The Raven's Basilisk

Psyis rubbed her arms trying to keep warm, the chill air in the upper atmosphere easily slipping past the meager insulation of her hoodie. Looking down at the winding pass that led to Blane Manor, a slightly lighter strip cut in the vast forest. Tucking her hands into her pocket she tried to keep the wind from creeping up along her midsection while descending. The frigid air was already working its way up along the denim around Psyis legs, the chill against her mottled skin causing her shiver a bit.

Dropping from thousands of feet above a small figure finally touched down on one of the well-lit balconies that had housed the Blane family for generations. Psyis looking at the decorative pots, now rather barren looking with the plant's greenery falling a month ago. The lands around the manor had always looked so full of life, it had taken the journey to adulthood for Psyis to realize otherwise.

Psyis recalled her younger days, when she'd been so easily taken in by the trickery. The younger naiver Psyis into believing she was partaking in the heights of humanity when she'd merely been playing at being second hand Voltham aristocracy. Going hand in hand with Steven to attend dinners and functions, those years forging an image that she'd tried to cast aside. Leaving Steven to experience the real world outside of the Kansas alien reserve the cents maintained and that manicured lifestyle of the Blane's.

Independence had earned her a wonderful little Centropolis apartment, and a depth of understanding on just how difficult it was to make it in the world as a hero. She could understand why Dark Night used a small part of his vast wealth maintaining that very cared for persona of being both a vivacious billionaire widower and imposing monarchical mogul of Voltham. The Blane's willing to burn untold sums to maintain that dynamic camouflage, so intricate that it'd even fooled her into ignoring all the warning signs.

Those false mirages of humanity that merely concealed a borderline justice disorder fading, painted over with the view of mercury's falling liquid lead. Reaching up slowly and pulling down her hood she let the cool air wrap around her neck, the gently breeze not nearly as cold now that she was at ground level.

Relaxing as November adjusted her hairstyle to its own preference thinking back on the slightly awkward but rather fun night she'd had on an entirely different planet. Red eyes looking out into the dark the coordinated trees manicured and cared for by the landscapers replacing them with the wild geysers of mercury. Thinking on someone else who'd taken an altogether different route in their life, living as a nomad among the other planets.

Despite Izime's strange ways he was a refreshing level of normal for being a hero, even if she included the toxin dealing there at towards the end. If it had been another life, maybe she too would have taken to the same nomadic space faring lifestyle instead of paying property taxes here on earth. Visiting mercury had been fun even if Izime had only taken them for a bit, and just like Constantinople had warned it was basically all business.

Thinking back the entire night had actually been fun, not the laugh along because the humans were laughing kind of fun. The teasing Cradle and that irritating enabling Izime had done to encourage the bird on further. Izime's joking about of getting caught by the 'big-shot heroes' who'd undoubtedly claim he'd corrupted her. Constantinople's teasing of the anti-social Izime, Psyis could even see some of what Constantinople had been talking about the whole time. From Izime's efforts for the galaxy to how one might think he was a bit like her, even sharing in some of his worries. Though it hadn't gone past that, she simply saw where the exorcist had drawn the similarities between them.

OK not too far past that, a slight chuckle filling the balcony, Psyis recalling Izime's stunned face when she had hit him in the parking garage. She'd just wanted to remind him who ran Centropolis, and he'd probably had no clue what she was doing. The mind reader getting a small giggle out of the fact she could still tell a little of what he'd felt, even more so when he'd blushed on the stairs; how she'd been the slightest bit pleased she'd caused it.

That back and forth as they'd tugged on that tension between them; fine, maybe she had been a bit flirty but they both had to a point, and it was undoubtedly Constantinople's fault. Thankfully that handshake had made things clear enough that Psyis knew it was just in good fun, at least that's what Psyis had made of it. Really that handshake was as clear as mud and it just felt like they were both playing on the uneasy tension Constantinople had caused.

Not that she had been against it in the end despite her original complaints, it was OK to be a bit flirty as long as they'd both been clear that nothing would come of it. Izime obviously feeling some of that same draw and chemistry during the night, be it before or after Constantinople had opened his mouth it didn't really matter. The slightly awkward bit of a ham Izime had turned into in front of the group had contrasted sweetly with the quiet timidness she'd been given. Those moments adding more layers to the complex personality she'd discovered in the alley that'd chastised her over wasting food.

All together adding up to a rather enjoyable person, regardless of his confirmed humanity. It had been hard to find that outside of the rare moment on a mission or between paparazzi shots lately. That fun time and easy laugh, someone she could be a person around and not a cape. Psyis wondering for a moment if she'd had the same effect on Izime at least somewhat, letting him maybe not relax but if he'd found anything he'd enjoyed in her.

A slight sigh that hinted of curiosity and worry escaping her as she looked towards the stars. Constantinople's words returning, did Izime even have time to look back down to the world where he belonged. Psyis a but sour thinking Izime would likely not even care to think about her beyond that handshake. Fearing that was the sign that she too would have to wait years before they'd once again share those moments as well.

That moment of a memory on mercury fading as another voice interrupted her unintentionally apprehensive sigh.

"Have fun?" The imagined view fading away completely as she turned to face Steven who stood arms crossed obviously irritated by the tone in his question. Still in his dark black outfit, banded armored vest unbuttoned splitting the bright red helmet sigil of Dark Squire in two as if he'd just gotten back from the orbital station.

"Steven please, just don't" Psyis tried to stop her ex. Her shoulders still pulled close as if holding the wisps of memory that remained, refusing to release that sweet tension in the face of Steven's ire. She was already slightly sore having had to turn Izime down knowing it just wouldn't be healthy for her or him. Psyis refused, not wanting to have words with the very reason she'd had to say no as well, "I don't want to argue with you, not tonight."

"Or ever again?" Steven shot back eager to drag his ex into the same vicious loop, ignoring Psyis' rolling eyes. Taking a step forward Steven sniffed, hoping his nose was lying as the breeze carried the scent of hard liquor towards him. "You actually drank?"

The sinking feeling Steven had since yesterday now becoming a full-on leak, disappointment pouring out of his heart as he looked at the woman who'd obviously let her heart wander. She'd wanted a break-up but they both knew this was just a break, now it was looking like she couldn't even keep to that.

Steven knew he shouldn't have let Constantinople talk him into leaving because something was bound to happen, it was easy to blame the exorcist's con skills, but Steven had seen it. Psyis hadn't left his side until Izime had called her to him, pulling her away with a simple shrug. The psychic so easily swayed as soon as she'd found someone she couldn't read, leaving him for a more exciting game to play around with. Now Psyis thinking she could just as easily fool him, the heroine having none of the exorcist's skill with enchanting his words.

"I had a beer." Psyis gave a quick response, looking over and stepping back a bit. Not out of nervousness but irritation at Steven's attempts to continue micromanaging every single threat, risk, and detail in his life including her. Literally sniffing around her like some kind of human bloodhound as soon as she'd returned to use the room she'd accepted after Izime's first appearance.

"I smell hard liquor." Steven gave an audible sniff as he shook his head in disappointment. He'd hoped that Psyis of all people would know better than to do anything around the conman and the criminal Izime. Anger slipping through into his disappointment, asking Psyis why she'd try to deceive him. "Why lie, what else is there to hide?"

"I had a beer and a shot. What do you think I did?!" Psyis looked away from Stevens accusing gaze, trying to reinforce the boundary between them; did he really think she was that easy. Hoping her frustration finally seeped through to the emotionally constipated man, "Gods be damned Steven we broke up months ago because I didn't like this attitude, what is your problem tonight?!"

A bit of guilt cracking into Psyis defenses as she'd already admitted she could like Izime if things had been different, that crack only widening as she buried Constantinople's thoughts deeper inside. Covering them under the numbing emotional lashing that Steven was burdening her heart with.

"I care." Jabbing a thumb into his chest Steven growled defiantly at the woman he had once called more than fellow hero. Now he had to keep himself for consciously wondering if Dark Night was right that Psyis had been compromised emotionally or otherwise by this new interloper; a cheap shot flying from his mouth, "About this city, the people and you Psyis I still do."

Psyis at first taking the bait, wanting to set things straight on just how Steven managed his life. The man certainly didn't live he maintained, just like the trees that decorated the stupid gardens, the pots on the damned balcony and even Jenkins. Steven kept up appearance, tailored his life to keep both the looks and the persona. All so he could spend the majority of his time behind a mask, only removing it to highlight the fake Steven he'd sold the world.

"Control Steven, d-no. No, I said I'm not arguing with you so, I'm not." Psyis walked past Steven, throwing down her verbal gloves. There were so many flaws in that thought process, it was something Radiation Man and Dark Night had gone rounds over already. At least James had found a way to actually live, having a wife and family who he'd move on with in his life. Stan hung up over the loss of a wife and his kids was certainly painful, but in comparison to your entire race it needed some perspective.

Psyis hoped she could move past Steven and not engage in the same debate. Walking towards the beautifully carved balcony doors and reaching for the brass handle. It was of little use as Steven kept pace right beside her, his longer legs easily giving him the lead in just a few steps.

"You went out drinking with some-some nobody and Constantinople of all people." Steven turned as he finally got between the door and the woman; he needed to explain things to. Psyis attitude only confirming the suspicions that were growing in his heart, after he'd seen her dreamily looking towards the stars; she was going to leave him.

It wasn't even a question; Steven could feel it in his bones that Izime was something more than just a professional risk. Once Izime had gotten involved Psyis seemed to just forget any kind of sense, down to how she was supposed to behave. Steven had always been confident in keeping Psyis embroiled in their back-and-forth situation-ship until he'd appeared. Maybe they weren't as steady as Radiation Lad and S'rah the Martian but until a few days ago Steven had been sure that things would go back to normal. Psyis and him were just having a rough patch that would smooth itself over once she realized things were simply better with him beside her. Now instead of her seeing the right of things she was swooning over the stars; Steven's confidence shaken to his core.

"We're not doing this." Psyis denied him uselessly, turning away not wanting to listen to the snowballing thoughts in Stevens's mind, intending to just ignore him. Closing her eyes tightly Psyis knew this was the reason she'd had to refuse Constantinople; looking back Izime was nice, almost cute even in his own odd little way kind of like his bird.

Maybe in another world where she wasn't so entangled she could do more than just enjoy his company and friendship. Dig in to all the little facets of his life that he'd hidden away as he shared them with her, see the same distant planets and stars. Read into not just the mind that was hidden from her but the entire life he seemed to hide from the world. Psyis wiped her eyes as she could physically felt those thoughts barred from ever even realizing themselves as desires, the inexplicable chain she felt in her heart towards Steven making it impossible.

"Yes, we are." Steven demanded that they have a resolution of some kind, not that Psyis could stop it from happening either way. Stan had already put things in motion that would solve everything quite nicely regardless of how she thought she felt about Izime. It still bothered Steven immensely to see Psyis standing here sniffling because he'd said a few harsh words about him. Not only was she acting worse than she had when she'd tried to make him jealous dating that stupid web-slinger in New York, she wasn't faking it this time.

Psyis seemed to lose any reason when it came to Izime, even sending the city into a mild panic just so she could chase him down. Steven had excused her actions because she'd alerted them, looking back now it was easy to see her in a different light. Psyis had been love-struck standing there in that alley, lips greasy after Izime had forced her into sharing a meal with him. It had to be some power, a method of control wielded by the street crawling outcast that'd left her so brainlessly smitten. Steven had known something was wrong even before Stan had explained Izime's danger, now intending to show Psyis the same.

"Anyone would worry if the person they cared about was out throwing them back with the exorcist who torched Eden and some homeless freak." Steven took a shot at Psyis actions tonight, wanting to make sure Psyis was still sensible enough to stay on the right side of what was coming.

Psyis just blinked for a moment as she had no words, only wishing there was something different floating between Stevens two brain cells. One obviously deciding who and what were good and just, dedicated to heroics, the other deciding what was good and right for her.

Fine, Izime was still a bit shady even she had to admit that, but after tonight he seemed like a decent enough person certainly not a freak by any means. Interesting was the right term; Psyis decided after seeing Steven's reaction, Izime was interesting even if she was too hung up to be interested. So, it wasn't the least bit surprising to feel the jealousy just rolling off Steven's mind; in fact, she'd already expected it.

The truly shocking part was Steven's thoughts on Constantinople, the man was a bit rough by nearly any standard, but the wise cracking con-brit was still a force for good. The exorcist had proven his worth, had sacrificed plenty and even restored their entire timeline once at great cost to himself, losing his rank as Leader. Now it seemed just by association with this new unknown in Stan's field of vision the ex-leader had come under suspicion. Psyis clenching her teeth wondering if she had as well Steven now stopping her from opening the door.

"Stan wants to see you in the basement." Steven put his own hand over the purple and blue one, feeling a bit of resistance as he kept her from turning the handle. Hoping his warning tone would finally get Psyis attention, taking some small satisfaction in her tense reaction to his words even if she didn't look at him, "We did some digging into your new friend."

"You found something at Savior Station?" Psyis didn't bother looking up, instead focusing on how uncomfortable Steven's restraining her was making her feel. The exact opposite of all the fondly remembered butterflies shed once had, Psyis not wanting to hear the hard-lined Dark Squire that had ruined those memories. Steven now dragging down her new friend as she was unable to stop him.

Steven's mind filling with flickers of detractions and insults about Izime. Varied in depth from simple jealousy to unbridled anger; all circling between the layers he tried to confuse her with. Tossing his mind between unnecessary concern for her to valid questions that the league might ask. Psyis knowing that the ever driven and overly possessive Steven would follow Stan's every order if it involved bringing Izime down to a level that kept her on Steven's little pedestal.

"Stan has an idea on how to bring Izime in for some serious questioning," Steven was a bit sad when Psyis finally looked at him, breaking her gaze from where he was holding her hand. He'd been enjoying that familiarity, "not this cat and mouse game that he has us playing. Hopefully you can still understand why we need to bring him in, you don't even know who or what he is."

"What's that supposed to mean." Psyis narrowed her eyes, realizing there was more to Steven's stopping her. A reason she had tried to ignore burying it under her disgust at those memories, not escaping either in the end. Purple paling slightly as she realized this went beyond simple jealousy and a sense of betrayal, there was something deeper and more real behind Steven's directionless thoughts.

Steven scoffed at her reaction, the mind-reader who'd been so suspicious now acting as if all was well in the world when she still hadn't cracked the question of Izime. That creep had just needed to say a few words or smile at her; whatever the hell he'd done had turned his woman's brain to mush. All that effort Psyis had put in, all the trouble she'd caused for Voltham, and even the efforts Stan had taken to contact Constantinople all wasted. Steven irritation flaring to the point he knew he was going to come across as snappy even though he was only trying to bring Psyis back to reason.

"You've let Iz-that thing get away what?" Steven corrected himself, wanting to keep things in a certain perspective. Hoping to mentally box the psychic into thinking of Izime as a non-human through insinuation. Steven furrowed his brows as he buried those intentions under a layer of blame, "Three times now, once at the noodle shop where it obviously had better control of the situation than you, then willingly let it leave in the alley, and tonight you flipped on me and went along with Constantinople an it; you sided with them."

"Th-them?!" Psyis exhaled taking a breath after the slight outburst, finally demanding Steven say it aloud after she'd managed to even her breathing, "Steven, Constantinople once lead League Mystic, he was the ranking member for mystical, magical, or divine for everyone at Savior Orbital. This is about Izime and only Izime; he knows who we are, just say it."

Psyis knew the real issue Stan had with Izime since this whole thing had started, there was only one thing that could drive the sleuth up a wall like this. Izime having power he could leverage outside the League's control, more over it was that Izime was outside of Stan's control. Everyone in the League knew Stan had it out for anyone with what he considered to be too much power, from James on down.

Those considerations sometimes felt kind of feeble considering Dark Night was only a mortal man turned hero through his position and good intentions. The man could have just as easily gone the other direction and been an even more twisted version of The Laughing Man.

"We need to know you're going to help us, Stan's got some leads. If the Vidan Council isn't going to step in we should have free reign over what happens on Earth, this is our planet, your planet Psyis. I thought you cared what happened here?" Steven looked down his nose at the shocked alien, wondering if he was feeling remorse or regret as those red eyes blamed him. Still Stan was right Psyis needed to hear it straight, and Steven knew it was better coming from him than the old man. "There's some nobody that we can't even confirm is human, hauling who knows what off world, and selling it who knows where. The Vidan Security Council sure doesn't."

"It's batteries." Psyis refuted, knowing it was far more than just batteries, but she'd never admit it. If someone wanted to there was probably something they could build out of Izime's stock to cause trouble, bigger trouble than the box that had been labeled as security devices. The fuels along with an ignition source alone would turn his ship into a massive bomb, add all the gases and what not he might have stored away, and it was a bit scary to consider.

"You know that how?" Steven felt his grip tighten unintentionally in shock, the way Psyis had said it sounded off like she was defending Izime. Psyis was deep in denial just like Stan had been worried about, the alien favoring the off-worlder for some reason. "Seriously, you're going to take his side on this; Psyis we've already got proof he's selling fear toxin to demons."

Psyis didn't even bother hiding her sarcastic response, putting a hand on her hip as she looked away blatantly refusing to give Steven any more reason to dislike Izime. She'd already had her words over him when it came to the toxin issue and if Steven wanted details on how she'd spent her time with him he could use his own imagination.

The thessian almost wanting to explain just the littlest bits on how it'd almost wound up being a date just to snowball his little brain. Though for some reason the idea of sharing those simple moments felt incredibly intimate; nothing worth teasing Steven with no matter how badly he deserved it. Psyis only allowing the barest hint of a satisfied smirk to pull at her full lips as her silence was the only answer she'd give Steven.

"It's coming to an end and if you're going to help Stan's waiting, if not?" Steven gave an ultimatum losing his patience at Psyis silent glare; she knew something and just wasn't telling him. Steven warning his ex about the consequences of further betrayal to their expectations, "Don't bother showing up for patrol tomorrow; we don't need another risk."

"You've got to be jo..." Psyis started to refute, trailing off as she read his mind which revealed the depths of Stan's actions. There was nothing she could say that might help calm the matter if he'd involved Radiation Man, Steven was right if she wanted to have any control she needed to pick a side tonight.

Sure, she could reveal that she had been to Izime's shop, but that would just lead to Dark Night having an address to conduct this search-and-seizure. It would also just lead to a bigger problem with Steven and his issue with Izime, knowing she'd left with him from the bar and kept drinking at his 'house'. As it was though, Stan had already made up his mind to put a plan into action, so it'd likely take someone more capable that her to think their way out of its grasp.

"I'm not, Stan's not, and Radiation Man's pissed. We're planning to call Hank in so our local Ring Bearer can get some answers from the Tribunal directly." Steven lowered his tone taking careful measure of Psyis reaction to his words, looking for any signs of worry or doubt.

Hoping against hope that she'd still be the cape he knew best; that same driven girl who'd worked her butt off to beat him into the League proper. Burying his more honest thoughts under a train driving down a track of memories that burned so brightly they'd sear themselves in the thessian's heart. Victories they'd celebrated as teens against villains and the tender childish petting they'd attempted after. Moments they'd spent at galas, the feeling of his hand's running under designer lace as they'd hid among the trees in the west gardens. Steven swearing if the thessian wanted some damned bond then those moments ought to have already brand her as his

"This is already happening, so you need to pick a side. Right now." Steven put his concerns aside, wrapping his mind in the air of respect and affection that younger Psyis had earned from him. Hoping she'd not read the doubts beneath that already told Steven if he didn't get between the two, if this Izime didn't disappear, that he'd lose the thessian.

It wasn't personal or only personal, they had a good reason to put down the very real risk Izime posed. Steven just told himself this was just another benefit of being on the right side of justice. If Izime had done things properly maybe the League would have let it slide, the whole being planet side that is; Psyis would always be another matter. The man could have let the heroes know he was acting on the planet they protected and then maybe he could have run his little stall on some moon. He hadn't so as far as Steven was concerned, he could sit in some cell until someone whose job it was to remember let his out. The cell Stan had picked suited Izime just fine, the deepest darkest hole that way he'd never find a way to sway Psyis again.

Red eyes tried to read through those memories, only catching bits of jealousy through Steven's confidence in the League. Psyis getting little about what plot Dark Night had laid out, there was likely only way to get those answers. Psyis biting at her tongue as she considered that maybe the best way to protect Izime was to just do her job. Standing beside Dark Night and the rest of the League like she was supposed to, at least there she could keep things from getting completely out of hand.

"Fine, but..." Psyis bit at her cheek as she considered her duty. If it was just to answer some proper questions then yes, Izime probably did need to come in. Izime had already hidden a fear toxin explosion; even if it was supposedly in hell, Psyis reconciling this quick betrayal, "it's only because I want to know who's on my planet. Who Steven, not a what."

There had to be some kind of oversight for that occupation. They could find an agent who was worried about safety and health with all those materials. No Izime would need more than one agent certainly, maybe an association would work; they could discuss details when she brought him in. If he was operating safely, they'd have no reason to interfere beyond personal issues, right?

Psyis tried to excuse her decision, but she knew that the most important thing was that the League didn't doubt her, she simply had to do this. It was Dark Night and Dark Squire; the same two she'd served in the League with forever and if they needed her to do it then that was what was right. Psyis took a weak breath trying to find the ground under her feet as she felt her world shake around her, a soul deep fear passing as she briefly considered her alternative choice.

If she helped Izime and the League kicked her out it would ruin her entire life. If she went against the Blane's without the majority of the League or Radiation Man, she'd risk everything. She couldn't even risk getting demoted to the Junior League, it taken her working through her entire youth until now to not just earn that spot in the League but her place here on Earth. Jamestone had finally laid off her in the press and she finally had her own little budgeted life where she could struggle on her own. Difficult as it was on her 'pay' from the various government agencies that helped supply openly acting heroes with living spaces; most of it was taken in as insurance for housing such a liability.

"Izime isn't an it, hes a nice guy. Constantinople's at least right about that." Psyis couldn't take his side, but she refused to take back her statement, red eyes matching Stevens's green. Black brows furrowing as Psyis nodded towards the door handle sarcastically as her words weighed on Steven's mind. A bit bitterly hoping Steven took the stupid imaginary connotations of her words every way he could with his human brain; he'd won again so she'd settle for this little victory.

"If you want my help at all then open the door," Psyis finally grew tired of waiting, settling the last doubts she could hear rattling in Stevens stupid skull while drawing her own personal line, "I already said I'd help bring Izime in what more do you need, I'm not going to call him an it unless that's what I am too."

"That's... not what I mean, and you know that." Steven relented and took his hand from the door latch, finally letting Psyis enter alone. Steven taking his own time on the balcony as he tried to figure out just how calling Izime an it had put Psyis against him, once more siding with Izime.

Psyis quickly heading through the hall, past the grandfather clock and up the stairs to her room. She'd need to change before she tried to deal with Stan, handling Dark Night took a completely different mentality. The thessian hoping dawning her super suit would tip the scales in Izime's favor.