Challenges and Betrayal

[Seer]

<< back in the underworld, the six had much to think on. while some like Delilah and Nicolas felt that being in this present timestream served little purpose, others like Alison and Persephone knew that it was not so simple.>>

<< since their return to the underworld, the mystique surrounding the gods and goddesses of olympus had long faded, thanks in large part to the visions provided by hecate and alison. now they could see why Persephone was less than thrilled to be back here. the gods/goddesses seemed ALL to mortal and failing.>>

<< the six had a buffer now that they were in the underworld. the ollympians couldnt advance on them as long as they were here and it was certain that athena was plotting to expose the six and destroy persephone outright. though the six and theier allies had a buffer here, they couldnt hide there forever.>>

<< They would be getting a surprise soon.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

The crystal room

<< The six were now in another large, splendid room of the castle, the "crystal" room, a massive place with the most exquisite crystaline objects and decor. Morgan sat in a meditative pose, flowing off the floor surrounded by a large pentagram of silver eldritch flame. there was a soft din to the flames...like the faint rumbling of ocean waves and a hint of chimes in the air. The others were in various places around the room.>>

<< she seemed to be at ease, letting magick flow through her as her body shimmmered and her hair flowed. she was getting in touch with her self, her POWER as Hecate had encouraged her to, learning to commune with her magicks instead of just "using" them like tools. the magick, the energy could sustain her and she would not even require FOOD if she were stranded somewhere without it....one of MANY things that she learned-- though Ororo and Belasco had long known that.>>

<< she had more than resigned herself to the possibility of battling the gods/goddesses to the DEATH if necessary. She wouldnt cower before them and after what she saw them do to Hecate and Persephone, she had LITTLE respect for ANY of them. the whole romanticized versions of them that she'd grown up with through mythology had been shattered after what she'd seen in the enchanted forest.>>


<< speaking out loud in an icy voice>>:

Hecate left this plane of existence at some point, bitter and feeling shunned. It's not FAIR! I know how that feeling is...i often felt isolated because of my dark magicks and my connection to limbo but i was fortunate to have people like my mother, ororo, alison and delilah...and my team..my friends. they've stood BY me inspite of the Inferno and everything else... but Hecate...inspite of all she did for THEM...and how she tried to protect Persephone..she STILL got the short end of the stick!



<< she shakes her head. Hecate was not with the group. her where abouts were not readily known but the coldness that radiated from her upon learning of yet another betrayal and being left to hang out to dry clearly did not sit well with her. the look on her face before they returned had said it all.>>

Even CIRCE took advantage of Hecate! She manipulated her...and prooved herself no better than the Olympians! When we get back there...I've got something instore for HER!!




Persephone...i don't know why you killed Demeter, but it's clear that her murder had a long term impact that even YOU did not anticipate.

<< speaking bluntly>>

i could never even DREAM of harming my mother, let alone klling her...but none of us in this room can boast NOT having spilled SOMEONE'S blood at some point.

<< looking over at Persephone.>>

But what about THEM...up THERE on Olympus? we apparently CAN'T leave until whatever else we came here for has played out. The gods/goddesses want you dead....if Alison does not see any immediate problem...i say we storm the mountain. the time stream has already been compromised...there's nothing we can do NOW but to go FORWARD.

 

[Rampage]

Persephone's Palace, Crystal Room

As the team teleported back, they ended up in a crystal room. He listened as Morgan vented about the unfairness of Hecate's treatment, the surprise at the murder of Demeter, and her suggestion that they storm the mountain. He stepped forward.

I concur. WE should consult Alison about what should be fulfilled as far as secondary/tertiary things, then I think we surprise them by taking the battle to them. These pompous asses think that NO ONE would DARE challenge them!! They probably even think that we are trying to avoid them. I am done running. Our only option is to forge ahead, take the fight that is to come to them. With our own team and the forces we can bring to bear <<<looks at Persephone and Morgan>>> we can do this!!!

 

[Persephone]

:: The group soon returned from the enchanted forest back to Persephone's castle in the Underworld. Morgan began to vent about how unfairly Hecate had been treated. Persephone didn't bother to agree or disagree. Walking away from the group as she continued to speak, her topic soon changed to that of Demeter's murder. Smiling to herself with her back turned to the group, Morgan announced how she couldn't possibly even imagine harming her mother, let alone killing her. Rolling her eyes at Morgan's judgmental statement, perhaps not her mother, but she certainly didn't mind decapitating her sister. ::

:: Uncorking a glass canter that held Hades' favorite liquor, Persephone pour a decent amount into a bronze cup. With her hand held over the cup, she ran her fingers along the edge of her large ruby ring, opening it. A small amount of Hemlock dripped into the cup, turning the liquid an eerie black before fading back to its original color. Closing the ring, Persephone swirled the drink. Though a small amount, Hemlock had the capability to kill a grown man/mutant within minutes of ingesting it. ::

:: Turning back around after hearing Rampage's annoying 'pep' talk, Persephone gave him a smile while extending the drink out to him. ::

"Drink?"

:: Persephone smile faded more into a smirk knowing that Nicolas was very well aware of what was in the cup. ::

"You're right. You shouldn't drink on the job."

:: Though the drink wasn't meant for Nicolas, she still found it amusing. Apparently the only one who did. Regardless, Persephone did have one last thing to attend to before their battle against the Gods. Even though the time line had already been tainted beyond repair, Persephone still needed to kill Hades. Call it a contribution to her own sanity, but she wasn't about to have him running around the 21st century in the same fashion he did in this time line. ::

"I do have one last....encounter I need to see though. Once I’m finished, I do believe your plan is the best course of action, Morgan. The Gods sit on a very high horse, they would not expect an all out attack on Mount Olympus so soon. Feel free to roam the castle and gather any supplies you may need for the battle. Hecate can show you the apothecary and weapons room."

:: Crossing the livingroom toward the entrance of the foyer, Persephone removed the golden snake pin that held her curls away from her face. The long ebony strands fell along her shoulders and chest, framing her face beautifully. Disappearing from view, Persephone ascended the stairs, heading for her chambers. ::

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh kept her reacions to the visions to herself, even as she watched Persephone murder her mother. Haleigh understood that not everyone has the perfect relationship with their mother... and also that things were rarely as they seemed, so she avoided passing judgement either way. They returned to the underworld, and were again under the safety that the realm provided. Morgan spoke first, asking about Persephone's motives regarding Demeter's murder. Perse didn't respond, but Haleigh did, as she glanced at her sister.

"We all have our reasons for doing unexplainable, sometimes... unspeakable things. How ever Persephone feels about this, WE still need to deal with the fallout, and as long as she is as prepared to deal with the consequences as we are, then perhaps we should let her motives be her own."

Haleigh spoke in response to Morgan, but it was more for Perse's benefit, and she watched her sister for any indication of affirmation. Morgan and Nicolas devised a plan: to storm Mt. Olympus and take the gods by surprise. While this idea had merit, Haleigh didn't want them to get too overzealous, what with the 'rallying the troops' speech Nicolas gave.

"Yes, but we ought to take CARE.... we don't want to rush in unprepared. sometimes the best offense is a good defense, and I wouldn't believe Athena doesn't know that."

Persephone offers Nicolas a drink... of hemlock. Haleigh didn't bother to say anything, she knew Nicolas would not accept. Persephone then excused herself to tie up loose ends... and none of them should be too surprised at what her intentions were. Haleigh took up the glass canter that Persephone'd set down moments ago. She swilled it around, licking her lips... in light of the battle she was about to undertake, maybe she should drink a little too.

"Yeah.... you do that.... meanwhile... I think I'll have a little of this.... your husband won't miss it, I'm sure."

She said with a smirk. She had a very nonchalant attitude, and seemed to have tamed the difficulty in adjusting that she'd had before... the forest had obviously had a positive effect on her.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas wa not surprised at Persephone's manner as far as his speech was concerned. She still seemed to try too hard to be cool to him, but he knew she was a good teammate overall. As she made a hemlock drink, she smiled sweetly and offered him some. He politely declined, just as sweetly.

That's OK, Seph. I should avoid drinking on the job.

He took secret pleasure in her own satisfaction as she made the offer. He knew of Hemlock's potency, but doubted that it would kill him. Nothing else had even managed to phase him so hemlock stood as an interesting challenge, but for another day. He watched as Persephone walked away, another Olympian's death clearly on her mind. With what she seemd to be planning, Nicolas smiled realizing that overall, it would be a pretty cool way to go. He saw Haleigh pick up the decanter.

On second thought, maybe a drink with a friend could be cool. Enough for two, Hales?

 

[Harbinger]

The Crystal Room

:: Alison stood by a large crystaline sculpture. the purity and coldness of the object appealed to Alison. to her it was a beautifull metaphor for how she (and others) saw herself....beautifull, yet cold and hard. Morgan expressed her displeasure of Hecate's treatment and Alison nodded in agreement.::

The gods/goddesses...particularly zeus and hera are foolish and short sighted. they mistreated Hecate due in part to her not being a true olympian but a TITAN by her bloodline. despite her historical choice to fight alongside the olympians and her role in destroying cronus. Hera is just as legendary for her petty jealously and suspicion of every woman both on olympus and earth. Jealousy can lead to irrational and petty descisions and we've SEEN that in the visions. Even ATHENA realized at the apparent end of the "age of the gods" where they had gone wrong.

it's a lesson that i suspect WE need to take heed to as well.

:: looking among the group::

We can't change what's happened to Hecate or even Demeter...but we can make sure that Hecate's sacrifices and hardships along with Demeter's death were not in vain.

:: She turned to persephone....not concerned if the goddess was annoyed at her mentioning demeter.::

Your brutal murder of your mother has taken the group by surprise...to see it....YOU that way was something they did not expect but I know better than MOST how it is to have a broken relationship with your mother. I know what it is to square off against her and fight to the DEATH.

:: Kelly King..."Witchfire" one of the magickal forces for Mystech. Alison had never regarded her mother with much warmth or love for her. even as a child Alison had felt her mother was "sloppy", "careless" and "wreckless" to be respected as a mother or even as a witch. Alison, AS a CHILD often had to stand up to actively protect and defend her siblings [both of whom were now deceased] from the abuse and tyranny of her mother until she finally left the family and began to prowl and explore the world at the age of 14. years later she would discover that her mother played a role in the faked death and kidnapping of Morgan's sister Blaze when THAT set of sisters were apart of the london based group "Valiant." Alison would confront her mother as an adult in one final conflict and damn her through the seige perilous. so she understood that sometimes it WAS necessary to murder even your own parents BUT Persephone's reasons or even her motivation for murdering Demeter remained unclear even to Hecate and Alison. But the damage and fallout that the murder had on Hecate and the role it played in the dischord on Mt. Olympus was made all too clear through the visions from the past, the present and at least one possible future.::


:: Persephone was not there to see the bitterness and hatred that fueled the final battle between Alison and Kelly and while the team was shocked by Persephone's actions and Alison was sure that Persephone had not thought of the "bigger picture" when she murdered Demeter, Alison could MORE than identify with the idea of a child who murdered her parent.::

You may never choose to tell us why you did it, but it is clear that Hecate suffered a great deal in standing in the gap for you during the fallout for the murder and that NEITHER of you was treated well here following that event. None of us here is a saint or innocent. But i don't suppose DEATH is something any of us will ever truly become accustomed to.

:: turning to the group::

we can't fix this time stream. all we CAN do is go forward and at this point, i see nothing to be LOST from it. Inspite of DEATH looming on the horizon for Persephone and the rest of us, we owe it to Hecate to teach these olympians a lesson in humility. If even two of us can triumph and return to our own timeline, Circe will be more than painfully surprised when she discovers that her supposed "patron goddess" has foresaken her.


:: Alison's tone was cold. She watched as Persephone showed annoyance with Morgan's comments Demeter's murder and her subsequent offering of HEMLOCK, a drink that was enjoyed by witches and other magick beings but utterly poisonous and FATAL to humans and mutants, to Nicolas . Persephone's dark sense of humour was oddly amusing to Alison. Nicolas , of course, declined. Haleigh commented. First on Demeter's murder and it was a fair statement in response to Morgan, she also spoke on them not rushing onto Olympus unprepared.::


I agree but we have something that they don't anymore. we have Hecate on our side as well. She will help even the odds against Athena who will be among the most dangerous of the olympians. Keeping Persephone alive is of importance...Hecate will try her best to send us back to our timeline during the battle.

 

[Seer]

at that moment

<< almost on CUE, an orb of silver light forms in the center of the crystal room as Athena's eyes appear from within the orb. it was an effect similar to Alison's "disembodied floating eyes" effect when she was spying or astral projecting.>>

<< while Athena could not physical enter Persephone's realm, she COULD still communicate with anyone anywhere as could all the god/goddesses.>>

 

[Athena]

The Challenge

:: Athena's beautifull eyes manifested within the silver glowing orb and her authoritative voice could be heard.::

Athena: Hear me, Persephone, wayward goddess of the underworld. The presence of you and your companions has called more than a stir on Olympus. much has been discussed as to what , if anything should be done. But since you are Persephone's guests, we are content to leave you with her.

:: the eyes turned with the orb to face Nicolas, as a silver hued ray of light shined upon Nicolas rather brightly.::

to YOU, mysterious warrior, I offer you a challenge, the chance to show just how mighty and powerfull you are. I have not seen you pay homage at my parthenon ever before, nor have i heard of your conquests and Persephone is known for her lies and deceit. Come forward, to the parthenon, oh brave and bold warrior and show us just how powerfull you are. If you are too AFRAID or fearfull of defeat, then continue to hide behind Persephone and cover of the underworld and I will know that you are most fit to keep company with her. after all, one spineless jellyfish deserves another.

come forward, Nicolas. Do not let the tainted reputation of that renegade goddess paint YOU in a bad light.

:: the orb swells, emmiting sparkling shards before vanishing, leaving only the faintest echo of wind.::


:: Athena was testing Nicolas, directly challenging his character and honor. would he be facing HER, or someone to represent her? either way, it was something Nicolas couldnt just ignore.::

 

[Rampage]

Persephone's Palace, Crystal Room

As Athena's "eyes" spoke to the room, Nicolas turned to meet her, sensing the presence as it manifested. He listened as she addressed Persephone and then the rest of the Six directly. Finally, a light came to rest upon him directly.

His jaw tightened as she challenged him directly, questioning his heart and courage. There was no doubt to any of the Six as to how he would answer her.

Nicolas turned to Morgan and said four words as he nodded his head, his voice low in his throat as he prepared for the challenge:

Morgan. The Parthenon. Now.

 

[Harbinger]

the crystal room

:: Guardian watched as Athena called Nicolas out. Athena's words were well chosen. she didnt miss the opportunity to further assassinate Persephone's character as well as calling Nicolas' into question. Athena drew a line that HAD to be crossed by Nicolas if he were any kind of man or warrior.::

Nicolas, Athena is the GODDESS of Wisdom and WAR. She is just as strong as you and just as capable of ALL levels of ferocity in combat. Are you PREPARED for what she may have in store for you?

:: standing at 5'11" without heels, the seer was plenty tall. but without her heels to wear, she had to look up a bit at Nicolas.::

The Parthenon is her realm and she will hold sway.

:: looking to the others::

We must go, but NONE of you may interfere. to do so will incur Athena's wrath and possibly worse. We must let Nicolas handle this on his own..the outcome of this challenge plays a direct role in what we as a group will face next.

 

[Persephone]

:: Unaware of Athena's challenge to Nicolas, Persephone was preparing for her own 'battle' of sorts. With cup in hand, the goddess opened one of the large double doors that lead into her massive chamber. As predicted, Hades was there half naked, undressing one of the more attractive servants near the bed. The door opening alerted them enough, therefore Persephone simply stood there resting her shoulder against the frame of the door, searing a glaring hole into the servant. That was enough of a warning for the woman to quickly back away from Hades. ::

"Run, rabbit. Before I skin you."

:: Running her tongue along her lips, the girl quickly scampered to the door, moving past Persephone, not daring to look at her. Persephone watched as she continued to run down the long stretch of hallway before disappearing around a corridor. Keeping her anger in check, Persephone looked back in Hades' direction cocking a brow. ::

"Enjoying yourself, darling?"

 

[Spellbinder]

The Crystal room

<< Spellbinder had disengaged from her floating meditative position by now. She realized that even though she consciously hadnt meant to pass judgement on Persephone, with regards to Demeter's murder, she had done JUST THAT. Haleigh said it best....sometimes the reasons for actions, no matter how inexplicable are just not readily known. Morgan had reigned the Inferno down on an entire city and and murdered her own sister. She'd also killed HALEIGH and yet...there she was, with the team and not living under the glare of judgement. She could hardly afford to pass judgement on Persephone in light of that.>>


<< Persephone didnt have much to offer on the subject of Hecate either..but why was that? they were best friends...and after what Hecate did to protect her...couldndt have s hown even a LITTLE concern for Hecate's wellbeing?>>

she doesnt like to show emotion. i am the same way. im sure she has her own thoughts and feelings on all of this but she's not REQUIRED to tell us if she doesnt want to.

<< as Persephone displayed a rather morbid sense of humour by offering Nicolas a glass of Hemlock before giving the group free range around the castle, she departed. Morgan felt like she should go to her and talk with her....offer an apology...for if THEY were to build a stronger bridge, there had to be an understanding.>>

<< ATHENA's manifestation appeared and called Nicolas out as well as further defamed Persephone. Athena's hatred of Persephone was palpable! Now she dared Nicolas to answer her challenge in the Parthenon and Nicolas was ALL TOO READY to go as he demanded Morgan teleport him there. Alison spoke up, reminding him of the enormous danger he faced.>>

Alison's right and what of Persephone? Should we not take her with us so that she is not left alone?

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah was silent while the others spoke. She agreed with an assault on Olympus and didn't really have anything to add.

Persephone was being charming as usual. Her little "prank" with Nicolas wasn't exactly helpful. Delilah found Persephone's "errand" a bit disturbing - she killed without a second thought...too easily. How easily would she sacrifice one of them if she had to?

Athena suddenly appeared - or at least her eyes did - and she challenged Nicolas. Smart. Draw them out. Play on his pride. But she did a double take at his response. ]

"What?! Charging off half cocked is exactly what she wants us to do - let down our guard and force us into the open. We should stick to the original plan. Don't let your pride get you - and us - killed."

 

[Rampage]

Persephone's Palace, Crystal Room

Nicolas listened as Alison and Morgan spoke of what was to come. He listened to Delilah as well and was thoughtful for a moment, then responded.

Alison , I have been preparing for this challenge since we got here. I knew that this was going too easily when we arrived and I am aware of Athena's...capabilities. And Delilah, we already know that we will not avoid confrontation, so for me there is NO choice in this matter. I will go and do what I have to do. If you wish, you guys can stay here and watch.

Smiling grimly as he looked down on Alison, Nicolas answered Morgan's question.

Persephone is currently...occupied. And it is not her I would worry about.

 

[Hades]

Hades' Master Chamber

Hades quickly stood and covered himself a bit as the door opened, his wife entering. The servant was about to do one her specialties when they were...interrupted. He nodded as she left quickly and turned to Persephone.

Why, Persephone!!The young lady was simply about, uh, to give me a massage! Nothing more.

Then, he quickly moved over to Persephone, embracing her. She could feel that he was quite...prepared for intimacy as he pressed against her.

So, have you decided to leave your servants a moment and spend a little time being a proper queen? Because I would most definitely like that...

Hades softly kissed her neck, holding her actually rather tenderly as he began to caress her...

 

[Persephone]

"Mhm.."

:: Hades' weak excuse was laughable, but at this point, it didn't matter. Feeling him embrace her, Persephone rolled her eyes upward at his apparent arousal. Massage indeed. Slinking her arms around his neck, she made sure not to spill the contents of the bronze cup. ::

"Actually.."

:: Extending her neck to the side as he began to kiss her. ::

"I am. I've been incredibly selfish lately...I haven't met your needs as a wife should. So..."

:: Pulling a bit away to get his attention, Persephone ran her fingers along his cheek and down the side of his bare neck. ::

"I've come here with a peace offering."

:: Kissing along his neck, close to his earlobe, Persephone pressed her body further into his. ::

"I'll give you whatever you want, whenever you want...."

:: Her voice stayed soft and sexy as her hot breath met his ear. ::

"But no more midnight romps with the chamber maids."

:: Taking his lobe into her mouth, Persephone pulled away, gently tugging the sensitive skin. Allowing her aqua eyes to meet with his finally, she brought the bronze cup around from behind him, but made sure to keep his attention souly on her. ::

"Reasonable deal, wouldn't you say?"

:: Bringing the cup to her lips, she tipped it in her direction, mimicking the act of drinking the deadly liquid. Although Hemlock would poison her, because of her unique physiology, she would not actually DIE from it instantly like most others. But if left in her system for a long enough period of time, she would eventually succumb to it's deadly poisons. The same went for Hades. He would feel the effects almost instantly, but not actually die from it. More like 'knock' him into a very 'drugged' up state. Call it a roofie of their time. ::

:: Bringing the cup away from her lips, Persephone licked him as she 'swallowed'. Tipping them rim in his direction, she ran her fingers along his lips, parting them. ::

"Unless of course, you find those chamber maids more desirable than me?"

 

[Spellbinder]

the crystal room

<< Morgan looked at Nicolas with a hint of irritation.>>

we can "stay here and watch?"

listen here, Nicolas. We're ALL in a precarious situation here. just because Athena called YOU out doesnt mean that she won't have all the other olympians lying in wait there for us and ready to ATTACK.

you're not going ANYWHERE without all of us. whatever happens, we'll face it TOGETHER. If athena is a woman of her word as she appears to be, then she will most likely challenge you herself or have a chosen warrior waiting to duel you while she watches.

If Persephone is unvailable, then we'll just have to go without her. She DID seem preoccupied with something anyway. I'm sure she'll be fine here in her castle.

But perhaps before we go, it would be better if Hecate DID arm you with choice weapons to better fight/defend yourself Nicolas. We just need to.... << looking around>> find her.

 

[Hades]

Hades' Master Chamber

Hades was entranced. This was not the first time that Persephone had come to him, but every time it was amazing. She was voluptuous, beautiful, seductive, and so VERY naughty when she chose to be. Hearing her offer, Hades was filled with hope that he would make her a proper wife after all.

Proserpina, you know that I desire no one above yourself. Whatever the help here may offer in supplication to me has no bearing on my desire for your gifts. As for your offer, I want ALL of you...RIGHT NOW!!!

Tearing away Persephone's tunic, Hades pushed her against the wall. Kissing her passionately over every inch of her flesh, working his way down her body as he caressed her. After lingering a few moments to give special attention to her womanhood Hades stood tall, picked Persephone up and carried her to their bed, his eyes full of fire...

 

[Rampage]

Persephone's Palace, Crystal Room

Nicolas listened as Morgan reiterated the situation to him concerning his comment about "stay and watch".

Morgan, I am simply saying that it may be best for the rest of you not to be there, in case Athena is NOT a woman of her word. All is fair in love and war, they say.

He simply watched as she continued, informing him that no matter what they would accompany him. She then referred to Hecate as she mentioned that his weapons would have to be of a better quality. He pulled his axe out, spinning it quickly before re-sheathing it.

Morgan, you have already given me the weapon I will need. I am practised with it, and it would be a rush to simply pick up new equipment, even IF Hecate could be found.