Night at the Museum *Banquet* [OPEN]

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

Spring now in full swing in Gotham. A city enriched with its own history. It was time for the annual evening banquet at the Museum, or as the banners that sprang throughout the city read, a Night at the museum. It had been a long couple of weeks, getting everything arranged and set up. With it also an opportunity to showcase the many wonders the museum had to offer, in every department, it was also a good time to bring in new exhibits and new artefacts, to unveiling at this evenings event. So many of these were planned far a head of times, months even, a long wait, but hopefully worth it. You can never really know how the public would receive them, but there was definitely high hopes. Along with a lot of planning and heart into many of the exhibitions. As Zahira motioned freely through the Egyptian exhibition, she was curator of. Responsible for. Making sure everything in place and all the glass was polished. It could almost feel like a big empty tomb, but it wouldn’t be long before it was filled with people. Not long at all. It was set in the earlier hours of the night and to finish a couple hours before midnight. Many of the elite people of Gotham were expected, though tickets were also available to the public. Open to all comers.

With a dress code of costumes optional, if people dared to really step back in time. There was no telling who might show up. The staff at the museum was dressed in costumes, including Zahira. Who of course dressed in an ancient Egyptian attire. A strapless white dress that skimmed the floor as she walked, with her sandal covered feet. Her neck and wrists her decorated with Egyptian inspired jewellery, along with an authentic snake bangle that wrapped around one of her arms. With a few braids in her black hair, topped with a headdress where a serpent’s head. Self applied make-up, which mostly consisted of eye liner, with a mix of black and gold details. Not overdone, but fitting. It wasn’t so hard, given she felt quite at home. Standing in the midst of her exhibit, Zahira could almost forget she was in Gotham, for a moment. The rest of the staff for Zahira’s exhibit were also dressed in Egyptian attire from pharaohs to mummies. With the last go round, checking everything was set up. Zahira lingered at the entrance of the Egyptian exhibit, welcoming the first few to walk through the exhibit. To see the new artefacts she had acquired. Additional statues, mummies and coffins, including the mummy of Hor. Though perhaps the most special artefacts were those of King Tutankhamun which stood in the midst of the exhibit. From a chariot, gilded lioness couch, daggers, sandals and statues. Many were authentic, they of course weren’t easy to obtain and were only here for a certain period of time. Some were replicas, like the gold mask that was on display, near the front. The real thing being so valuable and delicate was impossible to obtain, but the replicas still offered the glimpse. A window into the boy king. Who’s life was cut short, yet his name lives on to reach true immortality.

SPOILER: Click to show

The entrance to the museum was officially opened and guests were already arriving. Not in droves just yet, but it was still quite early in the night. As guests were greeted as they came through the door and given the itinerary for the evening. A rundown as to what was to be expected from the evening, but of course guests were free to go about it, however they wish. Whether it was to start wandering through the exhibitions, of course all were spoken highly of, but one could choose, one, all or none if they so desired. Before going into where the hall near the centre of the museum would hold the banquet. Already set up with tables and chairs. A bar. A dance area, with a live orchestra band. Plus a buffet area providing appetisers, dinner and dessert. With international inspired food, there was nice range to choose from. With no set time exactly, guests were free to move in and around the museum. Unless of course the no access zones, but they were easily marked, but plenty of the museum was open. Free for guests to really make the experience unique to them.

SPOILER: Click to show

---

Tags:Open!
Event:Banquet!
Dress Code:Costume *optional*
Day/Time:Saturday! Starts: 5:30pm Ends: 9:30-10pm!
Location:Gotham Museum of Antiquities!
Museum Image References:British Museum!
Zahira's Costume:Dress! Headdress! Makeup!!

[Lara Allen-Benedetti]

"Why are you two here?" Lara asked two people in front of her, the man was wearing a suit and the woman a beautiful dress "Are you two on a date?" Lara joked smiling "We want to see your father! Indiana Jones, right?" they replied and Lara shook her head "Mh, or maybe he told you to come because he's afraid that things could come to life like in that movie, night at the museum" they laughed "We are in Gotham, that could actually happen" Lara sighed nodding and walked into the museum with her two friends-slash-coworkers.



The museum was really well decorated and most of the guests were wearing something ancient Egyptian style, even her friends were wearing something Egyptian like on their clothes. Lara, instead, wasn't a girl of fashion, she wasn't even wearing a dress, but some kind of suit, those kind of clothes look good on her, but a dress would have been better for an event like this. But, that wasn't important because Lara was here to see her father and donate something to the museum.



Her friends went to take something to drink while Lara found her father talking with some men about a relic "Lara!" she and her father hugged and started talking "Where is mom?" Lara asked "Couldn't come, she is training for the race, but she will be here soon" Lara nodded, her mother had to come to Gotham because of some sport-related business. They kept talking until their friends came by with some drinks. Lara did the presentations and they started chitchatting with her father. Meanwhile Lara looked around hoping that nothing will happen, she wasn't working tonight.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

Some could say the Black Serpent was at home within the darkness. Zahira on the other hand. Was most at home with her culture. The rich history that surrounded her at every turn in the Exhibit. Filled every book. Every page, that most stilled an image in her mind. Having been so familiar, Zahira knew the ins. The outs. Many of the artefacts, even new to here in Gotham, just weren’t new to her. Not as fresh, as some banquet attendees approached the mask of Tut, not real, but you can still see that element of surprise. Maybe even wonder, the tales, the legends behind it… Maybe not fresh to Zahira as the first time she came literally eye to eye with Tut, it was never less wonderful. Of course there was a quite the difference standing in a museum on Gotham City, than in a tomb in Egypt. A difference Zahira was getting use to and bringing a little bit of home, didn’t hurt. Zahira remained in the entrance of her exhibit. As the guests arrived into the museum, some heading towards other exhibits, perhaps to see the dinosaurs or take a short trip to Roman history. If they didn’t take a short cut here, maybe. As Zahira welcomed a well dressed Marc Anthony, irony? As Zahira’s dark eyes followed to a Cleopatra statue. Shortly followed by Lincoln. It wasn’t after all, just Egyptian costumes allowed, though many of the staff working on the Egyptian Exhibit were in themed costumes to match. Any historic costume was allowed at the banquet and honestly it needn’t be that formal. Marc Anthony probably wouldn’t be the only one showing his legs. Zahira’s dress, whilst a bit formal, was also simple and straight to the point. As being formal hadn’t really been her thing, but she wasn’t completely unwise to a function like this. Then this was Gotham, everything was different, that of course wasn’t always a bad thing.

As her wandering gaze sneaked through the people that approached her exhibit, in singles. Doubles. Groups. Even sneaked to those already inside, not staring down, but keeping a keen eyes. The turnout was certainly better than the museum had been expecting Much more than Zahira had been expecting and people were still arriving. Disbanding in different parts of the building. Zahira could hear the echoing of a piano and violins from where the eating section had been set up. It sure added to the vibe and even for her it was a nice change from how the museum was like during the day. Plus being spring, the weather was perfect. From last Zahira had checked out side, not even a cloud, unless something changed in the weather, one wouldn’t expect even a drop of rain. Certainly no chill either. Just a nice night and hopefully no bump in sight… Well, maybe a small bump. As Zahira’s eyes caught glance of a small group of folk near an artefact protected by glass. With drinks in hands and one hand or more, touching the glass. Perhaps such a rule to prevent that was a little tough on a night like this, but not impossible. Of course it was never easy, without completely sounding like the ‘bad guy’ as oddly as they say. Zahira motioned away from where she stood, her hands slightly picking up the skirt of her dress and walked a little further into her exhibition where the group were. Shortly letting go of her dress. Her facial features were of mostly of a soft demeanour as she approached. ”Excuse me… Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Zahira Ormar, I’m the curator of the Egyptian Exhibit. I must ask that you don’t touch the glass… Thank-you… If there is anything I can help with. Any questions. Information. I’d be most happy to oblige.” Politely Zahira excused herself as she approached, formally introducing herself, so not least seem like a rude strange. Not that it was too awkward for Zahira, it happened enough at this point, but of course it was always potentially awkward for them. There were signs on the glass, but you’d always have to assume they didn’t see it… As Zahira asked them not to touch the glass, simple. Straight to the point, before offering any help, guidance through the exhibit or about anything relating to Egyptian history. She wasn’t fill with everything, but definitely a lot. Most she was willing to share. Somethings were best kept secret from the world, least until the time was right.

[Lara Allen-Benedetti]

Lara listened to the woman speech about the glass, but without looking at her because she was still talking with her father, but was interrupted by her phone "Wait..." she smiled and looked at the phone "...oh god" Lara grabbed her father and pulled him towards the exit "Lara?! What are you doing??" Lara sighed "You have to go, because..." Lara frowned "...listen, you trust me, right? Then you have to go, please, we can discuss this later" the father looked at his daughter for few seconds then nodded and walked away.

Lara sigh, a sigh of relief, and looked around. She had to change her clothes and prepare for the inevitable and...another message, Lara read it frowning, apparently Black Serpent was here and even though the name had a villain-fashion sound, she was one of the good guys. Lara searched for her and after few minutes she found her "Excuse me" Lara said "I need to talk to you..." while saying this, Lara brought Black Serpent in an isolated part of the room "...I know who you are and your help will be needed soon" Lara showed the message "Joker's henchmen will be here soon, we need to stop them" it seemed all calm, but just for now.

Lara sighed looking at the hour "I don't know what Joker is searching, but they must be stopped and the police will be useless" Lara didn't want the deaths of innocent policemen on the conscience and Mark said that they had to handle this with the help of Black Serpent "Will you help, please?" Lara asked. Perhaps Serpent had a lot of questions, but they had to hurry up.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

As the group stepped a little way from the glass, it seemed perhaps that be the only slight hiccup Zahira had to face tonight. That the evening would go smoothly and hardly any bumps. Of course it was only in the early stages, so Zahira wasn’t about to try and jinx her luck. Not that she overly settled on luck, suppose she was either a walking, talking display of good luck and bad luck. She was alive, but at what expense? Her parents? Her soul? Bound to whatever, whoever gave her the snake life. A life balanced on a blessing and a curse. To most, probably a curse. A symbol of darkness… Right now, in her Egyptian attire. White and gold, she was perhaps more towards the light. With her adjust quitter demeanour as Zahira, she happily began answering questions to a lady and gentleman of the group. Before leading into a discussion on the finer life of Osiris before his death, leading to a tale of Horus. Zahira didn’t get that far in the tellings, when the young lady pulled the older gentleman away, Zahira lightly frowned watched them going to the exit. Shook her head ever so slightly, perhaps it was an emergency. Who knew. Zahira motioned a littler further into her exhibit, finding anyone else in a little need of history, a tale or a myth.

Moments later, maybe a few minutes, as Zahira was answering questions surrounding King Tut’s death, the young lady had returned. Turning her attention as she spoke in a polite manner to Zahira. Suppose there was a slight raised curiosity why this lady might need to talk to Zahira, but then of course that was half the reason Zahira was even here. To answer questions and discuss history… So Zahira thought little of it as the young lady motioned Zahira to a quitter space, maybe a slightly feeling in the back of her mind, but that was natural. Zahira wasn’t exactly overly trusting and despite her curator job, she wasn’t even much of a people person. Least not personally, she didn’t do friends well. Then not even as they stepped into the quieter space that, the young lady began to speak again. “…I know who you are…” Yeah, that made Zahira do a slight double take, wondering what she meant. Her real name? That wasn’t hard given her name tag on her dress, but certainly there was no way she knew what she was? “and your help will be needed soon” Zahira was about to respond, maybe this lady just wanted Zahira herself to help, but before Zahira spoke, she was shown the message.

Zahira’s eyes caught the weight of Joker’s name. His henchmen wouldn’t be any walk in the park either. This wasn’t just any threat. Zahira may not have gone up against The Joker, but she wasn’t completely blinded from who he was. He was mostly dealt with the Bat and the last thing she knew, he was already locked up… Suppose that didn’t really matter, even if he still was. Zahira’s dark eyes searched with intent, clearly rolling all that in her head, she had no choice, she’d had to take action and that was no question. Though it sure made who this lady was before her, a little questionable. Who was she? That she got this information. ”What did you mean, that you know who I am? As you can see I’m just a curator, but I will see what I can do.” Zahira offer with a questionable look. Her dark eyes played mostly soft, but within Zahira was definitely paying closer attention. Instinct this girl knew, what she was, Zahira needed to be sure, if she did then that would be something to deal with later. It was never safe for anyone to know who and what she was, but stopping Joker was more important right now… So Zahira played to what she was, a humble curator. Suppose somehow she could help. Whether somehow this lady knew or not, Zahira needed to change.

Most of her Serpent attire was in her office, it was a better place to change. Out of sight. Out of mind. As Zahira began to walk through the exhibit, expecting the lady to follow as she also spoke. Perhaps she could play she needed to make a call, if not an excuse was easy to make. Before weaving through statues of Anubis, before opening a door between, holding the door for the lady to lead through. Shutting the door behind. Zahira began motioning through the hallway, a short cut to her office. Her stride was steady, but not too slow. Motioning her head slight as the lady spoke, about Joker. The police. ”This building is filled with many artefacts and items worth more than the city itself… There could be any number of things, Joker is searching for. If he is, he certainly picked the night to do it… ” Zahira responded, her head naturally took a lap on what exactly Joker was looking for, one could naturally jump to it being one of the many artefacts. Then again from what Zahira knew, he was one the more unusual sorts. So who knows, maybe he here with a different surprise. Which not much of a surprise if someone knew about it, but suppose he wanted them to know something? Hmmm, before Zahira’s mind went to far, she stopped when she realised she was trying to make sense of a clown. “Will you help, please?” Soon stopping short of the doorway of her office. ”What is you’re name? ” Zahira asked, she felt it only fair to least know her name, before agreeing to help her.

[Lara Allen-Benedetti]

Black Serpent was confused, she didn't know how Lara could know about her identity, but there was no time to explain, time was running out, the henchmen were on their way. Then, Black Serpent asked for her name. This was a difficult answer and Lara couldn't think about one at the moment, she had too many things to do with so little time, she had to change and talk with the others about a plan and "My name! I can't tell her my real name! If she sees me dressed up like Faith..." luckily for her, how convenient, the alarm was turned on and screams could be heard.

Lara opened her eyes wide and moved quickly her head towards the door, towards the screams. Her heart started beating too fast, adrenaline pumped into her veins. The show had begun. Lara looked back at Black Serpent "I need to go!" and she ran away into the hallway stopping into a room. There were other people in the room, ready to go "You're late! Quick!" one of her co-workers yelled at her "I was talking with Black Serpent" Lara reminded, but she was already alone in the room because the others already left.

Lara rose a brow seeing that she was alone "Okay, got it, I'm late, I'm always late apparently, even though I'm fast" Lara wore the costume with the wig, lens and everything as quickly as possible. Once ready she left the room. The museum was a mess. People on the floor, maybe dead, henchmen with shotguns breaking everything and hurting people. This was enough. Lara took her baton and sneaked behind a henchman, then she hit the henchman on the space behind the knee so the henchman fell down, in that moment Lara pressed the baton against the henchman throat, he passed out few seconds later.

However, another henchman saw her and started shooting. Lara was fast enough to go and hide behind a corner, but she couldn't do much against a shotgun, she wasn't bulletproof. The henchman checked if he could wake up the henchman on the floor, but he couldn't. Lara put to use the henchman's lack of attention, but when she tried to run away, the henchman shot at her again so Lara was stuck behind a corner and the henchman was coming closer.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

It was definitely strange to say the least, if this… Whoever this young lady was, knew Zahira’s alias. Though as Zahira awaited confirmation, it didn’t exactly seem to come. Whether or not the lady was distracted or simply didn’t want to answer. Zahira had to make the assumption, the lady had for whatever reason thought Zahira, a curator. Was potentially someone to ask for help… Of course, Zahira’s senses spoke otherwise and she would need to get to the bottom of just what this lady knew. Zahira made a point at hiding, her alias being surrounded by mystery, that even if this lady knew something, there was no single way she knew everything. Zahira would need to make sure everything file was not only shredded, but burnt for eternity. For both their sakes. For now, whether the lady knew or not, the Serpent was in need for a call. As Zahira had led her way to her office, to potentially make a call, if the why question had been alarmed. Though as Zahira had enquired for this young lady’s name, it didn’t come. Protecting herself no less. Surrounding herself with suspicion. For all Zahira knew, this lady could be working for Joker or perhaps she was incredibly nosy. Either way, not trustworthy, but it didn’t matter. Zahira didn’t care to make friends, she didn’t even care for a real name, just a name she could have agreed to help, it was no big deal. Though there was a subtle raise to Zahira’s dark brow as the young lady turned and ran away shortly after the alarm had went off.

Swiftly Zahira’s mind shifted from the stranger, to the more pressing matter. Concern as the vibrations of chaos quickly began to rise within the building, without hesitation Zahira’s turned the handle of the door. Escaping momentarily into her office. With just a lamp on, the place remained mostly dimmed and in shadows. Undoing the side zip of her dress, as she went. Slipped out of it and hang it back up. Whilst motioning to her secret, little compartment. Soon began stepping into strapless black leather body suit, zipping it up at the front. Slipping her feet into black boots, whilst began quickly to darken black liner around her eyes, to help disguise her previous make-up. Pulling at a draw at her desk and pushing an inner compartment. Removed the contacts from her eyes and replaced them with the snake eye contacts. Because, yes it helped her see a little better. Popping out another compartment, to release a dagger, possibly two, she then strapped to her thighs. Shut the draw, before her hand escaped up to her lengthy hair and did it up in a long sleek pony tail… Now Serpent was ready to play.

Escaping the office through a vent. With only a subtle sound of metal of the tiny door, otherwise it was mostly undetected. Particularly with all the sounds now that ran through the museum and it was joy. it wasn’t the faint sound of music anymore. It shear fear. Destruction. Blood curdling screams. The Serpent motioned further and deeper through the vents. Picking up the movements. Spotting slight bits of lights between the vent crates. The museum was out of place. Bodies. Guns. Henchmen, as the Serpent began to stalk from up above… Though it seemed she wasn’t the only one against them, least Serpent had to assume, when costumed assailant came into view, a mystery woman… Hmmm, though at closer inspections, she did not smell nor taste like such a mystery woman, but Serpent did not dwell so much on that. Clearly if one knew who Serpent, you might need to read the fine print of what that actually means… Whoever the stranger was, she wasn’t without some skill, taking one if not more of the henchmen, but then it seemed she maybe a little over her head with the gunfire. Now Serpent wasn’t bullet proof either, but she did have the element of surprise. Dropping from out of the darkness above. Serpent land on the henchman’s shoulders who had been stalking the other assailant. Moments as he had time to realise and start waving his gun around. The Serpent unreleased her fangs, sinking them deep into his jugular and released the venom that now spread through his veins. Slowly, but surely he soon felt unconscious to the floor. Rolling off of him, moments he hit the floor. Only to rise as another henchman approached her, with gun pointed and fired square. Serpent was agile enough to dodge it, barely feeling as it skimmed closely to her skin. Kept dodging as she all but slithered towards him. A subtle growling hiss came from her lips. Her hand soon gripping at his arm, twisting the gun away from her, as she continued to twist and eventually break his arm. Causing the sounds of pain and soon the release of the gun. To which Zahira then struck it over his head, knocking him out, before the gun then skidded across the floor. Before feeling hands attempting to grab her from behind, as if she was that easy to take off guard, as darkly lips subtly chuckled and hissed.

[Lara Allen-Benedetti]

Suddenly, she wasn't in danger anymore, well, not like before at least. Serpent helped her. Lara watched her while the henchmen fell unconscious because of Serpent's venom. That was something else. Very impressive. But, Lara couldn't stay and watch because she had work to do too.

Lara dodged a henchman's punch then grabbed his arm and bent it broking it then she grabbed the henchman's by his head and threw him against a wall, the henchman passed out because...well...of the wall against his head. Lara smiled, she did it without realizing, but she liked this, she liked fighting and the adrenaline that came with it. She was having fun. That wasn't supposed to happen when in a situation like this, but that was what she felt.

Lara saw a henchman grabbing Serpent and he tried to catch her from behind, but he didn't have a chance, however Lara wanted to thank Serpent for helping her when she had been cornered by the henchman before so Lara ran behind the henchman who was behind Sperent and kicked the space behind the henchman's knee making him fall, then she punched him in the face then kicked his stomach making him fall on the floor, after that she grabbed him and kicked his face with her knee, the henchman passed out. Lara did all the moves very quickly as if she was used to be quick and she was, being a runner helped.

Lara looked at Serpent for a second then ran towards another henchman, there were too many, seemed like they kept coming, apparently there was something here that Joker wanted very badly.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

Just as the snake hissed with the on coming attack. The henchman that thought he could tangle and wrangle up the Serpent, he found himself more than tripped up. Even at the surprise of Serpent herself, she wasn’t exactly use to teaming up with others. If this was even what this was, she had always been solo and mostly she was content with being the lone soldier. You least didn’t have anyone to blame, if things turned south, but despite lacking very many people skills. Let alone genuine appreciation. Serpent had little hesitation to not accept it. It wasn’t like… As her eyes could even register who or what this girl was, that lent aid. She wasn’t without skill, as the henchman slumped down in bruised and battered pieces somewhere near her feet and Serpent could be incredibly stubborn to impress, of course there was still ways to go before that. Though perhaps Serpent needn’t think to fast, as though many henchmen were lain flat. Scattered. There were more to come. As the room near, if not the entrance, opened to most of the museum. It easy to see as more henchmen came and not all from the same direction. If they were looking for something, they clearly didn’t know where to start as she could almost spot some directing into the dinosaur alley and others travelling back into the roman empire. She needed to know what they were looking for. More intently what Joker wanted. A slight curl came at her lips as she feel. See some make their way into the Egyptian exhibit, that was maybe hitting a littler under the belt… Though even before she could think to reach them, henchmen already began swarming in their direction.

There were potentially still victims scattered, but many seemed to be in the room behind them, where once dinner and music had flowed. With dark gaze back, they needed to get to safety. As Serpent felt the pacing of the henchmen, there be enough time to create a barricade. As she turned and motioned swiftly in the room behind them. Where most still laid hidden, Serpent could barely take much heed to the whimpers as she closed the doors at the end of the room, rushing anyone in that was on the other side. Before motioned back through the room, to the next where she had come from, where she’d last seen the mystery hero or vigilante. As Serpent then motioned to shut these set of doors, to shut the room off, least long enough to keep the henchmen away, of course, she couldn’t discount there were other ways, like the door from outside or the windows. It would be suicidal to suggest the victims try to make an escape, only to meet death as they step out side. So Serpent turned to the other vigilante. A firm hand on her shoulder. ”Get them to safety…!” Serpent though in a way ordered, she had no way of knowing that this girl would take it, but Serpent was giving her the benefit of the doubt that she could trust her in this. As her dark eyes looked back to the henchmen that were getting closer, she knew needed to why they were here, she knew everything that was in this museum. Serpent’s hand rested holding the door open, hopefully long enough for the girl get inside to help get the people inside that room to safety. Of course she could always refuse. ”Then, come straight back!” Serpent’s dark snake eyes danced over the other young hero, as her slightly sharp tongue spoke. Hinting that even though Serpent was up to facing the henchmen, she was still one against many. Hundreds. Maybe thousands. You never know just how crazy Joker could be. Though for now. As Serpent could hope the people in the room behind were getting to safety. Shutting the door. Serpent was ready take charge for now. So what if she knocks some teeth out. As a curl grew into a snarling hiss at her sharp teeth. The Serpent then took charge at the half dozen henchmen that approached.

Bringing guns… Weapons… Really is that a tommy gun. Pitiful. As Serpent set off foot. Swiftly dodging. Mostly safely, save a graze here and there against her suit. Knocking out one of the henchmen, only to use him as leverage to hoist herself up on to a display table. Lengthly in size. Allowing a running double kick to the side of one of the henchmen, tumbling him over by the force and crashing into a pillar. With a twist followed after the kick, Serpent found herself upon the opposite display table. With hand half settled upon it. Her sharp eyes could even look to the next henchmen. She could almost feel them swarm around her. As some could even attempt at actually searching through the artefacts. She leap with her feet first again, but rather than a kick. The Serpent coiled her legs around neck and windpipe. With twist around and down his body. He naturally fell to the ground. Not before Serpent latched her fangs into his neck, making sure he was limb. A kick came at her side. Well, suppose she’d have to give them something. As her hands could even scratch upon the ground. To find a space. She felt the blunt trauma at her mid section, to the base of her chin. Knocking her backwards. For a split moment she was dazed, but couldn’t allow for too much time for pain. As another blow was on its way down towards her, with echoes of haunting laughter above. The Serpent slid. Rolled out of the way. On her back and with her legs, she launched herself mostly up right. Though remaining low, to swivel her legs, hooking them around the henchman’s legs. Causing him fall a little towards gravity, but she ceased the opportunity. As she motioned a knee up, as she got back to her feet. Her right hand slipped behind his head, pushing his face into the display table. Not so hard to do great damage, but enough… He was, well dazed.

Serpent’s left hand grabbed around his throat, catching him before he could slump any further. With force, she pushed him back. She wasn’t one with super strength, but she did have enhanced strength enough to drive. Push him against and up the wall, just next to the door. Lifting him up, as his feet floated in the dead space. He groaned, as his head half rolled like a bowling ball, but the Serpent was enough to keep his attention. ”Why are you here?” Serpent demanded from the sharp of her tongue. In her search for answers, though it was hard to know just how insane they were. As though she could feel the struggle as her hand slightly choked around his neck, he could still cough up a laugh. ”What is it, the Joker wants?” Serpent asked sharply, though with little prevail, even if he shook a little under her grip, perhaps she wasn’t threatening enough. As again with the laughter. Only to feel, vibrations. The shift from behind her. As her eyes could half shift to the side. Even though she could not entirely see, she certainly felt the the gun pointed at the back of her head. The feel and sound of the shift. Hmmm, perhaps some could find it wise to corner a snake, but then some may think better of it.

As with a half turn. Her free hand twisted at the hand with the gun, to the arm. Gun fire let off, the bullet flinging off the floor in mere seconds, as Serpent back elbowed the henchman in the collar bone, followed by a back hand to the nose. With the slight sound of bones or perhaps cartilage, at the nose. Soon following with sounds of pain and Serpent could smell the stench of blood. Dropping then the henchman she had pinned to the wall. To turn and unleash her fangs to the henchman behind grabbing at his face. Sinking her fangs deep into his nervous system. Half tasting the blood that steamed down his neck. He grew limb, as did his hand on his gun. So just as the henchman she had dropped had time to think freedom.

He was then pinned again, with the gun pointed squared at his face. Ok, maybe this wasn’t entirely Serpent’s style, but he didn’t know that, as his eyes could almost sense death at the end of the gun. ”Now speak!” Serpent demanded again. Before a slight pause. ”Or I can start with your knee cap!” The Serpent threatened with a slight curl at her darkened lips, as her hand settled wight he gun pointed, motioned it towards his knee. Sure it was something he could live without, but it sure was going to hurt. A lot. Serpent was sure she could smell if not see the fear drip from him. Suppose there was always the chance he knew nothing, they all could know nothing, nothing than insanity. Though Serpent couldn’t really know how the insane clown worked, but if there were answers. Then she was going to get them, one way or another. Her hand motioned ever so slightly, that she let off a bullet, landing somewhere at his foot, between his toes. ”Oops. Guess my hand slipped!” Serpent teased as if it was accidental, but if anyone knew anything. They’d know just how cunning a snake could be, as her hand shifted and loaded the gun. With the slight click in place. ”This time, though!” Aiming again at his knee cap. As her eyes looked straight at him, would he truly dare to call her bluff?

[Deleted]

Marcus Kilcoin, he often found himself caught up in the mix of all of Joker’s plots and ploys. The only reason was that the Clown Prince of Crime always paid the most. It was the best incentive; especially working with such a psychotic madman, he went to all the meetings begrudgingly and never really paid attention. Marcus has had his fair share of torture from the man, but he always came back to his wife and four children with some bacon to prove for his efforts. He didn’t consider himself a bad man, just a man trying to make ends meet, and ever since the buyout of his company by Wayne, he had no where else to turn. His family had moved to the slums of the Narrows, it was all they could afford on their savings; his car was repossessed, and he had no real skills other than mindless data entry.

Now, Kilcoin was wearing a clown mask, the same one he had for the last five years. He began working out to stay fit enough to survive an attack from the Bat, and strong enough to feign hits and cattle prod shocks from the Joker. His girlfriend wasn’t one to be envious of either. The now bankrupt thug thought it would be an interesting time just meeting up with someone as flamboyant and as colorful as her, but the sad truth was, was that even if she was the Joker’s squeeze, she certainly wasn’t as funny as him. At least if he hurt someone as a demonstration, he’d get a laugh out of everyone else.

Despite all this, Kilcoin had no respect for the white faced madman. He just did what he had to in order to get what he could. Penguin was his second option if things didn’t start to pan out for him though. If he couldn’t get paid as well, he’d at least want the respect he deserves being a thug for hire. Dear lord, thug for hire. What a degenerate title. It wasn’t long that he had been in the museum that they got a call over the radio to stop searching for Joker’s prize and deal with the super antics of several vigilantes in the main showroom. Marcus rolled his eyes after cracking open a display case, “Geez you guys. Someone’s gotta search for his shit.” Marcus spoke through the radio. “No time, Kilcoin! We need your help! There are two of these super fre- ARGH!!--….”

As the radio cut off, Marcus slung his AA-12 shotgun over his shoulder and let out a sigh. This was beginning to become a drag, as he began to jog from one end of the museum to the other, passing the Natural Science, and the planetarium, finally reaching the main hall. “Oh, shit!” Marcus cursed under his breath, lest the Serpent hear him. From the range he was at though, and the spread of his shotgun, shooting her wouldn’t be such a hard feat, even if she was holding another one of his friends, he’d cut his losses and think it would be worth it if they could get this superzero out of their hair. Though, Derek over the radio said there was two, he’d have to keep a look out for a second vigilante. First thing is first though.

“Hey, babe!” He called out to the Serpent, “Put him down or I’ll shoot. Don’t think about moving either, this is an automatic shotgun. I’ve got wide spread from this distance,” he said slowly moving up, now adjacent from the large ballroom window, “and the amount of grapshots I can get out of this in a second? I’ll tear you to shreds. Now be a smart girl and put him down.” He said motioning his gun at her to act slow and steady. “Now if you just beat it, we won’t have an issue. Understand?”

Suddenly, the window crashed open and a body flew out and into Marcus, sending him into the air and against the opposing wall, the sudden shock and pain forced him to squeeze a shot into the ceiling at a chandelier; it didn’t crash to the floor, but it did turn off and crystals shattered. Screams of both men filled the air then cut off when they dropped unconscious to the floor.

A figure at the broken window pane stood tall and hopped down into the Museum, revealing the shaven headed Vampire of the Justice Society of America, Carpenter.

“Heard the sirens from a few blocks away. Didn’t know there was a party going down.”

[Lara Allen-Benedetti]

Lara kept running towards the two henchmen, however she stopped suddenly when someone came in from a window. Lara rose a brow seeing a woman knock out a henchman.  She didn't recognize her, but it wasn't the moment for presentations. Someone grabbed Lara from behind while she was looking at the woman, right, be always focused on the task and what Lara just did? Not that of course!

"Ehi! You two!" the henchman yelled "Stop! Or I'll shoot at her!" Lara tried to run away, but the henchman was really big and strong. Goddammit. Lara cursed herself, she put everybody in a bad situation. The henchman was keeping her hostage with an arm around her neck and shoulders while the other arm was holding a rifle against her head. Lara tried to kick or do something, but the henchman just gave her a tug.

Lara almost lost her breath with that tug. Her friends weren't around to see, maybe they were already knocked out or they were in another room so they couldn't help. Too many henchmen. The other henchmen were running away from the room where Lara and the other vigilantes were, but they seemed not just running away from them, it seemed that they were running towards their final destination, where the thing they were searching was.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

Fear. Sweat. A little bit of blood, maybe at the possible wound Serpent had made to the goon’s foot… Hmmm and was that a tear? Serpent whilst she could create some level of fear and mystery, she really didn’t care greatly about emotions. Particularly right now, she was fishing for information as to why the attack on the museum was happening. Suppose The Joker was one figure that could hit almost just because he could, but even this smelled like more than just your average treasure hunt. Serpent wasn’t about to relinquish her artefacts or her museum easily. No. No. As whilst it wasn’t generally her style, holding the gun at the goon pressed against the wall, was certainly effective… Well, it prove too if she was going to get an answer and for a brief moment, between hideous echoing laughter, she was sure he was about to cough it up… Whilst it is rare… Seriously who thinks sneaking up on a snake is a wise choice? Whilst she didn’t have claws or could submit like a cat or dog. The Serpent was more aware, given she was incredibly sensitive to vibrations and movements… Even pulses. As the Serpent could sense the slight tenseness as the goon some good feet stood behind her and spit out his threat. For a moment, he had snuck up enough for moment she hadn’t completely been aware, as rare as it was with her attention some diverted to the goon she had pinned, but no doubt she aware of him now. Even aware of the position of his gun. She could play a long or she could chance it… ”I’ll consider it, if you tell me what you’re looking for…?” The Serpent conned in response, as somehow she knew neither was much of an option, though her hand did loosen. Even lowered the gun in her hand, to act as if she may go in peace… Certainly not in pieces as he had threatened. Even with an automatic gun, whilst she wasn’t super fast like a Flash. With her awareness, she generally did well with just having quick reflexes… Heck, if she was cruel she was sure she’d be quick enough to use the goon she had pinned as a shield, but nah that be cold.

There was little room if at all to even tempt an answer out of the threatening goon, before the even more unexpected thing happened and perhaps even Serpent hadn’t been aware. Least not aware until the obvious crashing of a window some feet above and the glass shattering across the ground. Along with crystals from the chandelier. Some mere feet to where Serpent herself stood. It was enough to heed Serpent’s attention, there was initial alarm as to what kind of threat this now was and whoever… Or whatever the presence was, sure made an impact! With incredible stealth and reflexes. Serpent could almost smell the scent of death in the air… Sure it certainly helped as whoever the additional creature was, knocked out the threat to Serpent’s potential life! This certainly wasn’t going make them friends by any quick means, but suppose in these conditions. It didn’t hurt to have a potential ally? As the Serpent’s darkened gaze motioned freely even as she half turned body towards the creature within the window pane. Whilst Serpent didn’t know who she was, she knew what she was. Perhaps the lack of a heart beat helped… Somehow Serpent had least expected a Vampire in Gotham, but in reality it wasn’t that surprising… ”Its never to late to crash it!” Black Serpent then smirked in response to the Vamps words, if she was gonna play with them, then by all means. Join the party… Suppose she should blame the goon, as he had seemingly taken the time whilst Serpent was seemingly distracted and her back somewhat to him. That he’d slip out and try to escape. Its a natural reaction right? So, its only natural to run after him? Pounce him, weave with legs looped around his neck and bring him to the ground. What chance he had to cough up any telling information, wasn’t going to come, least not swiftly as a laugh bellowed beneath and Serpent could feel with vibrations and the change in the air. The other henchmen were vast on move the other direction of the museum. Whatever they were after, could very well be close and Serpent just didn’t have the time… Springing her own set of fangs, sharper than a needle, bit and sank them into his neck. She wasn’t in search for blood, rather injecting venom. A snake’s poison, least until he fell limp enough and he wasn’t going to be harmful to anyone.

Serpent then slithered to her feet. The room was certainly feeling a whole lot emptier and most if not all her senses were pulling her to the henchmen that were running away from them… Towards another section within the museum, but even as the Serpent could step to make a move… There was apparently one goon left and had grabbed the young girl who had seemingly been Serpent’s playing partner thus far… The Goon was either brave or stupid. Serpent was going with the latter. As he spat his threats to not only a vampire or a snake, but both! ”Really, you’re threatening us?” Serpent spoke with a sharp enough tongue and yes even said we… She wasn’t one to boast or brag, but mostly she was just pointing out reality. As her eyes motioned to the Vamp, if she’d care to to show him and make this quick. Three was surely going to be better going up against however many there still was. Serpent half circled around him, until she was behind him. Her snake eyes stared into the back of his skull and a growling hiss echoed from her lips. Before showing her fangs once again. Whilst a vampire and a serpent were different. They did share similar traits… Traits the goon surely lacked. Whilst he put up a good game, Serpent could easily read the hairs raised on his neck and trickles of sweats rolling down out of fear. Serpent moved swiftly with shadows, that she was there and not there in a blink of an eye. Expecting the vampire to also move, as the Serpent motioned to disarm the goon and help the heroic lady.

[Deleted]

Carpenter smiled at the invitation and walked down approaching the woman; assuming she was just another one of Gotham’s eccentric heroes she hadn’t yet had the chance to greet. It seemed like Gotham was flooded with them, though she sported fangs too, her sharp iris made her second guess just what kind of species she was. Obviously, the first thing she thinks of when she sees fangs on another humanoid is “Vampire” but she had more snake-like qualities, even her stance suggested she was aware of her snake prowess. She smiled at the Serpent, until the other goon came up on them, the main reason she was shocked was how she took care of the Joker-thug. Her eyes bulged and she ran over to her, cursing under her breath. Her mind was racing as she just saw her dig her teeth into his neck and drop to the floor. For her, it meant certain death, but she wasn’t sure what Serpent was doing to him.

The vampire had to put it on the backburner; she wasn’t sure how resistant to bullets Serpent was, but she wasn’t about to take any chances. The glace she gave to Carpenter queued her in and she charged at the armed foe. She leapt into the air and brought spin hooked the gun out of her henchmen’s hands, and wrapped her leg around his neck, letting gravity do its work and taking the thug to the ground.

Looking back to see how Serpent faired with hers—still poised with her knee on his neck to prevent him from struggling—Carpenter had to ask, “You didn’t just kill that guy, did you?”

[Lara Allen-Benedetti]

Lara tried to step away, but she couldn't do it, the man was too strong for her. She was a runner, the man had less possibilities to catch her if she started to run away, but he was still stronger than her. However, she wasn't alone in this and this kind of situation wasn't a new thing for her, it was her job after all. A job that wasn't going so well at the moment.

Luckily for her, she wasn't alone in this. Not at all. Serpent and...was the other woman a vampire? Like Dracula? The...what?! Lara let her confusion take control for a moment, but the henchman tightening his grip made her focus on the situation at hand. Not that she could do actually something at the moment, because she couldn't.

However, after Serpent just bit a henchman, the vampire rescued Lara from the other henchman. The black-wig haired girl stepped away from him and looked at the vampire and Serpent "Thanks" she thanked them both, Serpent would have helped her too. Lara moved her head towards the direction the other henchmen ran to "We should check that area" she said running towards it.