Hot at the Hellfire Mansion

[Seer]

NYC- Hellfire Mansion- Underground Catacombs

<< The Hellfire Club is the seat of privilege, prestige and power beyond the imagination of most humans and even metahumans.>>

<< But within this elite club, there is an ULTRA elite INNER CIRCLE composed of three courts- White, Red and Black. ALL individuals in the Inner Circle EXCEED the criteria for membership in Hellfire Club. In order to be apart of the Inner Circle, the RULING cabal of the Hellfire Club, a person MUST be a mutant or metahuman, and that is what makes it ULTRA elite. The Hellfire Club is POWER WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE, and the Inner Circle is the FORCE behind that power!>>

<< Since it's MAJOR, HISTORIC reconstruction, which saw the power of the original Inner Circle wrested from the hands of the Lords Cardinal by Malice and her consortium (including Enchantrah) The Hellfire Club has enjoyed a prolonged period of security and glamor that lasted well beyond the fall of Mystech. MALICE is the White Queen, and the CROWN of the Inner Circle. >>

<< The Inner Circle itself was soon dominated by the "Sisterhood", three women who used their power and TEAMWORK to achieve their goals. That Sisterhood consisted of the White Queen- Malice; the Red Queen- Enchantrah; and the Black Queen- Isis. They came for the Six with a VENGEANCE, and were it not for the unexpected threat of SET, they wouldn't have stopped until they'd achieved their goal of destroying the Six. BUT, for quite some time, the Six and Sisterhood have been in a TRUCE. It has benefited both sides, but as the pieces of mystech began to shift and move, making their way back together, Malice grew RESTLESS.>>

<< Several events have occurred- from Barbas, THROUGH the most recent Purifiers incident, and now...things have changed. The truce is on it's way out, and there are people on BOTH sides who are WELCOMING this inevitable development, but NONE of them realizes what that new reality will bring them, what LOSSES they will sustain!>>

<< One of the most recent signs of a major shift was the changing roster and make up of the Inner Circle. Isis' shocking departure from the Inner Circle left a huge vacuum, but Malice proved once again that she was every bit the strategist that that she'd been since her earlier days as a "psychic hound" at the Arklay mansion. A new Black Queen has joined the roster, one that Malice apparently had waiting in the wings.>>

<< Other new faces include @Lord Ravena Domino and @Fathom , formerly known as Hydra. >>

<< FATHOM is Malice's new White Knight, born from the ashes of defeat and demise at the hand of upstart London Hellfire Club branch member, Avalanche, Ravena delivered a viable sample of Heidi's genetic material to Malice on Sheena Island. Then, with Malice's direction and specifications, and the scientific and technical application from Talisman, Heidi Scarborough was REBORN. No longer Hydra, now FATHOM, an omega level water elemental, and primed to be Malice's enforcer and assassin!>>

<< In the sprawling underground catacombs of the Hellfire Mansion, we find Fathom presenting herself to Malice for inspection. Heidi is wearing her latest costume design. Malice is seated on her throne, with Talisman standing nearby, taking pride in knowing that she passed ANOTHER test set forth by Malice. VIPER'S return was one, this was another.>>

<< Speaking of Viper, her ADVOCATE, Maxine Dupont, a.k.a. Domino, is also in attendance. HER journey from London to NYC, to the Inner Circle of the american branch of the Hellfire Club was one paved in violence, blood and personal sacrifice. With Ravena as her "sponsor", she survived her first encounter with Diana, and even managed to impess the white queen with her moxy and an offer she couldn't refuse.>>

<< Ravena was also in attendance. He had not seen Heidi since her revival, and now, he would find her thoughts were very slippery to read. It was Heidi, and yet...NO LONGER the woman he knew from the London Branch. Their loss, was Diana's GAIN, and for his part, he'd earned TREMENDOUS favor with Diana, which would aid HIM in seeking out someone (two people actually) VERY important to him on a personal...FAMILIAL level!>>

<< Now it was Domino's turn to watch and listen. The mutant was SURPRISED to see the new and GREATLY improved Heidi, NOW she knew the what/WHY of Ravena presenting Diana with Heidi's genetic material following the London Hellfire caper.>>

<< This was Heidi's first official debut to the members of the Inner Circle who were present in the mansion at this time. >>

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NYC- The Clocktower

<< Oracle had invited Harbinger, Perserphone and Tachyon inside, and they were now meeting. Steel and Valkyrie would return while this meeting was in progress. It would be their first time seeing any of these three since the Purifiers incident.>>

<< The purpose of this meeting was to once again introduce Tachyon to Oracle, and for Alison to let her know that he NEEDED to be there with them. This was the fastest being on earth, he channeled the Speed Force, and possesed a measure of resistance to some forms of magick! It was almost as if Alison were bringing Oracle the ultimate GIFT!>>

<< But Tachyon knew this wouldn't be his last time seeing Harbinger and Persephone, on the contrary, his orbit to the Six was growing a lot closer now.>>

------------------------------------------------------------
NYC- Abandonned Medical Office

<<MorningStar and Frost arrive.>>

<< It's a cold, perverse homecoming for Frost, and a place filled with bitter significance for MorningStar. This building above ground, this facade, is like a haunted house for the Six now, it's what lies beneath that is the source of true disturbance- THE CITADLE- the immense, underground hive structure that was the NERVE/CONTROL center of Mystech's operations! after the destruction of Arklay Mansion incident. This was Frost AND Firebird's "Nursery." And although Delilah was not here the night the Six FIRST came together, she WAS here when Malice made her presence violently known to the team. SHE was here when she, Haleigh and Alison were ALL that was left of the Six. Spellbinder was thought dead, Foxfire was dead, Cameron was thought dead, and Shockwave- in a shocking turn of events- had betrayed the team, and become BLACKOUT. >>

<< Had it not been for the assistance of Karen, MorningStar, Black Widow and Harbinger might well have perished here during that caper, and while THEY managed to escape, KAREN was inadvertently left behind! She survived and TRIUMPHED in her violent battle against the super soldier, but just BARELY. Ororo recruited Nicolas King, and lead him here to rescue Karen and resuine her with the Six, and introduce them to their (then) newest member- Rampage!>>

<< Yes, through all the phases and roster changes of the Six, this place, where their nightmare and destiny collided, still remains a place of primal significance.>>

<< Even after the eventual fall of Mystech, the facade of the medical office building, remained untouched, much like ground zero of Illustra, and only the very brave (Lauren Danvers) or the very FOOLISH (the occassional "abandoned/infamous site explorer") dared to venture anywhere inside.>>

<< Now, the light bringer and the ice elemental are here, seeking out another central figure in Mystech's history, as well as the Victory family- Christopher Victory- whom they they believe to be alive, after his attack on Karen Victoria hours earlier.>>

<< They looking for answers, and JUSTICE.>>

 

[Domino]

NYC - Hellfire Mansion - Underground Catacombs

:: The clicking of black spiked boots began to make their way down the many stairwells that led to the catacombs of The Hellfire Mansion. Maxine Dupont was relieved that the downtime she had experienced since moving to New York was coming to an end. Running her fingers through her short, messy black hair, she moved with ease and a slinking, predatory nature as she went deeper and deeper into the ground. Domino had come a long way to be where she was. She had nearly single handedly dismantled The European branch, stepping over the bodies of the members of The Supreme Council and several high ranking members of it's Inner Circle to get there. During that battle, she had come face to face with a woman not unlike herself, a woman who would change her direction, her course for revenge. That woman was Jessica Marcus AKA Viper. During a brilliant firefight in the remnants of the European Hellfire Estate, Jessica and Maxine had experienced a melding of the minds, each learning the pain that they had suffered at the hands of their fathers, men who wanted to use their daughters for their own devices. Both survivors of the T-Virus, both members of a very small and tragic club, Domino had risen from the ashes of the sins of her father, and had taken control of her life, and her deal with The White Queen was contingent on Jessica eventually getting that chance. ::

Click. click. click.

:: Once she had ensured Viper's safety, she entered in a surprisingly easily alliance with the woman in white. Both of them possessed a darkness, a certain depravity the likes of which the world would never know. There was a level of respect between the two women, and while she was not currently serving on any court, European and American, she believed that Diana was the one who would be able to bring about the kind of work that the original MysTech was supposed to have done. The kind that placed mutants and metahumans above the human race, put them in control of their own lives. However that needed to happen, by any means necessary, Maxine was okay with that. She had turned her back on humanity quite some time ago, and she would never go back. Nobody could be trusted, and if any of them, Diana included, stepped out of line, she would gladly slit their throats and use their bodies to power forward with the work. ::

:: Finally reaching the bottom of the stairwell, she opened a large metallic door and began making her way down the hall, interested to see the new arrival to The Inner Circle. She had known the woman for years, but thanks to the machinations of Malice and the technical skill of Kelly Shaw, The Black Queen, Domino was curious to see what if any differences Heidi Scarborough had manifested. ::

"Let's just hope she's pulled the stick out of her ass and dropped the cocaine habit.."

:: Heidi Scarborough was indeed a powerful mutant. Her death at the hands of Archer Fairchild had perplexed Domino. She should have beat him, but she, just like her original White Queen, had fell victim to the trappings of glamour. Both more concerned with numbing themselves and attending parties than honing their skills, and proving their effectiveness. In fact, as Domino made her way down the halls, she began to wonder why a person like Malice would be interested in somebody like Heidi. She would have to essentially rebuild her by scratch, but judging the success of the new Black Queen so far, maybe they had. ::

:: Emerging from the darkness, Maxine appeared before the others who had already gathered for a final inspection of Heidi by The White Queen herself. Her wild blue eyes sparkled in the dark as she stepped into the harsh overhead lighting of the room, stopping several feet away from Talisman. She began to eye Heidi up and down. Outside of anything she might say or do to discredit it otherwise, physically she looked different, stronger. A devilish smile creeped across her red lips. ::

"Well...she certainly LOOKS a great deal more delicious..."

[she spoke in with a soft french accent]

"...and I'm not just talking about my constant craving to decay human flesh. If she doesn't pass inspection, I'd like to petition to keep her as my own personal play thing..."

:: Looking at Diana and Kelly with an amused smirk. ::

"The interrogation rooms here are soundproof I presume?"

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Alison Marble’s cobalt blue eyes were staring at Zizi. The disconcerting thing was, there was no body attached to them.

Hello, Oracle. I need to speak with you. I have someone that you need to meet.

The hallway camera showed 3 people standing outside. Oracle touched her control pad and the door unlocked. She smiled brightly at the disembodied eyes.

"Zizi...looks like we are headed towards the Citadel...have Ashley and Steel arrived yet?"

She had been following the interesting developments at the Parthenon, and was pleased to see her Birds of Prey answering the call to action so willingly.

[into the com] “Standby Recall.”

She smiled brightly at the disembodied eyes.

“Harbinger! Welcome welcome welcome – come on in, door’s unlocked.”

The eyes disappeared, and she turned her chair back towards her command station.

[into the com, looking at one of the screens in front of her] “Valkyrie and Steel are almost to the Clocktower, Recall. I’ll have them gear up and meet you and the others at the ruins of the Citadel.”

Swinging around, she met her guests in the entryway.

“So good to see you all again! And in better circumstances than the last time!”

She began to lead the way to the sitting area of the loft.

“Please come in. You all know Mina.”

Taking her place, she motioned for the others to be seated.

“Can I get you anything to eat or drink?

 

[Tachyon]

“So good to see you all again! And in better circumstances than the last time!”

She began to lead the way to the sitting area of the loft.

“Please come in. You all know Mina.”

Taking her place, she motioned for the others to be seated.

“Can I get you anything to eat or drink?

No, I am fine thanks. The architecture of this building is very interesting. I hope I get to explore it further in time. Good day Mina. If I may...

Tachyon touched the back of Mina's hand, a universal sign to the blind that he was willing to escort her to her seat if she liked. He had already decided to stand.

 

[Fathom]

The Leviathan - New York City Marina

On the shore of the Upper West Side,The Leviathan has made anchorage.

Heidi sat on the edge of the bed in her cabin, bathed in the blue glow of the aquarium that comprised her walls. Poisonous and exotic looking sea creatures of all kinds surrounded her. Each of them had been captured by her personally and placed in her collection.

She strapped heels on, and then a knee-length white coat. She could hear the whine of a turbine engine, and the chop of helicopter blades. Her pilots were starting up the chopper, right on time. Diana was expecting her.

It was a short flight from her yacht to the landing pad on top of the Hellfire Mansion. When she arrived she was greeted by Hellfire security, who beckoned her to follow them down to the catacombs. Heidi took in the scenery as they made their way through the American Branch. It was a nice enough place, tastefully decorated, a good deal more modern than the European club, with all its lavish antique splendor.

Down below ground in the catacombs, it seemed darker, but that suited Heidi just fine. Eventually her escorts led her to the last set of doors, and opened them for her. It was clear they would go no further. She didn't thank them, didn't even glance at them, as she glided into the room where many of the Inner Circle awaited. Her confident gaze slid from one person to the next, as she began to undo the buttons of her coat. It was quite the audience, and it brought a smirk to her face. Of course they were all gathered here, EXCITED to see her resurgence. And who was that, on the edge of the shadows, practically drooling?

"Maxine? Fancy seeing YOU here. Did you come all the way across the pond just to see the show?"

She purred, slipping the coat off her shoulders to reveal her costume. The coat dropped to the floor, and Fathom left it for someone ELSE to pick up, as she greeted the others. First, an embrace and a kiss on both cheeks for Kelly, who'd put in the work to bring her back to life. Then similar cordiality for Lord Ravena, who'd also played a part. Finally, she turned to her new White Queen.

"Diana."

She said simply, with a slow nod in deference.

 

[Lord Ravena]

The pomp and circumstance was refreshing, because it was for an actual PURPOSE. None of the empty carnal posturing found in Europe before the changes were made.

Ravena stood stock still, silently waiting for his surrogate child to appear. She was pretty, but poisoned and undisciplined in her prior life, not even worth making a concubine or a servant. But now, he actually had...hopes for her.

And she entered. Flowed in really. Her aura was certainly stronger and her mind...it flowed as easily as the water she commanded. He was....almost nearly proud of the child's transformation. her mind could be his, but it would actually take...effort. And sometimes, when one has done everything else, one appreciates that which requires effort.

She disrobed, and she was beautiful. Her rebirth in spirit was matched by her rebirth in fleshly style. She may even be allowed to warm his bed one of these days! He betrayed a small smile as she paid the proper respect afforded him and Kelly Shaw. Her entrance was complete and he was satisfied with what he had seen so far. But this was only the beginning.

Welcome back, child.

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Mansion- Catacombs

:: Diana, b.k.a. Malice; a.k.a. The White Queen- The CROWN of the Inner Circle- sits on her throne, in a white ensemble consisiting of a top, a figure flattering above the knee skirt, high heels (w/ detail on the heel that matches the straps on her top), and white high heels and a white fur trimmed jacket.::

:: She's actually sitting sideways, "drapped" over the seat of her throne, allowing Lord Ravena, who is standing just to her right, a titillating view of her legs, supported by those heels, and perfectly hugged by her skirt. She has noted before that she dresses to suit her desires, and considers figure flattering, even revealing attire to be "battle armour" that gives her a psychological edge over her opponents (men in particular) AND would be allies. She considers high heels to be a STAPLE in any decent outfit.::

:: a few paces away, and to her 9 o'clock, stands Talisman, Isis' successor in the role of the Inner Circle's Black Queen. and away from the center of this room in the catacombs, stands Domino.::

:: Emerging from the darkness, Maxine appeared before the others who had already gathered for a final inspection of Heidi by The White Queen herself. Her wild blue eyes sparkled in the dark as she stepped into the harsh overhead lighting of the room, stopping several feet away from Talisman. She began to eye Heidi up and down. Outside of anything she might say or do to discredit it otherwise, physically she looked different, stronger. A devilish smile creeped across her red lips. ::

"Well...she certainly LOOKS a great deal more delicious..."

[she spoke in with a soft french accent]

"...and I'm not just talking about my constant craving to decay human flesh. If she doesn't pass inspection, I'd like to petition to keep her as my own personal play thing..."

:: Looking at Diana and Kelly with an amused smirk. ::

"The interrogation rooms here are soundproof I presume?"

:: Diana, who was eyeing Ravena like he was something good to EAT just now, averted her gaze, letting her opal blue eyes fix on Domino's form. So young, so full of power but utterly corrupt to her core. Maxine seemed to have lost her humanity long ago- a development Malice could identify with. This was a girl who had been used and abused by men who thought they'd always be in charge. ANOTHER circumstance Diana could identify with. ::

:: Still, the girl was a bit WILD for Diana's taste, and required the occassional restraint. She had more uses than she did liabilities, BUT Diana was never one to wait for an emergency, and so...unbeknownst to anyone, not even Talisman...she'd created TWO sets of protocols to deal with and ELIMINATE the threat of Domino, should it become necessary. She hoped Maxine would not bring her to that point. She made a welcomed to edition to the HC's Inner Circle.::

She [Heidi] IS a work of art, isn't she?

:: She replies in a low, slightly sultry tone::

The interrogation rooms are indeed soundproof, Maxine. Your THOUGHTS, however, not so much. Unfortunately for you, my dear, Heidi is not NOW, nor will she EVER be on YOUR menu.

:: She then casts her gaze to Talisman::

I know TALENT when I see it.

::A two pronged COMPLIMENT (to Heidi AND Kelly)? Probably one of the RARE moments Diana would ever pay one like that to Kelly, but Kelly SHAW had passed EVERY test- despite each one being increasingly complex and demanding- Diana set before her so far, and this pleased the White Queen. Kelly was more cooperative, more INTERESTED in team work than Isis. ISIS, who was a powerful and valuable member of the Inner Circle during her time as the Black Queen, infamously "drew a line" regarding any issue or remnant of Mystech. It was a subject she wouldn't even discuss with Diana and Helena. Like it or not, and Diana DIDN'T, this would pose a problem in future endeavors, and so...Kelly Shaw's unexpected DISCOVERY proved to be a gift, much like Sister Mary Justice's discovery of the Nimrod component.::

::FLASH!::

<< A horizontal split screen view of Malice's eyes on the top panel, and Talisman's eyes on the bottom>>

:: Still, a level of hositility and distrust remained, for Kelly Shaw was the cross time alternate of KELLY KING...a woman whom Diana disdained and who had earned the white queen's WRATH to such an extent that the King/Marble family was all but destroyed by her. When Diana FOUND this woman, who had managed to SURVIVE and hide herself from Diana for a while in the Arklay mansion replica on Sheena Island, she ATTACKED her. Kelly Shaw managed to think fast on her feet. She was able to defend herself and evade the first few deadly passes by Malice (thanks in no small part to a psi screen, AND a COSTLY modification to herself that had shut down her emotions) AND, before Diana began to resort to OTHER battle tactics, she managed to convince the white queen to give her a chance to explain WHY she should not try to kill her, why they were GOOD for each other!::

:: So far, Kelly WASN'T telling a lie, but Could Diana REALLY work with Kelly- ANY version of her- again? Could she TOLERATE the woman responsible for Harbinger and Prophet!? Diana wasn't sure just yet. Shaw WAS prooving to be far more capable and competent than King EVER was...but the very fact that she was HERE? Diana had witnessed the Blue Moon. She and the rest of the Inner Circle protected the mansion from various threats and attacks caused by Circe's wild machinations. She was a very observant and perceptive woman, and she KNEW the effects of the Blue Moon, and Spellbinder's absence from earth MUST have had something to do with Kelly Shaw being able to come here without anyone among the Six, INCLUDING Harbinger, being aware of her YET.::

:: Kelly's RESULTS were impressive, but something about her was STILL bothering Diana. It wasn't the subtle barbs and ribbing they engaged in with one other from time to time. THAT was amusing, in it's own odd, perverse way. It wasn't the way they spied on one another either. The rivalry kept Diana from getting complacent. BUT she was no fool, and so, much like with Domino, Diana had quietly created an ace in the hole in case SHE got out of hand- a large part of that involved Lord Ravena, who was HIMSELF a powerful magick user, hailing from a blood line that would be a shocking revelation for anyone ELSE outside of Diana, should they find out. He also did NOT have an analogue in Shaw's native timeline.::

:: Diana's eyes return to Lord Ravena, as she stares at him knowingly. ::

And my dear Lord Ravena, he pleased me immensely when he delievered me a viable genetic sample of Miss Scarborough.

It was quite the audience, and it brought a smirk to her face. Of course they were all gathered here, EXCITED to see her resurgence. And who was that, on the edge of the shadows, practically drooling?

"Maxine? Fancy seeing YOU here. Did you come all the way across the pond just to see the show?"

She purred, slipping the coat off her shoulders to reveal her costume. The coat dropped to the floor, and Fathom left it for someone ELSE to pick up, as she greeted the others. First, an embrace and a kiss on both cheeks for Kelly, who'd put in the work to bring her back to life. Then similar cordiality for Lord Ravena, who'd also played a part. Finally, she turned to her new White Queen.

"Diana."

She said simply, with a slow nod in deference.

:: Diana held her well manicured hand out to Heidi, silently beckoning her to come forward and place her own hand into Diana's out stretched hand.::

Heidi.

:: As the two made physical contact, Heidi felt Diana's cold, unholy aura wash over her, and Diana seemed to "DRINK UP", Heidi's altered psi signature.::

Excellent.

This is a special moment...

:: Standing up , still holding Heidi's hand::

....For a special girl. You, Heidi Scarborough.

You're not playing dress up with the junior leagues in London anymore, my dear.

:: She smiles knowingly at her knew white knight, and lifts Heidi's hand up, and, as if they were going to dance together, Malice gently urges Heidi to do a little turn around for her::

Everyone, stand where you are. Do NOT move.

:: She releases Heidi's hand and stands back, speaking to her TELEPATHICALLY::

Show the others what you can do, FATHOM!

:: from THREE distinct points around the room, THREE LARGE battle droids, mofied from earlier versions that were found in NERVOUS , came charging in, and behind THEM, three HUNTERS ::

:: It was a SIMPLE matter for Malice to telepathically MASK the presence of everyone, SAVE Fathom, from the hunters who's reptillian brains were not terribly complex, but the battle droids were complete impervious to MOST of the power signatures Malice could generate. Still, she had her DIAMOND form, her deflection shield, OR her deadly psi lightning, which she usually channeled and projected in the form of a javeline for immense physical and psychic impact/damage. But this wasn't a test for HER, it was a test and a SHOWCASE for HEIDI.::

 

[Enchantrah]

"My, my, I must of lost my invitation in the mail."

A cool voice echoed around the room moments before Helena Quartermaine stepped out of the shadows making her presents known. Carrying a tiny white pomeranian in the crook of her arm, Helena made her way across the room toward Diana.

"I know, Cocaine...Auntie Diana can be such a bitch sometimes. Always wanting to have all the fun without us."

Helena knew there had been guests from the British Hellfire Club in attendance, however she had yet to meet them. But more importantly, she knew there was a new BLACK Queen in their midst and had yet to met HER. As Helena walked passed Maxine, she gasped audibly.

"My God, child....[to Diana] She's one of yours right?"

Referring to the white court, because there would be a cold day in hell that anyone looking like THAT would be in the red court. Shrugging her shoulders, Helena continued, loosing interest in Maxine quickly. Walking past Heidi now, Helena lifted a single brow at her costume. Diana must of dressed her...poor thing. She at least had the body for such a mess.

"I see you haven't lost your flare for the dramatic....or tragic."

Giving Diana a grin, soon Helena took a seat next to Lord Ravena.....and my my, was he a handsome thing. Extending her hand out to him with a sly smile, the gentleman that he was kissed it as she expected.

"Helena Quartermaine....i'll talk more with you later."

Now the only other person to meet was the infamous new Black Queen. She was pretty enough--had a almost crazy look in her eyes. Helena gave her a forced smile.

"And so we finally meet. Helena....and you are?"

As Helena and Talisman began to converse, Diana wanted to put on a show with her new toy Heidi. Sitting back, Helena gently stroked Cocaine as the little pup slept in her arms. Leaning in towards Talisman so she could hear better, Helena kept her eyes glued on the young girl as she made waste of the hunters.

 

[Fathom]

The Hellfire Club - Catacombs

Lord Ravena: Welcome back, child.

He said, but his smile said much more. Heidi thanked him, and her alluring expression indicated that she'd caught him 'looking' so to speak, and didn't mind. A woman in red as puffed up as her little dog waltzed around like this was HER debut, and tossed shade everywhere she went. Obviously the old hag was jealous that there was some one new and attractive in town, and the bitter old maid didn't even get invited to party. Heidi was appropriately dismissive, though it went completely unnoticed by Helena, who was busy throwing herself at Lord Ravena.

Some women these days have NO sense of respect, for others OR for THEMSELVES!

Diana: Heidi.

Diana replied in greeting, offering her hand. Heidi reached out to meet her. She felt a wave of some intangible sort wash over her, as cold and dark as the water near the ocean floor. It was Diana's profane nature, and Heidi found the sensation quite pleasing.

Diana: Excellent. This is a special moment... :: Standing up , still holding Heidi's hand:: ....For a special girl. You, Heidi Scarborough. You're not playing dress up with the junior leagues in London anymore, my dear.

Heidi gave a wicked laugh in response.

"Splendid. I was dreadfully bored babysitting those double-crossing DOLTS."

Malice raised their joined hands, and Heidi performed a fluid pirouette for the onlookers, as Diana instructed them all to remain still. All except Heidi herself, who 'heard' a mental encouragement from her Queen, urging her to show off a bit. She was provided promptly with some cannon fodder, in the form of large, armed androids, and even larger reptilian beasts.

They came at her from different angles, so she addressed them independently. The battle droid directly in front of her got her attention first, as she brought her wrists together, her fingers spread. Her hands began to glow and wisps of moisture emanated from her skin, swirling and coalescing into a large mass, and she BLASTED the bot off its feet with a jet of water that hit with such concussive force, its chest plate caved in and its weapon went flying haphazardly off in a different direction. The droid hit the wall behind it with a crunch.

Heidi spread her arms quickly, glancing first at the droid to her right, her right hand outstretched towards it. It began sparking and smoking, and water flowed from its joints and vents as it keeled over. She turned away from it smoothly.

The droid to her left started firing, but its aim was positively TERRIBLE and just as it began to adjust, a stream of water flowed from Heidi's left hand as her attention snapped over to the next immediate threat. Her telekinetic control of the water stream allowed her to wrap the third droid and snatch it off its feet. Every drop of water under her control fluoresced a soft aquamarine color, casting them all in a pale glow as her hand and arm moved gracefully to whip it around the room, slamming it against the walls, ceiling, and floor. It sprayed bullets as it went flying through the air, but Heidi seemed to have anticipated this, because she kept the droid turned in such a way that the 'firing line' never crossed her or any one ELSE in attendance, but the slinging volley of lead DID force a couple of the Hunters to adjust their courses.

The ground shook rhythmically and loud thuds behind her announced the approach of a hunter. The beast's shadow fell over her, a claw raised, and it slashed downward towards her quickly! A split second before it made contact, Heidi transformed to a being of pure water, and as the hunter's claw raked down through her, her previously human shaped form lost all structure, and flooded the floor, splashing about. The droid she'd been whipping around dropped to the ground, along with the water stream attached to it.

The big dumb brute that had attacked Heidi looked around for her, but didn't seem to notice that all the water at its feet was streaming back together, and her form was reconstituting behind him. She wore a frisky smile, and tossed her hair back and forth, slinging the water out before she raised her hands. The beast in front of her spread its arms, arched its back and gave a great, pained ROAR. From its open mouth, a red tinged spray of misty liquid burst up into the air as Heidi withdrew every drop of blood from its body. She giggled with mirth as the blood drizzled back down on top of her and the hunter dropped to its knees, then fell flat on its face.

The other hunters, now unabated by the barrage of battle-droid ammunition, began to bear down on her again. She trapped one of them completely in a globe of water and it began to thrash and seize. This water, dark and frigid, was as pressurized as the deepest fathoms, and very few creatures could survive in such a harsh environment. This beast was crushed quickly and fell still.

One last enemy remained, and it was RIGHT up in Fathom's face. A big haymaker of a claw swipe and Heidi was easily able to duck and weave. She slammed her open palm against the back of the beast's over extended arm, and they all got a glimpse of her strength, as the Hunter's elbow joint SNAPPED under her touch. The creature's thunderous howl of pain echoed in the room, and it tried a wild swipe with its good arm. Heidi caught it at the wrist and again it was clear, she was FAR stronger than any flatscan. She was also far more brutal, which became immediately apparent as she forced her free hand down the hunter's open jaws, stifling its feral shrieks. It desperately chomped on her forearm, but her armor could take it. She scraped around its insides until she grasped its beating heart and she squeezed until it became a lifeless pulp. The last beast went limp, and Heidi let it sink to the floor, pulling her arm back. She shook the bits of gore from her hand, a gleam in her eyes, as her chest heaved in triumph.

 

[Harbinger]

The Clocktower

“Harbinger! Welcome welcome welcome – come on in, door’s unlocked.”

The eyes disappeared, and she turned her chair back towards her command station.

[into the com, looking at one of the screens in front of her] “Valkyrie and Steel are almost to the Clocktower, Recall. I’ll have them gear up and meet you and the others at the ruins of the Citadel.”

Swinging around, she met her guests in the entryway.

“So good to see you all again! And in better circumstances than the last time!”

She began to lead the way to the sitting area of the loft.

Hi.

:: Harbinger smiled and replied.::

Indeed, no winged, religious zealots with high powered weapons, or a super sentinel far flung from the future to deal with this time!

:: A relief for them ALL.::

Thanks for seeing us.


Nice place you have here.

:: Looking around a bit Oracle lead them::

I'm a collector of time pieces myself, and give my own powers, the design of this building is stand out to me.

“Please come in. You all know Mina.”

Taking her place, she motioned for the others to be seated.

“Can I get you anything to eat or drink?

Hello, Mina.

You both remember my good friend Ava Cassadine, b.k.a Persephone?

Good day Mina. If I may...

Tachyon touched the back of Mina's hand, a universal sign to the blind that he was willing to escort her to her seat if she liked. He had already decided to stand.

Nice touch

And this, is Xavier Winston, also known as Tachyon. He assisted me during the Purifiers incident

::as Oracle gestured for them all to be seated. To Oracle's offer of food or beverage...::

I'm okay, but thank you!

Like I said, thanks for seeing us so unexpectedly.

:: Getting right to it::

Our visit is not merely a social call. I've come because my precognition has allowed me to perceive that Xavier needs to be here with YOU, Oracle. He is a speedster, and from my observation both with my magickal vision and tests that I have ran, he is quite simply the FASTEST earth bound being alive. He channels the Speed Force. He is also knowledgeable in the arena of the Occult, and posseses a measure of resistance to some forms of magick. He is inclined to protect the weak, and right social and economic injustice whenever he can.

:: Harbinger holds up her hand and in a flash of dark glowing orbs, a USB memory stick appears. she leans forward and passes it to Oracle.::

You'll find footage of Tachyon showcasing his powers in a variety of effects, as well as my tactical analysis.

He has spent with me at my aerie, I have observed him, and timelines leading to/from him, and I can vouch for his credentials, as well as his benevolent nature. He's one of US ("the good guys.") but his destiny lies here, in NYC, with you and your team.


I sense that he will be INTREGAL to the success of an endeavor you and your team are involved in.

 

[Persephone]

Ava couldn't help but smile as it dawned on Xavier who she was. It was always entertaining to see that 'holy shit' look on people's faces when they realize the myth was indeed real.

Moments later, the doors of the Clocktower opened. Both Ava and Xavier made their way in and met back up with Alison who was now with Zizi and Mina. Ava eyed Mina, narrowing them just slightly. She knew the woman was a vampire from their brief encounter with the purifiers, however Ava had yet to formally meet her in a non-dire circumstance. Xavier greeted Mina warmly, however Ava remained still, folding her arms across her chest.

Alison: Hello, Mina. You both remember my good friend Ava Cassadine, b.k.a Persephone?

Ava gave Zizi a smile, but left her greeting at that. She kept quiet as Alison explained why they were here and how she foresaw Xavier as apart of their team.

"He's a good kid. He'll be an asset to you."

 

[Tachyon]

Alison went right in, introducing him to them again and recommending him for the team. Her recommendation made him fall in love with himself all over again.

:: Harbinger holds up her hand and in a flash of dark glowing orbs, a USB memory stick appears. she leans forward and passes it to Oracle.::

You'll find footage of Tachyon showcasing his powers in a variety of effects, as well as my tactical analysis.

He has spent with me at my aerie, I have observed him, and timelines leading to/from him, and I can vouch for his credentials, as well as his benevolent nature. He's one of US ("the good guys.") but his destiny lies here, in NYC, with you and your team.


I sense that he will be INTREGAL to the success of an endeavor you and your team are involved in.

He liked the way she said "spent time with me at Aerie" and "INTEGRAL". Xavier wondered if he could make her say that over and over again. It was one hell of a wild, weird chant he had to admit.

"He's a good kid. He'll be an asset to you."

He received a vouch from the Goddess of Death. Cool. He also noted that the goddess did not like Mina at ALL. Interesting, he deduced that it was a general aversion to the undead on her part. Wait, didn't they have a nosferata on their team? OK, then.

I also make an awesome set of rum raisin cookies and I trained one month for fun under a masseuse.

In truth, he WORKED under and between her more than trained, but he did learn a lot from the experience. He could not help but smile a bit as he conjured up the memory...

 

[Talisman]

NYC - The Hellfire Mansion - Catacombs

< As she stood in the catacombs, her mind was elsewhere. Though she was excited to see an up close and personal presentation of Fathom, someone's who body she had engaged in extensive gene therapy over the last few months. Testing it's limits, finding it's strengths in power and physicality and making them dominant and more refined, her omnisight was on The Parthenon. Thankfully, because her facial expression never changed from it's icy and somewhat haunting tone, nobody could tell that she was frustated, and trying to figure a way to recalculate. >

"There are always unknown variables in every experiment..but that WOMAN..."

[thinking for a moment about Hazel, gripping her fists]

"It's becoming clear why Diana has had such a hard time taking them out. So many people looking out for them and looking AFTER them and...blah blah blah...it's exhausting!"

< It appeared for a moment that she was about to experience a fit of rage. However, whatever feelings she had about her present situation were quickly burned away by the power of her anti-empathy spell. >

"I just have to stay the course. They exceed in battle, but they CRUMBLE in their personal lives, often times BECAUSE of how protective they are of each other. They will fall. It's only a matter of time."

< Standing next to Malice on her right, it was clear that just as Kelly was experiencing her own bout of pride for the successes they've made in the past few months, Diana was as well. She was slumped across in her throne, casting any number of sexual signals towards Ravena who was across from her. It was clear by the glow on her face, that Ravena had been providing an outlet for a good amount of perverse sexual energy. Talisman understood many of the decisions that Diana had made in their plot to rebuild what they once had, but she didn't necessarily understand this. To Kelly, across all time and space it was clear that anyone in MysTech entertaining any kind of sexual relationship, let alone one built on actual love and trust was disastrous for all involved. Kelly had seen it in her own timeline, when she had found herself pregnant, because for a fleeting moment, she wanted to feel loved. She saw what happened to Karen Victory, when she lost her baby due to stress at being married to a monster like Christopher. In fact, her feelings about relationships had been a lesson that was LARGELY taught to her by Diana herself. Talisman only took comfort in the fact that the only person Diana cared about was herself, and that she would never allow any MAN, no matter how handsome he may be, cloud her judgment. It was a trait they both shared. >

Domino: "Well...she certainly LOOKS a great deal more delicious..and I'm not talking about my constant craving to decay human flesh. If she doesn't pass inspection, I'd like to petition to keep her as my own personal play thing..The interrogation rooms here are soundproof I presume?"

< Talisman cocked an unamused brow at Domino as she spoke. She was such a powerful and dark woman, but so reckless and wild. It was clear that Diana and Maxine shared a morbid fascination with each other, and that was of no consequence to Kelly. Malice had a unique way of gathering pawns into her web. Ever since she showed up with the body of Jessica Marcus, she seemed to think it allowed her ANY kind of clearance or power over the work that KELLY was doing. In short, she thought Domino was a bothersome little girl with her nose where it shouldn't be. She was created by a knock off brand of MysTech, though watching her strut these halls, it seemed like she was the only one who didn't know that. >

Malice: "She IS a work of art, isn't she? The interrogation rooms are indeed soundproof, Maxine. Your THOUGHTS, however, not so much. Unfortunately for you my dear, Heidi is not NOW, nor will she EVER be on YOUR menu....I know talent when I see it. And my dear Lord Ravena, he pleased me immensely when he delivered a viable genetic sample of Miss Scarborough."

"Yes...the entire estate is aware at how frequently Ravena gives you genetic samples."

< She smirked. Part of her wanted to take a compliment from Diana, but she never would. THAT was a slippery slope. The second one thought they garnered any favor from The White Queen, was the second she destroyed them. Talisman's work was speaking for itself. She simply looked over to Malice, nodding in approval. At that moment Heidi arrived and began to make her introductions to those around her. She had spent more time with Heidi than the others because of the way she needed to be introduced. Finally, something interesting was about to happen, as Diana set the stage for Fathom's test, or at least it was until The Red Queen herself barreled into the room in dramatic fashion, lavish outfit and designer dog. >

Enchantrah: "My, my, I must of lost my invitation in the mail."

< Enchantrah made quick work of the room, insulting just about everybody she crossed paths with. She hadn't yet encountered Helena since her entrance into the timeline, though both were aware of each other. Still, one thing was clear, across all time and space, in every timeline, Helena knew how insult with the best of them. By all accounts, it was comforting that this Helena was the most like the Helena she knew, though completely refined, more poised and intelligent. >

Enchantrah: "And so we finally meet. Helena...and you are?"

< Talisman gave Helena a nod. >

"Kelly.... Dr. Kelly Shaw."

< She wondered how long it would take for Helena to make the connection that she was in fact the cross time counterpart to Kelly King. She was beginning to become used to people reacting in shock and surprise when they found out her origin. She wondered if Helena would be the same. Finally, after the interruption, Diana began to the test. They were to see if Fathom could dispatch her assailants, and Kelly was to use it to analyze her own work, to see if there were any flaws in the design. >

< There weren't many. Heidi was refined in the total control over her power that she now had. As Kelly watched, a pleased look on her face, she noticed how Fathom manifested her powers, her reaction times, the way she engaged opponents, the way she moved in battle and why. All of these were important scenarios to study. Heidi would be another in a long line that represented Talisman's ability. She had to be PERFECT. It was clear through her attack that Fathom was quite pleased with herself. Talisman stepped forward. >

"Impressive indeed...though I'd like to see how she fares against conditions and opponents that are not of her element or in her wheelhouse. I could summon any number of elemental golems...or perhaps a TYRANT..."

< She looked over towards Diana. >

"I'd like to take another look at her sequence..I can enhance her senses to help with her reaction times. I think an increase of five percent would make her all the more deadly."

< Turning back to Heidi. >

"How do you feel, Heidi? You are following the anti-rejection medication instructions and taking protein enzyme complexes I've prescribed? Those are of the utmost importance."

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Thanks for seeing us.

Zizi made an “oh go on” motion with her hand.

“Oh pssh! You are welcome here any time. Mi casa es su casa and all that.”

Nice place you have here.

She smiled brightly.

“Why THANK you, Alison! That’s very nice of you to say.”

I'm a collector of time pieces myself, and give my own powers, the design of this building is stand out to me.

“Well, it certainly makes it a bit easier sitting at the computer all day when you can look at these.”

She gestured to the clock faces.

“They certainly don’t make ‘em like this anymore.”

You both remember my good friend Ava Cassadine, b.k.a Persephone?

“Of course – how have you been, Ava?”

And this, is Xavier Winston, also known as Tachyon. He assisted me during the Purifiers incident

“Yes, I remember seeing you on the day. You did a very fine job there. It’s very nice to meet you officially!”

She reached out to shake hands before asking if any of them wanted something to eat or drink.

No, I am fine thanks. The architecture of this building is very interesting. I hope I get to explore it further in time.

Zizi’s eyes brightened. No one really took any interest in the building, outside of the clock faces.

“Of course! Any time you want, honey. The building has a very interesting history actually…but that is a conversation for another day I suspect. I’m sure you haven’t come all this way for a lecture!”

She gave them a big smile. She knew that she tended to go into “professor mode” and that was not everyone’s cup of tea. Everyone was seated, and Zizi clasped her hands in her lap.

“So, what brings you all to the Clocktower?”

I've come because my precognition has allowed me to perceive that Xavier needs to be here with YOU, Oracle. He is a speedster, and from my observation both with my magickal vision and tests that I have ran, he is quite simply the FASTEST earth bound being alive. He channels the Speed Force. He is also knowledgeable in the arena of the Occult, and possesses a measure of resistance to some forms of magick. He is inclined to protect the weak, and right social and economic injustice whenever he can.

“Is he now?”

Zizi eyed Xavier carefully.

“Well that certainly is a tall order – where do you keep all those abilities in that skinny frame?”

Zizi chuckled as Alison handed her a flash drive.

You'll find footage of Tachyon showcasing his powers in a variety of effects, as well as my tactical analysis.

“Thank you.”

He has spent with me at my aerie, I have observed him, and timelines leading to/from him, and I can vouch for his credentials, as well as his benevolent nature. He's one of US ("the good guys.") but his destiny lies here, in NYC, with you and your team. I sense that he will be INTREGAL to the success of an endeavor you and your team are involved in.

Zizi took a deep breath, looking Xavier up and down. She looked to Mina, who nodded.

She turned to Alison. “Your powers of perception are of course very well known to me, and your say so goes a long way.”

Now fixing her gaze once again on Xavier as she became silent.

I also make an awesome set of rum raisin cookies and I trained one month for fun under a masseuse.

She wheeled closer to him and put a hand on his arm.

“Well, then, you will fit right in here as my baking powers are legendary.”

She gave him a big smile before turning back to the group.

“Will you be needing a place to stay in New York then?”

 

[Mina Harker]

The Clocktower

Mina waited as Oracle greeted her guests at the door and showed them into the living area, then followed Zizi into the living area. She recognized Alison Marble’s voice, but there were two others with her.

Mina nodded as she was introduced, hands folded neatly over the knob on her cane.

You both remember my good friend Ava Cassadine, b.k.a Persephone?

“Quite.”

She clipped her words. Persephone was exactly the type of haughty, self-aggrandizing woman that Mina typically attempted to avoid.

Good day Mina. If I may...

He touched the back of her hand, and she stiffened for a moment. She had neglected to put her gloves back on when the guests had arrived; they were still in the pocket of the jacket she wore. Mina got flashes of Xavier’s life: Xavier returning an object to a village, at the Bell Book and Candle with Alison, on Aerie…

Smirking just a little bit, she allowed him to escort her to a seat.

“Why, thank you, young man. It is so refreshing to find a young person today who still has manners.”

She removed her long black gloves from her pocket and began to slip them back onto her fingers.

“My, you certainly have been around, though, haven’t you?”

Alison reviewed Xavier’s resume, so to speak. Mina respected Harbinger’s gifts, and what she had seen when Xavier had touched her did not give her any reason to think he was not genuine. However, she was not sure that having a thief around was the best idea, especially considering the library of rare artifacts and books that she herself tended to – items that should certainly NOT be out in the world unguarded.

Mina considered carefully, before finally nodding at Zizi.

“The gentleman has at least earned the right to a chance.”

Zizi’s mind was already on logistics, but there was something important that Mina needed to discuss with Alison. And she had to tread lightly.

“If I may be so bold…Alison, I am intrigued by the Siege Perilous. What a fascinating object – you do still control the Siege, correct? I haven’t gotten my mystickal objects mixed, have I?”

 

[Isis]

Somewhere else

:: Isis stands behind Matrix with her hands on his shoulders. They were under cover of darkness, and a cloaking spell. The goddess preps her ward, and one-time black knight as she speaks to him. Black Widow is with them! ::

Do not deviate from the plan, Richard. Do not be tempted or easily provoked. Our success, and the bigger picture it will help to paint for Black Widow, will depend large on YOU, once we begin.

:: Continuing to stand close to Richard, she speaks to him and Black Widow::

THEY :: Malice, Enchantrah and her souless successor...she hadn't bothered to commit HER name to memory:: have not been as thorough as they thought in removing all traces of my presence within the walls of the Hellfire Mansion...OR the catacombs.

The RUNES that I affixed to various places within the mansion, both for GROUP interests, as well as MY OWN, REMAIN. That woman who has succeeded me as the Black Queen can't detect them, NOR does she have the power to remove them.

:: Indeed, from the very first night Dominique took up residence in the hellfire mansion, and she was officially presented as the Hellfire Club's Black Queen (I), she had attached runes to various places, for various purposes. Black Widow would remember seeing one MANIFEST over a wall (that was actually a false wall) when the "Black Out" party began. That night that she, Sharon, Nicolas and Firebird were in deep undercover to learn about the MYSTERY of Dominique, who was cutting a path toward Nicolas with the intent of DESTROYING to avenge her sister, his mother.::

THEY :: Malice, Enchantrah, and one who looked like a walking corpse- her successor, along with that upstart Maxine Dupont, and the one with a VERY strong mana- Ravena:: are currently in the catacombs. Diana is inspecting a new member of her White Court.

They will be involved with this ritual for a while longer, giving US the window of opportunity. I will keep an eye on them, in case there is an unexpected change or development, and pass that warning to you both, so that you can use our exit strategy accordingly.

The ONLY one among them that I am both intrigued and concerned about is this....Ravena character.

Haleigh, it is important that YOU not deviate from the plan either. You've been here before, you know the layout. I can confirm that structurally, nothing has chanaged. There are new faces, but this is not the time for you to have any confrontations.


You've made your first contact with a few "insiders" who remain loyal to me to reach Alice, and she has agree to this RISKY meeting because of the...SENSITIVE NATURE of it. She has apparently been waiting for this moment for some time.

Also, she is counting on my providing protection and cloaking, while RICHARD will assume HER FORM to make it look as though she has not left where she is currently at.

:: Isis' runes, when affixed to an area she wished to survey, allowed her to "see" AND hear, so she was already gleaning information, some of which she would pass to Oracle for valuable INTEL regarding the hellfire club and the changing roster.::

But as long as you remain within the area where my runes are affixed, you will be shieled from his methods of detection, as well as Malice's telepathy.

Timing is everything, so make this count, Haleigh. Your meeting destination is the Lunar Ballroom floor. There is a rune there. I will teleport you into the upper salon. Simply turn around, and walk through the doors that will lead you into the Lunar Ballroom.

Richard, you've studied the picture of Alice. Assume her form now.

:: Richard, an omnimorph, was able to shapeshift and, among other things, duplicate any known human form in every detail, down to retinal patterns, genetic structure, and finger prints. Dominique has had him to assume others before, namely William Stryker, AFTER he killed the bloated, bigoted senator, and then insured his name, his "brand" and all his assets were frozen when he "confessed" to financing the purifiers.::

:: Dominique inspected him in his new form::

Excellent. Change the outfit thought. Despite her unnaturally youthful appearence, Alice does not dress like a starlet. She dresses more stylish and conservatively.

:: Richard changes accordingly::

Good.

:: To Haleigh and Richard::

Remember, I'll be monitoring, and and we have our exit strategy in place.

Are you ready?

::FLASH::

<< We see the arm and hand of a woman, holding a compact, that shows a shimmering image of Isis in it's mirror. She's been privy to this entire conversation. When she hears the question of being ready, she quietly replies.>>

Alice: Yes.

<< she closes her compact and prepares to make her move.>>

:: now, with "Alice" and Haleigh standing side by side, Isis gestures.::

:: To provide suitable distraction, a gust of wind and a crack of thunder from an already restless night sky ring out around the area of the Hellfire Mansion.::

:: "Alice" and Haleigh are teleported, and the RUNES in the destination areas briefly shimmer and hum, activating at Isis' command. The crack of thunder rattles the staff and causes a few members in attendance on the higher floors to jump a bit, but no one is the wiser, as "ALICE" appears to be sitting sitting in the library, engaged in her evening ritual of reading a medical journal of her choosing.::

Bright lady guide them. Allow ME to protect them ALL during this time.

:: Isis monitored each of them. The REAL Alice had careful made her away to an elevator that zipped her up to the upper most floor of the mansion, She was passing through the upper salon as the thunder and wind crashed, and was now inside the Lunar Ballroom as the rune activated. She beat Haleigh by a few seconds, but for her, those precious seconds were very important.::

<< How do you PREPARE to meet a person you HAND RAISED from a most unusual...UNHOLY genesis of life? How do you prepare to meet a person that you were paid WELL to watch for over a DECADE and keep tabs on...for....INTERESTED PARTIES? Well, Alice already knew there was no way to prepare. The moment SCION's genesis was at hand...HER life was forever altered as well...and this moment was now FULL CIRCLE!>>

 

[Domino]

NYC - The Hellfire Mansion - Catacombs

:: For as much as things were different in the American Branch of The Hellfire Club, some things remained the same, mainly the bitchy and often icy relationship that the queens of the courts shared with one another. In every action and word there was something bubbling just underneath the surface that dripped with disdain. It was almost a game for these women, to see who could gain the upper hand in just about every conversation that transpired between them. Though sometimes it was entertaining, for the most part, it caused Maxine to become very bored. She had been known to make a well timed monologue or two in her days, but she was more nuts and bolts. She said what she needed to say with her FISTS. ::

:: Helena Quartermaine barged into the scene like a neglected chihuahua as she made her presence known, offering her own twisted brand of salutations as she went. Soon, she was face to face with The Red Queen herself as the billowy blonde took one look at her and scoffed. ::

Helena: "My God, child...[to Diana] She's one of yours right?"

"Free agent, actually."

:: Maxine watched Helena make her way towards the others with perverse curiousity. ::

"Looks like I'm going to have to put ANOTHER Red Queen in her place. If she makes another comment like that, I'll have half a mind to grind her little "Cocaine" into dust and make her snort it."

:: Finally, the women had tired of exchanging insults and decided to actually engage with the main purpose of seeing the newly reformed Heidi Scarborough in action, something that Maxine was actually excited for. The droids and the hunters appeared before them as Maxine narrowed her glance and gave a depraved smile. ::

"Seems easy enough. Let's see how she handles it."

:: It was clear by ignition of the first attack that the old Heidi Scarborough was dead and gone. During her time at the European Hellfire Club, Maxine was a woman who worked in darkness, gathering information and busting heads for the now deceased Black Queen Evelyn Pierce, a loss she as well as Ravena were still grieving over. She had tailed many members of The Inner Circle, Heidi included and while the European Branch wasn't often one to engage in physical combat to achieve their desires, she had the chance to see Heidi fight, as well as the replay of the battle between Avalanche and Hydra that took place in London, thanks to feed she had hacked for Malice. Every mistake she had made in that battle was no longer a part of her. She planned carefully, her easy succession through her enemies was quick and brutal. She pulled no punches and the STRENGTH, the LEVEL and FINESSE that she had engaged in sent a tingle up Maxine's spine. Domino knew that joining forces with the American Branch she would encounter a new roster of mutant and metahumans that she would ultimately need to endorse or at least work with. That was the problem with the European Branch, their selection process was not good. So many of them had potential but no followthrough. She was worried when she first learned about Heidi that she would be the same nefarious, numb and stupid girl that had been murdered in London. She was relieved to see that was no longer the case. ::

Talisman: "Impressive indeed...though I'd like to see how she fares against conditions and opponents that are not of her element or in her wheelhouse. I could summon any number of elemental golems...or perhaps a TYRANT."

"Something tells me that wouldn't be a problem. Learn when to celebrate your successes, Talisman."

[looking towards Heidi]

"That was brilliant, personally. That thing with the blood?"

[her eyes shooting back over to Kelly]

"What kind of pills or surgery will it take for me to be able to do that?"

Talisman: "I'd like to take another look at her sequence...I can enhance her senses to help with her reaction times. I think an increase of five percent would make her all the more deadly."

:: Then she asked Heidi about the medications she had been given her. Kelly Shaw was such an enigma. Maxine herself was a cold and brutal person, but she still felt things...she used that to her advantage. Her rage and anger gave her an edge. Kelly didn't experience things. She seemed to have no interest in people as people, but as things for her to tinker with it. It was an odd experience to see a woman like that. Even Domino's father, Jean Luc, as depraved as he could be, still could express the basic emotions of happiness and sorrow. Kelly had neither. ::

"There's enough time for that. She's fine how she is...and with good timing. I'd love to take Heidi on a tour of the facilities. Minding the store is nice and all, but I'm hoping to promote out."

 

[Black Widow]

Invading The Hellfire Mansion

Isis: The RUNES that I affixed to various places within the mansion, both for GROUP interests, as well as MY OWN, REMAIN. That woman who has succeeded me as the Black Queen can't detect them, NOR does she have the power to remove them.

"Well you know I like a good infiltration as much as the next girl, but I don't much care for getting caught, so let's hope their adequately distracted right now and your runes aren't the only thing keeping our asses from hanging out."

Isis: THEY are currently in the catacombs. Diana is inspecting a new member of her White Court.

"Awesome. With a little luck, their group orgy will take long enough for my little mission and we'll be out with none the wiser."

Isis: Haleigh, it is important that YOU not deviate from the plan either. You've been here before, you know the layout. I can confirm that structurally, nothing has chanaged. There are new faces, but this is not the time for you to have any confrontations.

"Be assured I don't INTEND to do anything more than we discussed. If I'm forced to defend myself though..... just leave me. You and Rich save yourselves, I'll follow after I take care of the problem."

Haleigh wasn't sure if it was just psychological or if she could really 'feel' the brain freeze effect she got whenever Malice reached into her mindspace.

Isis: But as long as you remain within the area where my runes are affixed, you will be shieled from his methods of detection, as well as Malice's telepathy.

"Very good. I owe you big time for this Dom. I mean it. If there's ever ANYTHING, you know you can call me."

So it WAS just a psychological phantom, something she imagined rather than something she really sensed. Or did she sense that Diana was nearby, because of their.... connection?

Isis gave them a little more guidance and got them set up for the meet and greet. Rich shifted form to mimic Alice herself and provide cover. Haleigh was simultaneously impressed and curious.

"Where do you tuck your---"

There was a crack of thunder and the howling of wind. Haleigh shifted her thoughts to the task at hand.

"Never mind."

She reappeared in the upper salon and promptly pivoted on the balls of her feet to face the doors Isis told her about. She filled her lungs with air to stabilize her thoughts, then opened the doors quietly using her mind to manipulate the door handles so she wouldn't leave any fingerprints. The doors shut behind her and Haleigh laid her gaze on Alice. She recognized her from the blackouts immediately. The scary part was that Alice seemed to be looking back at her with.... affection, for lack of a better term. Haleigh would be sure to kill any warm fuzzies with a steely expression.

"Cut to the chase and keep the bullshit to a minimum. You know who I am, I know who you are, and we both know why I'm here, so let jump right into the mystery, shall we?"

 

[Lord Ravena]

And interesting spectacle as the child prepared for her inaugural battle. It was but a trifle, but it would definitely separate the new from the failures of the old. If she faltered, he would cut her down where she stood and they would begin again.

Ah! An interruption, and one from a Queen as deliciously decadent as she was uncouth. It amused him to see her insult every one else in the room only to be seated in an attempt to gain his attention. But she was already too late.

The White Queen was radiating desire, and displaying her legs for him. It pleased him and, as he watched the battle begin, he stretched a finger and his shadow began to stretch and extend, flowing unnoticed across the room until Malice felt a brush, then a caress at her knee. She knew it was him by the touch; his shadow caressed its way up her leg, pausing at the softest part of exposed thigh and pausing there, as if to decide whether to stop, continue caressing, or whether to forcefully intrude. As soon as the battle ended, it was abruptly gone, vanished, but she could still feel his touch, like low voltage, up and down her leg and centered on her womanhood. Having a vampire king as a lover had its advantages. He was not all mesmerism and control.

As the show completed, Ravena was satisfied. She was certainly upgraded. And so he was pleased to see Domino offer to show her around. It was one thing to be strong; he preferred his people to also be independent. And independent follower had reason to buttress their loyalty. It did not always have to be earned by strength or fear. And so he nodded in approval when Domino spoke.

 

[Alice]

Hellfire Club- Lunar Ballroom

She reappeared in the upper salon and promptly pivoted on the balls of her feet to face the doors Isis told her about. She filled her lungs with air to stabilize her thoughts, then opened the doors quietly using her mind to manipulate the door handles so she wouldn't leave any fingerprints. The doors shut behind her and Haleigh laid her gaze on Alice. She recognized her from the blackouts immediately. The scary part was that Alice seemed to be looking back at her with.... affection, for lack of a better term. Haleigh would be sure to kill any warm fuzzies with a steely expression.

"Cut to the chase and keep the bullshit to a minimum. You know who I am, I know who you are, and we both know why I'm here, so let jump right into the mystery, shall we?"

:: There she was!::

...SCION!

:: Before Silver Swan, before Jessica Marcus fully realized HER power, before the indirect result that was Domino...there was SCION, who would eventually rechristen herself as the Black Widow!::

:: Still, this girl....this genetic and virological masterpiece...she often charged into things before understanding what, or WHOM she was dealing with. Case in point...ALICE.::

:: As Haleigh stared at her, stared her DOWN like she was "looking for a reason", the hybrid didn't notice her eyes. But she would notice them NOW as they shifted from the curious color they were...to a color scheme that ALSO resonated with Haleigh from her flashbacks. Haleigh is STAGGERED by an overwhelming feeling of PAIN and LOSS of power, the kind associated with one of IMAGIOMG'S attacks, or a POWER NEUTRALIZER.::

I've taken care of you since you were LESS than a zygote, little girl. I can DESTROY you just as easily. NEVER forget that.

:: She said this with URGENCY::

I don't want to hurt you, not again. Please don't force me to do so. Don't make this anymore risky for EITHER of us than it already is.

:: It was SO RARE that she had to PUNISH Haleigh as a child. ONLY when she cut down helpless lab technicians or other grunt workers in Arklay Mansion and was approaching a "red level" threat. But even then, most of those episodes were caused by an overzealous handler/trainer/examiner who antagonized her::

:: She did this NOW to underscore a very important point.::

I know you VERY well. I know EVERY thing you have EVER done. I know you down to the smallest ATOM in each cell of your body.

You are TRULY the most beautiful, the most...SPECTACULAR success the 2nd generatrion of mystech science could have ever imagined. You are the BEST outcome of what OUR generation of scientific minds could have accomplished. They wanted you as a weapon. But I knew better. You were NOT merely a bio-organic weapon.

:: Alice softened, noting that Haleigh was backing down from her aggressive posture with her::

There isn't enough time for me to tell you everything you want to know. So take this. Watch it AFTER you have left here.

:: With a fluent speed of movement that left a blurred effect, Alice drew forth and tossed a USB memory stick at Haleigh, but as the hybrid caught it, Alice was then suddenly BEHIND HER , forcing the hybrid to turn.::

You're not the only one with power. Neither is Diana. Neither is Christopher.

You're not the only one who's very DNA has been spliced, manipulated, transformed and forever bonded with the virus. Before you, before Christopher Victory...there was ME.

I am infected with the G Virus. You carry the T(echno) O(rganic) virus, Jessica Marcus carries the T-Veronica virus.

I had nothing to lose. I was an ambitious medical student BORED with established academia, hampered by the rampant sexism of the time, and seemingly DOOMED to be some weak willed, unimaginative doctor's NURSE. That all changed when I met Diana and Christopher. It wasn't just another glorified lab technican job in a bizarre mansion in the Arklay forest. It was the chance for me to be a part of something truly WORLD CHANGING.

Christopher began his ambitious experiments...with ME as a willing test subject. But unbeknownst to him, I carried an anamolous genetic structure too, just like Sharon Kelly. Trials with baseline humans had FAILED, and even some mutants in the earlier trials, like Kyle Kelly, were not viable. But after ME? everything changed.

Christopher was the world's premier geneticist, rivaled only by two others- James Marcus, and myself. ANYONE who has come AFTER the three of us is nothing but a cheap copy....a BAD ACTOR.

Christopher's down fall was NOT Morgan Victoria, it was RESENTMENT, his greed, his ego, his avarice. These things clouded his judgement in such a way that he couldn't see the GREATNESS he was on the cusp of.

:: Things that KAREN had told Haleigh were now fitting in!::

He had one last chance...and he began to conduct experiments with stem cells. I assisted him. But he could not possibly risk violating his wife by harvesting her ova. She was protected by Verna Eckert, who was too powerful for THEN mystical resources of Mystech to handle. His ambition...his AVARICE drove him to make the most risky decision of his career. He chose another powerful woman. One who, while a mutant, was not "tainted" by MAGICK.

A woman he had grown VERY comfortable...INTIMATE with, to the point of abandoning any hint of discretion regarding his AFFAIR with her.

Everything changed, when he...through carefully laid plains and applied methods to bypass detecion and retaliation (at the time) ...harvested the ova, and obtained viable genetic samples of DIANA.

He didn't even tell ME what he was doing at first. But when I learned? I went straight to Diana. I'd seen what she could do....what she HAD done- to the Kelly family, Kelly King, Jessica Marcus' brother, Patrick Phillips...I was NOT going to be another body dumped into the aqua ring by that meat head, Johnathan King, and fed upon by neptunes.

Diana swore retribution....and...beyond fear for my own life....after all that I'd seen Christopher do to Karen, Morgan and her sisters? His wife and daughters!? Only to ABANDON them in pursuit of a child that he could manipulate and turn into his personal weapon or worse...PLAYTHING? He was no longer a god among men in science. He was just like any OTHER egomanic throughout history. His FALL was coming, and I would no longer be pulled down by the riptide of it. I would not implictly endorse his selfish, twisted behavior...so I agreed to HELP her. I became her double agent.

:: Alice continues, and she practically puts the pieces...the PATTERN that Karen spoke to her about in ther sessions...together without even asking Haleigh for input or detail. The blackouts, the gaps in between, and tying them into things that Dominique and especially Karen had said!?::

I was Christopher's "2nd" on the Scion project. But by Diana's order...I was the one pulling the strings. I was your caretaker from the moment you became a viable embryo, to the moment your status as a mutant with EARTHEN ELEMENTAL based powers - a reflection of Christopher's genetic legacy- was confirmed to the moment of your "birth", when you were finally freed from the stasis tube that was your incubator and genetic nutrient womb for the first 2 years of your life.

Diana visited you, several times. She inquired about your progress, and was....DISAPPOINTED that you did not develope PSI POWERS.

Shortly before she and her consortium murdered James Marcus, She had ALL of christopher's staff at the mansion and the mystech goons assigned by Marcus and Lord Spencer to you CUT DOWN. She then tasked me with getting you out of the mansion and placing you with an adoptive family.

::FLASH!::

Haleigh's earliest ORGANIC memories were that of the family she thought was her OWN, the ones LOST in that fateful car accident on the snowy mountain road, the accident that was caused by "the woman in white"....MALICE herself.

At every stage, every milestone of your life, I have been there, watching, recording. Not only surface level outcomes, but in depth data that ONLY I could discern, gather, and transcribe into INFORMATION to present to Diana at every stage of your life.

For everything I have done, from taking care of you, to ensuring your escape and survival of the Arklay Mansion, to ensuring you were ALWAYS selected into the finest academic programs and elite social organizations before, during and AFTER your military career, Diana has made sure that I will NEVER want for ANYTHING EVER again.

But even THAT, along with this immortaility and POWER that I possess...it....it does not soothe the sadness...the GUILT that I feel over you, SCION.

The disasters you've experienced....endured, from Patrick's loss, to Christopher and Imagiomg capturing you not once...but TWICE....were ALL designed by Diana. You were deemed a threat to HER plans for global domination and when Christopher could no longer come close to doing the job, she allowed HIM to be destroyed by his vengeful daughter, Spellbinder.

Once your survival was owed to your destiny and the beings that watch over you and your teammates. NOW you're alive at this very MOMENT because of Diana. But since you ARE alive, know this.

She want's you BACK, Haleigh, and she will cut down ANYONE to get to you. You know she can...and she WILL.

Get out of here. NOW. Run while you still can. Leave your friends...everyone you know, because Diana is about to unleash a new wave of TERROR upon the city, upon the WORLD, but before she does, she's going to CLAIM what is HER'S, And she WILL destroy ALL that you hold dear to get to you, and when she finally has you?

Whatever diety you have...even HE/SHE won't be able to help you.

:: Alice once again moved, with blurring speed from behind Haleigh back to her original position, now near the double doors. She turns and looks at Haleigh, with genuine GUILT and SORROW in her eyes::

For MY part in all of this...I am TRULY sorry.

But Now? We can NEVER meet like this again. If you come after me, if you try anything NOW as I leave? I'll put you down myself.