Mary understood and appreciated the crimson theme that Rose had set for the party and dressed accordingly. A crimson dress and crimson lips. A crimson crystal on a silver chain adorned her neck - always worn but seldom seen - was appropriate on this evening.

Devil?s Night began with the setting of the sun, crimson hues filled the grounds, the only color of light that penetrated the shield covering the sky. The way it illuminated the fog with that hellish glow did make for a nice effect as it turned out.

Mary made ready to welcome her guests.

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((The picture of Kate Beckinsale is taken from an Absolut Vodka campaign as an advertisement for their product - Absolut Bloody - a drink made for just such occasions.))

Sandrine came in early. She was the undercover security after all. There were beautiful women who needed protection... how could she miss out on that? To all appearances though, she was just another guest. There to indulge her own fantasies, which usually seemed to be just watching? The ever vigilant voyeur but a creature of appetites so strange that perhaps no one wanted to know what they were. Which was an advantage to one whose activities were so highly illegal.

However, tonight she had caught on to some of the excitement of the holiday. She came dressed in simple street clothes, black tank top and a blue jean skirt. This for Sandrine was dressing up, she wasn?t one to show any skin. This was a celebration was it not?

By the time any guests arrived she would be well under way with doing her job? Making sure all the ladies of the club were in good hands? and blending in a little too perfectly.

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Joshua knew how much time and effort that Mei Mei and Mary had been putting into making Devil's Night happen. With him supporting both along the way. With him arriving with Mary when the night finally arrived, and would help her to greet the people that would be arriving.

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It took a little while for the tall demon in human disguise to find the Club, he also wasn't sure what to wear so he simply listened to Zynn's advice and wore his only dress up clothes. A black silky button-down shirt under a deep crimson vest with black thorny tribal looking patterns along it with a pair of black pressed slacks.

He looked around the room and a slow wolfish smile slowly crept onto his face when he saw the various fine looking people. Though his arm did tighten a bit around his date, a low chuff of a tiger's purr began to rumble in his throat.

He never had heard back from Cruz so he figured the Bloodsport event tonight was a no-go...just a relaxing night on his favorite holiday.

The ever vigilant Eric watched as Rae wrecked her car? she didn?t realize yet that the other driver hadn?t survived. No matter, it?s best she wasn?t in hysterics when she made it to the party.

While she sat there on the ground cursing everything she could think to curse, he simply walked up and pushed both cars off the bridge, and into the mercury below, deceased driver and all.

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?If I were you I wouldn?t be talking that way about the person who made a night of drug, drink, and unimaginable sex possible. After all, that is what you?re here for isn?t it??

She just stared at him with those used up doe eyes, offering no response. Perhaps her silence had something to do with him throwing her only worldly possession into a moat of mercury, who knows? Eric certainly could care less.

Instead he simply snapped his fingers at the poor girl. ?Rae... Come.? Then continued to walk to the front doors of Club Babylon, the ever insatiable woman in tow.

Once inside he quietly walked to his dais, and took his seat. Watching the room and patrons, as was his habit.

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((Pic is of model Bar Refaeli))


Cadence was all grown up now... the little spritely fae had only been back a short time when the news of a party came to her. She was still adjusting from her recent ordeal, and adjusting to how much taller she'd become. Her demeanor was quiet as she suddenly appeared under cover of some decorations. So her appearance wasn't so sudden to others. Her dress was classic and simple, black silk set off by the jewels she wore. Purple was still her favorite color and the color sparkled nicely set within a flash of diamonds and platinum.

Her addition to the party was, like herself, simple and probably hardly noticed, splashing in color where needed and simple decorations where it was lacking. Probably the most noticeable addition was an addition of music... odd, playful and filled with the themes of Halloween. As for herself... she kept quiet, subdued and mostly unnoticed... or would she?

Seeking a bit of mirthful irony, befitting the setting of a former church turned den of iniquity, the slayer chose a proper costume for her return appearance.

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And for after, something with a flavor of the familiar.

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Calix would arrive moments after the others, with a faint nod to Mary and those he worked with from time to time when they needed his help, or when Mei Mei wished to discuss something with him. "Evening, everyone." Murmured in that low tone of his, before moving to weave through the crowd.

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Her set began with hard-pounding, slow rhythms in a rock theme, a familiar tune to some there assuredly (NIN - Animal), the flirtatious nun costume swirling about her with each movement, doing little if anything to hide the inked bronze skin beneath. The flowing hood met the floor by the end of the first song, as she slid smoothly to the next (Buckcherry - Crazy B!tch), the faster tempo quickening her steps and undulations.

Just before the start of the third song, the rest of the habit drifted to the floor, leaving her in the thong, stockings, and shoes for the adoration of the crowd. As the music began to play (Enigma - Sadeness, pt. 1), her movements slowed, her thumbs hooking into the waistband of the minuscule undergarment, waiting until halfway through the song to slid it slowly down long, lean legs. Casting that into the throng, she took her turn on the pole, twirling gymnastically for the delight of the gathered patrons.

Lillianna walked around the room, surveying the gathered crowd, watching them enjoy themselves, the angel had gone all out with the planning of this party, and with very few bumps along the way, it had been pulled off splendidly.

The dancer caught her attention as she began her set, she enjoyed the display of the human body, as well as the confidence that the woman showed.

She clapped along with the rest as the performance ended, the woman really was great, before turning her attention back to the crowd. There were many different types here, some human, some vampire, some angel, some werewolf, and some... demon?

She watched the demon in human form for a bit, more out of surprise than anything, he was one that she had not expected to see, the only demons that she was used to having around were the messengers and protectors that she kept around herself at all times. She found him to be... interesting

Abby, forever the wallflower, forever the studious little observer, had followed a laughing couple, already too far into their cups, inside. Everything and everyone she passed received the same cold, calculating stare until she found a place out of the way to sit and acclimate to the new novelty of wearing shoes; knee high suede boots- in black, of course- at that. Even with her air of utter wrongness, the tall redhead painted a stunning picture- all of that dark copper hair piled up and twisted on her head and her little black dress more heavy lace than actual fabric.

Really, she was just there on the hope of bloodshed.



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It was an intimate gathering of most intimate? friends. Mary made sure to say hello and try to get everyone close. Rounding up as many of her guests as she could was simple, Kalinda had a of drawing everyone towards the stage so Mary waited there, appreciating her dances as much as any. Holding tight to Joshua's hand and even casting a few meaningful glances his way when Kalinda made some especially enticing moves.

She waited for the right time to speak, a break in the performances... She found herself overwhelmed by the presence of so many people she cared about here under one roof. She had asked them to come in the middle of their weeks, of their busy lives, and they had all come. They had all contributed so much by their very presence... and some had put more work into this night than even she had.

She would make sure all those she gathered had a drink in hand and addressed those who had elected to join her here. ?Before the next events begin I would like to make just one toast. Most of you know me and you know I don?t like to speak unless I have something important to say so this won?t take long.? This brought a laugh from the gathering.

?I would like to thank every person who came out tonight. Any show of support will not go unnoticed and will always be remembered by me.? Mary?s words carried the weight of truth. Those who knew her also knew she was not one to take promises lightly. ?To properly express my gratitude would also take too long so we?ll leave it at this for now? I honor you all.? she paused for a second before continuing, ?Thank you for coming and for being here to help us celebrate? too many things to count tonight actually, if we want to have any fun.? Pause with an apologetic smile. ?So I won?t try to name them all but hopefully you will forgive me this one indulgence.?

?All of the usual products Babylon offers are available for free, on the house tonight in honor of Mei Bonny?? A glowing smile directed to Mei Mei. ?Mei? Mei Bonny, my daughter of the heart? ?A deep breath is taken as she says, hard pressed to keep the emotion and mounting excitement from her voice, ?Her eventual succession to all things Bonny was approved by the elders back home and that?s something a parent can?t help but get a little carried away over. So toast to that one as many times as you please!?

The joy was real, the love was real, the appreciation, the offers of free everything to everyone? The authority of truth could not be heard in the lie though. Yet since most of it was so genuine? It would hopefully mask the small deception.

The room grew dark, leaving the partiers in blackness so thick that they could barely see those who stood next to them. At the edge of the stage red lights began to light up, casting a bloody glow over those nearest. The curtains parted, revealing a swirling darkness, it was beyond black, yet somehow they could see it moving, as if it was comprised of many things moving together.

Music starts, a heavy beat pulsing through the room like the beat of all of the hearts gathered there. It grew in tempo; synthesizers join the bass, weaving their melodic sounds around and through the beat. Something changes in the swirling darkness; it seems to be folding in on itself, leaving behind a dark mist that covers the floor, drifting over the edge of the stage.

The darkness shifts, pulsing with the music, as if it is part of it, then thins becoming more and more mist like itself. As the darkness dissipates they see a figure standing alone at the center of the stage, she looks small, frail almost, standing alone, large black wings extend from her shoulders as she stands there in the center of the darkness, lit only by the red lights reflecting off of the fog behind her. The music stops, leaving nothing but silence that seemed to ring in their ears behind.

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She raises her head, her dark hair falling back from her face as she looks at the crowd, her eyes shine in the red glow. A man?s deep voice begins to sing, the sound coming from everywhere and nowhere all at once:

I'm not the one who's so far away
When I feel the snake bite enter my veins
Never did I want to be here again
And I don't remember why I came?

A chime rings, and on cue the drums start; the beat, slow and heavy, falls over those watching. She moves, stepping in time to the beat of the song, the black mist swirls up and around her perfect thighs with each movement.

Candles raise my desire
Why I'm so far away
No more meaning to my life
No more reason to stay
Freezing feeling, breathe in - breathe in
I'm coming back again?

Her body moves fluidly, hips swaying as her hands play out the story, weaving a pattern around and about each other mesmerizing the watchers with each move that they make.

I'm not the one who's so far away
When I feel the snake bite enter my veins
Never did want to be here again
And I don't remember why I came?

The dance has been choreographed to show off her femininity, accentuating and displaying her curves, her hips, her breasts, as she moves gracefully through the steps. She begins to spin, around and around, her arms spread wide, palms down as she turns.

Hazing clouds rain on my head
Empty thoughts fill my ears
Find my shade by the moon light
Why my thought aren't so clear
Demons dreaming breathe in, breathin'
I'm coming back again?

At the words ?Demons dreaming? she calls out in a strange language, and raises her hands up over her head. As they lift the mist takes form, and she is surrounded by demons with red eyes that burn with the fires of the Hell that they were summoned from.

I'm not the one who's so far away
When I feel the snake bite enter my veins
Never did want to be here again
And I don't remember why I came

I'm not the one who's so far away
When I feel the snake bite enter my veins
Never did want to be here again
And I don't remember why I came?

The demons moved around her, stepping along with her, and moving with the music. Her form appeared to be even more frail surrounded by the large black figures, which moved around forming a half circle behind her.

I'm not the one who's so far away
When I feel the snake bite enter my veins
Never did want to be here again
And I don't remember why I came

I'm not the one who's so far away
When I feel the snake bite enter my veins
Never did want to be here again
And I don't remember why I came?

Still she dances on, her movements becoming hypnotic, pulling them to her, ?come closer,? they all hear in their heads, ?Come to me,? the invitation extends to each of those who watch her, and yet it is to each alone that it is sent. The crowd moves closer to the stage, close enough to feel the heat that exudes from the demons around her.

Voodoo

So far away
I'm not the one who's so far away

As the last line of ?I?m not the one who?s so far away? fall upon them, the music stops, and Lillianna falls downward to kneel on the stage, head bowed, her dark hair falling in front of her face, shielding her from the sight of those in front of her. The black mist begins to reform around her as she kneels there, the demons melting back into the mist that she had called them from. The lights dim, leaving the crowd once more in darkness for a few moments before the house lights come back on, revealing the curtains had been lowered on the now empty stage with the last remnants of the mist dissipating before their eyes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SSUQxGjZZ4&feature =share&list=FLIkERj21k34PxiR7SHxsTdQ

Photo: Adriana Lima from Victoria?s secret fashion show New York
Video: Godsmack, Voodoo official music video

She'd seen the flyers around town. Heard the buzz. It was actually a flyer Graverobber had left lying around from which she'd gleaned the details. At first, she'd simply dismissed the idea altogether. The last thing Graverobber probably wanted was some silly girl following him around like a puppy, especially when it seemed he'd be there on business.

And yet, she found herself outside the club, not really sure how she'd even found it, and dressed up for a party. She was almost certain he'd send her home as soon as he saw her, but she'd cross that bridge when she got to it. For now, she slipped in, quiet and unassuming as was her usual way, and expertly played the part of wall flower.

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Quiet was the arrival of the Lord and Lady Ravenlock, and the pair had no issue with that what so ever. Very much out of the way they seemed, yet they had arrived in time to catch a wondrous chain of events none the less.

More formal was their garb, and that was more than alright because in Brian's eyes this was a rather special occasion for a dear group of friends, even if they were friends he had not been as close to, as he would have liked as of late.

Peeling literally from what felt like the shadows, Brian and Jenai walked into the light that had returned after the performance had ended. The man lifted the hand of the woman he loved and softly adorned it with a kiss.

?Now that was an amazing display, for the eyes and ears. A gathering of friends and family, wondrous performances and independence, no less.?

A playful twirl of his beloved, as he then took her in arm once more and walked about.

Eyes of blue panned the room and it's gathered, and then same to settled upon one in particular...

Mary.

So in her direction the Ravenlock patriarch and matriarch headed, that smile on Brian's face never fading.

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Rae had been stunned by Eric?s swift response and simply looked on in a state of shock as her car (and everything in it!) disappeared. She followed him into the club though and had collected herself by then, cursing up a storm under her breath. The loss of her car just meant she?d be spending the night, and she was all the more determined to find someone to spend it with.

Rae was still looking a little miffed as she sat at the bar ordering a nice cocktail of pills to drink with some whiskey. So many girls here and not enough male appendages to satisfy them all. What a Dyke-fest. Apparently some of the girls were fine with that as they hooked up with each other but Rae? Rae needed something else.

Downing a handful of pills and chasing them with a bottle of whiskey, the sexy bar tender knew Rae well enough to know to just leave the bottle there, her eyes moved to the men in the club. First Joshua, but he was with Mary, but Rae bet they might be into some freaky shit. Made a note of it before moving on to Gothrak but he had a hot number all over him already. She caught a glimpse of Calix but he seemed to be attempting to stay out of sight and disappear into the crowd. There was that Brian guy but he had one heck of a classy dame on his arm?

Most of the men looked pretty occupied and one of them even had a whole group of girls following him around and? What was that pretty blue stuff? It was easy to see, even in the dark, glowing the way it did. Just look at the way those girls cried out in ecstasy when he stuck that needle into them. The spark seemed to send them straight into bliss, to cause them to writhe from their heads to their toes.

Perhaps there was some element of sexual pleasure in this drug? Well this was the guy to ask, he was the one with the cure to whatever ails you they said. Rae had a pain of her own, an emptiness inside, a hole that could never be filled, a sickness. One that fueled a need that could never be sated.

Yet she would never stop the endless pursuit of trying. She swiveled her chair and arched her back as she crossed her legs. Attempting to catch his eyes with hers as she rubbed her legs together slightly. She gives him an upnod and a look that said it all. Her mouth seductively takes the bottle into her mouth to draw deeply from it.

Mei would not be at all shocked to see the xenomorph show up dressed as none other than himself. Ripper had been kind to her, back when she was still so unsure of her new place in the scheme of things. She knew there was sure to be gossip about her but it didn?t trouble her. From watching Mary, Mei knew that the change meant in reality? she had been more free before than she ever would be again. But it was all ultimately up to us what we chose to make of our life, whatever position we find ourselves in.

Mei would go to greet him with a lightness to her step. The weight of the evening lessened now by the presence of her friend. He always had a way of bringing levity to the atmosphere.

?I see you got the message. Welcome to Club? I mean, the great empire of Babylonia.? Mei said with a smile.

He could tell that she was strained from something. The lightness of her step was all the indication the super-smart xenomorph needed to show that not only was she happy to see him, she was thankful he decided to show up. So, Ripper is a real gentleman with most people, and they take great pleasure in his company as a result. So all that charm is turned up at full volume as he heads straight toward the slave (or perhaps former slave, he can't really be too sure) and, standing up to his full magnificent height of twelve feet, but stooped so he can be at eye level to the diminutive Asian, long arms stretch out wide in the offer of a hug.

"My dear Mei, it's wonderful to see you! It feels like it's been so long! How are you?"

Rae liked drugs okay but her heat increased in response to him, not his drugs. There were plenty of those about. No, what she needed was something more primal. ?How ?bout we go for company? and I can taste whatever you got for me. However you want to play me, I?m game.? No need to be coy about it. Rae liked it straight up.

Her meaning was clear, he'd better fuck her now or move along.

A little shudder, the good kind, as she wonders what this one may have in store for her. Rae wasn't one to back down from a challenge. "I can take it, baby. Ain't no freaky shit gonna shock anyone here.

A most provocative voice and a daring gaze. "All depends on how... deep... you wanna go."

Mei smiled warmly at that. All the wonders of Babylon and her friend has actually come here to see her. Mei glanced around briefly, the party was managing itself. So she happily followed Ripper to the bar.

?You are not in the way at all. A distraction perhaps, but a welcome one.? Mei orders some red wine. She was glad to get away, truth be told, she already seemed a little more at ease. Mary had acted like this evening was all about her, so she might as well spend it how she pleased.

?The arena events are starting soon but I?m not really needed there so? Why not enjoy the rest of the evening with a friend?? Raises her glass to Ripper with a mischievous smile.

Rose did not feel the inebriation level at the party was satisfactory. Perhaps if she just gave people some drugs? they?d have to take it. Rose had enough money to be able to afford some extra vials off Graverobber.

Giving vials first to Mary, who had so generously allowed her to hijack her club and her party. She appeared next to the table where Mary sat with the Ravenlocks, trying to be discreet no doubt, but Rose could be discreet too. She meant to tuck it in Mary?s pocket so as not to interrupt? However, Mary didn?t seem to have pockets. So Rose, standing there for a moment, shrugged and simply teleported one to Mary?s office, she?d find it later? Walking away casually she decided she?d also slip one into Brian?s pocket on the down low.

Around and around she would appear and disappear. Here?s some for the lovely performers of the stage, Lillianna and Kalinda. On to Gothrak, the demon who was to battle tonight. She appeared beside him and tucked it straight into his pocket with a whispered, ?You might need this after.?

She would have vanished quickly but... then she noticed Zynn. The girl clinging to him, appeared quite attached. Slips one into her hand solemnly. ?For the pain? or for the pleasure? However it goes, you might need one of these.?

He'd heard correctly, and Rae was eager to live up to her title. She gasped in surprise when he grabbed her hair and kissed her. She returned the violent kiss, properly appreciating having something in her mouth. As any good whore would.

Watching him go, left wanting, the small curvy blond quickly slid down off her seat at the bar and followed him. ?At least you don?t waste no time.? Rae gave a wink as she practically skipped past him into the men?s room.

"All the fine an? quality rooms Babylon has to offer and you pick this one.? Of course the bathrooms were large and luxurious despite the fact that no one in Rhy?Din seemed to use them. ?Either you?re in a hurry or you like it dirty.?

Did someone say there be a need for a little class to balance things out? It?s a good thing Faye arrived when she did, a tight little black dress that could hardly leave her unnoticed tailored perfectly to her curves. Long black gloves and a pretty silk black ribbon in her dark hair. Adorned with expensive jewelry, just to make sure everyone knew how well she was doing. No need for anyone to suspect she was down on her luck at the moment, she played her part well.

Casually she strolled through the club, finding her way to a table near the bar. She arched a perfect brow at the couple running off to the bathroom. Seems she was a little late to the party, but that didn?t matter, she was here to see Mary. Apparently Mary was occupied, off at some booth with some nice looking couple. No matter, she could wait.

Faye took her seat and lit a cigarette. Her casual air giving off the appearance of her feeling perfectly at ease. This wasn?t exactly Faye?s sort of scene? But she?d worked a job for Mary before. No reason not to make sure she knew Faye?s talent was in town.

The legendary lady luck was still alive and had returned to Rhy'Din.

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?My dear Mary Read, it has been far too long since we have last seen one another!?

A most respectful bow was offered by the Ravenlock patriarch as he smiled ever so warmly to his old friend. ?I know you?ve not met Jenai formerly and what not, but as with most great things in life, there?s a first time for everything.?

Brian smiled to Jenai, who returned the bow to Mary with a flashed smile of genuine warmth. ?Mary Read, I?ve heard such good things about you. It?s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.?

Glancing between the ladies, Brian raised a most definite brow and had to chuckle softly. ?Amazing? Me? I have to disagree completely, as personally I pale in comparison to you ladies. But you already knew that, didn?t you? Gods know Jen knows it day in and out.?

Jen managed a chuckle, as she followed Brian?s glance to the booth and followed Mary?s lead.

The pair sat with their incredible host, as Brian took Jenai?s hand into his own offering a soft kiss or two. His eyes met Mary once more, ?Mary it is good to see you back with us again. You?ve been missed you know.?

It was then that a shadow appeared?well one as quiet and rather stealthy like one. Ah yes, Lady Rose! Brian recalled her from their earlier meeting at the compound. A smile as he felt the delivery, and nodded softly. It was then that he felt a squeeze of Jen?s hand. ?Hun??

?I?m sorry, babe. It?s my stomach? I think it?s best that I head back, and get some rest.?

The apologetic look on Jen?s face said it all, and Brian nodded with a smile and stood with her. ?Oh hun, it?s alright! We can go??

?Oh no, Mister Ravenlock. You stay right here. I?ll be alright. See ya soon sugar butt.?

Brian smiled warmly, as Jen kissed that cheek of his. She bowed to Mary once more, ?I?m real sorry, Mary. I promise to make it up to you. We?ll have you over for an evening, and make a good time of it.?

And then, *poof!* Jen was no longer there.

Brian smiled as he took his seat once more, ?She?s been having a decent go of it, being with child and what not. A lot easier than with the twins, but sometimes this one gets her good.?