The rose fades to black

[Seer]

<< And so...>>

<< Just as Silver Swan and MorningStar arrive outside of the bar to survey Domino stuck in the jumbotron, they are greated by the mysterious sight of the jumbotron, along with the pig n'whistle, and other smaller structures damaged by the "free-for-all, repairing themselves, along with a dry, and rather ANNOYED voice calling out to Silver Swan.>>

<< Domino was freed from her stuck position, and quickly evacuated by Fathom, leaving the two women standing there. Rather than be face any onlookers to explain anything, they too depart, but before MorningStar can talk to Silver Swan, Sharon exlaims one name: "ROSE!" and zooms away before Delilah can even form the question "what's wrong?">>

<< Domino and Fathom return to the mansion, and immediately join the rest of the White Court down in the Catacombs, where they see the rest of the inner circle is present as well!>>

<< MorningStar returns to Charope, LLC to look in on Bishop. She is greeted by Tachyon, who informs her that Charope herself rushed out of the building as well, it had something to do with Rose.>>

<< Moments later, Tachyon would be advised by Oracle that Black Widow had attacked Rose's sanctuary, trying to steal one of her children, a confrontation ensued and the child was shot. Rose nearly killed Haleigh, and left her for dead on the street before rushing the child to the hospital.>>

<< Delilah then knew THAT must have been why Sharon and Alycia took off. Because Haleigh had been so near the area, Delilah decided to stay with Tachyon in Charope LLC, to keep watch over Bishop. >>

<< Bishop was just with Alycia moments earlier, and heard her scream before she tore out of the building. He and Delilah would discuss what they'd just learned, and other things as well.>>

----------------------------------------------------------------
<< At the Parthenon>>

<< Spellbinder has lead Hellion to the floor that contains her mother's satellite office. It was time for them to have a private talk.>>

<< Matrix and Ruby continued to converse in the Starlight Lounge, while waiting for Firebird and Recall, who were concluding their urgent, private discussion. >>


----------------------------------------------------------------
<< At the Clock tower>>

<< Oracle and Titan were now preparing to leave for the Sanctuary.>>

<< Steel would meet them there, in order to keep anyone else from the NYPD away from there.>>

<< There, the trio would see evidence of the furious battle that had occurred outside of the buildings, in the middle of the street, as well as the gates on one end of the block that Black Widow had blown off their hinges. Steel would even discover the car that Haleigh had stashed several blocks away.>>

<< The Sanctuary was on red alert.>>

<< Oracle's first task would be to somehow bring it out out of red alert status, or they'd have one hell of a gauntlet to run before they could even get inside one of the buildings!>>

<< they needed to find the remaining children, who had been well trained in what to do if the sanctuary went into red alert. The older ones, particularly those with physical, strength powers would gather the smaller/weaker ones and infants, and lead them to an underground safe bunker that was well equipped and designed to withstand a variety of events/threats.>>

<< the knew the quickest route, using secret passages in the connected buildings that would shield them from most forms of detection.>>

<< Among the older orphans was Katie, the young girl that Silver Swan, better known to the orphans as "Wonder Woman", saved from the purifiers. >>

<< Some of the younger/weaker children were very scared, and the the three babies, including the one Isis had saved from the purifiers, were crying. The children's collective terror registered with ISIS, who WAS at the parthenon with Cameron, Arsenal and Shadow Weaver, but soon APPEARED before Oracle and Titan.>>

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

<< The Hellfire Mansion, the catacombs>>

<< Scion, half dead from her violent confrontation with Rose, the hybrid manages to summon the last amount of coherent thought and power she can muster to send herself "back to base." Send herself back to the one person that can possibly HELP HER. She doesn't even know why she bothers, but as Rose stated, she's at war with herself, she's in the midsts of a true existential crisis, and so part of her wants to die, but that other part, that ALL humans have, the part that wants to SURVIVE, wins out this time. No matter how she came to be here, or her unique circumstances, she, like all other mutants, IS a human at her core.>>

<< Although now she may have just sent herself out of the frying pan and into the fire, for she is not remotely aware that she appears before Malice, Ravena, and the Red and Black Queens, but also the assembled inner circle! She's on the FLOOR in the center of the control room. >>

<< Scion HAS to know that on some level, not even DEATH would allow her to escape frmo MALICE. >>

<< The rest of the Inner Circle will have a chance to witness the almost...SURGICAL application of Malice's power, along with a glimpse of Ravena's mystical abilities, as they work together to revive and restore a badly hurt Scion...but this does NOT mean she will not face the PUNISHMENT she has earned.>>

-------------------------------------------
<< The hospital>>

<< Orion arrives, and as expected, he encounters a WALL of resistance from the staff, HIPAA and all...but they don't know about the packet of consent forms, and other medical documents that are on file, created by Alycia some time ago signed off on by Rose herself, listing Zach on her release forms, along with Sharon and Alycia, as part of her "legal team" and that they have access.>>

<< He has to flash his credentials and compell the lead nurse to pull up Rose's file, but eventually he's allowed to pass.>>

<< As he reaches the floor where Rose and Jake are, What he finds is that Sharon and Alycia are already here, and they are BOTH looking at him as though he were the scum of the earth>>

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

Oracle: Of course, of course we can, Zach honey. Are you sure you don't want one of us to come with you?

He shook his head silently. With Rose out with Jake, it would be better to have a couple defenders at the Sanctuary in case Hellfire renewed their kidnapping efforts. He dreaded what he was going to find at the hospital, and his mind was jumbled with questions.

Every time he told himself that it couldn't get any worse, it did. There was little hope left, and he now believed, without a doubt, Malice had full control of Haleigh. He choked back a sob wondering how Haleigh could possibly have thought that giving herself over to Hellfire was better than the alternative. She MUST have thought that her loved ones would die if she didn't. It was the only explanation, but it didn't make this any easier.

Oracle: Everything is going to be okay. Even though it doesn't seem like it now. For all of us.

He looked at her as she touched his arm, and then he remembered to breathe, and sucked a sharp breath in. Her compassion was like a life jacket in stormy seas, keeping him afloat. He managed a weak smile.

Oracle: You be careful Zach - no one's off the table now. Whether she's in control of her actions or not... no one's safe.

He nodded grimly, and watched her leave, before reaching for his watch.

He appeared on the Helipad of the hospital, and dashed to the door. These rooftop access points were never locked or guarded, and there was no one here to see his arrival.

He stopped at the nearest directory, his sense of urgency apparent as he searched for the Intensive Care Unit on the listing. The elevator couldn't take him fast enough. The whole hospital was awash with anxiety and despair, but it was especially bad as he passed the main waiting room on the ICU floor.

He rushed to the nursing station. His concern was more than evident, but the nurses seemed inoculated to distress. He tried to remember his manners.

"Excuse me, I'm here for Jacob O'Reilly."

Nurse: Are you his father?

"No, he's an orphan, but--"

Nurse: Well, I can only let legal guardians or Child Protective Services have access--

"I'm Ambassador Zachary Armani."

He said, reaching for his wallet.

Nurse: Honey, I don't care if you're the President of the United States--

"Dei, ho intenzione di esplodere questa signora!"

He exclaimed, and the nurse stared at him blankly. He took a deep breath steadied himself. Presenting his I.D., he mustered all the patience he had left.

"If you'll check your files, you'll find I'm an authorized visitor."

She relented quickly after that, and gave him the room number and brief directions. He thanked her and hurried through the double doors. When he turned the last corner, he found Sharon and Alycia there, unhappy to see him. He didn't seem to care about that.

"Where is he? Does he need blood? We're the same type."

 

[MorningStar]

Times Square

Delilah couldn’t help but laugh, standing on the sidewalk admiring Sharon’s handiwork: Domino stuck in the Times Square jumbotron. She had to admit that standing amid the wanton destruction, it felt good. And it was nice to see Sharon looking a bit less distressed.

A good-looking guy yelled to Sharon

"SILVER SWAN! You destroy ONE MORE THING in MY CITY...and I will TURN IT AGAINST YOU! This is your FIRST and ONLY warning!"

All around them, things started to fix themselves.

“Well that’s no fun.”

But it saves a large clean-up bill.

Domino and Fathom quickly left the scene. Delilah crossed her arms and looked to Sharon.

“Now, that just seems like cheating.”

Shrugging, she and Sharon move away from the scene. Delilah opened her mouth to bridge the subject of the video, and how Sharon might be faring with that, when Sharon suddenly cried out and flew away.

Okay, I guess I’ll find my own way back.

She caught a cab back to Charope. Entering the infirmary, she saw no sign of Alycia, but Xavier was there still.

“Hey, Xavier. Where is everyone?”

She gave him a smile.

Learning that Alycia had gone to see Rose, and then that Haleigh had attacked Rose, Delilah gasped.

“I just hope the child is okay.”

And I hope Haleigh is dead.

She looked over to the room where Bishop had been put. She shook her head.

How can I think that?

Truth be told, she didn’t know what to think. But she was certain that a Haleigh that could make an attack like that? Not the Haleigh she had thought she knew.

And the sanctuary is not that far from here…

“I’m just going to go in and sit with Bishop for a while.”

And keep an eye on him.

“I’m glad you’re here, though.”

She smiled again and went into Bishop’s room, sitting in the chair next to the bed.

 

[Oracle]

Outside the Clocktower

Andrew pulled up to the front of the Clocktower and hopped out to help Zizi into the SUV. Once she was strapped into the passenger seat, he started them towards Rose’s sanctuary.

Zizi pressed a finger to her earpiece and spoke to Steel, letting him know what was going on.

Steel [via com]: “Roger that Oracle. I’ll get my people over there to set up a perimeter and keep out any lookie lous – or other NYPD that might get curious.”

Next, she contacted Tachyon.

[via com] “Tachyon, be on alert: Black Widow has attacked Rose’s Sanctuary, and attempted to kidnap of the children. The child was shot and Rose nearly killed Black Widow before rushing the child to the hospital – leaving Black Widow for dead. Please use your best judgment whether you are needed more at Charope or meeting us there. Titan and I are en route. Steel will meet us there as well.”

Pulling up to the sanctuary was like entering a war zone. Debris was everywhere. Everything was smashed up – and Oracle knew that this was not how Rose normally kept her neighborhood.

Andrew let out a low whistle as he pulled the car over. He helped Zizi into her chair and they approached the building. Zizi grabbed Andrew’s arm, preventing him from going ahead.

“The security systems are on red alert. I need to disable them before we go in there or we’re likely to get barbecued as soon as we take a step inside.”

Accessing the control pad on her arm, a screen projected in front of her and she started to hack the system.

“I need 45 seconds.”

Gabe could do it in 30.

Oh shut up, will you?!

 

[Bishop]

Charope – Infirmary

Bishop heard voices outside the room where they had put him – much better than being out in the hallway. And shortly Delilah walked in and sat next to him.

“Okay, two things. One: I thought I told you to go hang out with Sharon and not sit here and be bored? And two: I am really done with lying in bed.”

He looked up at her with a smirk.

“Two more things. One: I’m really glad you’re here. And two: I hate to say it but I think something might be wrong because Alycia flew out of here like a bat out of hell.”

Delilah laughed.

Delilah: “Sharon ditched me. But for a good reason. So I thought I would keep you company.”

He took her hand.

“Care to share what’s going on?”

Her face told him it was something she had hoped to keep a secret. She sighed.

Delilah: “Haleigh attacked Rose’s sanctuary and tried to kidnap one of the children. She was left for dead after the child was hurt and Rose rushed him to the hospital. That’s where Sharon and Alycia went. I assume.”

Okay, that’s it.

He threw his legs over the side of the bed and started pulling at the various lines running into him.

“I’m a make sure that bitch is dead.”

 

[MorningStar]

Charope – Infirmary

“Okay, two things. One: I thought I told you to go hang out with Sharon and not sit here and be bored? And two: I am really done with lying in bed. Two more things. One: I’m really glad you’re here. And two: I hate to say it but I think something might be wrong because Alycia flew out of here like a bat out of hell.”

She laughed and smiled genuinely down at him.

“Sharon ditched me. But for a good reason. So I thought I would keep you company.”

He reached out for her hand and she let him, their fingers twining together.

“Care to share what’s going on?”

She sighed. She really hadn’t wanted to tell him about Haleigh, but he would know she was lying if she tried to keep it from him now.

“Haleigh attacked Rose’s sanctuary and tried to kidnap one of the children. She was left for dead after the child was hurt and Rose rushed him to the hospital. That’s where Sharon and Alycia went. I assume.”

Maxim sat up and looked like he was trying to pull out his IV and other tubes and wires. She put a hand on his chest, pushing him back down onto the bed.

“What are you doing? Stop that.”

“I’m a make sure that bitch is dead.”

“The hell you are. She already almost killed you once today. You and I are staying here.”

Bishop: “Almost. So what’s your point? Get a witch to meet me there. She can witchy woo me again.”

“Do not make me embarrass you by using my powers to put you in a cage. Because I will do it.”

She gave him “the look”. He finally stopped trying to get up.

Bishop: “She attacked a kid, Delilah. We can’t let her get away with that.”

She looked at him, slightly perturbed.

“And you think I’m going to just ‘let her’ get away with that? It’s being handled. And when the time is right you and I can be in on the payback but right now, you need to heal. Now”

She paused, regaining her composure.

“You almost said Alycia’s name before like you were feeling concern for her, so…what’s up with that? Bonding while I was away, were you?”

 

[Lord Ravena]

A teleportation spell, and Lord Ravena appears in the Catacombs as asked. He takes his place, nodding to each Queen in turn and holding his gaze with Helena an extra second, an unspoken apology transmitted wordlessly. He looks at the others in turn as he relaxes, noting the glimmer in Alek's eyes as they meet for just a moment. He stifled a laugh as he prepared or the nights festivities.

Domino and Fathom bring up the rear, making it in and looking as if they had been in a fight. Lord Ravena wished he had spent time with THEM. Nothing makes the blood race like battle.

And now...an appearance by the Prodigal Princess! But she was not well, her spirit, her very SOUL was damaged and her body ravaged! He knew that this would not do and so he reached out with his magics, lifting the child off the floor and mending her body as he speaks with authority.

As he who commands both darkness and light, I bar the way to the afterlife!
Wayward spirit, drifting to light
You are NOT AUTHORIZED to leave this night.

The assembled could see the faintest ghost of Scion settle back into her body and.....GASP!! for air.

That is her spirit and body Diana, her mind is YOURS.

The skill with which they worked together was amazing, emblematic of a pair that worked in such a way for a very long time. But in all honesty, this was two masters at work, bending the rules of life and death to their whim...

 

[Matrix]

I was making my way up this thigh when Vivica borrowed Blaze for a bit. She promised to bring her back and she seemed OK, at least not mad at ME so I turned more to Cass while I waited. She was really pretty, nice, a little quiet but sometimes those were the wild ones. I looked at her as she enjoyed her drink, but I DID have a question.

None of my business...but you are GORGEOUS. Where is your date this evening?

High risk, but I was curious. I meant no harm, but I am a country boy at heart...we are nosy people.

 

[Steel]

Alphabet City

Hands in the pockets of his wool coat, he tailed Ashley through the streets of the East Village. She didn’t appear to be actively looking for Sharon, nor was she doing any damage. She was just walking.

Then Oracle was in his ear. Rose’s sanctuary had been hit, apparently by Black Widow, and a child had been injured.

[via com] “Roger that Oracle. I’ll get my people over there to set up a perimeter and keep out any lookie lous – or other NYPD that might get curious.”

He had to break off his tail on Ashley, and trust that she wouldn’t get herself into any trouble she couldn’t get herself out of. He hated to leave, but the children at Rose’s were more important. Calling his team from the cab, once he arrived he saw that Oracle and Titan were already there.

His team was also starting to arrive, so he set them to creating a perimeter around the complex. They were all mutants, and so knew the importance of what they were doing. Because of his standing in the NYPD, he was able to get them seniority over other rank and file officers, so they would be able to keep the rest of the force away as well.

Having seen to that, he returned to the assembled members of the BOP. Andrew thankfully no longer looked like he was going to pass out, and Zizi looked better as well.

“Where are the others?”

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – Starlight Lounge

:: Something about this entire gathering was OFF somehow. Blaze wasn’t acting like herself, and Vivica wasn’t the only one who noticed. Cass DEFINITELY noticed that her friend was acting strangely as well. She was also quiet. She didn’t know what to make of this Derek Forrester dude either. ::

What am I even doing here? I’d rather watch paint dry.

:: Apparently she wasn’t the only one who thought so as Andrew took off like a bat out of hell almost as soon as Morgan and Derek left. Vivica then grabbed Blaze by the arm and dragged her away for an important conversation. Cass hoped that they would both be okay. Blaze was her BFF and Vivi was quickly becoming a close friend as well. She glanced over at Rich. ::

And then there were two.

:: She wasn’t thrilled about it either. Sure, he was nice and polite, but she wasn’t at all attracted to him. There was also something that creeped her out about him too. She didn’t know what, though, and she couldn’t put her finger on it. But she would play nice since Blaze was thisclose to banging him. She took another sip of her apple martini. ::

None of my business...but you are GORGEOUS. Where is your date this evening?

:: Cass practically choked on her drink. Who the HELL did he think he was, asking such a personal question?! She shot him a withering look. ::

“You’re ABSOLUTELY right…that is NONE of your damn business!!”

:: She slammed down her glass with force. ::

“What, just because we hung out the other night means that you can ask me all kinds of questions?! I don’t even KNOW you! How DARE you ask me that kind of question!!”

:: She hoped that Blaze and Vivica would come back soon. ::

 

[Matrix]

:: Cass practically choked on her drink. Who the HELL did he think he was, asking such a personal question?! She shot him a withering look. ::

“You’re ABSOLUTELY right…that is NONE of your damn business!!”

:: She slammed down her glass with force. ::

“What, just because we hung out the other night means that you can ask me all kinds of questions?! I don’t even KNOW you! How DARE you ask me that kind of question!!”

:: She hoped that Blaze and Vivica would come back soon. ::

I smiled back. THAT answered a lot.

My apologies. You are right. It IS absolutely none of my business. But I hope that whoever hurt you got theirs. You seem like good people.

I took a couple of bites and continued.

Now that I completely overstepped my bounds....how about this weather?

I continued to eat. I either made her REALLY hate my guts or maybe...just maybe...nah, she probably hates my guts. See, THIS is why I stick to what I know. Fucking shit up. Not all of this talking and hanging and shmoozing or whatever the fuck they call it.

I am THIS close to walking the fuck outta here....

 

[Tachyon]

So the group was all sorted out, Alycia and Xavier watching Bishop. Xavier decided that he would scan the area again, something seemed amiss. He made 170 unique laps around the campus, literally checking every nook and cranny when he heard yelling and a crash. Coming up, he saw Bishop and Alycia talking, connecting, he was helping her and so, he gave them their privacy as she spoke ill of her ex. A real creep, that.

After a few minutes Alycia exclaimed, running off in a hurry to leave Tachyon with Bishop as she went to the Sanctuary. Delilah arrived and Xavier explained Alycia's absence, so Delilah resolved to stay to help watch.

Xavier was content to watch the video feed without sound as the pair had a moment, until he saw the idiot get up as if to leave. Delilah seemed to be reasoning with him when Xavier was made to pause my a communique from Oracle.

“Tachyon, be on alert: Black Widow has attacked Rose’s Sanctuary, and attempted to kidnap of the children. The child was shot and Rose nearly killed Black Widow before rushing the child to the hospital – leaving Black Widow for dead. Please use your best judgment whether you are needed more at Charope or meeting us there. Titan and I are en route. Steel will meet us there as well.”

Geez. These birds were busy. And now the kids?! Thankfully, Bishop seemed to be listening to reason...SLIGHTLY, as Tachyon ran into the Infirmary.

“The hell you are. She already almost killed you once today. You and I are staying here.”

Bishop: “Almost. So what’s your point? Get a witch to meet me there. She can witchy woo me again.”

“Do not make me embarrass you by using my powers to put you in a cage. Because I will do it.”

She gave him “the look”. He finally stopped trying to get up.

Bishop: “She attacked a kid, Delilah. We can’t let her get away with that.”

She looked at him, slightly perturbed.

“And you think I’m going to just ‘let her’ get away with that? It’s being handled. And when the time is right you and I can be in on the payback but right now, you need to heal. Now”

She paused, regaining her composure.

“You almost said Alycia’s name before like you were feeling concern for her, so…what’s up with that? Bonding while I was away, were you?”

Yeah, they are regular buds now....ALMOST. Look, if you can guarantee me that your companion can stay in his bed, I plan to go try to help the kids. Delilah...the panic button is under the left side of the gurney. If he leaves or anyone other than someone you trust comes, hit it and I will be here before your finger loses contact.

Xavier looks at Bishop.

I get that you want to help, that you want to have a toss as these fuckers, and that's fine. But all in due time, yes? Anyway, don't give the lady any trouble. I think she'd kick your arse.

Flashing a half-smile, he appears to disappear to them both as he accelerates...

...pulling up to the Sanctuary with the assembled team. The scene was bleak. He stopped just by Steel and Zizi.

“Where are the others?”

Tachyon present and accounted for. Delilah has Bishop. What are we to do next?

 

[Firebird]

The Parthenon- Starlight Lounge

"I don't need a guardian, Blaze. I needed knowledge. Knowledge that I could have used to protect MYSELF. Take care of MYSELF. It wouldn't have stopped Ava from doing what she did, but all I am saying is that I wish I had more than a few hours of time to process things before I was facing off against a GODDESS on the streets of New York."

Did she think it was any EASIER for the the Victoria family, or the Six, after Haleigh dropped that truth bomb on them, and then LEFT them to pick up the pieces of her destruction?! The unfortunate reality was that actions like this have ripple effects that travel out far and wide, and here they BOTH were, LIVING that harsh reminder. It was EASIER for Blaze to focus on tangible things she could control, like protecting Recall from someone like Persephone, but without even thinking about it, Blaze could turn into Morgan when it came to trying to control situations, OR protect her loved. Michael and Nicolas had seen this before in her as well.

"I can't stay at The Parthenon...and I won't. This place isn't my life anymore, and neither are many of the people who live here. If it weren't for you Blaze, my ass wouldn't even be here. I'm not trying to make you feel bad, or say that you can't have a reaction. But if we care about each other like we say we do, then I should be ALLOWED to have an opinion on your actions, because you should KNOW that I'm not coming from a malicious place, but a place of concern."

"Of course. You're right."

Blaze said softly. Viv was right. Blaze on edge, but Viv wasn't here to start a fight with her. She came here, despite this place turning her stomach, BECAUSE of Blaze. What did that say about her, and how she felt about Blaze?

"You're going through a lot, Blaze. And I've never been in the place you are right now. So I'm doing my best to try and understand. You have every right to protect your family, but you have to be real. It's not just your family effected by this. It's not JUST your family you should be looking out for. You care about these people despite your feelings right now. You are allowed to be angry, you are allowed to lash out, lord knows I've done my fair share lately, but you HAVE to be able to separate that from what's going on right now."

"You've seen what division of your team looks like before. It led to The Inferno. It led to damage that is still there for a lot of your friends. Even relationships who've seen progress still are fractured from it, unable to move forward. I know you Blaze..and you can deal a HELL of a lot of righteous anger when you feel it necessary. But you don't want that kind of guilt on your hands, to know that right now, when there is still a chance of maintaining a united front, that you helped let The Six's legendary propensity towards PACK MENTALITY take over. Mad as you might be now, you're going to be a hell of a lot more mad at yourself when the dust settles and people you cared about are dead. Being RIGHT about things won't take away that pain."

Blaze pulled away from Vivica. She validated her feelings of confusion, ANGER, and lashing out. People like Cameron and Delilah always wanted her to shut up, she was THROUGH tolerating their hypocrisy, and where her family was concerened, she WOULD dish out whatever PUNISHMENT she felt necessary to protect them. But Vivica held up a "mirror" of sorts. If she let herself and Morgan slip into a certain mode, it could end up doing more harm than good for them, for EVERYONE, and then, when the dust settled, it wouldn't be "The Justicer" that Blaze had to worry about....it wouldve been HERSELF.

"All of you are still here. Within these walls. Maybe not communicating, but it means something. Whatever happens to Haleigh and Ava? Well, that's on them. Is it fair what Haleigh did? Was it right? Hell no, it wasn't. But your family will survive these revelations and their implications, because that's what the Victory women are. They are survivors. There hasn't been anything you've all faced that's been able to take you down. But just remember...your family is bigger than just Morgan and Karen..and Mike and Nicolas. Your family includes Cameron and Delilah. Cameron is no friend of mine anymore, but my reasons are my own, and when it comes to you..he definitely rallied around you during one of your darkest hours, stopped you from doing something you might have regretted and pulled out every stop he had to make you feel cemented here. To keep you close. Delilah is one of your sister's closest friends...the gap in their friendship was painful for BOTH of them, which speaks to how much they love each other. You know she wouldn't let you die, and vice versa. All of this fighting? These cracks and breaks...it's exactly what Hellfire wants all of you to do be doing..so why give it to them so easily?"

"No. He expects my mom to just roll over and accept what that demented, dimensionally displaced, psycho Talisman did to her because he "needs time to know her?" She's the ENEMY! What else is there to know!? "

"I'm NOT okay with how he spoke to her, and I'm not going to stand around here and walk on egg shells for him, OR that cranky, cantankerous BITCH Delilah. She's been mad at the world for MONTHS... and it's partly because of HER that no one on this team is in synch anymore. If she hates anyone on this team so much, she should've just LEFT. I was prepared to leave. I WOULD have. Cameron and Nicolas stopped me...and I KNOW that what they did was no common thing. So much of what I have going on right now is due in large part because of them, but what Cam said to my mom, who's been there for HIM for many years, was just ugly. Talisman has LOTS of pay back coming to her not just for my mom, but also FROST and he has no right to stand in the way of that!"

Being RIGHT about things won't take away that pain

These words echoed in her mind, and her heart... and she paused for a moment.

"If you want to get out of this alive, you've GOT to be the Blaze Victory that you ARE. The best version of her..the one that can rally the troops, the one that can see beyond who is sleeping with who, who said something mean to somebody else and understand that your survival and the survival of the people AROUND you requires SOME sort of unity among you. That may not be fair...and it may suck, but you're out of options. You think I don't want to lock myself in a room and cry like a baby? Or hop a plane right back to Europe and forget my return ever happened? But I can't..at the end of the day I made a decision to be a part of all of this. I have to live with my choices...and unfortunately the choices that others I am connected to made."

Blaze closed her apple green eyes and sighed. The look on her face showed one of discomfort. She'd said a version of this about Delilah to Michael. It was RIGHT, but it didn't always feel good when the "mirror" effect was happening. Blaze COULD have pulled away from Nicolas, after she nearly burned his hand off, and jumped through the seige, but she let Cameron's words touch her heart, her soul, and she dared to make a choice to STAY and see what life could be like HERE where she belonged. She made that choice, and she had to know that there'd be good AND bad that came with it. Family didn't always get along, or see eye to eye. And Vivica was right, not only had she seen the Inferno, she saw the rise of the justifice, and the government sanctioned sentinels strike her team when they were at one of their weakest moments. She tried to hold the team together that night that Delilah was cast out, but she was overruled. She swore that would never happen again, and she meant that. But would she be able to bridge the gap if she unleashed bitchcraft and steamrolled over Delilah. She didn't even want to LOOK at Delilah these days, and had done a very good job of "working around her" but Vivica was right, there were bigger things at stake.

"Viv, I CAN do what must be done. But I'm NOT going to check in for Delilah's r hypocrisy, her abuse. She's gotten a free pass from people like Cameron for MONTHS, and it's left everyone else at a loss. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. "

"ALL OF IT."


She said as she shook her head.

"The burden, the RESPONSIBILITY will NOT rest squarely on my shoulders, OR that of the Victoria family. My mom tried to carry the burden of ensuring the mental health of more than one person on this team, and look where it got her?!"

"Time is something we DON'T have, and even though you won't be staying here, there are people beside me, like Mikey, who care a great deal about you, and we're going to need to keep the lines of communication with you and others open. This isn't a game. This isn't just another battle....EVERYTHING has changed, and Malice ALWAYS "plays" for keeps. We have to get ourselves together, and for me, that starts within. "

"My self destructing comment wasn't about Richard specifically, but girl? Don't lie to me. Those same eyes you've given Richard, I've seen staring right back at me. If you are attracted to him, fine. If you want to explore a certain part of yourself, then fine. Have at it. I'm not the kind of girl that would get jealous like that, but I do think that with everything going on, entertaining a new attractive notion might not be the best time is all. You know I have a LOT of experience when it comes to the very things you are feeling right now. So, maybe I am wrong about Richard..but you know, on the off chance that I'm NOT..you CAN talk to me about it, Blaze."

:: She squeezed Blaze's shoulder. ::

"Are you hearing me? Am I making sense?"

"I AM attracted to Richard. I don't know WHY, it's a COMPLETELY new sensation for me. You know me...and you know that these kinds of things enrich my experience. But I think that to have it happen with someone like HIM is a lot better than some of the altneratives out here around us, and I DO want to find out more about this...about HIM. "

"I'll be honest with you, Viv. I'd like to explore a..."GROUP DYNAMIC" with the three of us. I've had that in my mind almost from the beginning, and it's not solely a sexual scenario I'm thinking of either. But I realize that might not be the best thing for you or US. "

"Still...please know that this isn't me closing the book on US [gesturing between herself and Vivica]. and who knows... Dominique might swoop in and blow me away to the other hemisphere if she doesn't approve. "

"But if I'm going to be true to myself, I need to, as you said, acknowledge ALL parts of myself, including this. "

"And yes..."

She reaches for Viv, finally relaxing, and hugging her tightly

"...you've made VERY good sense."

"I promise you...my vision won't be so "tunnel" going forward, and if Persephone or Black Widow take another shot at you, I'll make SURE they REGRET IT."

"I know you need...but one last thing."

Another hug, and a gentle kiss.

"Thank you for coming, and for being who you are. If I want to keep pulling people like you into my circle, I've got to take what you've said to heart. "

And after Firebird and Recall bid each other farewell for now, Recall exits while makes her way back toward Ruby and Matrix and notices the TENSION.

So much for my bubble....

"Okay....what happened here?!"

She looked between the two of them.......

<< ISIS communicats to Richard about Black Widow's attack on Rose's sanctuary, and the situation up to the moment. She instructs Richard to find Blaze and to get to Isis' diamond suite in the parthenon to discuss the situation privately...>>

 

[Spellbinder]

The Parthenon- 80th floor - Dr. Karen Victoria's office suite

"You certainly know how to make a man wait. Nicely done."

:: Morgan continued to lead the way. ::

"And while I love mystery as much as the next guy..where are you taking me? Some place...private, I hope?"

<< She started to respond by saying she would drag him to HELL, which in her case wouldn't be an exaggeration, but why bother scaring him just now? >>

Private, yes.

But don't think you're about to get comfortable either.

<< the elevaor dings, and the doors slide open. They make their way down the hall, and through the double doors leading into her mother's office suite, the same place she'd administered psychotherapy to Haleigh Davidoff several times over the past few months.>>

<< She gestures for him to make his way in.>>

Have a seat, Derek.

<< She then closes the doors and makes her way to the mini bar and opens it, pouring herself a drink.>>

Would you care for a drink?

<< No reason she couldn't be courteous, before sending him PACKING.>>

<< She brings him his request, and seats herself in her mother's chair at the desk, with Derek sitting across from her.>>

Now then...

It's time we stopped with this foolishness.

Ever since you barged in on my meeting with Sally Spectra back in LA, you've been calling/texting me, and trying to insert yourself on my calendar.

I am all for reconnecting with old acquaintences, especially ones I used to burn up the runway with, but don't you think you've been getting ahead of yourself?

I have things that are happening in my life right now, INCLUDING A MAN who I LOVE.

There are things going on with my family...and this is a time of transition.

I don't have to be a telepath to know what you're doing, Derek, and I'm here to tell you it's not going to work.

I love Sally, dearly...and I know how she feels about you. That's ONE reason why I didn't dismiss you at the boutique yesterday.

I have fond memories of working with you. We started out nearly the same time, we were both shepherded by Sally, and the rest was amazing history as we made it!

<< She surveyed him with her violet eyes, he looked amazing! It was almost as if hadn't aged at all...just become more...seasoned, more polished, like her. She knew what HER secret was...but what was HIS?>>

But that was then...this is now, and if my sister's consternation over you is any good indication, it's probably for the BEST if we remain associated ONLY through Sally, and the rag trade (slang for fashion/garment industry).

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Parthenon - Cameron's penthouse- bedroom

"I don't know if it's Hellfire..but whoever it was..they know things about me.."

[he looked at Karen a bit pensively]

"Things..only a few people know."

[his gaze softened at Karen for a moment]

"I TK'ed the snake out the window. It's not here...it was a Cobra."

:: Cameron tried to rise from his seat but he collapsed on the bed for a second. ::

"Please...I thank you for coming to my aid. Really, but please you don't have to stay. I don't need it. I don't want to occupy any more of your time. I prefer being alone these days anyway."

<< None of them was convinced, or moving at this very moment.>>

<< A dead body, blood everywhere, a SNAKE, which Cameron had apparently gotten rid of, and Cameron himself was in bad shape.>>

<< Isis WAS taking the lead on this contact/communication with Cameron, which Karen was GLAD for, considering how SHE felt about him right now, but then...the goddess winced, placing her hand to her temple.>>

Dominique??

There's an EMERGENCY, at the children at Rose's sanctuary are in danger!

<< the sorceress disappeared, leaving Shadow Weaver and Arsenal standing there.>>

<< Karen had a flash of impulse to just LEAVE him there. He was so arrogant to her AND her daughter, NOW look at him. Part of her felt like he DESERVED this, and what allowed her to even entertain these thoughts was what she'd been through recently, courtesy of the stalking, manipulation and attacks by Talisman, his cross-dimensional "mother.">>

<< She looked at Michael. They both knew that the hippocratic oath wouldn't allow her to leave someone in a state of mental or physical injury...but Michael could see the struggle on her face. He KNEW how she felt in this moment. He felt her even as she began to turn on her high heel, but he gently urged her to not turn away from Cameron, and instead, at least OFFER to assist him. If he refused, then Michael would ACTIVELY discourage Karen from pressing the issue further. he needn't worry, Karen WOULDN'T.>>

Cameron...as you implied, I AM aware of your history, moreso than anyone else around at the moment.

A dead body was found in your room, blood on the bed, the walls, a SNAKE...this was no mere coincidence, and that someone could so easily bypass the security and your own methods of detection is VERY telling.

And you're clearly still very shaken, despite Isis' healing of your physical body. She may not recognize the signs of mental distress, that is MY area of expertise.

<< She pauses for a moment, and glances at Michael. >>

<< She really DIDN'T want to help ANY of these other "children" anymore. She was TIRED of ALL of them, AND their bullshit. Haleigh, Ava, Cameron, ALL of them. They never listened, they always ended up doing the most maldaptive, destructive things, and rationalizing it, knowing that somewhere in the back of their minds, they knew that Shadow Weaver would be their safety net. She was SICK of that. No one cared when she nearly lost HER life after Talisman stalked and attacked her...but she was supposed to watch out for THEM!?>>

<< Arsenal stood tall, strong, silently supporting her, with his hand on her back>>

Do you need assistance?

There are things that I can do that Isis can't...wouldn't KNOW to do.

<< And Karen WAS familiar with his case, but she was NOT going to force him to accept her help. Secretly, she hoped he would say NO. HER problem...her obligation in this instance would be SOLVED at that point.>>

 

[Arsenal]

And here they were....AGAIN. Mike was less than enthused, but Cam had a mess on his hands and could have died here. Isis did her thing and she was taking charge here, which was fine with him. He pulled on his goggles and did an infrared scan for the snake...it would not be easy to spot even this way, but a damn sight easier than in the near-dark.

Suddenly, Isis was gone to an emergency and Mike could read Doc's mind. Cam was in a bad way and he could use her help, but she did not want to. However, Mike knew part of his job was to look out for Karen's best interest, and she would regret it if she left without OFFERING to help. If he accepted, Mike would call the troops before he allowed it to go too far. But for now, he silently cursed himself and he held Doc by the small of the back and urged her to follow her duty, to do what she NEEDED to do even if neither of them wanted her too.

WHY THE FUCK WERE THEY EVEN STILL IN NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!

Mike had some things in motion to settle up and Karen would not leave her children, but there was a time coming - and soon - when he would give no damns about how much someone needed her. But that time was not tonight, not yet.

Do you need assistance?

There are things that I can do that Isis can't...wouldn't KNOW to do.

Look, imma get cleanup called and get the work order in for this hole if you two need a minute...

With Karen waiting for Cameron's response, Mike pulled his communicator and began tapping out orders...he would not be leaving unless Karen indicated he should.

 

[Matrix]

"Okay....what happened here?!"

She looked between the two of them.......

Shit. shitshitshitshitshitshitshit.

I had no answer...just sat there and then my communicator chimed in. THANK GOD. ANYTHING has to be better than this stress.

And I was wrong. It was WAY fucking worse.

Blaze, I know its changing the subject but...that was Isis. Black Widow attacked the orphanage. She wants me to ask you to meet with us up at the Suite ASAP.

I stood, nodded to Cassandra respectfully as I tossed out some cash for the tab, and offered Blaze my hand. I knew this would be a shock to her but we needed to get moving....

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Club- Catacombs

:: Everyone from each court was assembled, with the Queens and King seated in their designated spots. Some of the members from various courts were talking/gossiping among themselves. Some had better sense than others NOT to give voice to certain things, even though their THOUGHTS stood out like sore thumbs, but they were LUCKY that Diana's mind was focused on something...someONE else. NAMELY Scion.::

::FLASH!::

I WARNED YOU.

<< She says as she now looms over Haleigh , who is now back on her feet>>

<< her voice reverberates all around the city block, and in the sky above, as well as the astral plane itself>>

NO MERCY!

YOU KILLED MY CHILDREN!

NOW I'LL SEE YOU DEAD!

<< It's IMPOSSIBLE for Scion to dodge or evade, as Rose LUNGES forward and is instantly upon her, SCREAMING as the energy of the astral plane itself ROCKS the night sky! >>

<< Unlike soul power, PSYCHO POWER is meant for BRUTALITY, CRUSHING, DESTRUCTION , and Rose attacks Scion in a way she has no defense against.>>

I'll TEAR YOUR SOUL FROM YOUR BODY, AND RIP IT TO SHREADS! YOU'LL NEVER HURT OR KILL ONE OF MY CHILDREN AGAIN, OR ANYONE ELSE!

<< Rose unleashes a PSYCHO SPIRAL attack, as she "PUNCHES" through EVERY facet of Scion's physical and mental being, and reaches her SOUL, taking hold of it and RIPPING IT out of synch with her mind and body, and TWISTING IT in the most VIOLENT and CHAOTIC pattern!>>

<< she intends to MURDER Haleigh right then and there>>

FOR EVERY ONE OF THOSE 42 CHILDREN, FOR JAKE, YOUR LIFE...YOUR SOUL FOR THEIRS!!!

<< She DRAGS Haleigh's soul, and TWISTS IT back and forth, before she begins to YANK It from the woman's physical body>>

:: The attack was so vicious and so powerful, it registered ACROSS the astral plane. Both Diana, Ravena, and even Talisman felt it in their own idividual ways::

:: Malice would be...IMPRESSED were it not for the fact that it was happening to someone that belonged to HER.::

::FLASH!::

The pain was indescribable, a tearing feeling that far surpassed anything she'd experienced before. She lurched left, then right, then crashed to her hands and knees as Rose twisted her soul back and forth and started to rip it loose from its home. She screamed and it didn't sound entirely human.

Then it stopped, and Haleigh dropped to the pavement with a thud, teetering on the edge of consciousness. She knew she was going to die, maybe permanently this time. She had so little experience with this type of attack, and no known defense against it.

She accepted the end. There was no light to go towards, just darkness, and in her final moments, her mind drifted backwards in time, looking for a memory, searching for something nice to fixate on, a time when she was with the Six and EVERYBODY was happy. She couldn't find one in recent history, how far back did she have to go? Before the Blue Moon, before Melrose? Before--

Surely THIS was rock bottom. There couldn't be a single person left that would care if she died here, and maybe it was better that way, because they could all stop suffering. She felt another kick, insult to injury, but she didn't care. She tried to just let go, and let the darkness rush in and take her, but it didn't work.

It will NOT be that easy for YOU, SCION.

:: Malice's voice rang out in the last remaining structure of Haleigh's mind.::


SILENCE!

:: She bellowed, adding more than a little PSIONIC FORCE behind her command, for EVERYONE (outside her fellow Queens, and the King) in the courts to stop talking and even THINKING about things that were not relevant to the meeting at hand.::

BEHOLD what happens, when you do NOT follow directions.

>>Particle Transportation Now Reliable.

You've got to be fucking joking. I don't WANT to survive THIS.

She thought, opening her eyes. She still felt the after effects of Rose's attack, like she was torn down to her soul and it seemed to hurt just to THINK about moving. She was so tired, but if they weren't going to finish her off, then she still had work to do. She disappeared from the street and reappeared, flat on her back in the Catacombs in front of her mother.

:: Everyone saw Scion, laying in a heap, looking far worse for the wear::

POOOOR baby

:: Malice "says" in a mocking tone to her daughter::

looks like Rose slapped you down...HARD. But don't worry. Mommy will "kiss it" and make it all better.

:: So she could experience the PUNISHMENT she DESERVED ::

And now...an appearance by the Prodigal Princess! But she was not well, her spirit, her very SOUL was damaged and her body ravaged! He knew that this would not do and so he reached out with his magics, lifting the child off the floor and mending her body as he speaks with authority.

As he who commands both darkness and light, I bar the way to the afterlife!
Wayward spirit, drifting to light
You are NOT AUTHORIZED to leave this night.

The assembled could see the faintest ghost of Scion settle back into her body and.....GASP!! for air.

That is her spirit and body Diana, her mind is YOURS.

The skill with which they worked together was amazing, emblematic of a pair that worked in such a way for a very long time. But in all honesty, this was two masters at work, bending the rules of life and death to their whim...

::Nodding in acknowledgement to Ravena, Diana steps forward, and places her white opera gloved hands on either side of Haleigh's head, and activates her formidable PSI powers.::

:: Scion's soul was a "mess", quite literally. Her spirit didn't know which way was up, and was ready to LEAVE it's house, until Lord Ravena helped provide stability in the body while Malice reached out with a force and EXPERIENCE that even ROSE couldn't account for.::

:: On the astral plane, there were FEW who could match, much less challenge Diana's power. It wasn't JUST power, it was power weilded with skill, experience, and as Rampage himself once noted, an almost SURGICAL precision and technique. ROSE may tap into and mainpulate the very FORCES of the astral plane, but Diana perceived from the ECHO of her attack on Haleigh, that the woman was driven by TWO distinct sets of emotions, and that one had given way to the other the moment she attacked Haleigh with the intent to kill. There WAS an achilles heel behind this mysterious Rose after all. But further research and investigation would have to wait...::

BE STILL!

:: Diana's voice was like wind and thunder on the astral plane. She STOPS Haleigh's soul from disipatting, and prevents her mind from following suit.::

:: soon, her spectral white astral form can be seen conducting, guiding Haleigh's soul back into her restored body, and her psi touch repairs the damage done to her mind by Rose's savage attack::

:: For those watching this scene unfold in the physical world, Malice and Ravena work together amazingly well. He repairs the body, she calms and restores the mind, and guides the soul back::

I KNOW what you want...and not even DEATH will save you from me!

:: Diana taunts her, KNOWING that Haleigh would have been satisfied to let go, to ESCAPE. But it wasn't going to be that easy. Not by a LONGSHOT!::

Rise and shine, White Princess.

:: Haleigh would find Malice and Lord Ravena standing side by side, in their white outfits, with Enchantrah beside Malice and Talisman beside Ravena. They were ALL looking at her, THROUGH her.::

:: The members of the Inner Circle were all assembled and seated around them in a circular pattern, with Haleigh in the center of the control this room::

 

[Artemis]

The Hospital

:: The amazons waited just outside the OR. Silver Swan paced back and forth, while Charope sat in a chair, quietly weeping.....::

When he turned the last corner, he found Sharon and Alycia there, unhappy to see him. He didn't seem to care about that.

"Where is he? Does he need blood? We're the same type."

:: Both women looked at him in utter disblelief::

Silver Swan: Get OUT of here, Zachary. Your NEGLECT and your naievete regarding that TRAITOR has brought us to this point!

:: Alycia stood up as well, and stood alongside Sharon::

Charope: Zach, you know how you could've helped? If you had done the JOB I entrusted you with.

:: She said in a cold, bitter tone.::

If you'd been thinking with the brain up HERE :: Pointing to the head:: instead of the one down THERE, :: pointing to his private parts:: and WASTING TIME. That's all ANY of the men around us seem to know how to do...and of course ASHLEY was only too happy to engage you in that.

While that marauding MONSTER, Black Widow was attacking people, nearly murdering Bishop, and now shooting CHILDREN IN THE BACK, YOU were busy sleeping with the ENEMY, LITERALLY.

If ALL of you had listend to Sharon...and stopped being NAIVE, stopped WASTING TIME on that viking TRAMP!?

What did you think you were going to do now, ZACH? Just...come WALTZING in here like some mythical white knight, and SAVE THE DAY, after the foundation of FUCK UPS you've laid that lead to this very moment!?

:: She bellowed with such force before stopping herself. Her emotions regarding Haleigh, Cameron AND Zach were about to come out FULL FORCE, and now was not the time, but there was ONE OTHER thing that needed to said::

Just ....give me BACK the portfolio, Zach.

You're too slow. You can't be trusted. ROSE couldn't depend on you, not even when you knew the TRUTH about Haleigh.

And the DAMAGE that has been caused, in large part because of YOUR neglect, is just TOO MUCH!

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Catacombs Control Room

Cold. It was so cold. Dark, also, and quiet. No light, no sound, no air. It felt like she was floating around in the vacuum of space. She didn't move or make a noise, she didn't even open her eyes, on the edge of death, with no desire to return to life. What was there to return TO? What reason was there to go on with this?

She had been here with her mother for nearly a week, and it hadn't been at all what she'd expected. Diana had always made it seem like she'd be a welcome addition, that she'd be a valued member of the Inner Circle. That alone might have made this transition bearable. She still would've executed the same plan, given them reasons to hate her, convinced them NOT try to get her back. And she would've been accepting of their animosity, because it was deserved, but maybe if she at least had some level of respect and control here at Hellfire, she'd have been able to make it work. However despicable her actions, she could find a way to justify them if it meant stopping the flatscans from their crusade to control or crucify Supers. That was what she'd THOUGHT she was signing up for.

But that hadn't been the case. Her mother had gone extreme in the other direction, trying instead to demoralize and disparage her at every opportunity. For a week she'd just gone through the motions, and refused to back down from Diana's challenges, refused to flinch and wave the white flag, because she may be bereft of her honor, but she still clung to her pride. There was still some recognizable part of her left, but now that the attacks against the Six and BoP had begun in earnest, each strike against her former allies killed her a little more inside.

That was the worst thing to overcome, but she could have found a way to shove it down and deal with it, if she had discovered something of WORTH, something even remotely interesting or rewarding here. Instead, she'd received a title that was beyond worthless, and there were precious few here brave enough to even socialize with her at all. Without the camaraderie she'd grown used to, she felt quite alone.

Even with Ava there was something off, like they were both struggling to negotiate this obstacle but neither of them wanted to admit it, and the gravity of the sacrifice Ava had made was pulling them further apart with each passing day. Every now and then Haleigh found Domino in the Parlor Room, but that wasn't true friendship, it was just a way to pass the time and use her intellect. There was nothing else to do except send lead downrange all day and fuck the Viking all night. As much fun as all that could be, it left her feeling empty and devoid of purpose. The only sensation with any meaning was the weight of guilt crushing down on her.

So now she was considering the previously unthinkable. Maybe it was time to just lay down her weapons, and accept the end. And yet, there was some part of her that just wouldn't give up, there was some part of her that said NO, YOU MUST NOT SURRENDER. YOU CAN STILL WIN THIS FIGHT. The rest of her hoped that Malice would put her out of her misery, and that would be the end of this whole horrific nightmare.

Malice: [in thought] POOOR baby. looks like Rose slapped you down...HARD. But don't worry. Mommy will "kiss it" and make it all better.

Lord Ravena: As he who commands both darkness and light, I bar the way to the afterlife! Wayward spirit, drifting to light, You are NOT AUTHORIZED to leave this night.

Malice: [in thought] BE STILL! I KNOW what you want...and not even DEATH will save you from me!

They weren't going to just let her go. It was time to put her armor back on, and pick up her guns again. Claw her way back out to battle, and find the strength to carry on.

Malice: Rise and shine, White Princess.

She sharply inhaled and came back around to consciousness.

"Oh, I'm back. AWESOME."

She deadpanned. She glanced around the control room. Every single member of the Inner Circle was in attendance, and they were all looking at her. Her mother was smirking with the most malicious glee. She should probably fear whatever was about to happen, but she didn't. She unzipped the top quarter of her battle suit, pulling the tight collar away from her neck and giving herself a bit of ventilation.

"So, is this a pep rally or what?"