The rose fades to black

[Matrix]

Everything is stable, Richard. Remain calm, and do not act out of impulse. Oracle, Steel, Xavier and this...neophyte, Titan are here with me. We have secured the surviving orphans and will guard them until we hear from Sharon and Alycia, or Rose herself. Your resources are best applied where you are, with Firebird. We will stay in contact with updates as appropriate. Be aware, and be SAFE, my knight. IF Black Widow and/or Persephone should attack there, STRIKE FOR YOUR LIFE, show NO mercy. I am quite certain Firebird will JOIN you in that effort, after all that has transpired.

You know how I do. So now the gloves come off. I am rolling with Blaze to their Planning Room, she thinks that someone will still not believe her so I am there to support. Keep me posted.

We rolled down to the Room and I took a seat, actually got comfortable as she called Arsenal, Shadow Weaver and Prophet to the room for a debrief. She excluded Morgan...which was odd. Hmnnn...no time to worry about that now. I waited for them to arrive, stealing a look at Blaze and wishing we could have time to hang out without all of....THIS.

Blaze, Isis says that its kill on sight for your girls. Fair warned.

 

[Rose]

The hospital

Dennis waves away her explanation with his hand.

So to translate, you somehow got someone to give you 2 dozen kids even though you have no staff and you are WAY under ratio for INFANTS alone.

"SOME ONE?" Mr. Nerdy, these children are survivors, and ORPHANS. Many of them LOST their parents due to the actions of a religious zealot TERRORIST group known as the Purifiers. Because of the status of these orphans as special needs, members of YOUR agency, deemed it appropriate to place them in my care. The process has been created and facilitated by YOUR agency in partnership with me for some time now.

<< Rose spoke calmly, but directly, she did not appreciate his tone, or his sloppy and gross implications. He was typical of many state sanctioned PAPER PUSHERS in his field, playing at being interested in the welfare of the weakest and most vulnerable in society.>>

A boy got shot by an intruder, ASSUMING THERE WAS AN INTRUDER.

Mr. Nedry, if you were less interested in antagonizing ME and more concerned with facilitating a investigation and SEARCH for the woman RESPONSIBLE for Jake's injury, it would occurr to you that I have security cameras and other surveilance technology all about my property, which CAPTURED full images of the intruder. I ALSO have an eye witness.

How do we know this child was not unattended and came upon a weapon?

He was removed from his home by an intruder and would-be kidnapper, and he was shot in the BACK.

I have been checking this over since I got this call, sister. YOU have somebody in City Hall suckered but NOT ME! You are at best running a baby slum and at worst, I shudder to think. More than half of your charges have died in the recent past! And now this boy is shot! One more chance, Mizzzz.....Rose or whatever. Do you have a waiver for this many children breaking THIS MANY codes? Because if not, I will have to start separation proceedings straightway. You already lost 42, this would have made one more, and you only have 23 more to waste. NOT. ON. MY. WATCH.

<< the glow around Rose's scarf began to shift up the spectrum...up from purple, to WHITE.>>

Mr. Nedry, you are crossing a line with me that is not wise for you to cross.

You have come in here, in a very hostile and accusatory matter, reading information that presents a very JAUNDICED and UNINFORMED "opinion."

I am not in violation of ANY codes. Perhaps you should consider a more reputable source of information when you present yourself to someone in the aftermath of such a horrific incident, so that you can be of HELP, rather than annoyance.

The 42 children that I lost were MURDERED by the same terrorist group that ORPHANED the suriving children in my care, children that most private and other public agencies can't...or WON'T care for because of their status as..."special needs" (read: mutants).

:: FLASH!::

<< Outside of the OR, back out in the main hall and lobby, Silver Swan detects and LISTENS IN on the exchange between Rose and Dennis Nedry. She IGNORES Danny and alerts Alycia to what's happening.>>

<< Alycia turns on her heels, and busts through the double doors making her way to the family waiting room. Sharon and Zach, followed by Rae and Danny are hot on her heels. Alycia reaches the confrontation, with Zach the next closest one behind her.>>

 

[Arsenal]

Prophet's Suite
​

They made up. THEY. MADE. UP.

Mike almost stopped giving orders long enough to raise an eyebrow at the sight.

Well I'll be damned.

No time to celebrate. Blaze called them to the War Room and it seemed important. Mike walked back into the bedroom and placed a hand on Doc's shoulder.

Just zap us there...I am getting the feeling like elevators and stairs are not fast enough.

Just as Karen was about to do so, Mike's mind got a ping from the boy. Things were a go. As they teleported to the
War Room he nodded to Blaze, Cass and Richard (?) as he sent a text to a familiar recipient for today.

Vivica would get a text message.

Second contact. Trying to help. Holla. Back.

Mike looked at the three and spoke quickly.

Someone attacked Cam, that was where we were when you contacted us. Please tell me you have good news.

 

[Artemis]

The hospital

:: Alycia was more than a little stunned to learn such a bombshell about Rose. The mysterious, and ever so serene woman who seemed like an angel wrapped in flesh was an ORPHAN herself, not once but TWO times over!::

:: She'd been hounded by many because of her POWER for years.::

:: Sharon and Alycia had never looked upon her as an object, a tool or a means to an end, but Rae was right about one thing, they HADN'T truly known this woman and what drove her. It was so easy to trust her, and simply allow oneself to be immersed in the desire to see her SUCCEED in her efforts!::

:: But learning what she did from Rae didn't change Alycia's view of Rose. It opened her eyes to her failings of her longtime friend, and sobered her up from some of her OWN personal problems of late::

:: Rae was a bitch, she knew it, and OWNED it, and for every nugget of truth she offered, for every sobering insight she provided, she dilluted it with her unfair, and dismissive criticisms of Sharon and Alycia. The amazon was tired of people around her underestimating her. She'd taken down entire mafia families and helped dismantle MYSTECH, and this was BEFORE she became an amazon. She had nothing to prove to the likes of Rae, NOR did she own someone like DANNY an explanation!::

Rae, you're doing too much, and you really need to back off.

Helping is one thing, excusing bad behavior by acknowledging that you're a tactless bitch doesn't make you anymore redeemable. If you were so concerned about Rose, you would've been here BEFORE now YOURSELF.

Okay. We OBVIOUSLY didn't know some very key information that you've now provided us with. But we're NOT going to stand here and check in for ANYMORE of your CRAP. So if there's nothing else CONSTRUCTIVE you have to say? GET THE HELL OUT!

:: While not as strong as Sharon, Alycia could throw a CAR with less effort than a pitcher would put into throwing a baseball. Sending Rae packing would be no problem for her, but clearly that's NOT what was needed here. Rae was RIGHT. They could either waste more time being mad, or they could try to do something. Alycia was all about the latter, and she didn't need to hear ANYMORE of Rae's foul mouth to motivate her.::


:: But THEN, a large, scruffy looking man with a bad attitude of his own came barging in. She'd seen him before, but never had an PERSONAL interaction with him.::

"And you must be the guy I keep HEARING about but haven't seen. At ALL. You wanna tell me how Wonder Woman, a man with an INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY background and a highly successful LAWYER all managed to be so STUPID?"

"You're FRIENDS...have been rampaging the city for DAYS now...putting EVERYBODY in danger, putting ROSE in danger, and you have YET to understand and REALIZE...after TWO ATTACKS on her sanctuary...ones I was there to help STOP, that ANY of you should have checked in? Maybe picked up on the fact that she fuckin' helps ORPHANS so that whatever it is you got goin' on in your lives don't really matter at the moment? 'specially not since you all AGREED to help her? Keep her safe?!"

:: His brooklyn accent began to flair up wildly as it did when he was angry, as did his machisimo factor. He may have been gayer than a closeted college boy on Halloween, but when it mattered, Danny could become the epitome of your classic "Brooklyn Tough Guy" ::

[putting his hands up]

"I don't wanna hear no goddamn stories about some bullshit excuses as to why none of you could be bothered and if I DO - I am going to walk you right up to that kid's room and make you say those SAME bullshit excuses to his FACE."

:: He gritted his teeth for a moment. ::

"Now what the HELL is happening and how the HELL do we stop it?"

:: Danny Donnelly, TOTAL "new yorker", brash, bold, thick brooklyn accent, and clearly a bit of a bull in a china shop when riled up. Alycia had seen men like him before, and taken them DOWN. But his obvious agitation was born from a genuine place. HE had witnessed the confrontation between Haleigh and Rose that resulted in little Jake being SHOT!::

:: But she clamped down on her flash of offense and resentment toward BOTH of them just now. Curiously, her hazel eyes had FIXED on Zach for for several moments as Rae stopped and Danny began.::

It was clear to Zach that Danny was being an absolute asshole because he was upset about what happened at the Sanctuary. Zach listened as Danny insulted everyone except the PSYCHIC for basically not being able to divine the future. Then, after several minutes of silence, he finally chose his words.

"Danny...... where is Jake?"

:: But then...::

<< Outside of the OR, back out in the main hall and lobby, Silver Swan detects and LISTENS IN on the exchange between Rose and Dennis Nedry. She IGNORES Danny and alerts Alycia to what's happening.>>

<< Alycia turns on her heels, and busts through the double doors making her way to the family waiting room. Sharon and Zach, followed by Rae and Danny are hot on her heels. Alycia reaches the confrontation, with Zach the next closest one behind her.>>

Silver Swan: Alycia, something's wrong! That man we just saw...he's BOTHERING Rose! Dennis Nedry, of NYCWA He's THREATENING Rose in the family waiting room over Jake, threatening to initial seperation proceedings for the remaining 23 children in her care!

Charope: The HELL he will!

:: The amazon turns on her high heels and busts through the double doors, with Silver Swan and Zach right behind her, followed by Rae and Danny. They make the scene of the confrontation, with Alycia reaching them, and Zach quickening his pace to be just behind her, with Sharon following up. As Alycia reaches them, Zach quietly moves beside her. he WAS the point person on the portfolio after all, but he had a feeling of what was coming...::

I have been checking this over since I got this call, sister. YOU have somebody in City Hall suckered but NOT ME! You are at best running a baby slum and at worst, I shudder to think. More than half of your charges have died in the recent past! And now this boy is shot! One more chance, Mizzzz.....Rose or whatever. Do you have a waiver for this many children breaking THIS MANY codes? Because if not, I will have to start separation proceedings straightway. You already lost 42, this would have made one more, and you only have 23 more to waste. NOT. ON. MY. WATCH.

Charope: Oh, I don't think so.

:: Rose, who looks rather pale, turns to see Alycia, and the others.. Zach, Sharon, Rae, AND Danny! Dennis looks at Alycia, and before he can start his dismissive, and rude talk toward her...::

Charope: Save it. I know who you are. You're scum. And me? I'm Alycia Barnett, legal counsel for Rose, as well as legal counsel and advocate for the sanctuary AND all of the children under Rose's care. You just TRY and initiate speration proceedings , and I'll put the BRAKES on them immediately. You have no probable cause, no evidence to substantiate any suspicion or allegation you've made...and while the perpetrator of the attack on that boy is on the loose, you're here antagonizing his care giver, threatening the security and lives of children that would have been lost in the cracks of your woefully INEPT system.

There's a WAY to do things, and you know that. You're just trying to INTIMIDATE Rose, and I'm NOT going to allow it.

 

[Jezebel]

The Hospital

< Danny embraced her and promptly took the cigarette from her hand and squished it underneath his heels. She narrowed her eyes. >

Danny: "Rae..I know you can't HELP but to be a rule breaker...but chrissakes, this is a hospital."

"Which means most the people here are dyin' anyway."

< As Danny turned to the group, she lit another cigarette and sat back down in her seat, crossing her legs and bouncing her leg as she watched him berate the group as a whole. Not the best timing, but Danny really truly had a heart of gold. He was good people. The spirits around him, his aura. Rae wished there were more people like him in this world, but she had seen a lot of it, and there weren't. >

Alycia: "Rae, you're doing too much, and you really need to back off. Helping is one thing, excusing bad behavior by acknowledging that you're a tactless bitch doesn't make you anymore redeemable."

< Rae laughed a bit out loud. >

[mockingly]

"Why THANK YOU, Emily Post. Darlin', you aren't my mama, and I'm a little ON in my years, to be chastised by some little bitch who gets WET at the thought of her law degree. I just gave you vital information. So move on and fuck off about how you feel about my delivery."

Alycia: "Okay. We OBVIOUSLY didn't know some very key information that you've now provided us with. But we're NOT going to stand here and check in for ANYMORE of your CRAP. So if there's nothing else CONSTRUCTIVE you have to say? GET THE HELL OUT!"

< Rae ann looked around in an amused and curious manner. >

"Sorry...I'm just..looking for your name somewhere on this building..."

< deadpan. >

"I'm staying right where I am."

< Rae Ann zoned out at this point. She could throw bitchy barbs with the best of them, and rather enjoyed doing so but in her mind she was beginning to see something in her mind. A man...in a sheep's costume. Her pupils dilated for a moment. He was large and stout with the mouth of a salivating predator..counting money and holding a rose in his hand. >

"Somebody is coming for Rose."

< Not caring what else would happen, she simply clutched her purse, and walked out of the room as suddenly, Sharon, Alycia, Zach and Danny came barrelling out of the room and charging down the hall. Rae Ann was not a runner so she kept her pace as the rest of them met up with Rose and a disgusting man. >

I have been checking this over since I got this call, sister. YOU have somebody in City Hall suckered but NOT ME! You are at best running a baby slum and at worst, I shudder to think. More than half of your charges have died in the recent past! And now this boy is shot! One more chance, Mizzzz.....Rose or whatever. Do you have a waiver for this many children breaking THIS MANY codes? Because if not, I will have to start separation proceedings straightway. You already lost 42, this would have made one more, and you only have 23 more to waste. NOT. ON. MY. WATCH.

Charope: "Oh, I don't think so."

Charope: "Save it. I know who you are. You're scum. And me? I'm Alycia Barnett, legal counsel for Rose, as well as legal counsel and advocate for the sanctuary AND all of the children under Rose's care. You just TRY and initiate separation proceedings, and I'll put the BRAKES on them immediately. You have no probable cause, no evidence to substantiate any suspicion or allegation you've made...and while the perpetrator of the attack on that boy is on the loose, you're here antagonizing his care giver, threatening the security and lives of the children that would have been lost in the cracks of your woefully INEPT system. There's a WAY to do things, and you know that. You're just trying to INTIMIDATE Rose, and I'm NOT going to allow it."

< This man's aura was dark and perverted as he was...on every level. In her mind she saw flashes of HELL, of the man DANCING in them with glee. He was no ally, and despite his job, it was clear that it was all an act. This man was bad news. >

"And I'm Rae Reynolds. I ain't got any of those credentials or education..but I don't need it to know that you're a fat FUCK who is CRAZY to think that you are walking out of this room with ANY kind of legal baring, let alone LIMBS if you keep talkin'. I've spent time in prison, gordito. I know how to make a little PIGGY like you SQUEAL!"

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Red Court's Wing

She walked slowly down the corridor as she spoke with him. It was good to hear him talk, the voice of an old friend, because she knew he wasn't playing a game, or trying to manipulate her, or scheming to trap her. Ever since she'd set foot in this place, it had been a game of manipulation and scheming. Everyone in here had an agenda, everyone was dangerous.

Griffin was not dangerous -- at least, not to HER. Certainly he was formidable, and could be as lethal as she could be, but they'd saved each other lives so many times, there was an inherent trust between them, even now. The conversation went precisely as she expected. The Midnight Contingency had been her idea, and she was relieved to hear it had been activated, and that the command had been passed to Specter. He was her right hand man at the company, he would do very well.

She maintained a very professional tone, and he matched it for the most part, but the longer they talked, the more she could hear the concern in his voice. She needed to end this chat, before he dropped the ball and went personal with it.

Griff: I'm doing my best here. But after seeing what happened at the orphanage..... I mean.... I just don't understand how you can be saving the world this time.

<<FLASH>>

She fully committed to a right roundhouse kick, but dropped her left hand to draw from her holster. Rose saw the gun come out and took the kick right in the hip as she lunged forward to fight Haleigh for control of the pistol. Haleigh was stronger though, and she continued to sweep the gun up towards Rose, who sidestepped away from the barrel as she tried to knock Haleigh's head off with another punch. The sound of a single gunshot rang in the nighttime air, as Rose's punch rang Haleigh's bell again. Haleigh staggered sideways down on one knee, and Rose stopped cold. Past the smoking barrel of her pistol, Haleigh watched the kid crumple to the pavement as a bloodstain bloomed across the back of his Captain America t-shirt.

"I don't think I can anymore."

She admitted, staring distantly at the floor as she walked.

Griff: It's never too late for extraction.

She stopped walking abruptly, and terminated the call. She couldn't entertain that idea. No one seemed to understand the full gravity of her situation. It would have been one thing if she'd just found out Malice was her mother. That was disturbing, sure. Haleigh might have let the Six talk her out of this soul-crushing exercise, if that had been the only factor. She would have needed Karen's therapy sessions for the rest of her life, probably, but she could have dealt with that. But the clones.... the clones were a very big problem. Until she solved that problem, there was no way out.

Malice had more self control than Haleigh had originally thought. Despite her provocations, despite her insolence, Malice would not waste her resources by killing Haleigh and allowing her to burn through her bodies. This meant Haleigh might have to accept the fact that she was going to have to commit to this operation for a long time, and that her tactics would have to change.

The Six and the Birds of Prey would kill her, though, so at least she had THAT going for her. Many of them would probably attack her as soon as they saw her now. Certainly she'd made an enemy of the Silver Swan, which meant a large part of the BoP would be against her. One on one she could hold her own, but against a team she would surely fall. Then there was the Six. They would do what was necessary, she'd made sure of it.

Even Delilah has to hate me now....

She thought, her mind drifting back to the truly heinous act of betrayal that was her attack on Bishop. She couldn't go back there right now, she couldn't think about that, or about Jake, or about how horrible and out of control she felt. She couldn't be alone with herself, and knew she needed a distraction. She found she'd arrived at a familiar door, and knocked before letting herself in.

"Alek?"

 

[Orion]

The Hospital

Before Danny could answer Zach's question, Sharon spoke up urgently.

Silver Swan: Alycia, something's wrong! That man we just saw...he's BOTHERING Rose! Dennis Nedry, of NYCWA He's THREATENING Rose in the family waiting room over Jake, threatening to initial seperation proceedings for the remaining 23 children in her care!

Charope: The HELL he will!

They hurried to another waiting room down the hall where a portly man with a bad attitude was harrassing Rose. She was putting up a good amount of resistance, but Zach could tell she was getting very angry. Alycia spoke up, and as she did, Zach subtly transferred some of the anxiety he was feeling about Jake into this antagonistic man named Dennis Nedry. The CPS worker would begin to feel very uncomfortable, very apprehensive about his current situation. It was very satisfying to watch him squirm, but Zach kept his poker face on. After Alycia threatened legal action, Rae fully threatened to physically harm the man and right after that, Zach stepped in.

"Wow, look at these ladies, threatening you. Honestly, the things they come up with."

He chuckled condescendingly.

"Don't mind the women, they just get so overwhelmed with emotion sometimes. It's been a rough night for them."

He placed his hand on the man's shoulder, and began to counteract the fear he'd just instilled with very small sliver of relief. Then he glanced at the rest of them and put on his absolute most patronizing tone.

"Don't worry ladies, just let the MEN take care of business here."

He guided Dennis away with one hand, taking back the anxiety, giving him relief, confidence, and even a feeling of camaraderie.

"Come on Dennis, let's get some coffee, it's late, and I'm tired of listening to their bleating. I'm Zach, by the way, with the United Nations. We've been working with Rose for quite some time."

He gave Dennis a sobering, almost conspiratorial look.

"UNFORTUNATELY, I'm the point man, I've got to deal with her nonsense all the time. But... what can we do, just our jobs, am I right? Look, we've all got to please the boss and make sure the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. I completely understand where you're coming from. If you'll just let me know what forms and waivers you specifically require, I can certainly get you that paperwork."

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion – Red Wing

"I'm sorry."

He shook his head slightly.

“You don’t need to apologize…”

She twined her fingers in his hair, looking deep into his eyes.

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

And she went into her room and shut the door.

He looked around the empty hallway, shoving his hands into his pockets. He turned on his heel.

“Seriously?”

He walked to his room and went inside. It had been a long day – mostly good – but long. Malice’s object lesson hadn’t worried him – not for himself anyway. And he knew that now that it was Persephone they were dealing with, she shouldn’t have a problem staying under Malice’s radar. Haleigh, on the other hand…didn’t seem to get it, or want to get it. And he knew they would be back there again in the not too distant future, watching Malice punish her. Or maybe the next time it would be Ravena. THAT would be a problem, because PERSEPHONE would not stand by and allow that to happen.

He needed to clear his mind. He stripped down into a pair of shorts (that showed off his thighs ) and no shirt and began doing squat push ups. It was not too long after that there was a knock at the door, and he heard it open. He stopped what he was doing and turned, seeing Haleigh enter.

He raised his eyebrows, reaching for a towel.

“So, you survived then?”

 

[Dennis Nedry]

And here comes the mouthy 'specials' parade. Loud and entitled and thinking they can just mess with anyone. Well, that was HIS job.

Charope: Save it. I know who you are. You're scum. And me? I'm Alycia Barnett, legal counsel for Rose, as well as legal counsel and advocate for the sanctuary AND all of the children under Rose's care. You just TRY and initiate speration proceedings , and I'll put the BRAKES on them immediately. You have no probable cause, no evidence to substantiate any suspicion or allegation you've made...and while the perpetrator of the attack on that boy is on the loose, you're here antagonizing his care giver, threatening the security and lives of children that would have been lost in the cracks of your woefully INEPT system.

There's a WAY to do things, and you know that. You're just trying to INTIMIDATE Rose, and I'm NOT going to allow it.

Yeah, get back to me when you can wear something APPROPRIATE for court, sista gal! Right now you look like 100 bucks for around the world and I don't have to listen to YOU at all. And if you interfere with my investigation in a near-death of a CHILD, I will have even your pretty chocolate ass thrown in jail for interference. And then you will NO LONGER be be a lawyer when I speak with the bar.

One down.

The other two liked to try to intimidate. GREAT. Always a tough guy around.

Look, I am just doing my job. If you two were tough in doing YOURS, I could still be in my bed asleep. But NO. Our woefully inept system

<<<looks at Alycia a second, pauses on her breasts, then her hips, then back to Rae and Sharon>>

TRUSTED you with your own and what did we get? Dead kids. War in the streets, and now another nearly dead kid. We made a mistake alright, and it was probably trusting ANY of you to start with.

Then, he didn't feel so well. Intimidated. Afraid. Someone was messing with his head, but that was not the first time for him. And he was not going to be deterred from his mission. He turned to see a man placing a hand on his shoulder. He felt instantly better as the guy began to shmooze him.

"Don't worry ladies, just let the MEN take care of business here."

He guided Dennis away with one hand, taking back the anxiety, giving him relief, confidence, and even a feeling of camaraderie.

"Come on Dennis, let's get some coffee, it's late, and I'm tired of listening to their bleating. I'm Zach, by the way, with the United Nations. We've been working with Rose for quite some time."

He gave Dennis a sobering, almost conspiratorial look.

"UNFORTUNATELY, I'm the point man, I've got to deal with her nonsense all the time. But... what can we do, just our jobs, am I right? Look, we've all got to please the boss and make sure the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. I completely understand where you're coming from. If you'll just let me know what forms and waivers you specifically require, I can certainly get you that paperwork."

Dennis' face softened, then hardened as his eyes narrrowed. No matter how bad it felt to do, he brushed Zach's hand aside and stepped away towards the door, never taking his eyes off the group.

Make sure you dot those i's...SIR.

He swallowed.

Because the next time I will not be as...ACCOMMODATING.

Turning on his heel, Dennis, stepped away as quickly as he had breezed in, leaving the group assembled in the room as he sped away.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Red Knight's Quarters

He was working out, in what had to be the best pair of shorts ever created. She made no attempts to hide her appreciation of him, as she licked her lips and gave him a salacious grin. He grabbed a towel, but he needn't bother. She would fully enjoy the taste of salt on his skin. He would be the perfect distraction.

Alek: So, you survived then?

She nodded and rolled her eyes.

"I survive everything. Do you mind?"

She asked, gesturing to his bathroom, as she brushed past him. She went to the sink and started to splash water on her face and neck, getting rid of the dried remnants of blood. The cold water felt good, refreshing as it ran down her neckline. She pushed her hair back, and avoiding looking up at the mirror. Instead, she tossed her gaze back to Alek.

"As it turns out, my Mother doesn't want to play MY game. Looks like I'll have to start playing hers."

She turned off the faucet and reached for the zipper on the front of her tattered suit. As she emerged from the bathroom, she started dragging that zipper down, and watched his eyes follow the movement.

"But, that's not why I'm here. I was hoping Persephone didn't wear you out. Clearly that's not the case, if you're working up a sweat by yourself."

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion – Red Knight's Quarters

"I survive everything. Do you mind?"

He waved his hand.

“Please.”

He didn’t know whether to be perturbed that she’d barged in there or not.

"As it turns out, my Mother doesn't want to play MY game. Looks like I'll have to start playing hers."

He let out a little half laugh.

“If only people would start listening to me, things would be so much simpler.”

She came out of the en suite, already unzipping her shredded battle outfit.

"But, that's not why I'm here. I was hoping Persephone didn't wear you out. Clearly that's not the case, if you're working up a sweat by yourself."

He crossed his arms over his chest.

“So you’ve finally stopped referring to her as your sister, I see.”

 

[Persephone]

Haleigh: "Persephone..."

There was a hesitation in her tone causing Persephone to look over. She could see a softness in Haleigh's eyes now--the mask had been dropped. In that moment, every feeling Haleigh had resonated from that single look. The feeling of guilt, horror, pain, and love. So much love. Persephone gripped the handle of the door tightly as Haleigh approached her, preparing for what was to come following the sudden dropping of the veil. But as quickly as it had dropped, the cold calculating Scion returned with a smile that matched her own.

Haleigh: "Thanks for the drink."

Persephone paused, watching Haleigh walk out her chamber room door. Her eyes remained on her for a moment longer before finally responding.

"Don't waste it by dying."

She then shut the door. Pressing her back against the wood, Persephone shut her eyes for a moment unable to shake the look Haleigh had just given her. Despite everything, WHY was this women still regarding her as her sister? WHY was she still looking at her with such love? Persephone purposely tried to hurt her, push her away, be CRUEL to her yet there she was, opening up without saying a single solitary word. Shutting her eyes, she gently hit the back of her head against the door. No. She couldn't do this. She couldn't let Haleigh in the way she let Darkchilde and Brenthon and Titania and Alessandra in. She couldn't let her in like she let Hecate in. Love only caused PAIN, and she had endured enough pain when Ava was in control. NO ONE would breech her barriers again.

Her eyes opened as she pushed herself away from the door in one swift move, heading straight for her closet. It was fun a games the moment she emerged, but now she was done with the games. Stripping off her tight dress, she slipped into an equally sexy maxi dress with a flowing organza that allowed her to holster her Mystic Daggers on either side of her thighs without them being noticeable. Walking back out into her room, she picked up her phone from the bedside table. Scrolling through the contacts, she stopped on one name: Zachary Armani.

She pressed call.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Red Knight's Quarters

Alek: If only people would start listening to me, things would be so much easier.

She raised an eyebrow at his comment, and pulled her gloves off by the finger tips.

"Oh, forgive me, I didn't realize you were interested in talking strategy. And all this time, I've been thinking I only had ONE ally here."

She replied, referring of course to Ava. She shrugged out of the top part of her suit.

Alek: So you've finally stopped referring to her as your sister, I see.

She was unfastening the Black Widow buckle when he crossed his arms and made his observation, and she abruptly stopped undressing. Her gaze expressed curiosity, and her tone was patient.

"No... she will ALWAYS be my sister. I only meant to acknowledge the fact that she's not calling herself AVA anymore. I wonder why you are so tuned to the subject?"

She moved in, reaching up to his elbows, feeling her way up his arms and shoulders, standing up on her tiptoes and pressing against him for a kiss.

"If you don't want me here, I'll leave, no hard feelings. But I would MUCH rather stay, and forget just how awful today has been."

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion – Red Knight’s Quarters

"Oh, forgive me, I didn't realize you were interested in talking strategy. And all this time, I've been thinking I only had ONE ally here."

“I’ve been here a long time, Haleigh – I know how things work. You could do worse than have me for an ally.”

He watched her as she undressed, not unappreciatively. He commented on the way she spoke about Ava, and wet his bottom lip. She stopped what she was doing, however.

"No... she will ALWAYS be my sister. I only meant to acknowledge the fact that she's not calling herself AVA anymore. I wonder why you are so tuned to the subject?"

“I’m tuned to what’s happening with the members of my court…”

Haleigh moved towards him, her hands touching his arms, then shoulders, before pressing her body against his. He looked down into her face, then leaned in and kissed her gently. Pulling back, his face was serious.

“It’s better this way. I tried to tell her…she needed to be like this…to survive this place. Persephone is better for her here.”

His hands circled her waist then found her back.

“I like Ava, but they can hurt her. They can’t hurt Persephone.”

"If you don't want me here, I'll leave, no hard feelings. But I would MUCH rather stay, and forget just how awful today has been."

“I think I can help you with that.”

He smiled playfully, his hands moving downward and hooking into the lower part of her suit, pushing it down over her hips and helping her shrug out of it.

“And anyhow, leaving now would just be inconsiderate.”

He reached down and grabbed her ass with both hands, lifting her up so they were at eye level with each other. He kissed her, hard this time, not pulling back as he carried her over to the bed.

 

[Orion]

The Hospital

It was obvious to the people that knew Zach that he was putting on an act to pacify this adversary. He very nearly lost his cool, when he caught Nedry eyeballing Alycia. The man was quite despicable, and Zach would have liked to reduce him to a sniveling emotional mess, but Nedry's comments and behavior just proved that Zach had read him correctly.

Zach could see Nedry soften towards him, then he seemed to sharpen back up again, and shrugged Zach's hand off. Zach showed him only a polite smile, as he continued to boost the man's emotions, placating him with a sense of mild triumph, so he'd continue to think he 'won'.

Dennis: Make sure you dot those i's...SIR.

"And cross the t's, absolutely."

Dennis: Because the next time I will not be as... ACCOMMODATING.

"I DO appreciate your consideration. Good night to you, sir."

He replied smoothly, walking the man to the threshold of the door, then watching him leave, holding that polite smile until he was out of sight. Then he turned back to the group, and looked at Rae, then Alycia.

"I know everyone is KEYED UP right now, but we can't threaten EVERYONE that says something we don't like. We are -- ALL OF US -- Ambassadors for the mutant race. We MUST work with these people, even the awful ones like Dennis Nedry. There will be MANY times where we have to sacrifice our pride to advance our cause. If we flex our power in their faces all the time, we're just going to create more enemies, so can we PLEASE make an effort to be more subtle?"

He implored, as his phone vibrated in his pocket. He withdrew it and glanced at the ID. Ava. He remembered the most disturbing part of Haleigh's message. Get the Six to save Ava, the Queens are breaking her here. He couldn't ignore a call for help. He knew that the people he was with would not be receptive to the idea at all.

"I've got to take this call. Don't worry about Nedry, I'll get the paperwork he wants."

He said, and stepped out of the room, walking down the hall towards the hum of the soda machines. He answered his phone cautiously.

"Hello?"

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Red Knight's Quarters

Alek: I’ve been here a long time, Haleigh – I know how things work. You could do worse than have me for an ally.

Well, she couldn't argue with that, and saw no reason to discontinue the benefits of this particular alliance. Sure, he was likely to put the interests of the Red Court over hers, but that didn't have to be an issue if they both acknowledged his priorities.

Alek: I’m tuned to what’s happening with the members of my court…

She smiled at that, knowing it wasn't the only reason he'd raised the issue regarding her sister. She let it drop anyway, because there'd be time enough for her to assess his level of commitment to Persephone.

Alek: It’s better this way. I tried to tell her…she needed to be like this…to survive this place. Persephone is better for her here. I like Ava, but they can hurt her. They can’t hurt Persephone.

"I love Ava very much, but I agree, Persephone is.... more like us.... she is UNBREAKABLE, and she'll make it here."

His arms encircled her, and she smirked, because she knew this was going exactly the way she wanted, and however he felt about Persephone, their current arrangement wasn't going to change. She eased off her boots.

Alek: I think I can help you with that.

He said, pushing her suit off her hips. His hands on her body was enough to excite her again, because the flashbacks she was getting now were of their previous time spent together.

"Mm, thank you..."

She purred and kissed his chest. He lifted her up, their lips met, and as she hooked her legs around his hips she opened her mouth receptively.

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion – Red Knight’s Quarters

"I love Ava very much, but I agree, Persephone is.... more like us.... she is UNBREAKABLE, and she'll make it here."

“She certainly is…care to take a whack at the ‘unbreakable’ trophy this evening?”

She locked her legs around him as he kissed her. He tossed her roughly onto the bed, and slipped out of his shorts (that showed off his thighs so nicely). Starting at her ankles, he allowed his mouth and hands to explore her, all the way up, until he buried his face into her neck.

“So…”

He murmured, moving his head to look into her face as his hands explored lower.

“Is it always rough and tumble with you? Don’t you ever want...”

He pressed his lips hard against hers.

“…passion?”

His hand touched her intimately, its movements slow and gentle.

 

[Seer]

And so

<< As Dennis Nedry retreats, Rose, Sharon, Alycia, Danny, and Rae are left there with the realization that things are definitely escalating. The threat of Black Widow has now been replaced with another threat that could have multiple levels of consequence for Rose and her surviving children. None of this would have happened, were it not for the actions of Scion, and what's worse, Rae's psychic perceptions of Dennis Nedrick were deadly clear...and ACCURATE...moreso than even she could possibly have imagined just yet.>>

<< Alycia informs Rose that she and Sharon will get the ball rolling on a proactive legal shield for Rose, starting right now. The two amazsons return to Charope, LLC, while Rae and Danny stay with Rose, and she makes contact with the rest of the Birds of Prey who are at her Sanctuary right now.>>

<< When the amazons return to Charope, LLC, Delilah and Bishop will have the chance to speak with them.>>

<< And Morgan Victoria reappears at the Parthenon, stopping along the way to pick up Nicolas, and JOIN her sister in the urgent meeting in the War Room.>>

<< Nicolas would notice that she's wearing a DIFFERENT, but no less dark and edgy, outfit than what he last saw her in only hours ago, but the fashion maven had been known to change her look multiple times in one day before.>>

<< Spellbinder and Rampage join Firebird, along with Shadow Weaver, Arsenal, Ruby, and Isis' ward, Matrix, to discuss the new and dark developments regarding Black Widow.>>

<< Zach takes a phone call from a distraught Ava Cassadine. Along with the amazons, he leaves the hospital to make his way to the renegade goddess. In his mind, this is FAR from the last time he will be seen at this hospital. Thanks to RAE REYNOLDS, not only had he learned a great deal of important information and insight into Rose, but he just knew that if he could have time to TALK to Rose directly, he would get the chance to make ammends with her, and see Jake. That's what he THOUGHT at least..>>

 

[Persephone]

He picked up as she expected him to.

Zach: "Hello?"

He sounded cautious with his words. Persephone didn't answer at first, she let the line remain silent, letting him question why she called or if she was even the one on the line. Finally she gave him the bait. He would hear shaky breathing, a soft hitch as the air got caught in her throat indicating that she was crying. She didn't speak at first, just allowed the sound of her weeping to reel him in.

"I'm sorry...I don't know why I called you."

She whispered between 'sobs'.

"I h-have no one...I c-can't do this...."

Her voice cracked as she stopped her sentence abruptly to let out an agonizing cry.

"I can't do this anymore...I can't...I can't..."

She allowed her voice to trail off to silence. Staring in the mirror, Persephone smiled maliciously as she twirled a lock of hair around her finger.

"I can't live like this anymore."

She knew EXACTLY where to strike Zach...and she went straight for his heart.

 

[Prophet]

To The War Room

:: The conversation between Karen and Cameron had gone better than he expected it, but it was also revealing as well. For as far as they had come, and as close as they had gotten over the years, as much as she cared about him, she was Morgan's mother first and foremost and as such, she would always have blinders on when it came to her and her family. It was just one of those things that members in The Six had learned to live with at this point. He was glad to have cleared the air, continuing to keep his promise to Morgan that he was willing to work with her to lead the team to success. ::

:: He had just given up a VERY big part of himself in order to lead this charge, and Cameron was beginning to realize how much space Haleigh had occupied in his mind and his heart. To have so much...space it allowed a lot of other things to cross his mind. The emotions he had just displayed with Karen were a fluke. They were a necessity for him to express in order to make things right, and they were indicative of how he planned to operate. Cameron had given enough of his heart to the people around him, and the interactions as of late had showed him that if and when he made mistakes, that heart would be ripped from his chest and stomped on. It was better to save himself the trouble and moreover the pain. ::

:: When Blaze had called them to The War Room, regarding a development with Haleigh, he almost didn't want to go..but he knew that wasn't an option. Besides, it was probably better to focus on things that would make him feel useful. He had spent the last week pouring over mission logs and case files, investigating Hellfire holdings and every aspect. For days, he came up with scenarios on how to handle and neutralize Persephone and Black Widow. It sounded absurd, but that's where they were at this point. No other option but then to plan for the inevitable mess that would transpire from all of this. ::

:: As he appeared in The War Room, he took a seat in one of the plush chairs and took a moment to center himself against the somewhat tense and awkward energy that sat in the room. This was the first time they had all been gathered like this since Haleigh made her exit. It was a bit unsettling, but it had to happen at some point. ::

:: As Morgan arrived with Nicolas, Cameron cocked a VERY concerned eyebrow as his gaze met Morgan. ::

"Oh WOW."

:: The emotions PERMEATING through Morgan hit him like a freight train. Desire, Gluttony, Excess, Anger, Lust. She seemed flush and almost incredibly...relaxed, and yet when he looked at Nicolas, there was no indication from his emotions that he had just connected with Morgan in the way that Morgan was obviously feeling. ::

"She cheated...she cheated on Nicolas."

:: For a moment...he was actually relieved. She was just as fucked up as the rest of them. She was fallible. She was no longer this demonic porcelain princess. It was the most human thing she had done in a long time. But still...the implications of this..were not well timed. He had just experienced that with Alycia and Sharon. Cameron wouldn't press the issue, unlike many of those around him, Cameron firmly believed that whatever anybody did with their genitals was their business. If Morgan had acted out in this way, there was a reason for it, and those reasons belonged to HER. The ONLY other person who deserved answers about that was Nicolas...and again, that was NONE of his business. ::

:: The two made eye contact for a moment as Cameron broke it immediately, not wanting to betray his thoughts to her. ::

:: He looked over at Blaze. ::

"What's the situation, Blaze? How bad is it?"