Wow, I agree.
You painted a great picture.
*grins*
Told ya it'd be well received. 
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
Personally, I think you were a little harsh on yourself earlier. This was very well done, the darker elements were treated with a lot of class.
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Look at that. A full-grown woman pulling off pigtails. Her crazy is off the charts.
Great start. Glad you decided to write this. 
Arc ID: 475246, "Bringing a Lord to Power"
"I'm only a simple man trying to cling to my tomorrow. Every day. By any means necessary."
-Caldwell B. Cladwell
Next chapter is done, but again I'm reluctant to post it without someone else reading it first.
The second chapter is more intense than the first.
If someone could read it, I'd appreciate the feedback. If the general feeling is that it's not appropriate for the forum, I'll PM it to anyone who wants to read it.
So... can someone volunteer again?
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Hit me up. I have plenty of Moonbeam Absinthe to hold me through the depths of nightmare fuel unleaded hell.
Every time she comes to Tyrants Throne Room she remembers Statesman.
Tyrant had kept his counterpart hoisted high above his throne as a kind of trophy. He had spent hours simply mocking the hero, jeering at his capture and failure to escape. He had laughed at Statesman and called him a weakling.
The laughter stopped when some heroes from Statesmans world came to his rescue.
Tyrant had tasted defeat that day, and found it not to his liking. Even though he had personally slain every henchman who had been present that day to prevent news of his loss from becoming public, Domi and the others still knew of it. They were not foolish enough to speak of it none of them were under the illusion they could stand up to Tyrant in single combatbut they all knew of it and took what comfort they could from the knowledge their invincible liege wasnt so unbeatable after all.
But it had taken weeks for Statesmans rescuers to find him, and not even Tyrant could spend every waking hour mocking his heroic counterpart. There were many opportunities for someone else to spend time alone with Statesman, and they had all done soMayhem, Marauder, Neuron, Anti-Matterall of them. They had all wanted a chance to safely vent their frustration on Tyrant, if only in a secondhand fashion.
Marauder had been the one in charge of allocating the time. While none of them trusted each other, they all believed in Marauders impartiality. He wasif not honorablethen at least fair.
Domi had waited impatiently for her chance, chatting idly with Marauder while she waited her turn. She twisted her whip so strongly with her hands that they ached, but she otherwise revealed nothing of her inner thoughts. Have you hurt him?
Honestly, I dont think he can be hurt, Domi, Marauder had said in his rumbling baritone. I busted one set of my gauntlets trying, and just about broke my hands, too. He didnt even blink. He just kept looking at me with those blasted eyes of his. He shook his head. And then he said that he wished I could meet Brawler.
Brawler?
Apparently, I have a goody-goody double over there too. He laughed. Can you imagine me as a hero, Domi?
Yes, Domi wanted to say, but didnt. He would be hurt to know that she doesnt think of him as being as menacing as the others. That is hard to imagine. Has Anti learned anything about how to make him talk yet?
Not yet. He keeps running tests and muttering to himself. I dont think hes even tried to [/i]hurt[/i] him yet. Marauder cracked his massive knuckles. I want to see that world of his, though. Id teach that Back Alley Brawler a thing or two!
I bet you would, too. How much longer? I dont know how much longer itll be before Tyrant comes back. You know he likes to stop by for some after dinner gloating.
As if on cue, Mayhem walked out of the throne room, muttering angrily to herself, Malaise and Chimera trailing behind her like chastened puppies. He should have been screaming
I will make him scream yet. I will make him scream.
Better luck next time, Mother, Marauder had said cheerfully. Youre up, Domi.
Domi ran into the throne room, whip in hand.
Jessica?
Domi stopped in her tracks. The voicethe voice was the same. Not the overbearing, demanding voice of Tyrant, the mad rulerbut rat her the other voice
the one he used when he apologized to her over and over
Sorry, my names not Jessica. Im Dominatrix. She smiled and licked her lips as she stared at the bound hero. My friends call me Domi. She uncoiled her whip. I hope well be friends, Statesman. Very good friends.
She had beaten him until her whip had fallen out of her numb fingers.
Statesman hadnt had a scratch on him. Not even his uniform had been torn. She had screamed in frustration.
You dont have to do this, he told her. You dont have to work for Tyrant.
I dont work for Tyrant. Im his
friend. His special friend.
Statesman had recoiled in horror from her words. Somehow, that gave Domi a surge of strength, of power. Would you like me to tell you how special I am to Tyrant, Statesman?
No.
His voice was very soft, almost a whisper.
You have a granddaughter too, dont you, Statesman? She had dropped the whip and sauntered over to him. Shes like me, isnt she?
You look like her.
Is she your special friend, Statesman?
He had snarled at her, then. Lightning had literally flashed in his eyes.
Or maybe you just want her to be? She had placed her finger on his lips. Just how different from Tyrant are you, Statesman? Are you good because youre a better personor are you just afraid to do the things that you want to do?
Im nothing like him.
Oh I dont know about that. You look like him. You sound like him. If I were to kiss you, do you think youd like it the way he does?
Dont.
Maybe we should find out, Statesman. Would you like that? I think you would. Lets find out.
He had struggled then. He had struggled so fiercely that the bonds holding him had begun to flash warningly. The very ceiling of the Throne Room had begun to crack.
Domi! Your time is up, girl! Get on out here!
With a pout, Domi had released him and grabbed her whip. Maybe next time, Statesman. She had looked at him artfully over her shoulder. You know you wouldnt have fought so hard if you hadnt been afraid youd like it. Remember that, Statesman. Remember me.
She had walked out feeling ten foot tall.
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I loved it. The idea of each of the Praetorians getting "turns" on States, his reaction to Domi. This is coming along great.
Arc ID: 475246, "Bringing a Lord to Power"
"I'm only a simple man trying to cling to my tomorrow. Every day. By any means necessary."
-Caldwell B. Cladwell
VERY awesome.
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
Lord on high, these writings are damning. These writings are an inside view of Hell. These writings are glorious, and worth it in every regard. These writings are art.
Please. Damn me again.
The day she came up with Tell or Show she broke Statesman.
Hello, Marcus, she had said brightly when she got her turn again. You dont mind if I call you Marcus do you? Tyrant loves it when I call him Marcus. Would you like me to tell you what were doing when I him that?
No. It was barely more than a whisper, and he refused to look at her.
I want you to look at me, Marcus. Were going to play a game. Look at me!
No.
If you dont look at me, Im going to bring in some random servant of Tyrants and kill him right in front of you. How would you like that, Marcus? Tyrant loves watching me kill.
Slowly, he raised his head and looked at her. For a long moment, those eyesso like Tyrants, so like her ownbored into her head. You dont have to be this, Megan.
She froze. How do you know that name?
Anti-Matter told me. He talked about you quite a bit, actually. He paused. Hes in love with you, isnt he? I was beginning to think that didnt exist on this world.
Love doesnt exist anywhere. Its just an illusiona lie that people tell themselves to make life bearable. My mother told me she loved me even while I was killing her. She noticed his gasp. You didnt know that I killed her, did you?
He said nothing.
Ill have to tell you about itbut some other time. Were going to play another game now. I call it Tell or Show.
You mean show and tell.
Oh no. I meant exactly what I said, Marcus. See, heres how the game works. Youre going to tell me all about herthe other me. Jessica I think you called her. Youre going to tell me everything.
No.
If you dont want to Tell, then well play Show. She took off one of her gloves. Ill disrobe and youll watch me. If you try to look away, Ill bring in someone and kill them in front of you. Do we understand each other, Marcus?
Yes.
So tell me about Jessica, Marcus. Tell me everything about her.
And he did. He talked about the day that Jessica told him she wanted to be a hero like her mother. He told her about his pride the first time she took down a criminal on her own. He spoke of the admiration and love that Paragon had for Ms. Liberty. He casually mentioned the numerous friends and comrades that she hadthe respect that Ms. Liberty was given.
And as he spoke, he continued to look into her eyes. She expected hate; she anticipated revulsion. She would not have been surprised by lust. But the look that Statesman gave her was one that she had not seen in years:
Pity.
And it enraged her.
Enough! she said finally, picking up her whip. So little Miss Perfect has the entire world fooled into thinking that shes come kind of
of paragon.
Shes a human being. She has her flaws. He laughed suddenly. She cheats at Scrabble. He looked at her. You can be like her if you want to be, Megan. Nothing is set in stone. Youve done terrible things, but you can change. I did. He paused. Let me gohelp me escape, and Ill take you back with me. You wont belong to Tyrant anymore. Youll be your own person. Youll be free.
Free.
The word tasted strange to her. She didnt understand it. She couldnt wrap her mind around the idea that there could come a time when she did not have to serve Tyrant. For a momenta long momentshe actually toyed with the idea of doing it.
And then she remembered the pity in his eyes, and something dark and vicious came alive in her. I could let you go, Marcus. I could, but you would have to do something for me first.
I told you Id take you with me.
Thats not what I had in mind, Marcus. I want you to play with me.
Play with--?
Like Tyrant.
He gaped at her.
And while were
playing, you have to call me by her name. You have to call me Jessica.
He shuddered.
She walked to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Seductively, she whispered into his ear. Youll never escape without my help, Marcus. Sooner or later, Anti is going to find out how to break you. Youll tell us what we want to know. Youre supposed to be a hero. Is this too great a price to pay to save your world?
He closed his eyes.
Domi! Chimera wants his turn now!
Drat. She pouted slightly. I suppose well have to continue this conversation tomorrow. Think about it, Marcus. Think about me.
When she left, he was crying.
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*shudders*
That's a good thing, by the way. Damn, dude.
Michelle
aka
Samuraiko/Dark_Respite
Dark_Respite's Farewell Video: "One Last Day"
THE COURSE OF SUPERHERO ROMANCE CONTINUES!
Book I: A Tale of Nerd Flirting! ~*~ Book II: Courtship and Crime Fighting - Chap Nine live!
MA Arcs - 3430: Hell Hath No Fury / 3515: Positron Gets Some / 6600: Dyne of the Times / 351572: For All the Wrong Reasons
378944: Too Clever by Half / 459581: Kill or Cure / 551680: Clerical Errors (NEW!)
THE COURSE OF SUPERHERO ROMANCE CONTINUES!
Book I: A Tale of Nerd Flirting! ~*~ Book II: Courtship and Crime Fighting - Chap Nine live!
MA Arcs - 3430: Hell Hath No Fury / 3515: Positron Gets Some / 6600: Dyne of the Times / 351572: For All the Wrong Reasons
378944: Too Clever by Half / 459581: Kill or Cure / 551680: Clerical Errors (NEW!)
'Show or Tell,' very nice. Glad you're not shying away from Domi's involvement with Tyrant, liking the play between her and Statesman (er, play may not be the right word... interaction. 
)
Keep going
Arc ID: 475246, "Bringing a Lord to Power"
"I'm only a simple man trying to cling to my tomorrow. Every day. By any means necessary."
-Caldwell B. Cladwell
I think this story is an interesting look at the psychology of the Praetorians. I can't help thinking, though, that in Statesman's shoes my response to "Tell or Show" would have been "I changed 'your' diapers. I've seen it all already."
Given Domi's personality, that would probably not be a wise response.
My COX Fanfiction:
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um. wow.
more please.
most recent 50 - psy/mm blaster
She had made such plans for her game with Statesman. She had accessed Anti-Matters files so she could create an exact duplicate of Ms. Libertys uniform. She had procured a camera so she could film his humiliation and have an eternal record of it. She had even toyed with the idea of sending a copy back to Statesmans universe in hopes that her goody-goody twin would actually see what she made Statesman do. The sense of power she got from her plans intoxicated her, and left her almost walking on air.
And then Tyrant sent her on a mission to Statesmans world along with Marauder where for one of the few times in her life she had met defeat.
They had not been able to hold them, of course. They had escaped within hours of their capture.
But by the time they returned, Statesman was gone.
Domi had raged then. She had wept. Her dream had been shattered.
Life resumed its normal course. Tyrant would often speak of Statesman, of Statesmans world. He would call his twin a fool, a weakling. He would declare time and again that they would yet return to that world and he would have Statesmans head on a silver platter.
And yet
sometimes when they were alone
he would speak wistfully of Statesmans world. He would wonder who still lived on that world who had passed away on this one. He would ask her about her brief visits therehe would ask her what it was like to breathe the air of a world that was not ruled by fear
by him.
She hates that side of him. Its the same side that begs her forgiveness for the things they do in the dark. She hates it because its weak
it reminds her of her mother.
She respects and fears the other side of him. The side that uses her and makes her do things. She hates it. She hates what it makes her dothe control that it takes away from her.
But she needs it, too.
That side of Tyrant tells her that she is right. It shows her that the strong and the cruel will inevitably triumph over the kind and weak. It tells her that she is strong and powerful and superior in every way to her mother, to Statesman
and to the other that wears her face.
Its that side of Tyrant that made the plan when Statesman came for her.
They were all amazed when Tyrant told them to lose the fight with the Freedom Phalanx. It goes against their pride. It goes against everything hes ever told them.
We need to see the other side of the mirror, he told them. Domi is Statesmans weakness. He has come for herI know that he has come for her. And after a suitable display of resistance, we will allow him to take her. They will take her to their worldto their headquartersand through her, we will learn everything we need to know to destroy the Freedom Phalanx once and for all. He had smiled then. We will plant a viper in the heart of their city.
What about the risk to Domi? Anti had blurted out.
I can take care of myself, metal man, she had retorted, feigning anger and disgust over his concern. She had spoken quickly to deflect any possible anger from Tyrant. He couldand wouldcrush Anti if he believed the scientist mattered to Domi
But for once, Tyrant had been calm. He will not harm her. It is not in his nature. And the bitterness and loathing in his voice was plain for all to hear.
Only Domi knew that hatred was directed at himself, not his twin.
Anti-Matter, give Domi one of your special communicators so she can remain in touch with us. When she returns, the defeat of the Freedom Phalanx will be assured!
And Tyrants plan had worked. The Freedom Phalanx never expected their victory was too easy. They never knew that Tyrant wanted her to go to that world.
And like the viper that she was, Domi set out to spread her venom among the very people that had come to save her.
And as he had been before, Statesman became her favorite plaything
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No sooner had they taken her to their world than Statesman spirited her away from the others and took her into a private interviewing room.
Domi studied the room with a practiced eye. On the surface, it was much like the offices that she had seen on her earlier trips to this world: a desk, some chairs, and a quaint looking computer. My compliments to your security personnel. The cameras are almost impossible to spot.
Im sure Manticore appreciates your praise, Statesman said. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Can I get you anything?
Domi laughed. Dont tell me you went to all this trouble just to take me to dinner, Marcus! She licked her lips. There are easier ways to a girls heart, you know.
Dont call me Marcus.
And what should I call you then, Marcus? Grandpa? Or maybe I should call you what I call him when were all alone. Her voice lowered to a husky whisper. Youve been thinking about me, havent you, Marcus? Dreaming of me, perhaps? Ive been dreaming of you. Would you like me to tell you about my dreams? Or maybe I should show you
Stop it! He slammed his fist down on the desk, shattering it into so much kindling. I didnt bring you here forthat.
Are you going to punish me then? Domi curled up. He punishes me a lot when I dont do what he asks me. Everything he asks me.
No! I dont want to do what he does to youanything he does to you. Statesman reached out with a gloved hand and touched her face tenderly. Megan, I want to help you.
I dont understand, she said, and for once she wasnt pretending. She could comprehend lust. She could recognize revenge. But what did he mean when he said that he wanted to help her? What did this man want with her?
You dont have to be what you have been, Megan. Your mother was a good person. You yourself told me that. Youre not predestined to be what you are, what you have been. I know. Ive walked in your shoes. I have done thingshorrible things. Terrible things. I have stolen. I have killed. I have deceived. I know what a burden that can be.
But you can walk away, Megan. Youre safe now. Tyrant cant hurt you. I wont let him hurt you. You can stay herewith me. With us. You can learn what it means to be a hero. You can turn your life around. You can be more than you are.
She stared at him for a moment and bit her lip. She threw her arms around his neck. Oh, Marcus! Show me your world!
And before he could react, she kissed him. Hungrily. Greedily. She writhed against him.
Statesman shoved her awayhard. She flew across the room, only stopping when she hit the wall. She slid down to the floor.
Domi laughed. Youre more like my Tyrant than you want to admit, Marcus. You can pretend all you want. You can tell yourself you brought me here to help me, but we both know the truth. We both know what you want.
He glared at her, his hands balled into fists that crackled with electricity.
Did your friends enjoy the show, Marcus? Do you think theyre disappointed that you ended it so soon? She slowly rose to her feet. Shall we play some more? Ive thought up all kinds of games we could play. Let me tell you about them. She began unbuttoning her top. You can even call me Jessica if it makes it better for you
For a long moment, Statesman stared at her, and then he took a step towards her. You little--! Dont you dare say her name! Ill kill you if you say her name again!
Smiling wickedly, Domi said but one word: Jessica.
And Statesman came at her
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The door flung open and Sister Psyche stalked into the room angrily, followed by the rest of the Freedom Phalanx. Stay away from him! Sister Psyche growled. Marcus, dont listen to her. Youre nothing like Tyrant. Dont let her hurt you like this. Youve not done anything wrongeither here, or on her world.
Dominatrix, you are one sick chick, Synapse told her.
Domi blew him a kiss. You just wish that it had been you, Synapse.
Synapse shook his head. I like em sane, sweetcheeks, and you and sanity arent even in the same zip code.
Positron clunked over to her in his heavy boots. Are you all right?
His voicethe concernsounded so much like Anti that it momentarily disarmed her. Im fine, she mumbled, unable to meet his gaze.
Statesman stood frozen in place, breathing heavily. Sister Psyches hand was on her arm, and she looked intently into his eyes. Its all right, Marcus. Its all right.
Do you have to interfere, mind-witch? Marcus and I were having such fun!
Psyche stared at her. Shut up, Dominatrix. Dont say another word.
Domi opened her mouth to make another snide remark, but found that she couldnt speak at all. She angrily raised her hand and a portal began to shimmer into existence when she felt a cold steel arrowhead against her skull.
If you want to keep breathing, stand down, Manticore said in a raspy voice. Shalice and I arent suffering from Statesmans delusion that you can be saved.
He means it, Domi realized.
She lowered her hand and let the portal fade away.
Let me help you up, Positron said, offering her a hand. Im Positron. My friends call me Posi. She could tell he was smiling behind that helmet.
You can call him Positron, Synapse told her over Positrons shoulder. Posis like Statesman. Hes a sucker for a lost cause.
Megan, Statesman said softly. Im sorry. I shouldnt have lost my temper.
See what I mean? Synapse told her in a conversational tone of voice. You play mindgames with the poor guy and hes the one that apologizes. He and Positwo peas in a pod.
Enough, Synapse, Statesman said in a gentle tone of rebuke. You, Shalice, and Manticore made your objections quite clear earlier.
Domi balled her small hands into fists. She made an angry gesture at her mouth and then pointed at Sister Psyche.
Shalice, let her talk.
No, Sister Psyche said calmly.
No? Statesman turned and looked at her. The air seemed to crackle about him, and for the first time Domi saw the other side of Tyrant in himthe side that she both feared and respected. What do you mean no?
But Psyche didnt blink. Not yet, Marcus. You cant think straight around this girl. You look at her and you see Jessica, and you want to help her like you would your granddaughter. You cant help her. Not like this. She can read you like a book.
I didnt bring her from Praetoria just to turn around and throw her in prison!
Im not suggesting that. She looked at Domi again. Synapse, Posi, take Dominatrix to the cafeteria. Dominatrix, if you ever want to speak again, dont even think about trying to escape them. Ill restore your voice when Marcus, Manticore, and I are done here.
Domi glared at her. Im going to kill you mind witch!
I wouldnt recommend you try it, child. Im not nearly as nice as your dear little Mother Mayhem. The worst she would do is drive you insane. Im not that gentle.
Somehow, Domi believed her.
The grownups want to talk now, Synapse muttered. Come on, Trixie. Posill buy you an ice cream cone.
Hes next in line after the mind-witch, Domi promised herself. Odd how he doesnt sound like Neuron at all
She was surprised at how empty the Freedom Phalanx HQ was. There were always other people under foot in Tyrants palaceservants, slaves, guardsonly in the innermost sanctum did Tyrants court have any privacy. The technology in this complex would have made Neuron and Anti-Matter drool with envy, but otherwise it was quite small and almost homey compared to Tyrants base.
Dont worry, Positron told her as they reached the cafeteria. Psyches bark is worse than her bite. She just wants to help you, Megando you mind if I call you Megan?we all want to help you.
Domi smiled at him. Perhaps I can use this one.
They sat in uncomfortable silence. Domi could feel her temper risingshe had not been treated like this since she was a childbut she forced herself to act outwardly calm. She would pay Psyche back for this, but mindless anger would do her no good now. No, she would have to wait.
Her time would come.
Fortunately, the wait wasnt a long one. Statesman and Sister Psyche soon walked into the cafeteria. Domi could see the shadow of someone just out of sight, but couldnt quite make out who it was probably the archer trying to be dark and dramatic.
Megan, Shalice feels that I am not the best one to help you, Statesman told her in a gentle voice. And I am beginning to think that perhaps shes right. Due to your
history
with Tyrant, I dont think that I am going to be able to offer you the support and guidance that you really need.
If he thinks that Im going to follow that mind-witch around
No, Dominatrix, Psyche said in that annoying tone of voice she had. Im not going to be the one monitoring you either.
Domi glanced hopefully over at Positron.
No, not Positron either. Hes too kindhearted to deal with a woman like you. In fact, most of the men areeven my archer. Psyche smiled, and it was a smile that wouldnt have looked out of place on Mayhem. No, I think that this mission needs a feminine perspective. Jessica, would you please join us?
Jessica? She wouldnt!
There was something very familiar about the lithe female figure that stepped out of the shadows. Her clothing was similar to Domis, but with brighter shades. She moved with easy grace, and crossed her arms in a very familiar manner as she looked at Domi. Thats her?
You can talk now, Dominatrix, Sister Psyche murmured.
Perhaps she could, but Domi found herself momentarily speechless.
Megan, Statesman said in a soft, gentle voice, this is Ms. Liberty. My granddaughter. Jessica, this is Megan Cole.
Dominatrix, Domi whispered. My name is Dominatrix.
Charmed. Ms. Liberty walked over and punched her in the mouth so hard that Domi was knocked off her feet.
Domi glared up at her.
If you ever hurt my Grandpa again, Ill kill you myself. Ms. Liberty stated in a flat tone of voice. Now get up and lets see if he was right about you being worth saving.
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Eyes. Eyes are the first thing she notices when she meets someone. Her mother always told her that if you can read someones eyes you can read his soul.
Of all the things that her mother told her, that was the only thing that Dominatrix still believed.
Lovers lie. Mothers deceive. They will tell you how much they love you even as they stick a knife in your back.
Or leave you with people who abuse you terribly, strip away your childhood, and destroy your faith in anything your mother told you.
Dominatrix was six years old when she learned her mother didnt know everything. She was six when she learned that the people Miss Liberty claimed needed protection were more important to her than the welfare of her daughter. She was six years old the first time that one of the people that her mother said would keep her safe proved to her that safetyand her mothers promiseswere a lie.
She saw it in his eyes before he ever touched her.
She didnt cry, not even once. Shes quite proud of that. She did not cry because he murdered the part of her that could shed tears of pain. She did not cry again from the time she was six until the time she turned fifteen. She did not cry again until her mother died
And thoseshe tells herself this every time she thinks of that daywere tears of joy.
Her mother had died telling her that she loved her. She had died begging hernot to spare her, which Dominatrix had expectedbut rather not to go to Tyrant. Not to go to Miss Libertys father.
She had died saying she loved her, but Dominatrix knew her mother had died fearing her, hating her. Why else wouldnt she tell her who her father had been? Why else wouldnt she tell Dominatrix why she had fled the opulence and luxury of Tyrants palace to raise her daughter in filth and hiding when she could have been a princess?
Now now Dominatrix suspects she knows why Miss Liberty had left that life to bear her daughter away from Tyrants grasp. She knows, but she does her best not to think about it.
She does not have friends because she knows people too well. She knows how sick they truly are. She knows they hate her because she doesnt shrink from the perversity of human natureshe glories in it, masters it.
Dominates it.
Marauder is almost a friend. Hes the one who first took her to Tyrant. Hes the one who started calling her Domi. They guard each others backs, and if he looks at her with fear, hatred, or lust, she cannot tell because he never takes his sunglasses off around her. Around him, she almost feels safe.
Almost.
Neuron mocks her. He whispers to her as she passes, asking her about her relationship with Tyrant, wanting her to tell him what happens when theyre behind closed doors. He seldom takes his visor off, but when he does Dominatrix sees that he wants her if only because Anti-Matter does as well.
Anti
She doesnt want to think about Anti now. Not while shes walking away from Tyrants rooms. Shes careful not to think about Anti when shes around Tyrant because she knows that her grandfather can read eyes just as well as she can, perhaps better. She knows what would happen to Anti if Tyrant suspected that she felt anything but contempt for him, so she makes sure to display nothing but scorn for the armor clad scientist when there are other eyes to see.
Bobcat stands with her arms wrapped around Neuron. Shes nuzzling the neck of the speedster, whispering sweet nothings while she keeps one slitted eye on Dominatrix. Neuron is her world, and she loathes and fears Dominatrix because she fears what would happen if Domi decided she wanted Neuron.
Dominatrix does not want Neuron. She does not want any man, anyone, like that. She does not know the desires of the flesh. Lust is a weapon to her, nothing more. A means of control.
Hello, Domi. Shouldnt a little girl like you be asleep right now? Mayhem--- she refuses to call anyone Mothersmiles evilly at her as Dominatrix passes by her. She has an old womans eyes in a young girls body. Dominatrix can still remember the screams that Aurora Borealis had made as Mayhem had ripped her mind to shreds to better occupy her nubile young body.
Some of us dont need as much beauty rest as others, Domi tells the body stealer with a taut smile. She exaggerates the swaying of her hips slightly as she walks past Mayhems toys, Chimera and Malaise.
We must work together soon, Dominatrix, Malaise murmurs in his beautiful voice. We would make such lovely art if we combined our talents.
Dominatrix makes a promise to the madman with her eyes. She may even keep it. She feels so alive when she holds someone else in thrall
Its the only time she does feel alive.
Dont talk to her. Mother doesnt like it, Chimera slaps Malaise on the back of a head. He never does anything to displease Mayhem. Hes her puppet, and dances only to the tunes that the old woman plays.
Is there a problem here? Tyrants voice is deceptively mild as he opens his door. Hes wearing nothing more than a robe. There is the faintest tinge of power around his hands, a warning to his unruly court.
No, no trouble, sir, Marauder says, running interference for the others. We were just wishing Domi goodnight.
I am gratified that you all show such concern for my granddaughters welfare.
Good night, sir, Marauder makes an angry gesture to the others who hurriedly return to their own rooms.
Megan?
Grandfather?
I enjoyed our conversation tonight. It was very relaxing. Tyrants eyes are ever changing. Sometimes she sees the man he had been decades ago before he had found the Well of Furies. The man she thinks may actually love her. Other times other times its the mad deity that makes the nights last forever and not in a good way.
Thank you, sir. I enjoyed it as well. Her heart is pounding in her chest. She never knows what will happen next when its just the two of them.
Good night, dear.
Good night, sir.
She counts to 100 after the door is shut to force her heart rate to go down. She wants to run, but she makes herself walk. A slow, sedate walk.
Anti-Matter isnt in his rooms, of course. He hasnt slept there since he found himself trapped in his armor. No, hes in his lab, surrounded by computers, robots, and metal.
Anti
She hates this feeling. She hates being out of control, and she is never in control where Tyrant is concerned. She needs to find control again
She needs Anti.
His lab door is locked to everyone else, but its never been locked to her. She walks through the door. Anti-Matter!
What do you want, Dominatrix? Miniature speakers in his armor distort his voice somewhat, adding an inhuman timber to it. He sounds as cold and unfeeling as his robots.
Anti She walks up to him and wraps her arms around him. She lays her head on his shoulder.
Domi? The voice sounds the same, but she can hear the emotion in it now. Shes touching only hard, unfeeling metal, but she can tell the man inside the armor is shaking.
Good.
Powerful arms wrap themselves around her. Fingers that could rend steel like paper gently stroke her hair. Its like being hugged by a statue come to life.
She cannot see his eyes. She has never seen his eyes. She cannot tell if he is lying when he says that he loves her.
She thinks that he does, though.
There can be no pleasure for him in holding her like this. He will never be able to touch her or kiss her. He cannot feel the hair he strokes. There can be no comfort in this for him; only a painful reminder of the things he can never have.
But he does it anyway. For her.
She hugs him as tightly as she can and begins to cry. She tells herself that the tears are nothing more than a ploy. That crying is like the smile she gives Malaise or the taunt she hurled in the face of Mayhem. She tells herself that she cries because she knows that it will bind Anti-Matter to her all the tighter.
She tells herself that its not real, and she almost believes it.
Almost.
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