The Wrath of Rose

[Oracle]

The Courts - Conference Room

Zizi was just glad to hear Gabe's voice. After all that had happened the day before, and then today, and with Alycia...it allowed her to breathe.

"The systems are back up. I have live feeds up of the courthouse, Sanctuary, and outside Hellfire. I'll keep watch from here."

"Great job. I'll...I'll let you get back to it."

"Be careful over there. I got the com link open."

"You too. Bye."

Viv had popped out again, so that left just her and Sharon in the room, until she heard the door open and Steel waved as he returned. Just then, Ashley's panicked voice was in her ear.

[via com] "Steel, Oracle, Rose ATTACKED me when I tried to stop her going after Zach. He needs help - I don't know WHAT she'll do when she finds him!"

Steel: "Follow me."

He was off like a shot, with Sharon and Oracle on his heels, leading them towards where Jake was being held. Ashley came out of another hallway right in front of them.

[via com] "Oracle to Isis: Rose is going after Zach! He's at the..."

Steel [via com]: "The witness waiting room!"

[via com] "The witness waiting room. Please hurry!"

She knew Dominique could get to them FAST. Up ahead, she saw Rae slip into a room, but there was no time for greetings as they could hear Rose yelling. Ashley was already rushing inside.

"No, Ashley, WAIT! You have to be CALM!"

But she either didn't hear her or didn't want to.

Isis appeared at the doors, and the group moved inside. Zizi spoke to them in a low voice.

"Isis, be ready to get Jake out of here. Steel, Silver Swan, be ready to get between Zach and Rose."

Ashley was already standing in front of Zach.

"Ashley, don't...there's no need for this, please! Rose, we can discuss this calmly - there's no need for violence!"

 

[Recall]

The Courthouse

:: Oracle was on the phone with Gabe tied up for the moment, so Vivica decided to take a chance to go see exactly what was all of the controlled chaos she saw upon entering the courthouse. How could their possibly still be any tickets on the docket with the building seeming to fail itself. Slipping out of the room, her heels clacked against the floor quite lightly - a trick of the agent trade. Vivica could get anywhere, even in six foot heels and still surprise somebody from behind. ::

:: Lights flickered in the halls as she noticed a pool of water seeping out from underneath a restroom door as she went. There were papers all over the floor and she began to feel as if she was in the middle of a horror movie. Moving down the hall, she came to a more populated and curious area of the courthouse. Instinctively, she felt breath on her neck and she lifted her arm to elbow whoever it was behind her, but then there was nothing next to her. She turned around and almost ran dead smack into Xavier. She gasped loudly for a moment, her voice echoing throughout the hall. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment. ::

"Boy don't you come up on me light that again! Scared me half to death!"

:: She exhaled, relieved to have the speedster by her side. The two of them began to walk down a wing that held several court rooms. ::

"It's creepy in here," she noted, her eyes looking up and down, taking in the scene around her. Things were not necessarily adding up. ::

:: They rounded the corner towards the Family Court wing, and things seemed to be running normally despite the state of the rest of the building. ::

[leaning in to Xavier. She spoke lowly]

"What the fuck, Xav?"

:: Her brown eyes surveyed the area. This place was locked and stocked. There were a staggering amount of bailff's around, and they were not the kind she was used to seeing. They were armed to the brim, and they clearly had non standard issued equipment. Her eyes met the silver gaze of a power neturalizing collar and she immediately tensed up. She went into agent mode, hoping Xavier would play along with her. She cracked her neck back and forthe. ::

"Get away from me, Lucius! It's your reason we here in the first place! SHIT! Now where is Tai Tai?"

:: She shoved Xavier to the side and huffed forward. Vivica grabbed her phone and shot a text to Xavier, pretending to text to a friend. ::

>>The room is bugged and incredibly armed. Anti mutant weaponry. Need more information.

:: Not missing a beat, she shoved her phone in the bag and walked right up one of the bailiffs. ::

"This is family court, right?"

Bailiff: "Miss, please leave the area."

"Uh RUDE!"

:: He had a docket list. ::

"Look! I'm just looking for Courtroom 115! The sooner I get there, the sooner I never have to see that SORRY excuse of a man!"

:: Her mouth made a popping sound as she turns her head around. ::

"That's right! I'm talking about you!"

:: The man took not an exaggerated enough look at the docket list, so Vivica leaned in, somewhat maneuvering her eyes towards the list. ::

"Here I can check for your sir! It'll just take a second!"

"One docket."

:: And she was horrified with what she saw. There was only one case on the docket that hadn't been cancelled. Jake's case. The judge was a K. Shaw!. That COULDN'T be a coincidence. Vivica was now standing in the center of some HELLFIRE and she was just beginning to realize it. ::

Bailiff: "Miss! Step back!"

:: She HAD to be careful so she obliged. Plus, she had seen ENOUGH. She needed to contact Oracle, but HOW with all these people around? If she went to leave Xavier, FAST as he was, they could wrangle them somehow. She wasn't sure if Xavier was fully on board with her con. ::

"And now to get out of this area!"

:: Vivica SPUN around on her heels. ::

"Shit! You don't gotta yell! I see everything has been cancelled because this building ain't shit! I don't know how! I've certainly paid enough money to this damn system! I should be walking on hardfloor!"

:: As she spun and began to saunter her way back towards Xavier, trying to mentally signal him to be on alert in case he hadn't gotten out his phone, and she tapped in her live feed and sent it to Oracle's phone. If they were attacked, Oracle would know, but she was hoping her friend would figure out the absurdity of the situation a little bit faster. ::

"Come on, Lucius. You might be getting custody of our baby girl, but not today, Satan! Now buy the mother of your child a damn coffee will ya?"

:: With confidence and full commitment to her character, she put her arm in Xavier's and tried to walk a normal and non suspicious way out of the area so they could maybe get outside of put some distance between her. But the bailiff's were specifically standing in exit points that were just not normal to typical officers of the court. Things were about to get sticky. ::

[lowly]

"I know you go fast, Xav. But right now? We need to walk SLOW!"

 

[Rose]

Courthouse- Witness/Waiting room

<< Rose closed in on Zach, as they confronted each other, and she warned him that he would LEARN the error of his ways, and the FOLLY of defying her where her children were concerned.>>

<< Jake was crying.>>

Ashley heard shouting, and suddenly Steel was next to her. They burst into the witness waiting room.

Isis: << Looking at Rae, the two women hadn't met, but they understood who was priority just now>> The CHILD....

<< the two women nodded in agreement, as Isis holds her hands out, and Jake is enveloped in a golden sphere of light, and immediately teleported into her waiting arms. >>

Isis to Oracle: I will take him out of here. He does not need to see this. My magicks can calm him. You'll need RAE to help with Rose.

<< Isis strongly suspected that Ashley just made a BIG mistake, using that power of her's on ROSE, not because of "who's more powerful"....but there wasn't enough time for her to explain WHY. She disappeared with Jake in her arms, taking him down to the floor where Vivica and Xavier were.

Isis [ via com]: Recall, Your assistance is required.

<< Isis begins to comfort, soothe and reassure Jake>>

Isis: Shhhhh....hush now, little Jake. You're safe...

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

Ashley stepped between Rose and Zach. Her eyes blazed with anger, defiance.

"Don't you TOUCH him.

I'll do WORSE than touch him, and YOU!

Time for your meds, Sybil."

Ashley's face melted away to a skull with hollow eye sockets as she used her power on Rose.

"And now I've got my game face on."

<< Rose's glowing purple eyes widen for a moment. And we "ZOOM IN" on her transfixed expression in that moment.>>

<< FLASH!>>

Rose would feel despair, inadequacy, like she failed those children that died and was FAILING the ones still in her care. She wasn't fit to watch over them. She wasn't fit to watch over ANYBODY.

<< Rose stood there....and her hair began to flow UPWARD NOW, and that ambient sound associated wih her power grew louder.>>

<< But THIS time, Valkyrie made a VERY big mistake. When you attempt to take a person to a place of fear, and despire, and they've ALREADY BEEN THERE!? That fear, and despair is what was RESPONSIBLE for the DEVIL CARD showing up in not one...but THREE of Rose's tarot readings on herself. That Fear and despair is what has been PUSHING her from the "soul power" to the "PSYCHO POWER.">>

I....DID fail...those children.

<< she said, as she trembled and shook her head, and then BLACK tears fell from her glowing eyes as she shut them tightly, leading Ashley to believe she was BUCKLING under her attack, until, a "POWERING UP" sound was heard, and her eyes snapped open, and this time, they were glowing WHITE..>>

I DID FAIL...my children...my PARENTS.

I AM forever misunderstood, forever LOST....

I AM....

<< Rae would GASP when she heard this>>

THE UNLOVED

<< the malevolent psionic entity that had killed Rose's adoptive parents, the same one SHE fought, and DESTROYED several square miles around her home during that battle. Rae THOUGHT she had SEALED "The unloved" in the ENDLESS layers of the astral plane. But NOW she realized, IT was INSIDE of her...and all these tragedies that had befallen her, ALL these brutal traumas, setbacks, LETDOWNS, BETRAYALS, had CHIPPED AWAY at the HEFTY psychic barriers Rose had used to CHAIN the the "unloved" to the deepest, DARKEST, must UNCONSCIOUS recesses of her soul. Rae had TRIED to warn Zach, Alycia, and Sharon about this two days ago...>>

<< but NOW? those restraints had worn away, with each loss...they'd been weakened...and after the events from the Purifierrs till THIS MOMENT? they were all but SHATTERED, and ASHLEY just stepped into a HORNET'S nest!>>

FOOL! WEAK, AND PATHETIC OUTCAST FROM ASGARD!

<< ROSE shouted with a mix of laughter and contempt>>

I have DRANK DEEPLY from the well of FEAR AND LOSS, the likes of which you wouldn't BEGIN to comprehend. BUT NOW that you've TOUCHED ME with YOUR soul? I will TOUCH YOU BACK, and I WILL SHOW YOU what REAL FEAR IS.

THE TRUTH!

<< and in THAT moment, THEIR confrontation was no longer in the physical realm it was NOW happening on the astral plane>>

<<FLASH!>>

<< ASHLEY was somewhere she'd never been before, and she saw Rose's face, her astral form, which NOW looked like the starry cosmos itself as she looked upon her, as ROSE DRAGGED her "SOUL" across the astral plane, spreading her consciousness across it's expanse, FORCING her to feel and "SEE" what was IMPOSSIBLE for any "HEAD BLIND" person to understand. This wasn't a classic TELEPATHIC attack, so her psi screen was of NO protection, this was ROSE beginning to do to ASHLEY what she'd done to HALEIGH.>>


<< Ashley's astral form was now being confronted by Rose's on the ASTRAL PLANE itself>>

THIS level of awareness is NOT for you, little one. But I will make SURE to SPREAD you across the astral plane, and all that will remain of you HERE in the physical ream, is a MINDLESS SHELL.

<< All that Steel, Oracle, and the others could SEE in that ROOM, was Ashley and Rose standing there, staring at each other. The words that Rose said, were NOT heard by anyone, but RAE could "hear" them. only SHE knew that Valkyrie's very LIFE was in danger now.>>

<< If this fight continued, Valkyrie would be left catatonic, and Rose would lose her sense of self, becoming in FACT what she believes she is..BECOMING the creature she had given up so much to drive away all those years ago!>>

<< Rae quickly cut off Steel, going RIGHT to Rose, and cupping her face with her hands

 

[Steel]

The Courts - Conference Room

Steel had found where they were holding Jake, and some other info about what was going on, and had returned to the room where Sharon and Zizi were waiting. He opened the door, and put up his hand in a wave. Before he could even come all the way in, Ashley was on the com, telling them that Rose was going after Zach.

There was only one reason he could think of that that would be happening right now. He looked at Sharon & Zizi, already on his way back out the door.

"Follow me."

They ran to the witness waiting room, and Isis suddenly appeared outside the doors, which STILL startled him. Ash was already inside, and she was probably doing something stupid. They had to get in there.

He pushed open the door, and Zizi whispered to them as she came in behind him.

"Isis, be ready to get Jake out of here. Steel, Silver Swan, be ready to get between Zach and Rose."

He nodded, flexing his hands as his body melted into organic steel.

Zizi pleaded for calm, but Rose looked anything but, and Ashley was already using her powers.

"Stop it, Valkyrie! That is an order! Rose is not the enemy!"

The boy was crying.

"Rose, come on, don't do this, not in front of Jake."

Isis thankfully took the boy out of the room, then - he didn't need to see this. It occurred to Steel how strange the juxtaposition was in Isis: her cold exterior and the way she cared about children, the weak.

Steel could hear the strange sound of Rose's power signature, see her hair flowing unnaturally, black tears falling from her eyes. Shit was going down, and he needed to stop it.

"Ashley, please, don't do this to her...she's suffered enough..."

He had seen what she could do, what she could reduce people to. Rose, no matter how misguided her feelings about Zach, didn't deserve that.

I....DID fail...those children. I DID FAIL...my children...my PARENTS. I AM forever misunderstood, forever LOST.... I AM....THE UNLOVED

"That's not true, Rose - we've all seen how your children love you!"

He didn't get it, but he didn't know that.

FOOL! WEAK, AND PATHETIC OUTCAST FROM ASGARD! I have DRANK DEEPLY from the well of FEAR AND LOSS, the likes of which you wouldn't BEGIN to comprehend. BUT NOW that you've TOUCHED ME with YOUR soul? I will TOUCH YOU BACK, and I WILL SHOW YOU what REAL FEAR IS. THE TRUTH!

And then both Rose and Ashley were silent. They stood there, facing each other like tin soldiers, not moving, not speaking.

"Something's wrong..."

 

[Millennia]

The Courts - Office

Alycia jumped when she saw her. Bianca chuckled. That never got old.

How did YOU get in here!? How did you get past ISIS?

"That has been? A PARADE could get by her."

The Six NEVER should have let you live, and if you've come here to attack me? You'll find that I'm MORE than willing, AND ABLE to stop you.

Bianca reached into her bag.

STOP RIGHT THERE!

She pulled out a file folder.

"Lay off the coke, it's making you jumpy."

She rolled her eyes, seeing Alycia pull out her lasso again. Talk about one trick pony. And Bianca had a stable full of thoroughbreds.

Bianca told her what was in the file, what could be hers - as long as Ava Cassadine died for it.

Consider it done.

A devilish smile spread over Bianca's face.

"Well, then, we all got what we came for."

Bianca's eyes hardened again.

"And don't try to cheat me - mark my words, you will regret it."

Alycia GRABBED Bianca's wrist.

"Unhand me!"

Alycia loosened her grip as Bianca looked at her wild eyed.

I may have misjudged you, Bianca. But I am not above rectifying my mistakes, AND establishing new lines. How would you like a LUCRATIVE "side gig"...as an "consultant? THINK about it. I guarantee it will be WORTH your while.

Bianca held her gaze for a long moment. She reached into her bag again, pulling out a business card.

"My assistant will know how to get a hold of me. Give me the particulars, and we'll see if you can make it worth my while."

We'll be in touch.

Bianca nodded, slipping away the direction she had come from, exiting the building unseen. David opened her car door for her and she slid in, he coming around to the other side and getting in next to her.

"We'll see if she delivers...and if not...then we get to have some fun with her."

She slid a pair of oversized sunglasses onto her face and watched the buildings pass by outside of the car window.

"You will accompany me to the Mansion."

She didn't look at him as she spoke. But the Bear had been acting strangely, and in the event that he didn't show, she needed a backup...at least to tide her over.

 

[Silver Swan]

Courthouse- victim waiting room

Viv had popped out again, so that left just her and Sharon in the room,

Oracle....there's something terribly wrong....about ALL of this. The things I'm hearing...

::Oracle knew that Sharon had a level of hearing beyond any human, even a meta or a mutant::

...all around this courthouse...

until she heard the door open and Steel waved as he returned.

Steel had found where they were holding Jake, and some other info about what was going on, and had returned to the room where Sharon and Zizi were waiting. He opened the door, and put up his hand in a wave. Before he could even come all the way in, Ashley was on the com, telling them that Rose was going after Zach.

There was only one reason he could think of that that would be happening right now. He looked at Sharon & Zizi, already on his way back out the door.

"Follow me."

[ Sharon silently prayed to Athena that Rose would NOT kill Zach, ESPECIALLY not in front of JAKE! How could this all be spiraling out of control so FAST!?]

[ They are soon joined by ISIS, and they reach the waiting room]

Isis appeared at the doors, and the group moved inside. Zizi spoke to them in a low voice.

"Isis, be ready to get Jake out of here. Steel, Silver Swan, be ready to get between Zach and Rose."

Yes.

[ Would She have to PROTECT Zach from ROSE!? This was AWFUL...BOTH of them were important to her! Beyond that...what if she COULDN'T protect him from the kinds of ATTACKS that Rose could deliver? She and Alycia did not full know the scope of Rose's powers, no one did really, and that was UNDERSCORED by what RAE had told them. ]

[ There was shouting, and Valkyrie was already inside, standing her ground against Rose to defend Zach. ]

[ Sharon's silver eyes darted over to Isis and Rae, who were already on getting JAKE out of harms way. Isis thankfully took him AWAY from all of this.]

Good

[ NOW for the problem at hand!]

Zach...please...DON'T provoke her any further.

[ She WAS deeply disappointed in him that he went against her warning regarding Rose and the ban, BUT...she understand his HEART was in the right place, where Jake was concerned. Still...there was so much at STAKE, WHY did he do it this way!?]

Ashley was already standing in front of Zach.

"Ashley, don't...there's no need for this, please! Rose, we can discuss this calmly - there's no need for violence!"

DON'T antagonize her...you don't know what she can do!

[ She MEANT that as a GENUINE warning to Valkyrie...but it fell on deaf ears]

Steel could hear the strange sound of Rose's power signature, see her hair flowing unnaturally, black tears falling from her eyes. Shit was going down, and he needed to stop it.

[ She looked at Oracle]

We may be too late...

[ Valkyrie attacked Rose]

"Ashley, please, don't do this to her...she's suffered enough..."

He had seen what she could do, what she could reduce people to. Rose, no matter how misguided her feelings about Zach, didn't deserve that.

Oracle...this is a MISTAKE!

[ And it began to happen, Rose appeared to be buckling under Valkyrie's attack, and Sharon was getting upset.]

This is WRONG!

[ She looked at Zach]

WHY didn't you LISTEN TO ME!?

How many times are you all going to act like what Rose wants or feels DOESN'T MATTER!?

I....DID fail...those children.

<< she said, as she trembled and shook her head, and then BLACK tears fell from her glowing eyes as she shut them tightly, leading Ashley to believe she was BUCKLING under her attack, until, a "POWERING UP" sound was heard, and her eyes snapped open, and this time, they were glowing WHITE..>>

I DID FAIL...my children...my PARENTS.

I AM forever misunderstood, forever LOST....

I AM....

<< Rae would GASP when she heard this>>

THE UNLOVED

::GASP!::

"That's not true, Rose - we've all seen how your children love you!"

He didn't get it, but he didn't know that.

:: Sharon moved further up, now beside Steel::

FOOL! WEAK, AND PATHETIC OUTCAST FROM ASGARD!

<< ROSE shouted with a mix of laughter and contempt>>

I have DRANK DEEPLY from the well of FEAR AND LOSS, the likes of which you wouldn't BEGIN to comprehend. BUT NOW that you've TOUCHED ME with YOUR soul? I will TOUCH YOU BACK, and I WILL SHOW YOU what REAL FEAR IS.

THE TRUTH!

:: and then....nothing FURTHER happened, at least not in the physical sense::

And then both Rose and Ashley were silent. They stood there, facing each other like tin soldiers, not moving, not speaking.

"Something's wrong..."

:: Sharon stared at Rose intently::

Steel, Rose is an omega level psi, I won't pretend that I know ALL of what that means...but I can tell you THIS is DEFINITELY not good.

And there is precious LITTLE that WE can do with our PHYSICAL powers.

:: She looked at Oracle ::

But...

:: She HATED the idea but...::

My sonic scream...it's an anethma to psychics of all varieties.

It would be enough to JAR BOTH OF THEM out of ...whatever it is they're doing to each other now.

But I warn you...all of you will be hurt by it as well.

:: She didn't want to use her sonic power on Rose, and truth be told...there was the strong possibility that once Rose and Ashley recovererd, Rose might RETALIATE.. HOW did things DECLINE so far!?::

 

[Jezebel]

The Courthouse

:: Rae was getting nervous and feeling pissed. She REALLY wanted a cigarette, and ironically, she was in the very setting in which her right to smoke wherever she goddamn pleased was taken away. She stared at her reflection in the window, appearing to be fussing with a few longer strands of her hair, but she was in fact in a deep state of prayer. As a mystic and true conduit, Rae was able to reach a connection with the divine spirit of the universe in a way that very few on Earth could. She could meditate deeply anywhere - on a tour bus, in her apartment, in the middle of rush hour traffic. It was during meditation that she had all her best ideas, could communicate with her guides and bring her channeling ability to a much higher frequency. In a sense she was opening her mind, and reaching out to a pantheon that she was deeply connected to - The Archangels. ::

:: To a passer by, or to Rose or Ashley, she would just appear a bit pensive, or thoughtful. In reality, she was channeling the divine energy of The Archangel Michael, praying to him for guidance and protection for the coming hearing. All around her, she saw an ethereal red haze as she was wrapped in the invisible cloak of the angel, feeling his presence at her side. She spoke in her own mind, in the ancient language of Aramaic. ::

"Bless her. Keep her under your wings. Trust me to wield the weight of your sword, Michael."

:: She was foul mouthed. And peripheral glance said that she had loose morals, but Rae was a deeply spiritual woman, it was just a very private and intimate practice for her. Her personality was the perfect armor to do what she was called to do, and she was very good at what she did. ::

Rose: "Alycia is here!"

:: Rae snapped back into the room as it came into clearer focus, her head snapping towards Rose. Immediately Rae saw a flash of Alycia, her hands up to her elbows were covered in mud. Three chess pieces on a board, also covered in mud. And then despite not being able to really articulate it - she saw a woman that she couldn't see. She knew it was a woman, but her visage was slippery, unable to be seen. Everytime Rae tried to focus on the image, she lost it. ::

"Something is definitely up with Ally McBeal."

"Good!"

Rose: "I was beginning to worry."

"You and me both."

:: Rae saw him in her mind before Rose spoke the words and she immediately stood at attention and on guard. ::

"Rose! Please--"

Rose: "ZACH ARMANI!"

Valkyrie: "Slow your roll there, purple hair. John wants you to stay here!"

:: Ashley lunged for Rose's arm but Rose slipped through it. ::

Rose: AWAY from me, wayward shield maiden!"

"Give her space, Brunhilda!"

Valkyrie: "Come on, for once, can you NOT be a pain in my ass?"

"You know the answer to that is no Ashley, so back off and let me handle this!"

:: And she was GONE...right after she PSYCHO blasted Ashley across the room. ::

"Eh. She looks pretty durable."

:: Rae chased after her, her feelings mixed. She had read Zach's aura. Seen a lot about that man and how criminally good of a person he was. Saw how he was with Jake. Zach loved that boy and Rose was reacting out of fear, like a mama lioness protecting her cubs. She wasn't thinking clearly and though she had experienced trauma as of late, it just wasn't LIKE her! Rose could ALWAYS bounce back. The things she had endured had been just as bad as this. It was what drew Rae to Rose..the strength of her SOUL was so strong..and fortuous. Something was wrong. Doing the cross over her face and shoulders she charged forward. ::

Rose: "ZACH ARMANI! MOVE AWAY FROM MY CHILD!"

"Dammit Rose! You calm down this instant!"

Rose: "I made it CLEAR, that if you VIOLATED my ban, I would take it as an act of AGGRESSION and RESPOND ACCORDINGLY!"

"Zachary. Please, just get out of here now!"

Rose: "I have had ENOUGH of you, and EVERYONE ELSE violating my wishes, doing what YOU want, without thought to the consequences. You will REGRET THIS!"

Ashley: "Don't you TOUCH him. Time for your meds, Sybil!"

:: Rae took a more aggressive stance. ::

"This is WAY above your pay grade, little girl! Stand down!"

"Oh NO!"

I....DID fail...those children.

<< she said, as she trembled and shook her head, and then BLACK tears fell from her glowing eyes as she shut them tightly, leading Ashley to believe she was BUCKLING under her attack, until, a "POWERING UP" sound was heard, and her eyes snapped open, and this time, they were glowing WHITE..>>

I DID FAIL...my children...my PARENTS.

I AM forever misunderstood, forever LOST....

I AM....

<< Rae would GASP when she heard this>>

THE UNLOVED

<< the malevolent psionic entity that had killed Rose's adoptive parents, the same one SHE fought, and DESTROYED several square miles around her home during that battle. Rae THOUGHT she had SEALED "The unloved" in the ENDLESS layers of the astral plane. But NOW she realized, IT was INSIDE of her...and all these tragedies that had befallen her, ALL these brutal traumas, setbacks, LETDOWNS, BETRAYALS, had CHIPPED AWAY at the HEFTY psychic barriers Rose had used to CHAIN the the "unloved" to the deepest, DARKEST, must UNCONSCIOUS recesses of her soul. Rae had TRIED to warn Zach, Alycia, and Sharon about this two days ago...>>

"Evacuate this courthouse right damn now! Get them OUT of here!"

Sharon: "My sonic scream...it's an anethma to psychics of all varieties. I would be enough to JAR BOTH OF THEM out of...whatever it is they're doing to each other now. But I warn you, all of you will be hurt by it as well."

"Sharon, no! You scream and I'm out! And I'm one of the only people that stop what is about to be unleashed. CLEAR. THE. BUILDING!"

:: They didn't get the severity of this situation. The Unloved having access to the power of ROSE!?! It was unspeakable the damage this entity could do to Earth! They hadn't been getting it this whole time, and now, if Rae didn't act QUICKLY, they would SUFFER FOR IT! ::

:: Slipping into her immediate deep meditative trance, her head nodded for a moment, hoping she could get in and out of the astral plane quickly enough. It was a gamble. ::

:: She manifested on the Astral Plane. ::

I have DRANK DEEPLY from the well of FEAR AND LOSS, the likes of which you wouldn't BEGIN to comprehend. BUT NOW that you've TOUCHED ME with YOUR soul? I will TOUCH YOU BACK, and I WILL SHOW YOU what REAL FEAR IS.

THE TRUTH!

<< and in THAT moment, THEIR confrontation was no longer in the physical realm it was NOW happening on the astral plane>>

<<FLASH!>>

<< ASHLEY was somewhere she'd never been before, and she saw Rose's face, her astral form, which NOW looked like the starry cosmos itself as she looked upon her, as ROSE DRAGGED her "SOUL" across the astral plane, spreading her consciousness across it's expanse, FORCING her to feel and "SEE" what was IMPOSSIBLE for any "HEAD BLIND" person to understand. This wasn't a classic TELEPATHIC attack, so her psi screen was of NO protection, this was ROSE beginning to do to ASHLEY what she'd done to HALEIGH.>>


<< Ashley's astral form was now being confronted by Rose's on the ASTRAL PLANE itself>>

THIS level of awareness is NOT for you, little one. But I will make SURE to SPREAD you across the astral plane, and all that will remain of you HERE in the physical ream, is a MINDLESS SHELL.

<< All that Steel, Oracle, and the others could SEE in that ROOM, was Ashley and Rose standing there, staring at each other. The words that Rose said, were NOT heard by anyone, but RAE could "hear" them. only SHE knew that Valkyrie's very LIFE was in danger now.>>

<< If this fight continued, Valkyrie would be left catatonic, and Rose would lose her sense of self, becoming in FACT what she believes she is..BECOMING the creature she had given up so much to drive away all those years ago!>>

<< Rae quickly cut off Steel, going RIGHT to Rose, and cupping her face with her hands

:: Like most true conduit and psychics, Rae's powers were magnified on The Astral Plane. She saw the confrontation in front of her as Rose pulsated in violent white and violet energy all around her. Rae could SENSE IT. She could FEEL The Unloved creeping EVER closer, following the "chain" of his voice towards it's origin. Her eyes widened in HORROR. To be able to capacitate an entity like this? Something far deeper and VOLITALE than MOST of what Rae her self had sent back to HELL or THE UNDERWORLD?! It was a true testament to Rose's power. ::

"YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!"

:: She peered at Rose's deadly and ethereal form. ::

"ROSE! You MUST find your STRENGTH! Your BALANCE!"

:: Rae regretted not warning Ashley more formally, but she also knew Ashley wouldn't have cared. This was horrible. And she was all alone. ::

"There's no time!"

:: The wind billowed through her hair as she edged closer. Casting her hands out she called out to her power, igniting a prayer in the air. ::

"Leader of The Army! Faithful WARRIOR! Lend me your STRENGTH!"

:: A CRACKING sound could be heard as a divine energy could be seeen coursing around Rae's ENTIRE left arm, swirling and crackling with a blinding holy white light, as an INCREDIBLY large and swirling sword appeared in Rae's hand - It was The Flaming Sword of The Archangel Michael, and Rae was about to use it to CUT ties from The Unloved to Rose. It was the only way, and it was a last resort. She was using her power to send visions to Rose, to remind her of who she was and what she had gone through, of how Rae HELPED her find herself after she did what she had done, and how Rae was here NOW. But if Rose couldn't get it together, she would have to strike the chain that tied The Unloved and Rose together. And it didn't look like Rose was getting it. Rae shook her head. ::

"Here's to a little bit of divine intervention!"

:: Rae brought the GIANT sword over her bed, it's ethereal and BEAUTIFUL crackling blade sparkling like a beacon amongst the astral plane, and she brought it down...HARD. ::

 

[Tachyon]

Xavier was walking the courthouse noiselessly, the epitome of light on his feet. He turned a corner and saw a beautiful woman with a very nice ass in a killer outfit snooping around. He knew who it was and while things were serious, he would not hesitate to take this moment to mess with his momentary quarry.

Instinctively, she felt breath on her neck and she lifted her arm to elbow whoever it was behind her, but then there was nothing next to her. She turned around and almost ran dead smack into Xavier. She gasped loudly for a moment, her voice echoing throughout the hall. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment. ::

"Boy don't you come up on me light that again! Scared me half to death!"

You almost tore your shoulder out of socket with that flip at me. You be careful before you hurt someone.

Xavier chuckled, his British lilt bouncing off the walls of the hallway. He quieted though, as it was obvious that Viv smelled a rat. He followed her lead down the hallway.

"It's creepy in here," she noted, her eyes looking up and down, taking in the scene around her. Things were not necessarily adding up. ::

:: They rounded the corner towards the Family Court wing, and things seemed to be running normally despite the state of the rest of the building. ::

[leaning in to Xavier. She spoke lowly]

"What the fuck, Xav?"

:: Her brown eyes surveyed the area. This place was locked and stocked. There were a staggering amount of bailff's around, and they were not the kind she was used to seeing. They were armed to the brim, and they clearly had non standard issued equipment. Her eyes met the silver gaze of a power neturalizing collar and she immediately tensed up. She went into agent mode, hoping Xavier would play along with her. She cracked her neck back and forthe. ::

"Get away from me, Lucius! It's your reason we here in the first place! SHIT! Now where is Tai Tai?"

:: She shoved Xavier to the side and huffed forward. Vivica grabbed her phone and shot a text to Xavier, pretending to text to a friend. ::

>>The room is bugged and incredibly armed. Anti mutant weaponry. Need more information.

She would hear him back her play, his British accent completely subjugated but sounding curiously like Leonard Washington from The Chappelle Show.

Bitch, how you gonna text the side dude while I am rightchea?! You wrong for that shawty. Now tell me where I go to get rid of yo ass. And I can text me somebody too. See?!

Xavier reads the message and pretends to type as he does so. Now to back her play. He walks up to a 'bailiff' by the door.

Hey player! Where is the smoking section. You got a menthol I can get hold of?

Bailiff: Sir, please step away!

Aight fine! You see she got me strest. You could at least be cordial.

Xavier was not simply a speedster. He was a speedster, thief, escapist and occult tracker. His life depended on assessing environments and he could tell with a cursory glance that they needed to get out of here. He could take them but he could NOT guarantee Viv's safety in the meantime. He was inwardly relieved when she came back by him.

"Shit! You don't gotta yell! I see everything has been cancelled because this building ain't shit! I don't know how! I've certainly paid enough money to this damn system! I should be walking on hardfloor!"

:: As she spun and began to saunter her way back towards Xavier, trying to mentally signal him to be on alert in case he hadn't gotten out his phone, and she tapped in her live feed and sent it to Oracle's phone. If they were attacked, Oracle would know, but she was hoping her friend would figure out the absurdity of the situation a little bit faster. ::

"Come on, Lucius. You might be getting custody of our baby girl, but not today, Satan! Now buy the mother of your child a damn coffee will ya?"

You mean I got offa work for this shit here?! Girl, you gonna do more than drink coffee when I getchu outta here. Aint no way you taking this outfit and perfume I bought you and my money you just fucked up back to that ole ashy dude you messing with now.

:: With confidence and full commitment to her character, she put her arm in Xavier's and tried to walk a normal and non suspicious way out of the area so they could maybe get outside of put some distance between her. But the bailiff's were specifically standing in exit points that were just not normal to typical officers of the court. Things were about to get sticky. ::

[lowly]

"I know you go fast, Xav. But right now? We need to walk SLOW!"

Xavier smelled her neck, making a noise as if he were reminiscing. He whispered back.

We go slow but if you need me to get us out of here FAST, you hug me and hold on tight. Take point.

Arm in arm the really ghetto ex-couple couple walk to the back of the courtroom and prepare to exit...

 

[Orion]

The Courthouse -- Witness Waiting Room

The replies came back rapidly.

From Ashley >> We're here. I'm in a conference room with Rose and Rae. Kill me now.
From Ashley>> Are you alright?!!!
From Ashley>> I miss you.

Zach smiled at his phone, a little warm fuzzy feeling taking over. His thumbs moved on muscle memory.

To Ashley>> Yikes, how mad is she??
To Ashley>> Haleigh didn't even TRY to hurt me.
To Ashley>> I'll tell you what happened when I see you.
To Ashley>> I miss you more!

And what symbols make up the little heart? Oh, yeah.

To Ashley>> <3

Oracle>>Birds, this is Oracle. Steel has achieved Rose's release, and we are now at the courthouse with Charope. Little Jake is here - they are going to put him through a family court hearing. Orion, are you alright?

Zach turned a little bit away from Jake so he could answer.

"I'm okay, I'm here with Jake. Black Widow--"

He started, intending to explain the encounter, but he stopped. He felt Jake's sudden return of apprehension, and turned back to face the boy. Jake was staring at him with wide, frightened eyes. The Rubik's cube was in his hands, already solved. Zach did a double take at that, but then Jake spoke.

Jake: Black Widow attacked. She hurt me.

He said, in a small voice. Zach, already heartsick, reached for the boy's shoulder, and pulled more anxiety out. With bloodshot, tear-filled eyes, and a hoarse voice, Zach consoled Jake best he could.

"I know she did, buddy, and I am SO sorry, but you're safe now. I won't let her hurt you again, okay?"

He promised, made absolutely miserable by the pain the boy was in. Just then, the door swung open.

Rose: ZACH ARMANI! MOVE AWAY FROM MY CHILD!

Zach turned slowly to look over his shoulder at Rose, his ears ringing, the tears falling.

Rose: Didn't Alycia and Sharon communicate to you that you are to have NO CONTACT with Jake, or ANY OF MY OTHER CHILDREN!?

Zach considered playing dumb, and pretending he had no idea what she was talking about. He tried deescalation first.

"Rose, now, let's talk about this--"

Rose: I made it CLEAR, that if you VIOLATED my ban, I would take it as an act of AGGRESSION, and RESPOND ACCORDINGLY.

"An act of aggression?!"

Rae: Zachary. Please, just get out of here now!

"NO. I'm not leaving Jake."

He said stubbornly.

Rose: I have had ENOUGH of you, and EVERYONE ELSE violating my wishes, doing what YOU want, without thought to the consequences. You will REGRET THIS!

She looked terrifying, with wild hair, and glowing eyes. He started draining her anger as quickly as he could, but there was another concern demanding his attention. Jake was slipping deeper into anxiety quickly.

"Rose, stop, you're scaring Jake."

He calmly replied, and then he stopped looking back over his shoulder at her, and turned to Jake.

"Hey, it's okay buddy, Miss Rose is just upset--"

Ashley dashed in between Zach and Rose, providing a buffer. Zach left his chair and knelt in front of a crying Jake, his heart breaking for the boy. Hadn't Jake been through ENOUGH already? He put a hand on each of Jake's shoulders, and comforted him empathically.

WHY isn't Rose putting JAKE'S well-being before her own 'wishes'?!

He thought angrily. And her behavior right now just VERIFIED his 'non compos mentis' assessment. Zach continued to reassure Jake as Rose and Ash went back and forth. John and Zizi joined in too. Everyone was trying to get Ashley to stop, didn't they understand ROSE was the one who was out of control right now?

Jake disappeared from Zach's grasp in an orb of light. He was taken away by Dominique, who was replaced in the room by Sharon, who eventually turned her frustration on Zach. He slowly got to his feet, inhaling sharply through his nose to clear his sinuses as he wiped his eyes dry.

Sharon: WHY didn't you LISTEN TO ME!?

"I did, for as long as I could. Now it's time we stopped placating Rose, she needs help."

He replied, with an expression that said 'she needs MENTAL help.'

Sharon: How many times are you all going to act like what Rose wants or feels DOESN'T MATTER!?

"You know what MATTERS?! The safety of the children at the Sanctuary. You mean to tell me the change in her power signature -- her decision-making -- her behavior lately DOESN'T ALARM YOU?!"

He asked, gesturing towards Rose. It was that moment that he realized she was doing something horrible to Ashley. He called her name but she seemed rooted to the spot, her dark eyes locked with Rose's glowing glare. He rushed to her side, his hand on the small of her back, offering her the best emotional support he was capable of providing.

"Ash? Ash, snap out of it."

He tried, because there were no other words to think of. He had no idea what Rose was doing to her, but he knew it was hurting her.

Rae: Evacuate this courthouse right damn now! Get them OUT of here!

"What's happening??"

He asked with rising alarm.

Sharon: My sonic scream...it's an anethma to psychics of all varieties. I would be enough to JAR BOTH OF THEM out of...whatever it is they're doing to each other now. But I warn you, all of you will be hurt by it as well.

Rae: Sharon, no! You scream and I'm out! And I'm one of the only people that stop what is about to be unleashed. CLEAR. THE. BUILDING!

"I'm not leaving Ash."

He said in a tone that brooked no argument. Then Rae's expression went blank, and she said nothing else.

"What's happening??"

He asked again, but no one seemed to have the answer.

 

[Rose]

The astral plane

<< The astral plane was a place beyond imagination and description really. Psychics of many varieties, and magick users traveled through this realm, some better than others, and some beings had better command over their astral forms than others. Then there were people like Malice, who was a MEGA SHARK in the vast, and endless "ocean....and then, there was ROSE, a woman who warranted pause from the likes of even Ravena and Talisman! >>

<< She was an astral energy manipulator, able to tap into the very essence and power of the astral plane itself, and while Malice preyed on people's minds and emotional cores, Rose TYPICALLY sensed, nurtured, and PROTECTED SOULS. But when necessary, or when CROSSED, she could do...OTHER things. Ravena and Talisman were RIGHT in their warnings to Malice. Rose was something ALL TOGETHER different, and NOW, Valkyrie was finding that out in the most terrifying way!>>

<< Rose's astral form had LATCHED on to Valkyrie's, gripping her wrists, and forcing her to her knees, while PULLING, TWISTING, AND SPREDING her soul across the infinite expanse of thee astral plane!>>

<< Valkyrie was seeing/experiencing/FEELING things that she was NEVER meant to.>>

YOU PUNY, INSIGNIFICANT, FOOL!

BEHOLD THE TRUTH!

FEEL WHAT IT IS TO BE EVERYWHERE AND NOWHERE, TO BE UNLOVED!

Enjoy this trip! You WON'T be coming from it!

When I'm finished with YOU? ALL that will be left of you in the physical world is a MINDLESS SHELL, your consciousness, your SOUL will be scattered SO FAR in SO MANY DIFFERENT directions, you won't KNOW ANYTHING!

<< Behind every BEAUTIFUL FACADE, there was something DARK, UTTERLY BLACK, and TERRIFYING. Valkyrie used HER hidden darkness to SCARE, and to CRIPPLED her foes with doubt, grief, guilt. ROSE kept her trauma, her sadness, her TRUTH HIDDEN, LOCKED AWAY...but TODAY? She would SHOW Valkyrie that TRUTH is more terrifying than FEAR. >>

<< She would...>>

"YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!"

:: She peered at Rose's deadly and ethereal form. ::

WHO DARES!?

"ROSE! You MUST find your STRENGTH! Your BALANCE!"

:: Rae regretted not warning Ashley more formally, but she also knew Ashley wouldn't have cared. This was horrible. And she was all alone. ::

"There's no time!"

:: The wind billowed through her hair as she edged closer. Casting her hands out she called out to her power, igniting a prayer in the air. ::

"Leader of The Army! Faithful WARRIOR! Lend me your STRENGTH!"

<< Rose (in her "alter ego" of the Unloved) COULD have blown Rae AWAY, but she was so STARTLED by her presence, which gave Rose's TRUE SELF (WEARY as she was) the moment, the ROOM she needed to ASSERT herself, FIGHTING AGAINST this dark and TERRIBLE part that had asserted itself in a moment of weakness. Rae saw the FAINTEST flicker of the PURPLE power signature- SOUL POWER, circling around Rose's terrifying astral form. It caused "The Unloved" to FALTER long enough for...>>

"Here's to a little bit of divine intervention!"

:: Rae brought the GIANT sword over her bed, it's ethereal and BEAUTIFUL crackling blade sparkling like a beacon amongst the astral plane, and she brought it down...HARD. ::

<< CRASH!>>

<< that beautiful, but TERRIBLE swift STRIKE of Rae's sword STRUCK DOWN, and inthe midst of the thunderous CRAASH, the SCREAM that was heard was not of ROSE, but this OTHER thing...this "UNLOVED!">>

<< In one BLINDING MOMENT, and with a reveberation that ANY psi/psychic, no matter level or power set, would feel in someway across the astral plane, Rose, Rae, AND Ashley are all SHUNTED back to the physical world, BACK into the victim waiting room.>>

<< Rose cries out, flailing her arms, as she falls into Rae's arms , while Ashley, traumatized by what she'd just experienced, fell into Zach's arms.>>

Oh Rae....THANK YOU....so TIRED....lost my HOLD...she made it SO EASY for me to LET GO

<< The sounds of Zach and the others, were just starting to register with Rose, as Rae helped her to a seat.>>

You know what MATTERS?! The safety of the children at the Sanctuary. You mean to tell me the change in her power signature -- her decision-making -- her behavior lately DOESN'T ALARM YOU?!"

<< She shakes her head, placing a hand to her forehead>>

"What's happening??"

He asked again, but no one seemed to have the answer.

I gave her [ Valkyrie] a taste of her own medicine...and MORE. The TRUTH is ALWAYS more powerful than FEAR and DOUBT.

NEVER forget that, you STUPID woman.

And may the stars have mercy on your SOUL if you EVER touch me again.

<< Rose coldly replied, as she regained her clarity and strength, her hair once more flowing, and that ambient sound in the background. Her voice's haunting resonance returned, but it wasn't what it was the moment she referred to herself as "the Unloved.">>

<< She looked at Zach.>>

You never knew me. You never understood me.

But I too was mistaken. I thought, that as a fellow mutant, and an empath especially, you were different than many of these others. But you're not.

<< A FLARE of purple light, and a wide beam slowly sweeps over Zach, "SCANNING" him, as Rose looks through him, into his heart, his SOUL.>>

I know the TRUTH, Zach Armani. I KNOW why you've AVOIDED the Sanctuary, the children, JAKE, for MONTHS!

<< she continues>>

You're an empath who draws SUSTENANCE from the emotions of others. You're no better than a VAMPIRE, and you're addicted to the intense, DARK sensations your power can bring you, which is why you have entertained relationships with some of the most VILE women imaginable.

There is much that you CHOOSE not to understand, or LISTEN to.

<< a reference to the reading and warning she'd given him some time ago, one that had come to pass>>

There is much that you CHOOSE not to see, including the face of EVIL. You called her, your HEART, and your soul SWAM through the DARKNESS of her soul, and you FREELY immersed yourself in all that she was, no matter how DESTRUCTIVE it was. You FREELY contaminated yourself with the souless, corrupt EVIL wrapped in flesh named Black Widow.

You BELIEVE in her, even NOW, after the TERRIBLE things she's done, after the DOZEN of INNOCENT LIVES she DESTROYED because she deemed them "UNFIT" and "NON CONTRIBUTORS" to this uncaring society that you operate in.

YOU STILL CARE ABOUT HER, EVEN NOW, as you PROMISE Ashley that SHE'S the "only one." She's NOT, and she NEVER will be, because YOU can't help yourself.

The soul ties you established with Haleigh Davidoff remain in tact, even as you established new ones with Ashley Oldenburg, and as an EMPATH, you are ESPECIALLY prone to being MANIPULATED by those soul ties, which is why Persephone was so easily able to lure you into her TRAP and nearly destroy you!

You make promises and declarations to this....displaced shield maiden, that you CAN'T keep. She doesnt know your SOUL, her OWN soul is so ancient, black and corrupt, she DESPERATELY seeks a revival, and has placed all her hopes in YOU, but You will FAIL her, just as you have failed JAKE, and I will NOT allow you to place ANY of my children in danger anymore.

<< She stood up and points at him >>

Hear my words, Zach Armani. I am THROUGH being patient OR considerate of your corrupt, fickle and ultimately FAILING ways.

And the REST of you... and your choreographed GAMES with these marauders who prey on the weak and the marginalized while you all PLAY at "doing something about it."

My children have suffered ENOUGH, they have lived in more fear than they should have to!

<< Looking back at Zach>>

And if you would deny me the vengeance that is mine by RIGHT? If you would share Black Widow's HEART?

<< she lifts her hand>>

You will share her FATE as well.

 

[Seer]

And so

Xavier smelled her neck, making a noise as if he were reminiscing. He whispered back.

We go slow but if you need me to get us out of here FAST, you hug me and hold on tight. Take point.

Arm in arm the really ghetto ex-couple couple walk to the back of the courtroom and prepare to exit...

<< Recall managed to locate Oracle's com link signal, but just as she was about to whisper to Xavier where to get them to...SHE received communication from Isis.>>

<< Xavier and Vivica got out of the courtroom, into the hallway. Vivica communicated to Isis that she thought there was something wrong...that this whole thing might be some kind of TRAP. Isis told her to get to Oracle, and that she had Jake in her care for now.>>

<< Soon, Xavier and Vivica would arrive to the Victim waiting room, where Rose was BERATING Zach. They saw a VISIBLY shaken Ashley, and a pale, grim looking Rose, who was being closely watched by Rae and Sharon.>>

<< The moment they arrived, it appears that Rose may be about to take some kind of action against Zach!>>

<< And all the while, the one person who has been MISSING from all of this, is finally closing in. Steel and Vivica both get alerts that Alycia Barnett is on her way down.>>

<< Dennis Nedry is coming too, in fact, he's ALREADY present to witness some of the events in the Victim Waiting room, he notes that Jake is missing as well.>>

 

[Cypher]

After Gabe hung up with Zizi, he immediately began to go through the different security feeds that were in the courthouse. Each person shown on the feed that weren't apart of the Birds were put through a facial recognition program, their faces freeze framed and brought off onto a separate part of the monitor while their stats were cross referenced with government information, as well as Hellfire information. Hellfire's pockets were deep and Nedry was just the tip of the iceberg.

The computer continued to run the background information on the staff; everything was solid with their government credentials....but they also came back with dings from their banking information indicating numerous large money deposits into their accounts. Definitely not normal for 'ordinary' courthouse staff. These assholes were being paid off.

"Bingo."

Gabe contacted Zizi on a private com link.

>>Liz, this goes beyond Nedry. The courthouse staff--

Gabe cut himself off as he watched a different video feed of Rose storming into the witness room and screaming at Zach, Ashley stepping between them, Rae go nuts, Sharon go nuts, Zizi pleading with Rose...WHAT the FUCK.

"Jesus Christ..."

Ashley and Rose were staring at each other intensely and apparently Rose was doing some nasty psionic shit to Ashley on the astral plain. Everyone was pleading for Rose to stop, Gabe just watched with wide eyes. Finally, they were all jolted back from the Twilight Zone.

>>Liz....are you sure it's safe being in there with her?! Rose is completely losing it.

Rose went into a complete tangent LAYING INTO Ashley and Zach about how their souls were dark, corrupt, and and shitty. At this point, Gabe didn't know if Rose was bat shit crazy or his fucking hero....

"Oh shit."

Gabe's eyes caught sight of a man walking down the hall toward the witness room. Before he could even WARN Zizi, Nedry walked into the room and in the middle of Rose's complete fucking melt down and verbal assault against Ashley and Zach.

Gabe linked up his com to Isis, knowing she had Jake.

>>Isis....I have a visual on Nedry. He just walked into the witness room with the others, and Rose is on defcon one. Keep Jake as far away as possible. This does NOT look good...

 

[Valkyrie]

The Witness Waiting Room

The others came into the room just after her, all pleading or ordering her to stop. What, and just let Rose attach Zach? Please.

"Ashley, don't...there's no need for this, please!"

"She wants to hurt Zach, Zees. And that is NOT going to happen."

Ashley's eyes never left Rose's face.

"Stop it, Valkyrie! That is an order! Rose is not the enemy!"

"The HELL she isn't."

DON'T antagonize her...you don't know what she can do!

"SHE doesn't know what I can do."

If no one else would subdue Rose, Ashley would. She sent out her power - she would reduce that crazy bitch to a crying puddle. Rose's hair started doing that weird shit again, and her eyes glowed white.

"Yeah, I can look scary too, bitch."

Ashley smiled cruelly as black tears fell from Rose's eyes. How do you like me now?

I....DID fail...those children. I DID FAIL...my children...my PARENTS. I AM forever misunderstood, forever LOST....I AM....THE UNLOVED

That's right, keep those tears coming.

FOOL! WEAK, AND PATHETIC OUTCAST FROM ASGARD! I have DRANK DEEPLY from the well of FEAR AND LOSS, the likes of which you wouldn't BEGIN to comprehend. BUT NOW that you've TOUCHED ME with YOUR soul? I will TOUCH YOU BACK, and I WILL SHOW YOU what REAL FEAR IS.

This bitch?

"Uh huh."

But wait...something was wrong...

THE TRUTH!

An unpleasant and disorienting sensation came over Ashley, and suddenly she found herself...somewhere else. She somehow knew it was Rose across from her, though it didn't look like Rose. Rose held her by the wrists, pushing her down to her knees, and Valkyrie was powerless to stop it, as if all her strength had suddenly left her. And then, there was pain.

Images...feelings...incomprehensible individually flooded Ashley's mind, as she was drug across the astral plane. Her entire form exploded with overload, every cell crying out in pain as her very soul was twisted and stretched, pulled apart.

THIS level of awareness is NOT for you, little one. But I will make SURE to SPREAD you across the astral plane, and all that will remain of you HERE in the physical ream, is a MINDLESS SHELL.

And then she started screaming.

FEEL WHAT IT IS TO BE EVERYWHERE AND NOWHERE, TO BE UNLOVED!

"YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE! ROSE! You MUST find your STRENGTH! Your BALANCE! Leader of The Army! Faithful WARRIOR! Lend me your STRENGTH!"

Ashley knew something was happening, but she couldn't focus on anything but the pain, couldn't see anything but what was forcing itself into her mind. And then from somewhere there was a scream, and she faintly noted that it wasn't her's. With a final burst the pain was cut off and she felt a jarring sensation.

She blinked, saw that she was back in the witness room, then it was as if she was released by some invisible hand's hold. Her knees buckled and she collapsed, and would have fallen to the floor had Zach not been there to catch her. She could still feel the pain, feel how her soul had been twisted.

I gave her [Valkyrie] a taste of her own medicine...and MORE. The TRUTH is ALWAYS more powerful than FEAR and DOUBT. NEVER forget that, you STUPID woman. And may the stars have mercy on your SOUL if you EVER touch me again.

She couldn't yet speak, the shock and trauma of what had just happened to her on such a deep level too great. But in that moment, her thought was

I hope Malice kills you.

She could hear Rose now, berating Zach. Lies. All lies.

There is much that you CHOOSE not to see, including the face of EVIL. You called her, your HEART, and your soul SWAM through the DARKNESS of her soul, and you FREELY immersed yourself in all that she was, no matter how DESTRUCTIVE it was. You FREELY contaminated yourself with the soulless, corrupt EVIL wrapped in flesh named Black Widow.

She had heard this before. But it still pained her to hear Haleigh referred to as Zach's heart.

YOU STILL CARE ABOUT HER, EVEN NOW, as you PROMISE Ashley that SHE'S the "only one." She's NOT, and she NEVER will be, because YOU can't help yourself.

Ashley looked up at Zach, then her eyes slid to Rose.

"Lies..." was all she could croak out.

You make promises and declarations to this....displaced shield maiden, that you CAN'T keep. She doesn't know your SOUL, her OWN soul is so ancient, black and corrupt, she DESPERATELY seeks a revival, and has placed all her hopes in YOU, but You will FAIL her, just as you have failed JAKE, and I will NOT allow you to place ANY of my children in danger anymore. Hear my words, Zach Armani. I am THROUGH being patient OR considerate of your corrupt, fickle and ultimately FAILING ways.

She closed her eyes, clutching at Zach, trying to get up.

And if you would deny me the vengeance that is mine by RIGHT? If you would share Black Widow's HEART?

"John..."

You will share her FATE as well.

"John...stop her...please..."

She couldn't get her feet under her. Rose was going to kill Zach, and she couldn't get up. Why wasn't anyone doing anything? Couldn't they see what she was about to do?

"Zach...run..."

 

[Orion]

The Courthouse -- Witness Waiting Room

Ashley was released from whatever hell Rose had taken her to, and lost her balance. Zach caught her, and wrapped her tightly in his arms. Rose was speaking again, but Zach was focused on Ash, and trying to make sure she wasn't hurt.

"Il mio amore, sono qui. Ti ho preso. Stai bene?"

[My love, I'm here. I got you. Are you OK?]

Rose: You never knew me. You never understood me. But I too was mistaken. I thought, that as a fellow mutant, and an empath especially, you were different than many of these others. But you're not.

Zach looked up at Rose, his jaw clenched tight, as he tried to control the rage that threatened to boil over. This woman had attacked Ashley, and THAT was an act of aggression, enough to provoke his wrath. It was compounded by the fact that she'd spitefully kept him from seeing Jake, to the boy's detriment. If he hadn't been holding Ashley, he might've lashed out at Rose.

Rose: I know the TRUTH, Zach Armani. I KNOW why you've AVOIDED the Sanctuary, the children, JAKE, for MONTHS!

"And so, you think you know everything, is that it?"

He hissed, fire in his eyes.

Rose: You're an empath who draws SUSTENANCE from the emotions of others. You're no better than a VAMPIRE, and you're addicted to the intense, DARK sensations your power can bring you, which is why you have entertained relationships with some of the most VILE women imaginable.

Zach scowled at her. He was really growing tired of being told he was a bad guy. He wasn't perfect, but the vilification this week was a bit overkill. It seemed like everybody had something to say about his choices and motives. Every time he turned around he was having to defend himself from some kind of assault, verbal or physical.

Rose: There is much that you CHOOSE not to understand, or LISTEN to.

She said, and then she began to talk about Haleigh, and his relationship with her. Zach shook his head, slowly, as Rose called her soulless, corrupt, and evil.

"You're wrong."

Rose: You BELIEVE in her, even NOW, after the TERRIBLE things she's done, after the DOZEN of INNOCENT LIVES she DESTROYED because she deemed them "UNFIT" and "NON CONTRIBUTORS" to this uncaring society that you operate in.

"She say things like that to cope with her own guilt, Rose. I don't agree with her... I would have made a different choice, but I understand why she made the choice she did. She chose to save her own family, and she put the lives of those kids in OUR hands. You, Sharon, and I.... we didn't save those kids either. We couldn't, and neither could Black Widow."

Rose: YOU STILL CARE ABOUT HER, EVEN NOW, as you PROMISE Ashley that SHE'S the "only one." She's NOT, and she NEVER will be, because YOU can't help yourself.

"That's NOT true."

He replied firmly. Ash made a noise that might've been an attempt to say something, and Zach hugged her close.

Rose: The soul ties you established with Haleigh Davidoff remain in tact, even as you established new ones with Ashley Oldenburg, and as an EMPATH, you are ESPECIALLY prone to being MANIPULATED by those soul ties, which is why Persephone was so easily able to lure you into her TRAP and nearly destroy you!

"You don't know HALF as much as you think you do, Rose."

Rose: You make promises and declarations to this....displaced shield maiden, that you CAN'T keep. She doesn't know your SOUL, her OWN soul is so ancient, black and corrupt, she DESPERATELY seeks a revival, and has placed all her hopes in YOU, but You will FAIL her, just as you have failed JAKE, and I will NOT allow you to place ANY of my children in danger anymore.

"I haven't failed until I've stopped trying.... and I'll never do that. I would never knowingly endanger 'your' children. I'm going to do everything in my power to save them from the threats they're facing now. Would you truly stand in the way of that?"

Rose: Hear my words, Zach Armani. I am THROUGH being patient OR considerate of your corrupt, fickle and ultimately FAILING ways. And the REST of you... and your choreographed GAMES with these marauders who prey on the weak and the marginalized while you all PLAY at "doing something about it." My children have suffered ENOUGH, they have lived in more fear than they should have to! And if you would deny me the vengeance that is mine by RIGHT? If you would share Black Widow's HEART? You will share her FATE as well.

Rose said, raising her hand to attack. Ash found her voice, and was pleading for Steele's help. She tried to tell Zach to run, but he shook his head softly, and kissed her forehead. Zach turned and helped Ashley into a chair back behind him, so that she wouldn't get hit with whatever fatal strike Rose was gearing up for. Then he turned back to face her, standing back up to his full height. His pulse raced, but his voice was steady.

"You kill me here and now, Rose? You'll kill every hope you have of keeping your children. You'd better think about the consequences of striking down a United Nations Ambassador in a courthouse."

 

[Steel]

Witness Waiting Room

Steel, Rose is an omega level psi, I won't pretend that I know ALL of what that means...but I can tell you THIS is DEFINITELY not good. And there is precious LITTLE that WE can do with our PHYSICAL powers.

"There must be something we can do."

My sonic scream...it's an anethma to psychics of all varieties. It would be enough to JAR BOTH OF THEM out of ...whatever it is they're doing to each other now. But I warn you...all of you will be hurt by it as well.

"Do it."

He looked at Oracle.

"We can't just let her do whatever she's doing to her."

If they were hurt it didn't matter - he was sure what was going on with Rose and Ashley was worse.

"Sharon, no! You scream and I'm out! And I'm one of the only people that stop what is about to be unleashed. CLEAR. THE. BUILDING!"

He didn't know what it was, but something in Rae's voice made him believe her. He pulled himself to the side, pressing his phone to his ear.

"This is Chief John Steele, badge number 15862. I need to evacuate the family court building due to a credible terrorist threat."

He turned away from the group.

"Everyone in the building is in danger. [pause] I don't care what- [pause]"

He angrily pressed end on the phone.

"They refused to evacuate the building. SOMETHING isn't right about this."

He watched helplessly as Ashley, Rose & Rae stood motionless in front of them. And the as if by magick all three of them were awake and moving. Rae helped Rose to a chair as Ashley collapsed into Zach's arms.

Steel looked from Ashley to Rose.

"What happened?"

I gave her [Valkyrie] a taste of her own medicine...and MORE. The TRUTH is ALWAYS more powerful than FEAR and DOUBT.

Rose turned her ire onto Zach, and then ALL of them, for their dealings with Black Widow. His phone buzzed in his hand, and he looked down to see a message that Alycia was on her way. Maybe SHE could talk sense into Rose. If this lasted that long.

And if you would deny me the vengeance that is mine by RIGHT? If you would share Black Widow's HEART?

<< she lifts her hand>>

You will share her FATE as well.

"John...John...stop her...please..."

He looked at Ashley, still trying to get in between Rose and Zach but not able to even stand on her own feet, and at Rose, who seemed ready to strike Zach down. Zach put Ashley out of harm's way, then stood to face Rose.

"You kill me here and now, Rose? You'll kill every hope you have of keeping your children. You'd better think about the consequences of striking down a United Nations Ambassador in a courthouse."

He raised his hands in a placating gesture, still in his metal form. He kept his voice calm.

"Rose...you don't want to do this. Striking Zach down - an innocent man - that would make you just like Black Widow. And you are better than that. So BE better. For your children, for Jake. How will he feel, if you take his friend's life?"

Steel's body melted back to normal.

"We need to work together now. Jake is what's important. Getting Nedry away from children forever, THAT is what's important. Not this."

He held out his hand to her.

"Rose, please."

 

[Oracle]

The Courts - Witness Waiting Room

>>Liz, this goes beyond Nedry. The courthouse staff--

Gabe tried calling her about Nedry, but he must have been watching what was going on and stopped.

Isis to Oracle: I will take him out of here. He does not need to see this. My magicks can calm him. You'll need RAE to help with Rose.

[via com, to Isis]: "Take care of him Isis."

A voice that wasn't Rose's was coming out of her mouth as she faced off with Ashley, but then they both fell silent, motionless. And it didn't seem good. Steel said what they were all thinking: something was wrong.

Steel, Rose is an omega level psi, I won't pretend that I know ALL of what that means...but I can tell you THIS is DEFINITELY not good. And there is precious LITTLE that WE can do with our PHYSICAL powers.

Oracle came to the realization of what must be going on.

"They're on the astral plane..."

She said it with a tone of wonder, but that underscored anxiety - what could be going on between them? What terrible things could be happening?

My sonic scream...it's an anethma to psychics of all varieties. It would be enough to JAR BOTH OF THEM out of ...whatever it is they're doing to each other now. But I warn you...all of you will be hurt by it as well.

"Do it. We can't just let her do whatever she's doing to her."

Steel was looking to her.

"Sharon, no! You scream and I'm out! And I'm one of the only people that stop what is about to be unleashed. CLEAR. THE. BUILDING!"

"Rae, please, you have to help them!"

"They refused to evacuate the building. SOMETHING isn't right about this."

Oracle had been monitoring the feed Vivica had sent to her.

"There's definitely something wrong with this whole hearing. Someone is pulling strings behind the scenes to make sure it happens today."

Rae was in the astral plane with Ashley and Rose for a time - she assumed anyway - and then suddenly they all were back present in the witness room. Zizi gasped as Ashley collapsed into Zach's arms, and moved to go to her, but Steel held her back.

I gave her [Valkyrie] a taste of her own medicine...and MORE. The TRUTH is ALWAYS more powerful than FEAR and DOUBT. NEVER forget that, you STUPID woman. And may the stars have mercy on your SOUL if you EVER touch me again.

>>Liz....are you sure it's safe being in there with her?! Rose is completely losing it.

She replied to him in a low, slow voice.

[via com, to Cypher]: "No, I am not entirely sure it's safe at all..."

This seemed like a completely different person to the one who had invited her and Gabe for dinner the other night. And she was not blind to the danger, or the seriousness of what Rose had just done. But right then? They needed to get Jake to safety, and the rest of them out of there alive. Especially Zach. Rose had lots of words for him. Zizi half hoped Ashley was so out of it that she wouldn't remember what was said. Ashley having to hear it was cruel - but she did recognize Zach's responses. Despite what had happened between them the day before, Zach was one of the good guys. He deserved to be able to see Jake, to help him, and not be attacked for it.

And if you would deny me the vengeance that is mine by RIGHT? If you would share Black Widow's HEART? You will share her FATE as well.

"No, Rose! Stop this - Rae, please tell her!"

Ashley was trying to stand, trying to protect Zach, Zizi knew - and when she couldn't she pleaded with Steel to step in.

"Rose...you don't want to do this. Striking Zach down - an innocent man - that would make you just like Black Widow. And you are better than that. So BE better. For your children, for Jake. How will he feel, if you take his friend's life? We need to work together now. Jake is what's important. Getting Nedry away from children forever, THAT is what's important. Not this."

Zizi stayed silent, watching Rose, watching Steel. Hoping that his words would get through to her. The atmosphere was tense - Rose could attack either him or Zach OR Ashley at any moment. She turned her head and looked meaningfully at Sharon, silently telling her to be ready to extract whoever came onto the wrong side of Rose's attack.

 

[Jezebel]

The Courthouse

:: She had done it. As her soul came crashing back into her body, she immediately regained control as Rose fell into her arms. Rae was old, but she had the resilience of a battle tank. She knew that at the end of the world it would be her, Cher and the cockroaches. ::

Rose: "Oh Rae...THANK YOU...so TIRED...lost my HOLD...she made it SO EASY for me to LET GO."

"And now you REALLY know what's at stake when you let go, darlin'. So relax and center yourself. For everyone's sake!"

:: But Rose did not need much of a cool down before she was back at it again. ::

Rose: "I gave her a taste of her own medicine...and MORE. The TRUTH is ALWAYS more powerful than FEAR and DOUBT. NEVER forget that, you STUPID woman. And may the stars have mercy on your SOUL if you EVER touch me again."

:: Rae shook her head. She was exhausted by all of the people in a room. Being a psychic, it made her sensitive to large groups, and outside of that, while she loved Rose deeply, the circumstances outside of what was happening - The way people felt about Ashley, the way people felt about Zach, it was too much for Rae. She had crafted a life for herself and a persona where she didn't have to answer to ANYBODY, explain ANY of her actions - or apologize for any of them either. She even felt a bit bad for Ashley. Rae knew what it was like to have the "gall" to act like a man, and the fallout that came from it. ::

:: Rose was letting so many things CONTROL her, guide her thought process, and none of them were the right thing. Instinctively, Rae wanted to remove her from this situation. These people - with their opinions and their ideas and many voices, it was all chatter, it bogged things down, it didn't promote ANY healthy forward movement. They were essentially bandaid distributors. But Rose NEEDED contact with others..if only to enrich her life, and better a room full of supers than humans like Nedry. ::

"This is some fucked up shit."

<< She looked at Zach.>>

You never knew me. You never understood me.

But I too was mistaken. I thought, that as a fellow mutant, and an empath especially, you were different than many of these others. But you're not.

<< A FLARE of purple light, and a wide beam slowly sweeps over Zach, "SCANNING" him, as Rose looks through him, into his heart, his SOUL.>>

I know the TRUTH, Zach Armani. I KNOW why you've AVOIDED the Sanctuary, the children, JAKE, for MONTHS!

<< she continues>>

You're an empath who draws SUSTENANCE from the emotions of others. You're no better than a VAMPIRE, and you're addicted to the intense, DARK sensations your power can bring you, which is why you have entertained relationships with some of the most VILE women imaginable.

There is much that you CHOOSE not to understand, or LISTEN to.

<< a reference to the reading and warning she'd given him some time ago, one that had come to pass>>

There is much that you CHOOSE not to see, including the face of EVIL. You called her, your HEART, and your soul SWAM through the DARKNESS of her soul, and you FREELY immersed yourself in all that she was, no matter how DESTRUCTIVE it was. You FREELY contaminated yourself with the souless, corrupt EVIL wrapped in flesh named Black Widow.

You BELIEVE in her, even NOW, after the TERRIBLE things she's done, after the DOZEN of INNOCENT LIVES she DESTROYED because she deemed them "UNFIT" and "NON CONTRIBUTORS" to this uncaring society that you operate in.

YOU STILL CARE ABOUT HER, EVEN NOW, as you PROMISE Ashley that SHE'S the "only one." She's NOT, and she NEVER will be, because YOU can't help yourself.

The soul ties you established with Haleigh Davidoff remain in tact, even as you established new ones with Ashley Oldenburg, and as an EMPATH, you are ESPECIALLY prone to being MANIPULATED by those soul ties, which is why Persephone was so easily able to lure you into her TRAP and nearly destroy you!

You make promises and declarations to this....displaced shield maiden, that you CAN'T keep. She doesnt know your SOUL, her OWN soul is so ancient, black and corrupt, she DESPERATELY seeks a revival, and has placed all her hopes in YOU, but You will FAIL her, just as you have failed JAKE, and I will NOT allow you to place ANY of my children in danger anymore.

:: It was a damning verbal eviseration of Zach. And it was unneccessary at this point. Rose wasn't keeping her eyes on the prize. Rae moved forward but Rose stood and pointed at Zach, her body in a more defensive stance, poised to continue on her warpath. ::

<< She stood up and points at him >>

Hear my words, Zach Armani. I am THROUGH being patient OR considerate of your corrupt, fickle and ultimately FAILING ways.

And the REST of you... and your choreographed GAMES with these marauders who prey on the weak and the marginalized while you all PLAY at "doing something about it."

My children have suffered ENOUGH, they have lived in more fear than they should have to!

<< Looking back at Zach>>

And if you would deny me the vengeance that is mine by RIGHT? If you would share Black Widow's HEART?

<< she lifts her hand>>

You will share her FATE as well.

Oracle: "No, Rose! Stop this - Rae, please tell her!"

"Rose! NO!"

Zach: "You kill me here and now, Rose? You'll kill every hope you have of keeping your children. You'd better think about the consequences of striking down a United Nations Ambassador in a courthouse."

"Oh goddammit pretty boy, shut your mouth!"

:: The pig from hell. Dancing in the flames! He was NEAR! She could FEEL it! ::

Steel: "Rose...you don't want to do this. Striking Zach down - an innocent man - that would make you just like Black Widow, and you are better than that. So BE better. For your children, for Jake. How will he feel, if you take his friend's lie? We need to work together now. Jake is what's important. Getting Nedry away from children forever. THAT is what's important. Not this. Rose, please."

"Sexy AND well spoken. Noted."

:: She shook her head and sprung into action. She was DONE with this. Rose wasn't listening to reason. She was past the point of reason and if Rae had to bend the young girl over her knee and smack her on the ass a few times to jolt her back into reality, she was going to do just that. ::

:: Rae GRABBED Rose by her raised hand FIRMLY. A bold move. ::

"For the love of GOD, Rose! Get your ever loving shit TOGETHER! There are a dozen people in this goddamn room trying to HELP YOU and you can't see the moon for the stars! You have a little boy that's about to get SENT OFF with some fat fucking maniac, a maniac who threatens your entire LIFE'S WORK and what are you doing?! Standing there? Fighting?! FOR WHAT! WHY!? VENGEANCE is a FOOL's game."

:: Her mind went to Alycia once more, her hands in the mud. ::

:: shaking her head, her hands moved towards Rose's shoulders and she began to jolt the woman back and forth, exasperated. ::

"YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR, AND I'M NOT GOING TO SIT AROUND AND WATCH YOU DO IT!"

:: her face becoming more angry. ::

"ENOUGH LITTLE GIRL!"

"Take your MISPLACED anger at ZACH ARMANI and put it towards keeping those children safe! HELL is right around the corner again. And you cannot afford to make ANY MORE MISTAKES...ESPECIALLY if you don't think you can trust anybody around you. SO STOP. Stop making mistakes..stop RAMPAGING, and get your HEAD. IN. THE. GAME. Do you HEAR me?"

:: shaking her head. ::

"I'm sorry baby girl, but we BOTH know what you got chained to you, and that means you HAVE to keep it together. It's not fuckin' fair. It's not fuckin' right, but it's the goddamn truth. You lose control and it won't just be your CHILDREN that suffer..it'll be the WORLD."

 

[Recall]

The Courthouse

Xavier: "You mean I got offa work for this shit here?! Girl, you gonna do m ore than drink coffee when I getchu outta here. Ain't no way you taking this outfit and perfume I bought you and my money you just fucked up back to that ole ashy dude you messing with now!"

"Thank You sweet baby Jesus! I owe you one!"

:: Xavier was good at playing along and for a second, Vivica was reminded of her field work with Clandestine. This was the type of work that she missed. Getting into a detailed character and precarious situations and navigating them on her feet. It was something she was VERY good at, and something she didn't get to do much of these days. They were going to get out of this alive and uncaptured. ::

"I know you go fast, Xav. But right now? We need to walk SLOW!"

Xavier: "We go slow but if you need me to get us out of here FAST, you hug me and hold on tight. Take point."

:: Vivica nodded and a few seconds later they had rounded the corner to a more private area of the courthouse. But she knew that they were likely still being watched. When she was safe, she shut off the feed to Oracle and began to trace Oracle's com link signal, something that Oracle had taught her how to do. Just when she had located the signal and was about to communicate, it was ISIS that made contact with her. ::

Isis: "Recall, your assistance is required."

>>"I just located Oracle's signal. I'm on my way to her - and Dominique. PLEASE be careful. There is something rotten in this place. Jake's case is the only one on the docket. Bailiff's HEAVILY armed with anti mutant weaponry. The judge? A K. Shaw. Tell the others to be cautious."

:: She heard Jake being comforted by Isis and it put her even more on edge. ::

"Come on Xavier, here's the signal. Speed us to this location. This floor freaks me out."

:: In an instant they were on the scene, and it was one of CHAOS. Rose was BERATING Zach. Ashley looked weak and down for the count. Everybody was on EDGE! Alycia alerts Vivica that she is on her way. ::

"Whoah whoah whoah! What is going on in here?!"

:: She tried to break the tension and STOP this. ::

"This whole thing. I think it's a setup! We need to get Jake out of---"

:: shaking her head, her hands moved towards Rose's shoulders and she began to jolt the woman back and forth, exasperated. ::

"YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR, AND I'M NOT GOING TO SIT AROUND AND WATCH YOU DO IT!"

:: her face becoming more angry. ::

"ENOUGH LITTLE GIRL!"

"Take your MISPLACED anger at ZACH ARMANI and put it towards keeping those children safe! HELL is right around the corner again. And you cannot afford to make ANY MORE MISTAKES...ESPECIALLY if you don't think you can trust anybody around you. SO STOP. Stop making mistakes..stop RAMPAGING, and get your HEAD. IN. THE. GAME. Do you HEAR me?"

:: shaking her head. ::

"I'm sorry baby girl, but we BOTH know what you got chained to you, and that means you HAVE to keep it together. It's not fuckin' fair. It's not fuckin' right, but it's the goddamn truth. You lose control and it won't just be your CHILDREN that suffer..it'll be the WORLD."

:: What had just happened?! This was supposed to be smooth and straightforward. It NEEDED to be that way. And with what Vivica had just seen, she knew they needed to get out of this place, take Jake and worry about the consequences LATER! ::

:: She shot a pained glance at both Steel and Oracle. Would Rae be able to calm her down? Either way, they didn't have time. ::

>>To Isis (private com) "I think you need to get Jake out of this building. It's not safe. This situation in this room is toxic, and the more time we waste, the worse it's gonna get."

 

[Rose]

Courthouse- Victim Waiting room

Then he turned back to face her, standing back up to his full height. His pulse raced, but his voice was steady.

"You kill me here and now, Rose? You'll kill every hope you have of keeping your children. You'd better think about the consequences of striking down a United Nations Ambassador in a courthouse."

Do you think I FEAR your worthless titles and associations? FOR ALL THE GOOD THEY DID MY DEAD CHILDREN, AND JAKE!?

:: She steps foward, closer to Zach as he stands to his full height and threatens her with the implications of her actions::

I'll ERASE you, Zach Armani, I'll make it so that NO ONE even REMEMBERS you existed! You'll be nothing but a MIST on the astral plane!

"John...stop her...please..."

She couldn't get her feet under her. Rose was going to kill Zach, and she couldn't get up. Why wasn't anyone doing anything? Couldn't they see what she was about to do?

"Zach...run..."

"No, Rose! Stop this - Rae, please tell her!"

YOU CAN'T RELY ON HIM! Jake and I couldn't!

He raised his hands in a placating gesture, still in his metal form. He kept his voice calm.

"Rose...you don't want to do this. Striking Zach down - an innocent man - that would make you just like Black Widow. And you are better than that. So BE better. For your children, for Jake. How will he feel, if you take his friend's life?"

Steel's body melted back to normal.

"We need to work together now. Jake is what's important. Getting Nedry away from children forever, THAT is what's important. Not this."

He held out his hand to her.

"Rose, please."

<< Rose paused...and looked at Steel.>>


But what about Black Widow?! SHE walks free. She'll come after my children again and He REFUSES to see the TRUTH!

He wishes to DEFEND a MONSTER!

What does that make HIM!?

:: Rae GRABBED Rose by her raised hand FIRMLY. A bold move. ::

"For the love of GOD, Rose! Get your ever loving shit TOGETHER! There are a dozen people in this goddamn room trying to HELP YOU and you can't see the moon for the stars! You have a little boy that's about to get SENT OFF with some fat fucking maniac, a maniac who threatens your entire LIFE'S WORK and what are you doing?! Standing there? Fighting?! FOR WHAT! WHY!? VENGEANCE is a FOOL's game."

<< A flare of energy, in the form of an "EEG" wave, flows across the the horizon, as Rose's eyes WIDEN with disbelief at Rae>>

:: shaking her head, her hands moved towards Rose's shoulders and she began to jolt the woman back and forth, exasperated. ::

"YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR, AND I'M NOT GOING TO SIT AROUND AND WATCH YOU DO IT!"

:: her face becoming more angry. ::

"ENOUGH LITTLE GIRL!"

"Take your MISPLACED anger at ZACH ARMANI and put it towards keeping those children safe! HELL is right around the corner again. And you cannot afford to make ANY MORE MISTAKES...ESPECIALLY if you don't think you can trust anybody around you. SO STOP. Stop making mistakes..stop RAMPAGING, and get your HEAD. IN. THE. GAME. Do you HEAR me?"

Let GO of me!

<< she roughly frees herself from Rae's grasp and takes a step back, SHOCKED one of the few people she actually called friend would speak to her like this....and yet...there was something behind Rae's eyes, and her tough reprimand. It wasn't meant to hurt or shame Rose. She speak to the psi's SAVAGE HEART just now, like a crash of thunder getting the attention of a runaway storm cloud.>>

:: shaking her head. ::

"I'm sorry baby girl, but we BOTH know what you got chained to you, and that means you HAVE to keep it together. It's not fuckin' fair. It's not fuckin' right, but it's the goddamn truth. You lose control and it won't just be your CHILDREN that suffer..it'll be the WORLD."

<< A REAL friend will sometimes dare to tell you what you need to hear in a moment when you need it most.>>

<< Rose 's look softens as she gazes at Rae. She owers her hand, and stands down, she clearly will not attack Zach. She starts to slowly turn away, but QUICKLY turns back once more, and says with FORCE....>>

You may SURVIVE, but STAY AWAY from my child, Zach. NOW and FOREVER.

You're NOT what he needs. Any man who would defend a soulless MONSTER like Black Widow is NOT FIT to be around the survivors of her attack.

<< Zach is spared, but no closer to having an easier time going forward. At least not right now.>>

<< Rose turns away from Rae, Zach and Steel, walking toward the doors of the waiting room.>>

<< FLASH!>>

<< A horizontal split view of the floor in the hallway leading to the waiting room.>>

<< on the top panel, a pair of christian louboutin high heels coming from the east end of the hall. on the bottom panel, a pair of men's bostonians coming from the west.>>

<< Alycia Barnett, and Dennis Nedry, arriving on the battle field, closing in for what would be their ultimate confrontation.>>

<< There's a SMALL GAP in the time that Dennis Nedry happens upon the scene, and when Alycia herself reaches the waiting room.>>

:: As Sharon calls for Rose to wait, the doors open, and Alycia Barnett emerges, in her current ensemble. ::

:: She almost collides with Rose. The two women catch themselves. and Rose HUGS Alycia. Alycia returns her embrace. Her hazel eyes catch sight of all the others, in their various states. She knows SOMETHING'S happened here, but she can't focus on that now. Not when her battle is about to be at hand.::

:: She looks VERY well put together, focused, but also cold...similar to Harbinger in a way.::

Alycia: I'm sorry for the delay. But I NOW have EVERYthing I need...

:: From her tone, Vivica, and Zizi could tell SOMETHING had changed between the time they'd arrived, up till now. It wasn't just HER. Somehow, she'd GOTTEN the "smoking gun" she needed, and added with Gabe's information...she was NOW ready to BLOW Nedry out of the water!::

:: BUT before she could finish her statement to the others... she was interrupted, THEY were interrupted, by Dennis Nedry himself. For SOME, this was their first time seeing this man, who had vexed Rose and brought her and jake to this point, in the flesh. THIS was Alycia's adversary.::

 

[Orion]

The Courthouse -- Witness Waiting Room

Zach, despite his fury at what Rose had done to Ashley, managed to keep himself from attacking Rose. He had half a mind to hit her with some overwhelming emotion, and make her faint, but if that was unsuccessful, he risked the safety of everyone in the room, and that was unacceptable. Instead, in his calmest tone, he pointed out that Rose would face severe consequences if she attacked him.

Rose: Do you think I FEAR your worthless titles and associations? FOR ALL THE GOOD THEY DID MY DEAD CHILDREN, AND JAKE!? I'll ERASE you, Zach Armani, I'll make it so that NO ONE even REMEMBERS you existed! You'll be nothing but a MIST on the astral plane!

Zach was trying to withstand her, but the closer she moved, the more worked up she got, the more strained he appeared. Sweat rolled down the side of his face, as wisps of red empathic energy emanated from his body like ventilated vapor.

"I'm not suggesting you should fear me, only that you should be aware of the implications of your actions, Rose. You have benefited from the privileges of my position before, and you can still... but if you continue on this warpath you're on... if you act on that fury and hatred you feel for me now, in front of two NYPD detectives, in a courthouse... you'll go down for murder. Who will protect the children then? Who will safeguard the Sanctuary?"

He managed to say, standing his ground. Steele made an attempt to talk her down from striking as well.

Steele: We need to work together now. Jake is what's important. Getting Nedry away from children forever, THAT is what's important. Not this.

"John is absolutely right. We DO need to work together, and you need to utilize every resource available to fight back against Nedry and Hellfire. Killing me, hurting ANY of us... it will only HURT your cause, Rose. This battle cannot be won with violence."

Steele pleaded with her further, and in the background, Zach could hear Zizi imploring Rae to help talk Rose down. Zach made sure that he was shielding Ashley from a direct hit, and kept his movements slow. And then Rae actually told Rose to get her shit together. Zach's jaw dropped. Rae put Rose in check, and it was amazing that Rose didn't turn that rage on Rae.

Rose: You may SURVIVE, but STAY AWAY from my child, Zach. NOW and FOREVER.

"You know that I can help him, Rose. You know that he needs me."

He replied, stricken with grief and sorrow. He braced himself against the table next to him, looking very much like he might collapse.

Rose: You're NOT what he needs. Any man who would defend a soulless MONSTER like Black Widow is NOT FIT to be around the survivors of her attack.

"You don't understand."

He said, his expression twisted in pain. Many of them had drawn the line when Haleigh attacked the Sanctuary, many had decided that was the last straw, and that Haleigh was a lost cause after that. But Zach was in an impossible position. He was incapable of writing her off. He knew how she felt about what she was doing, and with that awareness, he understood that the situation was more complex than many wanted to accept. It was easy to say 'She is evil, we must eliminate her'. But that wasn't fair, and he knew it. As furious as he was about what happened to Jake, he couldn't let them murder Haleigh. She hadn't killed any of them. She'd done less damage, attacked them less than Persephone had. Why did she deserve to die?