View source for 2012-03-04 - Rockstarz Karaoke Bar Opening Night

{{Logsummary|
Title=Rockstarz Karaoke Bar Opening Night
|Summary=Liberty Belle, AKA Jesse Chambers, has extended a invitation to various superheroes to show up as normals for an opening of the new Rockstarz Karaoke Bar. Everything goes as planned?
|Who=[[Liberty Belle]], [[Speedy]], [[Kinetic]], [[Raven]], [[Superman]], [[Wonder Woman]], [[Cassandra Cain]]
|Date=March 4th, 2012
|Where=Rockstarz Karaoke Bar, New York City, New York
|}}

==[ RP Suite 2 ]==

The outside of this Karaoke Bar is almost normal in signage - 'THE ROCKSTARZ BAR' it proclaims, which might make one almost wince in irony, but in reality, the tinted windows and the occasionally thumping beat from the building coming out when people enter and exit marks it as pretty hopping. 
 
There's that, and the 'opening night' sign hanging over the building as well, which is about why the crowd standing outside is ridiculously large. 
 
Entering the bar requires getting ID'd, and a mandatory coat check in a warm area. Two dark curtains, aiming to cut off the sound from the actual bar area and when one steps through, it's pretty clear why: the speakers are top of the line and it's loud - but still not loud enough to drown out quiet conversations. Indeed, it seems to be the perfect type of bar to have fun and still carry on ... under the table deals. 
 
The layout of the bar is not really traditional: going through the curtains takes you to the very back of the room, which is very open floor plan and very large. Two bars run up the side of the room, about half of the way over them, providing ample stools to sit in. The reason the bars don't end up all the way wall to wall is the center stage provided, just large enough for a four person band. Around the stage and to the edge of the bars is dancing space, with small tables taking up the area between the bars for more seating arrangements. 
 
Everything is dark polished mahogany, with rough bits here and there. It is not an elite bar. It is, however, with the pictures of the best of the 80's bands and vocal performers around, very old-school, and kind of awesome, considering the various displays over the bars. 
 
Just past the end of the bars, two circular staircases go up into a mezzanine area, which consists of two fifteen-person private rooms, with the option to leave the doors open to be able to look down on the dance floor and the stage. 
 
The waitresses and bar-types are all very into the style of the bar, with jeans and shoulderpads, some leg warmers, mini skirts... all of the good and the bad of the fashion of that time, and more. It's almost campy. 
 
Welcome to Rockstarz. 
 
Sing your heart out.
==============================================================================

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

Roy G. Harper, Jr., is slightly fucked. Jesse Chambers managed to bail on him and everyone is streaming in, and the microphone on the stage is empty. All she asked was for him to cover for ten minutes. Anything. Be silly. Be stupid. Amuse them. Save her ass, yet again (not that he ever really did that, either, mind): just be Roy. 
 
After all, she'll pay him back. 
She promised. 
 
ACDC's 'For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)' is playing in the background. 
 
Speedy? Showtime. Amuse them.

<Pose Tracker> Raven has posed:

To be honest, Raven is not the party girl, far far from the normal teenager girl stereotype, the sorceress' idea of fun consisted of locking herself in her room with a book, the further apart the covers the better. Sure, replace the book with a laptop and maybe Raven wasn't as far from the stereotype as she would like to think. Deep down she is liable to very human weaknesses, anger, happiness, laziness, bravery..it was why she undertook such grueling training, so that her emotions could never get the better of her. Useful for controlling would be demons inside of her, but her training sadly didn't cover very many stress managing techniques. 
 
Raven was stressed, she truly was. This superhero stuff was getting to her and she's been making more and more mistakes lately, mistakes than in her profession could be fatal for her and others. Which is why she decides to leave the comfort of the Titan Tower and brave the outside world, even if Starfire wasn't pulling her kicking and screaming every step of the way. 

Thinking that just about any bar would do, fate takes her to this aptly named establishment Rockstarz and the sorceress just ambles in cloak and all to sit at an empty table. As she sits there staring to the abyss, the thought strikes her that she doesn't really know what people do at parties. 

Guess she'll just have to wait and see. 

Hopefully there aren't any adventurers in this bar, she has the nasty tendency of attracting them like a magnet due to her mysterious cloaked stranger attire. She really doesn't feel like handing out quests either. 

<Pose Tracker> Speedy has posed:

Roy grumbles as he steps out towards the stage from the back, taking a deep breath as he runs a hand through his hair, ensuring its just disheveled enough to look stylish. The light hits, and the spotlight shines down on him as he walks over to the microphone in the center of the karoke stage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Roy, and I'm here to try and keep you pacified until the lady who put this all together manages to return." There's a few moments where he's wondering JUST what in the hell he's going to do or say, but then he decides on what just to do.

"I am going to request that everyone enjoys a drink on me, and try and relax until we're fully ready to kick off tonights festivities. Of course, if drinking isn't your thing.. You could always just head on over to the big book o' songs and get your song requests in while we wait."

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Ethan Webb really hated that he'd been roped into this. His parents had been the ones invited but had gotten sick and couldn't go. That would have been the end of it but they insisted that Ethan go in their place to say something to the friends they were supposed to meet. And that's why the young man is there now. With a little band around his wrist indicating that he isn't to be given alcohol, the blond's wandered away from the boring adults that didn't want anything to do with him. Leaning against a wall near the stage, he's actually debating hitting the song book.

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

Roy's ass is saved basically because of Jesse being a speedster. All of the the lights click off in the bar, aside from the faint bar lights for the bartenders to see on, and Roy is hustled off of the stage as a voice comes up on microphone: male, not Roy: "Once upon a time... not so long ago..." 
 
Then a single light comes on, shining down on ... Jesse? 
 
The woman's blonde hair is all teased out, light, fluffy: a denim miniskirt over black leggings, and a pair of hightops paired with fluffy ankle socks. A over-sized off the shoulders sweater hangs on her top, with a pair of dangling golden earrings.. and a microphone, glancing over the darkened room. 
 
"Welcome to Rockstarz. Thank you, Roy, for your general kindness; you've done a lot for me today." Jesse tosses out his way. "Some of you had certain reasons to contact me, and trust me, I'll be talking to you privately later - but for now, enjoy the drinks ... or the soda." Jesse eyes Ethan. Figures. "And the music." 
 
The lights die down again, before it they all kick up at once along with the music. "Tommy used to work on the docks... union's been on strike, he's down on his luck, he's tough..." 
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk 
 
"Oh... so tough." Jesse is a fairly good singer.

<Pose Tracker> Raven has posed:

Raven decides that she doesn't need to be covered by her cloak if it's going to get dark anyway. Removing her hood, a purple eyed glance is cast to the stage where some people seem to fumble about themselves to attend their guests. It hardly concerns her however as she's not in any immediate need of any service, although she's apathetic and generally reeking of party killer vibe, at least she's a polite customer and accepts the offer for a free booze getting a surprisingly girly drink with an Appletini. Getting anything stronger would probably not suit her very much. 

Once the lights deem, she stands from her seat to check out the song book. Might as well enjoy herself and perhaps she can request an equally morbid song that will match her mood. 

<Pose Tracker> Speedy has posed:

Roy quickly makes his way off the stage, giving Jesse a quick thumbs up. Thank the heavens that his job is done, and now he can get onto getting out of the limelight.

Navigating through the crowds, Roy makes his way to the bar, reaching behind it to grab a bottle of water. Jesse's done a lot of work, so he's taking a liberty himself and snagging a bottle of water before he's roped into going back onto the stage.

"God, this isn't as bad as it could be.."

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Ethan just sighs when eyed. He's not the type that would be going for the booze even if he didn't have that band on his wrist. Not enough peer pressure for that. Thinking about it does get him thirsty though. Wandering over to the bar, he spots Roy first and guesses he's the bartender. "Hey, could I get one of those sodas, please?" he asks.

<Pose Tracker> Speedy has posed:

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I'm not the bartender, but I don't think they're going to really notice if I grab one for you." A quick grab, and one of the cans behind the bar is snagged, only for Roy to toss it at the kid. He then reaches into his pocket and pulls out a rather crumpled ten dollar bill which is left on the bartop for whenever the bartender manages to get over to it.

"You look to be a bit young hanging around in a bar. So, you have a killer fake ID or something?" A slight wink and a grin is given towards Ethan, as Roy once more scans the audience, trying to look for key figures he may or may not know.

<Pose Tracker> Cassandra Cain has posed:

Free drinks? Awkward, attractive teenagers? Public humiliation?

This is the kind of party an awful lot of people would love...

Others can't even begin to understand the appeal. There's a special type of word for people that turn up at parties they don't really want to be at, with no idea what they're going to do when they get there, who wear introspective frowns on their darkly made-up faces when they make an approach to said party. Just like the teenage girl clad all in black, from scuffed Doc Marten's and black leggings, black denim shorts and - a pattern begins to unveil itself - black midriff-baring baby tee and short, BLACK leather jacket. There's definitely a word for those kind of people, particularly when they've topped it off with purple lipstick and heavily-applied eyeshadow, equally dark hair flopping across their lowered eyes. What's that word, again?

Oh, right.

Goths.

But unlike the poseurs of this world, Cassandra Cain /really/ doesn't belong here. Her gaze flitters around with guarded caution as she navigates through the bustle to reach the curtains surrounding the rear area, Batman's latest outcast protégé glad at least for the dim lighting as she reaches out with one hand - clad in a very eighties fingerless glove - to brush the separation aside and duck her head through the gap. She pauses for a moment, quickly taking stock of the scene; as though it were a dangerous backstreet slum more than a happening partay, and then she releases a breath and steps inside, the curtain falling behind her.

A couple of nearby heads turn immediately. It might be an understatement to say she's ill at ease, but the little runaway wears her look well. She holds herself well, too, all quiet poise as she slips through the gathering throng to instinctively pop up alongside the only person who looks even vaguely like she might provide some form of likeminded company. Blend in; that's the first rule of going unnoticed amongst a crowd. Which is why Cassie emerges beside the Titans own testament to the power of goth.

Hazel eyes peek sidelong at the other girl, and her lips part in readiness, to offer a greeting:

"......"

Hoo boy. It's time to kick this party into overdrive.

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Ethan blinks then sighs. He starts to apologize but ends up snagging the soda out of the air instead. "Thanks," he glances at the bill put down. "Thanks twice," he adds with a grin. "They let me in as long as I have this," he lifts his hand and shows off the band on his wrist. "Allowed in as long as I don't try to drink any booze."

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

Jesse's song wraps up relatively well and easily, and there's a collective 'phew' noise from some members of the audience before someone else replaces her with some good old fashioned ACDC from the 80's. Jesse winds her way through the tables, pausing just once to take in the scene as Roy and Ethan converse. 
 
However, her attention is on a waiter, one who visibly pauses when Cassandra Cain pops up right next to Raven. The poor waiter seems to understand that maybe he should be over there -------> and duly departs.

<Pose Tracker> Speedy has posed:

"Nice." A slight nod is given towards the wristband on Ethan's wrist, as Roy notices Jesse finishing up her song, only for her to make her ways towards them, and then get distracted. "Well kiddo, I think you should get up there and sing for us."

Whatever it is that Roy is plotting, he's obviously got something planned as he notices that no one really wants to get up there and truly sing at the moment. It IS a karoke bar.

"Go pick a song, since everyone is being wallflowers. I'll try to make a call to bring one of the best people for parties ever. You'll thank me for it."

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

"It's Ethan," the blond introduces himself. When its suggested he should sing, Ethan goes pale. "Wh-what? Me sing? But...I uh...what should I sing?" he asks, suddenly nervous. Facing down supervillains...easy. Getting on stage in front of a bunch of people...not so much.

<Pose Tracker> Raven has posed:

Darkness attracts darkness, that much Raven can attest to even in an otherwise jovial place such as this. The dark sorceress sure tends to appear as a walking, breathing certification of Murphey's Law in a way that if she's anywhere in the vicinity one can be absolutely certain trouble was closely behind her steps. Sometimes it would be horrid Eldricht abominations, warping from the deepest bowels of the abyss to usurp her body and devour the immortal soul of any hapless victim that happened to be around her at that moment. Other times it would be simply attracting more of her type, emo, broody teenagers. 

The jury is still out on which one is worse. 
 
Raven would like to say that Cain's prowling abilities are so advanced that she catches her off guard. But the sorceress is perfectly aware of her own nature as a magnet of trouble and about the millisecond she felt a dark presence sliding next to her she merely sighed knowing full well that she was probably not going to enjoy whatever she was going to see as she turned around. 

Violet eyes meet Hazel and Raven stares at a kindred soul in the form of Cassandra giving her a silent nod of understanding once she sees her expression. 

"......" 
 
Clearly, that's like the Goths' secret handshake 

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

Jesse comes up behind Ethan and says, calmly, "Whatever in the world you want to. The 80's has good music, when you get to the back, talk to the DJ. She'll be able to figure out something that'll make you look good and be fun to see." Over Ethan's head, she grins at Roy. 
 
"Who in the world are you inviting, Harper?"

<Pose Tracker> Cassandra Cain has posed:

There's a certain tension in the shoulders when Raven first turns around, Cassandra's mouth closing in the wake of her silence - attempt at any actual speech aborted in favour of maintaining that level stare. She was briefed before coming out, and told that 'mingling' is what you do at parties; that it's a good place to meet people and make friends. She's dubious up until the moment that her fellow gloomypants offers that nod, and then her shoulders relax, just enough to express herself in lieu of that which would be sin cardinal...

Instead of *shudder* smiling like normal people, she nods back, chin dipping but gaze not removed from Raven's for an instant. When she straightens up, it's with a determined intake of breath, only released when she jerks her expressive chin toward the book in front of the other girl. She considers for a moment, mouth puckering into her left cheek as though chewing over the mysteries of life itself; as goths are want to do.

And then she glances at Raven again, quirking an eyebrow. "...?" She asks.

<Pose Tracker> Raven has posed:

The greeting is what Raven would consider cordial, she's elated in fact, as one can plainly see by her half narrowed, sleep deprived eyes, to see someone with enough sense on her head to know that life truly is nothing but sadness and despair. Let not yourself be fooled by the happy ambiance of the party people, they are all crying on the inside, Raven is just honest enough with herself to demonstrate accordingly. 

However, that doesn't stop her from socializing. Sadness is always much better when it is shared after all and she sees in Cassandra a trustworthy enough confidant to let her know of her plans. 

No words need to be spoken, at Cassandra's silent quandary, the dark sorceress with a simple gesture of her own to show the other mysterious girl what she's planning. ".....!" Exclaims she. 

Perhaps she'll like her idea as she shows her 'Lucretia, My Reflection by The Sisters of Mercy' see what she thinks. 

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Ethan doesn't seem surprised at all when Jesse appears, having sensed her walk up. "I don't know the music of the 80's though..." he trails off. "Or the 90's for that matter," the blond has never known much music. Nodding, he heads off to talk with DJ as suggested.

<Pose Tracker> Cassandra Cain has posed:

Indeed, this world of parties and idle chatter is an impenetrably strange one, frequented by those who seem not to know the first thing about the reality around them. On this city block alone - right this second - there are seventeen crimes taking place, though at least half a dozen of these should be swiftly prevented in the next minute by the person responsible for Cassie's fine display of costuming. Particularly the eye-liner.

It turns out being a highly-skilled human weapon doesn't prepare a girl for applying her own make-up, and she'd spent half an hour leant over the sink, splashing cold water incessantly into her right eye before deciding enough was enough, and asking for help. That's true pain. That's real suffering.

They /definitely/ understand one another.

Raven's statement draws a blink of black-rimmed eyes, the younger inceptive-goth immediately glancing toward the stage with a meaningful widening of the same. There's something of a 'deer in headlights' look to her now, though, somewhat ruining the grace suggested by her toned and ebon-clad form. It doesn't get any better when her attention is drawn to the book below, gaze canting down, mouth once more pinching to the side.

Her shoulders hunch, an almost suspicious glance going to Raven, and then once more to the stage. A hand lifts to her chin as the other folds over her bared abdominals. An instant later, it's like a lightbulb has gone off. A very black lightbulb. Fingertips cupping her cheek, she looks back to the Titan.

Her chin dips, and the opposite edge of her mouth tugs into an encouragingly sardonic smirk.

"......!!"

It's about as excited as any goth should be allowed to get.

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

The DJ looks at Ethan. 
 
"DeBarge. Rhythm of the Night." She says, professionally. "It's either that or Cyndi Lauper."

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Ethan just nods. He's never heard of the song but he's figuring the DJ knows what she's talking about. Taking a deep breath, he heads up on stage and waits for his cue to begin. Once he gets it, Ethan gives the best performance he can. He's not a bad singer but he probably thinks he's being terrible.

<Pose Tracker> Raven has posed:

Truly, bone shattering and limb wracking fights against criminals and demons alike pale in comparison to the woes such as them must endure in their miserable existence. How can anyone expect them to keep the streets clean from scum when they have not even been properly educated in the arts of black lip gloss and pale mascara? Morale is just as important in the world of crime fighting as powers are, if they cannot express their inner angst true their fashion, then their dark powers cannot manifest with their true power. 

See? This kind of stuff is important, people should /really/ not make light of it. 

But wallowing in the despair that is life will have to wait for now, this moment was a moment of mischief, a moment of expression to let break the sickeningly happy atmosphere of the bar and share the despair with all present. Raven's eyes narrow when Cassandra silently approves of her devious plan and offers yet another nod of agreement. The stage is set and she is ready. 

".......o/~" A regal flick of her cloak signals that she is ready to proceed giving Cassandra the honors of being apathy's very own emissary for tonight. 
 
<Pose Tracker> Cassandra Cain has posed:

Looking in the mirror back in the hallway of Stately Wayne Manor, Gotham's newest dark vigilante wasn't sure about this look - she's never had a 'look' before, but now she's found a comparison and can watch it at work on someone else... she likes it, that encouraging gesture threatening to become quite the pleased smile as Raven stylishly billows her enshrouding garment, eye narrowed and aspect dramatic.

But she keeps it in check. She's new to this, but she's a /fast/ learner.

A neophyte pupil of made-up misery she may be, but Cassie certainly delivers on the apathy as Ethan takes to the stage before the Titan can play her hand. The raven-haired runaway's devilish little smirk slips surely to a nonplussed stare, and then her brow crinkles into a frown as the song proceeds. New in general to most forms of actual honest-to-god culture, this is her first full-blown exposure to the combination of timpani and synthesizers, and she's not sure she likes it. She waits until the young undercover hero is done...

And then tips her head to one side curiously, gaze canting to take in a group of drunken revellers who actually break out into applause. She glances at Raven, as if checking if this reaction is 'normal', and then resolutely folds her arms across her chest, chin dipping as she sinks beneath the dark bangs of her fringe. When it's all over, she flicks her eyes sidelong once more with an expectant, "......!?"

She's so got this.

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAQSZhazYk8 
 
Rhythm of The Night is fairly catchy and it gets people on the dance floor, so even if Ethan does massively flub, no one gives a crap. Jesse, from the bar, gives the boy a big thumbs up and a just as big of a grin. She's managed to conquer a Bloody Mary from somewhere, as well, not that she's been really drinking it. 
 
However, blue eyes flick over to Cassandra and Raven. "... ?" She asks, absently to herself.

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Ethan's blushing furiously as he leaves the stage. That's the most embarrassing thing he's ever done. Out of costume anyway. Stepping back over near the bar, he looks to Jesse. "I wasn't bad?"

<Pose Tracker> Raven has posed:

Raven can be slightly trendy herself when the situation calls for it. Admittedly, she had given her attire some thought before leaving the tower and hit the local clubs. It was the right thing to do, according to Starfire anyway, and staring now at Cassandra she may regret the fact that she chose to keep her robes simple. They would have made a much stunning pair if Raven had dressed up for the occasion, but sadly she lacks the scrying capabilities necessary to warn her about this fated meeting. Now she must work with what she has and match Cassandra's style with the simple gear she wears every day, her work clothes at that. 
 
Truly, will her suffering never end!? 

It gets worse. Just as Raven is about to execute her master plan, Ethan beats them to the punch and takes the spotlight they sought. Raven allows herself one expression, frustration, and Cassandra is greeted to the sight of a pouty lipped Raven who then begins clenching her fist tightly. Looks like they have to endure through another song, it's not particularly awful, but not to the grand scale she was planning. 
 
Finally the time to act comes and Raven gives a few claps of her own to Ethan's..umm..acceptable performance before giving a decisive nod to the other Goth. "......!!!" 
 
It is now or never, Raven reaches for Cassandra's arm and lead her to the stage despite the strange look Jeese gives them. They won't be silenced now that they are so close, the dynamic duo will take center stage one way or another. 
 
And the world will be blanketed in darkness. 

<Pose Tracker> Speedy has posed:

Roy eventually returns, a slightly confused look upon his face. There is slight wink towards Jesse as he walks back towards the bar for a few moments. He motions for the bartender, and then whispers something into the poor guy's ear. The bartender seems to be rather shocked and amazed at this, only to nod and wander off to root around under the bar.

Roy once more pulls out his phone, and quickly types out a text message, only to glance towards the great Goth-Off going on. A quick nod is given towards Jesse, and he then points towards the two wall-flowers that seem to be having a conversation of immense proportions, that is beyond the scope of normal man.

Roy's going to make this night interesting now.

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

"You did wonderfully. You got the party really going, although now I'm slightly worried." Jesse admits, giving Ethan a gentle nudge to look at Cassandra and Raven as the pair start to take over the stage. "It's probably a good thing we both went before them. We're probably going to get outshone." 
 
Blue eyes flick over to Roy, and one eyebrow raises. "What'd you do?" She hisses softly.

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Ethan, unaware of the spotlight he stole, continues to blush when nudged. "Thanks," he murmurs. He looks towards the stage and blinks at the sight of the epic goth-off. Popping open his soda, he leans back to listen.

<Pose Tracker> Cassandra Cain has posed:

Reading body language is wonderful, but it's not entirely perfect; Cassandra can get a read on someone's character, their motivations to some extent, but she can't pre-empt anything beyond the very next action they take. She's left guessing piecemeal as to the long-term plans of those she makes contact with - not so much a problem when lurking in the shadows, observing, awaiting a chance to act. But in this scenario?

It's absolutely useless. She thinks she's guessed right, so she's not even looking at Raven--

"...!!!" When she's promptly grabbed and hauled toward the stage, at least possessing the instincts to stop herself doing something terrible like stumbling and snagging her leggings. Her eyes are wide, however, as she attempts to keep her posture on the way to the stage, walking up to one of the microphones as if in a dream. With no idea what the heck she's going to do, she takes it in both hands, easing close to it in a way that gets a few men whistling, but all she's trying to do is HIDE behind it. She needs a plan!

Which is when the music starts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuezNswtRfo

Her mouth is a broad line, her eyes showing absolute horror when she actually responds to the music, her hips jerking side to side, heavy boots twisting against the floor to aid the motion. Her head bobs a horizontal counter-rhythm; she opens her mouth as if to object, and then smiles like a delighted child, completely ruining the goth thing but replacing it with something entirely, unbelievably /cute/. But then she gets ambitious.

The intro plays out, and with instinctive rhythm she starts to sing the opening line.

"I---..."

Oh dear.

"......"

Oh dear, oh dear.

"......"

By sheer luck she gets the very first note, but Raven's going to need to pick up the slack pretty fast.

At least Cass isn't smiling any more. She looks MORTIFIED.

<Pose Tracker> Speedy has posed:

Roy just waves a hand dismissively at Jesse. "Trust me." A quick glance is given towards his watch, hoping his secret plan works. He knows that he'll most likely end up paying for it in some fashion. Then again, he really doesn't care. Downtime IS downtime, and everyone needs to take advantage of it at times.

The former ward grins slightly as he takes a sip of his water, knowing full well that if what he just did works, things are going to get even more entertaining for all those who did show up.

Gotta make the cute girls happy every so often, right?

<Pose Tracker> Superman has posed:

Opening night is crazy enough. There's a large crowd that's abuzz with the excitement of the evening with the opening of this new club; so much so that the line wraps the block. Yet, there is suddenly a new energy to the crowd that instantly ripples through the club. If the voltage was at 1000 Watts before, think of the level of excitement suddenly ramped up to about 100 times that.

The reason for this excitement becomes clear very shortly-- and sadly, it does not have to do with the mortification of the heroes singing on the stage. Rather, it has to do with the fact the two Justice Leaguers have shown up at the entrance to the club. Two of the big hitters, even. They are not asked to take their coats-- or capes, or bracers, even. It takes a moment, but the bouncers pull the velvet ropes aside and allow Superman and Wonder Woman into the madness beyond.

Leading the way, Superman just seems to casually stroll through the crowd that inexplicably melts away in front of him, allowing him the ease of walking pretty much anywhere he wants to. He has a mildly pleasant expression on his face, though anyone that knows him will be able to see the slight signs of irritation at something probably rather recent, his eyes scanning the crowd for a person, or a small group of people, in particular.

The Man of Steel turns to say something quietly to Wonder Woman, and then strolls casually over towards a certain Roy Harper and Jesse Chambers. "Ms. Chambers. Mr. Harper," he states casually, though Roy's name carries the slightest of edges to it, "Thank you for the invite this evening."

<Pose Tracker> Raven has posed:

Who would have thunk it? The caster of the group turns out to be the most assertive despite her role not being delegated to beating people to pulp with her fists. Usually, in dynamic pairs of warrior and magician such as this, it is the spellcaster who is usually more reserved whilst the muscle has the wild attributes that peerless fighters should. The opposite proves to be true as soon as the dark due enter the stage and they both begin swaying their hips with the music, it's pretty clear who has done this before and who hasn't. 

Though their movements are the same, most of the loud whistles are more than likely directed to Cassandra seeing as Raven is dressed a fair bit more conservatively, sure they leotard may be a little revealing but that cloak isn't exactly form fitting. Furthermore she lacks certain...'attributes' so to speak, and no amount of hip swaying will put her on par with her improvised teammate. 

It is of no consequence, once the music begins, Raven's lungs fill with air ready to let the world know the true meaning of suffering in stereo just to hear Cassandra frog out the first lyrics before shocking up with apparent stage fright. 

Well..if anything Raven is used to huge disappointments such as this. Beast Boy comes to mind. 
 
o/~ "I hear the roar of a big machine 
Two worlds and in between 
Hot metal and methedrine 
I hear empire down 
I hear empire down" /o~ 
          
You gotta give the girl some credit, she certainly seems to know what she's doing, but with the statuesque Cassandra delegated to nothing more than a back up dancer the coming of the darkness is not as overwhelming as it ought to have been. 

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

The appearance of Superman makes Ethan tense almost instantly. He hasn't seen the hero since the Watchtower but he remembers he was Kinetic then. Right now he's just mild mannered artist Ethan Webb so he fakes some surprise and excitement from his spot near Jesse. "Wow..." he trails off. Raven and Cassandra's performance draws his attention next though. "Wow again..."

<Pose Tracker> Diana has posed:

Diana of Themyscira rarely wore a cape, anyways. Tall, regal, proud, Diana lightly lands on the block besides Superman, quirking a brow at the long lines around the club. "Somehow," Diana confides to Superman as she leans towards him, her jewelry glittering like fire from every light that was playing across them, "I think we just gave this club all the free publicity that it could ever hope for," she says, straightening up again for the stride inside. 
 
Far from being upset, Diana seemed gently amused by the prospect. 
 
She was content to let Superman lead the way through the gawkers and the crowds, capitalizing on the path that he was creating for the pair. When the pair stops, the faint look of bemusement on Wonder Woman's features fades a bit at Clark's quiet words, Diana bobbing her head in a brief nod to him. 
 
"Indeed," Diana says, stepping out from behind Superman's shadow, taking a place beside him as equals. "You do us honor by inviting us to your..." Diana says, tapping a finger against her chin as her eyes narrow a bit, and take in the room as a whole. It wasn't sarcasm that led to her pause, simply attempting to find the word - and the smile that plays across her features when she finds it may lend truth to the moment. "...celebration?" she offers. "But may I ask what is being celebrated?"

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

"Hello, Superman." Jesse says, ever the businesswoman before she Frowns at Speedy, who wanders off, probably to flirt with one of the cuter girls in the area. The act on the stage draws Jesses' bright blue eyes, gawking slightly. At Diana's question, Jesse turns back to her, smiling brightly. "A celebration of friends, who work hard for all they have." Jesse says, simply. 
 
"That, and it's not like most of us ever talk frequently outside of business." Jesse herself is massively guilty of this. "So this is a way of helping a new business get to their feet - which I believe they have, at this point-" Her tone is somewhat wry; "As well as getting to meet old friends all over again."

<Pose Tracker> Cassandra Cain has posed:

Struck by complete, useless horror she may be, but the assassin-turned-diva does her best to keep up the performance; shifting more awkwardly if still astonishingly rhythmically to the music as Raven picks up the ball and runs for the touchline, dragging her on behind. At least the audience still seems to be enjoying it, until the halfway point of the song where a literal, honest-to-Hera AMAZON comes striding in alongside the most famous hero on the face of the globe. Cassie's not one to be starstruck, but...

Well, the general populace can't resist a celebrity. Let alone two of them.

Biting down on her lip as the lyrics hit their three-minute lull, the raven-haired runaway takes her hands from the microphone - her knuckles absolutely white from gripping onto it, fingers still quivering with tension - and glances sidelong to Raven. Her hazel eyes are quite wonderfully expressive, though the lip-biting quirk of her mouth says it well enough. 'Sorry'. She doesn't literally say it, but she would if she could!

Maintaining eye contact for just long enough, she's off in an instant, going from statuesque gothic princess to vanishing black blur as she vaults from the stage and darts through the crowd. She's too fast to be waylaid by a couple of attempts to get her to dance, nimbly evading a grasping hand and making it to the curtain with a gasp, pushing her way through and trying to gather her senses out in the front area of the bar.

Even if she could string a sentence together, she'd have NO idea how to begin explaining this to Batman!

<Pose Tracker> Raven has posed:

Ah, upstaged by people who aren't even singing. Raven does believe that today she has achieved a new low, something for her to write on her diary later tonight as she sips on some tea and dwells on the events that took her here. 
 
Raven knows that it is futile to continue singing after the appearance of none other that THE cape and the Queen of the Amazons. While she wasn't gripping her microphone -quite- as tightly as her goth compatriot she does relinquish it's hold as a defeated general relinquishes his sword. What she doesn't expect is Cassandra giving her the wide puppy eye look of apology as she begins to shake on her expensive boots, oh she knows that look very well, it's the exact same look that Starfire gives her before---yep, she's running away. 
 
A sigh is exhaled from Raven's dark painted lips as she is abandoned and just clears her throat deciding to cut her losses while she can. 
 
"Thank you very much....good night!" 
 
Says she to the crowd and offers them a departing magic trick. Raven covers herself with her cloak and now you see her and.... 
 
*Poof* 
 
Now you don't. 

<Pose Tracker> Superman has posed:

"Certainly both things that we support, Ms. Chambers." Superman agrees with Jesse, even as he watches Roy disappear from her side, his slight irritation disappearing even as Mr. Harper does. When he looks back to both Diana and Jesse, the Man of Steel offers a genuine smile that is not quite full wattage and yet is impressive nonetheless.

His attention turns to the stage briefly as the young Cassandra Cain makes her own hasty exit, followed by the more spectacular disappearing act of Raven's, and then he turns back to Jesse. "I apologize if we drew too much attention from the real show here," the Man of Steel starts with slight regret, "Wonder Woman and I thought it would be best if some of us were at least to show support for your initiative, though." He looks sideways to Diana, tilting his head slightly, "Perhaps we should mingle for a few moments while we have it?"

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Ethan watches Roy go and shrugs. Sipping his soda, he frowns as Cassandra flees the stage. The artist feels bad for her. Then Raven pulls a disappearing act. Ethan winces, putting a hand to his head for a moment. People suddenly vanishing from his spatial awareness is always a shock. "Ow..." he mutters. Turning back to observe Jesse and the Leaguers, Ethan idly looks Wonder Woman over. After concluding she looks better in person than in her pictures, he smiles a bit. "I wonder who's going to take the stage next," he muses aloud to no one in particular.

<Pose Tracker> Diana has posed:

It was fickle fate that when Diana's attention is finally drawn to the stage, the key players vanish from it. Was that...? The Princess of the Amazons shakes her head, bringing up a hand to lightly fold one arm over her other arm, turning her brilliantly blue eyes back towards Liberty Belle. Likewise, her own smile wasn't quite full wattage, but she certainly seemed a bit more happy than Superman's might have been.
 
"A celebration of friends. I can approve of such a thing," says Diana, her smile lifting a few more notches. At Superman's question, Diana turns her eyes towards him and nods her head, once. "I believe that I will get a drink - and try to encourage the singer to try again," Diana says, her eyes shifting towards the bar proper. In the crowd, it was difficult to follow Cassandra, but... Diana felt that she could manage. "I'm not certain that we can help the one who vanished," she says, giving Superman a sideways sort of smile and a shrug.

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

Cassandra disappears into the Coat Check area, and Raven just /disappears/, and Ethan and Jesse are both standing there very confused, considering Speedy had just pulled the same trick. Her mouth open, Jesse looks utterly /displeased/ and /happy/ all at the same time. Finally, she looks back at Superman and Wonder Woman. 
 
"Thank you very much for showing up, as well. If you could, that'd be nice... I feel sorry for them, and worried that they both just disappeared like that." Jesse says, somewhat sadly. "I'm sure the crowd wonders if Superman can carry a tune...?" She offers, slightly mischeviously to said hero.

<Pose Tracker> Cassandra Cain has posed:

On the other side of the curtain separating off the stage and its twin flanking bars, Cassandra takes one more deep breath and briskly shakes her head. Her cheeks are still warm and flushed with a reddish shame that does little credit to her dark attire, but she's at least got the presence of mind to choose her next course of action wisely...

Or at least, as best serves the purposes of a teenage girl who's thoroughly embarassed herself.

Glancing one last time over her shoulder, she starts forward toward the exit, her lingering haste carrying her away as swiftly and stealthily as a trainee goth in Doc Marten's can really be. But also causing her to make a very silly mistake. In her rush through the curtain, a handful of tiny items slipped from the raggedy back pocket of her black denim minishorts to scatter surreptitiously on the floor. Gas Pellets. The type employed by Batman. Not quite Cinderella's glass slipper, but she doesn't plan to turn into a pumpkin either...

She's stepping from the door and off down the lamplit street long before she notices they're gone.

<Pose Tracker> Superman has posed:

Superman allows himself a semi-amused smile directed at Jesse's offered suggestion, along with a slight shake of his head. "I'm afraid they will just have to keep on wondering, Ms. Chambers," the Man of Steel begins, trying NOT to sound like a stick in the mud, despite appearances to the contrary with the not singing. "Singing is not one of my strong points."

There's something in the room that, despite the din, catches Superman's ear, and his eyes turn away from Jesse and Diana briefly as he gives the room a quick once over. It takes him but a moment to find what he's looking for, though-- and a moment later, he offers a brief apology to the ladies. "Excuse me just a moment, would you?"

Unerringly, Superman arrives at the dropped gas pellets just a few moments after the young Ms. Cain departs from the club, and while he does not mover at superspeed, he does move rather quickly to scoop up the items left behind into one of his hands. Another brief examination of them, and they are tucked underneath his cloak into what must be a small holding pocket of some sort before anyone else gets a really good look at them. In another moment or two, he is back again with Diana and Jesse.

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Ethan can't help but chuckle a little at Jesse's suggestion that Superman sing. He's got a feeling that would draw a crowd alright. When the Man of Steel declines, the artist shrugs. He quirks a brow as Superman heads off, frowning a little. When the hero comes back, Ethan shrugs again. At first, he just keeps sipping his soda. Then spatial awareness picks up on those little gas pellets in that pocket. He remembers how those feel from his encounter with Batman. Tensing again, the blond first looks right at Superman's cape and then glances a little nervously around the bar. His fight with Joker in Metropolis a few days ago and the whole fiasco in Guam have him a little worried Batman might be angry. And if Batman's in the room, Ethan wants to hide.

<Pose Tracker> Diana has posed:

At least, just Jesse. While Superman hears the snap-hiss of gas, Diana hears something else. The beep of her communicator. The odd device was powered by Man's World technology, but it served its purpose - that is, enough for Wonder Woman to lift the communicator to her lips, and speak into it. A brief, if muffled conversation occurs, any trace of joy fading from her features. 
 
Looking deathly serious now, Diana hurries back towards Superman and Jesse, giving both a nod. "I'm afraid that I'll have to cut this short. Trouble," she offers, flickering her eyes back towards Jesse. "I wish you the best of luck on your opening night - thank you for inviting us to stop by," Diana says, before she turns, less to tempt her fate with the crowd, and more to head towards a door beside the stage. Not to sing, sadly, but to find a back entrance to make a less crowded escape from.

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

"... Ethan? It might be a wise idea to get out of here." Jesse says in a calm voice as Wonder Woman ducks out of a side door tha tleads to the kitchens and then out. Jesse is not getting Ethan-the-teenager into trouble. Kinetic, she's not allowed to scold. 
 
"Superman, do we need to...?" She trails off, raising an eyebrow at him, cautiously.

<Pose Tracker> Superman has posed:

Attention captured by Wonder Woman's conversation and departure, the gas pellets in Superman's cape are quickly forgotten in the face of trouble elsewhere. There is a brief moment where his attention focuses on Ethan as he is addressed by Jesse, but it ends when Jesse asks her own question of the Man of Steel.

He gives Jesse a half rueful smile that speaks volumes; he knew that sooner or later their night was bound to get cut short. "I'm afraid so, Ms. Chambers. It seems that there's some trouble over in Spain. J'onn can send the coordinates to your communicator."

The Big Blue Boy Scout turns to leave, pausing only for a moment to look back over his shoulder, "Sorry we couldn't stay longer. Perhaps this is a good idea for another time, though. And maybe a more secure location."

Then, Superman speaks to the crowd, even as he heads back out for the exit, "Sorry about the interruption, folks. Nothing for you to worry about-- enjoy your evening!" And in moments, he is out the front door, and then-- Up, Up and Away!

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Ethan blinks, confused for a moment. He manages to fake a little more nervousness as he notices Wonder Woman going. "What do you mean? Is trouble coming here?" he asks, glancing around again. He's hoping its not. And then Superman's going off and Ethan just looks confused.

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

"Thanks." Jesse says briefly to Superman, before looking at Ethan, one eyebrow raising. "Nothing special, just a bit of a Kinetic charge in the air." She says, casually. "I need to go. If Roy comes back, tell him I'm sorry... if you're still here." Jesse smiles.

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

And again, Ethan tenses up. He's not told anyone that he's Kinetic yet so its a shock if anyone's found out. "I uh...sure, Miss. If he comes back I'll let him know," the blond replies, swallowing.

<Pose Tracker> Liberty Belle has posed:

Jesse smiles at Ethan, winking at him before she disappears after the route Wonder Woman took, effectively bringing the party to a mostly close, aside from the ever missing Speedy.

<Pose Tracker> Kinetic has posed:

Lingering for a few moments, Ethan finishes off his soda in a few chugs. Tossing the can in the nearest recycling bin, he's headed out the front entrance. If there's trouble, he's not going to sit back and do nothing after all...even if he's pretty sure he won't be welcome there.