God loves, man kills

[MorningStar]

The Parthenon

I knew of Aunt D's involvement in hunting the Purifiers and that it made her a target as well. I went with Cam and a few others to see her rehearsal and talk about things when your friends in New York's finest decided to make us choose between letting her go with THEM and having a brawl. In the aftermath of that we were hit with a missile while riding down the street while another missile killed 41 children. As we pulled ourselves from the wreckage they came for him. I killed everything that came through the portal, but something reached partway through and grabbed him, something that should not even EXIST here. It cannot be...HERE.

Delilah barely listened to his excuses. That was all the Six ever gave her: excuses.

“He shouldn’t have even been OUTSIDE, Nicolas. I should have known better than to trust any of you again.”

Delilah glanced from Nicolas to Dominique and back again. She shook her head.

“I can’t be here. We know where Cameron is and I am going to go get him back. He’s been with those monsters too long already.”

She made for the door. Cameron had been the hostage too many times. She had promised him never again. That she would protect him. And she had failed. She didn’t even know why she had cared if Dominique was arrested or not. And for that he was gone. All she knew now was that she couldn’t depend on the Six anymore.

 

[Artemis]

Outside of Charope, LLC


YOU attacked ME first, you inhuman MONSTER! You're the one who needs a mental health professional, or better yet, a LOBOTOMY!

The NYPD is GROSSLY negligent for letting someone...someTHING like YOU run loose in this city!

:: Alycia yelled back at Valkyrie, still replaying the image of that horrific visage the woman had manifested, over and over in her mind.::

You walk among us, PRETENDING to be human but you're NOT. YOU ought to be investigated, you repulsive CREATURE!

:: Alycia had no idea that her reaction was much the same as Dominique's after Ashley had shown her TRUE self to Dominique as well::


:: Firebird and Silver Swan were by her's and Haleigh's side, while Vivica stood between them and Valkyrie.::

Vivica, let her get what's coming TO her! She thinks she can just show up and throw her weight around?

Silver Swan: I agree with Alycia. HER kind of help we DON'T need. Both Alycia and myself were involved in this community for YEARS before we became an Amazon and a Mutate, respectively. WE have ties here and we PROOVEN ourselves. This ...."WOMAN" is a fraud. Her internal rhythms dont even register as remotely human. She shouldn't be trusted...

:: Looking at Vivica and Zach::

Sharon: ...By ANYONE.

::Sharon looked DIRECTLY at Zachary, definitely showing an expression of disapproval that he didn't tell her that THIS was the kind of "HELP" he was working with.::

“I am literally quaking in my boots right now. What, are you gonna tell my mom on me? Well, she’s dead.”

Silver Swan: I've no reason to waste time "telling" when I can just pull your arm off your body BEAT YOU TO DEATH with it.

:: Sharon seemed to be ready to fight and Charope was to join in. But Vivica stood strong and made herself be heard, calling for CALM and reason, making a valid point. Alycia and Sharon could see the merits of Vivica's argument, but the, along with Firebird
continued to stare Valkyrie DOWN::

Silver Swan: It is ONLY the word of Vivica and Zachary that allows you to REMAIN STANDING and IN TACT right now, woman.

:: Zach urged Silver Swan to stand down and Persephone spoke in a way that took Alycia and the rest of them by surprise.::

:: It was easy to forget that Persephone WAS extremely long lived and apparently she was familiar with the valkyries of legend. Still, even as Persephone showed Ashley a measure of recognition,the woman barely acknowledged that good will and continued to be needlessly rude and condescending::

Only a simple minded person like yourself would make light of the situation and task at hand. Why don't you just shut your mouth and let those of us with higher mental functions handle this, Ashley.

:: At that moment, a large man walked into their midst. His stature and voice commanded attention, as did his apparent POWER. But even more, she heard ANOTHER voice.::

“I’m fine.”

::GASP!::

:: It handnt registered earlier when Zach and Vivica referred to their contact. With everything that had been going on...but HOW could she not recognize the name...::

ZIZI!

“As I was saying: for those of you who don’t know me, my code name is Oracle. This is Steel, and you have apparently met Valkyrie. I’m not quite sure what’s going on here but Recall and Persephone are right: the important thing here is that we know where the Purifiers are, we’ve seen their tech, and we are in a position to carry out a rescue mission. Right now, that’s all that matters.”

She began to turn away.

“My team is heading to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to stop the Purifiers. Any of you who want to join us is more than welcome. Valkyrie, get to your weapons cache and join back up with us asap – we’ve wasted too much time already.”

:: She moved away from Blaze and past Sharon, IGNORING Valkyrie as she looked to see...::

It's HER!

ELIZABETH....

:: Alycia called out...::

ZIZI??

:: It had been several years since the two had laid eyes on each other. Not since BEFORE Alycia became a federal agent.::

Bright lady....It IS you!

:: Alycia exclaimed with genuine emotion as she approached Oracle, briefly looking up at Steele and making eye contact with him before looking back to Zizi.::

In all the time that I've been BACK....

:: She stands before Oracle and smiles, holding out her hands::

Not even in my wildest imagination did I see us meeting again like THIS. It's ....GOOD to see you again! I am GLAD that you were not encompassed in the chaos brought about by Bishop.

:: There was clearly a story here::

 

[Isis]

The Parthenon- Isis' suite


:: Isis nodded slowly listening to Nicolas' explanation of the girl she just restored with her magicks. She realized that this unexpected development would only serve to add MORE momentum to her personal endeavor to destroy Stryker's reputation AND flush out WilPharma!::

The goddess DOES smile on her daughter as I strive to put a STOP to all of this!

:: She thought to herself::

:: While Delilah erupted at Nicolas over the capture of Cameron, Isis looked on, once again contacting Richard Martin::

Richard, make HASTE! There has been a development that will ensure our successfully achieving the goal of not only wiping out the threat Stryker & his aides posed to the Hellfire Club but also rooting out Mystech's would-be successor, WilPharma!

:: Delilah raged at Nicolas::

I would have been released under my OWN power and resources. My nephew knew that. I told him to stay with Cameron and do what he could for him.

:: Isis LOUDLY interjected when Delilah mentioned that she went to help Isis get out of custody. The NYPD was no match for the legal team of the Hellfire Club OR Dominique's DEEP pockets and Steele knew that. But Isis didn't know that Delilah had actually gone to bat for her with Steele.::

::Nicolas stood his ground. Isis let him handle that part of the confrontation. She COULD have pointed out that if Delilah was that adamant about a course of action, she would have BEEN THERE, REGARDLESS of what the others thought. If she thought SHE could have done something better than the others, she should have BEEN there to make the difference. But this was not her business to comment on.::

:: Delilah had been a wildcard, one that had prooven to be quite beneficial for Isis so far. It was HER "enhanced interrogation technique" that revealed the stronghold of the Purifiers to them. Allowing them to finally strike at the heart of this rather than merely cutting off a tentacle here or there. But the girl was dangerously close to taking herself out of the game by acting on TOO much emotion and impulse::


:: Isis held her hand up to Nicolas for SILENCE and to stay where he was as Delilah made her way for the door.::

STOP where you are, MorningStar!

:: Isis COULD have used magick to bar Delilah's way, but that would have been a direct violation of the truce::

Would you risk FAILING Cameron any more than you think my nephew & your other teammates have by rushing head long into something you cannot succeed in overpowering ALONE?


:: Ironically enough, it was Delilah's actual intervention during her own recent battle with a group of Purifiers in Central Park that drove this point home for Isis!::


THINK for a moment. I was nearly overcome by the Purifiers, who were PREPARED for me the second time I attacked them. Evidently, when they attacked your teammates, they were prepared and able to hold them at bay long enough to take Cameron. Do you not think they will not be prepared for YOU?

Moreover, do you really think it would have mattered WHERE Cameron was? The Purifiers have demonstrated the ability to be in multiple places, appearing in surprising places without any warning.

They had the means and WOULD have come here. CAMERON did not want his showplace being turned into a MORGUE and he CHOSE to leave here. There were many innocents in this building, many of them mutants.

The Six, CAMERON INCLUDED, elected to go to the aid of their other teammates. That is not wrong...that is to be expected. Cameron knew what was coming, they all did. They....WE also know that the battle is about to BEGIN and that we are coming for them.


Does that, along with the weaponry they've displayed in various encounters, indicate that they are well organized and WELL ARMED? One person alone can't possibly hope to topple them, and wreckless aggression and displays of brawn will be no more effective. YOU opened my eyes to that tonight, Delilah.

They will be prepared for ALL of us and if you rush off alone...you will be no better at doing what you think your teammates should have done.


:: She looks at Nicolas::

Before the purifier we had in our custody expired, he said something about a "CHOIR" that would "SING", ensuring our defeat and destruction.

I take that to mean that they have a....special welcoming committee.

Something that we have to our ADVANTAGE is the...unexpected partnerships and that have formed as we've ALL been working toward a common goal.

I SUGGEST...

:: Looking between Nicolas and Delilah::

That we continue as we have been. You return to your group, Delilah and I will stay together. Nicolas and I have our familial bond to communicate with.

Cameron is neither weak, nor is he a babe in the woods. He survived the WHITE QUEEN, and no doubt he will survive the Purifiers and THIS TIME, your team will be able to make SURE
that happens.

We ALL have desired outcomes for this. The sooner we get moving, the sooner we can see them happen.

Nicolas... :: placing her black opera gloved hand on his arm:: go and rejoin your teammates. Leave Delilah be. You two will see each other again soon enough.

And do not worry about Ana-Leigh. She will remain in my suite, under the protection of my magickal words AND my Black Knight, who as is quite capable and quite DEADLY when crossed.

 

[Matrix]

Richard, make HASTE! There has been a development that will ensure our successfully achieving the goal of not only wiping out the threat Stryker & his aides posed to the Hellfire Club but also rooting out Mystech's would-be successor, WilPharma!

Ohshi-...time to move!!

Richard was already at the Parthenon but had taken the NORMAL route upstairs to the suite. He could hear Miss D speaking as he easily defeated the code-key lock of the door and silently entered.

I SUGGEST...

:: Looking between Nicolas and Delilah::

That we continue as we have been. You return to your group, Delilah and I will stay together. Nicolas and I have our familial bond to communicate with.

Cameron is neither weak, nor is he a babe in the woods. He survived the WHITE QUEEN, and no doubt he will survive the Purifiers and THIS TIME, your team will be able to make SURE
that happens.

We ALL have desired outcomes for this. The sooner we get moving, the sooner we can see them happen.

Nicolas... :: placing her black opera gloved hand on his arm:: go and rejoin your teammates. Leave Delilah be. You two will see each other again soon enough.

And do not worry about Ana-Leigh. She will remain in my suite, under the protection of my magickal words AND my Black Knight, who as is quite capable and quite DEADLY when crossed.

I have returned, my Queen. And I come bearing gifts.

Richard held a 3 terabyte encrypted USB hard drive containing all that he had found pertinent to his mission. There were several backups with OTHER information that he had kept at the HC, hidden.

This should do the trick for closing down the money train. Nicolas-

Nicolas: Richard

They both silently nodded like two kids being made to play nice. He smiled at Delilah, or tried to, but it was apparent that she was pissed off. He went again with a nod.

I overheard something about protection? What do you need me to do?

Richard stood, awaiting further orders. The others may as well have not been in the room.

 

[Valkyrie]

Outside Charope

YOU attacked ME first, you inhuman MONSTER!...You walk among us, PRETENDING to be human but you're NOT. YOU ought to be investigated, you repulsive CREATURE!

“Honey, if I had attacked you first, you’d either be in the corner sucking your thumb or DEAD. So get over it. Are we sure SHE’S not working with the Purifiers? That sounds like hate speech to me.”

She turned her head to Persephone.

“Seriously, you’ve not killed her yet?”

Vivica, let her get what's coming TO her! She thinks she can just show up and throw her weight around?

Her internal rhythms don’t even register as remotely human. She shouldn't be trusted...

She made a tsk tsk sound and shook her head in mock disapproval.

“Again with the hate speech. But you are absolutely right, I am not human, thank the gods.”

She reached up and pulled her long blond hair back into a bun at the back of her head.

“You psychos need to get something straight: I am NOT trying to sign up for your lame ass group. I was minding my own business, picking up some weapons to kill some things, when I saw Miss Cranky Pants over here bash some incapacitated human’s face in with a sewer cover. I commented and she attacked me, so I responded. Then all you people came in and stuck your noses where they didn’t belong. It’s not my fault someone who supposedly makes their LIVING with words couldn’t have a conversation without violence.”

It is ONLY the word of Vivica and Zachary that allows you to REMAIN STANDING and IN TACT right now, woman.

She rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, right, go ahead and try. You CLEARLY have no idea who you’re dealing with. Wow, the Amazons’ standards are really low these days, huh? I mean, I didn’t think they could GET any lower but apparently…”

Why don't you just shut your mouth and let those of us with higher mental functions handle this, Ashley.

She mimicked feeling her pockets.

“I think I’ve got some breadcrumbs around here somewhere. If I throw them will you go away? How many times do I have to say it? [exaggerates mouthing the words] I am not here for you. Jeeze.”

These Six people clearly thought the sun and moon revolved around them. They couldn’t grasp the fact that she wasn’t here to beg them to tag along on there “mission”. They were all ready to get into a fight with her while two of their friends were missing. And these people were the “good” guys.

“Though, why would I let you handle anything? I’m not the one who let TWO of my team get captured.”

And then she heard a familiar voice.

“Valkyrie, stand down.”

Shit.

Why did Oracle have to pick right now to show up? Couldn’t she just back off and let me handle this?

She introduced them all like they were all friends and nothing was wrong, and like they should all be one big happy freaking family. Pass. Valkyrie was not amused, and just stood there with her arms crossed while Oracle spoke.

Valkyrie, get to your weapons cache and join back up with us asap – we’ve wasted too much time already.”

Valkyrie stared down Oracle for a few seconds, then relented.

“You people can stay here and play hide the potato or whatever it is you do, I’m leaving.”

With Zizi there, she couldn’t get into more of a fight. And talking to the Six was like talking to blocks of wood, so she made her exit. She ducked back around the corner and resumed her original mission. It was time to load up for war.

 

[Oracle]

Outside Charope

Valkyrie left the scene, which Oracle imagined would go a long way to disarming the situation she had walked into, unfortunately. These mutants, mutates and metas, for all their powers, would not understand why Ashley was the way she was. They probably never would. All Zizi could do was guide everyone back to their common task.

ELIZABETH...ZIZI?? Bright lady....It IS you! In all the time that I've been BACK...

Alycia Barnett was out here, with the Six. It hadn't occurred to her that she would be here, considering Recall’s presence.

"Alycia! I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.”

Oh lord, she could imagine what Ashley had said to start all this commotion. Her hatred of the Amazons was legendary – and there was no way she would have let an opportunity to antagonize one, let alone TWO, pass by.

Alycia approached her and held out her hands.

“Oh girl, if you don’t give me a hug I’m not ever speaking to you again! I saw that you were in town earlier when I was monitoring Recall’s feed.”

Smiling broadly, she laughed as she embraced her old friend. While they hugged, Zizi whispered in Alycia’s ear.

“Of course I can’t condone violence against a teammate, but your fighting style was very impressive!”

Not even in my wildest imagination did I see us meeting again like THIS. It's ....GOOD to see you again! I am GLAD that you were not encompassed in the chaos brought about by Bishop.

“Oh, you know, since I’m not a mutant I escaped most of THAT. My father being who he is, no one’s going to look twice at me. And supers heading underground actually created MORE demand for my services. [holds up her hands] All in the name of good, I swear.”

She took a long look at Alycia.

“It’s so good to see you in person after so long. I know I should have called after you returned to the scene – Zach filled me in. I’m sorry you had to go through all that. Wow, you look fantastic.”

 

[MorningStar]

The Parthenon

I would have been released under my OWN power and resources. My nephew knew that. I told him to stay with Cameron and do what he could for him.

Delilah’s gaze didn’t leave Nicolas. She scoffed.

“Which turned out to be NOT MUCH.”

She turned her head toward Dominique.

"And you’re welcome.”

She sighed before continuing.

“Don’t think for a second that any directive from a higher up on this earth would have kept John Steele from going after you if he thought you had hurt those children. SET couldn’t keep him from you.”

Isis stopped her as her hand was on the doorknob.

Would you risk FAILING Cameron any more than you think my nephew & your other teammates have by rushing head long into something you cannot succeed in overpowering ALONE? THINK for a moment. I was nearly overcome by the Purifiers, who were PREPARED for me the second time I attacked them. Evidently, when they attacked your teammates, they were prepared and able to hold them at bay long enough to take Cameron. Do you not think they will not be prepared for YOU?

She took her hand off the doorknob, but didn’t turn around. She hated to admit that she Isis’ words were true. She probably couldn’t get past the Purifiers alone. Could she stay alive along enough to set him free, though? She stared at the back of the door, indecisive.

They had the means and WOULD have come here. CAMERON did not want his showplace being turned into a MORGUE and he CHOSE to leave here. There were many innocents in this building, many of them mutants.

She turned, to face Isis. Her voice was calm now, not angry.

“He doesn’t deserve to die because he wanted to save them.”

Cameron knew what was coming, they all did. They....WE also know that the battle is about to BEGIN and that we are coming for them.

Anger flashed again for an instant in her eyes.

“They KNEW and they just ACCEPTED it!”

She turned her face away, closing her eyes against how HELPLESS she felt.

“One person alone can't possibly hope to topple them, and reckless aggression and displays of brawn will be no more effective. YOU opened my eyes to that tonight, Delilah.

This surprised her. She turned her face back to Isis.

“I just wanted to DO something, ANYTHING to get to them before they got to him. I couldn’t just sit there and do nothing.”

I SUGGEST...That we continue as we have been. You return to your group, Delilah and I will stay together. Nicolas and I have our familial bond to communicate with…

Delilah nodded. She couldn’t let her mind focus on anything but doing whatever it took to get Cameron back. Even if that meant working with the Six.

The young man she had met earlier – Richard – returned. He passed Isis a flash drive.

This should do the trick for closing down the money train.

Delilah’s cop brain started moving. What was that all about?

She would definitely need to keep her eyes and ears open around these two.

Looking back to Nicolas, she pulled something out of her jacket pocket and tossed it to him.

"Give that to Haleigh. We took it off a Purifier. It's a mutant scanner. She might be able to do something with it."

 

[Rampage]

Delilah was upset and she did what Delilah does, but at least she gave Aunt D someone to ride with. So Nicolas tuned her out as he readied to depart. Richard showed up and...just not sure what it was...could be the LOOK he gave her, but got on Nicolas' final nerve. In any case, it was time to get back. And the Delilah shocked the hell out of him by speaking to him without malice or anger. He nearly lost his balance.

Looking back to Nicolas, she pulled something out of her jacket pocket and tossed it to him.

• 
  "Give that to Haleigh. We took it off a Purifier. It's a mutant scanner. She might be able to do something with it."

Be careful Aunt D, and thanks for being there with her Morningstar...and for this. We are gonna get him back D. Richard...

Nicolas manages to be nice to the help as he gives Dominique a peck on the forehead and teleports back...

...to Charope LLC. He saw a lady in a wheelchair and a METAL man along with the others he expected. What was it? Osmium? Titanium? Some form of Iron? Nicolas walked up as things - whatever they were- seemed to be wrapping up.

Ana-Leigh is safe. Time to get on with it.

 

[Steel]

Outside Charope

Valkyrie left. He would say she left in a huff, but Ashley’s huff was more of a maelstrom, so this was getting off easy for her. He should probably have gone after her, but he wasn’t going to leave Zizi alone with people he didn’t know, even if they were friends of Delilah. And besides, Ashley probably had forgotten this interaction had even existed by now, and she certainly wasn’t going to be wounded by it like someone else would be. If she wasn’t hundreds of years old he’d be worried about her mental state, but if she hadn't cracked by now he guessed she was okay being this way.

He looked to where she had disappeared around a corner.

“You know, I wouldn’t trust her with your boyfriends…or your girlfriends…but when it comes to a fight, if you are on her side you can trust her with your lives. When she goes to battle, it’s to win. In the years I’ve known her, I’ve never seen her waver from the big picture.”

He looked back to the assembled crowd. His body melted back to normal, as he changed from his metal form. A show of good faith.

“Delilah Trelaven always spoke so highly of all of you - I know you want to stop these things as much as we do. We all can help each other – the same way I’ve helped Oracle and she’s helped me and it sounds like helped some of you. You don’t have to trust us, but this thing affects all of us, affects KIDS, the future. Trust THAT. We need to fight this thing together. That’s the only way we’re going to win.”

His job was to protect mutants from humans – from what humans could do to them. So he maybe more than anyone else standing in that street knew what was at stake if they failed. It wasn’t only mutants being killed. The Purifiers left unchecked would snowball with violence spreading against mutants until ANYONE who was different would be removed from the world. That was not a world he was prepared to live in, and he would die before he let it happen.

 

[Black Widow]

Ashley: Was that supposed to be an insult? Everyone knows I like girls. In my bed, anyway.

OH..... she's ACTUALLY into girls. Well that's awkward.... it was kind of an asshole thing for me to say then, really...

"Whatever, are you gonna cry about it?"

Ashley: I’d say it’s nice to see you again, but, well...

"It REALLY isn't."

Alycia: You want to throw CARS at people? You think you're so powerful? It's much better to GIVE than to RECEIVE so how about a ROCKET from Black Widow AND abolt of DIVINE LIGHTNING from ME to YOU!

In her peripheral vision, Haleigh saw Alycia pull a sparkling bow out of thin air and grinned.

"Nice."

She commented to Alycia, even though The Mighty Valkyrie wasn't the least bit intimidated by the rocket launcher, or the fact that Alycia and Haleigh were actual bad-asses who sprung back up together like Charlie's fuccking Angels, armed to the teeth.

Ashley: I was a shield maiden to ODIN for gods sake, do you think I’m afraid of you and your little toys?

(Deadpan) "Okay, Nordic Princess Barbie."

Ashley: (about Zach) Oh don’t worry, we’re not fcuking. [pause] Yet.

Haleigh laughed. Was that some kind of threat? Was she supposed to be outraged or offended? She rolled her eyes.

"I'm not worried."

Zach: oh, did you two get off on the wrong foot? (He puts his hands together as if to pray, and looks up at the night sky) Gods, PLEASE let me be there with a gallon of ANY kind of oil when they start fighting.

Haleigh tossed a sharp glance his way, the kind of expression that says 'I am NOT amused'.

Zach: What? It'll be hot......

Alycia questioned Zach about bringing in the trash, and he started to say something, but Vivica came down the front stoop and did a thorough job of 'defending' the B-team.

Pretty much everybody joined them at that point, and pretty much everybody had something to say. All this talking and threatening was giving Haleigh a headache.

Haleigh gave a nod of hello to Steel when he was introduced, but this wasn't a meet&greet opportunity so she didn't say anything to him. Zizi, she already knew, and gave a small smile to. Surprisingly enough, Ashley had more than one person defending her, which told Haleigh that regardless of how abrasive the woman was, she must be worth a damn SOMEHOW. Haleigh may not LIKE the woman, but that honestly that DIDN'T matter in the long run. She didn't have to like it. If the bitch wanted to throw down, Haleigh was ready, but if they were all working towards the same goal? Haleigh had made far worse alliances in the name of success.

After a lengthy exchange of words, the two groups seemed to come to an understanding. It was a lot easier to do once Valkyrie was sent away.

"Okay, Oracle, let's coordinate something so we aren't ALL jammed at the front door trying to squeeze in first. No offense, but WE are more high-profile than you guys, and will attract a LOT of attention. So we should take the flashier approach, march right up Fifth Avenue and kick in the front doors. Ava, Simon, you're with me on Fifth. Blaze, Sharon, you two can fly, and would make great air support. Once we clear the courtyards, you can hit the second floor approach. If you get overwhelmed, fall back to our location. Alycia, with that bow, you'd be an excellent sniper. If you setup in the cathedral's bell tower, you can work your way down into the cathedral's main hall and strike from above as we take the main floor. Nicolas, you go with her and watch her back. Oracle, You take your crew, plus Zach and Viv, and approach the Cathedral from Madison Ave. Hit them from the opposite side and cut off any retreat."

 

[Rampage]

Haleigh took charge and set everyone up for the assault ahead. Alycia would be his dance partner and he winked at her as they were called out, then mouthed a phrase to her.

We will get them back.

As Hales wrapped up the assignments, Nicolas placed the item from Delilah and Dominique in her hand, then whispered in her ear.

D and Isis thought you could use this.

 

[Longshot]

Charope Inc.

< Simon just wasn't listening to anyone at this point. He could hear their words and he could understand that they were simply trying to talk him through his feelings but none of it was working. They may be able to compartmentalize the fact that so many children had been blown up by religious zealots but it wasn't going to be that easy for Simon. Even though Simon was incredibly quick on his feet and had a good and unwaivering sense of who he was, the way he was feeling now...was different. He didn't have a witty comeback or some kind of swarthy charm that would smooth this kind of situation over. Simon liked to live his life lighthearted and easy and felt that people should do the same. But every time he looked at those in the infirmary around him his mind went back to those kids. >

< What was worse was the he didn't know if he could trust the company he was with at the moment. For as strong and united as they were during times of battle..it seemed to Simon that unless The Six were fighting some kind of threat they could barely tolerate each other. Each person was wildly emotional and wildly angry about something or other. Even Vivica. The city was under attack by people who wanted to kill all mutants and what where they doing? Fighting each other over stupid things that just didn't matter. But they were also the only people in the world that he felt the slightest bit safe around. It was conflicting. >

< For now all the fighting seemed to cease as Vivica offered him a bit of comfort as she rubbed his leg and tried to give that warm smile that somebody might give a child who's puppy had just died. >

Vivica: "You're doing okay, Pratt. Remember our talk at The Parthenon? I told you to protect yourself..and you did. You saved a kid's life and you walked out of there alive. You did good..."

< Simon rolled his eyes for a second. >

"I can't imagine what good ME being alive versus forty innocent children who have done WAY less harm in their lives than I have does...but thanks.."

< Vivica didn't stop. >

Vivica: "Put that anger to good use, Simon. Put it towards the people who did it. Don't point it towards yourself..or the rest of this team. You may not have been fully aware of what you were getting yourself into with these people..but nobody lied to you either. This is their reality...and like it or not..it's a part of yours right now. And I know you..you're not going to walk away from them..so since that's the case? Trust 'em. Stay guarded...but trust them.."

"Please just shut up..."

< He nodded if only to get her to move on to something or somebody else. He couldn't understand why everybody was just sitting there talking. Nobody was doing anything. They were just talking with their words and their points and their reasons. All of it seemed pointless. >

< Soon, Alycia went go to make sure that Ana-Leigh got home safely and there was a second to breathe. Well less than a second because almost in an instant Vivica alerted the group to the situation. >

Vivica: "Alycia and Ana-Leigh are under attack outside!"

< A cold chill shot down through Simon's spine upon hearing Vivica's words. ANOTHER attack? Already! Why? How!? Didn't they already have what they wanted? Hadn't they already killed enough people for one day. Simon breathed in deeply and out as the group began to run outside. Ava had stopped for a moment and gone over to him. They hadn't so much as spoken since everything happened. She grabbed his hand. >

Ava: "Thank you...for what you did for me out there. I won't forget it....and neither will they [the six]. I know this is hard...and scary...but you need to pull it together and help us, okay? You have amazing abilities, Simon. You can use them to STOP these asshole and avenge those kids."

< He looked at her for a moment. Even in such a high stress situation she was the most beautiful woman in the room. There was nobody who held a candle to her. She was powerful, strong and after seeing what she was capable of..she was deadly. But there was a fragility about her that for whatever reason MADE Simon care about her...MADE him want to help her. >

Ava: "You with me?"

< Simon needed to make a decision. He could easily go home, plow through all liquor in his house. Call up a distraction to keep him occupied. He could forget about The Six altogether quite easily if he wanted to. But he could never forget those children. He could never forget the feeling he had when he realized that he had saved somebody..and he could never forget seeing Ava there...broken and weak. He needed to do something. He needed to look in the face the people who did this and he needed to BEAT them. To kill them in such a way that they would never be able to hurt anybody or anything ever again. >

< He nodded and off they went. >

< When he got to the scene he was expecting carnage and Purifiers and blood. He wasn't expecting to see a girl fight. Simon rolled his eyes and gritted his teeth as he watched some of the most powerful people in the world act like middle school mean girls. >

< There was a blonde woman that everybody seemed to hate. Vivica stepped in as the voice of reason but that didn't stop literally every single person from putting their two cents and bitching in. Thankfully a woman in a wheelchair and a tall black man with shiny skin showed up and seemed to be able to calm things down long enough for Haleigh to come up with a plan of action. >

< It looked as if he would be going with Haleigh and Ava. Simon perked up for the first time since the events that had left him throttled. >

"Not for nothing but I need a weapon of some kind. A big ass sword or maybe one of those bows that shoots lightning like Alycia..."

 

[Rampage]

< It looked as if he would be going with Haleigh and Ava. Simon perked up for the first time since the events that had left him throttled. >

"Not for nothing but I need a weapon of some kind. A big ass sword or maybe one of those bows that shoots lightning like Alycia..."

Nicolas knew who to call.

I got you man. Gimme a second.

Next thing Nicolas was commlinked with ARSENAL. The name speaks for itself.

Yeah, I need something for Simon. Yeah, the prettyboy Pratt kid. Yeah, he has probability powers but you could probably kick his ass in a one on one. Unless he has a sword. Yeah, fencing kid, probably Olympic tryout level at least. OK...on the left side? Gotcha. Be right back.

Nicolas teleported away and sure enough, he was back in about a minute, two tops.

Here, this should work for you. He gave Simon a sword, a leather belt with several small throwing knives attached and a few of what looked to be grenades and extra clips for what cam next, finally, a gun. He started to explain.

The throwing knives are only a few carbon atoms width at the blade, sharper than almost anything you will meet. You pull it, you throw it, the weighting does the rest. Idiot-proof. The grenades come in three flavors: White label is localized EMP, Black label is Cemtek explosive with a phosphorus flash and the green are Sulfuric/Nitric combo acid. You just activate and throw, try not to miss. The gun is an SP-21 Barak. The belt has additional custom-made 21-shot clips and the bullets are tungsten-coated hollow points and the sword, that sword is an alloy of titanium and carbide and perfectly balanced for speed. Got that? GOOD. Let's move.

Nicolas began to make his way to Alycia. His axe began to glow and dark runes began to etch its face...

 

[Artemis]

“Oh girl, if you don’t give me a hug I’m not ever speaking to you again! I saw that you were in town earlier when I was monitoring Recall’s feed.”

Smiling broadly, she laughed as she embraced her old friend.

While they hugged, Zizi whispered in Alycia’s ear.

“Of course I can’t condone violence against a teammate, but your fighting style was very impressive!”

:: Alycia closed her eyes as she embraced her old friend. It was quite the departure from the angry, aggressive demeanor she'd had for the better part of the evening::

:: Oracle whispered in her ear about the catfight between herself and Vivica. Suddenly, Alycia felt a bit...ASHAMED once again. That ugly moment had been not only been felt and seen byNicolas (& even HE only caught the tail end of it), but apparently that unruly viking bitch of the NORTH- Valkyrie, AND Oracle!?::

Oh...gawd...

:: But even with the knowledge of that altercation between herself and Vivica didn't seem to taint Oracle's memory and perception of Alycia. The woman went on to compliment Alycia's Amazonianfighting style!::

::There were FEW people that Alycia would feel the NEED to clarify and explain things to, but this young woman, who Alycia had help get her start on the path to where she is now, she DEFINITELY wanted to have a conversation with. But NOW was not the time::

:: Whispering back::

That was an ugly moment in time that I already regret. That kind of hostility and violence toward Vivica will never happen again.

:: Squeezing Oracle a bit tighter for a moment, silently expressing how deeply happy she was to see her again, Soon the two women let go and Alycia stood up.::

:: Nicolas arrived and announced that Ana-Leigh was safe!::

She's alright!? Where is she!?

:: Nicolas telepathically communicated to Alycia the status and whereabouts of Ana-Leigh and Alycia sighed with relief as she straightened up a bit listening to Black Widow and Oracle strike a truce and plan of action::


:: The time had come to lay aside any suspicion and differences that might exist between any one of the members in either group. This much was voiced by Steele, the large black man by Oracle's side.CLEARLY much had changed with the NYPD since Alycia's days as the ADA. ::

:: She took a moment to look at Steele, and nodded affirmative to him. She sensed his sincerity and was willing to accept his gesture of good faith toward their team, and RETURN it ::


You know Delilah? I worked with her quite a bit during my time as the ADA while she was on the force.

::while Alycia would just soon ram a bolt of zeus' divine lightning down Valkyrie's throat than look at her, more than one person, Steele in particular, sung her praises and lauded her ability in the battle field. UNLIKE Ashley, Amazons DID respect warriors of ALL backgrounds and orgins if they prooved themselvse. They had even been shown to WORK WITH MEN in times past and present. They welcomed to exchange of skill and knowledge and if Valkyrie was as good as her REP, then they'd NEED her help for sure.::


:: Black Widow put Alycia with Nicolas, She smiled and winked at him, while Simon voiced his desire to have a weapon similar to her's::


It was a gift from the Amazons, made by the goddess Artemis and blessed with world shattering power of zeus' divine lightning.Not since the blue moon have I had need of it. I'm going to ENJOY using it TONIGHT.


:: Her feminium bracelets shimmered as she stood by Nicolas' side. ::


::Simon was still there. He hadn't grown faint of heart and turn tail. Even though he was in the presence of mutants, mutates, amazons & metas, he remained and his heart cried out for vengeance for those children.Whatever Alycia thought of him before, for whatever reason, she respected him for standing up in the face of such evil, such logic defying evil.::


:: Still, he was woefully unprepared to face what they were going up against and Nicolas quickly provided options to remedy that. Alycia couldnt help but smirk a bit. Nicolas was ALMOST as much of a technophile as Haleigh.::

:: Everyone in the group had something that made them stand out, something that was their highlight. Even the new group they were now working with seemed to have stand out features about themselves. Oracle clearly had put her skills and talents- things Alycia saw in her from when they FIRST met- to good use!::

 

[Isis]

The Parthenon Hotel

:: Isis' words had registered with Delilah, as she suspected they would. The woman was having a hard time, but she was not BEYOND unreasonable and she was better able to ACT away from her team right now. Isis understood that, as she too often operated APART from the Sisterhood, more NOW as of late.::

You will have ample opportunity to aid your teammate, Delilah, AND strike a blow to the Purifiers they won't soon forget.

::Richard arrived and produced the flash drive. Isis quickly placed it back in the palm of his hand and closed his hand over it::

Excellent. Hold on to it for now.

:: Speaking to him via her "hearing thoughts spell":: - The young girl who is resting in my guest room is the intern of Alycia Barnett. They were working on destroying WilPharma and bringing down Stryker WITH it. I want you to collaborate with her. Make sure she
gets her information to Terra Save, along with the information YOU have compiled. the NYPD will be not only SHAMED for being woefully slow & inept on this matter, but FORCED to cooperate with higher level authorities as WilPharma is finally taken down & Stryker's entire team is investigated, while HE and his reputation is utterly ruined.

:: Richard nodded in silent agreement as he finally acknowledged Nicolas. The two of them were doing a far better job of at least...TOLERATING each other right now, which pleased Dominique.::

I overheard something about protection? What do you need me to do?

Richard stood, awaiting further orders. The others may as well have not been in the room.

I have a guest here. Ana-Leigh Moreau, the intern of Alycia Barnett. She was attacked by the purifiers just a while ago, but Nicolas contacted me in time and I was able to restore her.
She is now resting in my guest room. I want you to stay here and watch over her, protect her.

and TALK to her when she awakens, let her know that you two have a shared goal and that together you can accomplish it beyond the effect either of you would have individually!

Do WHATEVER you have to do to defend her AND my sanctuary from any intrusion. My magickal wards will buy you time, but the Purifiers have prooven to be most resourceful and heavily armed. They were prepared for me this evening and they may have methods to POSSIBLY evade my wards around this suite.

:: Nicolas bid his aunt farewell and Dominique lightly embraced him as he kissed her on her forehead. It was...becoming easier to express warmth and even affection toward her nephew, even in the presence of others.::

:: Richard had been so accustomed to Isis being so guarded and on edge regarding Nicolas and the threat of Set, he took on much of that seriousness regarding the man, but even HE was finding it easierto at least TOLERATE the man. If the Black Queen was at ease, he could relax...a LITTLE.::

:: looking at Delilah::

Are you ready?

:: Delilah nodded::

:: Isis looked at Richard::

Be safe, my Black Knight. We shall meet again.


:: She noticeably was still carrying her sceptre. A sign than that she would be channeling HIGH levels of the power she channeled through the goddess of rebirth and magick::

:: She lifted her hands, igniting a teleporting spell as two golden columns of golden energy beamed down upon her and Delilah, teleporting them away from the Parthenon toward their
destination::

::Next stop, St. Patrick's cathedral::

 

[Oracle]

Outside Charope

Alycia seemed embarrassed by Zizi commenting on her fight with Vivica – not what she had intended in the slightest.

That was an ugly moment in time that I already regret. That kind of hostility and violence toward Vivica will never happen again.

Zizi squeezed Alycia’s hand.

“I know, lady. I know.”

She smiled warmly. It wasn’t her place to judge people, as long as she knew they had good hearts.

"Okay, Oracle, let's coordinate something so we aren't ALL jammed at the front door trying to squeeze in first. No offense, but WE are more high-profile than you guys,

She held up her hands.

“None taken.”

Her team, in fact, prided themselves on being out of the spotlight.

and will attract a LOT of attention…Oracle, You take your crew, plus Zach and Viv, and approach the Cathedral from Madison Ave. Hit them from the opposite side and cut off any retreat."

“That works. JSYK I also have another team member meeting us onsite. Her specialty is more…close quarters combat. But she’s experienced – just point her at the bad guys and she won’t disappoint. Valkyrie will move in first from our side – when she distracts them that will be your opportunity to make your push forward. The others will contain and tighten the vise from our side.”

She nodded satisfactorily.

“BTW – Black Widow, Clandestine did a FABULOUS job cleaning up that accident scene. This was the only SPECK of evidence we could find, and that was just by a stroke of luck.”

She tossed her the chip they had found.

“It’s a piece of the missile guidance system. Clearly the same tech as those mech suits they attacked you with. I’m assuming they will have made improvements to their security after last time, but I’ll do what I can to help you.”

She took a deep breath. Time to go. Then she remembered.

“And one more thing: I suspect you may have at least one magick user on your team. The Purifers attacked Isis with the Black Lotus Flower. Thankfully MorningStar was there and knew what it was. She mentioned it being a favorite of Malice, but Isis didn’t seem to think she was involved. The Purifiers have found a way to weaponize it into an aerosol. If any of your people are affected, they need to be taken to fresh air immediately”.

 

[Steel]

Outside Charope

Black Widow outlined her plan – she was clearly this team’s leader. Which was okay by him – she clearly knew the layout and her plan was sound. He thought she might be acting a little bit too cautious by throwing them all together rather than spreading them out, but he could understand that she hadn’t seen them in battle before and didn’t know that they could handle it.

He noticed Oracle’s beautiful lawyer friend eyeing him up and down again.

You know Delilah? I worked with her quite a bit during my time as the ADA while she was on the force.

He smiled genuinely.

“Yes, she served with me during her time on the force. I tried to be a support for her, where I could. It’s not easy, being a mutant in that line of work and having to hide what you are. I know it was you all, her friends, who got her through it though. She mentioned you, Alycia, as a [laughs] as a real ball buster.”

 

[Matrix]

So now Rich had the plan. He was on guard duty combined with ruin-a-dead-man's rep duty. Not quite like kicking some ass, but orders were orders.

Nicolas and Miss D seemed more cool, so he figured that MAYBE he would not have to kill him. Jury was still out, but the deliberations looked to be in his favor at the moment.

:: Isis looked at Richard::

Be safe, my Black Knight. We shall meet again.


:: She noticeably was still carrying her sceptre. A sign than that she would be channeling HIGH levels of the power she channeled through the goddess of rebirth and magick::

:: She lifted her hands, igniting a teleporting spell as two golden columns of golden energy beamed down upon her and Delilah, teleporting them away from the Parthenon toward their
destination::

Miss D!

As she was weaving her teleportation spell, Richard reached inside the beam, grasping her upraised hand and holding it a second. It was a MOST un-Black Knight-like move, but they weren't ALWAYS a typical Queen and Knight pair. Isis paused, looking upon the young man. Her gaze was not irritated, not at all. It was obvious that the young man's loyalty was returned by the Black Queen.

You be easy. You need me, holla.

He let her go and she refocused, continuing the spell...and then she was gone. Rich went into the kitchen and grabbed a large bowl of fruit and cheeses, eating as he walked into the bedroom.

May as well see what we have in here...

 

[Seer]

LATER

<< The Right & The Choir are ready to move out. Taking positions inside and outside/around the cathedral.>>

<< The men seem excited for the coming "holy war", but there are those few among them that have something else in their hearts. FEAR.>>

<< Sister Mary Justice, Sarah Smythe and the "Sentinel" sentries move quickly. The sentries drag Cameron and Cass to the main floor of the church, throwing them down onto the main alter and binding them in place. They are being prepped for something and Cameron, at the moment, seems to be "ALONE" as poor Cass has apparently fragmented in her psyche. He tries to get at least a basic answer from his captors as to what's going on, and his promptly greeted with a slap across the face as Mary orders him to be silent.>>


<< there are members of the "Choir" perched high above in the barrel vaulted ceiling of the cathedral, while other purifiers are dressed in their battlegare, complete with face masks and high powered weaponry such as blades made of vibranium, magnetic wands, sonic bombs and various anti-mutant weaponry that can harm the members of the Six.>>

<< While the guards post in various places throughout the cathedral, the armored soldiers of THE RIGHT are now outside.>>

<< Sister gives calls for silence as she says a quick prayer and then instructs Sarah to activate the ghost box portal to send Purifiers to the designated targets: Shadow Weaver and Arsenal, and Ana-Leigh.>>

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

<< While the Purifiers marshall their forces and stand ready to battle, the Six, having been assigned to various points of approach by Black Widow begin to make their way toward the Cathedral and soon can SEE just some of what is waiting for them! Black Widow's immediate group marches up 5th Avenue, their desire to not only defy but DESTROY the Purifiers builds with each closing step. We briefly see Firebird and Silver Swan flying over head before they too move into a position provide air support. Oracle's team makes their way up Madison Avenue but they see the back end is as fortified as the front. They face DOZENS. Charope and Rampage make their way up the bell tower.>>

<< The pieces of a portrait of battle are almost in place>>
-------------------------------

<< Harbinger and Tachyon, who have been present the longest, are now poised to move, with Harbinger zeroing in on a man inside one of the large suits of battle armor that she has "SEEN" would defect from the group out of FEAR.>>

<< She intends to use that fear to THEIR advantage, for she and Tachyon have perhaps the most dangerous task of all, neutralzing the NIMROD inside of the cathedral>>

-------------------------------
<< MorningStar and Isis arrive on the ground floor of the bell tower, but they find a SURPRISE waiting for THEM. One that couldnt be LESS wanted by DELILAH at this moment.>>

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

<< We see a side by side view of the private hospital where Arsenal and Shadow Weaver are, and the Parthenon, in Isis' suite where Richard Martin watches over Ana-Leigh.>>

<< The young mutant will have to work quickly to convince Ana-Leigh of their shared goal and soon ALL of these people will be doing the same thing as the Six and the Birds of Prey,
FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVES>>
--------------------------------

<< As the Six and the Birds of Prey close in, they hear the Purifiers singing and chanting. The moment to strike is nearly at hand>>

 

[Mary Justice]

<< Inside the Cathedral >>

<< Mary Justice seems quite oblivious to the fact that the Nimrod component, a.k.a. her "gift of visions" has grown and changed its size and shape several times since she first received it. It now has large humanoid dimensions , but it remains like a statue, brodcasting data and events of this timeline for her.>>

<< She has brought her prisoners, the godless creatures Cassandra and Cameron up to the main floor and placed them on the alter. As Cameron, who still seems to be coherent despite the amount of physical punishment he's endured, attempts to question where they are and what's happening, >>

SILENCE!

<< She slaps him across the face once more with her energy baton as he as dragged by the Sentries and thrown down onto the alter>>

Your voice, your very role in all of this, is about to come to a most deserved END.

<< She declares as he and Cassandra are bound>>

From the gift of visions, I have seen what must be done with you and how best to do it. Your blood will herald the beginning of god's sword of righteousness striking with terrible, swift but JUST ferocity.

You shall be returned to the abyss from which you spawned, and we will continue on, as god's mighty army, heeding his call and carrying out his will until ALL of the devil's children are removed from this earth. This place was not meant to be overrun with unnatural, unholy VERMIN like you!

<< She says with contempt as she glares at Cameron.>>


<< As she draws near and SLAMS her energy baton down into his chest and delivers another painful blast>>


Sarah: The two strike forces are ready to move out to their assigned targets!

Mary: Well, give them the go ahead.

<< She turns back to the Nimrod>>

We know that more of the devil's children are coming. We must not be afraid. We are given the spirit of power and sound minds! We have the full ARMOR of god (The right) and the wings of the holy spirit (the choir)! We are NOT afraid!

<< She lifts her hands and all the purifiers present in the church clap and cheer>>

They shall be purified with blood...and FIRE!

<< looking UP to the heavens>>

We shall PURGE THEM and make this land safe and fit for GOD'S children once more!