Gathering at the clock tower

[Tachyon]

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.

Just in the nick of time. Your pretty arse was in TERRIBLE danger.

Xavier's British lilt tickled the Amazons's eardrums as she sashayed down to get her friend and fellow metahuman. Delilah looked great as always and he stood out of respect when she came in, nodding and smiling to her.

:: 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.

Xavier downed his drink and smiled as he collected the shot glasses, placed them back by the bar and re-took his seat, settling in to listen.

The CPS worker seemed to be tainted, and they were there to figure a way to shake him from Rose's scent. Apparently there had also been some sexual harassment or innuendo from this guy, which was shit. Xavier was no eunuch, but he was well aware of the concept of someone being a fucking creep. He could hear Rich in his head saying, "I can fix this problem if you want."

They mentioned someone they seemed reluctant to get involved with as they figured on how to research this guy.

::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?

That got his attention. Spellbinder was Sorceress Supreme of this reality; he FELT her when she came back to this realm. Her being gone had put him to work as every two-bit idiot with a book of chants and enough money to buy a rock with any spirit to it went about trying to claim the magical energy out there.

 

[MorningStar]

Charope

"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 just stared at Alycia, the meaning of her words sinking in. The Purifiers. The bus. The children. How could anyone choose to let children die? Maybe Haleigh really did belong at Hellfire.

"Nothing Haleigh does surprises me anymore."

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.

Delilah nodded.

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.

"There's got to be a trail, whatever it is they bought him off with."

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

"I'll call him as soon as I leave here."

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!? Do you feel SAFE in contacting her?

"I'm not afraid of her. Plus we came to somewhat of an understanding the last time we met. She dug up dirt on every member of the Six we never thought anyone would be able to find - if anyone can get the goods on this Nedry, it's her. Whether she'll do it or not..."

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

"Coffee. Anything really. I'm starved."

She rubbed his back and smiled.

"I'll get you a cup."

They decided to order from a gourmet burger place down the street. With the newfound relative safety of Isis' wards and the unlikelyhood that Ava was attacking right now, they let the delivery guy come to the door. They sat at the disused dining table.

"So good. Thanks Liz."

"You are quite welcome. Does everyone have what they need?"

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

Oh no. This was exactly the sort of thing that put Gabe off. She gave him a look, to see how he was taking it. She moved her arm slightly where it rested on the table, so that it touched his forearm.

"Sorry, I'm just messing with you because I'm so happy that---Dominique is staying!"

And she was pretty sure that Dominique wasn't going to appreciate that. But the conversation turned to business.

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

"Probably for the same reason she left Gabe so quickly without...finishing the job."

Her voice hitched.

"She thought we, and maybe the Six too, were on our way there. She probably assumed we were all here waiting for her or on our way. Haleigh Davidoff is not stupid: she wouldn't go into a fight that lopsided unless she had to. Discretion is the better part of valor and all that."

 

[Enchantrah]

After Diana finally conceded to Helena taking care of both Berserker and Persephone, as well as admitting that Berserker has been more than loyal within the Inner Circle for nearly a decade and has only RECENTLY fucked up due largely to Persephone, the conversation shifted with Kelly taking the helm.

Kelly: "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."

"I didn't realize we were running a doggy obedience school, Kells."

Helena quipped with a smirk.

"And here I thought you didn't like pets."

Kelly: "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."

But she was as serious as a heart attack.

Diana: What a THOUGHTFUL suggestion, Talisman.

And Diana loved it as well. Fantastic, they're own little Hogwarts School of Bitchcraft and Misery. Helena rolled her eyes, adjusting the large diamond ring that adorned her finger allowing the two Queens to go on about how fabulous an idea it was to reign the Inner Circle in and put them into boot camp. It was a little idiotic in Helena's opinion considering how the members of the Inner Circle would never have been invited INTO the Inner Circle had they not had the skill set, powers, strength and ability to kill their enemies. But she decided to keep her mouth shut, letting Diana and Kelly's one moment of agreeability play out since it was few and far between.

Diana: 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.

"Sounds fun. Remind me to bring the popcorn."

She stifled a laugh.

Diana: 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.

Helena finally looked up at the other Queens, giving them both a toothy smile.

"While of course. Berserker has expressed to me his interest in sparing with Cobra for quite some time. He finds her abilities quite intriguing."

Her smile bled into a smirk.

"Among other things."

She glanced at Kelly knowing her little snake was no bed hopper like the majority of the Hellfire Club. It was a shame, she WAS quite delicious. But Diana and Kelly began to talk about Rose and how she was a very real threat to Diana in terms of power. It was all very dire, and Helena found it all very boring. She wasn't worried in the slightest about Rose because Diana was quite capable of making that one eyed, one horned, purple haired people eater writher and fry.

Diana: Rose's time is running out. No amount of power she channels will mean anything if she's unable to consciously use it.

"From what Mystique has informed me, Rose is teetering on the edge. Phasing back and forth between sane and insane. She's going to snap and SOON. And I know the PERFECT way to send her over the edge."

Helena purred with a cheshire cat like smile; both Queens knowing EXACTLY what she was referring to.

 

[Cypher]

Vivica: "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."

There was a moment of silence between the two, Gabe absorbing everything that Vivica had just said. And in truth....she was right. Part of the reason why he was so drawn to Ava was because of a certain amount of darkness in her. She was dangerous, confident, and broke the rules in order to get what she wanted. He was ATTRACTED to her darkness, among other things. And sitting back and reflecting, Ava was so much more like Stavros that he had ever cared to admit before. Vivica seemed to have a solid outlook on who Ava was, and made a valid point about Persephone being her crosstime alter for a reason. Even emphasizing it with the fact AVA attempted to kill Vivica twice, NOT Persephone. Although that wasn't surprising to Gabe....Ava was known to take out many enemies of the Cassadine's in the past.

"Maybe you're right....maybe I was just blinded and finally seeing the truth."

He admitted quietly as he reflected.

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

Finally he looked up at Vivica, his eyes meeting with hers.

"There IS good in her. I've seen it. I know it. And maybe I AM a fool, but I can't deny that fact."

He sighed.

"But that doesn't mean i'm going to kill myself, Liz, or any of YOU trying to save her. She's made her choice. And she's going to have to reap what she's sowed."

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

THAT took him by surprise, but luckily Rich interrupted saving him from even attempting to navigate away from that answer.

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

"Like a fucking Victoria's Secret model."

Gabe replied with a grin, patting Vivica's leg. Zizi finally arrived and offered to order lunch for everyone, Gabe joking that he only wanted coffee.

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

Zizi gave him a look knowing that everyone thus far has given him a lot of shit about his relationship with her, but he smiled at her giving her some ease before turning to Vivica.

"I don't discriminate, baby girl."

He joked, showing not only Zizi that he was okay with Vivica's ribs, but also Vivica that he could take a joke. And that he actually LIKED her. She was a cool chick, spoke her mind, and stood by her convictions. And the fact that they were able to work so well together due to their powersets was really fucking cool. He hoped that him and Vivica could become good friends.

Vivica: "Sorry, I'm just messing with you because I'm so happy that---Dominique is staying!"

He didn't know that Dominique was leaving, so he just smiled as everyone happily celebrated her staying. But soon enough, they all gathered to eat; Gabe digging into a delicious blue cheese and bacon hamburger and some truffle fries.

"So good, thanks Liz."

Zizi: "You are quite welcome. Does everyone have what they need?"

"Mmmhmm."

He agreed while chewing.

Vivica: "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....What if Haleigh stopped Persephone from attacking? And why would she?"

Gabe resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the mentioning of Zach. Dude was off fucking around with bitch blonde while the rest of them were getting attacked by Ava. And he claimed to CARE about Ava. Bullshit he thought.

Zizi: "Probably for the same reason she left Gabe so quickly without...finishing the job."

He could hear her voice waver, causing Gabe to gently take Zizi's hand that was resting on her lap and squeeze it gently.

Zizi: "She thought we, and maybe the Six too, were on our way there. She probably assumed we were all here waiting for her or on our way. Haleigh Davidoff is not stupid: she wouldn't go into a fight that lopsided unless she had to. Discretion is the better part of valor and all that."

"In the video it looked like Haleigh was almost talking Ava down."

He offered.

"With Haleigh's abilities she could have easily dropped the Clocktower's security systems letting Ava slip in before Dominique and Rich got here. But she didn't....I know Haleigh enough to know she was probably there for her sister, not for an attack against us."

He shrugged a bit, knowing he was probably thinking too much with his heart instead of his brain.

"But I could be way off."

 

[Isis]

The Clocktower- Top Floor

Isis transported them up to the top floor.

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

Where's the fun in that?

:: Was Dominique making a joke? Even she could surprise them from time to time.::

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..."

:: Rich pulled out Dominique's seat, and the goddess sat down, crossing her legs at the knee::

Thank you.


:: As Oracle asked what anyone wanted, Dominique knew that her tastes were not widely shared, Ever the diva, Dominique WAS vigilant about her weight, as she was about her voice, and so she and so she let the others sound off on what they wanted. She'd find something among the spread that would suit her.::

"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..."

Neither one of them has the power to breach the mystical wards I've placed about the clocktower. But they DO have ....TWO magick users on the Inner Circle now.

and I'm pretty sure I can account for Talisman. It's that other one...."Lord Ravena"....that unsettles me....there's something quite OBSCENE about him.

:: She thought to herself::

:: As lunch was ordered, Gabe poured over footage of the latest incident. The topic of Ava came up and soon, Gabe and Vivica went back and forth on her.::

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

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

THAT'S debatable.

:: Dominique quipped::

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

Until the moment she trespassed in your dwelling, threatened your friends, and tried to strangle you to death?

Perhaps you should take a moment to recap what she has done in the last several days.

She's waged a campaign of terror that included: trying and nearly succeeding in killing Simon and Vivica, She gutted Zach, and stabbed a Alycia in the back. I hardly think the semantics of "which one of them it was" is appropriate at this point. If Ava is THAT weak willed to let this....other persona :: a rationale that Dominique wasn't quite sold on:: remain in the driver's seat for an indefinite period, perhaps SHE should be expunged right along WITH Persephone.

:: Dominique said coldly.::

"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."

: Dominique knew why Vivica was pressing him. She too had been a victim of Persephone's.::

::Gabriel was a young man, and a very good heart it seemed. The work he'd done for Rose, without even asking for compensation, how RARE was that kind of generosity these days? And he'd had a hard time as a child, and when offered a means to escape, and to pull his mother along with him, he did so. Dominique couldn't blame him.::

:: He'd been ambushed by Persephone, and he managed to survive. Still, he was reeling from it, BUT he wasn't running TO the arms of danger, not like Zach had done. At least he had sense enough to go TO people that could help him, and it was clear that he and Oracle meant a great deal to each other. At least now they were together, and Isis and Matrix had more than enough power to repel Persephone and/or Black Widow should they try to attack this place. ::

:: Vivica seemed to soften on Gabe. She even teased him a bit....but then::

"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's aqua blue eyes widen and her brows lift up. She looks surprised, and NOT in a pleasant way as Vivica spins about her.::

"Dominique is staying!"

:: Laughing ::

: Dominique's mouth was slightly opened with dismay::

I BEG your pardon!?

:: Soon she looked like a very unhappy cat being held by a child that she didn't like. She exhales loudly with annoyance, and rolls her eyes as she reaches out with her hand, and lightly moves Vivica away from her person. Richard, who was snickering, was trying to hide his smirk of amusement, and Dominique shot HIM a look too::::

And she was pretty sure that Dominique wasn't going to appreciate that. But the conversation turned to business.

:: Dominique cleared her throat, and smoothed her blouse. Soon The food arrived, and the conversation turned to business once more::

"You are quite welcome. Does everyone have what they need?"

Quite satisfactory.

"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?"

"Probably for the same reason she left Gabe so quickly without...finishing the job."

Her voice hitched.

"She thought we, and maybe the Six too, were on our way there. She probably assumed we were all here waiting for her or on our way. Haleigh Davidoff is not stupid: she wouldn't go into a fight that lopsided unless she had to. Discretion is the better part of valor and all that."

They know that the "shock" value of their behavior as of late is wearing off, and with each person they attack, each person they alienate from them...the motivation to "save" them becomes less appealing, while the justification to DESTROY them becomes more and more clear.

"In the video it looked like Haleigh was almost talking Ava down."

He offered.

"With Haleigh's abilities she could have easily dropped the Clocktower's security systems letting Ava slip in before Dominique and Rich got here. But she didn't....I know Haleigh enough to know she was probably there for her sister, not for an attack against us."

He shrugged a bit, knowing he was probably thinking too much with his heart instead of his brain.

"But I could be way off."

:: Dominique pondered this for a moment.::

That's certainly true, they COULD have gotten inside before Richard and I arrived, but surely they knew that help would arrive mere MOMENTS after that. They would NOT have escaped.

They would not risk it all for a battle HERE.

They know that more than one person is out for their blood, and they're not stupid enough to jeopardize Malice's goal.

 

[Artemis]

Charope- Alycia's office

Delilah just stared at Alycia, the meaning of her words sinking in. The Purifiers. The bus. The children. How could anyone choose to let children die? Maybe Haleigh really did belong at Hellfire.

"Nothing Haleigh does surprises me anymore."

We're on the same page where that life ruining TRAMP is concerned.

:: Alycia said bitterly::

:: They discussed Dennis Nedry::

"There's got to be a trail, whatever it is they bought him off with."

Exactly! And I'm willing to bet it leads back to the Hellfire Club.

He's a crude, disgusting man. No child would be safe with him, and Rae's perception of him....I just can't help but think the Hellfire Club is behind this...behind HIM.

"I'll call him as soon as I leave here."

Thank you.

They're putting pressure on Rose, let's see if John can put pressure on some of the outer rings of the Hellfire Club and make some waves inward.

:: And about contacting Bianca...::

"I'm not afraid of her. Plus we came to somewhat of an understanding the last time we met. She dug up dirt on every member of the Six we never thought anyone would be able to find - if anyone can get the goods on this Nedry, it's her. Whether she'll do it or not..."

After what she did to you, the events she set in motion not just the night she captured you, but BEFORE that...she OWES you.

But I don't want you to be at risk.

:: She looked at Delilah with concern::

If she doesn't want to cooperate, get out before she tries anything...and call me. Xavier and I will be there as soon as we can!

 

[Jezebel]

Brooklyn - Rae's Apartment

"Damn kid, not bad!"

:: Rae said as she straddled Ramsey on her bed. She realized that even though she had just eaten breakfast, she was still hungry. :garrick: And Ramsey was just what she wanted to satisfy her appetite. It didn't take much coercing to get him to go home with her, and once they arrived, she took him into her bedroom and gave him the ride of his life. ::

:: smirking ::

"I don't care what the papers say, you millennial are great!"

:: slinking off of his naked body, Rae put on her black lace bra. Her body was incredible for any woman, let alone somebody Rae's age, and though she had the best tits money could buy, even she couldn't fight gravity. Walking over to her dresser she opened the top drawer, and produced a joint in a test tube, one she had gotten from a dispensary in California. ::

:: smiling she turned around to face him, placing the tube in her mouth, she grabbed her panties from the floor and slipped back into them. ::

:: pulling the tube from her mouth, she shook it in her hand with a devious smile. ::

"Let's see about getting that heartbeat back down for a minute. Hope I'm not keeping you from anything important!"

:: Rae jumped on the bed, kissed Ramsey in his deep and defined "v" and say up against the headboard, reaching over to turn her record player on, which was playing one of her own albums, which of course it was, because Rae was her own biggest fan. Pulling a lighter from her nightstand, she lit the joint and took a nice puff, exhaling it as smoke swirled around her and delicately danced as it made its way out the open window. ::

:: She looked at him for a moment. His aura was nice, carefree and a little grey. Just how she liked it. Rae handed the joint out in front of her. ::

"Come on. Live a little Ramsey. You just fucked a legend, it's time to celebrate."

 

[Recall]

The Clocktower

:: Vivica listened to the others responses, but she was still trying to piece it together on her own. She felt like the footage was important, and by instinct she was looking at Haleigh, but maybe that was the wrong place to look. ::

:: She took a sip as Isis added her two cents into the situation. ::

"Perhaps I phrased my question wrong. I guess I was just wondering why Persephone made contact with Gabe in the first place?"

:: She looked at Gabe for a moment. ::

"You said she seemed upset or fragile? We need to know as much as we can and the whole situation seems sour to me. I guess it's not as much about why Haleigh stopped her so much as it about Persephone's frame of mind. If she's lashing out like this..it begs the question that maybe she's cracking from the Hellfire Club pressure. Maybe she's thinking about leaving, possibly pursuing her own agenda. And if that's the case.."

:: pausing ::

"She's not going to care about Malice or anybody else's ultimate goal. Maybe The Inner Circle thought they need what they were doing when they brought to Persephone out to play..but I mean if we look at her track record..she's tussled with a LOT of incredibly powerful beings..and she's still here. She's a GODDESS.."

:: thinking ::

"As much as I DESPISE the bitch...I couldn't imagine..being who she is...and having to take orders..play games with people for very long."

:: She wasn't sure if anybody here was willing to take this any further, but this was an unbelievable situation they had all been placed in. Nothing was off the table anymore. ::

"I'm not trying to be a conspiracy theorist..I'm just saying if Persephone goes rogue...AGAIN. It's a whole other situation in and of itself."

"I think we should try and get a clearer picture of what's going on in the walls of that mansion, because it seems like a mess. And any cracks we can exploit at this point...we should KNOW."

 

[Isis]

Clocktower- Top Floor

:: She took a sip as Isis added her two cents into the situation. ::

"Perhaps I phrased my question wrong. I guess I was just wondering why Persephone made contact with Gabe in the first place?"

Because anyone associated with the Six or the Birds of Prey, no matter how distant or remote, is a target.

Gabe may be conflicted about her, but the moment she decided to follow Black Widow into the Hellfire Mansion was a clear indication of where her loyalties lie.

The "WHY" doesn't matter anymore. The two of them have proven that there's no line they won't cross, no depth they won't sink to.

:: pausing ::

"She's not going to care about Malice or anybody else's ultimate goal. Maybe The Inner Circle thought they need what they were doing when they brought to Persephone out to play..but I mean if we look at her track record..she's tussled with a LOT of incredibly powerful beings..and she's still here. She's a GODDESS.."

Oh she'll care, because the only reason she was allowed to REMAIN there is because Malice deemed her USEFUL. If she does not live up to that, Malice will DISPOSE of her.

"As much as I DESPISE the bitch...I couldn't imagine..being who she is...and having to take orders..play games with people for very long."

If Malice turned Persephone "ON", she can turn her "OFF." Black Widow, being Malice's daughter, probably has the inside track to her mother's view of Persephone, and is doing whatever she can to insulate Persephone from Malice's scrutiny.

:: Knowing Malice as she did, Dominique could speak with authority on that subject::

And She's not the only goddess or god-level powered individual on the the battle field. Persephone's started a lot of fights recently that she has not FINISHED. Her SURVIVAL up to this point has been more LUCK than anything else.

"I'm not trying to be a conspiracy theorist..I'm just saying if Persephone goes rogue...AGAIN. It's a whole other situation in and of itself."

"I think we should try and get a clearer picture of what's going on in the walls of that mansion, because it seems like a mess. And any cracks we can exploit at this point...we should KNOW."

I have the runes still affixed throughout the mansion, and Spellbinder has her scrying glass. Between the two of us, that's a pretty good view of the mansion and what's going on inside. Perhaps she would be willing to work with me.

And if Persephone goes rogue again....we simply need to make sure that she doesn't "GO" anywhere but six feet under.

The next time she shows herself to start a fight, we need to make sure she doesn't walk away or escape from it.

:: She said that with certainty.::

We don't need to err on the side of "what if..." or Zach's naive notion that she can still somehow be saved. We need to DEAL with her...PERMANENTLY...before someone ELSE is hurt or killed.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Geabe tok her hand and squeezed it, and she felt a fluttering in her chest.

That's certainly true, they COULD have gotten inside before Richard and I arrived, but surely they knew that help would arrive mere MOMENTS after that. They would NOT have escaped.

They would not risk it all for a battle HERE.

"Agreed. They saw what happened last night with Firebird. They would not risk the same happening again for something so rash. If they wanted to face all of us, it would be planned ahead of time."

If she's lashing out like this..it begs the question that maybe she's cracking from the Hellfire Club pressure. Maybe she's thinking about leaving, possibly pursuing her own agenda.

"If Persephone is upset about her current situation and thinking of leaving...that makes her a wild card. It's possible but unlikely that she would return to the Six,"

She glanced at Gabe sympathetically.

"or she could go on her own, and who knows what she could do without Ava or the Six to restrain her. Dominique, maybe you should speak to your nephew, let them know that there may be an opportunity to have Persephone switch sides. Or use her frame of mind to their advantage."

I have the runes still affixed throughout the mansion, and Spellbinder has her scrying glass. Between the two of us, that's a pretty good view of the mansion and what's going on inside. Perhaps she would be willing to work with me.

"Good. See what you can find out, please. If we know why Persephone might be dissatisfied with Hellfire, we can better judge her intentions."

And if Persephone goes rogue again....we simply need to make sure that she doesn't "GO" anywhere but six feet under.

The next time she shows herself to start a fight, we need to make sure she doesn't walk away or escape from it.

"I think that should be escape or walk away...we should try capture before killing. Though the choice may be up to her in the end."

 

[MorningStar]

Charope

Delilah and Alycia agreed that she would contact John Steel, and see what info the NYPD could give them on Dennis Nedry.

After what she did to you, the events she set in motion not just the night she captured you, but BEFORE that...she OWES you.

Delilah scoffed.

"I doubt she sees it that way."

But I don't want you to be at risk.

"I'll be fine."

If she doesn't want to cooperate, get out before she tries anything...and call me. Xavier and I will be there as soon as we can!

Delilah let a small laugh escape.

"I can take care of myself. She got the drop on me once, but it won't happen again. I'll let you know what happens. She may not even agree to meet."

Remembering something, Delilah checked her purse. Yes, it was still there. She had never given Bishop back the key card to the penthouse. It would be the perfect place to meet - Bianca might even come purely out of curiosity.

 

[Matrix]

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

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

Of course it does.

Vivica thinks I am stupid, but that's fine. Everything ain't my business.

I sit between Miss D and Vivica, covered in fineness. Hell, Zizi looking good today as well, but that is not anything new. But this new white boy got her glowing with every look and touch. Good for her. I actually hope I do not have to kill him.

They discuss the Play Too Much Sisters and pull up footage of them as they leave. Then, its back to should they live or die if we get to choose. It's like people forgot what they had done. Zach, Alycia, Blaze, Viv. What more did they need?

And if Persephone goes rogue again....we simply need to make sure that she doesn't "GO" anywhere but six feet under.

The next time she shows herself to start a fight, we need to make sure she doesn't walk away or escape from it.

:: She said that with certainty.::

We don't need to err on the side of "what if..." or Zach's naive notion that she can still somehow be saved. We need to DEAL with her...PERMANENTLY...before someone ELSE is hurt or killed.

No disrespect, but if not for Isis and Spellbinder, half the team is dead. I aim for the attacks to end permanently, whether they live or die is of no consequence if I can guarantee that.

I think that should be escape or walk away...we should try capture before killing. Though the choice may be up to her in the end.

When they take the field, they make their choice.

Oh yeah, and there was food. Gabriel had the first reaction most do when they see me get down, or when they see Zizi order enough food for 10 more people than they see and give it to me. Miss D watched me eat mostly, even running her hands through my hair and rubbing my back a few times. Told you, she REALLY likes to watch me eat. She wasn't crazy with it, especially since other people were around, but it felt good for her to be comfortable enough with Zizi and Viv to care for me kinda sorta as normal.

 

[Tachyon]

Alycia mentioned that Xavier was available for whatever they might need. What a loaded statement. He smiled and listened as they continued on about a Bianca. Alycia cautioned Delilah again and let her know that we were available should she need help or if anything happened.

Delilah let a small laugh escape.

"I can take care of myself. She got the drop on me once, but it won't happen again. I'll let you know what happens. She may not even agree to meet."

The meeting seemed to be ending, but I finally saw something to actually comment on. I cleared my throat.

Delilah, if I may be so assertive, I have no doubt of your capabilities. However, it is important to both of us to for YOU to know that, should you need something, we are here to help. This has been a dangerous time and I would rather you know this fact and not require our assistance than for you to need help and think that no one is there.

That being said, Xavier gave a respectful nod and grew silent again. He strongly felt that unity would be what would fix these issues in the long term.

 

[Cypher]

VIvica: "You said she seemed upset or fragile? We need to know as much as we can and the whole situation seems sour to me. I guess it's not as much about why Haleigh stopped her so much as it about Persephone's frame of mind. If she's lashing out like this..it begs the question that maybe she's cracking from the Hellfire Club pressure. Maybe she's thinking about leaving, possibly pursuing her own agenda. And if that's the case.."

Gabe took a drink of his coffee, washing down the bite of food he just had.

"I don't really know. I walked into my penthouse and she was just sitting on my couch with no readable expression on her face. She just looked emotionless; but I could tell she was crying before I got there. She WAS upset about something...I know that much."

Vivica: "She's not going to care about Malice or anybody else's ultimate goal. Maybe The Inner Circle thought they need what they were doing when they brought to Persephone out to play..but I mean if we look at her track record..she's tussled with a LOT of incredibly powerful beings..and she's still here. She's a GODDESS...As much as I DESPISE the bitch...I couldn't imagine..being who she is...and having to take orders..play games with people for very long."

Dominique: The "WHY" doesn't matter anymore. The two of them have proven that there's no line they won't cross, no depth they won't sink to.

"The two of them. Dominique said it perfectly....I don't think Persephone would leave Hellfire because of her bond with Haleigh. Despite Ava being 'gone', if she didn't care about Haleigh, she would have left the moment Malice released her. I mean...Vivica's right, why the hell would a Goddess stick around and take orders from a bunch of old--"

Gabe glanced at Isis.

"--school, power hungry Queens like The Sisterhood?"

Good save.

They then discussed why Persephone and Black Widow didn't just up and attack before Dominique and Rich arrived. They had the means and opportunity to, but they held back. It begged a very important question that everyone had opinions on.

Dominique: That's certainly true, they COULD have gotten inside before Richard and I arrived, but surely they knew that help would arrive mere MOMENTS after that. They would NOT have escaped.They would not risk it all for a battle HERE.

Zizi: "Agreed. They saw what happened last night with Firebird. They would not risk the same happening again for something so rash. If they wanted to face all of us, it would be planned ahead of time."

He popped a fry into his mouth.

"None of this seemed planned at all."

Zizi: "If Persephone is upset about her current situation and thinking of leaving...that makes her a wild card. It's possible but unlikely that she would return to the Six,"

He caught Zizi's sympathetic look to him and gave her a small smile of reassurance. Did he want to lose Ava? No. Despite their rocky past, he still considered her a friend....he had loved her at one point in his life. Hell, he still DID love her on some level. But he couldn't let that kind of clouded judgement fuck with him, especially after Persephone had just threatened Zizi's life.

Zizi: "or she could go on her own, and who knows what she could do without Ava or the Six to restrain her. Dominique, maybe you should speak to your nephew, let them know that there may be an opportunity to have Persephone switch sides. Or use her frame of mind to their advantage."

Taking a deep breath in through his nose, he looked down at his half eaten food and decided he wasn't hungry anymore. He wanted Persephone stopped...he didn't want her to hurt anyone else. But the finality of the way everyone was talking was very grounding. He was conflicted, despite his anger and fear toward the goddess, he was still fucking conflicted on how the situation should be handled.

Zizi: "I think that should be escape or walk away...we should try capture before killing. Though the choice may be up to her in the end."

Rich: When they take the field, they make their choice.

Gabe looked up at Rich, his words resonating with him. In the end, Persephone...Ava...WHOEVER was standing on the side of Hellfire, and he was now on the side of the Birds of Prey. There would be a war, and regardless of who won, ultimately it was a lose lose situation in his eyes.

 

[Ramsey]

Rae: "Damn kid, not bad!"

"Fuck me I think I died and went to heaven."

He said exasperated as Rae climbed off from on top of him, Ramsey giving her ass a smack as she went. This lady was a catch. Fucking Triple Crown GOLD. She just rode him like fucking Seabiscuit coming down the home stretch. God damn he owed Gabe big time for bringing him into the Sanctuary project.

Folding his arms behind his head, he took in every single piece of Rae's naked form with a big toothy grin as she flaunted her body in front of him; not bothering to cover his growing pleasure up because shit....he was about to jump on her ass right quick again. But Rae began to put on her bra causing Ramsey groaned out in protest, gesturing to her with his hand.

"Now why ya gotta go and do a thing like that."

She turned around and grabbed something out of a drawer. He figured it was more clothing.

"I'm just gonna rip that shit off ya."

But when Rae turned around she held a test tube in her mouth that held a joint. Ramsey's grin reappeared.

"Now that's the shit i'm talkin' about!"

But then Rae began to put on her panties.

"Fuck Rae. Can't you see I got a full salute going on here."

Rae: "Let's see about getting that heartbeat back down for a minute. Hope I'm not keeping you from anything important!"

"If by that ya mean fucking that sexy little ass of yours again, then yeah...."

He quipped as Rae jumped into bed and kissed his V which DID NOT help the situation. Clearing his throat with a forced smile, he felt like he was about to blow as she positioned herself next to him.

Rae: "Come on. Live a little Ramsey. You just fucked a legend, it's time to celebrate."

"And i'd reeeallly like to fuck that legend again."

Looking down at his junk, then back up to Rae.

"Ya know...."

Then down at his junk, and back up to Rae.

"Like now."

A not so subtle hint that he was blue ballin' it hard. But Rae was a fucking tease and knew how to dangle the bait and watch him chomp for it. So if he wasn't gonna get to fuck her immediately, smoking some weed would definitely calm the nether regions for a bit.

"Alright, alright. Light that bitch up."

He relented with a smile, Rae lighting up the joint and taking a puff before passing it to him. Ramsey inhaled a big hit, holding it for a few seconds before slowly blowing the smoke out. He nodded approvingly.

"Now that's the good shit...."

He grinned, taking another hit before passing it back to her. He could already feel himself relaxing, finally the strain easing from his goods.

"You are one phenomenal woman, Rae. Gotta say, never met anyone quite like you in my life."

 

[Orion]

EOS Nomad -- Zach's Apartment

He could feel the escalation of her desire as he grabbed her, the rise in lust, the spike in anticipation. It wasn't his doing, or the influence of his emotions on her. It was the way she felt about him, and it was intoxicating. She wanted him as badly he wanted her, and she wasn't shy about telling him so. By the time they made it to the island counter he was taking what he so desperately craved.

Ashley: I thought...you wanted...to eat...first...

"I thought... I could control.... my animal instincts. But you like me more feral, don't you?"

He said, his breath hot on her neck as he fervently thrust into her. There had been enough tantalizing this morning. He stood up straighter, and repeatedly gave her all of what she so obviously wanted.

Ashley: Yes...oh...yes, Zach...I love it when you show me your beast...

She moaned, and he watched her lean back, a predatory gleam in his eyes, as his hands roamed her body. He couldn't reply with words. The way she moved, the sounds she made seemed to rob him of the ability to speak, or even think, because he was so absorbed in how she made him feel, and the way she felt. He raked one hand down her chest and gripped her waist, as his other hand pressed upwards and clenched her shoulder. He groaned when he felt her tightening down around him, and he kept a vigorous pace until she cried out in satisfaction, which brought his own.

"Alright...."

He started when he remembered how to speak English, but then he stopped to catch his breath, a sated smile on his lips. He leaned forward and kissed her.

"Now we can eat."

 

[Black Widow]

East Harlem Safehouse

"When we get back to Hellfire, we've got to be harder and stronger than ever before. We've got to remove ALL doubt that we belong there. You ready for that?"

Persephone: Yeah...that should be fun considering what just happened.

Her sister said with a sigh, and Haleigh gave Seph's hand a supportive squeeze.

"Come on babe, you GOT this. Who gives a FUCK what THEY think? Not US."

Persephone: You might be getting multiple texts.

"I'll help you get rid of the bodies, like always."

She said jokingly, although the statement certainly flirted with the truth. Seph advised her to get her game face on, and Haleigh fixed her usual smirk on. There was no trace of the vulnerability from minutes ago. A slight breeze brought them back to Haleigh's suite at Hellfire, and the sisters shared one last look.

Seph: I'm going to work off some of this tension before I have to face Helena. I'll see you later.

"Oh, you'll get to break in all the new punching bags, I just had them replaced. Have fun!"

She replied, and immediately tapped in to the surveillance system to check on everyone's whereabouts. The Queens were all down in the catacombs, discussing the situation Haleigh'd just resolved. Diana wasn't happy, but since it was already wrapped up she let herself be satisfied with Helena's assurance that if she had to destroy her own court, she would.

Another bullet dodged, and as much trouble as it had been, Haleigh was glad she'd involved herself in it. Haleigh somewhat adjusted her windswept hair with one hand as she left her suite. Diana and Kelly discussed requiring a bit more discipline from the inner circle, more sparring and other work assignments. Diana suggested test sessions and wanted to start with Alek vs. Amanda. Helena had no choice but to agree, but Haleigh could tell from the Red Queen's sarcasm that she thought this was a waste of time.

Haleigh agreed with her. Versus matches had a tendency to promote division. How long would it take them to figure out that they needed to encourage alliance? A better idea would be to arrange cross court teams based on power sets, and get the Inner Circle to work with each other outside normal partnerships.

But what do I know, I'm just a 'Princess'.

The Queens moved on in their discussion, to Rose now. Haleigh grimaced as she moved through the catacombs. She was still a little bitter about that fight. It was disastrously mismatched, and she'd nearly paid for it with her life. Not just THAT, but if it weren't for that crazy bitch Rose, Haleigh would've never shot that kid, she might've avoided that delightful little pep rally, and her standing right now would be dramatically advanced. She was working towards that end, though. She'd recovered a lot in the past 24 hours.

Diana: Rose's time is running out. No amount of power she channels will mean anything if she's unable to consciously use it.

Helena: From what Mystique has informed me, Rose is teetering on the edge. Phasing back and forth between sane and insane. She's going to snap and SOON. And I know the PERFECT way to send her over the edge.

"Good, we need to nip that in the bud."

Haleigh said, waltzing in to the room with the Queens. Diana had mentioned reminding Scion of her duties, as if she hadn't been toiling in service this entire fucking time, and so here Haleigh was, to prove she wasn't avoiding whatever discipline Diana had planned.

"Aren't puns fun? Good morning Queens."

She greeted, smiling when her gaze landed on the kitten. She sauntered over to where her mother was. Perle perked up and started purring and Haleigh gently scratched under the kitten's chin. She didn't seem at all phased by any of the looks she was getting. Her palm up in front of the kitten, she lowered her hand a bit, and a little metallic object appeared in her hand. It was a tiny silver mouse, and it 'scurried' around her palm, begging Perle to play. Haleigh looked up from the kitten to find her mother's gaze.

"Mother. I crushed the false hopes of Bishop and Morningstar last night. You should've heard the way Delilah sobbed, and begged me to stop. You'd have enjoyed it a lot more than I did."

She started, in a very detached, flat tone, and then suddenly she laughed in a quite cold, wickedly amused way.

"And Maxim! Oh, he totally lost his shit, started screaming, threatened to kill me. Can you believe THAT? The man always had more balls than brains. Anyways. You can mark that mission a success."

She said, then tossed her glance over to Helena.

"Enchantrah, the Red Knight is all yours again, as promised. And I brought your Rook back. No need to thank me, it was a win-win."

Haleigh said with a wink and a smirk, and then she looked over at Kelly briefly before her eyes went back to her mother.

"Talisman may have mentioned my interest in seeking insight and enlightenment from her. I was thinking it might be beneficial for me to become more actively involved in techno-organic research and development. You know, so I can better serve the Hellfire Club."

 

[Valkyrie]

EOS Nomad

Ashley breathlessly tried to make a joke about Zach wanting to eat first, but the words weren't coming out properly, her brain scrambled by the intensity of his movements.

"I thought... I could control.... my animal instincts. But you like me more feral, don't you?"

She put her hands in his hair, holding his head so that their eyes were locked with each other, and emitting a half purr half growl from deep in her throat. He didn't tease her any more, instead he pounded against her, driving her hard into ecstasy.

He joined her almost immediately. She pulled herself forward, draping her arms around Zach's neck, collapsing onto him breathing hard. She smiled as he kissed her. She slid off the counter, and luckily was still holding on to him so was able to catch herself as her knees buckled. She moved her lips to his ear to whisper to him.

"It makes me so hot when you can't wait to have me."

She pressed her lips against his neck, holding them there for a long moment before pulling back and looking into his face.

"Alright..."Now we can eat."

She kissed him again, having found her footing, and pushed him gently towards the table. Finally she pulled away.

"Sit down and rest."

She put her hands flat on his chest.

"I'll fix you a plate."

She turned, shaking out her hair, and went back into the main part of the kitchen. She retrieved the platters of food from the oven, and heaped a large portion of food onto a plate, setting it in front of Zach before fixing her own plate and sitting down next to him at the table. She glanced at him out of the side of her eye as she ate, a smile playing on her lips, the top of her foot touching the back of his calf, as if she didn't want to stop touching him even to eat.

"Mmm I love crispy bacon."

 

[Masque]

Hellfire Mansion – Catacombs: Gun Range




After a wonderful date with Samuel, followed by incredible sex, the night was capped off by the phone call that Gia was waiting for; the phone call that put a HUGE smile on her face. Everything went EXACTLY as Ravena had said it would, and Gia couldn’t wait until the next day when she could bring the terrific news to both Diana AND Ravena. So THAT put her in an EXCELLENT mood, which bode well for Samuel, as they both spent MOST of the night having even more incredible sex. :garrick:


This EARLY Morning

Gia groaned softly as she felt somebody caressing her cheek.

*mumbles*: “It’s way too early…”

She struggled to push Samuel’s advances away, but he wasn’t there. NOTHING was there.

“Ugh…”

Gia pulled up the covers and snuggled deeper into the bed. She felt the weight of Samuel on her OTHER side. Tired as she was, Gia didn’t think anything of it until she felt the same persistent caressing of her cheek. She opened one eye…and was shocked to discover two pairs of non-human eyes, one yellow and one red, blinking at her. She sat up straight with a gasp. The shadowed entities chattered at her in a language that she didn’t understand but that she had heard back in the catacombs with Ravena. So THESE were his ‘shadow people’ then.

Or minions…whatever.

She was glad that she had scooped up Samuel’s shirt during the night and put it on. She let out a yawn.

“What are you…beings doing in my room at this ungodly hour?”

They chattered at her as if coaxing her out of bed. Gia turned to look at Samuel, fast asleep beside her. She wished that she could join him, but the ‘shadows’ were still chattering at her.

*frustrated*: “Okay, okay! I’m coming.”

She climbed out of bed, grateful that Samuel’s grey sweater worked as a nightie, and yawned again. The shadows chittered and chattered as she headed for her closet, grabbed some clothes, then headed for her bathroom.

“I’ll be out in a bit.”

She made sure to keep her voice down, so as to not wake Samuel, although he could sleep even if a freight train came roaring through her room. Shutting the door behind her, she had a quick shower and then dried her hair, before putting on her clothes and getting ready for the day. When she came out, Yellow Eyes was still there. Red Eyes, apparently, had somewhere else to be as it was no longer hanging out. Yellow Eyes, though, somehow managed to grab those guns that Ravena had gifted her in the catacombs and they were laying in their case. Yellow Eyes chittered something that sounded like approval, but Gia wasn’t sure. When she took hold of the gun case, she immediately knew where she wanted to go…and she even knew how to get there as well, which was surprising considering that last week she didn’t KNOW that Hellfire even had a gun range, nor did she even know how to get there. Gia hefted the case.

“Let’s go shoot some targets.”

Yellow Eyes chittered and chattered with what sounded suspiciously like glee before it went to a darkened corner of her bedroom and disappeared. Gia made her way out of her quarters and wandered down to the main floor, where she got a cinnamon dolce latte before heading down to the catacombs.

Sipping her latte, Gia strode confidently through the various twists and turns inside the catacombs, but it was okay. After all, she DID know the way to the gun range.

Should be fun.

When she entered the range, she was startled to see Red Eyes, though to be fair; it could’ve been a different entity, there chattering excitedly at her.

*mutters*: “Speak ENGLISH. I can’t understand you…”

Her grey eyes widened when she noticed the OTHER gun cases opened and ready for her. She turned to Red and pointed.

“Is that for me?”

Red chittered in response and then went to a darkened corner and waited, red eyes blinking at her. It was as if it were watching…no, PROTECTING her.

Weird.

Shrugging it off, Gia set down the case she had been carrying and grabbed one of the guns Ravena had given her. She put on the safety glasses, as well as the ear defenders, and got herself settled in front of a stall. Soon a target appeared and Gia fired away, making an EXCELLENT shot. On and on she went, firing different types of firearms, including a fucking BAZOOKA, and proving herself to be an EXCELLENT shot, thanks to Diana’s gift.

Gia was enjoying herself immensely and continued to use ALL of her new toys as she got herself familiar with them, though she already had the knowledge of how they worked.