Gathering at the clock tower

[Cypher]

Zizi: "I'm sorry...I want to, I do...I'm just...not ready."

Gabe shook his head, the sadness in her eyes like a knife to the gut. He gave her a reassuring smile.

"It's okay...seriously. I should have taken it slower. I just..uh...[clearing his throat] I wasn't thinking straight."

He admitted, more thinking with his dick than his brain. The feel of her body under his, her skin, breasts, mouth, everything. He wanted to make HER come and feel her body shudder under his. He wanted to reach that climax with her. He wanted to fuck her so incredibly bad, but he knew this was all new for BOTH of them. He understand wanting to take it slow, especially after what had happened with her friends and the weird mixed signals. He respected her boundaries and would go at her pace. He loved her too much not to.

Zizi: "I don't want to lose you..."

"What?"

He asked, astonished that she would even say that.

"Why would you lose me? Hey...."

He cupped his hand around her face, his eyes stern yet gentle.

"I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

He met with her lips, his fingers gently running down her jaw and to the base of her neck. But soon, they both heard a ding in the background causing them both to break the kiss

Zizi: "That would be someone coming up in the elevator."

Sighing out, twenty minutes his ass. It felt more like five. He wanted more time with her, just kissing her. Nothing more. But they both sat up, Gabe buttoning his jeans up and buckling his belt. He grabbed his shirt and pulled it on as Zizi got dressed as well.

Ashley: "Everything alright? I thought everyone would be here. Not that I'm complaining."

Oh great.

Zizi: "Yes, everything's fine. The others are on their way."

Zizi smiled as Ashley and Zach entered, Gabe giving them both a polite smile.

Ashley: "Hey, uh, Zees - do you think we could have a quick chat in my room?"

Zizi: "Of course."

Zizi looked back at him with an apologetic look, and Gabe gave her a crooked smile indicating it was all good. They both disappeared down the hall into Ashley's room, leaving only him and Zach. Standing up from the couch, Gabe nodded at Zach.

"Hey."

Digging his hands into his pockets he moved past Zach and to the computer monitor, checking on the status of the program Zizi was running that was gathering any intel on Dennis Nedry.

"So that Nedry guy is bad news. Looks like he might be in Hellfire's pockets."

Gabe offered, trying his best to be civil with Zach and smooth things over for Zizi's sake.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower - Ashley's Room

Ashley didn't get it, couldn't get it. She was a Valkyrie, physical perfection personified. To someone like her, who made sex an art form, for whom it wasn't a big deal because almost everyone wanted her - how could she understand being afraid of losing someone because of it? Ashley could have anyone she wanted...and always left them wanting more. She didn't know what it felt like to be unwanted, imperfect.

As many times as she had had the dream where Gabe realized he loved her, she'd also had the dream when he made love to her, walked out the door, and never came back. And it petrified her. And sex was a dealbreaker, wasn't it? How many times had she heard it? From her friends, from her chattering students, even from Gabe himself? The one night stands they never called again. And it can be assumed that all of those were people with two functioning legs.

She didn't want to feel this way, but she didn't know how to stop it. Ashley was right, she wouldn't be able to delay things forever. She knew that. It was like she was on a runaway train and couldn't find the emergency brake. Eventually, she would have to give in...and she was deathly afraid the train would go over the cliff.

Ashley stretched out on her bed.

"Now, can we talk about MY problems? What am *I* going to do when Zach decides the Amazons are more important to him than I am?"

Zizi just looked at her. And then she started to laugh. She wiped her eyes on her shirt.

"Ashley, you just spent two days sequestered with the man - and from all available evidence - having monkey sex. I am pretty sure he's not leaving you anytime soon."

She turned her chair so she could face the bed.

"But on the subject of the Amazons..."

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower - Ashley's Room

Zizi was laughing at her.

"This is not funny. It's serious."

"Ashley, you just spent two days sequestered with the man - and from all available evidence - having monkey sex. I am pretty sure he's not leaving you anytime soon."

She scoffed, still on her back, her hands folded across her stomach.

"Yeah, until they make him the same ultimatum they did you. I mean, the sex is incredible but...I'm not sure that's enough to keep him."

She turned her head.

"That's why what you have is perfect. You already know he really cares about you. If all he wanted was to sleep with you, he'd have done that years ago and never called you again. But as soon as you stop being an idiot, you can have someone who loves you for you, AND have sex."

She threw her hands up in the air.

"I knew I should have called Bishop when I had the chance. He'd have gotten you over this whole thing right quick. But now you went and brought love into it...I guess that's off the table..."

"But on the subject of the Amazons..."

Ash sat up, holding up her hand in a stop motion.

"You don't have to say it. Zach already gave me a lecture. I'll be on my best behavior. I'm telling you though, just like I told him, they won't be able to help themselves. You'll see."

 

[Isis]

From the Sanctuary to the Clocktower

You let me know wassup when you two decide. I will meet you there after I ]get a little air and check on Blaze.

I jump into the air and turn into a Sikorsky S-97 light attack helicopter and fly off, headed for the Parthenon, arrival in 2 minutes...

...I land on the helipad and make my way quickly down to check Blaze out for a few minutes.

[ And soon, Richard was visiting Blaze, who was relaxing in her penthouse reading Clive Barker's Weaveworld, and looking after Tinkerbell and the kitten where Morgan and Nicolas were out. A good book was always a nice way to spend time, good company was even better. ]

While Richard was there, satisfied that Rose was secure, Isis opened a portal, to allow Silver Swan, Charope, Tachyon, Titan and Recall to immediately return to the Clocktower. The group make their way to the top floor, and enter to find Orion with Gabe, and where Orion was, Valkyrie couldn't be too far. Sharon and Alycia both exchanged looks but they steadied themselves. A moment of truth was at hand!

[ At the Parthenon, Isis has returned to her diamond suite , bringing Steel along with her. Richard had already done his run through, and was now several floors above with Firebird. Dominique motions for Steel to follow her further in]

Please be seated.

[ This was Steel's first time inside Dominique's dwelling. He could see more evidence of her status as a songstress, as well as a worldly woman.]

Would you care for a drink?

[ Dominique made her way to the bar, and immediately fixed her self a drink. She RARELY indulged in alcohol. But VALKYRIE was returning to the Clocktower, and Dominique needed to take the edge off before she returned. She brought forth a bottle of HEMLOCK, one of several Nicolas had imported, courtesy of Harbinger. She poured herself a glass]

Something OTHER than Hemlock, which is utterly FATAL to mortals.

[ After handing Steel a drink, she seats herself across from him and crosses her legs at the knee]

Now then, away from prying eyes, ears, and minds, what's on your mind?

[ She takes a drink of her hemlock and eyes Steel with intrigue]

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower - Ashley's Room

"This is not funny. It's serious."

Zizi moved herself onto the bed and laid down next to Ashley.

"Yeah, until they make him the same ultimatum they did you."

"I didn't kick you off the team, now did I?"

"I mean, the sex is incredible but...I'm not sure that's enough to keep him."

Ashley turned and looked at her.

"That's why what you have is perfect. You already know he really cares about you. If all he wanted was to sleep with you, he'd have done that years ago and never called you again. But as soon as you stop being an idiot, you can have someone who loves you for you, AND have sex."

She looked at Ashley, her brows knitting together. There was something in her strange logic that made Zizi pause. Gabe did love her. She knew that. And she loved him. Ashley words sunk a little deeper, and Zizi reached over and touched her on the arm.

"Zach cares about you, Ashley. If he just wanted to sleep with you he had that the night Andrew puked all over the guest bathroom. I see the way he looks at you. The way he comforted you after...things."

The video of Alek and Haleigh, for one.

"He's not just with you for a roll in the hay, I can promise you that. And if he was, I would punch him."

Ashley smiled at the image. Zizi sighed.

"You and I, we're a pair, aren't we?"

"I knew I should have called Bishop when I had the chance. He'd have gotten you over this whole thing right quick. But now you went and brought love into it...I guess that's off the table..."

"'Fraid so. Thanks anyway."

Ziz had one more thing they needed to talk about before they went back into the other room. Alycia and Sharon. And by entension, Dominique.

"You don't have to say it. Zach already gave me a lecture. I'll be on my best behavior. I'm telling you though, just like I told him, they won't be able to help themselves. You'll see."

"Give it a try, will you? If not for me, then for Zach. We need to get a handle on this Persephone-Black Widow situation and we need all the hands we can get."

Ashley nodded.

"Now help me back into my chair - it's too quiet out there."

 

[Steel]

The Parthenon

He still wasn't used to traveling with Isis - he would rather drive, if he was being completely honest. But regardless, they arrived at Isis' suite at the Parthenon. Steel pulled at his collar, a little bit uncomfortable at being alone with her in a hotel room.

Would you care for a drink?

He took the glass she offered to be polite, but didn't take more than a sip. They were seated, and Steel set his glass down on a side table, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

Now then, away from prying eyes, ears, and minds, what's on your mind?

"Eliminating Black Widow and Persephone."

He cleared his throat.

"You led me to believe, you might be...amenable...to mounting an attack which has no illusions of attempting to capture the pair. They can't be allowed to roam free, to attack other children like they did young Jake."

He reached for his glass and did take a drink then.

"They can't be allowed to hurt anyone else. I hate to say it, but Zizi's compassion for them is holding us back. They are two people: they aren't an army, they aren't invincible. There is no reason they can't be taken out. WE are the only ones holding ourselves back."

 

[Orion]

From EOS Nomad to The Clocktower

Zach pulled on some jeans and a v-neck shirt, and loaded a bag with a change of clothes, some toiletries, and sleepwear he doubted Ashley would let him wear. In the cab ride on the way over, he texted his assistant with an update, and a request to find his car, because try as he might, with the way the last couple of days went, he could NOT remember where he left his new Ferrari.

On the other hand, if he were driving his car right now, he wouldn't have Ashley leaned against him, which was nice. Also, he'd be too busy working the clutch to be able to take her hand, as he was doing now. Given what they were about to walk into, it was wonderful to have these last few minutes of intimate warmth and peaceful happiness.

Zizi had sent the team out for Jake, so Zach wasn't all that surprised at how quiet it was when they arrived at the Clocktower. What DID surprise him was the state Zizi was in when they got there. She'd sounded her normal happy-go-lucky self on the com-link. But right now, she was an emotional wreck. Sadness, disappointment, guilt, and her self-esteem was the lowest it had ever been. Meanwhile there was Gabe, with his 'cool' smirk, and the glow of sexual satisfaction. Ash even noticed something was amiss, and asked about it. Zizi blatantly lied that everything was fine, which was sad enough, but it was her faked smile that lit Zach's fuse.

He couldn't even managed to find a word for greeting, in English or Italian. He shrugged out of the strap of his overnight bag and let it drop to the floor. The girls disappeared into a bedroom. Zach's tunnel vision was locked on Gabe. The asshole had the gall to give him a relaxed 'hey.'

As if they were friendly now. Zach had felt like a dick for jumping Gabe's case last night, but now it was clear that Gabe had been so defensive because Zach had hit the nail on the head. He should've followed his intincts. He should've done something more. He should've talked to Zizi about what a creep this guy was instead of leaving her here to get taken advantage of.

Even on the other side of the wall, Zach could feel Zizi's fear and discomfort. Gabe, typical oblivious doucebag that he was, tried to fill the silence with small talk. Zach didn't even hear what Gabe said. It might as well have been 'I just guilt-tripped your sweetheart friend into giving me a blowjob. High Five?' Zach gave him a high five all right. Well, a modified high five. Zach's fist found Gabe's face with a blitz of fury.

 

[Matrix]

Instead of knocking, I decided to sneak in and shock Blaze since I am a low key asshole. Seeing her jump and yelp was worth the face full of flames I received. She was mad for a second, but glad I came by after she got her yelling out and broke out into laughter.

We chilled for a bit, catching up on things. Blaze was about to cry over the boy being scared to go home and hit me with the 'awww' when I told her I played the Trolls music for him.

We just hung out, some kisses here and there, but mainly we just enjoyed being together. With all of the shit out there it was cool to just BE for a little while. She got stuff off her chest and I got to listen and unwind. Note: her backrubs are the shit.

 

[Cypher]

Zach gave him a cold, even stare as Gabe stood from the couch. Inhaling a slow deep breath, he could feel his annoyance building at the fact that this guy was still being a complete and utter asshole for NO reason whatsoever. Was he right about what was going on between him and Zizi the night before? Yeah...but even then Gabe was trying his best to be a gentleman and NOT lead Zizi on, to NOT hurt her, to NOT cause a problem with their relationship as it was before. So in essence, he was being truthful when he explained to Zach that they were just friends. But then Persephone happened. And his whole fucking world got shook. He realized that if Persephone had made good on her promise, Zizi would have been dead....gone...the girl that he had known and loved since he was 13 would have been stripped from his life and the thought of it killed him. It flipped a switch--turned the lights on for him. Made him realize what a complete asshole he was being, and that maybe taking a chance was so much more important than the what ifs of losing her.

Deciding to stay true to his word to Zizi, he was cordial and greeted Zach with a simple 'hey'. Maybe if he put forth an effort to show he was willing to extend an olive branch, Zach would stop being a dick. Moving past him, he decided to move onto the subject of Nedry, knowing that was why the Birds were being called there to begin with. Skip the whole Zizi discussion all together and get straight to business. But behind the cold glare Zach was giving him was a FIRE, and before Gabe could even reach, Zach punched him in the face causing him to stumble back into the computer monitor. Grabbing his jaw, his lip was split as he glared at Zach with both anger and disbelief.

There were no words. Zach sucker punched him for NO reason. NONE. And he was fucking DONE. Gabe lunged forward and pushed Zach against the wall, as they both struggled against each other in a brawl. Gabe gave two hard punches one after the other into Zach's face, before being pushed back by Zach against the dining room table, both men knocking over coffee mugs, some left over food containers, and plates onto the floor as they grappled. Gripping Zach's shirt with his fist, Gabe flipped him over onto the table and hit him again, Zach's shirt tearing as they struggled. Zach started the fight, Gabe was going to FINISH it.

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

Zach got the reward of first blood with the surprise punch, right in that smart-assed mouth of Gabe's. Zach was going to throw the jackass out, through the door or the window, he hadn't yet decided, but as it turned out Gabe had the nerve to fight back, and suddenly it was a real fight.

Gabe pushed him back with a couple of punches that had more zip than Zach might have expected out of the wiry nerd, and then he shoved Gabe back into the dining room table with enough force to knock over some coffee mugs. Zach gave Gabe an uppercut just to get his attention. He should've thrown more into it, because Gabe recovered from it quick enough to sling Zach against and onto the table. Zach broke a coffee cup with the side of his face, and felt blood run down and splatter onto the table.

Zach blocked an incoming hammer fist, and then he punched Gabe right in gut. As his opponent reeled, Zach hopped off the table and pulled him into a Muay Thai clinch, sending knee strikes into Gabe's ribs with a righteous rage.

He let Gabe stumble backward after three or four. His shirt hung off his shoulders annoyingly, so he sent Gabe a distance-making stomp kick to the sternum and ripped his way out of his shirt. When Gabe remembered he was getting his ass kicked, Zach squared up with him again, hands up, ready to box.

"Come on, asshole, you aren't done paying for the hurt you put on her."

 

[Isis]

The Parthenon- Dominique's diamond suite

He took the glass she offered to be polite, but didn't take more than a sip. They were seated, and Steel set his glass down on a side table, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

:: Dominique looked him over. He as strong, handsome, possessed by the courage of his convictions. But would he be comfortable moving in circles, the world she lived in? She wondered.::

"Eliminating Black Widow and Persephone."

He cleared his throat.

:: She lifted her eyebrows with a slight smirk::

To the point.

"You led me to believe, you might be...amenable...to mounting an attack which has no illusions of attempting to capture the pair. They can't be allowed to roam free, to attack other children like they did young Jake."

He reached for his glass and did take a drink then.

Richard and I BOTH are ready to DEAL with them.

:: But there was one thing that Dominique hadn't considered before, but was now thinking of...her nephew, Blaze, and Morgan had called upon her to let THEM deal with those two.::

He reached for his glass and did take a drink then.

"They can't be allowed to hurt anyone else.

Agreed.

I hate to say it, but Zizi's compassion for them is holding us back.

It's not only her compassion, it's Zach's naivete as well.

[ She said as she took a drink]

They are two people: they aren't an army, they aren't invincible. There is no reason they can't be taken out. WE are the only ones holding ourselves back."

I quite agree.

However, there are two people connected to a much larger entity, the Inner Circle, and having been apart of it once, I know how they work.

Like any wise "bird of prey" that stalks a snake, we need to remove them from their area of advantage & power, and THEN strike the crushing blow.

We would be better served to have more hands in this effort. Richard is ready, so is the Silver Swan.

:: She takes another drink and looks at him. She kept thinking about Nicolas, Morgan and Blaze, but she ultimately agreed with Steel. They could not wait for them to hurt someone else, and whatever Spellbinder was planning, time was NOT on their side.::

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Zizi knew Gabe had promised to make nice with Zach (and Ashley), even though they weren't his favorites, and she appreciated that. So she didn't want to force him to be alone with Zach for too long. Things were quiet outside in the apartment, but as she and Ashley emerged from Ash's room, chaos erupted. Zizi gasped.

Gabe's lip was split and he was punching Zach.

"What is going ON out here?!"

She looked at Ashley, mouth agape, then back at the melee happening in front of her.

"Zach! Gabe! Stop it! Stop it right now!"

Zach was pushing Gabe back into the dining room table, and then he PUNCHED Gabe. Gabe FLIPPED Zach onto the table with a crash, scattering everything that had been on it. Zizi cringed at the thud Zach's body made.

She turned to Ashley.

"What are you doing?! Break them up!"

Zizi's hands covered her mouth as Zach punched Gabe, then started kneeing him in the ribs.

"Zach! Stop! You're hurting him!"

She couldn't stand by and watch this anymore. She wheeled herself up behind Zach, grabbing at him and pulling him backwards. She shoved her way in between them, her head swiveling between Zach and Gabe.

"Come on, asshole, you aren't done paying for the hurt you put on her."

"WHAT are you talking about?! Have you LOST your MIND?!"

Her stare was all for Zach now, her eyes boring holes into him.

"What is the meaning of this?!"

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower - Are you ready to rumble?

Ashley came out of the bedroom first, so she got to actually see Zach's first punch connect with Gabe's face.

"All RIGHT!"

She didn't know why they were fighting, and she didn't much care. Cause it was hot.

Gabe got in a couple lucky shots, but then Zach came back strong, pushing him backwards into the dining room table, scattering the dishes and making lots of delicious chaos.

"Get him, honey!"

Zach was clearly going easy on the guy, because Gabe was able to flip him up and onto the table, tearing Zach's shirt. Ash grinned and nodded her head. She'd like to throw Zach onto a table right about then too.

"What are you doing?! Break them up!"

"Not a chance."

She crossed her arms, not taking her eyes off the ruckus.

"Come on Zach, kick his ass!"

Zizi gave her an exasperated look, but she didn't care, because Zach was rallying and bringing some serious pain to Gabe. Zach put some distance between them, tearing off the remnants of his shirt, taking a fighting stance and ready to go.

"Mmm, mmm, mmm..."

She started thinking about all the ways she'd have to tend Zach's wounds...

...but her thoughts were interrupted by Zizi screaming.

"Zach! Stop! You're hurting him!"

"Come on, Zees, they're men, let them fight...it's not like they can really hurt each other."

But then Zizi was trying to get in between them.

"Shit."

She jogged up behind Zizi.

"Zizi, stay out of it, you're going to get hurt..."

"Come on, asshole, you aren't done paying for the hurt you put on her."

Even Ashley's head swiveled towards Zach at that comment.

"WHAT are you talking about?! Have you LOST your MIND?!"

"What ARE you talking about, babe?"

 

[Cypher]

Gabe didn't even notice Zizi and Ashley enter the room, his mind so focused on beating Zach's ass. He flipped Zach over on the table, tearing his shirt and punching him in the ribs repeatedly right before Zach gave him an upper cut sending his head flying back. Zach grabbed his shoulder and began to knee him in his ribs, Gabe protecting his torso the best he could by blocking some of the knees with his forearms. The benefit of being an employee of Stavros Cassadine was the fact the man didn't tolerate weakness in ANYONE. Combat and weapons training was a must in case there was a situation that called for it. So while Zach may have thought he was only a tech geek, Gabe could fuck him up pretty damn bad. Using his momentum from the forearm blocks, he twisted his body and slammed his forearm/elbow across Zach's face before taking a few step back to recover. But Zach was quick to the draw and kicked him square in the sternum, causing him to stumble back even further. Gabe went to move forward again for another round, and it was only then he noticed Zizi pulling at Zach to make him stop, then Ashley joining.

Zach: "Come on, asshole, you aren't done paying for the hurt you put on her."

"FUCK YOU! I've NEVER hurt Liz!"

He shouted with aggressive conviction.

Zizi: "WHAT are you talking about?! Have you LOST your MIND?!"

"I'm DONE with this SHIT!"

Gabe shouted, exasperated as he wiped the blood from his lip.

"I've done NOTHING but try and be nice to you and your fucking girlfriend since DAY ONE. Before I even KNEW you I respected you because of Ava! I even came to Liz to have her WARN YOU about Ava and the fact that she contact me WEEKS ago for a job! I've HELPED this team with Rose and The Sanctuary! I've stayed up NIGHTS helping Liz with research! And YEAH, maybe I was a blind fucking idiot before about my feelings about her, but I was only trying to PROTECT her because I DIDN'T want to HURT her the way I hurt AVA."

Grabbing his car keys off the desk.

"I haven't done ANYTHING to her [Liz], OR you, [looking at Ashley] OR YOU but be respectful and nice. [scoffing] You're a fucking piece of work."

Looking at Zizi, Gabe shook his head, the anger diminishing at the sight of her. He wasn't angry at her, not by a long shot. But he couldn't stay at The Clocktower with these people any longer. He'd rather take his chances with Ava.

"I'm going to The Sanctuary to check the systems. I'll call you later."

At that moment, he noticed Sharon, Alycia, Xavier, and Vivica enter the room. They all looked stunned by what was going on. Shaking his head, Gabe moved past them and opted to take the stairs down to the main level, needing to work off his anger.

 

[Tachyon]

Hanging with Alycia as they made their way back to the Clocktower was fun as ever. Vivica was a hoot as well, but X hoped that he would have some time alone with Alycia after this meeting they were to guard for.

Suddenly, there was a crash, then another, then shouting. Alycia moved first but he easily outstripped her pace as they made their way down to the source of the noise.

Zach: "Come on, asshole, you aren't done paying for the hurt you put on her."

"FUCK YOU! I've NEVER hurt Liz!"

He shouted with aggressive conviction.

Zizi: "WHAT are you talking about?! Have you LOST your MIND?!"

"I'm DONE with this SHIT!"

Gabe shouted, exasperated as he wiped the blood from his lip.

"I've done NOTHING but try and be nice to you and your fucking girlfriend since DAY ONE. Before I even KNEW you I respected you because of Ava! I even came to Liz to have her WARN YOU about Ava and the fact that she contact me WEEKS ago for a job! I've HELPED this team with Rose and The Sanctuary! I've stayed up NIGHTS helping Liz with research! And YEAH, maybe I was a blind fucking idiot before about my feelings about her, but I was only trying to PROTECT her because I DIDN'T want to HURT her the way I hurt AVA."

Grabbing his car keys off the desk.

"I haven't done ANYTHING to her [Liz], OR you, [looking at Ashley] OR YOU but be respectful and nice. [scoffing] You're a fucking piece of work."

Looking at Zizi, Gabe shook his head, the anger diminishing at the sight of her. He wasn't angry at her, not by a long shot. But he couldn't stay at The Clocktower with these people any longer. He'd rather take his chances with Ava.

"I'm going to The Sanctuary to check the systems. I'll call you later."

As the others arrived, Gabe pushed his way past and made his way down to his car. Xavier's face was anything but amused, he was analytical and almost eerily calm.

Zachary, you are clearly a main protagonist here and you have made an allegation that seems to indicate that you started...this. Care to elaborate? What do you believe Gabriel did to Elizabeth?

There was no judgement in his tone. Xavier simply wanted to sort this out, wherever it led.

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

Someone tugged on the back of his belt as he brought his fists up to face off with Gabe again, and then he realized it must have been Zizi, who was wheeling herself in between him and Gabe.

Gabe: FUCK YOU! I've NEVER hurt Liz!

"Oh do you take me for a COMPLETE IDIOT?! I'm an empath, genius. I KNOW when she's hurt!"

He growled, and then he wiped the blood streaming from his brow, which only prompted a renewed trickle. He absent-mindedly wiped his hand on his jeans, apparently not noticing anyone else.

Zizi: WHAT are you talking about?! Have you LOST your MIND?!

"NO, just lost my patience for this jerk."

Zizi: What is the meaning of this?!

Ashley: What ARE you talking about, babe?

Zach never took his eyes off his opponent, even as he was forced to explain himself.

"Get Zizi out of here, Ash. I warned this asshole what would happen, if he took advantage of her or hurt her in any way. Now I'm a man of my word, and he's going to regret it to the fullest extent possible, physically and emotionally."

Gabe: I'm DONE with this SHIT!

Gabe exclaimed, and then he ranted, trying HARD to spin the situation to his advantage. This prick must be well practiced at playing this game, acting innocent, mistreated. Gabe stormed out.

"Good riddance!"

He shouted, and it was at that moment that he saw everybody and wondered how long they'd all been there.

Xavier: Zachary, you are clearly a main protagonist here and you have made an allegation that seems to indicate that you started...this. Care to elaborate? What do you believe Gabriel did to Elizabeth?

Zach took a deep breath and tried to cool his anger. He glanced at Zizi reluctantly, not wanting to put her business out there, but it was a bit late for discretion. Still, he couldn't exactly elaborate in a way anyone would understand. Zizi's emotional state had been absolutely gross, he knew that much.

"He took advantage of her, do the details matter?"

 

[Artemis]

The Clocktower

Sharon: Something's wrong...

[ Sounds of conflict, physical violence....]

Sharon: Zach is fighting with...

:: CRASH!::

Alycia: Gabe!

[ they were just at the double doors when they heard Zizi screaming for them to stop. The amazons waste NO time bursting in]

Alycia: HEY! WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!

[ Sharon, Alycia, Vivica, Xavier, and Andrew were all present to take in the scene, which had Zizi more than a little too close to the center of the action, which concerned Alycia.]

"I'm DONE with this SHIT!"

Gabe shouted, exasperated as he wiped the blood from his lip.

"I've done NOTHING but try and be nice to you and your fucking girlfriend since DAY ONE. Before I even KNEW you I respected you because of Ava! I even came to Liz to have her WARN YOU about Ava and the fact that she contact me WEEKS ago for a job! I've HELPED this team with Rose and The Sanctuary! I've stayed up NIGHTS helping Liz with research! And YEAH, maybe I was a blind fucking idiot before about my feelings about her, but I was only trying to PROTECT her because I DIDN'T want to HURT her the way I hurt AVA."

Grabbing his car keys off the desk.

"I haven't done ANYTHING to her [Liz], OR you, [looking at Ashley] OR YOU but be respectful and nice. [scoffing] You're a fucking piece of work."

Looking at Zizi, Gabe shook his head, the anger diminishing at the sight of her. He wasn't angry at her, not by a long shot. But he couldn't stay at The Clocktower with these people any longer. He'd rather take his chances with Ava.

"I'm going to The Sanctuary to check the systems. I'll call you later."

At that moment, he noticed Sharon, Alycia, Xavier, and Vivica enter the room. They all looked stunned by what was going on. Shaking his head, Gabe moved past them and opted to take the stairs down to the main level, needing to work off his anger.

:: The amazons looked at Zach...and Ashley, who hardly looked concerned.::

Sharon: Did you LET this happen?

[ Sharon directly questioned Valkyrie]

Xavier's face was anything but amused, he was analytical and almost eerily calm.

Zachary, you are clearly a main protagonist here and you have made an allegation that seems to indicate that you started...this. Care to elaborate? What do you believe Gabriel did to Elizabeth?

There was no judgement in his tone. Xavier simply wanted to sort this out, wherever it led.

Alycia: Be careful everyone, there's glass all over the floor. Zach, what is going on here? Did you pick a fight with him!?

:: He'd been so critical of Sharon that night she fought Valkyrie, but what was he doing now? Picking a fight with someone over WHAT? ::

Zach took a deep breath and tried to cool his anger. He glanced at Zizi reluctantly, not wanting to put her business out there, but it was a bit late for discretion. Still, he couldn't exactly elaborate in a way anyone would understand. Zizi's emotional state had been absolutely gross, he knew that much.

"He took advantage of her, do the details matter?"

Do FACTS matter to you!?


:: she went to Zizi, and stood by her side::


Look what you've done? you've damaged property, and you've caused tremendous distress to Zizi, over an ASSUMPTION.

 

[Tachyon]

Do FACTS matter to you!?


:: she went to Zizi, and stood by her side::


Look what you've done? you've damaged property, and you've caused tremendous distress to Zizi, over an ASSUMPTION.

Alycia, I suspect he detected something with his abilities rather than his eyes. Something sensitive. Let's clean this up...

Xavier puts the table and chairs to rights and picks up the broken glass.

...and have a seat and sort this out like adults. Without specifics it seems. I take it his umbrage is related to something deeply personal for Elizabeth. Isn't that correct, Zachary?

Xavier takes a seat and urges Zach to do the same.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

FUCK YOU! I've NEVER hurt Liz!

"Oh do you take me for a COMPLETE IDIOT?! I'm an empath, genius. I KNOW when she's hurt!"

"I'm not hurt, I'm just fine, see!"

"I'm DONE with this SHIT!"

Zizi moved towards him.

"Gabe..."

But he laid into Zach, screaming at him, and it shocked even her. He grabbed his keys, and Zizi felt a cold lump in the pit of her stomach, then sheer panic.

"Gabe, don't go, please..."

"I'm going to The Sanctuary to check the systems. I'll call you later."

"Gabe..."

But he was gone. She stared at the door he'd just gone out of.

"Good riddance!"

They were all there now. Staring at her. She swallowed, a lump in her throat. He was gone.

She could vaguely hear people talking in the background.

"He took advantage of her, do the details matter?"

She wheeled herself over to the computer station, where a monitor had toppled over, things scattered.

Look what you've done? you've damaged property, and you've caused tremendous distress to Zizi, over an ASSUMPTION.

She picked up the monitor and righted it.

Alycia, I suspect he detected something with his abilities rather than his eyes. Something sensitive. Let's clean this up...and have a seat and sort this out like adults. Without specifics it seems. I take it his umbrage is related to something deeply personal for Elizabeth. Isn't that correct, Zachary?

"No..."

She spoke softly, and nobody took any notice. So she said it again.

"NO!"

She wheeled around, facing the assembled group of people, all who seemed to want to comment on her LIFE!

"My personal life is not a topic for DISCUSSION."

She turned on Zach & Ashley.

"He did NOTHING to me, Zach, nothing. Not that it's any of your business what we do. I am NOT a teenager! I don't need you to PROTECT ME! I already have one overprotective father, and I DON'T NEED TWO."

And then she turned to Xavier.

"And STOP CALLING ME ELIZABETH!!"

She hung her head, her hair falling into her face. Her voice turned quiet, calm.

"You all pity me."

She looked up into their eyes in turn, her own brimming with tears.

"And maybe I am a nerd, and maybe I've been alone for a long time, and maybe I'm a sad, stupid, broken girl."

Her voice broke as tears fells.

"But he loved me, and now he's gone."

Her gaze fell on Zach.

"And this time, that's on you."

And she wheeled past them all on her way to the door, and went out it.

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

Zizi begged Gabe not to go, and it nearly killed Zach to see it, but he couldn't intervene, because Alycia was on him like a hot cop.

Alycia: Do FACTS matter to you!?

MY apologies, I didn't realize you were HERE when we got back. Why don't YOU tell us what he did to her?!

He thought, but when he opened his mouth to say it, she was already accusing him of damaging property and causing Zizi distress.

How did I BECOME the bad guy just now?!

His mouth still gaped open. At least Xavier was on his side, speaking some obvious truths, like the fact that Zach had a particular powerset to detect something wrong, and that it was a sensitive issue. Zach felt a pang of guilt for having been discovered by half the team. He hadn't thought this through. He couldn't really say he thought about it at all, he'd just FELT he had to do something, and instinct took over.

Zizi: He did NOTHING to me, Zach, nothing.

"Please don't cover for him, he's not a nice guy Zi--"

Zizi: Not that it's any of your business what we do. I am NOT a teenager! I don't need you to PROTECT ME! I already have one overprotective father, and I DON'T NEED TWO.

"Ziz--"

Zizi: You all pity me. And maybe I am a nerd, and maybe I've been alone for a long time, and maybe I'm a sad, stupid, broken girl. But he loved me, and now he's gone. And this time, that's on you.

She said, looking at Zach with an accusing gaze before she left. He cast a glance at Andrew.

"Bro, stop her, please!"

Zach turned to Ash for support. She'd been here, she'd seen it too.

"Ash, something was OBVIOUSLY WRONG, right? CLEARLY that asshole has her Stockholmed. She was HAPPY before he started showing up, and whenever he's around? Her self-esteem suffers."