Gathering at the clock tower

[Matrix]

"Got it. Nothing will happen to her, I promise you that."

He gave Rich a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"And if it does, I give you permission to punch me with that third arm you had earlier."

I was goddamn sure glad he gave me permission. Otherwise, he could totally fuck over Zizi and I would be powerless to do anything. NOT. I smiled and went along with it. No need to be anything other than nice at this point.

"I'm gonna head to the control room and check everything over. It was good to meet you Rich. I'm glad Liz has someone like you watching her back."

Gabe then made his way to the elevator and down to the control room, going over all the Clocktower and Sanctuary systems with a fine tooth comb.

I nodded to Gabriel, who went to check things out. Both of us had checking to do as I turned into Nitrogen and escaped by the intake to the outside of the building. Next, I became a Peregrine Falcon and climbed into the sky, taking a survey of the area that had just been put out. I dived down at the rooftop as the scene transitioned from fire suppression to cleanup and investigation. I knew that I had a few minutes as they watched for hotspots, so I landed hard, turning into an Egyptian Cobra as I came in and slithering close to the scene. My combined sense of taste and smell could sense that this was more than a blast. BLOOD had been spilled here and it covered up. The coverup was not as good as my work, and it would be good enough to fool these idiots, but it was pretty good. I had my answer and so I returned to the window of Miss D's suite as a falcon, perching on the balcony in time to hear an invitation to lunch. Just in time.

She smiled once again.

"Would you and Rich like to come upstairs for lunch? It won't be fancy, we'll probably just order something, but you are more than welcome to join us."

Did someone say lunch?

I entered from the balcony, startling Zizi but not Isis. She knew that it was hard to determine where I might turn up.

 

[Isis]

The Clocktower- from Isis/Matrix's floor, to Zizi's floor

She reached out and touched Dominique's hand.

"That is my wish as well."

:: Zizi was a sweet young woman, she had a rare quality these days in this world of steel and technology. She was polite, respectable, and warm. She seemed to inspire others around her, but she was not a babe in the woods either, which Dominique appreciated.::

She was silent for a couple of seconds, thinking over what had been said and also making sure Dominique was finished speaking.

"Well, you are most welcome. You and sweet Richard. You are both part of our team. And I want you to feel that way. Comfortable, here with us."

Thank you. I know Richard has expressed happiness at being here, and the relationships he is developing are beneficial to him.

"Most things that are important are not easy in the beginning. But they are worth it, in the end. It will take time for things to be as we all want them. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth the effort."

She smiled once again.

I'm inclined to agree with you.

:: She smiled a bit more, as she looked at Zizi. This was a rare thing for her, even in her publicity stills, Dominique made "resting bitch face" an ART FORM.::

I returned to the window of Miss D's suite as a falcon, perching on the balcony in time to hear an invitation to lunch.

"Would you and Rich like to come upstairs for lunch? It won't be fancy, we'll probably just order something, but you are more than welcome to join us."

:: Dominique had planned to her diamond suite after this, but again, in the interest of turning over a new leaf, and moving forward on this path she'd agreed to take...::

That sounds like a fine idea.

:: She nods in agreement::

Did someone say lunch?

:: Dominique turned to look at Richard, who arrived at the balcony::

Yes, Richard.

Oracle was kind enough to invite us to join her and the others present.

Knowing your appetite, I was confident in accepting on OUR behalf.

:: A knowing look, and a bit of teasing.::

Well...

:: she says as she removes her jacket, another indication that she might "stay a while" ::

... let us be on our way.

:: She stands up, and lifts her hands, enveloping them all through of them in her teleportation spell, and bringing them to the floor where Zizi and Gabe are.::

 

[Cypher]

Gabe headed downstairs after his chat with Rich, doubling checking that all systems were running at peak efficiency at the Sanctuary before running diagnostics on the systems on the Clocktower. Everything was holding up, and with Isis' extra magical protections added, no one would be able to get in without them knowing about it.

Vivica already had the security footage up from the battle the night before that he hacked, reviewing it. He grabbed another large cup of coffee and sat down next to her, shuffling through the files as she played one of the video feeds he gathered from a boutique's security camera. It gave them another angle of Mystique's attack, Gabe pointing at the 'wall'.

"It looks almost...mystical? Look how it almost sparkles right there when she starts to push it back toward you guys."

Gabe's brows furrowed as he rewound the footage and replayed it again, this time in slow mo.

"Wouldn't Spellbinder be able to detect mystical energy though?....[thinking]...Maybe it's some type of energy field?"

They continued to discuss amongst themselves when Dominique, Zizi, and Rich appeared. Gabe looked over his shoulder giving them a smile.

"Security systems are holding up perfectly at the Sanctuary. I contacted Rose to let her know what happened and that I already double checked everything."

Turning back around to the monitor, Gabe yawned before taking a sip of his coffee. Him and Vivica were actually working pretty damn well as a team. Considering both their mutant abilities, it was fun to feed off one another.

 

[Hellion]

Bell, Book & Candle

"And you took her advice? Well that's something."

She took a small sip of her drink.

"Courtney says something when she sees something. She's really taken those subway posters to heart."

She shifted in her seat, eyes locked on him now.

"And, did you?"

"Yes. I did."

<< Derek smiled as he watched her body tense up for a moment, the muscles on her neck retracting for a quick moment before she was able to steady herself. >>

"I had heard rumblings that the Sorceress Supreme had returned to this plane. Good. I spoke to her mother a few weeks ago. It seems she took our chat to heart. That's very good indeed. How did you meet her? She doesn't usually run with demons...here."

<< He cocked an amused eyebrow. >>

"Yeah her mother is a real dime piece as well. I've known Morgan for quite some time. We pounded the runways together back in the nineties..and there was a particularly sinful swimsuit shoot too. I was in a different place back then. Still a bad boy, but I had more control...more control than I have now."

"Have her? Or have her?"

<< Smirking. >>

"In the biblical sense. Which is fitting as it was a rather HOLY experience."

Alix: "So, did you come here just to talk about your sex life, or is it something more?"

"Do you believe that Morgan is losing control of her demonic side? Or do you simply wish to corrupt her? Is it her demon that calls to you, or the woman?"

<< He blinked for a few moments. Alix was always good at getting to the heart of things, both figuratively and literally. He had seen her rip a few hearts out of many a demon over the years. >>

"It's both. Alix...she's like me. The very nature of her power..it's DARK. It reminds me..of what I went through as a child. That darkness that just surrounded me, beckoning me..until it claimed me. And I can sense what she needs because I understand it. I can understand the necessity of letting that demon out to play before it destroys you. But the woman she is..it resonates with my human side..an unfortunate side effect of being given the soul of an angel by a frustrated and concerned Archangel."

<< He rubbed his hands on his knees, the thought of her charging him up again. >>

"She has a purpose. A duty to those around her. My cause may only benefit myself..but at the end of the day, maintaining the course ensures the safety of the people *I've* grown to care about over the years. People I should be protecting. I understand trying to find the light while surrounded by darkness..."

<< Thinking. >>

"I just haven't figured out if I'm jealous...because she has a better handle on things, and the demonic part of me wants to knock her off her throne. Or if the angelic part of me knows she might be able to help me..to fullfill my end of the deal I was forced to make with the Archangel Gabriel."

"Give me your arm. Roll up your sleeve."

She took his hand, turning his arm so that the underside of his forearm was exposed. Carefully, and with precision, she drew a rune there. It glowed faintly white.

"This will help to give you balance, equilibrium. It should take the edge off for you, but you will still need to be vigilant. And eventually it will fade."

She gave him back his arm.

"You need to figure out why here, why now. If you let it take you over, all the runes in the world won't be able to help you."

<< He felt a tingling sensation as the power of the rune coursed through his body. For as much as he thought the nephilim were a bit ridiculous, he couldn't deny their power. And he trusted Alix. She drew clear lines in the sand and she never gave him any bullshit. He could trust her for the purposes of their relationship. He felt a wave of calming energy wrap around him like a warm blanket. For a moment, they sat in silence, before he looked at her. >>

"Do you think she's here to help me? Or do you think she's here to be thing that finally ends up destroying me?"

<< shaking his head. >>

"No. This is ridiculous. I sound like a pussy. This woman. Her power. It's making me feel weak. And I am anything but WEAK. I've torn a hole through Hell AND Heaven, and I'm still here."

<< Derek stood, cracked his neck back and forth and pulled on the sleeves of his tailored suit before his face reverted back to signature Derek Forrester. >>

"Furthermore? I'm a FORRESTER. It's just like my Grandmother Stephanie used to say - No use crying over spilled blood. Perhaps it was a mistake coming here."

<< He began to make his way towards the opening of the reading room, he turned around and lingered in the doorway for a moment. >>

"Thank you...Seraph. For everything. Who knows? Maybe soon you'll finally get to end me.."

<< smiling. >>

"Just as you always wanted."

<< He dissappeared. >>

 

[Recall]

:: She detected the uncomfortable flex in Gabe's eyes as she went over her notes. She had been doing her own homework. In the middle of her conversation with Oracle, her brain searched every factoid she could muster from his name and his codename. In mere seconds she realized where she had seen his name before, despite his incredible hacker abilities. Vivica made the connection to Cassadine Enterprises rather quickly. If she could see HOW he hacked, she would be able to cross reference it to specific hacking events she had witnessed over the years and find a trail. Immediately she felt a bit dubious about Gabe, but she remembered - Ava Cassadine was a seductress, which was the nicest word Vivica could use to describe her. She had inhaled many men over her long life. She had chewed and spit Simon out, she had mangled Zach, and if Gabriel had been between her legs for any period of time, she would probably come calling for him soon, like the praying mantis that she was. ::

:: And then she grimaced. He was important to Oracle, which meant, she was going to have to protect him if necessary. So she did her best not to act like a complete asshole around him, despite desperately wanting to write him off. ::

"Curse Elizabeth and her pure soul!"

Oracle: "Well, let's hope we don't have to use it.."

"Speak for yourself."

Oracle: "...but it's good information to have. I stayed up all night analyzing that fight footage."

Gabe: "Yeah, I hacked in and got a few more angles from different security camera's around the area givings us a better look at that red head's barrier thing."

Oracle: "He really did wonders Viv, I want you to look through all the feeds we have and see if you can put anything together we're missing."

"Good work."

:: She said a bit begrudgingly. ::

"I've been on overdrive, but I have to see more of it before I can get a read..and by the way she seems to stay hidden, it's clear there's a rea--"

Gabe: "Shit, I gotta go. The security system in my place has been acting up. I've been testing out a new model and it gets a little testy sometimes."

Oracle: "Uh, that's not the new model you just installed at the Sanctuary, is it?"

:: Vivica laughed. ::

"Let's hope not."

Gabe: "Plus...I should probably take a shower and change my clothes. No offense LIz...I'm trying to avoid smelling like Sweet Sugar Rose today."

:: She crinkled her nose. ::

"Oh come on Gabe. It's 2017. You should be able to walk around smelling like a candied rose and still cling to your fragile masculinity with no problem!"

:: Vivica was joking, and not trying to be malicious, but sometimes somebody needed a little shade thrown their way. Especially because it was clear what his little grin had just done to Oracle. ::

Gabe: "I'll be back around lunch to help you go over that footage more."

Oracle: "Okay...and be careful."

:: Thankfully he was gone and Oracle and Recall could focus on more important things..like how to kill Ava Cassadine. She watched Oracle checked her phone. Were they texting already? He had just left! ::

"Damn..boy is sprung and he doesn't even know it."

:: Something was up. ::

Oracle: "That's odd. I wonder if someone really did break in."

"Maybe he is just busy with something, Ziz. Don't let it stress you out."

:: Then he called. ::

Oracle: "Gabe? Is she still there? Get the hell out of there Gabe!"

:: Oracle and Recall's eyes met with each other for a brief moment. Oracle was panicked. ::

Oracle: "Gabe? Talk to me. Are you okay?"

:: Immediately Vivica tensed up. ::

"Ziz. What the hell is going on?"

Oracle: "No...don't come here...it's too dangerous.."

"Oracle. Who's after him!?"

:: Oracle turned to Recall. ::

"Ava showed up at Gabe's. She threatened me, he said, though I don't know why. He's coming here."

:: Vivica balled her hand in a fist. ::

"Oh no she betta DON'T. That bitch is on a vengeance schedule that is REALLY starting to PISS me off!"

:: This was not the time to let her own anger guide her. Oracle was clearly shaken. Zizi tossed her phone to Vivica. ::

Oracle: "Please call Dominique. I know she can take care of herself, but she deserves to know the danger. Though if Ava was coming she would probably be here by now."

:: She spoke while searching for Isis' contact in her phone. ::

"She was just threatening him, Zizi. Just trying to scare him because he's helping us."

:: Oracle went to into Captain mode contacting the rest of the members as Vivica made contact with Dominique who was less than pleased but still IMMEDIATELY on her way. ::

Oracle: "You should leave too. Go to Andrew's. Steel can protect you. If she shows up here, she'll have no qualms about attacking you again."

[flatly]

"I haven't cowered from that bitch yet..and I don't intend on starting now. I can handle myself and I am not leaving you."

Oracle: "I should have sent John to pick him up. Or Xavier. Both."

"Stop it with the coulda shoulda woulda. She left him alive for a reason.."

:: Immediately she began to feel bad about her thoughts about Gabe earlier. It was like karma for characterizing him so quickly without all the facts. But it didn't take away the very real fact - if you tussled with Ava Cassadine, you paid for it dearly. ::

"LIZ!"

:: Gabe was there, looking worse for the wear, his voice gutteral and strained. He grabbed a hold of Oracle, holding her tight as he explained what had happened. So there had been a sexual history between Gabe and Ava. She fought the urge to roll her eyes as she immediately went to grab a medical kit and some emergency supplies, giving the two their moment. ::

:: She brought the kit over to them at the exact moment as Oracle said it. ::

Oracle: "Viv, get the first aid kit, please - it's in the guest bathroom in the cabinet."

"On it."

Oracle: "Do you want to tell us what happened?"

"I walked in and saw her sitting on my couch. She looked...I don't know...different? She looked like she had been crying....She didn't have that same unforgiving look in her eyes that she did last night. And when she didn't immediately attack me I figured she assumed I didn't know about the logistics of what was going on--OW."

She picked out a large piece of glass causing him to lower his eyebrows in pain. He continued.

"I played it up like everything was normal until I was able to text you. She then turned on me like a rabid fucking dog. She knew I texted you and asked if you and the Birds of Prey were coming....then she said he was going to--"

Gabe hesitated. He wasn't sure if he should even TELL Zizi what Ava wanted to do to her.

"...was going to slit your throat. I threatened her to stay the fuck away from you and she fucking choke slammed me like The Undertaker into my glass coffee table. Kept choking me until you texted me back. She threatened you again and then disappeared....and I thought she came here...I thought--"

:: The anger was rising in her body as Gabriel spoke. ::

"If that CUNT.."

:: looking at Zizi she shook her head. ::

"Look, I'm just gonna put $1000 in the swear job, Ziz. Because if that CUNT threatens ANOTHER one of my friends I swear I'm just gonna--"

<< CRASH! >>

:: The Clocktower RUMBLED and SHOOK as thunder could be heard in the distance. Vivica did not COWER, she stood in defense, grabbing her boomerangs from her canvas bag as the hum of vibranium could be heard. ::

Gabe: "She's here. FUCK. Are the systems holding?"

Oracle: "Of course they're holding."

"We've got another security system on the way in seconds, Gabe. ISIS. She will not hesitate to destroy Persephone. And nobody here is gonna stop her."

:: Oracle was already putting the pieces together. That the boom had come from a nearby building before tending to Gabe. ::

Matrix: "We are inside, are you OK?"

"Thank God!"

Oracle: "Everything is fine, Rich honey."

Matrix: "Was Persephone here?"

Oracle: "We heard thunder, but didn't see her."

:: Dominique was there as well. ::

Isis: "My magicks don't detect her presence either, but that crack of thunder was most certainly NOT natural. She WAS in the vicinity."

:: Gabe introduced himself to Isis. ::

Isis: "Good morning."

"Thats it?!"

Oracle: "he's also an old friend."

Isis: You're shaken, you've been injured by Persephone, and you've been operating on adrenaline. I can heal your wounds, restore your body to homeostasis.

:: Apparently, her talk with Isis had really done the trick, however, there was a small part of Vivica that wanted to see Isis throw a LITTLE bit of shade Gabe's way for his association with Ava. But there was no time to be petty. ::

:: Gabe asked for clothes which of course Oracle had, because she was ORACLE and Isis cast a warding spell, causing a great deal of relief for Vivica. She felt safe next to Isis. Oracle wanted him to lie down and Gabe refused at first, wanting to check on the sanctuary. ::

"Gabriel you can't leave. One it's not safe, and two..you're injured."

Isis: "You should listen to her [Oracle], and let me heal you. You're injured, and continuing on as if nothing's happened is not wise."

:: They began to recant the details to Isis and Richard. ::

Oracle: "Anything in your research say how we can keep her out of a place?"

:: Vivica was about to interject. ::

Isis: "I've taken care of that with my warding spell. If she, Black Widow or anyone else tries to breach my runes, they'll be PAINFULLY repulsed. THEY will exhaust their physical reserves before my spells are broken."

:: Oracle left to go check on Gabe, who had finally obliged into getting some rest. ::

Isis: "It would appear that we chose the right time to return.."

"Not a moment too soon, Dominique."

Matrix: Viv? Are these windows lined with Lexan? If not, that may have to change now. It's a damned shame, but it's our reality now."

:: She shrugged. ::

"To be honest, I'm not sure, Rich. But any precaution we can take would be appreciated."

Isis: "That woman is GOOD at ambushes..and STABBING her foes in the BACK. But when confronted head on? The only reason she escaped Firebird's attack was because she had help. If Persephone should return here, I'll be more than happy to give her a ONE WAY trip through Doom's doorway."

"Honey, I'll sell tickets and shoots T-Shirts out of a cannon if you do."

Isis: "Vivica, would you ask Oracle to come...to my floor of the clocktower when she's free? I'd like to speak with her."

:: Vivica smiled. ::

"Sweet jesus, she's staying!"

:: She had gotten through to Dominique, who was the ICIEST of them all. All that was needed now was for Sharon and Alycia to round a corner, and she knew they were close. They could do this. They could put the pieces back together and they could be a TEAM. ::

"Of course!"

:: Isis and Richard were gone. Oracle had been in Gabriel's room for...quite some time and Vivica definitely did not want to disturb. If it took almost dying to get Gabe to realize that Oracle was a catch, then so be it. She deserved to get her groove on, or at least whatever that meant for HER. Before long she appeared. ::

Oracle: "Did I make them angry again?"

:: she smiled. ::

"No! I think..I think my talk with Isis worked, Ziz. She told me to have you meet her on HER floor of The Clocktower. That's a good sign right? Claiming ownership? And she didn't verbally eviserate Gabe. I mean...that's progress right?"

"Go, go, go, girl!"

:: Gabriel appeared and the two of them went off to go see Dominique and Rich, leaving Vivica alone..which honestly in this moment was exactly what she wanted. The whole situation had been draining. She hated to see yet another person get wrapped up into this war that didn't need to be wrapped up into it. First Simon, now Cypher. Vivica sat on her laptop, doing what she did best, researching, her boomerangs resting nicely right next to her. Gabe's voice actually startled her for a moment. ::

Gabe: "It looks almost...mystical? Look how it almost sparkles right there when she starts to push it back towards you guys."

:: He was way off, but she let it slide. ::

Gabe: "Wouldn't Spellbinder be able to detect mystical energy though?"

"If it had been mystical energy, Spellbinder would have chopped right through it and buried the soul sword in Ava's chest. Or at least in my ideal version."

Gabe: "Maybe it's some kind of energy field?"

"Most likely. But right now I am trying to figure out if she is the source, or if she simply manipulates it. It's transluscent..and it's representation is almost reminiscent of...Morningstar's power actually...Ooh.."

:: She made a note on a pad of paper. ::

"That could be something."

:: Vivica smiled. ::

"Thanks for the footage by the way. It's actually really helping."

Gabe: "Security systems are holding up perfectly at the Sanctuary. I contacted Rose to let her know what happened and that I already double checked everything."

"Good, she needs that kind of reassurance now...after everything that's happened."

:: She looked up and down at Gabe for a moment. ::

"Can I ask you something?"

:: she pulled no punches. ::

"Why would a guy like you date Ava Cassadine? You seem smart enough. A little rough around the edges. A little aloof. But not crazy. I'm just...trying to wrap my head around it. I mean..I've made my fair share of dumb decisions when it comes to men..AND women actually..but why Ava? I mean you're a hacker..there's no way you couldn't have known what exactly it is that Cassadine Corp did in the past. What that last name is responsible for.."

:: Vivica leaned back in her chair. ::

"I mean..does her pussy sing like an opera star or something? Is it made of silk? I mean..what?"

 

[Matrix]

Yes, Richard.

Oracle was kind enough to invite us to join her and the others present.

Knowing your appetite, I was confident in accepting on OUR behalf.

:: A knowing look, and a bit of teasing.::

Oh, she got JOKES now?! I had to chuckle a little though, the timing was on point.

I have to eat for both of us. The responsibility is great.

Me joking her back. She was trying to watch weight or whatever because she was thick. I thought it was dumb but whatever. I could not argue with the results.

Well...

:: she says as she removes her jacket, another indication that she might "stay a while" ::

... let us be on our way.

:: She stands up, and lifts her hands, enveloping them all through of them in her teleportation spell, and bringing them to the floor where Zizi and Gabe are.::

I took the jacket from her and placed it on the chair so that it would not wrinkle and then we were off, arriving upstairs. Gabe and Viv were looking at things.

sing like an opera star or something? Is it made of silk? I mean..what?

It was obvious that she had asked him a question. I cocked my head to one side as I wondered what I had walked into.

What is made of silk Viv?

I pulled out a chair for Miss D and stood near to Viv, placing a hand on her shoulder and giving it a rub.

By the way, that explosion was staged. Solid coverup work, but hastily done.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower - Dominique & Rich's Floor

Zizi expressed how welcome both Dominique and Rich were with them.

Thank you. I know Richard has expressed happiness at being here, and the relationships he is developing are beneficial to him.

"I'm glad to hear that. He's such a nice boy."

Isis accepted her offer for lunch, and Rich suddenly came through the window. She smiled at him, as he asked about lunch.

"Well you are full of surprises, aren't you?"

Isis transported them up to the top floor.

"You do know we have an elevator, right?"

She winked at Rich, then went into the kitchen to get the stash of take out menus. Rich, Gabe & Viv seemed to be chatting when she returned, which was a good sign, she thought. She wheeled her chair next to Gabe and put her hand on his back.

"So, what is everyone feeling like for lunch? I think we have every take out menu in the city here..."

 

[Seraph]

Bell, Book & Candle

"It's both. Alix...she's like me. The very nature of her power..it's DARK. It reminds me..of what I went through as a child. That darkness that just surrounded me, beckoning me..until it claimed me. And I can sense what she needs because I understand it. I can understand the necessity of letting that demon out to play before it destroys you. But the woman she is..it resonates with my human side..an unfortunate side effect of being given the soul of an angel by a frustrated and concerned Archangel."

Alix took a sip of her drink, listening intently, then leaned forward.

"Don't forget that letting the demon out to play also can destroy you. As it nearly did her."

"She has a purpose. A duty to those around her. My cause may only benefit myself..but at the end of the day, maintaining the course ensures the safety of the people *I've* grown to care about over the years. People I should be protecting. I understand trying to find the light while surrounded by darkness..."

"But I would question whether you want to help her find the light...or the darkness. She may have a dark aspect, but she is Sorceress Supreme. Increasing her darkness would have consequences...that is, if she even allowed it."

She let out a half-hearted laugh.

"She could just as easily kill you as fuck you again."

"I just haven't figured out if I'm jealous...because she has a better handle on things, and the demonic part of me wants to knock her off her throne. Or if the angelic part of me knows she might be able to help me..to fullfill my end of the deal I was forced to make with the Archangel Gabriel."

"Is that want you want?"

"Do you think she's here to help me? Or do you think she's here to be thing that finally ends up destroying me?"

"I think that depends entirely, on you."

"No. This is ridiculous. I sound like a pussy. This woman. Her power. It's making me feel weak. And I am anything but WEAK. I've torn a hole through Hell AND Heaven, and I'm still here."

"For now."

She took another sip from her glass.

"You are drawn to her for a reason. Whether a good or bad one, I cannot say."

"Thank you...Seraph. For everything. Who knows? Maybe soon you'll finally get to end me. Just as you always wanted."

"I'll drink to that."

She smiled wryly.

"Derek - just remember: Gabriel might have saved you, but that doesn't mean he'll turn a blind eye...and neither will I."

 

[Seer]

<< After Delilah finishes her phone call, it's time for her to make her way to Charope, LLC.>>

<< Her arrival is well timed, as Alycia and Xavier have finished their...extracurricular activity...and Alycia has had a chance to freshen up, and is now ready to receive her guest, along with the pleasant changes made to the interior of the building, courtesy of Xavier.>>

<< The day was off to a good start for Alycia, but now it was time to get to work. She and Delilah had a clock to run against, and the wellbeing of Rose's children was at stake.>>

<< Black Widow and Perspehone, along with the rest of the Inner Circle were almost....EASIER to fight than the kind of threat Dennis Nedry posed to Rose, but there wasn't a legal fight that Alycia Barnett had run from before, and now would be no exception. Every foe had a weakness, and the former ADA and police officer were teaming up to find out what his was.>>

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

<< Black Widow and Persephone had returned to the Hellfire Mansion, unaware that Diana, Helena and Kelly were having a meeting in the catacombs. Helena wasn't the ONLY one aware of the goings on in the mansion as of late, and it was only a matter of time before Diana would demand some answers.>>

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

<< After a heartfelt response from Darren regarding Sharon's concern, and some more time spent between them, Sharon insisted that she must leave to see about Alycia, while Darren asked to see her again. Sharon AGREED. It looked like Darren would have some more "business" here after all. But for now, he was left to his own devices, as the Silver Swan flew across town at high speeds to reach Charope, LLC, where she'd find Alycia, Delilah, and Xavier. >>


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

<< At the Clocktower, Oracle, Recall, Isis, Matrix, and Gabe are able to lower the threat level, with Oracle's defense systems, and Isis' mystical wards in place. With the return of Isis and Matrix, slowly but surely, the Birds of Prey are coming back together. Tachyon checks in with Oracle to advise that he and Alycia are at her office, and that she's meeting with meeting with Delilah, and that Sharon has arrived. Everyone is accounted for, which makes Oracle breathe a bit easier.>>

<< But for all the progress being made, and the hope that was held in the hearts and minds of several, the "other shoe" had yet to drop.>>

<< Rae, Danny, and Simon are all ready to move on with their day, and Rose bids them all farewell. A lingering view of Rose, holding Sable in her arms. Her purple hair flows, as she looks out of a window of her brownstone. >>

<< She is calm. Jake will be home soon, the Secret Garden is protected. Things will be fine. Won't they?>>

<< She'd received @Cypher 's warning regarding Persephone, and to assure her that the security and defense systems over the Secret Garden were fully operational. But she wasn't terribly worried. If Persephone OR Black Widow showed their faces here? She'd DESTROY them utterly. >>

<< A lingering view of Rose. and a FLASH of the DEVIL CARD.>>

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Mansion- Catacombs

:: In the central control room of the catacombs, The White, Red, and Black Queens sit at their appropriate stations. ::

:: Malice has little Perle in her lap. The small, fluffy gray kitten purrs as Malice pets her gently.::

:: The last two days had been peaceful, since Scion had presented the kitten to her mother. EVERYONE was feeling the relief, and Scion herself had now been able to entertain more cross-court relations, while strengthening her interactions with members of the white court.::

:: Still, the fuckery that was going on with Berserker and Persephone had spilled out, now encompassing Scion, and Berserker had killed a very high profile member's son. ::

:: It may have SEEMED like she was unaware of what was going on, but anyone with any sense knew that wasn't the case, and it was only a matter of time before she directed her attention to the persons responsible. No one wanted to be under close scrutiny from Malice, but the emotional, and psychic emanations from Persephone, Black Widow, and Berserker were registering with Malice, and it was pissing her off, the time of her grace in looking the other way on the issue of the brutal, and inappropriate murder of a high level hellfire member's son was at an end.::

Helena...

:: Malice said in that cold tone she was known for::

...Your Red Knight is getting out of hand.

On the strength of OUR relationship alone, I have looked the other way this long.

:: she shakes her head as she continues::

But now he has gone too far.

The killing of a very high profile, and STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT Hellfire Club member's son over what....some BASIC instinct of territorial EMOTION!? JEALOUSY over Scion's PRETEND sister?!

He abuses the staff, he causes incredible amounts of structural damage, some of which has spilled over into the white wing, and for all the bluster and bravado he portrays in the bedroom, or attacking individuals that are incapable of defending themselves, I wonder how long he'd last against someone like the Silver Swan or Rampage?

His thoughts stand out like a white beacon in a fog, Helena. He is incredibly unstable.

He is RAPIDLY shifting from being a strong asset to a LIABILITY, and I want to know what you plan to do about him.

The Inner Circle is at its largest roster to date, and has some of most powerful talent in it's midst. Talent and energy that is being SQUANDERED over FOOLISHNESS as of late, and I've had ENOUGH.

:: She said with a biting tone as she looked at the two queens::

:: she presses a button on her console, and an image of Scion, who has just returned to the mansion, flickers onto one of the floating screens around the three queens::

And it appears that my wandering white princess is getting a little TOO involved in the reindeer games of the red knight & rook.

:: Malice was aware of Haleigh's visit to both of the queens::

The time for that has come to an END as well.

We need to marshal our forces. The Six are are ripe for the taking now, and the amateur hour known as the Birds of Prey...we'll just wipe THEM out.

:: She looks at Scion on the screen with a cold expression on her face::

I expect that EVERYONE in the Inner Circle will be prepared to handle business. Anyone who can't, will be dealt with...by ME.

:: Kelly and Helena knew well what Diana would do to anyone who could not pull their weight, or proove their usefullness. Helena herself had joined Diana in the now legendary coup that saw the power of mystech wrested from its founders, and put into the hands of the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle. Kelly knew of Diana's ruthless ambition and laser focus from her native timeline, and it was the same here. It was always better to be on the WINNING side where Diana was concerned, and she would ONLY keep top talent that could perform. Anyone else? well, they would go the route of any other bio hazard.::

 

[Enchantrah]

Diana: Helena...

Lifting a single eyebrow, Helena already knew what Diana was about to say.

"Diana."

Diana: ...Your Red Knight is getting out of hand. On the strength of OUR relationship alone, I have looked the other way this long. But now he has gone too far.

Helena sighed, knowing this situation was going to come up at some point. It was a Red Court matter that unfortunately had spilled over into the White Court due to Scion's involvement. Not to mention Berserker killing the ADA's son.

"I've handled it."

She responded sternly, already anticipating Diana going on a tangent about her Knight.

Diana: The killing of a very high profile, and STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT Hellfire Club member's son over what....some BASIC instinct of territorial EMOTION!? JEALOUSY over Scion's PRETEND sister?!

"While I admit that was....poor judgement on his part, Mystique handled it. As did Cobra."

But the cover up wasn't enough to settle Diana's doubts. Which was disconcerting to Helena considering Alek had been apart of the Inner Circle for damn near ten years.

Diana: He abuses the staff, he causes incredible amounts of structural damage, some of which has spilled over into the white wing, and for all the bluster and bravado he portrays in the bedroom, or attacking individuals that are incapable of defending themselves, I wonder how long he'd last against someone like the Silver Swan or Rampage? His thoughts stand out like a white beacon in a fog, Helena. He is incredibly unstable.

Finally, Helena turned toward Diana. She respected her friend's opinion, strategies, and power. However when it came to HER KNIGHT, she would be the one to make the decisions. As Diana was the one to make the decisions on Scion. And Kelly for Cobra. That was the way of the Inner Circle--the chain of command.

"Berserker has been apart of my court for nearly ten years Diana. Has he ever done anything out of sorts in that time frame? Has he ever compromised the Inner Circle? Done wrong to the Hellfire Club? NO. He has been loyal to me for years and in turn YOU as well. You know what he is capable of. You know damn well he can go toe to toe with Silver Swan or Rampage. The only variable that has FUCKED UP this equation is PERSEPHONE. And i've taken care of that."

But Diana wouldn't relent. She was pissed, and in part Helena could understand why because she had kept Diana out of the loop as far as her plans to get the Red Court back on track.

Diana: He is RAPIDLY shifting from being a strong asset to a LIABILITY, and I want to know what you plan to do about him. The Inner Circle is at its largest roster to date, and has some of most powerful talent in it's midst. Talent and energy that is being SQUANDERED over FOOLISHNESS as of late, and I've had ENOUGH.

Sighing, Helena pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Need I remind you of what SCION has done as of late? Exposing The Blackout Party? Being reckless and plastering it all over Time Square? YOU punished her. You made her see the error of her ways and what you would ultimately do to her if she didn't STOP. And look what happened....look what she did for you."

Gesturing to Perle. But Diana was also furious that Haleigh was even involved. Frankly, Helena hated it as well, but it got the job done.

"*I* have done the same with Berserker. He became reckless with his EMOTIONS because for some GOD AWFUL reason, men fucking fall at Persephone's feet like dominos. So I used Scion as a means to an end. The END being his INVOLVEMENT with my Rook. Their little straight to DVD love story is OVER, Diana. And Scion will no longer be involved in anymore Red Court matters."

If Alek and Persephone continued down their current path even AFTER Haleigh popped their little love bubble, HELENA would personally make sure to deliver Persephone bound and gagged to Silver Swan's front door.

Diana: We need to marshal our forces. The Six are are ripe for the taking now, and the amateur hour known as the Birds of Prey...we'll just wipe THEM out. I expect that EVERYONE in the Inner Circle will be prepared to handle business. Anyone who can't, will be dealt with...by ME.

Helena interjected.

"If anyone in my court isn't ready to step up and slaughter every one of those holier than thou assholes, I will PERSONALLY end them myself. I know the end game. And I am willing to do WHATEVER it takes to get there, even if it means DESTROYING and REBUILDING my own court."

Helena gave Diana a look indicating she was more than serious about her threats. She would take out Berserker and Persephone both if they didn't fall in line. However she didn't see it coming to that--YET. Persephone was far too invested in Scion, and Berserker was far too invested in Persephone. The tower of cards would stand strong until the Six and Birds were wiped out. Then Helena didn't care if it all came crashing down.

 

[Cypher]

Gabe and Vivica continued to work on reviewing the footage from last nights battle. He could tell she was trying with him, not completely trusting, but putting forth an effort. Probably for Zizi's sake. But he appreciated it nonetheless. He really DID want to help them all and make sure no one else got hurt.

Vivica: "Most likely. But right now I am trying to figure out if she is the source, or if she simply manipulates it. It's transluscent..and it's representation is almost reminiscent of...Morningstar's power actually...Ooh..That could be something."

Gabe nodded, remembering back to Morningstar's file. Vivica seemed like she was getting off on this research, it was kind of amusing, making him smile.

Vivica: "Thanks for the footage by the way. It's actually really helping."

"No worries. Any excuse to hack shit and i'm down."

He shrugged with a chuckle.

"But seriously....I wanna help anyway I can."

He went on to mention that Rose's security was holding up well. No alerts, no glitches, nothing. The Sanctuary was the a fucking fortress.

Vivica: "Can I ask you something?"

Gabe scanned through a few video files, trying to cipher out the shit quality ones from the lesser shit quality ones.

"Shoot."

Vivica: "Why would a guy like you date Ava Cassadine?"

Oh fuck.

Gabe stopped what he was doing, knowing that was probably going to come up at SOME point, but he wasn't expecting it to be at THAT moment.

Vivica: "You seem smart enough. A little rough around the edges. A little aloof. But not crazy. I'm just...trying to wrap my head around it."

Sighing out, Gabe sat back in his chair and looked over at Vivica.

"She's not a horrible person, Vivica."

He started, realizing that was probably the worst thing to say to someone who had almost been killed by her TWICE.

"At least...she wasn't to me."

Vivica: "I mean..I've made my fair share of dumb decisions when it comes to men..AND women actually..but why Ava? I mean you're a hacker..there's no way you couldn't have known what exactly it is that Cassadine Corp did in the past. What that last name is responsible for.."

He nodded, not denying that he was fully aware of who the Cassadines were when he got involved with them. He was no angel, and he never pretended to be. He did work that got him money, and the top dollar usually came from his work with the Cassadines.

"Stavros recruited me when I was fresh out of high school. I was broke....my mom was broke....my dad was an abusive dead beat. I had the opportunity to make millions of dollars and help make my mom's life better. I didn't hesitate for a fucking second because I didn't care. Yeah....I knew what they did. But I looked the other way because I knew if I left, I couldn't give my mom the life she deserved."

Gabe was being brutally honest with Vivica. He knew exactly who Stavros and the Cassadines were....and he just didn't care.

"As for Ava....that person out there isn't Ava. She's a BITCH...she's aloof and cold. When backed into a corner she'll strike like a fucking viper. Shit, I'm not saying she's Mary Poppins....but she's NOT that [Persephone]. The look in her eyes today....the emptiness behind them....that's not the Ava that I knew."

He knew what he was saying about Ava would fall on deaf ears when it came to Vivica--and he didn't blame her--but he had to say it. Because regardless of everything that had happened....he knew that woman he saw tonight WASN'T Ava. And he knew she was still in there. However he wasn't going to risk losing Zizi in order to help get her back.

Vivica: "I mean..does her pussy sing like an opera star or something? Is it made of silk? I mean..what?"

His eyes went wide with surprise. He sure as hell wasn't expecting THAT.

Pretty fucking close...

He admitted to himself before Rich chimmed in.

Rich: "What is made of silk, Viv?"

He glanced over at Vivica with a 'i'm not gonna say it' look. Especially after hearing the elevator chime and Zizi exit along side Dominique.

Rich: By the way, that explosion was staged. Solid coverup work, but hastily done.

Tapping a couple keys on the computer, Gabe brought up a video.

"Yeah, I got some footage from the building across the streets security camera."

He played it for Rich and Vivica. It showed Persephone and Black Widow staring out the window toward The Clocktower before disappearing right as the explosion happened. The feed rewound then replayed again.

"Good thing Isis doubled up security with those runes..."

He felt Zizi's hand on his back and turned, giving her a smile.

Zizi: "So, what is everyone feeling like for lunch? I think we have every take out menu in the city here..."

"Coffee."

He said in jest...although he was pretty serious.

"Anything really. I'm starved."

Zizi went and ordered enough food to feed two armies as he and Vivica continued to shuffle through more security footage until the food was delivered. Finally, everyone sat together and began to eat. Gabe sat next to Zizi, munching on some french fries before taking a bite of his burger.

He nodded happily.

"So good. Thanks Liz."

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Mansion- Catacombs

"While I admit that was....poor judgement on his part, Mystique handled it. As did Cobra."

There shouldn't have been anything FOR them to handle, Helena. THAT is my point.

:: The cover up was NOT enough to satisfy Diana's demand for accounting at this point::

You remember what it was like when Alycia Barnett was the ADA.

The CURRENT ADA is firmly in OUR pocket now. How willing do you think he will be to cooperate if he knew the TRUTH about what happened to his son? What kind of RISK do you think we'd be exposed to?

:: Helena knew that Diana didn't like sloppy behavior, OR loose ends. She ALSO expected better communication. This lack of communication, to someone who didn't KNOW Helena as Diana did, could be MORE than a little SUSPECT, and if Diana sensed any kind of deception- which for a telepath, was VERY easy to detect- she would SMASH the person attempting it.::

You're right. He HAS been apart of the Inner Circle for over a decade now, and that's MORE than enough time for him to know by now what is expected, and what is ACCEPTABLE behavior. Killing VIP members is FORBIDDEN, UNLESS they pose a DIRECT THREAT to our security, OUR interests, OUR well being. THAT is why I did not object to Isis and Matrix disposing of Stryker.

:: Glancing at Kelly, who was the architect of the whole Purifiers incident::

He got out of hand in his desire to "roll back" the progress that Sharon Kelly had made in the name of mutant rights, and I will NOT tolerate a FLATSCAN trying to threaten US....directly OR indirectly, especially one within these walls.

That was NOT the case with the current ADA'S SON!

Alek's GROSS lack of sense and judgement in that needless act was RIGHT ON PAR with Scion's FOOLISH violation of our rules when she exposed footage from the Black Out Party!

:: Diana SLAMMED her fist, now in diamond form, down on the console.::

:: Poor little Perle was startled, and jumped. Diana immediately stopped herself and took a moment to calm the kitten, softly shushing her. it was an unusual thing for Helena and Kelly to see, Diana going back and forth from heavy handed and brutal, to soft and nuturing. But the kitten was in a better position than they were at this moment. ::

....

YOU punished her. You made her see the error of her ways and what you would ultimately do to her if she didn't STOP. And look what happened....look what she did for you."

Gesturing to Perle. But Diana was also furious that Haleigh was even involved. Frankly, Helena hated it as well, but it got the job done.

:: Diana gazed at Helena with her opal blue eyes. Helena was as passionate and invested in the success of her Red Court as Diana was of her White Court, but beyond that, the two of them had a long personal history, one that crossed timelines even. They understood the need for trust and teamwork, and so...even in tense moments like this, the Red and White Queen were never afraid to work through the situation.::

"*I* have done the same with Berserker. He became reckless with his EMOTIONS because for some GOD AWFUL reason, men fucking fall at Persephone's feet like dominos. So I used Scion as a means to an end. The END being his INVOLVEMENT with my Rook. Their little straight to DVD love story is OVER, Diana. And Scion will no longer be involved in anymore Red Court matters."

Good.

:: Thinking about Persephone for a moment::

Persephone IS more than a little annoyance. A time and space displaced queen without a crown...a goddess without a cause...except perhaps to drive your red knight to distraction...

:: Diana smirked a bit upon hearing that Helena had used Scion as a means to an end. She was AWARE that Scion had been making the rounds, approaching other Inner Circle members, and even other queens. As the White Princess, this wasn't entirely inappropriate, because in theory, if Malice were to ever RETIRE, OR if something happened to her, The White Princess would succeed her in the role of the White Queen, and so being able to engage in cross court relations, broker deals and such was par for the course.::

:: HOWEVER, Haleigh's involvement in the reindeer games of the Red Knight and Rook were taking too much of her time and attention, and neither Helena, nor Diana was pleased with this development. So Helena borrowed a leaf from Diana's book, since Scion was basically SELLING herself to the highest bidder within these walls, and used her accordingly, dealing a blow to Alek and Ava. Diana could accept THAT ::

"If anyone in my court isn't ready to step up and slaughter every one of those holier than thou assholes, I will PERSONALLY end them myself. I know the end game. And I am willing to do WHATEVER it takes to get there, even if it means DESTROYING and REBUILDING my own court."

:: Now THIS was what Diana wanted to hear. In all the years they'd been working together, some of Diana's cold, ruthless, no holds barred ways had rubbed off on Helena, and Diana had been known to VIOLENTLY clean house before when those around her weren't up to par. ::

While I hope that it doesn't come to that, have the utmost confidence in you, Enchantrah.

:: Diana smiled at her in a knowing way, and her opal blue eyes seemed to glow a bit as she nodded to Helena.::

Sometimes...these children among us...they lose their way.

:: referring to Scion, and ALSO Alek.::

And they have to be disciplined, and then set back on track.

I have not come to the conclusion that Alek should be written off as a lost cause, like Ashley Oldenburg. You did an excellent job of dispatching her without hesitation, and I'll trust your judgement on Alek...for now.

He HAS proven to be a powerful and versatile member of the Inner Circle on more than one occassion.

::FLASH!::

<< the night of the bio terror attack in the Hellfire Mansion, ultimately caused by Viper.>>

<< images of Berserker bulling his way through the horde of zombies, tearing them apart, buying members of the hellfire mansion time to escape to safety.>>

AND when that pathetic Ashley came slinking back here thinking she could charm or seduce her way into Alek's favor, rather than commit a security breach- unlike SCION- he SHUT her down, HUMILIATED her even.

:: She smirked once more::

A nice touch.

:: She leaned back in her seat, and crossed her legs at the knee, gently holding Perle, who shifted a bit and mewed softly::

Now that I have your assurance that Alek will not behave in such a reckless manner, I'll just make SURE that Scion REMEMBERS where her duties lie, and we'll be able to move forward.

:: this was an indication that Malice was willing to let things lie where they were for now. She was not going to force Helena to take any further action against Alek, nor would she take any action against him herself, AS LONG as Helena had snapped him back in his place.::

:: Now to move on to other matters::

Kelly, have you discovered any new information from your research on Rose's power signataure?

 

[Tachyon]

WOW.

No other way to put it.

Xavier retrieved a more businesslike outfit from his car and put it on after freshening up. Alycia had the meeting so he watched her get ready first, the view definitely worth his time in watching it. After he finished, he walked to the office slowly, taking in the new sights and smells in the building. When you are moving that quickly to do it all, it can be difficult to savor it. Now, he took a chance to do so, finally arriving at Alycia's office floor and slowly making his way down to where she was. He was only there to observe and protect, and he was prepared to take notes. He was serious about learning how she went about her business. No detail would be missed. He walked in, gave Alycia a wink and a smile, took a seat in the corner and waited.

 

[Artemis]

Charope, LLC

:: After no one, not two, but THREE rounds, the amazon and the speedster had definitely, and THOROUGHLY enjoyed each other. Xavier definitely knew how to show Alycia a good time!::

:: After refreshing herself in the shower, she decided to change into a a different outfit, complete with high heels and her feminum bracelets, she looks, and feels great, and walks with a stride that reflects that.::

:: after one last hair check in the mirror, she made her way down to her office on the next floor down, where Xavier was seated in a corner. Just as she and Xavier took in the sight of each other, and both were wondering about another round, a tone sounded off::

Delilah's here.

:: She said with a smile as she made her way out to the hall and took the elevator down to the main floor, taking a moment to look at the changes that Xavier had made. The mini orchard in the center of the main lobby, the fresh floral arrangements on each floor, the authentic sage being diffused throughout the building that had already warded away the lingering negative vibes from recent events,...::

This is marvelous!

:: It was like being NEW here all over again.::

:: She walks to the double doors, and opens them::

Hey, Delilah.

:: She says with a smile.::

Right on time.

Come in!

:: Once inside, she closes the door::

Notice anything different?

:: Indeed, Delilah would see the changes, and smell, and FEEL the difference ::

Xavier and I cleaned up my office, removing all traces of...recent events.

And when I asked for some sage and fresh flowers, he went a step further.

:: Delilah could hear the approval in Alycia's voice. She looked and sounded MUCH better than she had a few days ago, a clear sign that she was already moving on from the betrayal of Cameron and Haleigh::

Can I get you anything? Now that I think about it, just follow me. I want you try to something.

:: Leading her to the elevtor to bring them up to the 4th floor of the building where her office is.::

:: Once they in her office::

Xavier is here to help us in whatever way we might need.

:: She gestures to Delilah to be seated on the other side of her large desk, and Alycia then seats herself at her desk. She brings forth a curious looking bottle that contains a rosy red "nectar" and pours herself, Delilah and Xavier a shot::

Here. It's an amazonian concoction that the goddesses gifted the Amazons an endless supply of. It soothes the soul, revitalizes the body's physical capacity, and promotes longevity!

:: she raised her glass ::

Here's to progress....and JUSTICE.

:: they all have a drink. It's a VERY potent drink,beyond anything that a mortal could make, but it leaves them feeling GOOD!::

:: after everyone was settled, Alycia got right down to it::

Clandestine sent one of their legal eagles, Darren Hudson, to visit Rose yesterday, regarding her...terminating the contract with CI, and firing Zach. I exercised the sentinel event clause in the contract, and he was willing to cooperate. I'm glad to see that CI has some level ethics and integrity...

:: Alycia rolls her eyes hazel eyes and says this part with bitterness::

...despite their FOUNDER'S current status and behavior.

::Alycia leans back in her large seat and crosses her long smooth legs at the knee::

But there's still the problem of Dennis Nedry.

We pushed him back the other day, but there's no doubt he'll return.

At least THIS time, the Sanctuary, and the rest of Rose's block is once again covered, by a whole new security and defense system.

Everything ELSE is in order, but he's not going to stop until he can find cause to initiate seperation proceedings.

:: She looks at Delilah::

I've dealt with men like him before. He doesn't care one bit about those children. This is a numbers game, and an EGO/POWER trip for him.

I can fight him to a stand still in the courtroom if I have to, but the damage he'll do between now and that moment is too much to risk. If those children are seperated from Rose, WHEREVER they are placed will not be suitable for them , and what about the ones with OBVIOUS, PHYSICAL mutations?

Beyond that, I've got it on good advice that he's NOT what he seems to be at all.

Rae Reynolds, she's a very close friend of Rose's. She knew her even before Sharon and I met her. And while she's not a mutant, she's a metahuman with psychic abilities that seem to tie into those of Rose's. She's very worldly, a good reader of people...living AND dead.

She advised Sharon and I that she perceived dark and terrible image of Nedry, DANCING....in the flames of HELL.

I'm thinking that means he's affiliated with the HELLFIRE CLUB.

They've already sent TWO of their inner circle, Cobra and Black Widow, to attack Rose at her sanctuary. Rose is too powerful for any one of them to handle and, having seen more of what she can do? I think even a GROUP of them would be hard pressed to pin her down.

So if they can't get to her that way...

:: She waited for Delilah to catch on, and she did very quickly, even Xavier's facial expression betrayed a look of dismay::

...Nedry may be another example of the collusion between various state entities, and the Hellfire club, and they may be using him to try to destroy Rose in a way that she can't just simply over power. They don't know what a dangerous game they're playing. They REALLY don't seem to understand what Rose is capable of, and after what happened during the Purifiers!?

I know I can NAIL Nedry to the wall by his balls, but I need IRON CLAD EVIDENCE.

You and I have been here before, Delilah.

:: Victor Klein, among others::

I can't imagine anyone better to assist me in this urgent matter of search and discovery.

Will you help me save Rose and these children?

 

[MorningStar]

Charope

Delilah hung up with Gavin after making plans to meet at the restaurant he had suggested that Friday. She then grabbed her purse, and headed out the door to meet Alycia at Charope. Alycia met her in the lobby. Delilah smiled and said hello.

Hey, Delilah. Right on time. Come in! Notice anything different? Xavier and I cleaned up my office, removing all traces of...recent events. And when I asked for some sage and fresh flowers, he went a step further.

"Yeah, it's nice. I didn't know he was an interior decorator. YOU look good though."

Surprisingly so, depending on how she had looked just two days before. They made their way to Alycia's office, and Delilah was surprised to find Xavier there.

"Hello, Xavier. Nice to see you again."

Xavier is here to help us in whatever way we might need.

"Maybe you ought to tell me why I'm here?"

Delilah took a seat on the opposite side of Alycia's desk, while she poured the three of them a shot of some liquid.

Here. It's an amazonian concoction that the goddesses gifted the Amazons an endless supply of. It soothes the soul, revitalizes the body's physical capacity, and promotes longevity!

"As long as it's not that apple cider vinegar crap."

She really wasn't in the mood today to talk about Themyscira, but smiled politely and took one of the glasses and toasted with the others.

Clandestine sent one of their legal eagles, Darren Hudson, to visit Rose yesterday, regarding her...terminating the contract with CI, and firing Zach. I exercised the sentinel event clause in the contract, and he was willing to cooperate. I'm glad to see that CI has some level ethics and integrity...despite their FOUNDER'S current status and behavior.

Delilah grimaced. She didn't want to talk about HALEIGH either.

But there's still the problem of Dennis Nedry. We pushed him back the other day, but there's no doubt he'll return.

If those children are seperated from Rose, WHEREVER they are placed will not be suitable for them , and what about the ones with OBVIOUS, PHYSICAL mutations?

Delilah pursed her lips in thought.

"We could try to get them placed under the care of the foundation, but I don't think we would get approval...not at this stage."

"Beyond that, I've got it on good advice that he's NOT what he seems to be at all.

Rae Reynolds, she's a very close friend of Rose's. She advised Sharon and I that she perceived dark and terrible image of Nedry, DANCING....in the flames of HELL. I'm thinking that means he's affiliated with the HELLFIRE CLUB.

"I don't know, Alycia - that's a pretty big leap. Why would Hellfire take interest in a lowlife like that?"

"They've already sent TWO of their inner circle, Cobra and Black Widow, to attack Rose at her sanctuary. Rose is too powerful for any one of them to handle and, having seen more of what she can do? I think even a GROUP of them would be hard pressed to pin her down.

So if they can't get to her that way...

I know I can NAIL Nedry to the wall by his balls, but I need IRON CLAD EVIDENCE. You and I have been here before, Delilah. I can't imagine anyone better to assist me in this urgent matter of search and discovery. Will you help me save Rose and these children?

"You know you can count on me, Alycia. I can call John, see what the NYPD might have on this guy, if anything. And then there's what we talked about before...me contacting Bianca..."

 

[Artemis]

Charope- Alycia's office

"Yeah, it's nice. I didn't know he was an interior decorator. YOU look good though."

Thank you! I feel a lot better in body...AND mind.

:: Going up the elevator::

And not a moment too soon.

"Hello, Xavier. Nice to see you again."

"Maybe you ought to tell me why I'm here?"

Delilah took a seat on the opposite side of Alycia's desk, while she poured the three of them a shot of some liquid.

:: after a quick drink, Alycia talked about the meeting with Darren Hudson, and the problem of Dennis Nedry.::

Delilah pursed her lips in thought.

"We could try to get them placed under the care of the foundation, but I don't think we would get approval...not at this stage."

That's an excellent back up plan. One meeting with Rose, and I'm sure she'd agree to it. Even beyond this immediate situation, I've been trying to get Rose to revise her estate papers..."just in case. " Just to make sure these children aren't left in deep water with no support.

:: Alycia told Delilah what she suspected Rose's perception about Nedry meant.::

"I don't know, Alycia - that's a pretty big leap. Why would Hellfire take interest in a lowlife like that?"

It's no more a leap than us once believing that Haleigh wouldn't try to kidnap a child, and then shoot him in the back, OR that she would willfully chose to allow a missile to strike a bus of 42 orphans because...they "wouldn't be productive members of society."

:: Delilah stared at her disbelief::

Yes. She told Rose herself, the night she tried to kidnap Jake. During their fight, Rose divined the truth, and confronted her, and she admitted it. Had no regrets about it at all.

So I think we can take a few leaps now, knowing what kind of people we're dealing with.

Rose told Simon, Rae and Danny that Cobra had also tried to kidnap a child from the Sanctuary.

I don't believe it's random that there were two attempts, and now suddenly Rose is being scrutinized by CPS.

Everything about Nedry's presentation screams "WRONG." to me, and I don't have Rae's level of perception.

But one look at him, one LEER from him, and you know that this man is a real SLIME BALL, and he's hardly interested in the "welfare" of those children.

If they couldn't take a child from her by force...they might try a more "passive" approach, and it's not a stretch to believe that they may have found someone in CPS with just enough avarice in their soul to be tempted by whatever they offered in exchange for this collusion.

And THAT'S why I need to gather hard evidence. He's going to escalate this no matter what. So if I'm going to blow him out of the water, I need to make sure I can cause as much damage to him and whoever's empowering him as I can.

"You know you can count on me, Alycia. I can call John, see what the NYPD might have on this guy, if anything. And then there's what we talked about before...me contacting Bianca..."

Yes, let's get John on the front end.

::Looking at Delilah with genuine concern::

I'm not going to lie to you. I WANT to talk to Bianca. HOWEVER, knowing what she did to you, what events she set in motion...with Black all but killing Spellbinder!?

:: she sighed::

Do you feel SAFE in contacting her?

 

[Talisman]

The Hellfire Mansion - Catacombs

< Talisman sat to the left of Malice and Enchantrah in her sleek black pantsuit, her sharp black nails clacking away on her touch screen, giving the appearance that she was doing some type of work for the club. She was not. She was playing "Bejeweled Blitz" and waiting in anticipation for the colorful insults that would most likely come out of both the red and white queen's mouths. Not having a full court did have it's benefits. It meant there were less "children" to look after and the one she did have (Amanda) was incredibly well behaved. But she was glad Diana was speaking up about this. The Red Court was certainly making a mess of things, and while it was entertaining to watch, it needed to be resolved and soon. >

"Ooh. A new high score!"

< The two went back and forth for a moment. >

Diana: "The killing of a very high profile, and STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT Hellfire Club member's son over what...some BASIC instinct of territorial EMOTION!? JEALOUSY over Scion's PRETEND sister?"

"And here we go."

< The Black Queen slid her phone into her pocket and crossed her arms together, watching the conversation unfold, her cobalt blue eyes smuldering a bit with genuine interest. >

Helena: "While I admit that was...poor judgment on his part, Mystique handled it. As did Cobra."

Diana: "There shouldn't have been anything FOR them to handle, Helena. THAT is my point."

< The two went back and forth for awhile. Alek, Persephone and Scion had been incredibly reckless and had they not had the esteem among The Inner Circle that they had, they would have been killed. Their value was the only thing keeping them alive. Kelly took a moment to laugh to herself at how ridiculous Malice looked reprimanding somebody with a kitten in her hand. >

Diana: "That was NOT the case with the current ADA'S SON! Alek's GROSS lack of sense and judgment in that needless act was RIGHT ON PART with Scion's FOOLISH violation of our rules when she exposed footage from the Black Out Party!"

< The White Queen slammed her hand on the counter, startling the ball of yarn in her hands before she started comforting it for a moment. Kelly rolled her eyes and exhaled. The back and forth continued. >

Helena: "If anybody in my court isn't ready to step up and slaughter every one of those holier than thou assholes, I will PERSONALLY end them myself. I know the end game. And I am willing to do WHATEVER it takes to get there, even if it means DESTROYING and REBUILDING my own court."

< Talisman nodded in approval. She knew this is what Malice needed to hear. >

Diana: "While I hope it doesn't come to that, I have the utmost confidence in you, Enchantrah. Sometimes...these children among us...they lose their way. And they have to be disciplined, and then set back on track. I have not come to the conclusion that Alek should be written off as a lost cause, like Ashley Oldenburg. You did an excellent job of dispatching her without hesitation, and I'll trust your judgment on Alek...for now."

< Kelly pondered things for a moment. She had an idea. >

Diana: "Now that I have your assurance that Alek will not behave in such a reckless manner, I'll just make SURE that Scion REMEMBERS where her duties lie, and we'll be able to move forward."

< Talisman admired her manicure for a moment. >

"Perhaps there's a bit of merit to the idea of reminding them ALL where their duties lie. It would be a good idea to put them to work. Give them things to focus on. Battle training, fitness regimen, service of the company needs in a more..practical and less vague way. Scion approached me last night, the last stop on her tour to gain allies. She wants to be taught. I of course refused any kind of opportunity for tutelage until you signed off on it..but this has given me an idea. These..[air quoting] kids..they have free reign of this place. Come and go as they please, destroy things..maybe it's time that we made them EARN their keep. In a practical way. Seeing how the Aqua Ring is ran, doing research in the Catacombs..give them a sense of pride and duty. It could be helpful."

Diana: "Kelly, have you discovered any new information from your research on Rose's power signature?"

< Kelly cocked her head to the side and made a somewhat annoyed look on her face. >

"Not as much as i'd like..The bitch certainly lives up to her mystique."

< Talisman adjusted the watch on her left hand. >

"Her signature is hard to pin down, because it's oddly obscure. It's somewhere between psychic and mystical. Reviewing the footage of her battles I have as well as observing her at a safe distance with my omni sight, I've determined her gifts are not typical. She possesses the power to perceive minds..and can utterly tap and control SPIRITS..even SOULS."

< From her jacket Talisman produced a vial of the energy that Rose channels, it's beautiful energy swirling around in the vial. >

"You will recognize this energy. It's quite literally from the astral plane itself. The exact energy she channels."

< Flatly. >

"I cannot emphasize enough that the ability to tap into this type of power, is incredible. Even YOU should take caution upon meeting her on the astral plane.."

< She put the sample back into her pocket. >

"There is also no upper limit to the amount of energy she can channel..and the effects that she is able to create with it."

< Smirking. >

"But she is not unstoppable. There seems to be an incredible tie to her emotions with regards to her power. We've seen this purple energy shift to white, and there has been an incredible shift in her demeanor when doing so, as we saw with her battle against Persephone and then Scion. She gets reckless. She is easily goaded with the slightest threat against her children. I hypothesize that with no upper limit to the amount and strength of energy she can produce, if pushed, if forced to channel that kind of astral energy...at that level, it would come at great physical consequence to her body..as well as her MIND. So far, there is no evidence of a physical toll, but my educated guess is that there is."

< Smiling. >

"At the very least it's a possible weakness for us to exploit. And we have not many other options. In any case, she is too strong to have in our way, and now that she knows we've been after her. Now that she knows what Scion has done..we need to find a way to clip her wings or..."

< Talisman looked down at the small kitten with a bit of a devious smile before looking back up at the other two women. >

"Put her down."

 

[Recall]

The Clocktower

Gabe: "She's not a horrible person, Vivica."

:: She fought the urge to roll her eyes because she was worried they would roll all the way back into her head and she would be blind. ::

"You know, somewhere in history, I'm sure people said that about Hitler too."

Gabe: "At least...she wasn't to me."

:: She wasn't impressed but she couldn't fault him for being attracted to somebody who was a monster. It happened all the time. She had done it herself a time or two. Maybe she was just giving him a hard time. But if he was putting the sweetness on Oracle, Vivica wanted to see how smart he was about things besides computers. ::

Stavros: "Stavros recruited me when I was fresh out of high school. I was broke...my mom was broke...my dad was an abusive dead beat. I had the opportunity to make millions of dollars and help make my mom's life better. I didn't hesitate for a fucking second because I didn't care. yeah...I knew what they did. But I looked the other way because I knew if I left, I couldn't give my mom the life she deserved."

"I know THAT's right."

:: Now this made Vivica soften on Gabe just a bit. Vivica knew what it was like to be government cheese broke. And she saw many people she loved and care about ender many industries and businesses that were far less than savory to give a better life to their families. She had lost uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors to the streets. They did terrible things but for good reasons. This made her respect Gabe more. She smirked at Gabe. ::

"Okay, I just asked an honest question. You ain't gotta make a sista feel all BAD and shit!"

:: She joked. ::

Gabe: "As for Ava...that person out there isn't Ava. She's a BITCH...she's aloof and cold. When backed into a corner she'll strike like a fucking viper. Shit, I'm not saying she's Mary Poppins..but she's NOT that. The look in her eyes today...the emptiness behind them...that's not the Ava that I knew."

:: Vivica tossed her hands up in exasperation. She wasn't being angry or aggressive, just reacting assertively. ::

"That's where you are wrong Gabe. Ava and Persephone exist in one body. They share a closeness, a similarity. You don't know her origins, but let's just say the only reason Persephone got to LIVE is because Ava was the only body in this timeline who could take her. Her crosstime counterpart. That in itself, should be enough EVIDENCE to EVERYONE around her, that whatever Persephone is capable of, whatever she's ACTING like, the deadness behind her eyes? Ava is capable of it too. Persephone is just the end result of AVA making horrible choices. It wasn't PERSEPHONE that attacked me on the streets a few days ago, Gabe. She was not Persephone when she shot me in the back of the head and left me for dead on the Cassadine Compound THAT...beyond the shadow of a doubt was AVA CASSADINE."

:: She shook her head. ::

"But if people want to keep believing in her like fools and winding up dead, I guess that's THEIR business."

:: Vivica was exasperated by this point. ::

"I mean...does her pussy sing like an opera star or something? Is it made of silk?"

Rich: "What is made of silk, Viv?"

"WHA? Oh uh...my hair? my hair! Looks good right?"

:: She zushzed her hair for a moment playfully, and a bit embarrassed. ::

"Alright now, V. Settle down."

Rich: "By the way, that explosion was staged. Solid coverup work, but hastily done."

Gabe: "Yeah, I got some footage from the building across the streets security camera."

:: The video played and it was clear that it was both Persephone and Black Widow. ::

Gabe: "Good thing Isis doubled up security with those runes.."

"That doesn't make any sense. If they were so close...why didn't she just attack?"

:: She didn't even NOTICE Zizi and Dominique for a moment. Did Haleigh stop Persephone from attacking them?! ::

Oracle: "So, what is everyone feeling like for lunch? I think we have every take out menu in the city here..."

"Good..because it will take that many restaurants to feed Rich."

Gabe: "Coffee."

:: Vivica smirked. ::

"Hmm. How do you like your coffee, Gabe? Black? Little bit of cream? Whole lotta sugar?"

:: She laughed loudly. ::

"Sorry, I'm just messing with you because I'm so happy that----"

:: Vivica ran over to Dominique and ribbed her in the stomach a second before dancing around her joyfully. ::

"Dominique is staying!"

:: Laughing ::

"Let's eat!"

:: And soon enough they had food. And it was good. ::

Gabe: "So good. Thanks Liz."

:: Chewing ::

"Seriously. Thank You...I'm committing carbicide and I don't even care. The ever looming possibility of death has caused me to soften my stance on bread."

:: Thinking ::

"Oh! I was so hypnotized by these breadsticks I almost forgot to say!"

"Gabe showed me the video. Persephone was with Black Widow. Why wouldn't she attack us. Why would she mess with Gabe like that and then not make good on her threat. And why was Haleigh there? I mean..I wouldn't say this around Zach because I wouldn't want him to tail spin.."

:: Her eyes widened for a moment. ::

"What is Haleigh stopped Persephone from attacking? And why would she?"

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Club- Catacombs

< Talisman admired her manicure for a moment. >

"Perhaps there's a bit of merit to the idea of reminding them ALL where their duties lie. It would be a good idea to put them to work. Give them things to focus on. Battle training, fitness regimen, service of the company needs in a more..practical and less vague way. Scion approached me last night, the last stop on her tour to gain allies. She wants to be taught. I of course refused any kind of opportunity for tutelage until you signed off on it..but this has given me an idea. These..[air quoting] kids..they have free reign of this place. Come and go as they please, destroy things..maybe it's time that we made them EARN their keep. In a practical way. Seeing how the Aqua Ring is ran, doing research in the Catacombs..give them a sense of pride and duty. It could be helpful."

What a THOUGHTFUL suggestion, Talisman.

:: And it was, but Diana wondered how far Kelly would be willing to go with it herself.::

So, does that mean you'd be willing to work with ALICE on the development of bio weapons specifically tailored to warfare against the Six....and the Birds of Prey?

They (the Six) think they've seen the worst.

They think that I'll RELY on Scion and Persephone to spearhead our campaign of terror.

:: But Malice was always good at throwing curveballs and throwing her prey off course::

I do think it's time we reigned some of the Inner Circle in.

For everyone one that's disciplined, and makes good use of his or her time (Cobra, Fathom) there are others who engage in drama, and think that their title and rank alone is enough to protect them.

Any weakness or failure in the battlefield will NOT be tolerated.

There is a battle/test arena down here in the catacombs. I'm going to start having test sessions for ALL members of the Inner Circle. There will be face offs, where the opponents have no idea who their facing, and we (The Queens & the King) will observe, gather data, and judge the outcomes to determine who is strong, and who is weak.

We must also make sure that our inner circle members are well versed on their foes outside these walls, namely the Six, and the emerging Birds of Prey.

:: Immediately turning to look at Helena::

HELENA, since we have reached an understranding regarding Berserker, I'm sure you won't mind him being THE FIRST on the list to be tested in the battle arena. He will face...COBRA.

:: Regarding the subject of Rose::

< Kelly cocked her head to the side and made a somewhat annoyed look on her face. >

"Not as much as i'd like..The bitch certainly lives up to her mystique."

< Talisman adjusted the watch on her left hand. >

"Her signature is hard to pin down, because it's oddly obscure. It's somewhere between psychic and mystical. Reviewing the footage of her battles I have as well as observing her at a safe distance with my omni sight, I've determined her gifts are not typical. She possesses the power to perceive minds..and can utterly tap and control SPIRITS..even SOULS."

< From her jacket Talisman produced a vial of the energy that Rose channels, it's beautiful energy swirling around in the vial. >

"You will recognize this energy. It's quite literally from the astral plane itself. The exact energy she channels."

< Flatly. >

"I cannot emphasize enough that the ability to tap into this type of power, is incredible. Even YOU should take caution upon meeting her on the astral plane.."

< She put the sample back into her pocket. >

"There is also no upper limit to the amount of energy she can channel..and the effects that she is able to create with it."

< Smirking. >

"But she is not unstoppable. There seems to be an incredible tie to her emotions with regards to her power. We've seen this purple energy shift to white, and there has been an incredible shift in her demeanor when doing so, as we saw with her battle against Persephone and then Scion. She gets reckless. She is easily goaded with the slightest threat against her children. I hypothesize that with no upper limit to the amount and strength of energy she can produce, if pushed, if forced to channel that kind of astral energy...at that level, it would come at great physical consequence to her body..as well as her MIND. So far, there is no evidence of a physical toll, but my educated guess is that there is."

< Smiling. >

"At the very least it's a possible weakness for us to exploit. And we have not many other options. In any case, she is too strong to have in our way, and now that she knows we've been after her. Now that she knows what Scion has done..we need to find a way to clip her wings or..."

< Talisman looked down at the small kitten with a bit of a devious smile before looking back up at the other two women. >

"Put her down."

:: Diana looked stone faced, nodding slowly as she took in this information. Ravena had ALSO cautioned Malice on facing Rose outright on the astral plane. It seemed that this woman was indeed a phenomena, but Malice had never encountered a challenge that she ran from. She was a huntress, a master strategist, and while Rose may harness the power of the very astral plane itself...she still needed an active mind and consciousness to do so, and the MIND would ALWAYS be Malice's playground.::

::Furthermore, there was an indication of distinctive powersets...from the purple aura to the white. When channeling the white aura, Rose was in a state of rage, and Malice knew quite well that rage would burn a person out quickly.::

Very keen observations, Talisman.

Rose may have her thorns, but it appears she might be the source of her own wilting if she's not careful, and if anyone knows how to make prey do the work of destroying themselves, it is I.

:: She smiled with wicked glee, as her blue eyes glowed.::

Rose's time is running out.

No amount of power she channels will mean anything if she's unable to consciously use it.