Gods Among Us (IC|Superhero|Open)

[Endem]

Chris Digel

For a second Chris was very confused, then something clicked and he said "Eh, I know I don't have the cleanest of records, but I'm on your team now, so grab a drink" Chris gestured towards the crate of beers, clearly, this guy probably had some beef with him because maybe he heard of Chris's previous employment, he couldn't say it wasn't a bit irritating but he got used to it by now.

When he saw Hans covering his face as if Chris was about to punch him he said "I'm really not going to punch you, you know?" Hans then gave him something of an apology "Sure, next time I'll try to look less threatening when bringing food" Chris said sarcastically before getting up and walking towards one of the lanes "And how do I register my name in this" he said to himself before taking a sip from the bottle of Heineken.

[Central Crew]

"Oh well. I suppose this is a good time as any to enter the scene"

A loud voice echoed through the bowling alley, loud, but not enough to catch the attention of all of the other members of the staff present. There stood a man, dressed as part of the bowling alley staff, plus a pair of sunglasses.

He approached the group and attempted to catch the attention of all the members he possibly could, even if they ignored him due to being busy talking or eating and drinking.

"It's good to see you reunited here, and that you are well too." He looked at his current attire. "Oh sorry if you don't recognize me; and sorry too for basically eavesdropping on all of your interactions, is just that I just came here before the meeting started, and couldn't help myself"

While talking, the man's attire was changing, as if morphing to another one. The sun glasses disappeared, a top hat replacing it. The shirt he was wearing changed to another one, though it couldn't be seen so easily trough the large coat that had just materialised. Once his classic clothes were on, the man took out his top hat in his hand and bowed to the heroes introducing himself again.

"I am Matthew Octave and it's once again a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

[Sudbrazil]

“Highcastle, Charles Alexander. A pleasure to meet you too.”

As he greeted the people gathered around the lanes, his eyes slid over the small group. A lot of them had been employed recently, and many were nothing more than mere acquaintances whose true names he could not remember. They were mostly surprisingly plain and innocent, although some characters were reproachable, such as Mrs. Howard with her poor demeanour which stank of nouveau riche, though her call for more food was justified. He had also noted the lack of cutlery, which bothered him somewhat. While he had brought a fork and knife in anticipation, he had yet to spot a single plate in the whole establishment. But what bothered him even more than the absence of silverware was that of common sense. This gathering had turned into one big breach of OPSEC which was naturally bound to draw the attention of the rest of the establishment by sheer size and volume of food. As he noticed his fellows writing names on the computers, whose purpose he judged superfluous, he leaned in to Chris and dispensed a discreet warning.

“Probably something that does not breach Operations Security,” he suggested innocently. It was a very heavy-handed approach, but his time in the Army had grafted this paternalistic approach into him.

Having satisfied this itch, Charles turned toward the pool tables, which beckoned him closer from afar. While he derived a great deal of pleasure from bowling, he was most fond of billiard games. But before he could call for other players, a top hat slipped into his attention. One of silk, not plastic.

“Greetings, Mr. Octave. It is reassuring to see a top hat in these times.”

[Demencia]

Zinnia Howard
Lucky Strike Manhattan, New York City

Zinnia brushed off Amalure's abrasiveness, barely giving her a second glance. "I tend to be a hard person to mistake for another." she said with a slight flutter of her wings. She chose not to partake in any of what passed as food here, both for terms of taste and health. She didn't maintain her figure by eating every thing someone put in front of her, and she definitely wasn't going to throw off her diet for something like this.

She stepped behind the bar and found a glass, she didn't expect to find a champagne flute so a wine glass would have to do, for the champagne and set it on the table. "Fire in the hole." she said as the cork popped off and foam flowed out of the top. She poured herself a glass, glad there was at least one familiar thing in this party. This was when the apparent host decided to greet her.

"Howard. Zinnia Howard." she said flatly as an introduction. "I wouldn't worry about me, I don't particularly care what anyone thinks or what they do or don't appreciate. I don't do it for them." she motioned with her glass. "Champagne? It's better than.... well... what he brought in." she pointed to the Budweiser on the table. "Not to stereotype or make assumptions, but I can't imagine someone with your accent being fond of beer like that."

Unfortunately he decided to walk away and joined the man who brought the watered down alcohol and then began to have what Zinnia assumed was an episode of either PTSD or Psychosis based on her years in the lab. She simply shrugged and took another sip of her champagne, watching everyone else.

[Mandicoria]

-snip-

Patriot looked particularly annoyed at their new "partner". He didn't even extend his hand for a handshake, nor go for a salute, as he walked up to them. "I'm going to spare you the formalities. I've been looking forward to someone else coming in to help deal with-"

"Kurt, if you could be polite that would be most appreciated. I apologize for my acquaintance's behavior, it's wonderful to have a new partner to help keep things in line." Tesla interrupted Patriot, approaching and extending his arm for a handshake. "Your suit looks awful familiar. I'd assume it's an Enigma Corporation design, but that would be foolish considering they've been rendered irrelevant a few years back."

Patriot glared at Tesla for the interruption before just grumbling to himself and backing up. An anxious feeling about him. Making it obvious that he just wanted to leave this, and keep his embarrassment behind him. "Tesla, don't turn this into a full conversation."

"First impressions are important, Kurt." Tesla responded, not even turning to The Patriot to dignify him with full attention.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

New York City
Lucky Strike Manhattan
Hans

Hans was...surprised how well Chris seemed to have taken his little...fit. He had been afraid that it would cause major issues, that Chris would question his sanity or anything else about him. Well, perhaps Chris still did, considering that he left Hans alone again to instead go and bowl a little. Hans couldn't really fault him for it, as it was something he expected after having to experience this kind of behaviour.

However, he did not receive much time to dwell on that as another newcomer decided to use a rather booming introduction. When Hans turned his head to see him though, he was met with someone in a staff uniform. His heart sank as he wondered if this was perhaps another, higher ranked member of the staff who decided to insert himself into this little get-together to make sure that it ended when the bowling center closed. Would be a shame considering all the money he had spent on trying to ensure that they'd get to stay here, undisturbed, for the rest of the night.

Luckily for Hans, the newcomer seemed to realize that he was probably coming across as the wrong guy, realizing that people might not be recognising him. And as he talked, the clothing he wore just seemed to...change? It looked rather strange really. Was this magic? Hans got rather curious as he watched that. Magic was cool, magic was interesting! In Hans' mind magic was always a benevolent force untill forced and twisted in ways it wasn't meant to be used, perverted for the uses of more vile characters. That imagination of his, while colourful, was sadly nowhere near the truth. Hans was afterall not even a novice in the field of magic. He was quite literally just a random guy who's only understanding of magic stemmed from a few fantasy novels he had read afterall.

The new guy called himself Octave. Matthew Octave. Hans remembered him, having briefly seen the guy in the Federal Reserve, nay, even before. Wasn't he the guy coming with the winged horse? Or whatever it was, some mythical creature with wings? Yes, he was quite certain that was the guy. So apparently an actual practitioner of magic. Well, he'd certainly be a fun hero to watch.

The rather old man, having previously introduced himself as one Charles Alexander Highcastle, seemed to have found a certain interest in the newcomer as well, complimenting him on his choice of clothing, particularly the top hat. Not too surprising to Hans, considering that Highcastle seemed to have an equally odd sense of fashion in his tweed clothes. Still, he found it necessary to call out to him:

"A good sentiment Herr Highcastle. Sadly it is not shared by the majority of people these days. They seem to bring top hats outside of theater stages into connection with either heroes, villains or hallucinations. In the worst case even pedophiles. Personal experience from when I tried wearing a top hat casually."

The little bit of food, the little bit of respite he had had from all the stress of trying to greet every single newcomer, had helped him immensely in relieving some stress and calming down his nerves. Perhaps it was time to rejoin the fray as he currently didn't feel like eating even more or embarrassing himself on the bowling lanes. Ah yes, he could continue the conversation with Zinnia, which he had so rudely left alone. She was luckily rather easy to find, apparently not having moved from the spot ever since he had left her, sipping on a glass of her own Champagne.

He approached her with an apologetic smile, saying:

"My apologies for the small interruption before. My nerves are currently lying a bit bare Fräulein...Howard, yes? Zinnia Howard? An interesting first name if I may say so. I do not believe I have ever heard one like it. And well, concerning that offer for Champagne...well...I am covered for the moment."

, he shook the bottle of Pepsi in his hand before taking a sip from it. He was determined to get to know this winged lady better, atleast give her a bit of a chance to show another side from the one she currently decided to show to others. He really didn't want to form an opinion too early.

[Demencia]

Zinnia Howard
Lucky Strike Manhattan, New York City

Zinnia gestured with her glass to the rest of the room. "It's your party, I don't think anyone would fault you for greeting people even if they do make... noticeable entrances." She took another sip of the champagne before pouring a little more into her wine glass. She chuckled a little when Hans commented on her name. "Yes, there are a lot of things about me that are unique." She motioned behind her with a thumb. "I guess they figured it would be too boring to name me 'Alice'. It's a type of of flower, pretty little thing, colorful and all. I guess they based it on how I grew colored feathers rather than brown or grey like... well, you know."

[Dyelli Beybi]

Imogen Vaughan / Kaleidoscope
Three Days Later

Bowling wasn't really her thing, but it would have been rude not to show up, plus she hadn't exactly got off to the best start with the group and this was an opportunity to build bridges and maybe form an alliance or two. Zookeeper had seemed friendly at any rate.

When wearing jeans and a plaid shirt, Imogen Vaughan did not look like much of a superhero and she had never needed any reason to hide her identity in any way. There was nothing particularly imposing about her. She was pretty, but in an unassuming sort of way and rather short. When she wasn't actively pushing herself forward she did tend to fade into the background. Bowling with known metahumans though might make her a bit more visible, though she could always pretend she was just a fan.

She wasn't quite sure what to bring so had arrived with a couple of bottles of Nero d'Avola (and some plastic glasses just in case someone dropped one). Someone else had brought a crate of beer (though being over-catered was preferable to under-catered), so she set her own offering down next to it as she took a moment to survey the room as she poured herself a glass of wine. There was someone else from her side of the pond wearing tweed and complimenting someone on their top hat (which in her opinion was a major dress-code faux pas). There was also Zinnia Howard, she recognised her from magazines and television. Some of the others seemed to be actually bowling.

Unlike some of her friends, Imogen didn't find making small-talk with complete strangers all that easy. Once she got to know people it was different, but right now she just couldn't think of anything to say. So instead she sat down at one of the seats, idly watching what was going on. She wondered how long it would take for someone to try to move her along.

[Jerno]

John Farrow/Emma Greenwood

Emma walked over to the other person called Emma. Hans was right she should introduce herself. “Hi I’m Emma, but you can call me Venom. Nice to meet you.” Meanwhile John went around greeting the newcomers. After meeting with Emma, Venom also tagged behind John and greeted the newcomers. John recognized some of them from the battle. John spotted Matthew and smiled “Hey Matthew!” He smiled as he walked up to the storyteller. Meanwhile Emma aka Venom spotted another person walk in with more drinks. She walked up to her and sat beside her. “Hi I’m Emma but you can call me Venom. Nice to meet you.” She reaches out for a drink and popped it open and drank it.

[Union Princes]

Amalure immediately recognized the excited german voice promising gifts as that of Maria's, the one hero among those at the federal reserve that'd be able to distract her from her aim of annoying Icarus. From the first time she had been introduced to her file, Amalure was intriguied by the possibility of building a friendship with her. There was no other way to put it, a hero who's blood was all-healing, was a useful hero to have around and build trust with. It didn't matter to her how particularly ghoulish she might come across, as long Amalure could ensure that Maria was helping her, she'd consider her to be, by definition, heroic.

So Amalure put her food to the side, with the exceptiom of her slice of pizza, she kept eating as she headed over to Maria. Curious as to the nature of the gifts that she brought the group.

"Hey, you're Maria Ludwig, correct? We briefly met at the federal reserve bank, I'm Amalure Davis, or Ophiuchia, nice to see you here. Would you mind telling me about these 'gifts' that you've brought us?"

Maria was jumping with glee at the prospect of Amalure intrigued by her presents. "Oh yes, Yes!" she squealed in excitement. "It only took me two hours to gather as much as I could for everyone here!" With a click of the lock, Maria swung open the cooler like she uncovered a pirate's treasure. Inside, packed with ice, was jars, vials, and syringes filled with a bright red liquid. It was refrigerated blood as the numerous labels on the containers and syringes had details of an expiration date, total amount, and directions for usage.

"I grant you gifts of healing potions!" she announced her presents like she was passing out gold bricks. "I know you may feel scared of what I did back at the place and probably not comfortable around me when I have my tools out. But granted, I'm not always gonna be present so I grant you my healing blood to carry on your person while you are going solo."

"They do have a quicker expiration date when not refrigerated." Maria explained with a malicious glint in her eyes, "But maybe you would like to poison your blades when the blood expires. Or mix it in some food or drink."

"Respiratory paralysis would make anyone vulnerable to attack when given the right amount of poison blood into their system." she sneered gleefully.

[Lessoni]

"I grant you gifts of healing potions!" she announced her presents like she was passing out gold bricks. "I know you may feel scared of what I did back at the place and probably not comfortable around me when I have my tools out. But granted, I'm not always gonna be present so I grant you my healing blood to carry on your person while you are going solo."

"They do have a quicker expiration date when not refrigerated." Maria explained with a malicious glint in her eyes, "But maybe you would like to poison your blades when the blood expires. Or mix it in some food or drink."

"Respiratory paralysis would make anyone vulnerable to attack when given the right amount of poison blood into their system." she sneered gleefully.

Jack Dredd

As Jack realized how bad he was at bowling, he heard a commotion from behind him. Something about gifts. He didn't pay any attention; he hadn't been at the Reserve. He doubted most of the people here knew he existed. His ears perked considerably when he heard "blood". More specifically, her blood being given as a gift. He set down his ball and walked over, staring in ill concealed shock at the cooler.

"Is that... wait, that's actually blood? Like, the human kind? That's in- alright I'm just not gonna question this."

He stepped forward, taking a syringe out of the cooler, if for nothing else to satisfy his own curiosity.

"Is this stuff safe? And are you feeling alright? Cause this is like a lot of blood," he said to the girl.

[Cybernetic Socialist Republics]

Maria was jumping with glee at the prospect of Amalure intrigued by her presents. "Oh yes, Yes!" she squealed in excitement. "It only took me two hours to gather as much as I could for everyone here!" With a click of the lock, Maria swung open the cooler like she uncovered a pirate's treasure. Inside, packed with ice, was jars, vials, and syringes filled with a bright red liquid. It was refrigerated blood as the numerous labels on the containers and syringes had details of an expiration date, total amount, and directions for usage.

"I grant you gifts of healing potions!" she announced her presents like she was passing out gold bricks. "I know you may feel scared of what I did back at the place and probably not comfortable around me when I have my tools out. But granted, I'm not always gonna be present so I grant you my healing blood to carry on your person while you are going solo."

"They do have a quicker expiration date when not refrigerated." Maria explained with a malicious glint in her eyes, "But maybe you would like to poison your blades when the blood expires. Or mix it in some food or drink."

"Respiratory paralysis would make anyone vulnerable to attack when given the right amount of poison blood into their system." she sneered gleefully.

Amalure was aware of the nature of Maria's blood from the TIAMA files, that's why she headed over to her when she saw her wheeling her cooler forward in the first place, but taking off her bowler glasses and looking into the cooler, getting to see it all in person, so elegantly organized and categorized, was still a treat.

Amalure would have been more willing to induldge her own sanguinary instincts with Maria, were it not for her being unwilling to be caught saying something that leave a bad first impression with the rest of her comrades, so she limited her reaction to Maria's prescriptions of poisoning her blade or drinks to leave her enemies helpless, to a small smile at Maria.

Vocally, she'd keep a things more professional, as it stood, Jack was already next her, best not tip off that she was, in tendencies, more like Maria than the rest of them might have assumed.

"So about how effective would you say these different dosages are, how much would one have to consume to repair a broken bone, versus, say, a lost limb? Conversely, I suppose, how much would be needed to paralyze someone my size and someone, yours and for how long?"

[Central Crew]

Matthew Octave

"Ah John! How pleasant it is to see you again. I hope that TIAMA is treating you well? Last I saw you, you were pretty much running on your last leg" "

Of course, Matthew knew that TIAMA had helped him, and everything else in the time-span of the three days since they had met. And not only about him, but about almost everyone that had caught his attention then. Well, he only kept tabs on them, not spying their daily life like he did with John. Even so there still were people who apparently were at the scene that he hadn't seeing in that time.

"And greetings to you too Charles." He turned to the officer. "Of course, I couldn't agree more with you. Fashion is simply, not what it used to be. Having someone who agrees is actually, quite a refreshing experience."

He had already taken out The Book, whenever they saw him or not didn't matter. Of course, as it had become tendency, the new acquaintance also fell under important character material. Just like the rest of the people present...

And even though all of the heroes present called for his attention, three(excluding John) stood out most than the others. One was the German doctor that he had shielded back then, and the other two were his Fellow Follower of Favourable Fashion Charles and Imogen Vaughan, both who possessed magical abilities and interesting personalities to go with them.

Before he could plan how to approach the obviously closed off Imogen, Maria pulled out her offers of healing potions.

"Ahh, I knew that shielding you was a right call dear." He quickly approached and took one of the containers without any of the doubt present in his fellow hero Jack, nor hiding his excitement like his fellow hero Amalure.

"This will make for a fine addition-" He took his top hat and simply dropped the blood bottle inside. "-to my collection of supplies"

He placed the hat in his head again. "It is most appreciated. Thank you."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

William Brookes - New York City

The hotel room that he left days ago to head hurriedly to the Federal Reserve certainly was messier than before. It helped William feel a little bit closer to home, as bottles, cans and notes popped up. Of course, to the untrained eye he was just a crazy drunk man - and not that he wasn't a drunk man - but there was focus, concentration, hard work and talent to the man as well.

A frozen cop, but not by magic or ice. He wasn't a man with a knowledge in Physics, so of course the option were limited. He spent the night trying to elaborate a theory, until the cups won over him in a battle that certainly was shorter than the usual. He was tired, which in turn made him sleep through the day. When the morning gently greeted him, his hangover wasn't that bad. Still, it demanded a visit to the nearby drugstore.

The laughter of the kids who ran on the sidewalk seemed to ring small, bothering bells inside his head until proper medicine was bought and ingested, as every step seemed like an eternal walk through the Purgatory, before William finally looked at salvation in the form of a bed. The nap that crossed the afternoon recharged his batteries, made him feel a little bit more alive than the usual. A surge of energy threw him inside a black suit and practically begged him to go to the small reunion of those involved in the Federal Reserve.

These surges of energy never lasted long, or at least, they quickly became a mixture of his acidic nature with a little bit more wilderness to his jabs. This always required alcohol to be tamed, administered like a medicine. The cab traveled through the streets once more after Brookes halted it nearby a liquor store, wishing for the cab to finally arrive at the location.

Lucky Strike Manhattan

Bowling. Brookes himself fancied pool more than bowling, but he needed to know the new batch of heroes TIAMA pulled out of their super-oven somewhere. Slowly, he walked in, three bottles of whisky inside a bag, before sitting on a table and looking at his surroundings. Certainly it was quite the band: a man that seemed to come from a BBC expensive drama series, a man with a top hat, a woman with normal clothes and one that he was pretty sure that appeared in E! promoting something.

However, his eyes met something while he awaited for his cup with ice. A book, but not just any book... The Book.

"Hey, mate! Is that... the Book you're carrying in that top hat of yours?"

[Anowa]

-snip-

Patriot looked particularly annoyed at their new "partner". He didn't even extend his hand for a handshake, nor go for a salute, as he walked up to them. "I'm going to spare you the formalities. I've been looking forward to someone else coming in to help deal with-"

"Kurt, if you could be polite that would be most appreciated. I apologize for my acquaintance's behavior, it's wonderful to have a new partner to help keep things in line." Tesla interrupted Patriot, approaching and extending his arm for a handshake. "Your suit looks awful familiar. I'd assume it's an Enigma Corporation design, but that would be foolish considering they've been rendered irrelevant a few years back."

Patriot glared at Tesla for the interruption before just grumbling to himself and backing up. An anxious feeling about him. Making it obvious that he just wanted to leave this, and keep his embarrassment behind him. "Tesla, don't turn this into a full conversation."

"First impressions are important, Kurt." Tesla responded, not even turning to The Patriot to dignify him with full attention.

Gauss wasn't very impressed, based on the sole interaction, as well as what she read about him, the 'Kurt' seemed like a tool. His actions walking in, as well as the events surrounding the man left little room to paint him as a truly noble or empathetic individual. The man also happened to exude an aura of sociopathy, for all Gauss knew his respirator was leaking, but Hell, it still wasn't a good sign.

Tesla, it was a name she'd heard a number of time around the house in her later years. Primarily in the form of her father expressing guilt at obliterating his physical body, and her mother expressing distaste at the fact the man had a veritable shock collar, like he was some kind of animal. While Gauss could see her father's feeling, she most definitely had a resounding sympathy for the man's plight.

"Funny you should mention my suit. It was actually based on your designs. Epoch managed to nab most of the patents from your company and continued it's development for the US Army. Bid failed because it's battery sucked, but now I am the battery." a pause, as she looked between the two, "I have to say, Doctor, after roughly a decade with Captain Beats-His-Wife here, I didn't expect you to be... sane."

[Remnants of Exilvania]

New York City
Lucky Strike Manhattan
Hans

"Indeed I do. Still I'd say you got lucky, they could have ended up naming you peacock instead."

, that got a chuckle out of Hans. Perhaps his sense of humour wasn't great but imagining Zinnia having the name peacock and how her behaviour might differ then was...well, it certainly turned the corners of his mouth upwards. She certainly seemed a little more approachable if one actually decided to approach her rather than go into a defensive rethorical stance after having witnessed her entrance, speaking of which he continued:

"While taking the backdoor certainly could make your entrance less noticeable, it stands out with only you and Herr Octave having come in on unusual ways. And I do suppose your introduction was equally memorable for those present.

It makes me wonder Fräulein Howard, do you really feel that way? This...contempt you appeared to exude during your entrance? This certain air of aloofness surrounding you? I only ask because it, well, I don't know. It just feels so little like what I always thought heroes to be like."

There was no sign of insincerety in Hans face, no sign of ill intent or mockery as he asked her. It was a genuine question, one that Hans thought important to ask. Though he did feel stupid after asking it, feeling as though he pried too much into matters he had no right to ask about. How people were privately was their own choice. Perhaps Zinnia acted differently when she did what was necessary as a hero?

He was about to apologize and take back his question:

"Ah, I am so-"

, when he suddenly heard something that made him hesitate, his eyes going wide, his body tensing and his blood freezing over. It was Maria, gleefully unpacking her 'gifts' behind him. He really didn't trust her. She was german, a doctor and quite obviously of the more unempathic sort. Practically all links back to his own past with certain german doctors. And it made him tremble whenever this girl was near him and quite clearly up to something. Like now, with her gifts.

He quickly loosened his collar a little with one of his fingers while taking a big gulp from his Pepsi, trying to calm himself down. Then, with a fragmented smile that barely hid his insecurity, asked Zinnia:

"Say, Fräulein Howard, what exactly is our resident young Doktor handing out there?"

It was in this exact moment that Jack pulled out one of Maria's syringes.

[Union Princes]

Jack Dredd

As Jack realized how bad he was at bowling, he heard a commotion from behind him. Something about gifts. He didn't pay any attention; he hadn't been at the Reserve. He doubted most of the people here knew he existed. His ears perked considerably when he heard "blood". More specifically, her blood being given as a gift. He set down his ball and walked over, staring in ill concealed shock at the cooler.

"Is that... wait, that's actually blood? Like, the human kind? That's in- alright I'm just not gonna question this."

He stepped forward, taking a syringe out of the cooler, if for nothing else to satisfy his own curiosity.

"Is this stuff safe? And are you feeling alright? Cause this is like a lot of blood," he said to the girl.

Maria couldn't help but let out a small laugh at Jack's concern. "Of course it's human blood, silly! It's my blood that I'm granting you. One gallon of it!"

Turning to Amalure, "I would take the time to explain the nuances of proper blood intake to optimize consumption but we're here to party after all. So to simplify matters, when in doubt, just use the entire vial or syringe, whether it be poison or healing blood. When it comes to lost limbs, if you can reconnect it to your body, it would be healed. Otherwise, if it's lost completely I'll have to put you in a bloodbath!" Maria explained proudly with a nod to Hans and Matthew.

[Demencia]

Zinnia Howard
Lucky Strike Manhattan, New York City

"Unusual?" Zinnia glanced down at her dress, one that she'd likely received for free from a designer. "What's so unusual about it? It's along the lines of what I'd normally wear to a party." She looked back up and set her wine glass down. "Granted the parties I go to generally have... larger personalities than this, but I wouldn't say anything was unusual." Hans was asking her some strange questions, she didn't exactly understand why.

"I don't know what you mean about contempt, all I did was show up with alcohol, if you mean the comment about the swill, well..." she glanced back at the Budweiser on the table, "I don't think most people would find it to be incorrect. It's not exactly very high quality stuff." She lifted up her glass again, indicating the champagne she brought. "If anyone showed any contempt I believe you should find Amalure and ask her about whatever seems to be bothering her."

She looked behind Hans at the scene Maria was causing and her face wrinkled up a little. "You... don't want to know. But it's blood. Her blood. In jars."

[Central Crew]

Matthew Octave

"Truly brilliant innovations in the medical field huh?" Matthew didn't need to bother thinking about the healing blood turned into poison. As long as it remained in his hat it would retain it's original state for as long as he needed be.

He really wished to go and mingle with the two magical interest he had gained, but soon another one showed itself. One he knew, was interested in, was also placed as an interesting individual(because who isn't at this point?) and also possessed magical capabilities. Even so, he was an individual that he should handle with the most delicate care.

"Well slap my hat off and call me Sally! _{Actually don't that would be quite silly.} It's you!" He quickly disengaged from the German doctor to greet William. "I thought you would stay in our green and pleasant land for the rest of your life! Magic is booming there after all."

"Oh, and no, The Book is not in my top hat! How could you even consider such a thing?!" He showed The Book out moving it as one would move a threat to their pet hopping it would jump attempting to get it. "I have The Book right here with me at all times, see? Right Here."

[Segral]

Emma Davis
Lucky Strike Manhattan

It seemed like buying a round wouldn't be needed. As hero after hero flooded into the party, food and drink piled up on the nearby tables until there wasn't an inch of free space left over. Between whiskey, champagne brought by Zinnia Howard of all people, a guy named Chris who brought enough food to last an entire siege, another guy wearing a top hat and coat whom Emma had sworn was wearing sunglasses a minute ago, a few stragglers who took to the seats and pool tables, and the near-constant ringing of bowling pins smacking into one another...it was all pretty disorienting. After fixing herself a flute of champagne from the table (how could she say no to a $400 bottle?), she sort of hung around the edges of the crowd, sipping away as everyone drifted around and socialized with one another. She had been to many parties back when Mum and Dad had been, well...alive, but never any as loud and wild as this one. It had always been refined, with hired string quartets, and black tie dress codes, and everything else that was dignified and classy. The best part of moving out had been being able to cut loose from all of those ritzy dinner parties and balls, but now that she was "free", she almost wanted to be back, back to where someone would tell her how to behave and how to dress and how to act. Except she couldn't go back, that entire life was gone, and that house was sold. This was her new life, and now, she had nobody to crawl back to, and nobody to give her guidance.

A sharp pang of sadness hit her, causing her stomach to churn uneasily. The champagne, which had just been crisp, silky, and smooth, soon turned dry and chalky in her mouth, practically losing its flavor. She shouldn't be thinking about these things, not at a place like this, but she couldn't help it. She needed to distract herself, find someone to talk to. After all, that was why she had come here, right? All of that effort put towards gatecrashing, and the best she could do was sip champagne and mope? There had to be something more interesting to see here, right? Maybe she could bowl, or talk to that massive blonde, or check out that cooler full of human blood...wait a minute. Cooler full of human blood?!

Towards her right, she could see a growing crowd surrounding some blonde girl practically leaping up and down in a war dance around a massive cooler, containing what looked like jars, vials, and syringes of...human blood?! No no no, this had to be some sick joke. What. In. The. Fuck????!!! She needed to see this up close and personally, just to make sure the champagne hadn't gotten to her brain.

As she sauntered over, she could catch a few words on the wind. Something about healing potions, expiration dates, dosages, bloodbaths, and something else, something that she didn't particularly care about at this moment in time. She needed to see this for herself. She stepped forward through a gap in the crowd, approaching the cooler and gently plucking a small vial from the ice with her non-occupied hand. It had a label attached to it, with handwriting on it that was about as legible as a doctor's note. Made sense, considering these were supposed to be "healing potions". Still, she couldn't help but ask about this expiration date she had caught wind of, especially considering the fact that it was the only thing she could make out on the label.

"So, um...Doc," she started, addressing the blonde girl. "What happens if I take this after the expiration date. I know you said poison, but uh...how bad is the poison? Does it depend, or...?" she trailed off, head tilted and one eyebrow cocked out of curiosity. Yet, as curious as Emma was, she wasn't exactly sure if she wanted to know the answer.

[Jerno]

John Farro/Emma Greenwood

Emma heard commotion and decided to check it out. A small crowd had gathered where a cooler was set on the floor. She was able to catch several words, blood...,poison...expiration date. Emma smiled when she heard the word poison. John only shook his head, only he knew why she smiled. There was a reason why she was called venom after all. Emma took a closer look inside the cooler where jars and syringes lay inside. Emma gleefully smiled “This will be a nice addition to my collection. Thanks.” John shuddered as he looked inside the cooler. In the end John reached out for a syringe as well. Emma in the meanwhile decided to grab two more vials, anyone watching her could only wonder what was going on inside her head. Only John knew. Both Emma and John were aware of each other’s abilities. Emma also looked around and saw some horrified faces. It was blood, but she knew. Everything had an expiration date. “Poison. That’s what happens when it expires.” Emma said. Emma opened the vial up and carefully closed the vial back up and put it away. Emma cheerfully walked away and sat down at a nearby table and began to eat some food. John followed close behind and also grabbed some food and a beer as well.

[Dyelli Beybi]

Imogen Vaughan

More out of a sense of politeness than anything else, Imogen took one of the offered vials, "Uhhh... thanks?" she suggested, looking at the vial suspiciously. Right now she had no intention of ingesting someone else's bodily fluids, no matter what the healing properties of them were... though if she was actually dying she might change her mind, so she pocketed the vial; she could figure out if she wanted to keep it or throw it in a biohazard bin later.

Then the conversation changed to the expiration date and the poisonous properties of the same liquid, "Wait, what? If it expires it can cause respiratory paralysis? That doesn't just make someone 'vulnerable to attack', that makes them 'dead without a ventilator'." No way in hell she was putting that in her body. Definitely a biohazard bin.

Unlike a lot of the others in the group, Imogen didn't have a supercharged physiology; if she drank something poisonous it was going to kill her.

Across the room a conversation had started about a book, which piqued her interest somewhat, mostly because she got the distinct smell of magic about it. Cradling her wine glass she strolled over to where Matthew Octave and William Brookes were talking, "So what is this book that is causing all the excitement?" she asked, before introducing herself in the crisp home counties accent that marked her as yet another Brit, "Imogen Vaughan. Pleasure to be working with you gentlemen."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Matthew Octave

"Truly brilliant innovations in the medical field huh?" Matthew didn't need to bother thinking about the healing blood turned into poison. As long as it remained in his hat it would retain it's original state for as long as he needed be.

He really wished to go and mingle with the two magical interest he had gained, but soon another one showed itself. One he knew, was interested in, was also placed as an interesting individual(because who isn't at this point?) and also possessed magical capabilities. Even so, he was an individual that he should handle with the most delicate care.

"Well slap my hat off and call me Sally! _{Actually don't that would be quite silly.} It's you!" He quickly disengaged from the German doctor to greet William. "I thought you would stay in our green and pleasant land for the rest of your life! Magic is booming there after all."

"Oh, and no, The Book is not in my top hat! How could you even consider such a thing?!" He showed The Book out moving it as one would move a threat to their pet hopping it would jump attempting to get it. "I have The Book right here with me at all times, see? Right Here."

Imogen Vaughan

More out of a sense of politeness than anything else, Imogen took one of the offered vials, "Uhhh... thanks?" she suggested, looking at the vial suspiciously. Right now she had no intention of ingesting someone else's bodily fluids, no matter what the healing properties of them were... though if she was actually dying she might change her mind, so she pocketed the vial; she could figure out if she wanted to keep it or throw it in a biohazard bin later.

Then the conversation changed to the expiration date and the poisonous properties of the same liquid, "Wait, what? If it expires it can cause respiratory paralysis? That doesn't just make someone 'vulnerable to attack', that makes them 'dead without a ventilator'." No way in hell she was putting that in her body. Definitely a biohazard bin.

Unlike a lot of the others in the group, Imogen didn't have a supercharged physiology; if she drank something poisonous it was going to kill her.

Across the room a conversation had started about a book, which piqued her interest somewhat, mostly because she got the distinct smell of magic about it. Cradling her wine glass she strolled over to where Matthew Octave and William Brookes were talking, "So what is this book that is causing all the excitement?" she asked, before introducing herself in the crisp home counties accent that marked her as yet another Brit, "Imogen Vaughan. Pleasure to be working with you gentlemen."

William Brookes

As his cup finally reached the table and William was pouring whisky in it, a man in a top hat approached him with a weirdly happy tone even if William just asked him about a priceless artifact. As he took one large gulp and listened to the man's excited introduction, a wicked yet lighthearted smile appeared across William's face, as he looked back at the man, extending a hand. The second arrival, however, seemed younger than both of the men, yet she gave off a distinct magical aura herself.

"Well, you know where I am from, so at least one of the things about this Book of yours is truthful. Well, Imogen, pleasure to meet you. Can't say about work as I actually didn't work with you yet, but given you lack the knowledge our dear colleague in a top hat here has, my name is William Brookes and this just became a tea party, I see.

The Book. A thousand legends about this, and no one can guarantee its sources. I heard the most ludicrous legends about it... written by nameless mages, by entities above our possible comprehension. I've seen collectors hunt it around the world, you know... One in Jakarta, another one in Moscow, a group of Mexican mages, a Brazilian sorceress... all of them offered me the job, but you don't get things that are shrouded in legends and guarded by one person only. Cults? Trick them, make an illusion, whatever needed but when it is constantly with one guy and you don't know where it came from, refuse it. It is said to give wisdom beyond all the libraries in the world, so you can guess why it is a wild chase. Glad to know you are keeping it safe, Sir Top Hat.

Oh, where are my manners? Any of you fancy some whisky?"

[Cybernetic Socialist Republics]

Jack Dredd

As Jack realized how bad he was at bowling, he heard a commotion from behind him. Something about gifts. He didn't pay any attention; he hadn't been at the Reserve. He doubted most of the people here knew he existed. His ears perked considerably when he heard "blood". More specifically, her blood being given as a gift. He set down his ball and walked over, staring in ill concealed shock at the cooler.

"Is that... wait, that's actually blood? Like, the human kind? That's in- alright I'm just not gonna question this."

He stepped forward, taking a syringe out of the cooler, if for nothing else to satisfy his own curiosity.

"Is this stuff safe? And are you feeling alright? Cause this is like a lot of blood," he said to the girl.

Maria couldn't help but let out a small laugh at Jack's concern. "Of course it's human blood, silly! It's my blood that I'm granting you. One gallon of it!"

Turning to Amalure, "I would take the time to explain the nuances of proper blood intake to optimize consumption but we're here to party after all. So to simplify matters, when in doubt, just use the entire vial or syringe, whether it be poison or healing blood. When it comes to lost limbs, if you can reconnect it to your body, it would be healed. Otherwise, if it's lost completely I'll have to put you in a bloodbath!" Maria explained proudly with a nod to Hans and Matthew.

"A Bloodbath? That sounds invigorating." Amalure responded to Maria, semi sarcastically, having seen Matthew's and others more casual attitude regarding the blood, leaving her more willing to be similarly casual. Not that everyone took it so lightly, as Jester and Kaleidoscope clearly singled a measure of disgust. Zinnia didn't seem all that willing to join the crowd around the cooler, likely still sour that Amalure didn't metaphorically bow to her and instead responded to her rudeness in kind.

[Mandicoria]

-snip-

All you could note from Patriot after such a remark was that his face was clearly starting to redden from anger underneath that mask. Tesla, on the other hand, chuckled at the loving nickname directed as his partner. Although one definitely couldn't tell Tesla's demeanor, considering he's effectively a robot, he had a very friendly air about him. One that smelled of ozone that could fill with electricity which could kill someone instantly, but friendly nonetheless

"Ah, wonderful to see my designs at least contribute to the world still. Even if it's for... Erm, the Military." A weariness took his tone over as he mentioned this fact, but he still kept a hopeful demeanor. Ending this wary tone with a hearty, if robotic, chuckle. "Ohoho, it's quite the task. Especially when it seems I, the one responsible for wiping out all power on the East Coast, am more of a handler than him."

"Hardy har har, you two fuckin' finished with the comedy central roast session?" Patriot rudely interrupted, obviously in a bit of a pissy attitude. "TIAMA's having a bunch of recreation shit today, I'd love if we could join in and not sit here and talk about stupid shit."

"Oh Kurt, have a sense of humor. After all a little self deprecation is good for humility." Tesla responded in an almost teasing way, before turning back to Gauss. "Honestly if you think the suits are advanced, you should've seen the plans I had written up before Enigma went under. My, I had projects planned out with some leading medical minds of the time. We could've-"

"Tesla." Patriot crossed his arms, tapping his foot rapidly in impatience.

"We can continue this talk some other time, believe me I have some tips to help make that suit much more useful. You'd be amazed as to what over a decade stuck in a rustbucket like mine will teach you." The good Doctor chuckled as Kurt began leading them all out of the halls.