What's the matter with Rose?

[Silver Swan]

Bishop's Safehouse

“We don’t have time for that Sharon! We need…we need…KAREN!”

But Karen was probably on Aerie with Mike.

“ISIS! Isis can heal him! We need to call her!”

She was becoming hysterical now.

And what was on the tv was registering. Her and Andrew. Andrew and her. And Bishop’s knife stuck in his own chest…

Multiple injuries, broken bones, hematoma, a puncutured lung....

[ He certainly didn't do this to HIMSELF. Silver Swan had her STRONG SUSPICIONS as to WHO was behind this attack. The dsestruction of the interior of this place, the curious display of archival footage of Delilah and Andrew on the screen, and the fact that the TV was intact while everything else around was destroyed. OHHH she had a VERY good idea of who was behind this, but Delilah couldn't be bothered to hear that now, and understrandibly so.]

[ The details didn't matter just now, the assailant was gone and if Bishop's life could be saved, he may well CONFIRM what she is suspecting.]

[ There was a medical crisis that needed to be dealt with]

[ She went over to Delilah, standing over her, and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder]

STEADY, Delilah.

I'll summon help, right now!

[ She lifts her armored hand to touch the ear piece she was wearing, that communication hardware that Oracle had given to all of the "Birds". She, Alycia and Dominique still had their equipment]

ISIS, this is Silver Swan! I need your help, EMERGENCY! 13th Street and Sixth Avenue.

[ Silver Swan stood watch, reaching out with her sonar to detect any surprises, including BOOBY TRAPS that he...or SHE...could have left behind]

She's coming Delilah. She'll be here ANY MOMENT.

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion – Red Rook’s Quarters

At the suggestion that she would invite the servant into their bed:

"Would you oppose? I like to share some things....as long as it benefits me."

He shook his head in the negative as he trailed his finger down her upper arm.

“Whatever would bring you pleasure…I find those of us from Scandinavia have a more…’enlightened’ view of sex than people in this country. But you WOULD probably kill him in the process.”

He looked thoughtful, then into her eyes with a wicked gleam in his eye.

“Bathing in his hot blood while we fuck…now THAT has possibilities…”

His hand was tracing her stomach now.

“And there’s always…Heidi…or Haleigh…”

His mouth began to move over her body, having flipped her onto her back and moved in on top of her.

"And we didn't even get to eat our food yet."

He moved lower and mumbled, “Later.”

 

[Titan]

Spectra

"Derek, from THE house of Forrester. He's Clarke's son, and Sally was ALMOST his step-mother. She has a soft spot for him. She also keeps a paddle for him in her office. "

“Oh THAT’s what it’s there for.”

He winked at Derek.

“Well, if Sally likes you, you must be alright. Too bad you didn’t get her as a stepmother, though.”

"Your timing is pretty good, we're going to be going to the Starlight Lounge for a calorie fest, then we'll burn off the calories at Club Envy!"

MORE partying for Blaze?

Andrew kept his head down, finishing going through the receipts.

"Andrew, will you be joining us? "

He looked up at her, then to Derek.

“Sure, why the hell not?”

 

[Longshot]

New York City - Brooklyn - Heritage Bar

"I know Simon, actually. We go way back in fact. Good to see you in better shape, bro."

:: The two shook hands as Simon and Lauren took a seat. ::

Lauren: "Simon here is a would be activist. Wants to champion for mutant rights. Pretty noble, eh?"

:: Danny gestured to have Simon's drink refilled as Danny took a sip of his beer. ::

"Not one of the worst things to feel called to."

:: Lauren leaned in and went in. ::

Lauren: "How are things going by the way? Am I any closer to that interview with your big news, or am I going to have to cover another 'Tot Mom'?"

:: Danny laughed and shook his head. ::

"Damn Lauren, he's not on your couch yet! Give the guy a break! I mean he's gotta a black eye for christ's sake."

[turning his eyes to Simon]

"Look your business is your business. Don't let this little viper get anything out of you that you don't want on the air by 10 pm."

:: He eyed the man up and down for a moment. Danny was relieved to know that Simon was in fact a friend. He had garnered favor from Rose, and if The Hellfire Club was after it, it probably meant that he was one of the good ones. With his power, he noticed a glow around Simon that was curious. It was potential. Danny could sense that the city was excited by Simon, that it believed in him. ::

"If my city wants it...she gets it."

:: First he needed to know a little bit more about this Simon Pratt. ::

"BUT...I would like to hear about Vanguard? I think I've embarrassed Lois Lane enough for one evening."

:: Lauren scrunched her nose. ::

Lauren: "Don't do me like that! I'm a Vicki Vale if anything!"

:: The two laughed loudly again before composing themselves. ::

"Don't mind us Simon. Please..how did you come to discover that this is what you wanted to do? And why now?"

”Well so much for relaxing...”

:: He furrowed his brow for a moment. He had been pitching himself all day to no avail, and he was feeling a little down. ::

“Lauren's fine. I'm used to her. When it comes to Vanguard --”

:: exhaling ::

“The Purifiers Attack on the city really did a number on me. It changed things.”

Lauren: “It changed things for everybody. Nobody feels safe out there anymore.”

“And they are right not to. For me? I decided I couldn't be an observer anymore. I wanted to be a participant. I had a name, I had money, power and influence and then I thought that I could move on from that night. That I could continue to live my life exactly as I had been and I would be okay. Because people like me..young, rich, white...MALE..we lived ABOVE those things. I didn't like that feeling. So I did something about it...or at least I'm trying to do something about it.”

:: taking a sip of his whiskey drink. ::

“Purifiers made national headlines. I could only imagine what some misguided, uneducated people might have taken away from the event. Though most would be horrified, there would be others who found their cause to be righteous. It gas-lighted things. I didn't want what happened in New York to happen somewhere else. So I came up with Vanguard...”

“A Political Action Group that would offer protection and counsel to all mutants who require it – everything from social services to legal help, counseling and even medical care from people who were like them – Mutants. By mutants for mutants. However, nobody with money in this town wants to throw it at a bunch of mutants. They think they are funding their own destruction. Six meetings today and not a one of them said YES. It's been a little depressing.”

Lauren: “By mutants for mutants. Simon...does that mean...you are.. a mutant?”

:: Simon eyed her up and down for a moment, before raising his eyebrow and exhaling deeply. ::

“Yes...I am.”

 

[Isis]

From the Parthenon to 13th Street and Sixth Avenue to Charope Infirmary

:: The sound of Isis' power signature rings out around them, and a golden column of light beams down. The form of Isis emerges and soon, she is standing before them.::

Silver Swan, what's happened? I....

:: But then she saw Sharon. Delilah. And...::

::FLASH!::

His body was cut and bruised, and he was bleeding out all over the floor.

...Bright Lady!

Sharon: He was viciously attacked, and left for dead. He doesn't have much time left, Isis. We need to get him to Charope's infirmary.

Isis: His injuries are too severe, if we attempt to move him, he will die.

:: She moves in to position, as Sharon gently moves/pulls Delilah away from Bishop's side::

Sharon: We have to move back Delilah, give Isis room to work.

Isis: It is not too late, I can stabilize him and then we can get him to the infirmary where I can immerse him in my healing and restorative magicks.

:: Her power signature sounds off, as she spreads her arms and the flickering image of the goddess Isis can be seen around Dominique's tall elegant form.::

Circle of protection

:: She lifts her arms upward, a large, clowing circle with symbols associated with ISIS around the circle like the face of a clock, manifests beneath Bishop and the standing Isis, and slowly spins clockwise ::

Settle, spirit. There is no need to leave your house. The body will CALM, all pain, all suffering will CEASE, the goddess of healing, rebirth, and MAGICK commands!

:: She extends her arms forward, holding her hands over Bishop's body.::

::The spinning circle of protect FLASHES a golden flare, as Bishop is wrapped in "mummified" fashion, in a glowing golden ribbon of magick that immediately begins healing and closing cuts, repairing the skin on all levels, and as the magick of this wrapping continues to kiss and permeate his body, he begins to stabilize::

:: Isis looks at Sharon and Delilah::

Gather round, both of you, and let us be on our way.

:: A mystic chime sounds off, and in a twinkling of Isis aqua blue eyes, the three of them, and BISHOP are teleported from his safe house, to the underground infirmary of Charope, LLC.::

:: Bishop is immediately placed on a hospital bed, still wrapped up.::

This will take time, his spirit was ready to move on from it's house, so violated by this attack. But I have calmed it, and lead it back, as well as calmed the body, he is stabilizing now. But I will need a little more time.

:: Sharon keeps Delilah back, and presses a button on a nearby panel::

Sharon: Alycia, Delilah, Dominique, myself and Bishop are in the infirmary. Bishop was attacked and seriously injured. Isis is helping him now. Please come down....

:: Delilah would notice that the KNIFE was gone. THAT wound was being healed now, among others.::

 

[Recall]

NYC - Chelsea to The Parthenon

:: She had finally made contact with Zach and it fell good. The events of the last twenty four hours had caused her to realize just how much she needed people she could rely on around her. Though she didn't trust Haleigh – she trusted him, and trusted that he would value her friendship enough to help keep her safe. As long as he knew that he could rely on her – Vivica didn't need to know much else. She had also made a bit of progress with Ashley, which only furthered her belief that she could get holdouts – Sharon, Alycia and Dominique – to perhaps change their course. THAT was far easier said than done. So she focused her mind on something that she knew she could manage. After saying goodbye to Oracle and the others, she decided to answer Blaze's texts and agreed to meet her and a few others at The Parthenon for a drink. Though the idea of having a drink and a carefree time during what was such a period of upheaval initially made her a bit uncomfortable, but she figured that things were going to remain dark for quite some time, and you had to find happiness where you could and enjoy it in the middle. ::

:: Making her way back to her Chelsea loft, Vivica poured herself a glass of white wine, put on some music, and made a ritual out of getting ready. Vivica lit some candles and allowed herself to relax, and live in the moment, something the woman she was about to go see had reminded her was important. Her relationship had always been rather easy with Blaze, but there was a part of her that was scared to move forward. She was really making things happen in New York. For the first time in her life, she felt centered and at ease with who she was, and she realized that it was because she was being more selective with her attachments. Vivica had a tendency of getting attached to others pretty quickly and she held on tight for dear life. She didn't let go easy and the last thing she wanted was to find herself in a similar relationship to the one she had been in with Cameron. Though theirs was never a romantic relationship, she had given a great deal of herself to him, and he had not reciprocated..and she had not recovered easily from it. Plus, there was a war brewing. Would there be time for a romance, or worse, would romance be used as a weapon against her. Persephone's attack had been a sign, she was no longer out of the line of sight from The Hellfire Club. They were coming for her, and that was making her question letting anymore people into her life. ::

:: Soon, she would have to make some difficult decisions, but she needed to explore things further. Putting on her best “Becky” hair, she touched up her makeup put on a cocktaildress and headed to The Parthenon, despite the urge to vomit she felt when she walked in the door. She had seen ENOUGH of this place to last a lifetime, but the drinks were world class and the food was delicious. It wasn't the building's fault it was owned by an asshole. ::

:: Using the VIP elevator, she knocked on Blaze's door and there was no answer. Thinking on her feet, she went over and knocked on Cassandra's door, who much to her joy was there, getting ready to head down to Spectra where the others were. She hugged Cassandra warmly. She was one of the few friendly faces left in the joint. ::

“Oh she came to slay tonight! Come here, girl!”

Cassandra: “Vivi! So good to see you, love! Come on, follow me! Everybody is meeting at Spectra and then headed to get some food at The Starlight Lounge.”

:: Vivica smiled. ::

“Oh thank, Jesus. I'm starving! And all this worryin' I been doin' lately is making me lose weight!”

:: As the two headed down to Spectra, they were able to talk. Vivica apologized for storming in on what looked like a good conversation between her and Cameron, and Cassandra assured her that they were fine, and that she was just glad to know that Vivica was feeling better and less angry. Soon, they reached the boutique and everybody seemed to get LOUDER and brighter. She flashed her eyes at Blaze and warmly greeted her, kissing her on the lips, and tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. It was good to see her, despite everything. ::

“Hey B. How's my girl doing?”

:: Winking, she looked over at Andrew who seemed a little less than thrilled to be there. ::

“Hey Andrew! I'm glad your here!”

:: She meant it. During the fight between Sharon and Ashley, Andrew had been more vocal than she had ever seen him. It meant that he was starting to care about things, maybe in a way that surprised him. And she truly enjoyed having him around. He was like a well meaning, rascal of a kid brother, and Vivica liked his energy. There was a man however, she was not sure about as her eyes fell upon Derek Forrester. Still, she smiled and extended her hand. ::

“Vivica Lennox. Nice to meet you. Do I know you from somewhere?”

Hellion: “Derek Forrester, formerly of Forrester Creations. You also probably had a poster of me in your bedroom in the late nineties.”

:: Vivica laughed. ::

[amused]

“Well okay then, SNOWFLAKE! Don't get too happy with your damn self, or my girl Blaze will capitalize on it. She's handsy.”

:: turning to face the group. ::

“So can we EAT? I'm dying of hunger.”

 

[MorningStar]

Bishop’s Safe House

Sharon reassured her that help was coming, but every second felt like an hour. She could feel his life slipping away.

His injuries are too severe, if we attempt to move him, he will die.

Delilah touched her head to his, a new wave of despair washing over her. Then Sharon was pulling her away.

It is not too late, I can stabilize him and then we can get him to the infirmary where I can immerse him in my healing and restorative magicks.

“PLEASE help him Dominique. PLEASE.”

Delilah watched as Isis’ magick surrounded her and Maxim. Then, as he was stabilized, she teleported all of them to Charope. Bishop was laid onto a hospital bed.

This will take time, his spirit was ready to move on from its house, so violated by this attack. But I have calmed it, and lead it back, as well as calmed the body, he is stabilizing now. But I will need a little more time.

“Thank you, Isis, thank you so much.”

She turned to Sharon, hugging her arms around herself.

“I can’t believe this is happening. What am I going to do if he dies?”

 

[Matrix]

:: turning to face the group. ::
“So can we EAT? I'm dying of hunger.”

That makes two of us.

I had fucked up the meeting spot, but there is an advantage to being able to get places fast. So there I was with Viv, Red, Andrew and whoever THIS motherfucker was. Derek Forrester...never heard of him. Oh well....

I gave Viv a hug, Andrew a respectful nod and kept my manners, offering a handshake to whoever this was.

I was not EXACTLY sure how Blaze was gonna play this, so I gave her pretty much the same level of hug I gave Vivica...plus a lil extra.

Now....about eating. Lead the way, ladies.

 

[Hellion]

The Parthenon Hotel

Blaze takes a momenet to STRAIGHTEN his collar

"Get it together, honey.”

She says with a snicker as she fixes his tie and the lapel

"If you're gonna TRY to impress my sister, you need to have SYMMETRY, not looking like somebody who just got out of a wind tunnel.”

Blaze's enhanced senses took in his scent. He DID smell nice, and he had some killer eyes and a smile to match. But she wasn't going to inflate his ego anymore than it already was. She WOULD keep an eye on him as long as he was following and circling her sister.

“Please, we both know I look impeccable.”

:: Derek smiled as he watched Blaze fuss about. Her energy signature was incredibly powerful – hot and fiery. And while she was a mutant, Derek could sense something mystical about her, and it reminded him of her sister. The Victory women were clearly forces to be reckoned with in their own rights, so just as Blaze was keeping an eye on him, he would be doing the same to her. ::

“You too, white chocolate!”

Blaze places a hand on his shoulder and turns him around to assess ALL sides/views of him

He WAS fine! But sometimes, the deadliest people wore the most appealing facades.

"But I hope you don't give me a reason to MELT your pretty ass down into a fondue pot tonight!"

“Blaze, enough with the foreplay..like I said, I'm trying to impress my sister. But your right about one thing..my ass. It IS pretty...isn't it?”

:: He flashed a dazzling smile. Derek had ways to get around Blaze if she stood in his way. But for now she was just being playful. ::

She wanted to find her sister and confront her, WARN her to be careful of him. But now was not the time.

"Your timing is pretty good, we're going to be going to the Starlight Lounge for a calorie fest, then we'll burn off the calories at Club Envy!"

“Andrew, will you be joining us?"

from the reaction Dominique and Richard BOTH gave when she mentioned the Birds of Prey, Blaze gathered things were not running quite so smoothly over THERE either. Everyone was feeling the effects of Black Widow's betrayal and Persephone's defection, and if it was this bad NOW, what was going to happen when the Hellfire Club decided to fully ATTACK? Maybe it would do Andrew some good to have a change of pace?

:: Andrew indicated that he WOULD be joining them. This was turning into a party, and he was looking forward to a more...intimate setting. When the time was right, he would do what he needed to get some alone time with Morgan. But all in good time. Sometimes the wait was worth it and he had every belief that Morgan was one of those things. ::

:: Soon, two and now THREE people had joined them, turning this into an all out group outing. He grimaced silently for a moment as a beautiful black woman came up to Blaze and planted a kiss on her lips. ::

”Perhaps this won't be as monotonous as I thought...”

:: A smile curled up in his lips as the beautiful woman came over and introduced herself. ::

Vivica: “Vivica Lennox. Nice to meet you. Do I know you from somewhere?”

“Derek Forrester, formerly of Forrester Creations. You also probably had a poster of me in your bedroom in the late nineties.”

:: She was amused. ::

Vivica: “Well okay then, SNOWFLAKE! Don't get too happy with your damn self, or my girl Blaze will capitalize on it. She's handsy.”

”Everybody's a comedian”

“Oh I'm more than prepared to stoop to her level..as long as..”

[curiously eyeing Vivica]

“I'm not entering into your territory.”

That makes two of us.

I had fucked up the meeting spot, but there is an advantage to being able to get places fast. So there I was with Viv, Red, Andrew and whoever THIS motherfucker was. Derek Forrester...never heard of him. Oh well....

I gave Viv a hug, Andrew a respectful nod and kept my manners, offering a handshake to whoever this was.

I was not EXACTLY sure how Blaze was gonna play this, so I gave her pretty much the same level of hug I gave Vivica...plus a lil extra.

Now....about eating. Lead the way, ladies.

:: These people certainly seemed to love their food. While Derek often enjoyed the flesh and blood of heavenly creatures, in his everyday life, he was an incredibly healthy person who ate to live and not the other way around. It was a side effect of his days in the modeling world. He liked keeping himself in shape, and he had enough experience with EXCESS...besides he liked to revel in far darker things than devil's food cake.

“Yes, lead the way, please. Before anybody else decides to show up.”

:: He nodded to Blaze to take the charge. ::

 

[Tachyon]

:: But as she reached the double doors, and opened them, she found::

XAVIER!

:: She said with agitation::

What do you mean, banging on my door like a LUNATIC!?

:: Her hazel eyes flashed with annoyance::

And she is a firecracker, beautiful when irritated. And set to blow. But he would not feed the beast.

:: But there he stands, looking rather calm, and Alycia wasn't interested in having a conversation in the foyer of her building with the door open.::

:: Huffing with annoyance::

Come IN.

:: she commands. Once inside, she closees the doors and reactivates the building's sensors and security/defense::

So...

:: begins as she leads him further into the building and up to the third floor, where her office suite is located. Inside, she gestures for him to pull up a chair, while she takes her seat behind her desk::

...What brings you here, Xavier?

You don't strike me as the type to race around town just to deliver a message you could have...

:: She looked at her phone, 4 missed calls, 4 voice mails::

...called. OR texted.

::She sets her phone down::

You really shouldn't have been so OBNOXIOUS at my front door.

WHAT do you want?

Xavier smiled, raising an eyebrow as she realized that he had, in fact, been trying to call her. He took a moment to just look at her, allow her to settle at bit. After a few seconds, he spoke.

I honestly wanted to check on you, make sure you were OK. While I realize that people CAN have their reasons for not answering their phone, given the circumstances I thought it best to investigate in person ONCE you did not respond. We are a TEAM and, until you tell me differently, I plan to make sure that the people I have not heard from are well.

His British accent was crisp, professorial as he spoke, but there was something else. A HEART to his words. A conviction. He leaned forward, his face very grim.

Besides, we've ALREADY kissed. I should at least buy you dinner, assuming you are hungry.

He broke into a wide smile, chuckling.

Look, Alycia. I am a speedster, Across town or across this desk is essentially the same thing. You left and could not be accounted for. I wanted to check, grew a bit worried and here I am. No apologies.

Tachyon reclined, still smiling but earnest in his conviction.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Zach was able to tell them about the first time he had met Rose. She didn’t seem to want attention, but had come in to help and saved the day.

Zach found Ashley’s flowers in the trash. Oops.

"I thought she'd at LEAST let YOU keep them.”

“Oh, honey, I meant to retrieve those.”

[whispers to Zach] “She’s just trying to act tough, you know how she is. Don’t take it personal.”

Zach described a couple more meetings between he and Rose. He used the video to illustrate Rose’s power signature. Zizi thought for a moment.

“So, we know she’s a psionic. If her power signature is changing, could it be the result of some sort of…and I really hate to say this…mental imbalance? A stressor or…something indicating the onset of a breakdown? If so, this could be a real problem – one Rose may not even be aware of yet.”

 

[Artemis]

Charope, LLC- Infirmary

Xavier smiled, raising an eyebrow as she realized that he had, in fact, been trying to call her. He took a moment to just look at her, allow her to settle at bit. After a few seconds, he spoke.

I honestly wanted to check on you, make sure you were OK. While I realize that people CAN have their reasons for not answering their phone, given the circumstances I thought it best to investigate in person ONCE you did not respond. We are a TEAM and, until you tell me differently, I plan to make sure that the people I have not heard from are well.

His British accent was crisp, professorial as he spoke, but there was something else. A HEART to his words. A conviction. He leaned forward, his face very grim.

Besides, we've ALREADY kissed. I should at least buy you dinner, assuming you are hungry.

:: Xavier Winston. He was something ELSE, but not in a bad way! Smart, worldly, sexy, and even CHARMING. But...Cameron King had been those things too. Her initial relief at his company was starting to fade...::

Well... a coffee and a pastry would be nice.

:: She pauses::

I was out earlier. I don't feel like leaving again.

He broke into a wide smile, chuckling.

Look, Alycia. I am a speedster, Across town or across this desk is essentially the same thing. You left and could not be accounted for. I wanted to check, grew a bit worried and here I am. No apologies.

Tachyon reclined, still smiling but earnest in his conviction.

:: Alycia studied him. She had no reason to doubt his motives. He didn't seem like someone to put up much pretense, and if ALISON tolerated him, and Oracle was willing to accept him, then there must be something to him, right? And yes...he was FINE to look at. It HELPED that he wasn't JUST looks, he actually had a brain, and some awareness, some level of sensitivity!::

:: He cared enough to come see about her, so the least she could do was indulge him in honest conversation.::

Tachyon... Xavier...WHY are you here. REALLY. I KNOW that Alison...and AVA brought you to Zizi, but is this where you REALLY want to be? Can you REALLY see yourself working with someone like ASHLEY?

You've seen what's been happening...all the MESS that's encompassing us, and it's something WE didn't even create, but it's hurting us, driving us apart!

You can be anywhere you want to be, quite literrally in the blink of an EYE. Is THIS what you want!?

:: She was asking this....but she was partially asking this to HERSELF.::

:: Before Xavier could respond just then...the building went to medical alert, and a tone sounded off::

Sharon: Alycia, Delilah, Dominique, myself and Bishop are in the infirmary. Bishop was attacked and seriously injured. Isis is helping him now. Please come down....

:: Alycia's hazel eyes widen::

Bishop!?

:: Alycia had her own personal history with Bishop, one that predated the Six, and touched Sharon. He was present in the arklay mansion when she nearly died from her injuries. He was ALSO responsible for her life being blown apart and then being driven into exile with the Six. The next time she would see him, he'd be in a different body, and she would be an amazon - it was during the BLUE MOON. She never had a chance to THINK about how she FELT about him and what kind of IMPACT he'd had on her life. But now here he was, in HER infirmary. A part of her felt a FLASH of indignation at Sharon for this, but she stopped herself.::

:: He was obviously in trouble, and he HAD been there for her and Sharon many moons ago. She also knew what this would mean to Delilah, the mother of Alexia.::

:: She stands up, pressing a button on her desk::

We're coming, Sharon.

:: She cancels the medical alert sound, but keeps the building on medical alert, mobilizing the medical staff in case they are needed.::

Come on, Xavier.

:: She motions as they head to an express elevator that shoots them down to the Infirmary. Once they make their way down the hall and through the double doors, Alycia finds Isis standing over Bishop, Sharon standing back, and Delilah near her.::

Sharon.

:: She says calmly::

Delilah....

:: She makes her way over to them, and takes Delilah's hands into her own::

...you're trembling!

Sharon: I've tried to get her to sit down, but she won't stay still. She was attacked by Malice!

Alycia: Goddess! Delilah, are you okay?! I can get the medical team to...

:: Alycia looks intently into Delilah's face, knowing that her dear friend is probably less concerned for herself and more worried about Bishop::

:: Alycia looks back at Isis::

What's the status on Bishop now?

Oh, Delilah, this is Xavier Winston, I believe you've met him once before? he's a member of our...

:: she pausees as she looks at Sharon::

THE team....The birds of prey.

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower

They were watching Rose’s battle with Persephone as Zach came downstairs with Vivica. What had they been doing up there? She raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Wow, I don't think I've EVER since her fight with such.... SAVAGE INSTINCT. Even in battle, she's normally so SERENE."

“Hrmph. I’ve seen better.”

Zach went into the kitchen to throw away his candy wrapper. Who DOES that?

"I thought she'd at LEAST let YOU keep them.”

“Oh, honey, I meant to retrieve those. [whispers to Zach] She’s just trying to act tough, you know how she is. Don’t take it personal.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at Zizi and Zach sulkily.

“Don’t talk about me like I’m not here.”

Zach told them what he knew about Rose, and they looked at the footage of her again.

“So, we know she’s a psionic. If her power signature is changing, could it be the result of some sort of…and I really hate to say this…mental imbalance? A stressor or…something indicating the onset of a breakdown? If so, this could be a real problem – one Rose may not even be aware of yet.”

“She comes in, she takes out all the bad guys, she goes away. I don’t see how this is a problem.”

She looked at the group.

“I mean, why are we even worrying about this? Don’t we have two big bad bitches coming for us that are apparently scaring everyone shitless? Shouldn’t we be focusing on them instead of some goody two shoes guardian angel?”

 

[Steel]

The Clocktower

Steel couldn’t stop thinking about his encounter with Alycia. She was hurting, that was clear. And it bothered him that he couldn’t seem to get her to see what they were doing with Ashley, why it was important to try to help her. This type of behavior from them floored him – it would never occur to him to not put the team as a unit first, before the needs of the individuals on it.

Now they were studying Rose. Someone who did great things for her community and the children of New York. And who apparently liked to kick a little ass now and then.

“So, we know she’s a psionic. If her power signature is changing, could it be the result of some sort of…and I really hate to say this…mental imbalance? A stressor or…something indicating the onset of a breakdown? If so, this could be a real problem – one Rose may not even be aware of yet.”

He was leaning casually against one of the consoles, his arms crossed.

“So how do we help her? Aside from Zach, none of us really know her.”

“She comes in, she takes out all the bad guys, she goes away. I don’t see how this is a problem. I mean, why are we even worrying about this? Don’t we have two big bad bitches coming for us that are apparently scaring everyone shitless? Shouldn’t we be focusing on them instead of some goody two shoes guardian angel?”

His eyes fixed pointedly on Ashley.

“Because a loose cannon is a threat to everyone.”

Then he turned back to the group at large.

“But we do need to try and find out what she or anyone else knows about what Hellfire is doing. What about that…Citadel? Danny Donnelly? Can we make contact with him?”

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

Zizi was adorably apologetic about the flowers, saying she meant to save them from the trash bin, but Zach just smiled. He wasn't starry eyed for Ash or anything, but after last night, he figured she deserved something nice, and he'd at least let her know he was available for repeat performances, if need be. Zizi insisted that Ashley was just acting tough and he nodded knowingly, even as Ashley protested that they shouldn't talk about her like she wasn't there. His gaze traveled over her, top to bottom, and then back up again, as she she went back to watching the footage. His mind drifted back to last night, the intimacy, the intensity. Taking her hand in his.... nuzzling her neckline.... slow, deep strokes....

Zizi: So, we know she’s a psionic. If her power signature is changing, could it be the result of some sort of…and I really hate to say this…mental imbalance? A stressor or…something indicating the onset of a breakdown? If so, this could be a real problem – one Rose may not even be aware of yet.

Zach looked at Zizi with a blank expression, lost for a moment, then he remembered they were having a conversation he should be present for. He did his best to recover smoothly, and thankfully, there were enough people around that there was no pause in the discussion.

Ashley: She comes in, she takes out all the bad guys, she goes away. I don’t see how this is a problem.

"Well.... she recently lost 42 of her children, I know that was very difficult for her. I haven't been able to check in with her as much as I SHOULD have.... there's just been SO much going on."

He DID feel remorse about that, but there was nothing he could do except address the issue and move forward. Hopefully it wasn't too late.

Ashley: I mean, why are we even worrying about this? Don’t we have two big bad bitches coming for us that are apparently scaring everyone shitless? Shouldn’t we be focusing on them instead of some goody two shoes guardian angel?

Steele: Because a loose cannon is a threat to everyone.

"True. Also, Rose is a wildcard, and we certainly should at LEAST discuss her, since she's involved. If she IS having some kind of breakdown, if might be advisable to help her, because CLEARLY she's a heavy hitter and having her as an ally is better than not. Hellfire and Terra Save both wanted her allegiance, that ought to tell us something about the caliber of POWER she represents."

 

[Citadel]

New York City - Brooklyn - Heritage Bar

:: He furrowed his brow for a moment. He had been pitching himself all day to no avail, and he was feeling a little down. ::

“Lauren's fine. I'm used to her. When it comes to Vanguard --”

:: exhaling ::

“The Purifiers Attack on the city really did a number on me. It changed things.”

Lauren: “It changed things for everybody. Nobody feels safe out there anymore.”

"It's been a slow process, but people are starting to move on. Venture out. Test the waters.."

:: Danny swigged his beer. ::

“And they are right not to. For me? I decided I couldn't be an observer anymore. I wanted to be a participant. I had a name, I had money, power and influence and then I thought that I could move on from that night. That I could continue to live my life exactly as I had been and I would be okay. Because people like me..young, rich, white...MALE..we lived ABOVE those things. I didn't like that feeling. So I did something about it...or at least I'm trying to do something about it.”

:: taking a sip of his whiskey drink. ::

:: Danny smirked a bit as Simon spoke. He was like a walking millenial social media campaign. Sure, he was rather adorable, and he meant well, but there was something a bit nauseating about watching a rich white boy suddenly realize that outside of the gates, there was some real shit going on, but he wasn't going to say that to Simon. He could tell that he was a genuine person. The events really did effect him and he was really trying to make an effort to do better. That was more than he could say for most. With all the supers in the city, most had just reverted the gaze back on themselves. When he saw Rose take down Persephone in the streets, after she attempted to kill her own allies, one thing became clear. Most mutants weren't working for anybody but themselves. Perhaps this kid..COULD really do something. ::

:: Sure, he was kind of a wasp. He had a bad reputation, and from the looks of them, he was not having an easy time navigating, but if the city could see his potential, then Danny knew he had to help him. ::

“Purifiers made national headlines. I could only imagine what some misguided, uneducated people might have taken away from the event. Though most would be horrified, there would be others who found their cause to be righteous. It gas-lighted things. I didn't want what happened in New York to happen somewhere else. So I came up with Vanguard...”

“A Political Action Group that would offer protection and counsel to all mutants who require it – everything from social services to legal help, counseling and even medical care from people who were like them – Mutants. By mutants for mutants. However, nobody with money in this town wants to throw it at a bunch of mutants. They think they are funding their own destruction. Six meetings today and not a one of them said YES. It's been a little depressing.”

:: Finishing his beer, Danny cracked open the cold one next to him on the table. He was about to speak when -

Lauren: “By mutants for mutants. Simon...does that mean...you are.. a mutant?”

:: Simon eyed her up and down for a moment, before raising his eyebrow and exhaling deeply. ::

“Yes...I am.”

:: His eyes widened for a moment. Simon just admitted that he was a mutant to one of the country's most prominent primetime news anchors in the country. Danny looked at Lauren for a moment who seemed STUNNED at the revelation, and Danny had to admit - this kid had balls. Any doubt he may have had about the guy before, it was quickly dissappearing. ::

[looking at Lauren]

"Well...it's clear we've moved into "off the record" territory."

:: Danny turned his face back to Simon and grabbed his hand from across the table. ::

"Relax, puddin' you're not my type."

"Little white lie never hurt anybody.."

"Simon...thanks for telling us that. You can trust us [glancing at Lauren] BOTH of us to be discreet."

:: He smiled, pulling his hand back. ::

"You're on the right track you know? I'm sure I can't be the only who's said that. Which is probably why it's so frustrating that you feel like you aren't making any head way.."

:: tapping his fingers on the glass of his beer. ::

"But have you thought maybe you aren't looking in the right direction?"

Simon: "What do you mean?"

"I mean you are trying to appeal to people who aren't ready to listen to you. Take you seriously. But they aren't the only people with money in town. There's money outside of the Upper East Side...along with passion, dedication..you just have to be willing to find it. I barely know you, but if you are as honest with others as you have been with Lauren and I..there's no way you won't get what you want..."

:: smirking. ::

"And I'd like to help.."

"I have a...deep relationship with this city. I'm a business owner - of the bar your sitting in right now..I've worked in city planning..served on city council. There's not an inch of this place that I haven't seen and don't know intimately. An no offense, you're rather dashing but..."

:: he smiled and titled his beer bottle towards Simon in a "cheers" gesture. ::

"I'm manly and rugged. And that's not even counting when i'm in my Calvin's..."

:: taking a sip. Danny had been looking for something different. He felt like he hadn't been able to get a handle on the things happening in his city, and he hated the feeling of being two steps behind the growing darkness that plagued his mistress. Perhaps Simon and his connections to teams like Birds of Prey and The Six...and apparently, The Hellfire Club, could help Danny do what need to be done, while paying it forward. ::

"And this bar is more profitable than it looks."

"I've been worried about the city for quite some time now. Perhaps it's time for me to pay it forward. If you'll have me...I'd like very much to join rank Vanguard."

:: He watched as Simon's eyes widened and he seemed stunned for a moment. Lauren piped in. ::

Lauren: "Uh Simon...do yourself a favor and shake the man's hand!"

:: Simon nodded and reached out his hand to Danny. Danny smirked as dimples formed in his cheeks. ::

"Say hello to your first investor and Public Relations Advisor, kid. Pleasure doing business with you."

 

[Firebird]

Spectra Couture to Starlight Lounge

Blaze and Derek bantered a bit. He was CLEARLY NOT merely what he seemed to be. No ORDINARY man could waltz in to Sally Spectra's office and behave like this, and have such a clear sight on Morgan Victoria. Just HOW aware was her sister of him? They'd work together before, but had he ever revealed anything more about himself to her? Blaze would be watching him, AND Morgan.

As he turned away to address Andrew, Blaze leaned back against the wall, next to the larged framed picture of Sally Spectra, and folded her arms. She looked rather pensive in this moment.

She watched as the two of them talked. Andrew seemed to warm up...a BIT. But Andrew was the LEAST appropriate person to use as a barometer.

Sally has known him all his life. She wouldn't knowingly consult with a bad person, a THREAT. But There's something....NOT RIGHT about him! I KNOW IT! Heaven HELP HIM if he tries to hurt my sister OR ruin her happiness with Nic. I'll BURN HIS HEART INTO ASH before I let that happen!

With her apple green eyes still fixed on the two men, content to observe for a few moments. But soon a more reassuring sight arrived in the form of

"Cassie!"

"Viv!"

She flashed her eyes at Blaze and warmly greeted her, kissing her on the lips, and tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. It was good to see her, despite everything. ::

“Hey B. How's my girl doing?”

Blaze stood upright from her leaned position and made her way to Vivica, and placed a hand on her arm , greeting her with a kiss on the lips, and enjoying the sight, and touch of her::

"Certainly a lot better now that you're here, you and Cass both!"

She ran her hand down Vivica's arm and took Vivica's hand, squeezing it.

"You don't know how happy and RELIEVED I am to see you right now, Viv."

Blaze's apple gree eyes gazed into her's. She turned her attention to Derek Forrester, but before Blaze could introduce him...

“Vivica Lennox. Nice to meet you. Do I know you from somewhere?”

Hellion: “Derek Forrester, formerly of Forrester Creations. You also probably had a poster of me in your bedroom in the late nineties.”

:: Vivica laughed. ::

[amused]

“Well okay then, SNOWFLAKE! Don't get too happy with your damn self, or my girl Blaze will capitalize on it. She's handsy.”

“Oh I'm more than prepared to stoop to her level..as long as..”

[curiously eyeing Vivica]

“I'm not entering into your territory.”

"He worked with Morgan back in the late 90s on the runway and in various ad campaigns."

"Sally asked me to check on him. He was nearly her step son."

She said, with slightly less warmth and enthusiasm than she had earlier when introducing him to Andrew.

:: turning to face the group. ::

“So can we EAT? I'm dying of hunger.”

That makes two of us.

I had fucked up the meeting spot, but there is an advantage to being able to get places fast. So there I was with Viv, Red, Andrew and whoever THIS motherfucker was. Derek Forrester...never heard of him. Oh well....

I gave Viv a hug, Andrew a respectful nod and kept my manners, offering a handshake to whoever this was.

I was not EXACTLY sure how Blaze was gonna play this, so I gave her pretty much the same level of hug I gave Vivica...plus a lil extra.

"Hey Richie, you're LATE! I was starting to wonder! But I'm glad you're here now."

She walks over and hugs him close, but that lilt in her voice isn't there Cass, Vivica and Rich notice it.

"Derek Forrester."

She gestures to Derek

"House of Forrester pedigree, Male super model, colleague of Morgan's, Sally Spectra's "liked-to-had-been-Step son." He's looking to...catch up with Morgan, and he's gonna hang out with us for a little bit. "

She looks at Andrew

"Drew is joining us as well. "

"So now that we're all here, let's get this little pow wow in gear. "

Dimming the lights in the boutique and ready to set the sensors and the alarms. She abruptly moves to the head of the group, not accepting Rich's arm, or Vivica's hand.

"I need a drink. STAT."

It wasn't JUST (or PRIMARILY) Derek that was bothering her. Seeing Vivica again, it jolted her in a way that she hadn't anticipated. She couldn't get those images of Vivica being attacked Persephone out of her mind, and how AWFUL she felt that she didn't know about it/couldn't be there for her when it happened. Vivica had seen her like this before, the night Sally Spectra was attacked and nearly killed by the Purifiers! Blaze was shaken then, and while she THOUGHT she had recovered from the shock regarding Haleigh, the revelation of Persephone, and her attack on Vivica and Simon really had upset the fire elemental. HALEIGH, at least, had told them to their faces. AVA went behind their BACKS!

"Well, what're you all waiting for??"

She beckons as she walks along the winding way in her high heels.

Soon they arrive to the Starlight Lounge, where the table Blaze had reserve is waiting, everyone is seated, and Blaze wastes no time making her drink order

"I'll have a bahia breeze with Tequila GOLD to start, and then, Lemon drop, extra sugar around the glass, keep them coming please?"

Cass and Vivica knew she could drink, and Rich had become aware of her legendary drinking ability, but this was a hell of a way to start out!

 

[Matrix]

"Hey Richie, you're LATE! I was starting to wonder! But I'm glad you're here now."

She walks over and hugs him close, but that lilt in her voice isn't there Cass, Vivica and Rich notice it.

"Derek Forrester."

She gestures to Derek

"House of Forrester pedigree, Male super model, colleague of Morgan's, Sally Spectra's "liked-to-had-been-Step son." He's looking to...catch up with Morgan, and he's gonna hang out with us for a little bit. "

She looks at Andrew

"Drew is joining us as well. "

"So now that we're all here, let's get this little pow wow in gear. "

Something was up, was I messing up her flow with Viv? I am nobody's cockblock, they can do what....no...its the slick white dude. And he called himself catching up with Morgan. A dangerous game. Set-boy had every meta the Six AND the HC could get their hands on to team up over him losing his shit. But what do I know? Actually I DO know one thing...if he bothers Blaze I will have to go to work.

 

[Isis]

Charope- Infirmary


:: Isis continued to work her restorative magicks on and through Bishop. The eerie melody of her power signature played throughout the infimary as the glowing golden circle of protection continued to spin ::

Great Mother, hear my words of power.

“Thank you, Isis, thank you so much.”

She turned to Sharon, hugging her arms around herself.

“I can’t believe this is happening. What am I going to do if he dies?”

Sharon: :: Gently taking Delilah's arms in a supportive move:: Delilah, please sit down. You were attacked by Malice, and you might be hurt in ways that are not visible or physical...Isis will do all she can for him. We have to trust her, and let her take the time she needs.

:: Delilah's feelings for Bishop were more apparent than she might have acknowledged in any other situation. ::

:: Charope and Tachyon arrive, and Charope quickly introduces him to Delilah. It's the first time since the fight between Silver Swan and Valkyrie that this many would-be members of the Birds of Prey OUTSIDE the original core have been together, much less WORKING together toward a common goal, but in this instince, they were all united in the care of Delilah, and willingness to help HER, even if some of them might not have looked upon Bishop favorably::

Sharon.

:: She says calmly::

Delilah....

:: She makes her way over to them, and takes Delilah's hands into her own::

...you're trembling!

Sharon: I've tried to get her to sit down, but she won't stay still. She was attacked by Malice!

:: If Delilah DID need helaigh Isis could help, but first THIS...::


Let the season of light

bring Maxim Sheremetyev healing, restoration, and wellness!

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


Let the body be made WHOLE once more, and let him BREATHE ANEW!

:: Isis, the egyptian goddess of rebirth and magick, thrusts her hands out to either side, and all sight of her and Bishop is lost for a blinding moment, as the magick symphony of healing CLIMAXES and Bishop GASPS with life renewed and body RESTORED.::

:: The magick runs its course. Bishop once again, finds his life restored by the hand of a goddess, but one from an entirely different pantheon.::

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

:: Isis' glowing eyes return to norm as she looks to Delilah::

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

Alycia: We'll keep him here, My staff and I can watch over him...

Sharon: And WE'LL protect him.

:: Bishop was already reviving, his eyes opened as his lungs and body readjusted and settled::

 

[Matrix]

Dimming the lights in the boutique and ready to set the sensors and the alarms. She abruptly moves to the head of the group, not accepting Rich's arm, or Vivica's hand.

"I need a drink. STAT."

It wasn't JUST (or PRIMARILY) Derek that was bothering her. Seeing Vivica again, it jolted her in a way that she hadn't anticipated. She couldn't get those images of Vivica being attacked Persephone out of her mind, and how AWFUL she felt that she didn't know about it/couldn't be there for her when it happened. Vivica had seen her like this before, the night Sally Spectra was attacked and nearly killed by the Purifiers! Blaze was shaken then, and while she THOUGHT she had recovered from the shock regarding Haleigh, the revelation of Persephone, and her attack on Vivica and Simon really had upset the fire elemental. HALEIGH, at least, had told them to their faces. AVA went behind their BACKS!

"Well, what're you all waiting for??"

She beckons as she walks along the winding way in her high heels.

Soon they arrive to the Starlight Lounge, where the table Blaze had reserve is waiting, everyone is seated, and Blaze wastes no time making her drink order

"I'll have a bahia breeze with Tequila GOLD to start, and then, Lemon drop, extra sugar around the glass, keep them coming please?"

Cass and Vivica knew she could drink, and Rich had become aware of her legendary drinking ability, but this was a hell of a way to start out!

Yeah, Red was different tonight, on edge. NOBODY got any love and they hit the lounge. Blaze ordered the hell out of some drinks but I needed to get it in.

3 Southwest stuffed chicken breasts, a green salad with lime cilantro vinaigrette, my usual fruit bowl and 3 screwdrivers.

I at least got to sit beside Red, so I opened my hand real slick to reveal a note for her.

Are you OK? Is it me?

If I need to go, that is what I will do...