Heavy Metal

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

Alisa could not stand being left alone in Alistaire's apartment all the time. While Reiko was good company, there really was nothing to do. She felt somewhat useless, a burden, and agitated by how Alistaire treated Reiko so openly. He was all over Reiko like a horny dog, confirming that her personal writings in her diary before being shot were accurate. She was nothing more than a tool to a sociopath, and she let it happen.



She was glad she could feel something, instead of the numbness that plagued her a majority of the time. But those small somethings were not enough. While Reiko and Alistaire slept in their own bedrooms, Alisa grabbed some clothes from her closet and put them on. A pair of black dress pants, a white dress shirt, and a black vest. She decided to go without her wig, thinking perhaps her new "Annie Lennox" hair-do would work for her.

With her shoes in one hand, she began to sneak out of her room. Before one of Alistaire's guards could spot her, or take her back to her room, she physically knocked him out with a single blow from her free hand. She caught the guard before he could make noise by hitting the ground, and then took his keycard from his person. Perhaps having a lack of emotions was kind of helpful, as she was now more effective in the way she went about using her powers and knowledge.

She used the keycard to get out of the apartment, as well as lock it behind her. Once outside of the apartment, Alisa slipped on her dress shoes and made her way out of the building. Not by elevator, but by using the stairs. The stairs had less of a chance of getting her detected than the elevator did... a flaw she might have to fix one of these days.

Alisa used some of her power to move faster than normal, so she could get out of the building sooner and avoid getting dragged back inside. It took her less than five minutes to get on the streets of Manhattan... and go where? Perhaps some place that would make her feel something? She remembered the taco truck she and Ryan went to one night, and decided to head in that direction.

It was not long before she was acosted by someone. Even though Manhattan was cleaned up, there were still thugs who would try to rob anyone with money about the city. Her arm was grabbed and she was pulled between two buildings.

"Hand over your wallet, freak!" The thug demanded. This only made Alisa smile... something she had not done in a long time.

"Only if you can take it..." That thug all of a sudden turned pale. That alleyway was now filled with the sounds of a pretty bad fight, only all the cries of pain and screams were male. Alisa was back in her element.

Comments

[realstarpower]

He was running late. That kind of tended to happen when you were a superhero going to an engagement and were waylaid by a low-level stretchy villainess calling herself Exspandex. Three punches and a kiss - hers - later, Ryan had been able to take her down and out, delivering her to the nearest police station before taking off on his way again.

He was, of course, going to be delayed again when he saw a man come flying out of an alley. Ryan froze and hovered in space for a second, turning around. There were no heroes to be found. And the city's usually so chock full of them. Without another moment's hesitation, Ryan dove down toward the alleyway, a trail of faint shimmering purple following him. He landed at the mouth of the alley and froze, seeing a familiar face under shorn hair.

"Oh," he said between the sound of fist meeting face. "Hi."

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"Ryan?" This was... awkward. The thug tried to punch her, but she moved faster than he did, causing his fist to hit air, and her own to go into his stomach. This punch finally knocked the wind out of him. With the thug curled up in a ball, Alisa began walked over to Ryan.

The cybernetic implants on the sides of her eyes began to change color. They went from a bright, angry orange, to a soft green color. It would be quite odd to see, perhaps shocking.

"I am not going to ask what you are doing here. As for myself... I was going to go get some tacos." She spoke without her accent, and in a flat tone of voice. "Unfortunately, I was accosted on the way to the taco truck by this thug. He then called for back-up, which was unwise. Hopefully the two have learned not to try and threaten people for money, anymore."

She then ran a hand through her rather short hair for a moment, her eyes still focused on Ryan.

"Would you like to come with me? I will buy the first round of tacos. And besides, we need to talk."

[realstarpower]

Two things. Ryan looked down and the thug, curled into a ball, and then at Alisa, with her new hair and her mood-ring eyes. His lips twitched for a moment. Well, this last bit was new. "I was just passing through," he said after a moment. "I was on my way to a, uh, thing." He exhaled softly. "We do," he added after a moment. "Just give me a quick sec," he added as his phone chose that moment to buzz. He deftly keyed in a response to the text he'd received and nodded at Alisa. "I've got a couple of minutes."

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"A couple of minutes is enough." She leaned against the alley wall. "But not enough for tacos, as you appear to be busy."

Her arms folded up over her chest, and she let out a slow exhale.

"I am sorry for my actions the night you left. They were uncalled for and you did not deserve that." She looked down briefly, her face still somewhat emotionless. "I ended up going back to work for Alistaire, but from my diaries were telling me, it was a ruse. I was hoping to find something to turn over to SHIELD or something. But nothing went as planned. Someone decided to shoot me in the head before I could gather what I needed."

[realstarpower]

"Hey, tacos don't take too long to get and eat," he said, nodding towards the exit of the alleyway. They could walk and talk. The truck was in the general direction that he was headed in anyway. "That sounds...rough doesn't seem a strong enough word," Ryan said. "I'm sorry." But then, she was still alive. So that was good, right? "You're still trying to take him down? From the inside?"

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

She gave a nod of her head, following him out of the alley. She tried to maintain the same walking speed that he had. Her face softening a little.

"I want to, but there are now complications. Alistaire paid for the implants that help me control my powers. Without them, I would more than likely go back to a heavily brain damaged state." She really hated to admit that. "He has been allowing me to "stay" at his penthouse. I am not allowed to leave, not yet. He says he is concerned and wants me in top condition. For what, I do not know... and with the extra guards and help, it is becoming harder for me to find out what is going on."

Her hand reached into her back pocket to take out a wallet, making sure she had just enough for some tacos.

"He has hired a mutant to try and speed up my recovery process. He has been... showing her the same attention as he did me when we first met. It is like a grooming process of making someone feel special around him. I am concerned for this girl, despite how smart she appears."

Alisa sighed, making her way up to the taco truck before Ryan could get his own wallet out. She ordered what he usually got, and the last thing she ever remembered ordering from the truck.

"The only evidence I have that could take him down would more than likely get me imprisoned as well. But I imagine SHIELD would need more than just my word on what happened. Evidence to support evidence..."

[realstarpower]

"Right. But if you're coming up with the evidence to them, you're also confessing. I'm sure there's a pardon or something in there somewhere. I mean, I'm not on the up and up with laws, but Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg, & Holliway is a pretty good law firm when it comes to the non-human aspects of our world." He appreciatively took his shrimp, mushroom, and white bean tacos and drenched them in an avocado-cilantro-lime sauce. "Are you just worried about this new girl, or are you a little jealous too? I mean. You and Alistaire do have a messy history."

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"I am highly concerned." She admitted, her voice still somewhat flat as she spoke. "Alistaire can charm anyone. He knows how to pull people's strings like an expert puppeteer. Compliment you, seduce you, leave you alone for someone else for a bit, then come back to you and make you feel special all over again. It is sick."

Alisa shook her head, before taking a bite out of her shrimp, lettuce, and cheese taco, with the same avocado-cilantro-lime sauce that Ryan had on his taco. It have been so long since she had some good, spicy, solid food. It was like being in heaven.

"I am not jealous of the attention he lavishes on her. I am fearful that he may convince her to join his Hellfire Court or use her for her powers for his own gain. This girl is kind and sweet, I do not want Alistaire putting his grubby little hands on her." She took another bite of her taco. "Besides, I still hope to one day patch things up with you."

[realstarpower]

"Sorry, but charming really isn't the first word that comes to mind when I think about him," Ryan stated after having finished off one of the tacos. "Have you spoken to her? Because maybe you should. If she can be trusted, I mean." he looked down at the second taco, then, hedged a bit, and then looked up at Alisa again. So, this was going to be a little bit awkward. "I...Alisa, I'm kind of seeing someone right now."

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"Oh... I did not... know." She finally showed some emotion, looking a bit shocked at this. Her cybernetics suddenly turned from green to teal. "Congratulations. I hope the two of you will be happy."

She started to toy with the second taco, after having finish the first. She finally addressed his concerns.

"I told her to come to me if he tried to hit on her. I could not tell her anything more. We are in Alistaire's home, and I do not feel safe there to ask her further, or if she could be trusted completely. Especially in Alistaire's apartment. I have to write my journal in a way that a World War 2 code breaker could not decipher it, just to make sure no one knows my plans or intentions."

Finally, she managed to take a bite out of the second taco.

"I lack allies, and am virtually flying solo on this, Ryan. If it goes wrong..."

[realstarpower]

"Well, it's not like we're engaged. We're just dating. We met at an audition for an off-Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera." Mellie, Ryan's girlfriend, had actually managed to get the lead female role. Ryan...walked away with nothing but her phone number. "But thank you. I really like her." He smiled softly, an expression which faded when he thought more about Alisa's dilemma. "Then you're screwed. Maybe you need to get some back-up in on this, Alisa. Some of the more tangential X-Men. People related to the Hellfire Club who aren't in the Inner Circle. A string of Alistaire's exes who all want to see him brought down?"

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"Still, you appear happy. That is all I can ask for, right?" She forced a smile. "You deserve to be happy."

"As for Alistaire's... exes. The only "ex" of Alistaire's I know of is Selene, the Black Queen. I enjoy keeping my soul, so I will not be going to her. As for any others, I do not know them. He manages to... keep people content. Both male and female." She took another bite of her taco. She finished the bite up before speaking again. "I am not permitted near any Hellfire Club members, and if I do so... I do not wish to think of the outcome. As for the X-Men, I fear I burned that bridge... or rather napalmed it."

[realstarpower]

"So do you," Ryan said. And then he blanched a little. "Wow. He must really go after the low self-esteemers if he can keep people content." Ryan polished off his third taco in three precise bites. "What about the Thieves Guild? I'm sure they'd love to have a slice of Alistair's property once he's well-disposed of. Though, granted, if you can scrounge up something for SHIELD, you wouldn't really need anyone else."

No Escape

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

It was not long before Alisa realized she was being followed. Not followed, chased. She used her powers sparingly, not wanting to use them all up in case she really needed them. So she took the only plan of action she could, she ran.

Alisa made her way into Central Park, managing to climb up into one of the trees that resided near the "Alice in Wonderland" statue in one section of the park. She rolled her eyes at the irony of this, as her name translates to "Alice" in Russian.

"This is not the kind of "Wonderland" I wish to be in." She thought to herself. After watching two people who were chasing her leave the area, she removed her cellphone from her pant pocket and started dialing Reiko's number. She was thankful Reiko gave her that number, otherwise she would have no one to contact. "After-all, I REALLY do not want to ruin Ryan's night with his date. God, I hope this new girl is not a bitch. If she hurts him, she will have to deal with me."

Alisa continued to wait, hoping Reiko would pick up. She really did not want to be dragged back by these guys, as they saw her near the SHIELD Headquarters, before she could go in and spill her guts to the authorities.

Re: No Escape

[midori_majutsu_shi]

Rei heard her phone while she was meditating. Her composure knocked off by it she sighed going to grab it. "Moshi mo... Hello?" Sh had to remember English, not her mother's native tongue.

Balancing the phone between ear and shoulder she slid on her yukata, covering scars she couldn't heal.

Re: No Escape

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"Reiko-san... I had no clue you would still be up so late." Alisa spoke quietly in Japanese. "Do you ever sleep? Never mind... I believe I am in some trouble. Some of Alistaire's other guards are looking for me. They spotted me as I was headed for SHIELD Headquarters, and if Alistaire finds that out, he will not be a happy. As in he may actually want to kill me."

Re: No Escape

[midori_majutsu_shi]

"I am still trying to gt my hours shifted from Japan." Sh was silent a few moments.

"Why are you more trouble than most my patients? I will get one of them to drive me to pick you up. Where are you? And can you keep from harming them or yourself long enough for me to get there?" She's hoping that it will keep Alisa alive at least.

Re: No Escape

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"I would tell you why I am more trouble, but I still do not know if I can trust you all the way or not. I trust you enough to come get me before I am dragged back to Alistaire, but that is about it." Alisa frowned, trying to keep her voice quiet, still. " Have I told you that you sound cute when you are angry? Enough that I would play for the same team, just for you?"

Okay, despite the lack of emotion in her voice 90% of the time... she sounded flirty, and serious. An odd combination.

" I cannot promise I will not hurt them. if they attack me first, I will defend myself. For now, I am just trying to stay hidden. I am by the North side entrance of Central Park, in a tree, by a statue of "Alice in Wonderland"."

Re: No Escape

[midori_majutsu_shi]

She sighs. "Fine, but you owe me for this. No leaving for three days! How am I to treat you when you keep disappearing on me?" She ignored the flirting, only because she didn't know how too deal with it.

"I will be there soon."

Re: No Escape

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

" Fine, fine. I will stay in the apartment for three days. You drive a hard bargain." Alisa let off a sigh, going back to a lack of emotion.

" Please, hurry, Reiko. I am worried about what will happen to me, even if I do not sound it."

Re: No Escape

[midori_majutsu_shi]

"Wakarimasu." She hung up as she neared one of her guards. "I need fresh air and a driver. I hear Central Park is good for this. Take me there now."

Re: No Escape

[hellfire_child]

Alistaire shimmers into view. "I can escort you myself, sensei." He's immaculately dressed, less rumpled than usual, and wearing a tight smile as he's texting away on a device set onto his wrist.

"My duty as a host calls for nothing less."

Re: No Escape

[midori_majutsu_shi]

She tenses slightly, but it eases, if he didn't know what to look for he may have missed it.

"It would be dishonorable of me not to accept your offer then Shaw-kun." She gave a brief bow.

Re: No Escape

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

Time past. Alisa was getting tied from sitting in that tree (It was rather uncomfortable). She rubbed her eyes, her vision blurring for a moment. A problem that accrued from her new implants from time to time. The minutes she saw Reiko, she jumped down from the tree to go walk over to her. She did not see Alistaire, not yet, anyway.

" You did not have trouble finding this place? Impressive."

Re: No Escape

[hellfire_child]

"Drop them now." Alistaire intones into his 'watch'. There are several faint zipping sounds, followed by the individuals that had been following Alisa slumping, only to be narrowly caught by people in Alistaire's employ. Thankfully, the first group had been spread out enough that the few people with 'chest pains' weren't drawing too much attention, as their 'friends' helped them aside.

"Alisa..." He sighs, shaking his head as he walks down the path behind Rei. "What am I going to do with you?"