How did he get himself into these situations?

Oh yeah, that's right: stupidity and arrogance. 

"I'm such an idiot!" Bolin snapped at himself as he launched a black clad ninja off a roof. 

"I can't say I disagree."

"I should have expected reinforcements!"

"Actually, I told you to. I believe your words were that you'd "cross that bridge when you came to it"?"

Bolin grunted as he touched down on the roof and spun into the air, landing his full force into a kick that sent a ninja flying. He landed as if made of air and perfectly hit his next target before they could decapitate him with a sword. Bolin was an excellent fighter, a fact he was very proud of, but even he knew when he was in over his head.

He turned and kicked, flipped and dodged, spun and punched, cracked one over the head with a kama.

The number of Hand style Storm Troopers never seemed to dwindle. They just kept coming, like Black Friday at Best Buy. And they all wanted a piece of him. 

"Okay okay, no need for the I told you so!" Bolin huffed at his head roommate. "Just help me!"

"Say no more."

Bolin relinquished control, allowing the spirit to take the wheel. His form lit up a brilliant gold and grew. It only took seconds for the massive lion spirit to take his place. The crimson beast let out a deafening roar, giving even the ninjas pause to reconsider. 

But this was The Hand, and they didn't quit easy. 

Shishi made much quicker work of the hoard, and his methods tended to leave much more permanent damage. He caught one unfortunate soul in his maw and shook them savagely like a dog with a toy, then released their limp form onto the rooftop. Another ninja flew at him, and Shishi reared up to slash them across the chest with his dagger sized claws. 

The ninjas knew their best chance to defeat the beast was to rush him all at once and hope to overwhelm him. They came at him from all angles. Shishi couldn't see where he was going as he backed up, then reared to slash at the bodies surrounding him. A well placed kick sent him stumbling back. Shishi expected to land and be down for a second at the most, but the roof gave out.

Glass. It was a sunroof. A very expensive looking one. 

"Nice," Bolin laughed.

Shishi tumbled through the air, followed by about a dozen black clad ninjas. The beast landed sprawled on the floor to the shocked horror of hundreds of onlookers. His body hit the marble hard enough to shake the crystal chandeliers. 

Patrons began to scream and flee in their high heels and dress shoes. The army of ninjas surrounded the spirit as he pulled himself up off the floor, and more poured in through the hole in the roof. Shishi growled, the sound like distant thunder in his throat. His tail lashed behind him as he waited for the opponents to make their move. 

Like a hivemind, they all moved at once. Shishi met them with renewed fury as he viciously tore through the onslaught.

Whatever Oberon was going to say would remain a mystery as all hell broke out around them. The dome like skylight exploded inwards and the room was suddenly raining large and small shards of glass as well as what appeared to be a lion?
Ash's preternatural ability to recognise danger and her incredibly enhanced reflexes were the only things that saved her from being impaled by a particularly large shard of glass.

Before she was even consciously aware of the danger her body was already moving. On some level she was aware of her need for secrecy and so instead of using her enhanced reflexes to twist away she dived to the floor instead. Hopefully anyone watching would just put it down to luck, she lay there for a moment pretending to be stunned but in reality she scanned the room with quick focus getting the lay of the land. She hadn't imagined the lion, the great beast crouched amongst the glass roaring and attempting to fight the ninjas that surrounded him. There was a lot of them and Ash could see help was needed if the lion was to live.

After a few moments she got to her feet and looked at Oberon. "At the risk of sounding like a coward, I think we should get out of here!" She deliberately put as much fear in her voice as she could. It wasn't easy as it wasn't fear she felt but exhilaration, her body thrummed with the need to act, to fight, to let the predator out. She hated lying to this man that seemed genuinely interested in her, for the first time in a long time she felt attraction and she wanted to pursue it. But it was too dangerous for him to know her true identity, she hoped he was a nice person but in truth she didn't know him and couldn't be sure he wouldn't try to use her in some way.

Even if he was genuine,knowing her secret would put him in danger and she wouldn't allow that.

"Im sorry." She said before abandoning him, running in what would appear to be panic. In reality she was searching for somewhere private and secluded.
She spotted the ladies toilets and quickly saw they were empty, people were more interested in running for their lives than going to the loo. Assured she was alone she closed her eyes and concentrated. Gradually something began to appear on her skin seeming to grow from her hands and feet, it spread in colours if gold, green and red until she stood garbed in what appeared to be armour. Her hair seemed even redder than before and her eyes now glowed green and gold.

She turned and ran back out to the ballroom which was in utter chaos. There was damage everywhere, either from the glass or from the battle raging between the enormous lion and the black clad ninja. Many people were still fleeing the room,she had only been in the bathroom a few moments, whilst others cowered in terror behind tables and chairs. She spotted several of the bar staff crouched wide eyed behind the bar. Below the skylight the lion still fought, his tremendous roar making the room vibrate. The ninjas however seemed of stern stuff and continued to attack the enraged lion.

Ash felt her own rage grow, how dare they attack such a glorious beast and how dare they ruin her good time. Yhey were going to pay. She smiled fiercely and leapt forward jumping the length of the room to land just in front of a ninja that was running in to attack the lion. With a snarl that was definitely not human Ash dropped and spun, her leg lashing out and taking the ninjas feet out from under him. Before he could react she gripped his neck and choked him into unconsciousness.

She rose gracefully to her feet, her movements feline in their grace and moved to stand near the lion showing no fear of the beast. Narrowing her eyes she wondered what the beast was, even without its size she knew it was no ordinary lion. It felt...odd. Not wrong but odd. Whilst she turned to fight the ninjas coming at her and the lion both now she attempted to communicate with the lion sending him a series of images.

A lioness stands near a great lion extending her head showing her vulnerable throat, allowing him to see she was not a threat, the lioness attacks the shadowy figures closing in on the lion

(OOC the images basically translate as "hey I'm not a threat but here to help)

---

---

Lev had rather been enjoying his dance with Miss Cross, and so when a large feline-like beast which he quickly identified as a lion, fell from the ceiling his first instinct was to pull the woman under him taking the brunt of the glass shards that fell around them. This is, of course, exactly the action he took. He might be a criminal by nature but he wasn’t heartless, he refused to allow innocent people to get hurt if he could stop it, so long as he wasn’t getting paid to do the harming. Glass fell from the ceiling and though he had managed to avoid being stabbed by any of the falling shards, his back was still heavily scratched. Still he hoped that he had managed to protect his dance partner from most if not all of it.

“Ma’am, it appears our dance, and by association, this game is over.” He released her not pushing her toward an exit, but rather leaving her where she was and turned his now bloodied back toward her to face the lion, the ninjas, and now another beast-like person that had started fighting in the vicinity of the Gala. “Why does nothing I do ever go smoothly.” He muttered to himself, though it was loud enough that those in the general vicinity could hear. He barely managed to avoid having a ninja tossed in his direction before he pulled a small metal tube-like item from his pocket. Upon fiddling with it for a moment it expanded into a long, metal staff.

The white haired male had little reason for joining into the fight other than he just really wanted to hit something. He had no clue who, or what, he was supposed to be hitting but decided the easier of the targets would be the ninjas, rather than the lion and other being that had joined it. Before he moved to join the fray he turned only a little to give the woman a smirk and a sly remark. “I might ask for more pay depending on how quickly this issue is taken care of.” He winked at her and turned to hit the nearest ninja with the metal staff that was now charged with accelerated kinetic energy. The impact sent the unsuspecting individual flying, probably with several broken bones on top of being sent across the room, into a few of his buddies. This gained the attention of some of the ninja and he simply readied himself for a fight. It had been a while since he had been in a physical altercation that wasn’t just a small street fight, so there was something that resembled a look of pure glee on the man’s face. If the civilians cleared out he might even be able to cause a few explosions, which was, of course, his favorite way to fight.

I hate these things, it's all just for show. Theodore thought to himself as he would walk the perimeter . Going to each guard he asks if they need anything, they always tell him no because he is the boss. So instead he would just take turns with each one telling them to go inside and get something to eat and drink, he might be the boss but Teodore always looked after his people. “Thank you boss, I haven't been able to eat yet!”. smiling he pats him on the back saying “it's ok just try to eat next time and tell them i sent you they will have something ready for you.”. He would scan the room until he finds Oberon once again talking to a beautiful woman, always a lady at his side during these events. Sometimes he feels sorry for his friend because the females are just there for his money, if they only knew what he did in his free time. Grinning, he just watches his boss/friend dance the night away, then not much later there is a disturbance outside so he makes his way to Oberon, then all hell breaks loose. Yelling into his ear piece ‘EVERYONE GET THE CIVILLAINS OUT SAFELY NOW NOW NOW!!!!”. Reaching Oberon he says “ we need to leave now boss” then whispers into his ear “i got our other suits ready in the car its close by let's hurry up”, running he would be dragging Oberon behind him, when a few ninjas got in the way or were trying to hurt someone he would send a shockwave under their feet causing them to trip and fall down. Finally making it to the car he gives Oberon the case as he himself starts to quickly change into the suit.

---

Boris' gaze remained on the rooftop, and there he'd seen more movements, shadows dancing between the dark of night and the moonlight. He stepped forward into traffic trying to get a better look as a stench suddenly manifested from inside the car behind him, he turned around to notice there was someone inside, aggressively yelling to him to open the door.

Did someone break in right in-front of him? "oh no you don't... I need this paycheque." He opened the door and reached his hands to grab the stranger by his shirt, but before he could do that, the sound of tires screeching filled the street and a crash followed. Boris was nearly hit but he jumped back only to watch vehicles come to a sudden stop, as a cascading effect of cars turning to either side to avoid the collision ahead, and for one to narrowly go by Mr. Osborne's parked vehicle, tearing apart the opened backseat door.

"Oh shit." Ok, this would be on him. He's the one who parked the car there much to Mr. Osborne's objection. But the two strangers inside? That couldn't possibly be his fault... right?

People have begun to surround the scene, and Boris, after the shock of the loss of his pay cheque which crashed right in front of him wore off, realized someone had been hit. A man was splayed out on the front of the car in front of the collision.

But his priorities were clear, he looked back at the two strangers in the back of the doorless car, and let out a compulsory growl of sorts which he had been too overstimulated to hold back. “What the hell are you two idiots doing in there?!”

Looking at him, Alistar got out of the car grinning, and Rex followed, pulling himself up to the roof of the car much to the chauffeur's visible annoyance. Rex whooped and hooted at the sight of the chaos unfolding before him, filled with genuine mirth at the male plastered to a Honda.

“My my my, what horrible people we have in this city just driving around” said Alistar, seeing the man growl at him he also says “Oh my, where are my manners, you must want your tip.” pulling out five thousand dollars, cash, he just extended his arm out. “here you go….”

Perplexed, Boris just stared at the bill strap holding a bundle of cash together. “Wait, what?”

“What, is that not enough? Ha, I like a man who loves money” pulling out another ten thousand dollars, he threw it at the chauffeur’s feet, and took a deep breathe “I love the smell of chaos in the air, Rex, I believe it's time we got to the party”’

At Alistar's words, Rex would growl before jumping from the vehicle and a few inches past the male who had been standing outside of it; fishing around the pockets of his newly formed outfit, before whipping out his middle finger and laughing as he ascended the steps to the entrance, "Oye! YOU WITH THE FLASK! LET ME HIT THAT BAD BOY!" He'd call out to the bald guy in a suit and red tie as he approached the trio at the stop of the steps.

Still on his knee, picking up the street tainted bills, Boris tried to count how much cash he was holding in his hand… if he were to take that man for his words, this would be 15 thousand dollars… in cash. His gaze turned to Mr. Osborne’s car, and he couldn't help but let out a small bit of laughter. He suddenly made more money than the old fart was going to pay him anyway. He shoved the bills into his jacket, stood up and cleared his throat as he turned to watch the two strange men walk toward the hotel.

Walking toward the Honda in the front of the collision, as bystanders were gathered around too busy taking pictures of the scene with their mobile devices, Boris shoved himself in to take a closer look. The man seemed to be alive… he had a strange smell that Boris did not recognize, and he realized his olfactory senses were picking up the small cut on the man’s forehead, which was bleeding… blue. The driver of the Honda that hit him, was on the phone, frantically reporting what happened, exclaiming they need an ambulance.

The level of chaos that night did not seem to settle down, as the sound of shattered glass accompanied by an echoing beastly roar came from the gala, followed by an orchestra of screams. Him and all the bystanders turned around to gaze toward the hotel.

“Oh what now.” Boris groaned before he turned around to the man on the car, quickly helping him off. “I don’t smell any serious injuries on you” realizing what he said he just shook his head “don’t worry about it. You should get out of the crowd before you become the next big thing on the internet.”

Looking back at Mr. Osbornes car again, Boris rolled his eyes. “Fuck… Me..” before he dashed toward the gala. As a crowd of people overflowed the entrance, Boris shoved himself through, not realizing his strength as people nearly fell over the railing of the stairs. Boris managed to get inside, past where the security guards usually stand, but in the heat of the chaos, he noticed one of the security guys was inside, on the floor, with a big piece of glass protruding through his leg.

“Mr. Osborne!” Boris shouted. He may have already made more than enough money that night thanks to the two strange men who somehow manifested in the car, but Boris still had a job, given to him by his friend Spencer, who would be pissed if something happened to his employer under Boris’s watch.

The gala was pure chaos, there were ninjas, and beasts, pieces of glass everywhere, some people were hiding under the tables and some ran around like headless chickens. When Boris noticed Mr. Osborne was trying to help an injured woman out of the gala, he quickly made his way to them as one of those ninjas landed in front of Mr. Osborne. “Out of my way asshole!” Mr. Osborne shouted, but before he knew it, Boris grabbed the ninja by their shoulder and effortlessly threw them against one of the tables, shattering the wooden legs it stood on. “What took you so long?!”

Boris ignored the comment and cleared a way out for Mr. Osborne and the lady he was carrying, shoving fixtures and any ninja that was in their way. At this point the entrance was completely blocked by a horde of people stuck together in an asphyxiating crowd. Boris decided to go to the side grand windows of the hotel and punch the glass through, clearing it for Mr. Osborne, who froze for a moment, seeing the scene from a distance in front of the Hotel. “Is… Is that my car?!” Boris froze, oh right. “Oh, uh, yeah about that, there was an accident.”

“You’re fired!”

“Wait, Mr. Osborne that wasn’t my-”

“I don’t give a shit! You parked the car there! Tell Spencer he’s fired too!” He shouted as they crawled out the window. It felt almost awkward if he was to crawl out with them so Boris just stood there, visible annoyance on his face. He caught one of the ninjas swiping through by the neck, and knocked their blade with his other hand, as people started swarming the window to escape, and before he knew it, this way out was blocked too. He choked the air out of the ninja until they passed out and threw them aside.

With a big sigh he looked around, rolling his eyes at the mess rich people always make for themselves. “Ok. how do I get out of here now.”

[Location: Sanctum-Transit to Hell]

Midnight moved in her shadow form through the sanctum as Cull took his beating. Mephisto had been clear that he was expendable but she would rise through the ranks and take on a full spirit of Sin to increase her power. Not only that but she would be his knight and expand the boundaries of hell to the stars bringing with her hellfire and brimstone to the far away planets that she had visited with Thanos. What a glorious new purpose for her after the mad titan had fallen so low. Finally she had reached the vault down below the sanctum itself and rose from a puddle of shadow on the floor. “Time to go to work.” She produced a signet ring from her belt and put it on, power then flooded her and she cast a spell that the ring had just given her. The door in front of her, heavily spelled as it was groaned as sparks flew and threads of magic became unbound. Within seconds the ring on her hand disintegrated and the door swung open then collapsed with a heavy thunk to the ground. “Better hurry.” The sounds of battle seemed like they had faded upstairs which meant someone probably heard the door crash. She darted inside and started looking through all the metal containers and glass display cases. She remembered that she was told to take a couple of things then grab the Satan’s Tear Ruby. The ruby was a part of a relic that had been broken long ago. It on its own just emanated an aura of hate and contempt but when coupled with the scepter of the abyss it would turn peoples rage and anger up to eleven and allow them to be controlled by the wielder.

Smashing a few cases she grabbed an ancient tome, the front of which had a stylized M on the cover but was bound by a lock on each side but the spine. Quickly she also grabbed a bracelet from a shelf that looked as if it had an eye embedded in it. Then finally she smashed the case with the Tear and grabbed it just as a bolt of energy whizzed by her head. Turning she saw attendants of the sanctum. Preparing more spells. “Time to go!” In her belt she grabbed a small crystal as she dogged to the side behind a large statue of a gargoyle. Pressing the crystal into the air a small tear in the fabric world opened. Spells whizzed in and a few shouted as they ran in but just as they reached where she had gotten to she was jumping through a portal to hell. One brave soul jumped through as it closed.

On the other side Midnight’s smile widened as she drove a blade into the man who had followed her as he turned to get his bearings. Twisting the knife she kicked the man backwards and he fell to the ground dead. Turning she came face to face with Mephisto. “I take it you were successful?” His eyes flared with power and still the yells of the mad titan could be heard.



[Location: Gala Event]

As Oberon was about to say “...a private showing.” his spider-sense went apeshit and just as he was about to kick Ashlyn’s chair out…she was already moving. Eyes going wide his spider-sense buzzed again and he moved as a shard of glass embedded itself into the table. Hearing Ashlyn barely he nodded to her as she ran, then Theo was there as he got up. “No worries Theo. I am going to make for the back and test out my new invention. Go!” He broke from Theo in the confusion, giving a look back slightly slipped into a back door into a service hallway where no one was. “Alright time to see if this thing works…two inventions in one night.” From his suit jacket he produced a vial and a syringe gun. Loading it quickly it punched through the cap and the liquid glowed pale blue. Quickly again he jabbed the gun into the side of his neck and pressed the trigger. It took seconds and his body felt the chill power rush through his body. His body plumbed as he let out a breath. Then with a swift movement he twisted his watch face and tiny nanites flowed out of it that began to spray a fluid that wove together forming his new suit

Going invisible he moved back through the doors into the chaos. “Time to go to work.” From there he ran and jumped shooting webbing at the ceiling then hung upside down getting spider’s eye view of the chaos. From there he saw the players in this game and sorted the pieces. THWIP THWIP!! Two ninjas pinned against the wall that were about to attack a group of civilians. Then looking up at the skylight he noticed more ninjas. “Nope, don't think so! All the tables are full at this party! How about I put something on ice for you though!” He then flipped up in the air losing his invisibility and willed his slime into his hand and his suit began to expel it towards the skylight as the ninjas jumped in. The slime caught them as they fell and it expanded. As it did it hardened and froze them, halting their momentum then reversing it as the large chunk of ice flew up and lodged itself in the skylight. As Oberon did this he had turned in the air and shot the ground and pulled himself into another ninja with barreling force. Looking around to see who needed help he jumped over to the giant lion thing then onto its back. “Hello there! Want some more help getting these guys to chill out? He laughed at his own pun and crouched on top of the creature.

The food coma that Raph had put himself in was disturbed by the commotion up the hall. He took a little too long to wake up and investigate, however, because when Raph arrived on the scene, all that was left was collateral damage and an injured wizard. 

He dropped down onto his knees next to Aielah and put a hand on his shoulder to try and investigate his wounds. Raph was no healer, not by any stretch of the imagination, but this man had offered him safety, food, and comfort, and Raph was ready to spill blood from whomever hurt him.

Fortunately for the perpetrator, Raph had been too late. 

So instead, he scooped the injured wizard up into his arms and carried him back up the hall to call for help.

"We need help! Someone!" Raph hollered into the empty halls. He could feel hot blood seeping onto his arms and chest. Good thing he wasn't squeamish. Raph didn't know where to take Aielah to lay him down, so he took him to the only room he was familiar with. Raph set the man down on his bed and knelt by him again, gently squeezing his hand as anxiety built. He didn't want Aielah to die. He had been kind and generous; he didn't deserve this. Help had to be on the way…

But the next face Raph saw wasn't a nurse or another sorcerer. It was small, red skinned, and upset. Raph looked up as the small child tentatively shuffled into the room, wringing his spaded tail in his hands. Tears glistened in his bright golden eyes. 

"Is he dead?" The boy whimpered, barely above a whisper. He was scared, obviously, but he was also worried for the man who had helped him. Raph felt a twinge in his chest. 

"No, he's just hurt….but he'll be okay." Raph wasn't sure, but he knew better than to say that to the poor kid. He wanted to comfort the child, but he wasn't sure how. He only had one example to follow: the comfort that Aielah had provided him just a few hours earlier. He hesitated, then held an arm out, inviting the boy in.

Orias quickly accepted the offer and threw his arms around Raph, who seemed stunned that this had actually worked. The boy cried into his shirt while Raph gently patted his silky black hair with the hand that wasn't clutching the wizard. 

"I'm scared," Orias said softly, holding Raph tighter.

"So am I," Raph admitted. It was strange to allow himself to be vulnerable, but it didn't seem as hard now. By the time others found them and poured into the room to assist Aielah, the boy had climbed into Raph's lap and slowly stopped crying. When the healers began uncovering the man's wounds, Raph felt it best to take the boy back to bed. 

Orias sleepily pointed out the bedroom he had come from, and Raph took him inside and tucked him away under the covers. He couldn't explain the warm and fuzzy feeling inside his chest; all he knew was that he would protect this child, and his new wizard friend, at any cost. Orias squirmed into the blankets until he found a comfortable spot and quickly dozed off. Raph stayed until he was sure the boy was asleep, then quietly left to check on Aielah's progress.

Raph lingered near the doorway of his room, watching the commotion with the same nervousness and hesitancy that the child had shown earlier.

As Shishi caused a scene, more costumed crime fighters arrived. Suddenly, the ninjas weren't able to focus on one target, and their numbers began to thin. Shishi grabbed one black clad ninja as they tried to swing a sword into his face. He flung the poor individual by the arm, right through an exquisite stained glass window. 

"That looked expensive," Bolin commented. 

Shishi turned on his heels and laid eyes on three ninjas trying to escape through a beautiful display of Christmas trees, lit and decorated with crystal ornaments. Shishi tore after them and barreled right through the artificial forest to take them out. 

"You wanna' go back and try that again? I think you missed one."

The beast growled at Bolin's commentary. Just then, an ice themed spider man landed on his back. Shishi grunted with surprise at the new ally. His attention was snatched away by a couple ninjas scaling their way back up through the broken sunroof. He wasn't about to let the cowards escape without facing justice. 

"Hold on," Shishi roared at his new companion, his voice low and rumbling. He bounded towards the wall and leapt, paws meeting the wall and surging him upwards until the would-be escapees were within reach. His massive paw batted them down from their rope like a cat with a toy mouse. Shishi twisted in the air as he fell and landed gracefully on his feet. One of the ninjas he'd flung smashed into the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, which promptly came crashing to the ground beside him.

"I'm pretty sure you've done more in property damage than I make in a year," Bolin griped, "Maybe I should take it from here."

Shishi huffed, but seemingly agreed, because seconds later, his form lit up and shrunk into the brightly clad, masked hero. 

"Hey everyone," Bolin chirped, waving to the remaining bystanders, "If anyone wants to bill me for the damage, I'll be happy to pay; my name is John Smith."

Location: Hotel - Gala Fundraiser Outside
Interactions: Alistar. Rex and Various others

---

---

Location Change- Inside the Hotel
Interactions: Oberon @soren , Wildheart@Virani

---

Krotar couldn’t believe what had happened. His head was ringing, and the world was spinning. Struggling, he pushed himself up off the bonnet of the car. Nearly losing his footing as the world shifted around him. He swayed, nervously, as he tried to remain upright, while the fluid in his ears tried to figure out which way was up again. Rubbing what he thought was sweat from his brow, he noticed it was in fact blood. His crisp azure blue blood providing stark contrast against what would normally be expected to come from a human. He could hear people talking to him, but the crash had temporarily disabled his translator. Disoriented, he kind of just brushed off everyone, as he was trying to keep himself on his feet. As the sparkles started to fade from his vision, and his translator came back on line, he noticed that there was some commotion going on inside.

---

---

---

Jiang didn’t even have a chance to react to the sound of shattering glass or even the chaos erupting onto the dance floor as she felt herself pulled against a strong chest, arms protectively curled around her small frame and defended from harm. For a moment, her vision was just filled with the material of his shirt blocking the view of everything she could still hear around them and she felt safe, comforted even in a way she hadn’t let herself be for a long time. When he did finally release her, it was clear more than just their dance had come to a conclusion as he had stated. She closed her eyes and centered herself, taking a deep breath as rage boiled beneath her calm exterior. Not only had her evening been ruined, seeing Lev hurt in her stead and the disrespect the Hand showed in the face of an ancient spirit that deserved to be honored for gracing this plane of existence with its presence was enough of a reason to turn her blade up in resistance to the injustice. It was a rule she gave herself not to tangle too much with these low lives and they usually avoided her since you can’t return life without a soul but they were about to learn of their mistakes. They couldn’t have known they were crossing her path but it was no excuse in her opinion.

Her eyes opened slowly, locking onto Lev’s own as he commented about pay causing the corner of her lips to tease at the hint of a smile. ”I see, then it seems I have no choice but to assist.”, Jiang answered as if that hadn’t been her plan all along. Her hand went to her hip as if she was grasping air before a sheathed sword materialized in the palm of her hand and as the blade was pulled, her previous appearance fell away. Bound dark hair transformed to light freely flowing tresses, eyes different shades of brown now hid behind shadows as her mask took over the gentle face, and her true outfit for the evening on full display. She drew her second blade before stepping up to her dance partner's side and spoke in her own mellifluous melodic voice, ”Thank you for your protection. I will make sure to repay the kindness you have shown.”

She rushed forward, harshly jamming her elbow into the gut of the first ninja that dared to get in her way before blocking another from landing an attack with her free arm. Jiang added strength behind her kick, slamming her foot into the attackers knee and hearing a snap before they fell. She turned her attention to the ninja that was no longer doubled over from her initial attack, spinning out of the way of a blade and quickly grabbing their wrist to twist the weapon from their hand before pulling their arm backwards and stabbing them before they had a chance to remove themselves from her hold. Jiang scoffed, letting the ninja drop before making calmly her way through the crowd and viciously slicing through any obstacles in her way as she worked to defend the spirit though it seemed that they were not alone in assistance, someone upon their back and others joining into the fray. It was frustrating that so many of the Hand had decided to appear, making her wonder what their plans were for such a magnificent creature and she was sure it was nothing good. She found herself stopped again, taking a moment to dodge and fight her chosen enemies but once a group was at her feet in defeat, the spirit was gone. _{”Where are you?”}, she muttered to herself.

As if answering her question, a masked man spoke up and instantly made her want to either face palm at the obviously false name or laugh at the stupidity of worrying about property damage at a time like this. If someone really were worried about it, why even appear back in human form? She could have sworn she sensed an ancient ambiance from the Lion since one of the same recognizes another but now Jiang was starting to doubt herself. Perhaps this man could only transform into a large creature? ’I guess there is a generous amount of physical appeal if there is a spirit attached to him. Perhaps strength is most important to the spirit if it is a host situation. Lions are known for strength and stability after all. It could just as easily be nothing and more of a situation like mine where they assist only or simply a transformation. Such a pity if that were the case…’, she thought to herself. ”Do not worry. I cannot see how the fault will lay with you in this situation though this is hardly appropriate timing to be worrying about such things.” Jiang stated before turning her blade behind her, stabbing backwards into her enemy as if to prove a point. ”Still, it is a pleasure to meet you.”, she added, giving a deep bow of respect before moving into a defensive stance now that she had made it to the man’s side and the prize the Hand was trying to claim.

Rex couldn't help but laugh aloud as he caught the flask, "Alistar, are you seeing this shit? It's like everyone knew we were coming or something!" He'd take a giant swig of whatever was in the flask, "Oye! This tastes an awful lot like demoness squirt!"
Alistar would look to his brother suddenly and shake his head, “Really? Demoness squirt? Why would you willingly taste that? It probably tastes like liquefied brimstone...” he'd then begin laughing just as suddenly as the image of a big burly demoness riding his brother's face came across his mind, causing Rex to laugh again; draining the flask of of the remaining liquid within and crushing it in his hands like an aluminum can, "That guy knows how to party!" and with a mighty belch he'd toss the flask aside like rubbish.
“It would seem you are right though, brother…" Alistar would pause as the cascade of glass upon the floor could be heard from the doors, "They must have known we were coming! It sounds like a fucking rager in there!" he'd exclaim, noticing that the screams of horror and panic were only causing Rex's sinister grin to widen, "Are you sure we're at the right place, Rex? Rich people don't party this hard."
With that, Rex would raise a puzzled brow, "Have you not ever been a part of those massive ritualistic sacrifices those celebs get away with at their concerts and shit? Come on man. You sound dumb as shit right now." He'd laugh smacking him across the back.
“Motherfucker, what concerts have you been to?" he'd pause again, thinking about who he was speaking to, "Scratch that, I forget that you party a lot differently than me.” he'd say, looking back to the scene in the streets and the gala, "We should hurry up to the party before some fucking cops come and spoil all the fun!!”
Rex would laugh boisterously, clapping Alistar upon the back once more, "Man," he'd snort, "you kill me. Cops. That'll just make things more fun. Hell. Let me liven the streets up a little bit." He'd growl maliciously, reaching towards the nearest fleeing gala member and proceeding to feed upon their screaming form; further confusing the escaping party goers to a stop as they now witnessed a blood thirsty demon feeding upon one of their fellow party members, draining them of their final drops of precious life. Rex would allow his victim to hit the floor with a heavy thud, their crimson life force dripping from his fanged face to his bare chest, his eyes beginning to glow a neon red as he drew in a heavy breath through his nostrils; his gaze fixated upon the crowd, "What do you think, bro? How many can I drain before we hit the main room?"
This would draw another laugh out of Alistar before answering him, "I would think ten of 'em should be enough for you, glutton!" he'd chuckle as he'd watch his brother grip the throat of one person while he fed on another, "I was wrong, you're not the sin of gluttony, you're the sin of greed!!” He'd proclaim amusedly before stopping suddenly as he drew closer to the doors where the actual gala would be taking place, looking about as if a most delectable scent met his nostrils,“Ooooh, Rex! I smell some delicious souls inside!!!!!!” he would exclaim sniffing the air and licking his lips in unison, his eyes flaring with the giddiness that filled him, “They have all kinds of special powers I don’t know about!" He smiled genuinely and drew a deep yet steady breath, "So we will have a challenge!" he'd sigh contently, "Oh, how I love a challenge!" he'd proclaim bouncing on the balls of his feet as Rex disposed of yet another drained and lifeless corpse towards the main entrance of the building, with little to no concern with how far or aggressively he threw them.
Alistar would have skipped on through the doors to the gala, leaving Rex behind to finish his feast, only to be met with quite a surprising scene as he pushed on, “Umm, Rex? Did you slip me something somehow??" He'd ask confusedly, looking back over his shoulder, "I'm seeing fucking ninjas right now!!" The words caused Rex to stop mid-feeding, throwing down his final victim and shoving past Alistar; he had more than his fill of meager human anyhow, this he had to see.
The scene of ninja/hero combat would bring back memories of Alistar's time spent training under the best ninja masters that had ever walked this earth, the same moment in history Rex had decided to learn the ways of bushido in an attempt to settle an argument; on which style of fighting was the best, between the two brothers.
“HAIL MY BRETHREN!" Alistar would shout proudly into the room, arms spread wide, "FOR IT IS I! THE ONI GRANDMASTER NINJA, ALISTAR GRIMM-SABBATH!! THE GREATEST NINJA AROUND!!” he'd finish with a cocky laugh before looking around and noticing the name didn't click with anyone.
He'd look down dejectedly and sigh, “Really?" he'd look around upon the empty, yet terrified, faces of the people within, "No one?" he'd look towards the few ninjas that decided to break the awkward tension in the room by running at him with sadness in his eyes, "Seriously?" he'd ask with a certain pain in his voice, punching an almost iron-like fist through one of the ninja's sternum; wrapping his hand around their heart, while back handing the other with the same fluid motion of Alistar removing the ninja's still beating organ and causing their head to turn a complete one eighty, "Well fuck, that hurts...” he'd say with a whine.
All the while, Rex had located what remained of the food bar; enjoying the cuisine of the mortal plane in much relish compared to that of the Nine, avoiding all conflict aside from the rare moments anybody had decided to bump and/or run into him, causing him to either spill or drop the food or drink in his hands in their panic. Other than that, he was too enthralled with the saviours of this little freak show; finding himself genuinely entertained that he was able to add to the chaos, because at any moment now the bloodless corpses that he had thrown about so carelessly would begin to reanimate just in time to meet with the local P.D. he'd think.

Bolin's attention was drawn away by what appeared to be a fellow hero, except female and very nicely built. He couldn't see her face, but he gave her the benefit of the doubt and immediately went into "shoot your shot" mode.

"What's that about appropriate timing?" Bolin said smoothly as he sauntered towards her. He paused "Wait, what?"

Bolin cocked his head, then turned as if to speak to someone off to the side. He whispered, "Hold on, back up, how old is she?"

...

"What?! How come whenever a cute girl talks to me, she's either evil or a thousand years old?"

...

"Yeah, yeah, magic swords, I got it."

He turned back to Jiang and forced a smile under his mask. "Well, uh, Madame Shíjiān, I should probably get out of here before whatever rich schmuck that owns this place comes back. Uh, Shishi says hi. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

He slowly backed away, then whipped out a kama and aimed it towards the broken window in the ceiling. The head shot off, pulling a thin wire behind it, and hooked the ledge of the opening. Bolin held his end and darted up the nearest column, then gracefully leapt through the window and back out into the snowy night.

---

---

Lev had just finished probably breaking a ninja’s ribs when he heard the woman behind her speak. He half turned toward her when she said she was going to assist. He hadn’t expected to see her appearance completely change as she drew a sword. “Aw, you were hiding that from me this whole time. I knew you were interesting but I wasn’t expecting that. That’s hot.” He let out a laugh as the ninja’s numbers thinned. It seemed the sheer number of super powered individuals here was overwhelming for the ninjas.

“Fucking heros, they are everywhere.” He muttered under his breath, trying not to draw attention to himself and moving away from the man that was once the Lion, and subsequently the largest concentration of masked individuals. It seemed that most of the civilians had cleared out, but most of the ninjas had also been taken care of. There were only a few left and it seemed they had easily been dispatched by a man who had been screaming about being the “king of ninjas” or something, Lev wasn’t paying attention. If he was honest he was looking for an exit so that he didn’t have to deal with the cops when they inevitably showed up.

In his search for an exit his eyes landed on a man who he thought he vaguely recognized. After a moment or two of staring, he finally identified the individual. He wasn’t as muscular the last time they met but it was definitely Boris. “The hell are you doing here, crooked cop? Better get out of here before your friends show up.” Lev said in Russian as he moved toward the man. He couldn’t stop his eyes from looking the man up and down. He was attractive the last time they met but now Lev had to stop himself from licking his lips as he looked at the man. “Actually if you are getting out of here, take me with you.” Though he had never had a run in with the police he was sure more than a few people had seen him hit a ninja or two across the room and he honestly was not looking to explain that to the cops.

Krotar was making his way inside to investigate what was going when he noticed one of the bodies, one of the demons left behind, begin to stir. Groaning he faced the revenant. “Really?” As the undead corpse shambled towards him, the alien sighed. Undead were so faux pas. As the corpse swung a wild arm, Krotar casually deflected it by swinging his arm in an arc, catching the attacking creature’s limb with the back of his wrist, in a movement that would have mirrors Kung Fu. Then in a move much less graceful, but much more brutal, he forward kicked the shambling corpse, square in the chest. The corpse landed on its back, half way up the stairs. Walking up, Krotar looked down at the corpse. “Rest easy. The colors of Ogord will flash over your grave.” He said in a somber tone. He stomped hard, splattering the head of the undead corpse. Undeath was a sick thing. Death was supposed to be a sacred thing. A goal to work towards. Otherwise, what was the point of all this shit?
Krotar felt a deep anger build up inside him. His NegaBands began to glow. As more corpses began to rise, he marched forward with purpose. Blocking a strike with his left forearm, he ducked and spun under it, sweeping the legs out from under another shambling corpse. Stomping the skull of this one just in time to hear sirens approaching. He debated whether he should stay and help the police finish up these undead, so that they might find peace, or to strike at the root of the cause.

Ash moved smoothly through the attacking ninja's her every move so fluid and graceful that it was eerie to watch. After jabbing a ninja in the chest and then kneeing him in the face when he doubled over. She spun on one leg lashing out with the other sending a ninja behind her flying backwards. She glanced around and saw she was not alone. A woman in a fearsome mask and using a sword was near the lion, a figure in blue and white was also close to the beast. Another figure in some kind of metal suit fought nearby. A ninja ran at her then and she sidestepped his charge at the last moment. As he staggered past his body moving too quickly for him to correct himself, she yanked him back by his armour and slammed her fist into his face. He stood stunned and before he could react she had lifted him by the throat to dangle off of the ground.

She was about to deal with him when she heard shouting near the entrance. She looked sideways and saw a man sporting studded leather and chains announcing himself to the ninjas as the 'Grand Master'. She frowned thinking for a moment that he was their leader but when she saw the ninjas moving in to attack him she realised that wasn't the case. Still holding the ninja in one hand she watched as the man literally ripped the heart from one enemy and hit the other so hard that his head twisted all of the ways around. The savagery of the man's actions both thrilled and repelled her. She fought constantly to keep her inner beast, the one that revelled in the violence of the hunt, in the killing of its prey. But she wasn't just the wildness of nature, she was human too and the human in her called this man a murderer.

She tightened her grip on the ninja's neck and choked him until he went limp in her grasp, she dropped him to the floor knowing he was just unconscious and turned towards the man in leather. But before she could say anything she saw the lion become a man again. It was different from how she shifted form and both this and the lack of response to her mental communication convinced her that he was not like her. He was something different.
She wouldn't get the chance to ask though as the man used a grappling hook to quickly reach the roof and disappear into the night.

"You have got to be kidding." She said dryly. "Bloody hell, the least he could do after wrecking a perfectly good party was stay for the cleanup."

Shaking her head she turned back towards the entrance striding across the room like a cat stalking its prey. She stopped not far from the man in leather and shook her head at the dead ninjas near his feet.
"I really wish you hadn't done that."She said, her tone conversational. "Now I'm going to have to deal with you too when all I want to do is go home and clean the stench of ninja off of me."

INTERACTIONS: @BladeSS4@Draku69


[Location: Gala Fundraiser]

As the Lion suddenly transformed Oberon’s senses began to tingle and he leapt off at the last minute straight in front of James. “War-Spider?”
He then listened to the man and nodded. He didn't even notice as the lion guy took off.“Yeah I know no good at all. Do me a favor though. If Guardian is up and running take scans of all the super powered individuals in the room.”
Just then two men entered dressed strangely and killing a cop as they did. Frost-Weaver listened to one of them bellow out being the greatest ninja while all the other ninja’s ignored him. So whoever this was he wasn't a part of their group but they were obviously here for a fight. One night, just one fucking night was all he wanted but it looked like that was never going to happen. He hoped that Ashlyn had gotten away and made a mental note to have someone track her contact down so he could send her flowers.

Oberon patted James’ armored shoulder and started to walk towards the man who bragged about being the greatest ninja. “You know, I don’t think your friends recognize you. Can I help you with something though? I kinda need to get…”
He froze his senses going wild like he could be killed at any second. “...b-back to kicking ninja ass.”
His voice broke because this type of sensation only happened around people or things that knew how to kill him. Coffee drove his senses nuts and this was worse than that.



[Location: Outside Sanctum–Bar alleyway]

Lust ran her hands through her hair as she felt the portal close. Midnight had to have escaped as she no longer felt the Tear’s presence on the mortal plane. With that she dropped to the street and walked for a while till she got to a bar. Her powers needed replenishing. Stepping inside she walked up to the bartender and as she went saturated the bar with her power. Men followed her and gathered around her as wives and girlfriends were left sitting or dancing by themselves. She smirked as she took the hand of some lucky guy who didn't want to cheat on his wife that was expecting. He had just come out with the boys to drink a little but this woman was too tempting. Lust revealed in the sin she was going to help him commit. After all her power would have never worked if there hadn't been some desire there to begin with. She read his mind and saw the images there and stopped. A little girl…they were having a little girl. He had read the card before his wife. This was why he was out with his friends celebrating. Fuck…she couldn’t let another innocent girl be hurt like she was, a girl needed her father. So in the moment of taking his hand she turned and slapped him and told him to get off her then quickly grabbed the most eligible bachelor. The side of Lust that needed the sin growled at the weakness that the human/ alien part of her had let slip through. No matter, this one would have to suffice. He was dangerous anyway. His soul could be sent to hell for the sin he had committed in her name. She took the man out back in the alleyway and pushed him against the wall. Kissing him furiously, her eyes began to glow a pale blue. It was already starting. The man then gasped as his excitement came to the forefront but then terror took over as he kept feeling it and it wouldn't go away. Then he felt all the pain he had inflicted on his victims. Lust then took the man by the throat and slammed his head against the wall. With this her eyes flared a brilliant pink as she pulled back from the kiss and stream or white light flowed from his mouth into hers. She dropped him after it was done and stood there snarling at him with her eyes still glowing but starting to fade. “Told you I could suck your soul out.” She smirked and chuckled before she bent down, taking some blood and drawing a symbol above him with it.

“Mephisto I will not be returning tonight. I have discovered the angel is under protection by the Vishanti. It seems Midnight was successful but Cull might be dead as he didn’t make his exit. I am following up on a lead about the angel. Something is up with the High Order and this being. I will investigate further and report back when able.” The spell ended as the symbol burned away signaling that the message had been sent.

[Location: Hell]

Mephisto after receiving the communication from Lust cleaned his cane and dabbed the corners of his mouth as he sat before the mad titan. “You know they say you can't find good henchmen these days but I have to say I rather enjoyed Midnight. Absolutely delicious as she screamed once she realized she wouldn’t be taking her place at my side.” Thanos shifted slightly mumbling through swollen lips. “What's that? Oh well yes I guess she wasn’t all that good to you. After all she took the chance to betray you instead of save you. Pathetic really.” Standing he smirked up at the purple man then turned and started walking out of the room. Just as he shut the door the tortured wails began again as the demons began their next round. Mephisto walked to the throne room and sat upon the throne then took out the gem he had coveted. “Ah, one step closer to my plans. With this I can finally unbind the chains as well as convert some humans to find the next relic.” Cackling laughter began in his throat then bellowed from him as the scene faded to black.

[Location: Central Park]

Draku had merely looked away for a moment, long enough to make sure the flame had truly extinguished, before he had noticed that the demons had disappeared into thin air.

Literally.

They didn't even make a sound. A few steps here and there, but nothing that would even indicate that they had left the area.

What the fuck..

He growled slightly in annoyance at this inconvenience. There was no telling what these guys were up to, what they were capable of, nor their level of maliciousness. In his eyes, he had just allowed two evils loose upon the mortals and if they'd killed in the time he could find them…

The blood that they spilled…

The blood…

It would be on his hands.

All for the simple pleasures of his favorite vice.

He flicked the half smoked joint from his fingers and into the snow a distance from him, he no longer felt deserving of its pleasures. No. Now he owed it to the people of this city to stop them.

The demons.

Preferably before any innocent lives were lost.

But even so, even if they had taken a life. If any innocent being had lost a single drop of blood, they would pay with their own.

Drop. For. Drop.

He would move away from the tree before a dull ache in his chest turned his attention to a peculiar sensation he had felt at their earlier appearance. The tightening of the scar upon his chest. Now that he was thinking about it, that was an odd thing to happen. He hadn't had that feeling in a long, long time and that feeling had never led him to anything good.

It always ended in death. Mainly the deaths of those he had once loved. Deaths that were caused by his own two hands…

He'd hold his breath to steady his mind, focusing upon the still smoldering joint in the snow. Perhaps it was just Bahumat stirring within, readying his enormous well of power to aid him in his call to duty.

Yes.

That was it. Bahumat was ready, and so was he.

Only problem was they didn't leave a scent trail for him to follow or anything and that was gonna certainly slow him down. The thought of even further destruction and mayhem occurring on his behalf caused him to grimace slightly. All due to the lack of attentiveness on his part. All because of him.

Just like back home.

If he'd only been there…

Wait.

Now was not the time to become lost in thought. Focus. He needed to focus. Where in the hell could the demons have gone? Where would they need to go? What could they possibly need here, on the mortal plane?

As he allowed himself to ponder these questions, and more, he began to unknowingly follow the all too familiar pull that guided him to his former targets.

Bahumat's trophies.

The entity claimed he was merely preserving his mother's creations, but every soul he collected in his name only made them stronger.

At least his loved ones would always be carried in his heart…

He'd place a hand upon his own chest with a vacant look upon his face, absentmindedly tracing the length of the scar there with the palm of his hand, and allowing an ironic chuckle.

-----

Location: Central Park/ Undisclosed area of New York

Despite his best efforts, Draku had allowed himself to become lost in his thoughts. So much in fact, that he hadn't realized that he had wandered atop the frozen surface of the Central Park Lake. He'd look around, briefly reminded of his final encounter with his brother, before tensing the muscles in his legs, readying himself to launch into the air and above the trees.

It merely took a thought, if you could even call it that, but just as he extended his legs to jump from the lake, it followed; much like a catapult would a boulder, adding to the already gathered momentum from his mighty leap.

It had to certainly be a sight to behold, watching that massive ramp like structure of ice exploding into a fine mist of water before settling down below as a fresh coat of powdered snow. Only Mother Nature herself could match such mastery of the elements.

As he took to the air, the rushing wind about him began to grow turbulent; slowing his fall dramatically as unseen vortices of wind formed beneath his hands and legs, allowing him to control his fall and lessen the impact he made upon the earth when he landed. From the sky he could utilize his keen sense of sight, immediately taking in all that he could see; noticing the blue and red lights of the law closing in on a single location and a cluster of them already at rest at what would seem to be a smoldering building.

He'd take a deep breath and sigh before altering his trajectory towards the billowing smoke, The downside to being a big city hero I suppose...

-----

Location: Undisclosed Bar/ Alleyway of New York

Interactions: @soren

It didn't take long for him to assist the firefighters and first responders with the inferno and locating any survivors within. Though, the most surprising thing to occur throughout this whole ordeal was finding an unconscious woman cast aside in the shrubbery. She seemed to be delirious; if not for the fact he had seen two demons and heard a third beforehand, he would have agreed, but as she muttered about a blue woman and a man with wings he listened.

After making his final rounds, he took to the skies once more; only this time using the rooftops to manage this feat, and only this time he had something to follow.

Amidst all the soot and smoke, it was there. The smell of brimstone. Perfect. He could follow that directly to them. He could stop their reign of chaos before they truly brought harm upon anyone else.

He followed the scent until it was overpowering and almost directly beneath his nose, taking to the rooftops after temporarily investigating a heavily warded building, accompanied by a familiar voice.

Matter of fact, the voice of the woman who was issuing out orders to the two male demons.

He'd land heavily behind the woman below him, slightly crouched as he took notice of the fresh corpse at her feet; slowly erecting himself to his full height, only if she were to turn to investigate the sound behind her, before he would speak.

"Who the hell are you?" he'd question with a deep rumbling voice.