The Holiday Ball [OPEN TO ALL]

[Deleted]

"I do not believe I have had that misfortune of pesky guardians, but you do have my condolences." Anne nodded and tried to keep track of conversation. Their small group had become a crowed. It was interesting how differently everyone spoke. Mr. Grayson spoke evenly was easy to follow. Miss Long spoke smoothly and the ways she formed her words spoke volumes. She stuck her as mildly snobish. Miss Stephanie was hard, as her words seemed to run one right into each other. Wait did she just say she knew who Batman was? 

Anne followed everyone's gaze, her eyes widened before she smiled, "What a pleasant surprise seeing you here Kaie.How have you been? I haven't got the chase to talk to you at school lately." The Asian listened and bowed before dismissing herself to get a drink. The crowed was getting frustrating to keep track off. Anne stood back looking around, before spotting another girl that was alone-ish that was dressed in blue with a very interesting hair style. She walked over, she caught the name Lanncaster and daughter. Anne smiled shook her head before claiming the other girl's attention. "Lancaster? I don't think I've ever heard of him. What is he known for?" Anne grinned, holding out her hand. "I'm Anne."

[Deleted]

Christopher had been expecting some sort of training when Josaline had told him to arrive early. The last thing he had been expecting was the sudden change of attire followed by a limousine to some holiday party. Something had to be up for Josaline to be taking him to such an event. He had a pretty good feeling the rest of the Blackwalls did not want Christopher to represent them in any matter. So Josaline was probably taking a big risk taking him out to the party with her. Or this really was training and he was going to be sent out as soon as they arrived. He would have definitely not been surprised if that had been the case.

What Christopher had not been expecting was just how important this party was for the community. Josaline had explained everything on the way over, and Christopher was already wanting to jump out of the vehicle and go home. The look Josaline had gave him was enough for Christopher to change his mind. Tonight was going to be a very long night, and there was nothing he could but endure the entire event. He just hoped he could find some way to keep himself entertained throughout the whole ordeal.

Their arrival had not attracted much attention. At least, not for Christopher. There was no way Josaline was not going to attract attention, but Christopher made sure to keep away from that. They had even gone far enough as to dye the white in his hair to match the rest. As long as Christopher did not use any magic, the dye would last a couple of hours. Not using magic was going to be the hard part. How else was he supposed to entertain himself? He had never been one for socializing in these events. Christopher would leave all of that to Josaline even though he did stay at her side for a couple of introductions. They were mainly business associates of the Blackwalls who made it clear they had never heard of Christopher. Of course not, the Blackwalls did their best to keep him a secret, but Christopher simply smiled on and played his part. It was expected of him from Josaline.

So far Christopher had not recognized anyone at the party even though a few people did stand out. There was no way one could miss the host of the event, and that was when Christopher found someone he knew. Just to make sure he was not mixing people up, Christopher focused as his secondary vision kicked in, and the familiar wolf form came into view. The secondary vision only lasted a split second, but Josaline had noticed and gave him a look. Christopher simply shrugged before making his way over to the buffet table.

A rather large crowd of girls had formed at the other side of the table, and Christopher had a feeling it was best to stay away from them. However, curiosity did get the best of him. The second he had used to make sure it was Lang up there something else had pulled at Christopher's senses. Another few seconds of vision would not harm anyone. Again he focused and looked around and was rather surprised at how many magical signatures he was picking up. The auras faded as Christopher released his breath and then picked up a pastry. This was something he would have to talk to Lang about, and he wondered if it was the reason Josaline had brought him here. And yet Christopher was not surprised to find magical auras among the rich. For now Christopher would simply wait for Lang to finish his conversation with the event's host. It took more effort than Christopher had thought as he ate his pastry and not let any of it fall on his suit.

[Deleted]

"Thank you Mr. Wayne. It's a pleasure to meet you." He said with the faintest offerings of a smile and his own hand. His Grandfather always said the best way to great another man was with a firm handshake. Too weak said you couldn't stand up for yourself, too strong and it looked like you were trying to compensate for something. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." Pulling back his hand he felt his sides for a pocket futilely before just letting them stiffly hang there.

"And Mr.Kingdon is overselling me a little bit. I have plenty of room to improve and strive to do just that. " Lang said as he felt his ears start to burn. He wasn't exactly use to being on the receiving ends of compliments and didn't really know how to take them. "It was amateur at best. But I'm already working on a second draft. For my own sake if nothing else."

"Modest too. My, we did end up picking a good applicant." Harper said with champagne in hand. "His comments on how pop culture has affected perception both inwardly and out were quite a read. Perhaps I can send it to you sometime Bruce?" The CEO in his own right said with an arch of his own dark. brow.

"Just honest. I wrote that paper in burst on break at my job." Lang said, not mentioning that by job he meant playing policeman, social worker, and judge to the supernatural part of this town. Or telling fortunes at the pier. Or acting as one of the higher ranked Titans. "I graduated a bit ago Mr.Wayne and tooks some time to travel, find myself I guess. As hokey as it is I believe Mark Twain said 'Travel is fatal to prejudice, narrow-mindedness, and bigotry.' I like to think that it opened my eyes a bit."

He was telling the truth on this. He learned on that road trip that the supernatural was undeniably and absolutely real. He learned that he had powers and could use them in New York. He learned that he'd never escape them or the responsibility that came with them in Chicago. He learned that his position would come with many events that would bring him guilt, grief, and sadness as would it provide him with wonder, laughter, and joy in Seattle. He learned just how infinite the universe was and just how connected everything was (as well as some hands on practice with magic and some new spells) in a small roadhouse bar in the middle of nowhere. He learned that he didn't need to do it alone in Jump. Or he was still learning that. It was a work in progress and he could admit that. He'd seen more on his trips than most people dared to fantasize about.

"I hope to start at the local University this ...Spring." Lang said as his eyes spotted someone he didn't expect to see at this part. That boy that channeled animal from before. As he spotted him, one brow raised subtly though his body leaned to get a better look, lips pursed. "Excuse me sirs. I don't wanna be rude or anything. I'm just...I was so nervous about this I kinda forgot to eat and now it's catching up with me. Mind if I grab something?" he asked, more looking towards Mr.Kingdon.

Getting a nod of approval Lang sidled up along besides Christopher with a small plate in hand before muttering. "Why are you here? Is there a big ol' evil ghost of a yuppie?" Lang pulled at his tie. "Please tell me yes. Any excuse to get out of this stupid tie. I'd kill to kill the ghost of Gordon Gekko." he said with the faintest edge of a growl on his voice. The tips of his white, barely all too sharp canines showing.

Meanwhile Harper waited until Lang was out of earshot and smiled once more with that plastic approval. "I remember my first charity function. Alahya had to drag me away from the snack table. May she rest in peace." he said, raising the glass to his lips.

[Deleted]

These types of parties were not the type of party she enjoyed. So far she had been approached by three men varying in age of early teens to late thirties. All of which managed to bore her with conversations about economics, scientific studies on things she didn’t understand, and how much wealth he had acquired within such a short amount of time due to some investment. After the first conversation she was no longer hiding her boredom and was outright starring at the men with bland eyes. Yet this didn’t stop the eldest of the three who was apparently used to being stared at in such a manner. Perhaps he was a lecturer of some sort? Didn’t matter since she managed to slip away when his attention was taken by a girl in blue with a fantastic hairstyle.

Charlie looked around for her parents to see they were currently joining a conversation with some lady. The feeling of flight was starting to surface in her chest and with it came the sensation of her body growing lighter. Quickly she shoved the feeling down in a small panic, Charlie did not need to start flying in a room full of people her parents knew. Or her parents for that matter. There were many days she wished Harris was still here to talk her through these things or just be there to hold her hand but today took the cake. Heck if Harris were still here she wouldn’t even have to attend things like these.

Okay now I'm just making myself depressed. Charlie quickly shook that mindset and made her way towards the food table. Nothing like a good buffet to improve someone’s mood. On the way she ‘accidentally’ bumped into two more people and lifted a jeweled pin and nice watch. Charlie got the feeling she should stop taking things when a man who looked like security started to eye her. She merely gave him a dazzling smile as she slipped her latest steals in a light blue clutch that matched her dress. As much as she hated the annoying thing it had it’s uses.

She grabbed a small plate and started piling on little finger foods until Charlie reached the pastry’s which two boys were also conversing at on the other side of table. With a smile she wondered if anyone would notice if she just slipped under the table and hid there for the rest of the party. Sneaking food every so often and listening to snippets of conversations. She nearly choked on her food when she imagined her parents face if they found her out. It almost convinced her to crawl under at that moment. Charlie stared at the red table cloth that hung a few centimeters above the floor, no one would notice…

[Gaunt]

"Nice to meet ya, Dick." Kaie smiled, half from the friendliness and half from trying not to laugh at his name. She never understood why someone who could be nicknamed Rich or Rick would choose Dick instead. It seemed like it was just asking for jokes that would not be appropriate at such a formal party. The giantess extended a finger to shake, managing to keep her awful sense of humor in check for now.

Dick's harem certainly had some interesting people in it. She wasn't sure what had gotten Stephanie invited, but she certainly was interesting. An all-around athlete who might as well be a super-OH MY GOD WHAT IF SHE WAS A SUPERHERO? Kaie looked her over, trying to see if there were any clues, but she'd never been great at figuring that stuff out. It would have to remain a mystery for now.

Though Kimber recovered her composure quickly, Kaie wasn't as used to formality as she was. "Kimber, how ye been girl?" She bent down to greet her friend, grinning like an idiot. Okay, this was starting to get more comfortable for her now. She was with a bunch of friends and acquaintances from school. Still kinda stuffier than she was used to, but in good company.

Another familiar face was among the crowd. Kaie turned to Anne, offering a fingershake. "Heya Anne, been a while. How's it goin?" Wow, this was cool. It was like half of Kingston High Academy was at this party! She wondered if she'd run into any other friends while she was there.

[Silv]

The boy grasped the offered finger, smiling as he greeted Kaie for the "first" time. He waited while the giant was introduced to the rest of his harem, er friends and listened absently to Stephanie chattering on about how she wasn't actually in a circus and simply did those things for recreation. Curious. Slightly suspicious. Nothing to be alarmed about, however.

Dick wasn't particularly interested in what Stephanie had to say until she mentioned she knew who Batman was. The boy stiffened ever so slightly. "Everyone knows who Batman is, Ms. Stephanie," Dick said mirroring her smile, and repeating the way she had introduced herself. "He's a madman who runs around Gotham dressed like a giant bat." there was a beat as he put his hands up to frame either side of his head like the bat-cowl ears and put on a grimacing face. "I mean, have you seen him?" the boy asked with a dry laugh before his attention was pulled back to the others. But the way he turned away from her made it clear that to him all talk of Batman was over.

Movement and the color red caught his attention and Dick waved back to Elodie. She was making a face at him and rolling her eyes in the direction of an elderly woman who the boy instantly recognized. It was incredibly difficult not to burst out laughing and it showed in his bright blue eyes. The boy shot his friend a sympathetic grin. If he went over there now, though, he was pretty sure the old bats would start planning a wedding. He so didn't want that.

Something smacked him on the head. Dick Grayson flinched at the sudden impact, glancing down at the offending object that had landed on his head.  It was a rock with a little bird painted on it.  The boy quickly bent down to pick up the shiny, dark rock and slipped it into his pocket, hoping the others hadn't seen it, as his bright eyes sought out the person who had dropped it on him.

It had been intentional, something that had him slightly on edge, until he saw her.  Dick's jaw dropped visibly when he caught a glimpse of Barbara leaning coyly over the banister above them. He managed to close his mouth before he'd get made fun of too much by the others but he still swallowed audibly when he turned his attention back to the other girls. It was obvious he had a redhead on his mind. 

He had lost track of what the girls surrounding him were talking about, between being distracted by the two redheads, and now he sheepishly glanced back around the circle of girls. His attention obviously kept slipping up to Barbara. He was having trouble keeping his eyes off her. "Hm?" he absently looked at one of his harem members who he thought had said something when he hadn't been paying attention. This was ridiculous. He should just go up there and talk to her!

"I…I'll be right back," Dick said, excusing himself. "The lady up there dropped something. I should go and return it to her." and with that the boy abandoned his harem and vanished into the crowd. It didn't take him long to find the stairs, which he took two at a time, until he was on the same balcony he had seen Babs on. He slowed when he spotted her, his heart hammering in his chest despite how little physical activity running up some stairs were compared to what he usually did.

The boy cleared his throat as he approached, wincing slightly when his voice cracked anyway. "Babs?" he asked softly, pulling the rock out of his pocket and holding it out to her. The side with the bird painted on it safely tucked against the warmth of his palm. "We need to talk."

Rose Wilson came from money. There was no denying this fact. Her mother had been a princess before the fall of the dynasty in Cambodia. Her father's pockets were lined with mercenary money. Rose, herself, had inherited her mother's wealth. She wasn't at the party because she was rich though. She wasn't even there because she believed in all the great charity work they were doing. Rose Wilson just wanted to dress up, feel pretty, and have fun like any other normal teenage girl.

It was obvious in the way she moved, the way her smile lit up in wonder when she bounced through the door with her gauzy skirts shifting below her. She was dressed brightly in a yellow gown with golden accents. It didn't quite fit the holiday mood, but with her bright white hair cascading down her back in lazy curls she looked like she couldn't care. For once in her life she was a ray of sunshine.

Caught up in the heat of the moment Rose impulsively spun, the skirt of her dress flaring out around her like magic before the momentum died and she bounced through the crowds. The youngest Wilson didn't exactly have a destination but the anger that she usually kept bottled up inside was gone this night. It was going to be the best night ever, and maybe on her way home she could beat up some stupid people for calling her princess.

That would make it so much better.

Deciding that she wanted something to eat before she spent the night bouncing around like a hyperactive chipmunk Disney princess, Rose made her way over towards the food table. There were a couple of guys, one with long hair, hanging around it. The girl with the white hair decided they looked boring and popped up next to Charlie instead. "Hi!" she said cheerfully with an infectiously large smile that bordered on manic. "Isn't this fun?" the girl paused, scanning the crowd as her smile dimmed. This party was a lot less exciting then dressing up and twirling had been.

"Y'know. Up there with watching corpses rot." The amount of old people did remind her of corpses. "I'm Rose." she said suddenly, shoving the miniature cupcake she'd picked up into her mouth and holding out a hand towards the other girl.

Ooc:
Throwing in Rose because Dick is about to be absconded. 

[Aly]

Barbara's gaze shifted from the boy and his flock of chicks to the rest of the party, her lip starting to curl in disgust. She couldn't believe how Bruce could deal with all of this. Of course, he was more Batman than Bruce Wayne, but it seemed like he liked playing billionaire playboy. With all of his mandatory appearances not being cut short, and with countless ladies hanging on each arm every night, he definitely looked like he was suffering. At least he was one person who she didn't doubt that had placed a very large donation, albeit definitely not anonymous. He had to fuel the masses, that one. Still, he didn't have to be so uptight about it.

Taking another drink, she continued to look over the crowd, seeing several people who did not look like they belonged. Kaie, for one, stood about six feet over everyone's heads. There were a few others, like a Native American boy near Bruce, and just some people that seemed very uncomfortable in their ritzy clothes. Others, though, reveled in the attention with their fake smiles and even faker concerns for the poor of Jump City.

She barely noticed when Dick finally ascended the staircase until he leared his throat. His voice seemed to crack more when he wasn't in uniform. Maybe because he felt less confident without it. Babs turned towards him with a weak smile, still leaning against the rail. When he held out the small rock, she brought her empty hand up and closed his fingers around it. "Keep it. It was the only thing in this damn excuse for a bag anyways." She tossed the clutch into the potted plant near the wall and reached down and picked up something that she had stashed behind it. It was an unopened bottle of champagne, and next to it was the other glass already full with some given to her by a young man earlier.

"Sure, we can talk, but not here. Come with me." She handed her friend the glass and picked up her dress before turning around and darting down a hallway. "Try to keep up, little bird." She called out behind her as she tried to keep steady on her high heels. Not too far down the hallway was a door that read RESTRICTED ACCESS. Of course that meant that they could enter. She had already studied the floor plans, knowing exactly where the staircase behind the door led. It was unlocked, luckily for her. She kicked off her heels and picked them up as she climbed the staircase to the roof, finally opening the door and breathing in the fresh night air.

[Audrey]

"Industrial Machinery actually. The things supposedly putting our workforce out of a job, though personally I like to see it that his machines are putting lives out of the dangers of industrialism and into the more refined sectors, inventory managers, operations specialists, repairmen. Those who cannot find a place in the expanding world are simply relics of an old world and are only dying off because of their refusal to adapt. But I'm going on a tyrade here, it is nice to meet you Anne, I'm Jade," the girl in black replied staying relatively collected through her opinionated speech. It was rehearsed of course, Jade personally couldn't disagree more with the evaluation, but her true opinions would never be accepted in such a rat's den of pomp and circumstance.

"So Ms. Anne, what is your family's business? By the looks of your gowns, I'd be half-tempted to believe calligraphy or textiles, but appearances can be deceiving," she countered, cheekily referring more to herself than anything. Looking past Anne, she noticed Dick Grayson leave his posse of ladies behind. It seems he'd been called out by his 'only one'. How scandalous. She laughed to herself about the trivial things these kind of people worried about.

Stephanie's expression went noticeably sour as Dick simply just blew her off and then to top it off, after finally listening to her, he went and insulted Batman and in turn vigilantes. What a jerk. She realized he'd been through stuff, but that didn't mean he had to be completely rude. He'll see if she looks up to him again. He reminded of another certain jerk, one always rushing to decisions on first impressions. The thought gave her a nice idea for an ending quip to knock Dick off his feet and get the last laugh. "If that's how you feel, I bet you hate the Teen Titans too, but with how crummy of a leader they have, who can really blame you?" she said loudly as Dick walked away. Sure, there'd be questions why she knew Robin was crummy, but if she knew who Batman was, it wasn't much of a stretch to say she knew who Robin was. I mean, she knew who A Robin was. Just not Robin 1. He had to be in this city though. Wouldn't it be funny if Dick was Robin 1? But that wouldn't work. Dick was rude, but not as rude as Robin 1.

With the glue between the girls around Dick eradicated, Stephanie moved to head out with someone else. Her intuition said to go with Kaie, the two were definitely the odd ones out here, and Stephanie knew she was a superhero like she was... Even if Kaie didn't know it. Kaie though seemed to have other friends already from school. Stephanie really probably should be going to school too, but registering anywhere would place a giant red flag for social services as to where she'd gotten off to so she had to do without. She could always get a GED. It's not like you needed a degree to be a superhero.

In the end, she decided to just leave the 'harem' all together and go for some food. Her stomach said gorge on everything considering this was food so fancy the she likely wouldn't get another chance to ever try any of it again, but her tiny twinge of manners and politeness said to pace herself and so she did, settling on only a couple things at once. From the table she watched the party, noticing all the different groups about... and the blonde down the table eying the table cloth like it was her only salvation. Note to self, figure out her deal.

Irritated. So so very irritated. This was Afterburn's outlook as she was pushed into the Wayne Ballroom by some balding, pointy-nosed, guy in a suit with coke bottle glasses. Despite her being taller than him by nearly a foot and plenty old enough to take care of herself, he presented both their tickets and insisted she stay right with him. She was in revenant form in one of the rare occasions of her doing so without her body suit. Instead she was dressed up in an incredibly fancy designer fire dress contrasting against her pure white eyeballs and grey skin. A necklace adorned her chest that more resembled a property tag than legitimate jewelry since it was cheap plastic and had the H logo that haunted her life constantly.

As was probably obvious from her chaperone, Afterburn was not here by any favor from Hephaestus. The lack of body suit made sure she couldn't get far as using her powers. She was here as an object. Something to show off to investors and potential investors of Hephaestus of the technical prowess they were capable of. She grumbled as the wirey man pushed her through the crowd to where she'd be the most visible. Not as if she wasn't already visible to just about everyone. HER HAIR WAS LITERAL FIRE. KIND OF HARD TO MISS.

Once she was in a suitable place to the wirey man's standards, he gave her a light tap on the face and angrily told her to smile and not say anything she'll regret. Wonderful treatment towards someone supposedly you're 'employing'. Of course, there was no way this could be considered employment given they had her life in their hands. When she refused to smile, the wirey man held open his jacket and flashed the the device in his inner pocket. Afterburn recognized it as one of the many devices capable of delivering electric shocks to her nervous system. She glared at the man for a second before cracking a smile. Soon, the rich moneybins came crawling and asking questions to her and the man. He explained the technical aspects while she just smiled and lied about how happy she was to be alive and to be working for such a GREAT company like Hephaestus. She was going to need some therapy after this excursion.

[Deleted]

Elodie grinned as Dick as he looked over at her, looking as though he was trying not to laugh. Run while you still can Elodie thought as she was once more pulled into the conversation with the older women. They spoke about the average revenue of which their businesses made. MacKelter Industries was in fourth when it came to their group at $42.5 billion. It was to be expected due to it being one of the largest and most diversified multinational corporations. It ranged from advanced weapon and defense technologies to aerospace engineering.

Finally their group started to move around, with D'Anconia asking about recent developments and whatnot. And Elodie told her, even though she knew half of what she was saying was going way beyond the old woman's head. Which may or may not of been why D'Anconia led their little group to where the food was, so that Elodie would have her mouth full of food and not bore them.

Unfortunately for Elodie, it was right when she had her mouth full of food when D'Anconia called out to two people that caused Elodie to choke. "Ah, Ms. Starfire! Mr. Cyborg! How wonderful it is that you came!" The old woman said cheerfully, her face so animated that Elodie was surprised it wasn't cracking. Elodie surprise was furthered when the old woman grabbed her arm and dragged her along towards the titans.

Her two worlds were colliding, which was not a good thing. It, in fact, was a very, very bad thing.

Uh oh, not good. Not good. Crap, should I shock her and make a run for it? Elodie thought, quickly looking around for quick exits but before she could make her escape she found herself face to face with the two Titans. Oh fudge nuggets. Elodie thought bitterly as she put a smile on her face. "Its such a pleasure to meet you both. Such wonderful work you do, saving the city from those horrid juvenile delinquents." Mrs. D'Anconia said, and Elodie didn't blink an eye. What would the old bat do if she found out that she was standing next to one of those "juvenile delinquents" who often went against the Titans? Probably faint at such a thought.

"Ms. Starfire, Mr. Cyborg, may I introduce you to Elodie MacKelter, CEO of MacKelter Industries." Mrs. D'Anconia said, putting a hand on Elodie's shoulders and pulling her to her side, closer to the Titans. Elodie avoided their eyes and instead looked at D'Anconia ruefully. "Not yet. I'm still a minor and therefore under the claim in loco parentis until I turn 18. Once I turn 18, however, i'll be able to do more for the company though I would like to go to college first. " She said with a smile, finally looked at the two Titans and giving them a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

She could feel her heart racing a million miles per hour while she calculated how fast she could short circuit the power so she could make a run for it. Not quite fast enough for her taste. "Ms. MacKelter is quite intelligent, very much like her parents. In fact, perhaps they would understand your electro-thingy you were telling us about earlier." The old woman said, frowning when Elodie snorted. "Electrosthetic conductor," Elodie corrected her, before looking at the Titans. "Its an alternative to conventional anesthetics that uses sound waves to calm the body's electronic impulses. I've been working on its development for months now and due to how well the company has been doing we'll be able to send one out to each major hospital in the nation at a third of the cost by the new year." Elodie said with a shrug, as though it wasn't that big of a deal.

And then she waited, waiting for one of them to try to attack her or knock her down and try to arrest her. Key word here is try, because there was no way shes going down without a fight. Sure, she may go willingly to get out of the room, but once they get away from the rich elite, Elodie will fight tooth and nail to get away.