The Wrath of Rose

[Millennia]

The Hellfire Mansion - The Conservatory

Ugh...after that disastrous so called "meeting" the night before - What did those two nimrods think she was? Some coked-out hooker looking to get some cash by narcing on her pimp? Not bloody likely. They hadn't even offered her anything, let alone anything she valued. - she had returned to the mansion to find she was still barred from the lounges. She was then forced to drink alone in her room because the Bear had never showed up. In her parents' day, the Hellfire Mansion was the pinnacle of service, class and excess. Now? She was being treated like someone flying coach. The only thing that could be worse than how she'd already been treated is if she were forced to spend greater than one point five seconds in the presence of Helena Quartermaine.

Bianca liked the conservatory because it was a testament to the things she had that regular people didn't. Here, you could forget you were even in a city, and only the very rich and powerful could afford a space like this, with all this plant life and architectural genius. Plus it was private, and she didn't have to have every lowlife they'd now allowed into the club around to gawk at her and tweet what she was doing.

As Bianca came around the bend in the path she saw him standing there, obviously looking for her. He knew her so well. The poor boy had probably been traumatized to return to the mansion and find she had been here a whole day already. She came up behind him and she saw him turn his head, hearing her approach. But no matter. She ran her fingers across the cross of his back, from broad shoulder to broad shoulder, circling him like a shark. Once she was facing him, she spoke.

"Alek."

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion - The Conservatory

Alek heard her come up behind him, then say his name. He stiffened, but not in the good way. She was appraising him like a prize stallion.

"Bianca. I had heard you were in the Mansion. Welcome back. Looking lovely, as always."

Bianca: "Do you like the dress? I wore it just for you."

"It's very becoming."

She stepped closer to him, but he didn't move, just looked down at her with some amusement. She set to fixing his lapel.

Bianca: "I left word for you, but you never came."

She was using her sultry voice.

"My apologies, I was on business that kept me out of the Mansion yesterday. I only just returned, in fact."

Bianca: "You can make it up to me."

She turned and swept her hair off of her neck.

Bianca: "My shoulders have been so tight lately. Be a dear?"

He put his hands on her shoulders and began to massage them.

Bianca: "Mmmm...why don't we retire to my suite? I'm sure your hands would do wonders on"

She turned around to face him, putting her arms around his neck.

Bianca: "Other parts of my body?"

He smiled down at her.

"That sounds...amazing, Bianca but since I've been away from the Mansion, Helena has me doing all sorts of running around to catch up. You know how it is."

Bianca: "Come on, she'll never know...and aren't I worth it? Remember the last time I was here, when I pretended to be your intern?"

Her hand went to the front of his pants.

Bianca: "I did some very interesting things with your cigar."

"That you did."

He gave her his most charming smile, putting his hand on her waist.

"Let me find you something to keep you occupied until I'm free, and I'll find you as soon as I possibly can."

He grabbed one of the staff by his shirt collar as he went by.

"See that Senator Ceasul has an enjoyable time in my absence. Perhaps falconry, on the outside deck?"

Bianca looked like she was about to protest, so he turned again to the staff member.

"I want you to make sure her every desire is catered to."

That seemed to sway her. He bent at the waist and took her hand, bringing it to his lips.

"Until later."

He motioned for the staff to usher her out to the falconry range, as he strode forward with purpose, as if he had somewhere to be. Once he was out of sight, he stopped, and sighed. He hoped she wasn't staying long.

 

[Oracle]

Gabe's Office

She suggested that Gabe have a bed in his office, so he could rest after the many occasions where he stayed up all night working.

"But really, I do. I spend way too much time on this couch."

She lifted an eyebrow.

"Do you now, Mr. Jerome?"

She stuck out her tongue at him then - turnabout's fair play, after all.

"Maybe I should upgrade to a penthouse office. I think I saw a listing a few floors up actually."

Zizi looked around her.

"I really can't imagine any place being an upgrade on this one. It's so amazing here."

Gabe kissed her, which made her smile, then went to order the food while she cleaned up from the night before. He told her to stop picking up, because he had a maid.

"Just because you have a maid doesn't mean I shouldn't clean up after myself..."

"Stooop!"

He physically pulled her away from the mess, and she gave a little yelp of surprise as he pulled her back onto the couch so she was lying down again. He leaned down then and kissed her, while her arms circled around to his back, not minding at all.

"That's why I pay someone, Liz. You do too much as it is, no need to clean on top of it all."

She looked up into his eyes.

"What mess?" she said innocently and then smiled with amusement. He helped her sit up before bringing them both back to reality.

"So, you gotta head back to the clocktower after breakfast?"

Zizi sighed, playing with a lock of his hair, then nodded.

"I need to get that info back to Alycia. I promised her I'd do it right away."

She didn't want to have to leave him, but she had to. She hoped he understood that.

"Listen, Gabe..."

She rested her hand on his chest.

"You are always welcome at the Clocktower. No sneaking in, I promise."

 

[Persephone]

All was quiet, only the trickling water of the coy pond filled the space. It was wonderful and serene, enough to take Persephone's mind off the cluster fuck that was dry fucking her up the ass lately. Finishing off her latte, she placed the ceramic mug beside her on the wooden bench, crossing her legs at the knee while leaning forward. The coy swam in circle in front of her, poking their mouths out of the water in anticipation for food she did not have. A gentle smile appeared on her lips.

"Another day."

She whispered, her appetite for food nonexistent.

It was then she heard foot steps afar, causing Persephone to turn toward the sound. The conservatory was vast, so she saw no one. It wasn't until she heard a voice it caused her eyes to narrow.

Bianca: "Alek."

You've GOT to be kidding me.

Of course it was Bianca. And the cherry on top of it all, ALEK as well. Persephone's eyes rolled so hard they would have fallen out if not attached. Standing from the bench, she made her way across the large grassy gardens before approaching the walkway toward the exit of the conservatory. It was then she saw them both. Enshrouded in ferns, Persephone watched as Bianca circled around Alek like a fucking dog in heat, pulling her hair away from her shoulder and exposing her neck to him.

Bianca: "My shoulders have been so tight lately. Be a dear?"

And he did. He began to massage them without a second thought. Scoffing out softly, Persephone shook her head and looked away. She shouldn't have been surprised. Alek's feeling for her were all baseless and bullshit. But despite everything, she DID have feelings for him and it stung like hell seeing him with Bianca--ESPECIALLY Bianca.

Bianca: "Mmmm...why don't we retire to my suite? I'm sure your hands would do wonders on Other parts of my body?"

Alek: "That sounds...amazing, Bianca but since I've been away from the Mansion, Helena has me doing all sorts of running around to catch up. You know how it is."

I'm sure.

Helena had him on all SORTS of missions lately. Cunt. Bianca continued draping herself all over Alek before finally Alek quenched her thirst by promising to meet with her later after completing his work for Helena. He had a servant usher her out and began to walk further into the conservatory until Bianca was finally out of sight. He then stopped, near where Persephone was. Her midnight eyes were even and her jaw tight as she stepped out onto the slick wet stone path that lead to the conservatory exit.

"Back to work I see."

She said with a lofty voice, referring to the Red Knight always welcoming new guests.

"Always the gentleman."

Her voice hissed as she glared at him unforgivingly.

"Careful with that one. She's a little pissed I didn't welcome her as openly as you. [smirking] You might need to give her a little extra attention."

Persephone strode up to him, heading toward the exit.

"Maybe you'll get a gold star from Helena."

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower -- Ashley's Room

Ashley: does it rhyme with 'clock'?

Zach smirked wickedly, shaking his head.

"That can be provided upon request...."

He suggested, as she started to perk up. When she realized what he HAD brought her, she grinned broadly, and her glee put a genuine smile on his face too. They kissed good morning, and he propped up the pillows behind her as she sat up, then passed her the tray so he could get comfortable too.

Ashley: Aw, babe, breakfast in bed? Mmm - jou muk dees yasof?"

Zach stared at her, trying to translate. A beat passed wherein he slightly tilted his head to the left, and one of his eyebrows raised in intrigue. Then he gave her a toothy smile, and nodded proudly.

"Yes! Well, the Pillsbury doughboy did some minor prepwork-- but I baked them and put the icing on myself. Look, they've got little hearts--"

He stopped, his smile faltering.

"Damn, they melted. Whatever, it was stupid-romantic."

He finished, playing it off, and she gave his hand a squeeze, offering him another smile. They started eating, divvying up the servings. Ashley suggested combining their powers, and Zach looked equal parts impressed and excited as he recalled that she could provoke fear and doubt in her enemies.

"Yeah, definitely. I could sap their courage and composure, magnify your effects... that's an awesome idea. Maybe if the Amazons persuade Rose that I'm not the devil, we can try it on that prick Dennis Nedry."

He replied, though afterwards he was less enthusiastic, because as he said it, he seemed to realize there wasn't much chance of it actually happening. If Alycia and Sharon couldn't convince Rose to ease up on the ban against him, there probably wasn't a person on the planet who COULD.

Ashley: Also, Zizi told me I could redecorate in here. So, whaddya think, king bed?

"Mmm."

He agreed as he chewed, trying not get too depressed about being kept from seeing Jake. He made an honest attempt to focus on the new subject.

"And mirrors on the ceiling."

He suggested, giving her a mildly salacious smirk before lifting his coffee to his lips. He could see her studying him in the corner of his eye.

Ashley: Everything okay?

He'd known that question was coming. He could feel the concern radiating off of her. His mouth tightened.

"Could be worse, I guess. I'd rather focus on something nice, though. Are you going to take me to the range today? You've teased me with it like TWO days in a row. Haven't I been a good boy?"

He pleaded, with his best puppy-dog eyes.

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: "I really can't imagine any place being an upgrade on this one. It's so amazing here."

Gabe chuckled. His office WAS pretty fucking cool. But ideally when he bought the place he was hoping for another bedroom just in case there would be moments where he had to stay the night. And unfortunately for him it happened more frequently than not. The woes of being a self employed hacker.

"If it's the place I think it is, it's on the top floor. Double the size of this one, same view. You'd love it."

And she would. It gave a view of the whole city, all the way to Jersey.

"We'll have to go take a look. I'll call up my relator and set up a time."

He'd definitely want Zizi there with him to get her opinion. Plus, it was an excuse to spend more time with her outside the clocktower. But the subject soon changed to food. He ordered, she cleaned, he laughed and pulled her to to him, kissing her as a distraction. But that was exactly what it was....a distraction. He knew they needed to get back to work on the Nedry stuff. Hellfire slept for no one apparently. As he helped Zizi sit up, she sighed.

Zizi: "I need to get that info back to Alycia. I promised her I'd do it right away."

Gabe nodded, totally understanding that work came first. ESPECIALLY in these circumstances.

"Yeah, of course. Food should be here any minute, you can take it to go."

He said with a reassuring smile. Sure he was disappointed she had to leave, but those kids safety came first.

Zizi: "Listen, Gabe...You are always welcome at the Clocktower. No sneaking in, I promise."

She placed her hand on his chest, and he covered her hand with his own with a smile.

"I appreciate that, more than you know."

Taking her hand off his chest, he held it with both of his while looking into her eyes. He didn't WANT to go back to the clocktower after what happened--knowing those people probably looked at him like a fucking predator. But at this point, the only person's opinion of him that mattered was Zizi's.

"I can help. You know...with the Nedry stuff? I won't acknowledge Zach if he starts something. I'll just zone in on the work until you get what you guys need."

Ugh, he had that awful hang over feeling in his gut at the thought of interacting with Zach and Ashley again. But he pushed that aside.

"I know Alycia needs this info quick."

 

[Berserker]

The Conservatory

Alek straightened his jacket, standing in the silence of the conservatory. But then he was surprised by a familiar voice.

"Back to work I see. Always the gentleman."

"Ah, Rook, I trust you are well."

Professional. Courteous.

Her glare was positively poisonous.

"Careful with that one. She's a little pissed I didn't welcome her as openly as you. [smirking] You might need to give her a little extra attention."

"It's my job, Persephone."

Calm. Resigned.

She marched towards him, going for the exit, but he caught her arm.

"It's my job. To keep Bianca away from Helena."

He looked her in the eye, his own flashing with insistence.

"Maybe you'll get a gold star from Helena."

"What would you have me do? YOU'RE the one that ended it, not me. You're the one who gave up. Only contact in a professional capacity, that what you said. So this is me, performing my professional capacity."

 

[Persephone]

His aqua eyes met her midnight. He was dressed perfectly, stood perfectly, spoke perfectly. He was playing the part quite well. Helena would be proud.

Alek: "Ah, Rook, I trust you are well."

She didn't bother to dignify his question with an answer, only a short dismissive laugh. If he really had to ask if she was doing well, he didn't know her at all. Instead she reverted to warn him about Bianca and the fact that the bitch was about as easy to deal with as a rabid dog.

"Careful with that one. She's a little pissed I didn't welcome her as openly as you. [smirking] You might need to give her a little extra attention."

Alek: "It's my job, Persephone."

[sarcastically]"Such the professional."

She strode past him but his hand caught her arm, causing her to stop immediately.

Alek: "It's my job. To keep Bianca away from Helena."

"And we both know how good you are at your JOB."

She spit back, her eyes glaring at his hand that still held her arm before flicking them up to meet his own stare. She DARED him to keep it there.

Alek: "What would you have me do? YOU'RE the one that ended it, not me. You're the one who gave up. Only contact in a professional capacity, that what you said. So this is me, performing my professional capacity."

Unbelievable.

Pulling her arm from his grasp.

"Gave up? YOU were--as you so SIMPLY put it--just doing your JOB. And that so happened to be ME. You AND Helena played me like a finely tuned instrument, i'll give you that much. But don't you DARE stand there and say that *I* ended things when everything you EVER said to me was a LIE in order to please our Queen and become her PRINCE."

The fire in her eyes, the anger, was now mixed with pain. As much as she wanted to hide it, she couldn't. She couldn't stand there and look at him blaming HER for what happened, when HE was the one that quite literally shattered her heart.

"There was nothing to END Alek. Because we had nothing to BEGIN with."

Scoffing, the sudden symphony of sprinklers coming on in unison filled the conservatory, creating a loud background noise to the thumping heart beat banging in her head.

"I was a JOB. Remember?"

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower - Ashley's Room

"That can be provided upon request...."

"Oh, I'm certainly going to be requesting that."

She gave him a knowing look. He revealed the breakfast he had made, which was probably the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for. Well, mainly because people didn't usually do things for her, but this would still be at the top of the list in any case. Did he make them himself?

"Yes! Well, the Pillsbury doughboy did some minor prepwork-- but I baked them and put the icing on myself. Look, they've got little hearts--"

She licked the icing off her fingers.

"Aw, babe..."

"Damn, they melted. Whatever, it was stupid-romantic."

"It was super romantic."

She squeezed his hand and smiled at him, before tucking into the breakfast properly and starting to chat. She suggested that maybe they could team up in a fight, use their powers together.

"Yeah, definitely. I could sap their courage and composure, magnify your effects... that's an awesome idea. Maybe if the Amazons persuade Rose that I'm not the devil, we can try it on that prick Dennis Nedry."

She nodded repeatedly.

"Test subject. I like the way you think."

She thought she noticed his face fall a little bit, but then it was gone. Next she brought up the possibility of redecorating her room, complete with a king size bed. Okay, now, she KNEW something was up, that only elicited a small sound of approval from him.

"And mirrors on the ceiling."

"You got it."

So, that was like his normal self, but still...there was something...off. She watched him for a little bit before asking him if everything was okay.

"Could be worse, I guess. I'd rather focus on something nice, though. Are you going to take me to the range today? You've teased me with it like TWO days in a row. Haven't I been a good boy?"

He gave her puppy dog eyes, but let's face it, his eyes ALWAYS looked like puppy dog eyes. She set the tray down on the bed and turned over, getting on her knees and straddling his legs, putting her hands on his shoulders and looking into those eyes.

She kissed him softly, and whispered to him.

"You've been a very good boy."

She glanced downward, then looked back into his face.

"I'm here, you know, if you want to talk."

She bit her bottom lip, then after a long moment, smiled.

"Of course we can go to the range. I've already picked out a bag of guns to take with us."

 

[Berserker]

The Conservatory

"And we both know how good you are at your JOB."

He felt his anger boiling just under the surface. What right did she have to criticize him? Everything he had done was for her. He had risked everything, and she didn't even care.

"Gave up? YOU were--as you so SIMPLY put it--just doing your JOB. And that so happened to be ME. You AND Helena played me like a finely tuned instrument, I'll give you that much. But don't you DARE stand there and say that *I* ended things when everything you EVER said to me was a LIE in order to please our Queen and become her PRINCE."

He stood up straight, his hands at his sides.

"If you really believe that...then you never knew me at all. You wouldn't even let me explain, you just let it all end, like it meant nothing."

"There was nothing to END Alek. Because we had nothing to BEGIN with."

"Yeah, I'm beginning to see that now."

He turned away from her.

"I was a JOB. Remember?"

He sighed, and turned back to face her.

"Don't ask me to remember something that isn't true. I waited for you, Persephone. I waited for you to come. To talk to me. But you never came."

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "If you really believe that...then you never knew me at all. You wouldn't even let me explain, you just let it all end, like it meant nothing."

"It DIDN'T mean anything! YOU made that apparent by YOUR actions!"

She shouted in exasperation. She couldn't understand WHY he was doing this now? Throwing it in her face? It was probably another one of Helena's tasks: rubbing salt in her open wound.

"There was nothing to END Alek. Because we had nothing to BEGIN with!."

Alek: "Yeah, I'm beginning to see that now."

He turned away, Persephone willing to drive her anger into his BACK if necessary.

"I was your JOB. Remember?"

He finally turned back around with a sigh. Her eyes were black with fury; if she radiated heat there would be steam billowing off her body at this point.

Alek: "Don't ask me to remember something that isn't true. I waited for you, Persephone. I waited for you to come. To talk to me. But you never came."

Persephone laughed cynically, gesturing outwards with her hand.

"And why would I?! WHY, Alek? You already made me look like a FOOL for thinking you actually loved me! Did you really think I would drop everything and come to you? Like a lost fucking puppy?"

Persephone shook her head, her brows furrowed in anger and exasperation. She stared into his eyes, resenting the fact that he still held sway over her despite her anger.

"Fine."

She relented through clenched teeth.

"WHAT. WHAT did you want to say to me? [scoffing] I'm here now. Say it."

 

[Berserker]

The Conservatory

"It DIDN'T mean anything! YOU made that apparent by YOUR actions!"

He faced her dead on, unflinching.

"I'M not the one who walked out."

He told her how he waited for her, how she didn't come - how she had given up on them.

"And why would I?! WHY, Alek? You already made me look like a FOOL for thinking you actually loved me! Did you really think I would drop everything and come to you? Like a lost fucking puppy?"

He looked at her bitterly.

"No, I thought you might have a little faith in us."

"FINE. WHAT. WHAT did you want to say to me? [scoffing] I'm here now. Say it."

"It's too late."

He took two steps towards the exit, then turned around.

"Fine. You want to know what I wanted to tell you? That I was trying to protect you. That I risked everything to try and keep you alive. That I needed Helena to believe I was unwaveringly loyal. That having ME be the one who was supposed to kill you was better than having it be Mystique, or Heidi, or EMIKO, or some nameless faceless assassin who could come at any moment. Because I would have died before I harmed one hair on your head. That I never lied to you because every single thing I ever said to you was the truth."

He looked her in the eyes for a long moment, then waved his hand in the air as he turned and strode out of the conservatory.

"But all you said were lies."

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "I'M not the one who walked out."

"You DROVE me out, asshole."

Persephone growled back with indignation. The fact that he was acting like SHE ended things was ludicrous after everything that was revealed about what HE said and done behind her back. She couldn't believe the nerve he had to stand there and act like a victim in all of this. Act like she should have come crawling back to him.

"And why would I?! WHY, Alek? You already made me look like a FOOL for thinking you actually loved me! Did you really think I would drop everything and come to you? Like a lost fucking puppy?"

Alek: "No, I thought you might have a little faith in us."

Us?

There WAS no 'us'. There was only him and Helena. She just happened to be a good lay turned into an opportunity. But at this point, it was fucking comical the way he was so dead set on continuing the game. PUSHING forward like she was at fault--that she had hurt HIM. So she decided to play along. Feed him a damn bone to see what other bullshit he had to say.

"Fine. WHAT. WHAT did you want to say to me? [scoffing] I'm here now. Say it."

Alek: "It's too late."

Persephone scoffed, shaking her head as he walked past her to the exit.

"That's what I thought."

She shot back in a minor triumph. But he suddenly stopped and turned around to face her.

Alek: "Fine. You want to know what I wanted to tell you?"

Persephone gestured off handedly as if to say 'why the hell not', not really caring what he had to say.

"Just say it, Berserker."

Alek: "That I was trying to protect you. That I risked everything to try and keep you alive. That I needed Helena to believe I was unwaveringly loyal. That having ME be the one who was supposed to kill you was better than having it be Mystique, or Heidi, or EMIKO, or some nameless faceless assassin who could come at any moment. Because I would have died before I harmed one hair on your head. That I never lied to you because every single thing I ever said to you was the truth."

That caused pause in Persephone; her expression softening as his words hit her with an onslaught of emotions. She didn't know what to believe at this point. Was he speaking the truth now? Was everything he said before the truth as well? Was he doing this to protect her? Because he loved her? Or was it all apart of Helena's game? Flashes of memories of them together filled Persephone's thoughts about how they were in this together. That he would never let anything happen to her. But then Haleigh's voice rang out as well, telling her that he was doing this for power. To become the Red Prince. And Persephone remembered from her own experience how manipulative a person could be in order to get what they wanted, especially for power. She was living PROOF.

Alek: "But all you said were lies."

But she couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't the case in these circumstances....that he WAS telling her the truth. Persephone went to speak, her mouth parting before she stopped. No. She wasn't going to do this again. She wasn't going to fall into that trap again. She watched with a pained expression as he left the conservatory, her eyes shutting once he was out of sight.

"Damnit."

She murmured, sitting down on the bench that was next to her and gripping the wood paneling with her hands. Letting her head hang forward, that same anger and pain she was harboring inside yesterday when she was willing to attack the clocktower was back, festering inside her like a boiling pot of fury about to bubble over.

 

[Titan]

The Clocktower - Media Room

Andrew praised Rich for his excellent cheffing skills.

Yeah, my Mama taught me.

Andrew didn't ask where his mother was now.

If you ever need to talk, I got you. Losing a parent for any reason is terribly difficult.

He looked over at X and nodded to him - good looking out.

Yo Drew. Who is playing soccer today? I know you know.

"Champions League - Real v Juve. Liverpool got beat yesterday in the league. It was pitiful. I don't want to talk about it."

He grinned at Rich, and pondered whether they could make this place their permanent man cave.

No way she says no to all of us. She loves us. Besides, Viv and Miss D will back us up.

I think I can persuade Alycia to give us a good word as well. We'll be golden.

Andrew scoffed good naturedly.

"In what universe? They'll want for watching the Bold and the Beautiful or some trash like that."

He tilted his head towards the ceiling.

"It's the women, man - they're just trying to stifle our primal urges. Like always."

He sat up.

"Wait a minute, did you say Alycia?!"

He saw Rich & X share a look, and Xavier revealed they had dinner.

No seriously. She is of course an incredible woman. But I don't own her. She is great to talk to and one could certainly find a worse person to buddy up with during times like these.

"Yeah, I'll bet you buddied up with her...but better you than me, mate. That girl can be cold. Just be sure you don't cross her."

 

[Millennia]

The Conservatory

They had more impressive falcons at the New York County Fair.

She shook that incompetent servant, and headed back inside to find Alek. She didn't care what tasks Helena had set out for him: her happiness was more important. She had paused outside the entrance to the conservatory, hearing familiar voices. How very interesting indeed. Alek passed her as he left without noticing her - to him she looked a statue, perfectly blending in with her surroundings and causing suspicion on his part.

Once he was gone, she sauntered inside, to find a dejected Persephone sitting on a bench.

"Trouble in paradise?"

She looked down at Persephone - both figuratively and literally.

"What did you expect, really? Someone like him...and someone like you?"

She let out a peal of lilting laughter.

"You really are a glutton for humiliation, though, aren't you? I mean, first you let a man fuck you AND your sister at the SAME TIME. Then he DUMPS you spectacularly. Ouch. Big sis better in the sack than you are? It's nice to know she's good at something - I mean, that debacle after the Blackout Party. I wasn't there, of course, but I heard all about her little tempter tantrum in Times Square. Word is she's botched every task Malice has given her. I mean, really, when you can't even kill a child when you shoot them in the back? That's pitiful. I'm surprised she's still alive, to be honest. But maybe she's too stupid for Malice to bother killing. But I'm sure the Six would be glad to put her out of her miserable, pathetic, existence..."

 

[Steel]

The Clocktower - 13th Floor

The boys all seemed pleased at their little group adventure, and he grinned broadly at their reactions.

"The keg stands, though..."

"Next time, Andrew, I'll get one just for you. And we'll tie your feet to the ceiling and leave you there all day."

He mussed Andrew's hair up for good measure. He told them why he'd brought them all together, for a little "guy time" away from the "forceful" women they worked with.

"Forceful. Yeah, good word."

He got two beers out of the fridge and handed one to Rich.

"Well, it's probably a word that less likely to get you killed, mate. You know I mean?"

John shrugged at him - what could they do?

Rich shared something with them about his mother, which from his earlier conversation with Rich he knew was incredibly significant.

If you ever need to talk, I got you. Losing a parent for any reason is terribly difficult.

John nodded.

"We're all here for you mate, that's what this team is. That's why we're all here, to be there for each other."

Rich asked Andrew about the footie.

"Champions League - Real v Juve. Liverpool got beat yesterday in the league. It was pitiful. I don't want to talk about it."

"You haven't shut UP about it since yesterday. Give it a rest, please, for all of our sakes."

"What are the chances we can get Zizi to signify this as our man cave?

"Excellent, if you can keep her from finding out about it."

Xavier mentioned Alycia, and the room erupted in hoots & catcalls.

Look, man. We had dinner. That's all. It was ju-

"Look at the new boy, chatting up the Amazon. Well played."

He grinned.

"Yeah, I'll bet you buddied up with her...but better you than me, mate. That girl can be cold. Just be sure you don't cross her."

He drink a long drink of his beer.

"Now I've known Alycia for a good while, and she is top class. But you have to treat her right, with respect, if you don't want the wrong side of those feminum bracelets."

 

[Persephone]

Bianca: "Trouble in paradise."

Persephone let out an exasperated sigh, her eyes lifting up as Bianca stood before her, looking down at her.

"I'm really not in the mood for your haughty bullshit, Bianca."

Bianca: "What did you expect, really? Someone like him...and someone like you?"

"As opposed to who? YOU?"

Persephone let out a laugh of her own.

Bianca: "You really are a glutton for humiliation, though, aren't you? I mean, first you let a man fuck you AND your sister at the SAME TIME. Then he DUMPS you spectacularly. Ouch. Big sis better in the sack than you are?"

Persephone gripped the bench tighter, trying to even out her breathing.

[through clenched teeth] "You really don't know when to stop, DO YOU."

But she continued.

Bianca: It's nice to know she's good at something - I mean, that debacle after the Blackout Party. I wasn't there, of course, but I heard all about her little tempter tantrum in Times Square. Word is she's botched every task Malice has given her. I mean, really, when you can't even kill a child when you shoot them in the back? That's pitiful."

"You talk a lot for someone who knows NOTHING. Need I remind you, Millennia? You're not APART of the Inner Circle. You're just an outsider trying so DESPERATELY to get in that you have to rely on gossip and shade to try and pave your way. How's that workin' for ya, huh?"

She shot back with venom, Persephone's patience but a hairs breath away from SNAPPING. But Bianca wouldn't let it go, and at this point the bench was starting to splinter from the sheer pressure of Persephone's grip. It was one thing to shoot insults at her and Alek, it was ANOTHER to talk about Haleigh and what she had been through within Hellfire when Bianca knew NOTHING but the bare bones of it all.

Bianca: "I'm surprised she's still alive, to be honest. But maybe she's too stupid for Malice to bother killing. But I'm sure the Six would be glad to put her out of her miserable, pathetic, existence..."

Persephone was DONE.

With one quick and swift motion, Persephone stood up and twisted Bianca's neck, SNAPPING it with a sickening crack. Her body fell to the floor motionless yet STILL alive. Persephone had broken the vertebra by the base of her neck, severing the spinal cord just enough to completely paralyze her from the neck down, yet NOT kill her. Oh no....she wanted to savor this moment. Enjoy watching Bianca struggle to breath....looking up with wide, terrified eyes. Know that there was absolutely NOTHING she could say or do.

Persephone casually took a seat back down on the bench, crossing her leg at the knee while propping her elbow on top of it. Resting her chin in the palm of her hand, she looked down at Bianca with raised eyebrows.

"What? No more witty remarks? No bitchy comments?"

Persephone smirked.

"Cat got your tongue?"

What a Hallmark moment this was. Persephone swayed her foot back and forth casually, her eyes scanning down Bianca's crippled body.

"I quite enjoy you like this actually....laying at my feet like the little insignificant creature that you are--A BLIP in this world who believes they are SO much more than they really are. How's reality hitting you sweetheart? Does it hurt?"

A low, sultry laugh came from deep within Persephone's throat as she cocked up an eyebrow, her eyes meeting with Bianca's.

"Maybe i'll keep you like this....alive but not quite. Like a little pet I can poke for fun."

Finally Persephone sat up, uncrossed her legs, and gently ran the toe of her nude Louboutins up the length of Bianca's arm, around her shoulder, and to her chest; the thin heel right above the hollow part of her throat.

"Then again...."

Persephone began to push the heel of her shoe into the tender skin.

"I do love crushing little BITCHES like you."

She growled viciously. Applying more pressure, the heel finally 'popped' through the skin of Bianca's neck as Persephone slowly pushed the heel of her shoe PAINFULLY deeper into the flesh; blood pouring out of the stab wound and pooling around Bianca's head. Persephone's eyes remained locked with Millennia's, unwavering and cold as the Rook watched her DROWN from her own blood. It wasn't until the pitiful gargling sounds of Bianca attempting to breath stopped, and her eyes became dull, that Persephone knew the bitch was finally dead.

Pulling her heel from deep within Bianca's neck, Persephone stood from the bench; her shoes surrounded by a pool of thick blood.

She smiled.

"A pleasure as always, Bianca."

Stepping over Bianca's body, Persephone walked down the pathway toward the conservatory exit; bloody shoe prints painting her way as she went.

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion

Damnit.

He should have said nothing. Exchanged only the vaguest of pleasantries with her. Kept his cool. He did have to work with her, after all.

He had kept his anger from boiling over, but it was still there, under the surface, as he listened to her talk as if they had shared nothing. All he had risked, and she so easily believed he had lied about everything. If she really loved him, she would have believed him.

He was halfway to the kitchen, where he was going to check in with some of his informants, when he turned and went back upstairs. He didn't owe her a god damn thing outside of the court, but she would do her duty to Helena and he was going to tell her so.

"Red ROOK!"

Alek growled her title as he stepped back into the Conservatory, but all was silence in reply. And then, he saw the body.

"Oh. Fuck. Me."

Bianca had clearly drowned in her own blood, her neck at an unnatural angle, before something pointed but not terribly sharp had been shoved through her throat. It didn't take a genius to figure out who the culprit was.

"Persephone, you are so lucky that Helena wants this woman dead more than she wants YOU dead," he mumbled under his breath.

"SHE'LL probably get a parade for this, and what did *I* get?"

He scooped up Bianca's body and carried it to the back elevator, which he took down to the VIP suite level. He knew where Bianca's room was and it was easy enough to get a servant to let him inside. He dumped her body unceremoniously on the bed.

"Get a case of that awful champagne she likes and have a bottle chilling for her."

He followed the servant out of the room, closing the door behind him. At least now he had a couple hours of peace.

 

[Rose]

The Secret Garden- The Sanctuary

<< It had been a long night. It was Jake's first night back home, and while this was a step forward, there were so many more for him to take. Rose would be with him every step of the way, but this road to recovery would not be without it's challenges.>>

<< The words of Alycia and Sharon, regarding Zach Armani briefly entered her mind, during one of Jake's crying jags. But no...she couldn't trust him. She couldn't count on him. He'd been neglectful before the night his souless, corrupt, would-be fiancee attacked this place and nearly killed Jake. He was too distracted. Too divided in his focus, and his loyalties, and Rose had no time for anyone who didn't know where their priorities lay.>>

<< Rae had been there, she helped Rose through the night with Jake, and that made things a little easier. The boy got SOME sleep.>>

<< Now it was morning.>>

<< The children would be waking soon, and would be hungry. Rose, in keeping with her schedule, was quite the early riser, and would have a light breakfast herself, usually eating while she prepared for the children so they'd have a nice, hot breakfast waiting for them.>>

<< Rose helped her, and for the first time in ages....>>

....Rae...I must admit, it's so nice, having extra help while Jake is settling back in.

Rae: Ah, think nothing of it, sweetheart! These little ones sometimes make me wonder if I missed my calling.

<< Rose smiled a bit. Rae was complex, but ultimately her soul rang TRUE to Rose, and the two had a bond that defied convention. Rose, despite her power and mystique, was like a surrogate to Rae, and now, more than ever, Rose needed that support, and so Rae was fine to stay with her for the time being.>>

My offer still stands, if you ever get tired of walking on the wild side, Rae. I have plenty of room here, and the children would love the arts that you could teach them.

<< As Rae laughed, and the women worked together in Rose's kitchen... Rose stopped...and looked up, almost frozen for a moment in time, as purple flare of energy, that looked like an "EEG signal" flared across, behind her head>>

Rae: Rose, darlin? what's wrong?

<< but she sensed it too and seconds later...>>

He arrived in front of the Sanctuary and walked cooly up to the door, banging on it in lieu of pressing the intercom button at first. He wanted to rattle the natives.

Nedry.

<< the both looked at each other>>

Rose: Rae, please call Alycia, ask her to come here straight away. I will confront Nedry directly.

Dennis Nedry roared for someone to get here now as he continued to knock and ring the intercom when he had an idea. When the older lady with the huge rack answered the intercom, he yelled.

Hi honey! I'm ho-ome!

<< The double doors open, and Rose stands before him, she's taller than him, looking down upon him, and her purple hair flows as she looks calm, yet cold at the same time.>>

Good morning, Mr. Nedry.

It is rather EARLY for a visit.

What can I do for you?

<< She stood there, not allowing him entry, and knowing that if he tried to push past her, Rae's "BLESSING" over the doorway would REPEL him the way sage repels an evil spirit.

 

[Oracle]

Gabe's Office

"If it's the place I think it is, it's on the top floor. Double the size of this one, same view. You'd love it. We'll have to go take a look. I'll call up my realtor and set up a time."

"We?"

She asked him. A warm feeling spread over her body - the fact that he wanted to include her in things, it was like this really was real. But the really real was about to come knocking, as Gabe asked if she had to go back to Clocktower, and she told him that she needed to finish her work for Alycia.

"Yeah, of course. Food should be here any minute, you can take it to go."

She reached over and grabbed his hand, rubbing the back of his with her thumb.

"I think I have time to eat before I go."

She smiled, wanting to reassure him that she would make time for him, even if it was just for breakfast. Zizi told him he was always welcome at the Clocktower, and that she wouldn't again suggest sneaking him into the building.

"I appreciate that, more than you know."

"Well, I think we snuck in and out of each other's rooms enough in high school to last a lifetime."

She could tell Gabe was uncomfortable about the conversation in general.

"I can help. You know...with the Nedry stuff? I won't acknowledge Zach if he starts something. I'll just zone in on the work until you get what you guys need."

She scoffed.

"If Zach starts something, I'll finish it."

But then her face softened.

"I don't want you to do anything you don't want to. It's not fair of me to put you in that position."