Infinite Justice: Beyond (Marvel,DC,DBZ X/Over, IC, Open)

[Siliarba]

DeeDee

"Awesome!" She wasn't sure if what she asked was even possible so the reply from Hadri was very welcome news. Her asking for some more information was natural so of course she would oblige in giving more of it. "First of all, one side of the portals will eventually have to be a spot in Gotham, to be determined as of yet, and the other sides should be places scattered around popular places in the universe so no matter where you are, or are from you can probably reach it if you want to." DeeDee grew quiet as she got an idea that might make things more favorable to Hadri. "Ooh, I got an idea! You're somewhat of an explorer from what I know. We could have the portals help you with exploration in some sort."

DeeDee was trying to think how to best put her idea, "You could make a central hub on a place you own, or even on yourself I suppose, being a planet. Sexiest planet I've ever met if I may ad. Basically making all portals lead to that place you chose, and then it's like reverse exploration. Instead of going to far away places and learning about what you see, you make far away people come to you and observe what you see from your own home. And then we have one portal there that leads to that place in Gotham, making it the central portal so people know that's the one they want."

DeeDee stopped talking for a moment to prevent herself from rambling, which she has a tendency to do, and to give Hadri time to take this all in. Eventually she started talking again and began to explain the entire idea she and CeeCee had that required this portal system in the first place.

CeeCee

Still on earth and in Gotham CeeCee was finishing up on her designs, in theory they should work, and they couldn't really be tested until a lot of other things were in order, plus they needed DeeDee's magic as well rather than only CeeCee's technology. Best thing to do now was to get a location, buy it, and then pull all the strings she had made over the years to make it a place where everyone inside of it would have a sorts of amnesty regardless of what they did anywhere else in the galaxy. She'd make the rules there and as long as you followed those rules wile on her property then you could stay there.

First things first though, she better made it clear to her supervisors they wouldn't be her supervisors any longer. Using the computer she was working at she reached out to her general. "Ah, CeeCee, you're late with your report, how is your mission going." "It's going within expected parameters sir, but this is going to be a long term operation it seems. Restoring order here may be an unreachable goal but one that I feel is necessary to attempt to reach. To conquer something capture the thing your enemy values the most and turn it in to what you want. If we can take Gotham and turn it in a beacon of order it will send a message throughout the world." "Sounds like your style but we have other places that require your skills, we send you to win battles, winning the war is not always your concern so we'll be pulling you out soon for new missions."

"That's a negative sir, I'm planning to entrench myself in Gotham, I have a plan to make myself influential here and fight the war on street level, industrial level and even political level. In case you want me somewhere else then you'll just have to hire me from now on. I'm quitting as a soldier, from this day you can hire me as a merc." The general she was talking to was about to protest heavily but CeeCee wasn't going to give him the chance, she knew she would get what she want regardless of what her supposed supervisors would say. "No need to protest general, I'm planning to pull in every favor I have accumulated over the years to reach my goals here, you know better than anyone that I got enough favors that you can't stop me regardless what you say. It was an honor working for you." "Very well, I see there's no use talking to you further about this, seems like I need to prepare a briefing about you to the higher-ups for this, you never did make life easy for me. In any case, good luck out there."

And with that CeeCee was now her own woman, ready to continue with her plan. Step one, buy an entire row of warehouses on the Gotham city docks. She had made a small fortune over the past years with all her top level secret missions and 0 expenses, so that was the easy part.

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DeeDee

DeeDee smiled, for two reasons, the first being the fact Hadri agreed, secondly because the location had just been covered by CeeCee it seemed. Even as separate bodies and even wile she's using astral projection, their minds are still linked, so DeeDee knew the location had been arranged. "CeeCee found a location, so that's covered." With a snip of her fingers the coordinates appeared on the ground "knowing it's on earth, duh, those are the longitude and latitude. It can be so helpful to have your mind linked with someone." DeeDee looked away for a moment, as the question wasn't fully answered yet in a way. "Honestly me nor CeeCee really know much about things besides Earth and this demonic plane, so I don't really know where the portals should be connected to exactly. We'd have to rely on someone with more outside of Earth knowledge."

"Maybe you have some good ideas for those locations, if not I'm sure we'll find someone. Now with that said, ..." DeeDee smiled again "There is one more thing you could help me with, back to my first subject, how about that booty call?" DeeDee smiled seductively as she finished her sentence.

CeeCee

CeeCee was continuing to work on getting the warehouses either remodeled, or torn down and replaced by a new building and finding who'd be best to do al this. Her work and thought stream did get interrupted suddenly when DeeDee asked Hadri for a, as she puts it, booty call. "DeeDee, the heck are you doing? I'm working here and you know I'm in a public place and everything you feel, even as an astral projection, I feel." She whispered to herself, just saying it was enough to make DeeDee aware of it. "Then I suggest you take a break and get yourself somewhere private unless you wish to make a very hot scene."

CeeCee sighed, and slapped herself, it was a message to DeeDee that she owed CeeCee one, after all, DeeDee felt that slap as well. Now with that done she made her suit appear on herself and used it to call for her car, the Defender, as she downloaded everything she had been working on, on to her suit. She picked up DeeDee's seemingly sleeping body and left for that car where she continued to work for as long as she could before DeeDee's sensations would distract her to much.

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DeeDee

"Well, it's hard not to be obsessed with it when it's so mind blowingly amazing. Talking about mind blowingly amazing, ..." DeeDee stared happily at Hadri shedding her crimson garb. "There are also people like my friend CeeCee who think it's a waste of time and takes away from your priorities. She's lucky to have me and shares everything I feel or she'd be missing out a lot." Being an astral projection removing her own clothing was rather easy, she just had to stop projecting it, and as she was in a realm she had a high level of control over, even an astral body would be completely real for all intents and purposes. "She might be annoyed now but she's going to be in heaven the moment we start."

Not wasting another word DeeDee practically jumped Hadri and began kissing her.

A wile later

"That was fun, never thought I'd be able to gloat having spent a night with a dragon, and a planet." DeeDee smiled "then again hopefully I'll be able to say I've been with one several times." At this point DeeDee felt something pulling herself away, she knew what was going on. She had finished her deal with Hadri and she has had her fun, but CeeCee clearly had enough and was forcing her body back to hers. "Seems I got to go, CeeCee's pulling me back, I'll contact you when we need the porta" Her sentence was cut off as her astral body suddenly vanished as a clear sign she and CeeCee were one once more.

CeeCee

"You had your fun now I'm actually going to do what I planned to do and that's focus on my own thing, and I'll be cutting in to your time as you have been in mine." "Hey, not fair, you enjoyed it as much as I did after all so no fair for you to be taking my time." "DeeDee I swear you stay quiet and don't object or I'm breaking my own eye socket." DeeDee didn't reply a word, she knew perfectly well CeeCee was capable of fulfilling that threat and would actually and even though she was accustomed to pain, broken bones always took longer to fix, specially ones part of the skull. "Much better." CeeCee simply said and began working on her designs once again.

She made the Defender drive to a research and development department from Wayne enterprises. One of her pulled strings allowed her access to it to design and build the bracelets that would become one of the key components to what would make the Devil's Den in to the Devil's Den.

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CeeCee & DeeDee

It took a wile but the designing and construction of the bracelets was finished thanks to CeeCee, and it was infused with magic thanks to DeeDee. They were tied to a generator that held up a technomagical shield that phased the entire building structure just enough out of phase that it looked like a mirage from the outside of the field. And if you entered the field without a key, a bracelet, the entire building would seemingly vanish before your eyes and simply not be there. Enter with a bracelet and the mirage solidifies and you can enter the building, The Devil's Den. On the basement level, in the center of the building, was a portal hub connecting the Devil's Den to multiple places on Earth and several distant planets across the galaxy, generously provided by Hadri.

Just like to enter the building you need a bracelet, you need a bracelet for the portals to work for you. However providing entry is only the secondary function of the bracelet, when worn outside of the field it is a simple bracelet with no effect. Mixed with the field it works as a power limitation device with two settings. The first setting limits your destructive force, endurance, speed and strength to peek human condition. And a second state that reduces your main feature to peak human condition and everything else to the same percentual value it is compared to that value with a minimum of average human condition. So in the second setting, if you're 10 times faster than peak human condition and your strength is at peak human condition, your speed will be lowered by a factor of 10 or average human condition, whichever of the 2 values is higher.

A tertiary function of the bracelets and suppression field is that it recycles the energy it gets from the suppressed powers to make it impossible for people to die from wounds or sustain any permanent damage.

The Devil's Den itself is a mixture between a disco with an arena in the center. The arena itself is out of phase from both the Earth and The Devil's Den allowing it to host both a band and an arena at the same time. Those on the Dance floor will see a band or singer performing in the center and can not see the arena nor those spectating the arena. Those in the spectator area can not see the band nor the people on the dance floor and will see the arena and whomever is fighting in there. Multiple fights can happen at the same time by utilizing spatial phasing. By tuning the bracelet you wear you can watch different fights.

Which leads to the quaternary function of the bracelets. With a simple color coding you can let others know you are here either to enjoy everything the Devil's Den has to offer or if you are interested in competing in the arena. Those interested in competing can be challenged by others and can get entry to the arena center by asking for entry at the reception. The reception shows who is fighting who in the arena and on what frequency. The reception also takes bets for those interested if the contestants allow bets for their fight.

All of this makes the Devil's Den. Directly next to the Devil's Den, is another building. The stairs and portal area is made soundproof to prevent these buildings from hearing whatever happens inside the Devil's Den. The secondary buildings are a café and diner where you can get coffee, breakfast, a simple dinner, and simply socialize with your friends. This building is called The Superhero Cafe. On the other side of it's kitchen and supply room you will find a pub for those interested in a beer, a game of pool, and all the snacks that go with it. This place is, the Villain Pub.

The Superhero Cafe has 2 actors present almost every day, one playing the role of Superman and the other the role of Batman. They're constantly debating who's better and what they've recently been doing. And to create an authentic feel of the Villain Pub it has a barkeep and waiting staff dressed in some of the most well known villains, both fictional as real. For example one of the barkeeps is dressed as Emperor Palpatine, scars and all.

They had finished it, The Devil's Den.

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CeeCee & DeeDee

Opening Night

Every string CeeCee had left had been pulled and every connection both CeeCee and DeeDee had, had been contacted. The Devil's Den should basically have had it's name drop everywhere it matters, from Gotham to Metropolis, to the other side of the planet, to planets on the other side of the galaxy. It was a bit overwhelming to tell the truth and nor CeeCee nor DeeDee really knew what they would see today. One thing they were really happy about is that the dampening field that was affecting themselves as well was making it so that staying separated did not drain any energy, they could stay separated as long as they wanted wile in their own establishment. Their minds, and senses were still linked though and they wouldn't have it any other way.

The Devil's Den was now officially open. Every part of it stayed open 24/7, as they had customers from all over the world and in a way even galaxy, timezones lost their meaning and being open 24/7 was their only option. The Superhero Cafe would serve breakfasts and dinners at any time of the day and they would always have a couple of actors dressed as superheroes having a debate at one or multiple tables. The Villain Pub would always act like it's evening and have pool games, darts, snacks and beers at the ready, barkeeps and waiters dressed as villains, yet clearly wearing a uniform to make it obvious they are part of the staff and not the customers.

Considering one of the main events is that people can challenge each other for a fight in the arena means no fights were set up, this way people would be forced to take advantage of this setup. There was some random playlist of music going on right now waiting for enough people to arrive for DeeDee to take the stage. The portals were live, the receptionists stood ready to give any information needed, take any coats given, and when the time was right, accept placed bets for fights in the arena. The bars were loaded will drinks from all over the planet and several from different planets and one drink even from a different dimension that only magic users can drink.

The way to receive a bracelet and enter was simple, outside the The Devil's Den and at each portal was a matter converter. All you had to do was place enough matter in the machine for it to deconstruct, and reconstruct as a bracelet. It works with metals, gems and refined plastics (not junk) any other materials will give an error as is engraved on every matter converter in magical signs that everyone can read regardless of their own language. On the walls inside the portal hub you will find anything you need to know about The Devil's Den, The Superhero Cafe, and The Villain Pub before entering in case they were unaware of what every establishment exactly was and how it functioned, in the same magical glyphs all can read.

---

15 minutes later, the place has partially filled up

"Al right everybody, time for a speech from the owner, CeeCee, AKA me." CeeCee points at herself "I would want to say that this is the first night we are open, but for some of you it's morning, other's it's day and who knows how the cycles work on some planets this place is connected to. None of that matters! This place is a safe haven for all those that love to party, love to fight, love to cheer, love to drink, and love to live!" CeeCee paused for a moment as the crowd was cheering louder than she could yell "You're probably all aware of this yet, but those wearing a bracelet emanating a red color, like mine, are people who you can challenge to fight in the arena, everyone in this place is under a technomagical barrier that limits powers and death or permanent injury has been made impossible! Once a challenge is accepted, the receptionists will set you up and all that wish to watch simply have to enter the spectator area around the stage! Those outside that area will be here to spectate whoever is performing and singing on stage! And today, for the first time anywhere in the galaxy, you can get to see the singing, of DD!"

At this point DeeDee appeared on the stage in a flash of purple light, she was alone, but the instruments she needed for her songs were moving on their own, for those being aware of it this was clearly by use of magic. "Al right everyone, let's get ready to party for eternity." DeeDee didn't waste any time and instantly began singing, her song and the entire place was a great success from the start, this was more than both CeeCee and DeeDee could have imagined.

Please have "The Devil's Den" somewhere in your headliner to make it easy for me to find out who's inside the Devil's Den and who isn't at any given time.

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Balance
Madworld

Balance was watching, trying to understand but she simply couldn't. A being with intense power, who desired power, now desired to get rid of that power but at the same time desires control over that power. Once the power was gone he desired it back, and the power he has left he did not desire. None of it made sense to her. Then there was another being who also desired power, but only desired power to reach a goal which it feels like it needs to reach a goal and not out of a desire.

Then there's the most puzzling being who simply desires things to stay as they are. Does that mean that in a way he's desiring Balance? Or is it more that it fears change rather than desire anything. It seemed like the right choice to stay nearby this character. So as the first 2 beings left balance decided to stay and watch, floating around this Max's palace.

Then there was also another being, one both terribly old and recently born at the same time. It practically bursts with desires, another reason to stay around here and observe. A being nearly void of desire and a being brimming with them, this was the obvious place to be for Balance.

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Ember
Ember isles

Normally Ember would be incapable of staying outside of the spotlights for longer than a day, but more pressing matters have forced her attention. The little 2 feet tall, 5 feet long baby dragon had a bit of a growth spurt and was now an 11 feet high, 26 feet long angsty teenage dragon. And just like any teenager, rules were not something he exactly liked, and being a dragon he was every bit as smart, if not smarter than a human adult would be. "Azure! How many times must I tell you to clean yourself before entering the house after having taken a swim in the volcano. I decorated this place just the way you wanted it and you're getting lava all over your room." Azure simply responded with a short powerful exhale which basically translated to an I don't care.

"Don't you take that tone to me young man, now clean up after yourself, blow the lava away, drink it up, I don't care just make sure you get rid of it." Azure responded by looking away and walking away, as a response Ember vanished and appeared directly in front of Azure "Azure Puff Emberson! As long as you live in this house you will follow the rules of this house! Now clean up your room!" Ember was really mad, but Azure wasn't planning to back down just yet, this time he released a powerful roar that could be heard across the entire island wile blowing blue fire in Ember's direction. Azure's fire had grown very strong, no metal or stone could take it without melting, but he still wasn't even close to the level Ember was at.

So ember simply responding by roaring back and blowing her hellish red fire against Azure's blue flames. Azure's flame might be able to melt almost anything, Ember's fire could rival and beat the fire of a star. The blue fire was quickly overpowered and the hellish red flames from Ember quickly enveloped Azure, it didn't harm him one bit of course, but this wasn't about hurting it was about showing dominance. And as soon as it was made clear Ember was still the dominant one, Azure walked over to the little pools of lava he had made and licked them up wile muttering grumbling noises of protest under his breath.

Ember sighed and walked outside the room giving Azure his privacy "It can be so hard being a single mom, you'd think that once they grow old enough to help around the house things get easier, but then you discover your little boy became an angsty teen with raging hormones that tell him to fight the system. Probably not even realizing how good they have it. Oh well, in the end there's nothing more rewarding than a child's adoration, and I know he still has that. Even if he hides it behind that shell of hormones."

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Max

Balance
Madworld

Balance looked at Max, this being was talking to her asking what she desired, but to her own knowledge, she was incapable of having a desire not being aware it is everything that drives her. "I desire nothing." Balance simply said as she floated in the air. She went down to the ground and landed on them softly, the ground below her feet almost seemed to spring to life as Balance landed on it. The power flowing through Balance saturated the earth she was standing on causing it to brim with raw unpurposed power. "What do you desire Mad creature?" Balance held her scale up to eye height "For Balance can give it, for a price."

The scales started tipping wildly as if weights were randomly placed and removed on either side at lightning speed. What was happening was the scales were trying to show everything Balance had to offer and the things she could offer were near infinite. Lesser beings have gone insane simply from looking at what the scales are doing now, their minds incapable to comprehend this action and shatter. After a moment the scales tipped heavily to the right and stopped at showing this one thing. Looking at it, Max would see the idea of a happily ever after, just him and Val, together as long as they live in eternal love and happiness. This was the strongest desire the scales could sense, that Balance could sense.

"Will you offer something in return for what the scales are offering, Mad creature?"

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Max

Balance
Madworld

"Very well." Balance said as the scales returned to equal height now that what she was offering had left the scale. "Regardless of whether you wish to make an offering or not I am staying here." Balance had lowered her scale completely which were held by her left arm. But now she was raising her sword and pointed it at Max "this place has become a tipping point, it only just exists and it has al ready threatened the balance of the universe several times over, it has threatened Balance" Balance stressed her own name as she spoke it aloud. "I am here to weigh the options of allowing this place to keep existing or remove it from this universe and securing Balance." Again she stressed her own name as she spoke it.

"Balance is judging you!" As she finished talking she lowered her sword again and returned to a relaxed state.

[Siliarba]

"They grow up so fast don't they? Though, really I wouldn't know..." Commented Aqua. As usual she had snuck up behind ember without realising it. Her ability and control over the three states of water made getting almost anywhere quickly and quietly vey easy for her. "Oh! Sorry if I came up here unannounced. I thought I could talk to you since your my only friend and all..." She spoke. "I mean I tried to make friends with a bunch of Dolphins, but ummm... Dolphins are real jerks, let's just leave it at that."

She moved a little more towards Azure. "It must be nice having a kid..." She remarked.

Ember
Ember isles

"I know you live here and it's not like I scare easily so sneak all you want. And if you want to get rid of some dolphins, then take Azure with you around noon to meet them. He loves sea food and he always gets hungry around noon." Ember chuckled as Aqua said the part about it being nice having a kid. "Having a kid is nice, you put in a lot of effort, time, and everything you do in the end is at the least partially for them. But you get a lot of love in return for them."

Ember turned to face Aqua as she continued talking "But then they turn in to a teen. And everything I just said is still completely true, keep that in mind, but when they become a teen some things get added. In this case it's like a spear in your butt that you got to attached to, to remove. A constant pain in the ass that you love above anything else and wish nothing but the best for." Ember looked at the room where Azure was in and smiled "Once he's finished cleaning his room, take him away from the island a bit, play the cool aunt and let him vent a bit. When he returns after that he'll have that shy apologetic look on his face that shows me he's still a good kid, and I'm still a good mother. Some venting to a third party will do him good."

Ember stretched her ethereal body a bit, it was more out of a feeling that she should than a real need as she had no muscles to go stiff and in need of stretching. "Besides I could really use an hour or two for myself, stretch my own legs and wings for a bit, I've been starting to feel cooped up on this island myself. And that should never happen as it's my island."

[Siliarba]

-Balance

-Max-

Balance
Madworld

Balance wasn't affected by Max's speech, nor by the energy he was expelling, it wouldn't change one bit how the judgment would go. "I think you misunderstand, a judge does not decide on a whim or in an instant, I am here to watch, to make sure you know you are being watched and to come to the conclusion of what to do after I reached my conclusion." Balance normally would never get involved and this mad creature did have some good points, most of the sources of unbalance did not originate from Madworld, most originated elsewhere and chose to come here to resolve for whatever reason. But that's exactly why Balance came here herself, to see if this place was a defense against unbalance, or something that attracted these things for whatever reason.

"I will stay here, and see if this Madworld deserves to exist, if I judge your words and actions to be truthful, then I will let this place be, If I come to the conclusion that this place is a danger to me then I will be ..." Balance stopped talking mid sentence, She looked weird, dazed. She tried to continue talking "I will be ..." the words barely came out a whisper as she lost the strength to hold her sword and scale which dropped from her hands to the ground both these items were screaming with energy. What happened to Balance herself was much worse however. The blue blindfold she was wearing was beginning to turn red around where her eyes should be and soon after blood began flowing from under the blindfold.

Losing her strength she uttered some last words before losing consciousness "What did you do?" as she collapsed to the ground unconscious. The universe wasn't out of balance yet, but something affected it greatly enough that it temporarily sapped Balance's strength, something terrible was threatening this universe.

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CeeCee
The Devil's Den

DeeDee was doing great on stage, the crowd loved her and she loved being in the spotlight. Even though she'd been singing for near an hour now she didn't seem to be running out of song ideas or energy. The Devil's Den part of the place was doing great, but CeeCee felt like she should check out the Superhero Cafe and Devil's Den as well. It was the first day after all it was a natural choice to see how every place was doing. Money might not be an issue, but it would sure make things a lot easier if every part of this place made a profit. CeeCee left the lounge she was in and headed for the Cafe.

The place was buzzing, it was wonderful, she was confused why there were so many dressed as Superman though. She walked over to the counter and decided to have a word with the guy she put in charge of this place. "Hey Gary, things seem to be going great here, which I absolutely love. So good job on that part."
"Thanks boss lady, if every day is like this day, we won't have any problems in the foreseeable future."
"You know, you can call me CeeCee and not just boss lady right?"
"I know, but it feels like it fits the theme, no names, just titles and references."
"About fitting the theme why are there so many Supermans, or should it be Supermen? Any way why is the waiting staff dressed as Superman? That costume is just for the actors, and there should only be one Superman costume."
"I know boss lady, but the waiting staff is mainly young folk, and you know how they are always wanting to play more than they work. So I let them play a bit and allowed them to work in costume."
"All right, I'll let it slide for now, but get them out of those costumes and in a waiting outfit. Or if they really want to play dress up then give them sidekick costumes, a Robin here, a Wonder Girl there, maybe throw in some SHIELD agents. Enough sidekicks to go around. Send someone out to get some costumes like that."
"You got it boss lady."

Now that that was settled CeeCee decided to hang here for a bit, see the peoples reactions first hand of this place and take notes how things might improve. And to make sure her orders of those Superman costumes being removed were followed. She didn't really mind it, but they were subtracting from the Superman and Batman actors their effect.

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CeeCee
The Devil's Den

CeeCee was planning to check out how the Villain Pub was doing at this time, and then head back to the Devil's Den, maybe look for someone to fight herself considering, even though she's the boss of this place, she still loves a good fight. Her plans got interrupted however when someone asked her about Two-Face.

"Nice place you have here," he said casually, "I'm not here for small talk though so I'll cut to the chase. It seems you have lots of connections for it to have so much traffic so early, and I'm in the market for some information." Making eye contact, Salis continued, "I'm looking for the location of Two Face."

"I have a lot of connections and I got a pretty good idea where most could be at. The information isn't completely up to date but I know enough to give people a lead or deduct where he is right now. That said, why should I tell you? This place is meant as a neutral grounds why should I tell anyone where they could find anyone."

Almost directly after she said that a second person approached her and jumped right in to the conversation it seems.

“There is only one reason that someone would want to find Two-face.” Mia directed her question straight at the man. She had to look up to see into his eyes, but her gaze was coated with daggers that defied her more petite appearance. “What do you want with Kyle Vannis?”

CeeCee remembered this girl, sure it had been a wile and every though CeeCee had since Arkham Asylum had been about creating this. But she was still someone with a military upbringing and someone who'd been a soldier for years. Details are important, you take in everything you see, hear, smell and feel and you file all that information away somewhere in your brain for later access. For a moment CeeCee wasn't sure how to react to her, but she quickly realized that this place was built for people like Mia as well. So after that realization thinking of a response became a lot easier. "Hey Mia, been a wile. That was a fun evening in Arkham Asylum. Weird sentence to say but seeing you brings back some memories and makes me want to fight Killer Croc all over again, I'm itching for a good fight. In any case, how've you been?"

CeeCee changed the subject straight back to the topic at hand "Right, back to the topic of Two Face, and apparently Kyle Vannis as well, I don't know where Kyle is but Two Face, he's actually rather close. But still why should I help you?" She directed this question back to Salis.

[Siliarba]

Mia Aveline – Devil’s Den

---

Mia’s hardened glare towards Salis immediately faltered as soon as CeeCee addressed her. Colour flooded the girl’s cheeks, which threatened to become a similar shade to her usual attire – CeeCee’s own chosen clothing didn’t particularly help either. Mia felt a thrill at the recognition, but more than that she said that it had been fun! Pride swelled up in her chest, ecstatic at having been able to leave such an impression on her Hero. She immediately felt flustered, turning her back towards Salis and directing her full attention towards CeeCee.

“Oh, I’ve been brilliant! And do please fight Croc again at some point, pretty please? It was the greatest fight I’ve ever seen and you were just amazing throughout. I wish I could fight like you can.” Mia realised suddenly that she had still not yet been able to watch all of the battles that CeeCee had given her on the datachip; she wouldn’t be annoyed, would she? Eager to impress, Mia continued.

“Actually, Sentinel has agreed to train me: we’re going to be partners.”

CeeCee
The Devil's Den

Now this was definitely beginning to give a déjà vu effect as Mia started to get extremely flustered, part of CeeCee wondered how sane this Mia actually was, in the end, she did meet her for the first time in an insane asylum and she does not act like you'd expect most people to. But then again a lot of people act this way around people they really adore so it might just be possible that she may actually be someone aspiring to become a hero and therefore gets nervous around those who are al ready labeled as one. Jumping to conclusions tends to end up badly so it was one thing CeeCee wouldn't do and just continue on the assumption this Mia was just a fan, and go from there.

"I'll fight him again if he gets lose and has to be stopped again, but he's locked up and let's just hope he remains locked up. In the end he is a rather big danger to society and it's best he remains behind bars. And if you wish to fight like me, then you better train a lot. I've been training since I hit puberty and never stopped training since." When Mia mentioned Sentinel was training her CeeCee did get a bit surprised, she had been following what happened to Daniel considering it was a media storm and she was actually there, at Arkham, where it all began for him. He was a bit like a Batman from another world, another universe even, would that make Mia something like a Robin or a Batgirl if Sentinel is training her?

"I didn't expect Sentinel to be training anyone considering the tragedy that befell him, I might not know anything about having kids but I do know that a parent should never outlive their child. But maybe it's his way of dealing with the pain, focusing his attention on something completely else like training someone." CeeCee didn't want to stay on this topic for to long so she decided to change it quickly "Here's a hint if you want to learn how to fight like me, firstly you should never try to fight like me. You need to learn to fight like you." CeeCee gave a friendly smile to make sure she didn't misunderstood her, she wasn't telling her she wasn't good enough to fight like her, but more like it would be a waste to try as she could be a much better fighter by working on her own strengths. "Find out what you're best at and make that the core of your fighting style, watch me, learn from me, but don't straight up copy from me. Adapt what you learn to a style of your own."

CeeCee was interested however in Sentinel himself, she might actually be able to learn some techniques herself from him. She was rather simelar to Sentinel, in a way, after all. "Now that that's been said, I'm curious, is Sentinel actually here? If so I'd like to meet him, I've fought the same war with him, I've followed his trial and such, but I've never actually met him or talked to him."

[Siliarba]

Anger welled up inside Salis when the woman, who's name appeared to be CeeCee, asked why she should reveal Two-Face's location. He was a monster controlling the streets of Gothem through pain and death. He was forcing people through the very hell he had experienced. Salis opened his mouth to go on the same rant he'd given Batgirl, but stopped. She clearly already knew who Two-Face was and if that didn't make her give up his location an angry rant wouldn't either. So, Salis simply listened as the two women conversed. The one that knew Vannis seemed familiar though. He was trying to place it, but he could swear he had seen that color scheme somewhere. Dismissing it, he turned his attention to the talk of Arkham Asylum and Killer Croc. A grim smile of satisfaction overcame his face as he broke into the conversation.

"Oh he won't be going anywhere," said Salis, "I made sure of that when I killed him and every othe inmate of that wretched Asylum when I destroyed it."

CeeCee
The Devil's Den

"You know, I've killed before in my life, but when I did it was out of necessity and I'd only kill those that were my target. You're sounding like you will simple kill anyone in your way and to hell with whomever just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time." CeeCee didn't feel bad for the victims at Arkham, or any remorse for those she has killed. But this man sounded more like a madman than a hero, just because his target was another madman didn't mean she'd send this madman on his path. "I'm not going to help someone find anyone, not even a monster like Two Face if he's going to leave a trail of blood behind not caring whomse blood it is he spills. Besides, Two face still has Harvey somewhere in there, I'm not sure if I'm ready to give up on Harvey just because he got stuck with a monster."

Now that she had finished talking CeeCee grabbed Mia's arm and guided her towards the Devil's Den "Let's continue our conversation somewhere else Mia, I don't feel like talking about men like Two Face or whoever that guy is that asked about Two Face. Considering it's the first day there aren't really any VIP's yet so the VIP lounge is empty. If you want we can talk more there. Otherwise we can stay in the public lounge of the Devil's Den if you're rather not completely alone with me."

[Siliarba]

Mia Aveline – Devil’s Den

---

Suddenly, Mia felt a firm grip on her arm and a determined tug. She looked wide-eyed to see CeeCee guiding her through the Devil’s Den, towards the private, empty, VIP section. Mia was glad that the taller woman was looking ahead rather than in her direction, so that she didn’t see her face turn entirely pink. The girl felt her heart miss a beat before return with a vengeance, pounding so hard that she could feel the blood pulsing past her ears.

“The VIP lounge sounds great.” No, stupid! Be a bit more seductive! “It would be nice to get away some place more quiet, just the two of us.” Mia stumbled almost immediately, however – her nerves still frayed.

CeeCee
The Devil's Den

CeeCee was never one for conversation, it was something she was trying to change. The only times she really spoke were mission reports, mission objectives, supply requests, all very military, all lacking of anything even remotely close to a real conversation. The only person she tended to talk to outside of her military career was DeeDee and she was accustomed to CeeCee's weird way of talking. CeeCee wasn't aware of how her own words must've come over to Mia, nor did she realize that Mia was flirting with her. "Ye, it's the disadvantage of a club and being the owner, not many private places for casual conversation. I don't mind but it draws a lot of attention to yourself being the owner."

“Although, if you wanted to meet Sentinel still –“

CeeCee stopped moving just before the entrance to the VIP area wile holding the only key that could open it ready in her hand as she heard Mia talk about Sentinel. "Oh right, I completely forgot about Sentinel for a moment, I was only thinking about you." Again CeeCee wasn't aware how that might have come over. "We should find Sentinel before he wonders where you are assuming you came in together and I don't want to miss my chance on meeting him." CeeCee put the key back in her pocket and turned around to face Mia who was blushing, ..., pink? She also seemed like she was about to enter a catatonic state which surprised CeeCee as she seemed completely fine at the time she grabbed her arm.

"Are you all right? You're as pink as a cherry blossom, and you look like you're about to faint. If you need to lie down a bit there's long seats in the ViP lounge, if Sentinel's as smart as the Batman of this universe he'll find you no problem any way. Unless you feel it's better to go find him."

[Siliarba]

And with that, I left and made my way over to the VIP Lounge, not taking long at all to spot Ceecee and Mia alone, with Mia as pink as the dress she is wearing. I made my way over to the both of them, and closed the launge door behind me, so it was just the three of us.

I had a feeling that Ceecee would be willing to help me, but just in case, I needed her to trust me. So, I removed my mask as NightBlade and stood as I faced her.

"Ceecee, I am sure you remember me. We were both at Arkham Asylum some time ago. I am here because I need some information. I have picked up rumors of Jester trying to locate the Joker. I want to find them both, along with their accomplices, and start with cleaning Gotham up with them. Joker is the face of the disease destroying Gotham. Mia here, has offered to help me restore order in Gotham." I then took a seat next to Mia.

"I know you are likely aware that I do not use...lethal means, to achieve a goal. But things have...changed. People like us, we are professionals. We have the capabilities to enter into this mess and eradicate the disease crippling Gotham without collateral damage. So, what I am asking is...Do you know where the Joker is? If we find him, Jester and Silver Queen will also find us. Then we can deal with all of them in a single swoop." I finished explaining.

CeeCee
The Devil's Den

Taking a seat in the VIP room CeeCee listened to what Daniel had to say, she was a bit surprised at first this was Daniel considering the new look and all, and he sounded a bit different to the man CeeCee heard about. That said a deceased son can change any man. CeeCee was also glad that Mia was regaining herself and didn't look like she was about to faint any more either. Back to Daniel, CeeCee wasn't sure what to say, she was mulling everything over in her head and was honestly not sure if she should go back to her militaristic way of talking or just try to keep talking more casual like. After all even if this was a business meeting of sorts, she still had to learn casual conversation.

"Hey Daniel, you look, different, and of course I remember you, we may never have met but we fought on the same side before and that whole trial thing has made head line news even in Gotham. I'll be happy to help you Daniel." CeeCee changed her position and leaned over a bit facing Daniel directly. "I heard what Jester said about the Joker, if she's looking for him she'll probably try to kill him. My first idea says let them kill each other, but if those two clash who knows how many people they'll drag down with them using their, ..., jokes." CeeCee was trying to remember hearing anything about where the Joker or the Jester might be, CeeCee did have information about most people in Gotham, but those were special.

"I wish I could give you their location, or even a clue of where. But since I was 10 I've been trained to think as a soldier, using numbers, logics, tactics. The Joker and Jester use none of those, when searching for them I look for patterns that aren't there, I can't see any logic and I don't understand their tactics. I have no clue where to look." CeeCee looked away for a bit, a bit ashamed she can't be of much help, but she did have some information. "I'm assuming you've face beings like the Joker in your universe so you might have more luck than me, I know where he's been sighted and I know the messages he's left, I might not be able to link those together to where he is now but you might."

"I feel like I should warn you up front though, don't look at people as if they are diseases, no matter how cruel and evil they might be. Whenever I killed someone I saw if as a necessity, not because I thought they were a disease that needed eliminating, but because they had a disease and I saw no chance left to cure them and they had to be put out of their misery. Take the Joker for instance, I don't think whoever the man was before being the Joker ever wanted to become the Joker. So it's only merciful to put him down."

[Siliarba]

Daniel Carter/NightBlade-32 Yrs-Devil's Den

I ignored what Ceecee warned me about the 'disease'. As it was unimportant. What was important, is that Ceecee had agreed to aid me in my mission. Her own skills were not necessary, but useful all the same. And it would be nice to have her around, as Mia, despite her...eagerness. Is more likely to try for an autograph from the Joker rather than kill him, or the Jester for that matter. When Ceecee asked mentioned that I may have faced someone like the Joker in my own world, my mind flashed back to the first meeting with my world's Joker. A fight...that I was lucky to leave. However, that was then, and this is now. "Yeah, I have run into my world's Joker once. I may not know him as well as the Batman, but I think I can guess his style." I then relaxed slightly in my own seat. As I contemplated on how she noticed my different attire. I had explained it to Mia, but Ceecee probably knows well enough. But even so, some casual conversation in this atmosphere is never a bad thing. "The new uniform, is not so much for mourning as you may believe." I began to handle casually one of my own sub machine guns. As I began to calmly explain the new guise.

"Reporters like a story, imagine the headlines if they ever saw the Sentinel with one of these?" I asked rhetorically. However, then looking over at Mia. Seeing her previously flush face now almost in a pout.

I could not figure her out, I am not even convinced she can figure herself out. In fact, she seemed to get this way when she met Ceecee, then the lines connected.

She thought she was having a moment with Ceecee...

I placed a hand on my forehead, and it was almost obvious, even behind my mask that I was smiling.

The thought was actually quite funny, as it was plain for me to see Ceecee was, if not interested, entirely oblivious to the fan girl mode of Mia. I forced myself back on topic so that they would not question me on what I found humorous.

"So, you say you have been collecting information I believe? But you cannot find any pattern, well I can solve the missing link. If you could show me what information you have found, I am confident I can at least narrow down our search." My eyes then traced back to a large TV in the lounge, showcasing fights in the Arena. It was then that I realized that Ceecee probably had not had a good fight in a long time. Perhaps she should let off some steam before we go.

I then glanced over at Mia. Having a inward laugh. And it would be amusing to see which of us Mia would cheer for. I then presented my idea to Ceecee.

"After you show me the information, we dont have to leave immediately. Perhaps we could warm up, a battle in the Arena perhaps? I am sure Mia here would like to, see you in action." I dropped, trying to see if Ceecee would pick up on what is going on inside Mia's head.

I finally stood up and stretched. Looking down at the two.

"So, I assume we have a deal?"

CeeCee
The Devil's Den

CeeCee had a small smile adorning her face "Ye, I've been the headline of reporters myself a few times, but not that often and the story was always changed not to reveal what shouldn't be revealed by the military. Perks of being a soldier I suppose, kind of lost that perk now that I'm on my own." A more serious look quickly came back though as the main topic at hand was still the Joker. From all the things Gotham city has seen, he was the worst. Most villains had an agenda, rob this place, or kill that guy to reach this spot, all bad things but most of the time they avoided unnecessary collaterals as those draw attention. The Joker however, he just wanted to bring chaos and be chased by the heroes.

"The thing is, I've been spotting the Joker a lot, wile I've been busy with creating and managing this place, [url=the Defender]http://i.imgur.com/YtUfrtK.jpg[/url], my batmobile-like car, has been scanning the streets for criminal activity. It saw the usual things, gave me some info to track down gang bosses and stuff like that. But the strangest thing it has picked up is the Joker." CeeCee looked away for a moment because she was still trying to make sense of everything the Joker's been doing. "The thing is, it's picked up the Joker's image constantly, the sheer number of encounters is almost higher than all the gang activity combined. First the Ace Chemical Factory, then outside the mayor's home, later Amusement Mile."

CeeCee continues listing many locations "The water reservoir, the power plant, Arkham Asylum, the hospital, ..." the list went on "But what doesn't make any sense is that he hasn't done anything at any of those places, it's like all he did was wait to smile at the camera of the Defender. And I've found one thing that connects all the places he's been visiting, at all those places he's fought and lost to Batman. If I didn't know any better it's like he's trying to taunt in Batman coming back to take him down."

CeeCee didn't like talking about the Joker, crimes are crimes and villains are villains, but she could hunt or at least trace most of them, but in the case of the Joker it was more like she was the one being traced, whenever she was actually driving the Defender he never showed up, it's like he knew when he could show up and when he couldn't. CeeCee's mood lightened up a bit though when Daniel offered a bout in the arena. It was true CeeCee hasn't had a good fight in a wile and a fight like this would surely get her back in to shape. "Now to the subject of a fight in the arena, I'm definitely up for that. But let's make it a bit more interesting, we both have a ton of gadgets, weapons, bombs, ... you name it. How about we don't use any of those and keep it to who is simply the better hand to hand fighter?"

"Also this place can't fully heal people, only restore them enough that they don't need a doctor, and considering your plans to hunt a psychopath, we'd want to avoid any later discomfort. So let's make it a, first one to knock the other down 3 times wins. What do you think?"

Just after Daniel had answered she continued talking a bit more "And Mia has seen me in action, she was there when I thoroughly kicked Killer Croc's ass, and she's shown interest in becoming a better fighter herself so observing fights can only help you get better. Besides who doesn't like to see a couple good fighters facing off in the ring?" Under her breath there was one more thing she had to say, but it wasn't aimed to anyone inside this room "You got that right D.?" "Ah don't worry C I al ready gave up my spot to our backup band and started testing out the drinks we got. I'm really loving the Merlin Madness, it actually adapts to the kind of magic you're using, mine taste like burning and explosions, it's awesome!" At this point DeeDee burped out a cloud of smoke before chugging another Merlin's Madness. "I know that, I can taste it as you drink it, what I meant is don't get yourself drunk as that gets me drunk and I am about to fight."

CeeCee whispered those last 2 sentences as soft as she could so that the others didn't hear anything and it would just sound like she was mumbling to herself for a bit. Sure it would seem weird, but more people mumble to themselves from time to time.

[Siliarba]

Daniel Carter/NightBlade-38 Yrs-Devil's Den

I listened intently to the information on the Joker as it was presented. How he appeared seemingly at random around locations, where Batman had defeated him, but as per his MO...there was no obvious pattern. The Joker is a wild card, always has been. Either in this world, or my own. I noticed each and every mention of locations. The chemical plant, Amusement Mile, Water Reservoir, Power Plant....it then took a moment to make my own guess. No, more like a prediction, based off my experience with the Clown Prince of Crime. "Funhouse Toys." I stated flatly, and then explained. "It should be his next stop, it is a defunct company which used to make cheap toys for poor families, based in the narrows of Gotham. Several scams about safety issues regarding the quality of their toys eventually shut the business down, laying off a thousand employees, and skyrocketing crime in the Narrows. The place used to serve as a base for Joker, and it is just his taste." I then continued to speculate as I began to notice Ceecee, seemingly...talk to herself? I read her lips and used that to deduce, from the structure of the statements and vocabulary, it was a symptom of some sort of multiple personality. I chose to act as if I did not notice though.

"And if I am right, by the time we arrive, Jester and possibly Silver Queen will be hot on our heels, if they are not already close to there now." I then looked over to Mia, non verbally extending the invitation to spectate our 'practice bout' in the arena. A event I am sure she will be ecstatic about. "As for your rules, they sound fair. First to fall three times loses." I then remembered that this...soldier...mercenary, had fought against Killer Croc back at Arkham. A impressive feat.

"I have head about your fight with Killer Croc, even in my own world. I had never faced him. Not even as Batman." I left the fact unsaid that while she was fighting Killer Croc, a formidable foe, I was battling against the likes of Deathstroke, Deadpool and Lady Shiva. A battle, that was televised throughout Gotham, so she likely knows about that regardless. All of that aside, I am confident that she is skilled in martial art capability. Not to mention she has her own arsenal of technology, much like myself. But as the rules state, this is just hand to hand fighting. She may be a soldier, but I have bested humans, assassins, aliens and machines using hand to hand. Building my career on making myself so skilled in martial arts, that it would not matter if I have powers or not.

So, as we both entered the Arena, I looked her over, before deciding. That I should hold a keen edge under the guidelines set. As soon as we stepped into the ring, I could see holographic and magical displays go up. Bets and votes began being racked on them. A 'Unknown vs the Club Owner' naturally the bets leaned heavily in her own favor.

I began to wonder if that would change if this establishment knew that I was Sentinel?

Mia watched from the best vantage point in the club, and I slowly, entered into my first chosen position. My suspicion was that being a soldier, she would be unaccustomed to combating unusual or unconventional fighting styles. The stance I entered, displayed my chosen style as capoeira. A style which uses speed, acrobatics, dance and music in it's form. Perfect for the club setting.

At the start of the round, I decided to make the first move, choosing not to seem as If I am holding back against Ceecee. As I moved in for the fight, I did not do so in a predictable fashion, such as a dash or guarded advance, but in a weaving series of flips, spins and dance like moves that seemed almost as if my first kick, was on beat to the beat of the music in the club, as in a moment I moved in a sporadic pattern and positioned myself to make what was a powerful spinning aerial kick given momentum from a whirlwind of a spin. Producing more than a thousand pounds of force, all while keeping my upper body, arms and elbows balanced so that I could rapidly flow into the same unpredictable dance movements for another attack.

Certain, that my tactic of turning her military training, into her greatest handicap.

CeeCee
The Devil's Den

Even if CeeCee didn't get the fighting style that Daniel was using, she had a quick mind and a strong tactical insight. She could follow the moves and think of possible counters as they happened, sure it helped being able to predict your opponents movements but being able to think up a counter move on the spot has helped her before in many situations. Even if this fight relies purely on physical attacks and no gadgetry what so ever. Her secondary advantage was that she was trained by the military since she was a kid, but she was also forced to grow up with DeeDee and her randomness, and has learned a lot from simply living with DeeDee that she would never have learned in the military. Mainly, the advantage of randomness.

Daniel seemed to try and keep her guessing to what his next move would be and in general it worked, luckily for her she adapted fast enough to try and counter the incoming spin kick. When it landed though it didn't hit as hard as she'd expected, either Daniel was underestimating her, or he was testing her. Either way she felt slightly insulted, but she wasn't going to let this opportunity go to waste. She used this opportunity to counter his spinning by taking the entire force of the hit with her arm and then quickly moved in a position she would be standing behind Daniel and ready to attack his back. An enemy with an injured back or a head trauma would instantly have a strong disadvantage after all.

Not planning to give Daniel a chance to turn around she instantly attempted to grab his head and show him the error he made by holding back against her. This had to go in a single fluid yet powerful motion so the moment Daniel's foot landed on the floor she'd grab his head to make sure he didn't even have a moment to turn around so that she could continue her attack by slamming Daniels head on top of her knee. Sure it would hurt her knee a bit but his head and neck would be far worse off.

Part of her wanted to shout out that he shouldn't underestimate her, but she knew how good a fighter Daniel was, she couldn't take even a moments pause to say something like that.

[Siliarba]

Daniel Carter/NightBlade-38 Yrs-Devil's Den

It seems I have made a error in judgement, as Ceecee was able to take the full blow and then reposition herself at my back throwing me off balance. Attempting to slam her knee into the back of my head, I knew that if the hit landed, it would cause a lot more than simple pain. By matter of luck, we were not very far from the wall of the arena. Unable to land firmly and move around, I instead placed my foot firmly on the wall, and then followed with the other one. Kicking off hard, I was able to flip backwards over her avoiding the knee by centimeters, but the maneuver was rushed, in my haste to avoid the blow. I landed imperfectly and onto my stomach.

A point for Ceecee.

I threw myself back up and analyzed what had just happened. Going in with less than half of the force I could have used was unwise, surely, but what was more important is that she was able to track the erratic movements rather easily. I am not surprised that she was able to take the hit once she blocked the kick, I am surprised she was able to guess from where the attack would come. She made it seem before that logic, patterns and numbers were all she knew.

The style I used....possesses none of that. However, she was able to react quickly enough to make the advantage I anticipated irrelevant. I then contemplated my options, as I looked around and saw the crowd booing at me having avoided the blow. This is her own club now, so naturally she would be the favorite. How many people are willing to bet against the woman who owns where you get your drinks?

But more than that, I also cannot seem to far advanced for her either. For my own benefit, I dont want any unneeded attention. So, perhaps losing the fight...no, a draw would do just fine. Would help me to cover my identity as Sentinel. Although, if I make it obvious, In will insult her, and I dont want that. I may have already done just that.

Finally deciding on a course of action, I switched up styles. Moving into a ninjutsu stance. Starting to show off the sheer amount of styles I can use. This time I dashed straight at her, launching a volley of punches and a leg sweep trying to throw her off balance. But each punch, was off ever so slightly. Just enough to allow for a small opening, one that would not be obvious to Ceecee, as I anticipated how quickly she would adapt to this new change up in styles, as I faked out with a left hook, before executing a high blade kick which was aimed squarely at her jaw line with more than 11,000 pounds of force, only it like my earlier punches was off in accuracy by the smallest, and leaving me standing on one leg left my own stability in balance compromised, giving a opening for Ceecee to score a second point, should she make use of the chance.

CeeCee
The Devil's Den

One point for her, a good start, but an early lead didn't exactly decide victory, it was best to keep herself focused and act like no point was made yet to make sure she wouldn't slip up. Especially since it seemed Daniel was getting serious at this time as a flurry of fists came at her. In a different style than he was using earlier, this style was more predictable but he must've figured out that a random technique doesn't necessarily gave him an edge over me. The logical reasoning to switching to this style must mean it's a style he's simply better at. The flurry of fists were both fast and powerful, he definitely upped his game in terms of striking strength. If these hit they could deal some good damage. The best course of action, instead of dodging or blocking the attacks, was to deflect the attacks.

With an open palm she moved her hands to where the blows would come and with simply putting enough pressure in one direction to make the fists glide away and hit thin air. Minimum energy maximum result, all though all you could do as long as this went on was to defend until you either saw an opening to get some distance, or wait until the enemy made a mistake or change their tactics. As the flurry of fists ended a leg sweep arrived , I could still react fast enough to jump over it, not to high that I would risk being unable to dodge or deflect a new attack as I was in the air, but also not to low that the sweep would still hit the bottom of my feet. The moment I landed again a left hook seemed to be incoming, no time to properly deflect the best course of action was to dodge it was by bending backwards.

As I started bending backwards his left hook stopped and a high blade kick replaced it. However the defense against this was exactly the same as what I was al ready doing. I just bended backwards faster, jumping a bit off the ground to bend back faster and land on the palms of my hands. I was in a position now to either launch a devastating kick with both legs, but that would guarantee me hitting the ground from the impact itself. A second option was to continue my backwards move and turn it in to a backwards flip. But there was a third option, one that seemed optimal. As fast and fluid as possible I pushed my right arm off of the ground causing my body to turn 90 degrees to the left and only my left palm to be touching the ground.

In this position it was a simple matter to spread my legs forwards and backwards and in a single motion make a scissor kick on the only leg Daniel was standing on at this point hitting his leg from both sides with roughly 8000 pounds of striking force. Once this attack ended I'd have no choice but to fall to the ground but I would take him down with me, bringing him one point closer to victory, but me only one point away from victory. It was strategically worth the fall.

[Siliarba]

Daniel Carter/NightBlade-38 Yrs-Devil's Den

Just as I had predicted, Ceecee had used the scizzor kick to throw me off balance, and score her second point. While also falling herself, throwing a point in my own direction. She must had believed that the trade off was worth the risk. Perhaps, I have allowed her to get too confident. Regardless, it seems as if she has not suspected me of throwing the point. So, it is time to move in for the end game. I will fight for a win, and I am certain, that a draw will likely fall into place with her head start. As I fell onto my back, I hastily recovered and placed myself up. And entered a stance that was very alien, a form that would be impossible for her to recognize.

That is the case, because the style is that of the White Martians. My most favored alien martial style. One that forgoes almost all thought of defense, and creates a unrelenting onslaught of speed and power. The alien aspect of it, the movements I am hoping will also throw her off form.

White Martian, a style practiced by a now near extinct species. One that could go several rounds with the likes of Superman, so that should convey what kind of power it can achieve in the hands of a white martian. But I am human, so I can only use it to human limits. Even so, it is a brutal style.The reason to use it? Rather simple...

I am showing off now.

I then lurched into the attack, with surprising speed and momentum, delivering a frenzied offensive, of powerful kicks and punches, coordinated in a sporadic pattern and to use the sheer ferocity to back Ceecee into a wall. Where the point will be assured.

CeeCee
The Devil's Den

A second point, but the first for Daniel, only one point left to gain before I'm victorious. And it seems like he's finally getting serious. Once both got up Daniel flew in to an attack again, in a way it was enjoyable, usually I was the aggressive one but Daniel is so eager to engage I've been nothing but defensive so far using dodges, blocks and counter attacks. The techniques Daniel utilizes did get keeping weirder and weirder. This new one was even less recognizable than his first. But as CeeCee was blocking and dodging the blows the theme became obvious quickly, no defense, all attack. And in a way turn your aggressive attacks in a defense by closing every opening you make before your opponent gets a chance to counterattack.

The openings were there, just unreachable. It was difficult trying to figure out a way to get either enough distance to force Daniel to change his tactic, or for me to get a chance to be on the offensive. But I was only being given enough time between attacks to figure out where I have to block or dodge to avoid the next attack. And all this time I was being lead to a wall. Once I reach that wall I can't defend as well any longer and I will get hit, if I am going to do something I have to do it now. It was risky and chances were I'd go down before even getting off the attack, but my hope was my agility and speed might surpass or at least surprise Daniel enough for it to work. So just before I'd be stuck against the wall, a desperation move. A quick jump kick aimed at Daniel's face directly followed with a spin kick to the gut, chances of it working were low but it was all I could think off at the time.

[Siliarba]

CeeCee & DeeDee
Gotham City

Three to three, seems it ended in a draw, it was to be expected in a way, but regardless it was time to get the real show on the road against the Joker. Assuming Daniel was right about his location, but there was no reason to disbelief him, he had a better chance of knowing what this Joker was up to than me after all. Before leaving the Den a quick chat was needed with DeeDee though, she was to be found at the bar, where else would she be. "Hey D. I'm leaving for a bit, how about we test how this barrier influences our separation if one leaves and one stays." DeeDee laughed a bit, she had trouble not straight up yelling out what was going on with that Mia girl to CeeCee, but she kept it to herself and being random is what she did best.

"You lovebirds go had fun, but at least let me draw a magic circle on your suit first. That way if I feel something pulling me away from here to you, I'll teleport and minimum the fusion damage." CeeCee was confused with how DeeDee opened her sentence though "Lovebirds?" she quietly said under her breath, but quickly shook it off as DeeDee just being DeeDee, in the end she was beginning to get drunk and CeeCee could feel it. "Fine draw your circle, and take care of this place wile I'm gone." "Got it boss" DeeDee replied giggling like a schoolgirl. As soon as CeeCee left the building and left the building's suppression field she was relieved to not instantly feel a pull dragging her back to the Devil's Den. At this point DeeDee climbed the bar at the Devil's Den though and began shouting "Next round is on the house people, let's celebrate this places opening wildly!" CeeCee nearly turned around and ran back to the place realizing putting DeeDee in charge wile she was gone might not be the best idea. But there was no turning back now, and the Devil's Den would survive. It was good publicity after all.

"We will split into two teams. Myself and Mia, will head straight for the front door of the Funhouse Toy Factory. Drawing as much of the attention as possible. Ceecee, you will be our shadow team, move unseen and disrupt their efforts covertly. Trigger alarms in the wrong places, bring down communication equipment, hack files and send false orders if you can. Ensure these gangs cannot act in a coordinated manner. One we are on the inside of the factory, we will regroup and search for the Joker and his company. No one should be alone when they enter the Joker's Funhouse." I then drew my blade, while holding a submachine gun in my off hand.

"Sounds good to me." CeeCee activated her suit, it almost looked like a liquid before she had it completely on and it turned in the suit it was designed to be. It was completely repaired again having no trace from the fight with killer Croc left on it, but it did adorn a magic circle on the back of the suit it didn't have before. It looked purely like a sort of decoration as with no magic to activate it, it was simply a pretty drawing. As the suit was on CeeCee moved to the wall of the building and prepared to begin climbing it.

A quick shake of the head was sufficient to respond to Daniel's request for any questions, although Mia turned to look at CeeCee before they temporarily parted ways. The young woman smiled innocently and tilted her head slightly. "Stay safe, CeeCee."

"Don't worry about me I can handle myself and wounds heal rather quickly for me, you saw the condition I was in after facing Croc, I was healed before sunrise next morning. I'm more worried about you, stay in one piece Mia." Having said that CeeCee began climbing the wall of the building in a way that resembled Catwoman's climbing skills and quickly reached the roof where she found an entrance in to an air duct big enough for her to sneak through. She first threw a mine that she could detonate remotely to the other side of the roof in case she ever needed to cause a distraction and jumped in the air ducts.

[Siliarba]

CeeCee
Joker's Funhouse

So far crawling through the air ducts seems to be working, Daniel and Mia obviously got the main attention so now was my window to see if I can't get close to the Joker. Normally crawling through air ducts creates a ton of noises, but with enough training, a good technique and knowing when you have to be slow and when you can move fast allows for silent movement even in metal tubes. Looking through openings she saw the direction most of the henchmen came from and the direction they are headed towards. This together with the echolocation gave CeeCee a good idea where the Joker could be hiding.

"Now, I hope you have rehearsed your lines boys. Statistics show probability of Bat entanglements are drearily low. It is hard after all to be entertained by such a endangered species."

The Joker's hiding place, it must be the control roam, where else would the broadcasts come from. The air ducts didn't reach that place however, making things more difficult, especially when trying to remain sneaky. A close by room will have to do, and with the distraction Daniel gave me, I should be able to reach the target without being spotted. The lights were dim to begin with so, a slight advantage was added to sneaking. Once reaching the control room it seemed like my suspicions were correct, inside one man behind a microphone and security cameras. Good thing there were none in the air ducts. No taking chances with this maniac, don't give him the chance to say or do anything.

With that in mind, I quickly grabbed a concussion grenade, cooked it and at the final moment shattered the window to the control room and let it go off. Directly after, crash through the door and apprehend this psychopath. As I reached for the chair, part of me was al ready feeling relieved at this being a quick success, however whoever this man was sitting in the chair. It was not the joker, it wasn't even a henchmen, it was some tied up random civilian, one who had been affected by the Joker toxin, poor bastard laughed himself to death. Before I could react the doors sealed with bombproof iron doors same as the windows followed by a broadcast riddled with maniacal laughs.

"This party just keeps getting bigger and bigger, it's a bit sad though, here I prepare a welcome home party for the Bat and so far all that's shown up are some cheap knockoffs. The last one being the one who actually owns their own second rate Batmobile, oh I do hope the pictures it took came out nicely, I am quite photogenic after all and it would be such a shame if all those hours of posing for them turned out a waste."
"But did you honestly belief I would be so easy to find? You went to the place most logical for me to be, clearly you don't know me at all. Bat for brains would've seen through the trap, oh how much fun I could be having with him at my party. Oh well, that's the problem with this new generation, never time for anything, rush rush rush without ever stopping to think, seems it's up to uncle joker to enlighten you."

As he finished his speech all the lighting inside and outside the building began to flicker as a never-ending maniacal laugh was continuously being broadcast. And on the background of the broadcast CeeCee's screams as the room she was in was being bombarded with electricity. The suit did a great job of protecting CeeCee from sustaining major wounds, but it couldn't help one bit against the pain she was experiencing at this moment.

DeeDee
The Devil's Den

The celebration at the Devil's Den was amazing and DeeDee was having the time of her life, but she felt like checking out the Superhero Cafe, it was ironic to her that she owned something with Superhero in the title. Upon arriving there she noticed a friend, the only friend she made so far in Gotham truth be told, chances are the only friend she has not counting CeeCee. Everyone else is either an enemy, a random encounter or a booty call. It was Chorus, she wasn't really sure if she counted as a friend though, they only met once and she had to leave her when she headed towards Metropolis, but even if not a friend, then the closest thing DeeDee had to a friend, besides CeeCee.

Without saying a word she walked up to Chorus from behind and felt like saying a quick hello by sneaking up close to her and whispering in to her ear "Hey gorgeous." and giving Chorus's cheek a quick lick followed by instantly backing off as experience had told her that more often than not leads to a smack in the face. Still worth it though if that happened.

DeeDee giggled a bit, a bit loudly before making herself known "It's me DeeDee, how's it going Chorus? Got your voice back yet? Considering you never drank my blood I'm assuming things must've gone great meaning a good chance you have your voice back." It was only at this point DeeDee actually noticed she was here with someone "Ooh, got yourself some company here, who is he? A friend? A lover? A friend with benefits?"

Before allowing any answer to be given to any of her questions DeeDee quickly shouted a command at the barkeep "Hey Gary, throw me a bottle of whatever, as long as it's strong" "Sure thing Boss, catch" A bottle of sake was thrown out in the direction of DeeDee, it wasn't selling that well so far compared to the other beverages so the bottle the barkeep had at the ready wasn't opened yet. "Thanks Gary, keep up the good work." DeeDee opened the bottle and took a swig from it as she waited for the responses from Chorus and her friend.

At this time DeeDee felt pain coursing through her, CeeCee was being electrocuted, but wile she was in great pain she wasn't suffering any wounds. DeeDee was sure CeeCee would be fine, she had confidence in her. And DeeDee was much better at tolerating pain so she didn't even react in the slightest to the pain she felt and thus continued as normal.

[Siliarba]

DeeDee
The Devil's Den

Chorus' eyes widened, but then she realised who it was and raised an eyebrow in her direction. Her first instict was to reach for Verse and cut her head off. But she sighed and rolled her eyes. She grabbed a new napkin, wiping saliva from her cheek and then she grabbed another napkin to write on.

Haven't got voice back yet. And so far he's an acquaintance.
Managed to find one of the bastards, but the trail went cold after that...

You actually might be able to help. You might know someone called Janice. Tall, atheletic, red hair. She's quiet intense and moody, and prone to outbursts of rage?

"No voice back yet huh? Bummer. And two things I can tell you about Janice, if the hair was pink you'd be describing CeeCee to a Tee. Secondly, whoever she is I should get her in my bed. Hmm, maybe I already did, Yesterday it was Dana, the day before Joanne, then there was Zoë, Joanne again, Cindy, Amber, Joanne, ... Am I dating Joanne without realizing it?" The listing of names continued for a bit until DeeDee snapped out of it because of the fumbling and shy behavior of Chorus's acquaintance, as she put it. DeeDee couldn't help but starting to laugh hysterically at how he was acting and talking.

"I...I...I'm Ranger or, August Carter." I told DeeDee.
I then hastily grabbed my helmet and shoveled it onto my head to hide my shame before speaking again.
"Anyways DeeDee, I am sorry for talking to your Girlfriend like that. I did not mean to...mean to..." My voice trailed off as I placed my arms across my chest, as if to place a barricade between us.
"Anyways, I need to get going. People need me to save them and all. If you want...the two of you can come along. I have a feeling we can find something to do in Gotham..."

After a little wile the laughing dimmed down enough for a response to be possible. "You are the cutest, shy guy I've met in a wile, your reaction, it's like you're a kid just starting puberty trying to talk to a girl for the first time. It's so adorable that if I liked guys I might've given you a free pass with me." The giggling kept going between sentences, it was just to amusing to her, this was fun, talking instead of randomly blowing stuff up, there wasn't much time for that when being hunted after all. "And relax soldier boy, me and Chorus aren't a thing, I mean, I'd sleep with her in a heartbeat, and it would be a night to remember, or any other time of the day to remember really." DeeDee stopped talking just long enough to give a wink at Chorus and then went straight back to the conversation.

"If you want to have a shot at her give it your best I won't stop you, I'll even help you a bit." DeeDee looked back over to the barkeep "Hey Gary, when this guy orders something with alcohol for the next 3 hours it's on the house, anything without alcohol, he still has to pay. Also send one of the waiters to the security room to check if there's someone in the club with the description on this napkin." "Sure thing boss". DeeDee returned her attention to Chorus and August. "Two birds one stone, if that chick you're looking for is here then we'll find her, and in the meantime, feel free to keep awkwardly hitting on each other."

DeeDee chose to ignore August's response abut going in to Gotham, hoping he would realize there was no reason for him to leave, especially now that there was someone checking for this person Chorus was looking for.

[Siliarba]

Sabrina El Carter/Star Girl-18 Yrs-Siberia
After a few moments of toying with the pieces, I had a almost as good as new stereo now playing some of my favorite music as I tried to relax. Never knowing the affect it would have on the girl.

Rin Tarla

For the longest of times, there was nothing, not a thought, not a breath, not a heartbeat and not a sound. No activity, no life, only existence and preservation, what she carried withered away, what she wore remained protected, who she is has been forgotten. The body unchanged but the mind has been wiped, bringing life to the body, will not restore the person, Rin Tarla vanished 10 years ago, who this was now, was yet to be determined. And the first steps in determining who she would be had begun right now. For the first time in a decade, music returned to her body. Her brain was receiving energy again through the sounds and reactivated everything, her heart, her lungs, her powers.

In an instant the girls eyes shot open as she took a deep breath, the first breath in years, it had to fill her lungs completely. The flow of blood returned and color reappeared on the girls skin and lips. For a moment there was nothing but questions "Where am I? Who are you? Who am I? What's going on?" But before anyone could possibly respond her powers came back and as if someone opened the flood gates, sound rushed through every fiber of her body, from the sound of her own breath to a cricket's heartbeat 499.3 kilometers away. It all came back, all at once, no slow buildup, no on or off button it just all appeared. And together with that she could see it all, every detail her own back, that cricket 500 km away, even its heart was visible to her.

There was no way the girl could have been prepared for all of this, there was no way anyone could have been prepared for something like that. As she broke in to tears, her cries began, first it seemed like the cry of a regular girl, hovering around 80 decibels, but the sound soon climbed the scales, and they climbed fast. After 6 seconds she reached 105 decibels, at 10 seconds 134 decibels, at 12 seconds, 164 decibels, at 15 seconds , 294 decibels.

As the girl had her eyes closed and her hands over her ears out of instinct wile a stream of tears left her eyes, her cries and screams were beginning to cause earthquakes, avalanches, any normal human just standing close to her would have died from the sound alone as the shockwave the sound was creating alone, could already crush their bones. And all the wile the decibels kept climbing faster and faster with no sign of stopping.