the hospital. She'd seen this kind of scenario TOO many times in the past when she was a private attorney, even when she bcame the the ADA and had to work with families of victims in certain cases.]

Charope: Zach, just go back to Oracle, OKAY? WE'LL stay here and help Rose. You have...too much that you've CHOSEN to take on, and Rose needs people who will stay by her.

Silver Swan: She needs people she can TRUST, and by the sound of her reaction to you, I would say YOU don't qualify. Not anymore!

 

[Persephone]

All conversations were immediately halted as Scion suddenly appeared on the floor, half dead, in front of the entire Inner Circle and Sisterhood. Persephone's midnight eyes fell upon the White Princess, cold and even. She felt Alek's fingers move to hers, clasping them within his. She didn't move--didn't react. She just watched as Malice and Ravena worked their combind magick to bring Haleigh back from the brink of death.

Haleigh: "Oh, i'm back. AWESOME."

Persephone's eyes narrowed just slightly, the first indication of emotion.

BITCH.

She thought to herself, not daring to say those words out loud and receive the wrath of not only Malice but Talisman and Enchantrah as well. But Persephone was PISSED. She may have currently been in control, but she was present for everything Ava had went through. She felt the physical pain, emotional pain, the distress, the horror of what Ava endured once walking through the doors of the Hellfire Club. And she did it all for HALEIGH--for her SISTER. And there Scion sat, flippant about her life. WANTING to die. To leave Ava behind so willingly after EVERYTHING she had done for Haleigh. It was a slap in the face.

Withdrawing her hand from Alek, Persephone folded her arms across her chest and watched as Malice laid into Scion--explaining how reckless and stupid she had been to expose the Blackout Party to the world. Persephone remained stone faced and quiet, but she could tell someones eyes were on her. Shifting her gaze to Helena, the Red Queen watched closely, most obviously gauging if she would have a reaction. Persephone kept her eyes locked on Helena's for a few moments before returning them to Haleigh. Malice psycho blasted Haleigh off the chair she was recovering on, causing her to fall to the floor. She then psycho blasted her again into the wall. That time Persephone looked away, the first real indication that what was happening to Haleigh was causing her discomfort. She remembered the pain of Malice's attack--how powerful they were. The fact that Haleigh was still ALIVE was remarkable in itself. But that wasn't enough....the entire situation went from inferno to fucking hell.

The entire room began to warp causing Persephone to finally look back. Enchantrah was using her powers to create an illusion around not only Haleigh but EVERYONE, the room now looking like the bio hazard lab. Malice used her abilities to revert Haleigh back to what could have become....a zombie ravaged by the TO Virus. Persephone's lips parted in shock as she saw the mindless creature that used to be Scion standing before them.

Malice: What would you do, if a member of the inner circle, REGARDLESS of the court, became a LIABILITY, a THREAT not only to the security and GOALS of this cabal, but your personal safety?

Haleigh began to lumber toward herself and Alek, snapping and snarling. This wasn't just a punishment for Haleigh, this was a LESSON from Malice about what would happen to each and every one of them if they were to EVER step out of line. As Haleigh approached them both and lunged for Alek, Persephone grabbed his arm and pulled him back as she moved backwards as well, unconsciously gripping him tightly as Talisman created mystic chains a round Haleigh preventing her from biting Alek by only inches.

Malice: would you STRIKE her down? Or would you be WEAK and FALTER? Would you ERR on the side of foolish sentimentality? Or would you DISPOSE of her like the BIO HAZARD that she IS!

Persephone was waiting....waiting for Malice to call one of them up to kill Haleigh. Surprisingly that never happened. The room now changed to the Aqua Ring, Haleigh being held over the edge by her neck.

Malice: Those who cross that line, from being an ASSET to being a LIABILITY are DISPOSED of, WITHOUT hesitation. Many BEFORE her have learned this as their FINAL lesson. DON'T let it be YOURS.

Haleigh was thrown to the waters below, Persephone's eyes widening at the scene before her. It was then Haleigh's body slowed and began to get tortured by Malice in such a way it was incredible to witness. The power, the ruthlessness, the utter hatred Diana had for Haleigh. And then it was over. The room returned to it's normal state, Haleigh to her normal state, and all three Queens looked at Scion like she were nothing more than trash beneath their designer heels.

Malice: Get this creature OUT OF MY SIGHT! << Looking among the inner circle>> Let that be a lesson to ALL of you. Class dismissed.

Some guards quickly came to pick up Haleigh's battered body as the Inner Circle quietly exited. Persephone lingered for a moment and watched as the two guards began to drag Haleigh toward the exit.

Helena: "Enjoy the show?"

Persephone's eyes found Helena's--the Queen's were gleaming with utter satisfaction at what had just happened. Persephone kept her expression even.

"Riveting."

Helena's grin grew as she stepped closer to Persephone.

Helena: "Good."

The Red Queen purred.

Helena: "Now it's your turn. KILL Zachary Armani. MUTILATE him. I want remnants of his blood found in QUEENS by the time you're finished with him. And if you fail--"

[evenly] "I won't."

Helena: "I surely hope not for YOUR sake. Get it done by TONIGHT."

Helena threatened before turning away and walking back to the other Queens. Persephone knew this was a test to see how gone Ava truly was. But it was also another form of punishment for Haleigh as well--her sister killing her ex-fiance...a perfect one two punch even for the shut down robot that was known as Scion.

Persephone turned and exited the room. She spotted Berserker standing a few feet from the doorway, Haleigh in his arms. Persephone stared at Scion for a moment before her eyes lifted to his.

Sighing.

"Come on."

She began to lead the way to the red wing, opening the door to her chambers and standing aside as Alek entered and placed Haleigh on her bed. Shaking her head, Persephone remained in the hallway standing by the door. Alek came out, closing it to a crack.

"You should of left her there."

She snapped.

"She doesn't give a damn about Ava. Why the HELL should I care about her now?"

She growled angrily, her eyes glaring down the empty hall in frustration at the entirety of the situation.

 

[Recall]

The Parthenon Hotel

"No. He expects my mom to just roll over and accept what that demented, dimensionally displaced, psycho Talisman did to her because he "needs time to know her?" She's the ENEMY! What else is there to know!? "

"I'm NOT okay with how he spoke to her, and I'm not going to stand around here and walk on egg shells for him, OR that cranky, cantankerous BITCH Delilah. She's been mad at the world for MONTHS... and it's partly because of HER that no one on this team is in synch anymore. If she hates anyone on this team so much, she should've just LEFT. I was prepared to leave. I WOULD have. Cameron and Nicolas stopped me...and I KNOW that what they did was no common thing. So much of what I have going on right now is due in large part because of them, but what Cam said to my mom, who's been there for HIM for many years, was just ugly. Talisman has LOTS of pay back coming to her not just for my mom, but also FROST and he has no right to stand in the way of that!"

:: Blaze was spiraling and it was hard to witness. In recent months, Vivica had often looked towards Blaze to be a pillar of strength. The one thing you could count on with Blaze was that she was pretty consistent in her behavior, but it was clear that the recent revelations had managed to shake even somebody as strong as Blaze. Vivica was beginning to regret this conversation for a moment, because her innate and subconscious mind immediately wanted to defend Cameron. Karen Victoria had NOT been there for Cameron for many years. In fact, it was just the opposite. She blamed Cameron for what happened during The Inferno, she chastised him, berated him, isolated him and followed suit with just about everything her daughter did and said for most of their relationship. It wasn't until CAMERON decided that he wanted something different with Karen that their relationship changed. The growth in their relationship was because he had decided to be different because it was clear that she..and Morgan for that matter were never going to be. She may be angry, but Blaze couldn't rewrite history because she was angry. The Blue Moon had changed them all..and Vivica had arrived at the tail end of things, but one thing was clear. When Alison, Morgan, Delilah, Blaze, Karen, Sharon, Alycia, Haleigh, Nicolas, Ruby and Ava had been unable to help, Cameron stepped in and he rose to the occassion. The reason that Vivica was able to see this was because a big chunk of the anger and resentment that she had towards Cameron was because of how much he loved The Six..or rather how much he loved The Six more than he actually loved HER. When she returned to New York..Cameron was obsessed with trying to help them come back together. He took on everybody's anger, resentment and pain and he tried to work through it...and for all intents and purposes, he had been successful..at least until Haleigh and Ava decided to turn the world in on it's head. Blaze had to know this. She was angry, but Vivica hoped that for Blaze's sake, that if she really had any true intentions of moving forward and getting her team together, that she would let go of this anger. ::

"Viv, I CAN do what must be done. But I'm NOT going to check in for Delilah's r hypocrisy, her abuse. She's gotten a free pass from people like Cameron for MONTHS, and it's left everyone else at a loss. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. "

"ALL OF IT."


She said as she shook her head.

"The burden, the RESPONSIBILITY will NOT rest squarely on my shoulders, OR that of the Victoria family. My mom tried to carry the burden of ensuring the mental health of more than one person on this team, and look where it got her?!"

"Time is something we DON'T have, and even though you won't be staying here, there are people beside me, like Mikey, who care a great deal about you, and we're going to need to keep the lines of communication with you and others open. This isn't a game. This isn't just another battle....EVERYTHING has changed, and Malice ALWAYS "plays" for keeps. We have to get ourselves together, and for me, that starts within. "

:: Her eyes narrowed for a moment. Blaze was being nice. In reality...there was nobody on The Six that was really concerned with Vivica's life. Michael Armstrong was another story altogether. In fact..the two had a histroy that nobody in The Six or on The Birds of Prey was even aware of. One that she intended to keep between the two of them. They were both completely different people now. She felt regretful for ignoring his text message earlier, but if she was just being honest with herself? She was limiting her exposure to The Six. She had to maintain a sense of control and as much as she cared about people like Blaze...and by extension, Mike..let's face it...The Six were messy as hell. And she had just cut her ties with Cameron. She was DONE with this team and the insurmountable amount of bullshit that came with loving them. But she wasn't about to let to let the true connections she had now go to waste. ::

"I'm not going anywhere, Blaze. But I'm definitely looking out for MYSELF a lot more these days. Self preservation and all. I'm navigating it just like you are."

"I AM attracted to Richard. I don't know WHY, it's a COMPLETELY new sensation for me. You know me...and you know that these kinds of things enrich my experience. But I think that to have it happen with someone like HIM is a lot better than some of the altneratives out here around us, and I DO want to find out more about this...about HIM. "

"I'll be honest with you, Viv. I'd like to explore a..."GROUP DYNAMIC" with the three of us. I've had that in my mind almost from the beginning, and it's not solely a sexual scenario I'm thinking of either. But I realize that might not be the best thing for you or US. "

"Still...please know that this isn't me closing the book on US [gesturing between herself and Vivica]. and who knows... Dominique might swoop in and blow me away to the other hemisphere if she doesn't approve. "

"But if I'm going to be true to myself, I need to, as you said, acknowledge ALL parts of myself, including this. "

"Well Jesus Christ, Blaze."

:: Vivica was really trying to meet Blaze where she was but this was too much..even for her. ::

"Well..that's not really my cup of tea, Blaze. I'm a free spirit, but I like knowing what's mine."

"Look..it seems like you're going through alot...and I support it. I really do..but maybe it just isn't the right time for us. I'm confident enough of a woman to let you explore this side of yourself...BUT..it's not something I'm going to sit around and wait for either. So...figure out what it is that you need... procure it..and then get back to me? I won't close the book on us either, but I'm definitely at the beginning of a new chapter myself."

"I promise you...my vision won't be so "tunnel" going forward, and if Persephone or Black Widow take another shot at you, I'll make SURE they REGRET IT."

"I know you need...but one last thing."

Another hug, and a gentle kiss.

"Thank you for coming, and for being who you are. If I want to keep pulling people like you into my circle, I've got to take what you've said to heart. "

And after Firebird and Recall bid each other farewell for now, Recall exits while makes her way back toward Ruby and Matrix and notices the TENSION.

:: She looked at Blaze sweetly as she kissed her on the mouth and stroked her face a little bit. It was actually really revealing. It was clear that Blaze was in a certain place and Vivica was in another, but it was ironic. Blaze always led the charge like she knew everything and suddenly Vivica found HERSELF in a position where SHE had the underhand, knew how things like this went, had gone through it herself. Vivica cared about Blaze enough to let her do what it was that she needed to do and keep the door open for her, but Vivica also wasn't going to wait forever. Especially not now. There were far bigger fish to fry. ::

"Blaze..I'm always going to be here for you. Please remember that in the days to come. But I'm not going to wait around forever. Have your fun, do what you need to do, experience what you need to experience. But don't forget all that I have to offer. Okay?"

:: Vivica kissed Blaze passionately as she made her LEAVE of The Parthenon, escaping the walls hadn't come soon enough. As soon as she felt the air of the city hit her on the sidewalk, she IMMEDIATELY activated her com link. ::

>> Via Com Link: "Oracle. I'm so sorry. I got caught up in Six business...yet again. I sent Andrew your way. What's your location. Please! How can I help?"

:: Oracle filled her in on the situation and Vivica felt like she had been shot in the face at point blank range. While she didn't regret taking the time to reaffirm her relationship with Blaze, she DID feel like an asshole for having all this persona time when there were all these children who had NOBODY. She was at the Sanctuary within an instant, outside of Danny's security protocols on the place. Oracle let her inside and she embraced the woman WARMLY. Tonight had just been yet another situation where Vivica realized where she fit in. She loved Zizi. In fact...these days, Zizi was her best friend. It felt good to see her, to see a person that was hers...that wasn't a part of all the other voices. ::

"Seriously, Ziz. I can't believe I wasn't here. I sent Andrew. I tried to get out of there...it's just...Blaze.. I couldn't leave as soon as I wanted."

[thinking frantically]

"Andrew and John...They're okay yes?"

[looking at Dominique]

"Sorry..not trying to interrupt. Though I have to say...I'm really glad you're here, Dominique. These kids...they like you..."

[thinking quickly]

"Not trying to be selfish...but there is a boy here...his name is Julian..he's a telekinetic mutant...a GIFTED painter. I've held a few "classes" with him the last few months, trying to help him express himself...is he..have you known that he's okay?"

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Catacombs Control Room

Malice tried to tell Haleigh what happened at the Sanctuary, but Haleigh was quite dismissive of her mother's assessment.

"Were you THERE? No? Then don't try to tell ME how it went down."

The way Haleigh was pushing, it was easy to think she was stupid, or just plain crazy. No one in their sane mind would dare to speak to MALICE the way she was, not unless they had a DEATH WISH. But she just kept pushing back, over and over, smartassed comebacks and a complete disregard for how FURIOUS it was making Malice. Diana said something about Haleigh being a little girl in Malice's eyes, and Haleigh scoffed.

"Then you need to get your eyes checked, old lady."

Malice [in thought]: I don't CARE what you think. MY way works. It has worked since before you were ALIVE, and it will continue to long AFTER you're DEAD. Your life is in MY hands. The sooner you ACCEPT that, and do things MY way, the EASIER ALL of this will get for you!

BULLSHIT. You NEVER intended to make it easy for me. So I'M not gonna make this easy for YOU. You wanted your Scion and YOU GOT HER. What's wrong mommy? Not what you EXPECTED?

She fired back, but Malice still wasn't taking the bait. The White Queen went on about Sharon this, and Sharon that. Diana leaned down, staring right into Haleigh, and there was a brief pause after Malice called her 'sloppy'. Then Haleigh gave a deranged smile.

"Oh, I GET IT. You're AFRAID of her. That's why you'll call her LETHAL but overlook her BETRAYAL. She USED to be YOURS but then she broke FREE and you're not going to do ANYTHING about that because you're SCARED that the Silver Swan will rip you to pieces."

Malice stood up slowly and backed away. Haleigh stared at her, still smiling. She'd provoked her mother FOR SURE now. Malice raised her hand, and the whole room went white. Her pain sensors were overloaded by the psycho blast, and when that subsided, she found she was still alive, laying sprawled on her side a few feet from the scorchmark where her chair had been. Smoke rose off her body as she rolled onto her back. She was still alive and that made her angry. She looked for her sister, and found her eyes.

Come on Ava.... go GODDESS on them and get the fuck OUT.... because I'm gonna make this bitch kill me if it's the LAST THING I DO.

Malice [in thought]: You WILL LEARN what it means to ADDRESS your QUEEN in such a tone, little girl. This ISN'T the Six. What YOU think, what you WANT, simply doesn't MATTER! You are here to do as I command!

"My Queen......"

She groaned, sounding almost pleading for a second.

"FUCK YOU!"

Another blast hit her, slamming her into the wall, leaving her face down and yet, alive. Why wouldn't Malice just KILL HER?! Her hands, forearms, and elbows on the floor, she managed to push herself up and lift her head. Blood was running out of her ears and nose, and the noise she made was something between a cough and a laugh.

"C-come on.... is that all you've g-got?"

It wasn't, and Haleigh knew that. But what she DIDN'T know, she was indeed about to learn. Malice would rather reduce her own legacy to a mindless creature of base instinct than kill Haleigh outright. What followed next was torture on a level Haleigh had never experienced before, and for Black Widow, that was saying something. She was wildly out of control as a zombie, she was restored but tossed down for the Neptunes to feed on, she relived every death, and then she was buried alive with no powers. Good thing she wasn't claustrophobic. Still, perhaps it was time to adjust her tactics. Malice wasn't going to kill her again, that much was clear.

Two of the guardsmen lifted her up, one under each arm, and began to 'escort' her out. Her feet drug along as they went, her head hung down, as she tried to regain full consciousness. Someone picked her up, and she heard her sister's voice, but it sounded very far away, and she couldn't make out what Ava was saying.

 

[Berserker]

The Catacombs

Malice called Haleigh to task for not returning with a child. Jesus, what did they want with a kid? Couldn’t they just grow clones or whatever the Black Queen did in that lab of hers? But she quickly moved on to the Blackout Party, and violating the sanctity of that. Which Alek completely agreed with. Even with the Red Court’s penchant for acquiring information, they would never use something learned at the Blackout Party so openly.

FINALLY, there is the matter of Ashley Oldenburg, slinking about the premises like a pathetic GROUPIE. She came here, hoping to get "INFORMATION" from BERSERKER...as if HE would EVER help that eternal FAILURE of a woman...and you KNEW about this.

He was about to step forward, and own up to Malice that he had in fact told Scion she needn’t bother with Valkyrie, but then Haleigh put her foot in it real good.

"Oh, CALM YOUR TITS, MOTHER.

He closed his eyes. What was she doing? He had asked Ava to warn her about this very thing. Punishment deserved or not, it was going to get much worse now. Needlessly.

Of COURSE I let Valkyrie walk out of here. She was demoted and sent to purgatory. If you wanted her dead you'd have killed her already. But as I understand, you don't kill an exile, you ostracize and humiliate her. And so, we did. Our Red Knight didn't seem overly concerned about killing her on sight, so I didn't bother. Trust me, she probably WISHED we'd killed her, so she didn't have to go back to her own personal hell with the B-Squad Justice League and think about how much 'fun' Alek is having without her."

He grinned, glancing around the room, mentally patting himself on the back. He was having quite a lot of fun recently…

And then he wasn’t.

Suddenly they appeared to be down in the bio systems lab. Haleigh was acting mindless, like one of the things they kept down there… It was gruesome, it sickened him.

What would you do, if a member of the inner circle, REGARDLESS of the court, became a LIABILITY, a THREAT not only to the security and GOALS of this cabal, but your personal safety?

He stood motionless, hands clasped behind him as if at attention. The thing that was Haleigh came towards him, and Persephone suddenly gripped his arm and pulled him backwards out of its reach. He looked down at her hand on his arm, then up into her face with an amused smile. The creature was chained now, by the black queen, and his eyes watched it.

Would you STRIKE her down? Or would you be WEAK and FALTER? Would you ERR on the side of foolish sentimentality? Or would you DISPOSE of her like the BIO HAZARD that she IS!

His eyes stared into Malice’s face.

Yes.

Just as suddenly as before they were now in the Aqua Ring, Haleigh suspended over it precariously.

Those who cross that line, from being an ASSET to being a LIABILITY are DISPOSED of, WITHOUT hesitation. Many BEFORE her have learned this as their FINAL lesson. DON'T let it be YOURS.

And with that, Malice THREW Scion to the Neptunes. He let out a little gasp, shocked in spite of himself that she had really done it. But then, the lesson was over and they were back in the catacombs.

Get this creature OUT OF MY SIGHT!

Let that be a lesson to ALL of you. Class dismissed.

He exhaled, blowing the air out of his lungs. Well, that had been fun.

He followed the guards carrying Haleigh’s body out of the room, then took her from them, cradling her against his chest. He stood there, waiting for Persephone, who exited soon after. She did not look very happy.

"Come on."

He followed her back to her suite, and laid Haleigh gently on her bed. Persephone hadn’t come into the room, so he went out into the hallway where she was, leaving the door only barely ajar.

"You should of left her there.”

“She could have thrown me under the bus with Malice, but she didn’t.”

”She doesn't give a damn about Ava. Why the HELL should I care about her now?"

He didn’t like having his head bitten off. But he also didn’t like seeing her so upset. He put his hands on her upper arms and rubbed them gently, trying to calm her. He forced her to look into his face.

“She does care about Ava. She just doesn’t know how to play the game. She’s not like us.”

He gave her a smile.

“But she’s also Malice’s daughter. And she won’t be out of favor forever. She’s a good person to have on our side.”

 

[Oracle]

The Bunker

A cat who seemed to be standing guard over the babies, jumped up into Zizi’s lap, surprising her – and delighting her at the same time. She stroked it’s head and petted it gently.

“Hello baby…”

She smiled down at the cat and then over at Isis, who was softly rocking the baby she held.

There is an enclosed courtyard above ground, where Rose would give the children playtime and exercise time…As long as it as the enclosure is still intact, then I see no reason why we couldn't bring them there, to give them some sense of normalcy.

“Sounds like a sound plan.”

With a little luck...we could have them all sleeping comfortably, in their own beds...and then it would just be a matter of guarding the sanctuary until we hear word from Sharon, Alycia...or Rose herself.

“With the five of us, plus Steel’s people outside, we should be able to do it no problem.”

I'm prepared to stay here and protect these children as long as it takes.

“I know you are. And we’ll be here too. As long as it takes.”

Oracle put a finger to her com, activating the link between her, Tachyon, Steel and Titan.

[via com]: “There’s a courtyard up above ground – take the children there. It will give them room to play in familiar surroundings. Isis and I will teleport with the babies and meet you there.”

[to Isis, sadly] “It’s such a shame that they have to be hidden here. With their amazing gifts…”

Vivica appeared with them suddenly.

"Seriously, Ziz. I can't believe I wasn't here. I sent Andrew. I tried to get out of there...it's just...Blaze.. I couldn't leave as soon as I wanted."

“Calm yourself, Viv – it’s all right. You had things to take care of. And you’re here now, that’s all that matters.”

"Andrew and John...They're okay yes?"

“Yes, they’re fine. They’re with Xavier – they’re all taking the older children up into the fresh air to play.”

"Not trying to be selfish...but there is a boy here...his name is Julian...he's a telekinetic mutant...a GIFTED painter. I've held a few "classes" with him the last few months, trying to help him express himself...is he…have you known that he's okay?"

Zizi smiled at her and nodded.

“All of the children are accounted for, and uninjured. Dominique knows them well.”

Smiling at Isis too now.

"She was just about to teleport us and these precious babies up to join the others."

 

[Orion]

The Hospital

Silver Swan: A little boy was shot by YOUR ex-fiance. A woman you REFUSED to believe had betrayed the Six, and put us ALL at risk! What does it say about HER that she could go back to that orphange, where 42 children DIED not that long ago...and try to STEAL one of those surviving children...one YOU claim to care about!?

"It says that she's trapped, and being forced to make some AWFUL decisions."

Silver Swan: Just LEAVE, Zachary. NOW!

"NO, Sharon. I need to be HERE."

Charope: There's nothing YOU can do for him, Zach.

"I can BE HERE, to give him encouragement when he returns..... or I can BE HERE, to give him comfort when he..... when he leaves."

He replies haltingly, tears beginning to fall.

Rose: YOU! The CARDS I pulled on you have ALL flipped. You're a DANGER to yourself, you're danger to my CHILDREN! YOU lead that woman to my children! YOU brought that TWISTED SOUL to my children!

"Rose, please, I--"

Rose: Do you know what she did!? DO YOU, ZACH!? Do you KNOW the CHOICE she made for 42 of my children!?

"What? What are you talking about?"

Rose: Well *I* do now! And she's a VILE, DISGUSTING woman with NO conscience, NO decency. If you share her heart...you can share her FATE!

Silver Swan: Rose...please...He was just LEAVING.

Charope: Rose...

Rose: I don't want him here. I don't want ANYONE here. LEAVE ME and my children ALONE! OUT. ALL OF YOU. NOW!

Zach had the wind knocked out of him, and he soon found out why. They'd been tossed out onto the sidewalk. Sharon and Alycia were stunned and talking amongst themselves. Zach heaved as he tried to regain his breath, and attempted to take advantage of the fact that the Amazons weren't paying him close attention. Maybe he could talk to Rose, maybe he could inspire a little more compassion from her. Rose knew how close Zach and Jake were. Rose knew that Zach had wanted to adopt him, and what a struggle it had been to decide NOT to.

Sharon: And WHERE do you think YOU'RE going?

"Sharon, I have been in Jake's life since he was a BABY. He's the closest thing I'll ever have to a son. Get OUT of my way."

Charope: Zach, just go back to Oracle, OKAY? WE'LL stay here and help Rose. You have...too much that you've CHOSEN to take on, and Rose needs people who will stay by her.

Silver Swan: She needs people she can TRUST, and by the sound of her reaction to you, I would say YOU don't qualify. Not anymore!

He couldn't overpower ONE of them, let alone both, and they all knew it. He could feel anger rising up, angry at THEM for keeping him out, angry at himself for the helplessness he felt, angry at Hellfire for whatever they had done to convince Haleigh to attack CHILDREN. He turned away from them, before he did something irrevocable. He'd go back to Oracle, he'd help the other kids, but he needed to cool down first, so he walked off, shaking his head.

 

[Fathom]

The Hellfire Club -- Catacombs Control Room

She brought Maxine back to the mansion, and told her about the Inner Circle summons. They made it down to the catacombs with time to spare, and found the Queens, the White King, and the entire Red Court already there. Gia was there too. Heidi gave her a smug smile.

Oh, I see she learned the lesson Emi and I taught her, regarding tardiness. Good, maybe she'll survive to prove her worth after all.

She thought, as she raked her fingers back through her wet hair, paying no mind to the beads of liquid rolling down her skin. She wicked the water out of her cocktail dress. It steamed out of the white fabric in a single puff as she took her place, right below Emiko who'd just popped in.

Scion arrived, half dead it seemed, and Heidi supposed that someone had done them all a favor. She almost got excited, thinking the White King and Queen were going to finish her, but instead they brought her back from the brink.

Diana: Rise and Shine, White Princess.

Scion: Oh, I'm back. AWESOME. So, is this a pep rally, or what?

Heidi rolled her eyes, but then Emiko manifested some decorations, and she couldn't help but smirk. Diana dressed her daughter DOWN, and Heidi watched with glee, thinking that FINALLY, the little brat would be put in her place. But Scion surprised Heidi with a showing of defiance. There was some back and forth, and it was clear that the White Princess had a death wish, the way she was provoking her Queen.

Scion wasn't going to get the ending she wanted though, and the Queens worked together to prove that. The rest of the Inner Circle were taken along for the ride, as Scion was turned into a mindless biohazard, then almost fed to the far superior Mystech creations in the Aqua Ring, and then finally dropped on the floor at Malice's feet.

Malice: Get this creature OUT OF MY SIGHT! << Looking among the inner circle>> Let that be a lesson to ALL of you. Class dismissed.

Heidi nodded in deference and followed the others out. She was impressed by the showing, and took comfort in the knowledge that THIS White Queen wasn't going to allow her Princess to run amok, and the Queens of the other courts were there to prove that unlike the European branch, THIS Hellfire was united, and any dissent would be SQUASHED.

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – Isis’ Diamond Suite


:: Cass opened her mouth to tell Rich EXACTLY what she thought about him assuming that somebody had hurt her, but Blaze was back by then so she closed it. ::

”Okay…what happened here?”

:: Cass just looked away. Blaze knew how she was with strangers…especially with MEN in particular. She was a pretty private person, and she preferred to keep things private until SHE felt comfortable enough to disclose information about herself to others. With Vivica, it was different. Cass just KNEW that she and her were supposed to be good friends so she had no issues with Blaze telling Vivi about herself. Rich got an incoming communique from Isis and he looked absolutely thrilled to get out of there with Blaze.

Blaze, I know it’s changing the subject but...that was Isis. Black Widow attacked the orphanage. She wants me to ask you to meet with us up at the Suite ASAP.

:: Cass’ ears perked up. Haleigh attacked an ORPHANAGE?! She frowned. Orphanage meant defenseless babies. Cass LOVED children, and it upset her to know that Haleigh attacked an orphanage. She knew why, too. Malice apparently wanted a sweet, innocent, baby to experiment upon and turn it into something completely unrecognizable…something that Cass had INTIMATE knowledge of, and was the reason why her heart was still so broken. She cried out. Rich and Blaze were practically out of the Starlight Lounge when her friend turned and beckoned to her!! ::

"Cass, you need to come too, since Black Widow is...WAS one of ours. "

"I'm going to be the one to tell the rest of the Six what's happened, after we confer."

:: So she followed Blaze into the elevators and up to Isis’ suite. Cass was frazzled over her worry about the children and sat down on one of the couches, her head in her hands…COMPLETELY MISSING THAT BLAZE WAS HOLDING HANDS WITH A LITTLE BOY. ::

Blaze: ”What did Isis say, Rich?”

:: Rich then relayed the info that Haleigh, indeed, went there with the intent to kidnap a precious babe…and then it went to worse when she SHOT A CHILD IN THE BACK. Cass started shaking, placing a hand over her mouth. ::

Blaze: ”What are you thinking, Cass?”

:: Cass let out a choked sob. ::

“An innocent BABY has been hurt. HALEIGH did that. SHE hurt a BABY!!!”

:: She looked at Blaze, two tears running down her cheeks. ::

“Haleigh…and Persephone: they are no longer OUR Haleigh and Persephone, are they?”

:: The continual realization that Haleigh and Ava were no longer the Six’s Haleigh and Ava was at war with Cass’ loyalty towards them. But THIS…the fact that Haleigh had SHOT a child in the back was too horrible beyond words, especially since it brought back vivid memories of when CASS witnessed children being shot at during her time in the German lab. ::

“But WE [the Six] do need to handle this. And I’m with you every step of the way on THAT.”

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “She could have thrown me under the bus with Malice, but she didn’t.”

So Alek owed Haleigh in some perverse way for not fucking him over while he was ACTUALLY fucking her and Ashley interrupted. It was ridiculous but Persephone could relate oddly enough. If it weren't for Haleigh being a completely tactless mess she wouldn't be in control now. She wouldn't have been punished or targeted by Malice and Enchantrah to the extent that she was. Haleigh inevitably was Persephone's way out.

Feeling Alek's hands gently rub her upper arms to try and calm her down, Persephone rolled her eyes shut before feeling him forcefully guide her face to look at him. Her eyes finally met with his.

Alek: “She does care about Ava--"

"Bullshit."

Alek: "She just doesn’t know how to play the game. She’s not like us.”

"Oh you're ABSOLUTELY right about THAT. She's sloppy and she only cares about herself. I may be selfish, but at least i'm SMART about it."

Alek: “But she’s also Malice’s daughter. And she won’t be out of favor forever. She’s a good person to have on our side.”

Persephone shook her head, wanting so badly to go in there and finish what Malice, Enchantrah, and Talisman started. But she couldn't. She knew Alek was right--Scion was an asset to have despite her being ridiculously fucking stupid sometimes.

"I OWE her for bringing me out. THAT is the extent of our relationship."

It was so infuriating having to deal with what was happening instead of reveling in her newfound freedom. But it was even more infuriating that on some level she DID care about what happened to Haleigh. Being housed with Ava for so long was making her fucking soft and it pissed her off. Shutting her eyes for a moment, Persephone placed her hands on Alek's chest knowing she was lashing out at him for no good reason.

"I'm sorry."

Running her one hand from his chest to the nape of his neck, her fingers intertwining around his long hair as her eyes met with his.

"I need to handle this [Haleigh]. Thank you for bringing her here.....i'll see you later."

Persephone moved past Alek and pushed open the door to her chambers. Haleigh was barely conscious as she shut the door behind her. Walking over to the wet bar, she removed the crystal cork off the decanter before pouring two glasses of scotch. She looked over her shoulder hearing a soft groan. Walking to the side of the bed, Persephone placed the glass of ice and scotch onto the nightstand next to Haleigh's face.

"So you're not dead. Pity."

Taking a sip of her own drink, she made her way over to the nearby chair and took a seat. Her legs crossed at the knee. Haleigh was now fully conscious.

"You look like shit."