Hellfire Gala: Making a grand entrance

[Michael Priest]

OOC: This thread starts our two month time jump.--K



IC:

Michael Priest smiled as he looked from one of the windows on the upper floors of the Hellfire Mansion to see the guests arriving for the gala he and Sebastian Shaw had worked so very hard to pull together. It was going to be a night to remember for so many reasons.

As he heard the orchestra playing down in the grand ballroom, Michael smiled at himself in the mirror as he adjusted his clothing. As tradition dictated, the male members of the Inner Circle wore the garb of an earlier time. It was always a wonder what the female ones would be wearing to such an event. 

{{And I wonder what the good Children of the Atom will be wearing to this event?}} he mused as he finished buttoning his coat and made his way out of his chambers. {{And I pray Spencer, Reid and Mary Jane can handle that younger crowd tonight. I am still having my doubts about that after party they pressed for, but it will be a good way to vet the college crowd}}

"Mr. Priest, sir," a young woman called out as he exited his rooms. "Sir, there is a gathering of reporters outside. They've set up on the red carpet. Should I get the guards to escort them off the premises?"

"No, my dear, we have been expecting them," Priest said with a smirk. "They are all part of the plan."


 

[Spencer Priest]

"Papa! Papa! You have to see all the people outside!" Spencer Priest nearly squealed as she came hurrying down the hallway to where her father stood looking down into the entrance hall to the Hellfire Mansion. "Did she tell you about the reporters outside?" she asked as she motioned to the young woman next to her father.

"Yes, Buttercup, she did," Priest replied as he shooed the young woman away and started to walk downstairs with his daughter. "And I know you are having your doubts about Finn and Faith. They will be here, and I know you will do your very best to win them both over, but if your sister is less willing, don't be surprised. She takes after her mother a bit too much at times."

"Papa, please, no Buttercup tonight," Spencer replied as she listened to the sounds of the city streets just outside the mansion's doors. "Tonight I become the woman you always wanted me to be. Mother and Uncle Marco will be here, but I won't let them ruin tonight for you."

"Spencer, no one will ruin this night for anyone. Your Aunt Elizabeth and I will make sure that your mother and uncle are entertained and happy," Michael responded as he stopped and looked toward the doorway as well. "Don't tell me that Perez Hilton person is here?"

"I'm not sure, but I did see someone from Page Six, and the website that follows all the socialites my age has a reporter out there. I'm so excited. And isn't this dress Mrs. Andrews designed for me to die for, Papa? MJ is just so sweet. I can't believe she asked her mother."

Spencer saw the servants running back and forth making last minute adjustments to the room as the orchestra played. "This night is going to be magical, Papa."


 

[Alloy]

"Hello," MJ said as she Reid entered the room.  She waved and took Reid's arm as they walked down the steps.  She walked over to Michael and gave him a hug.  "I cannot believe how many people are out there.  I must have got my picture snapped a hundred times!  My parents are so excited to meet you, Uncle Mike.  My mother said that this event is going to put the Met Gala to shame."  MJ laughed and then looked at Spencer.

"You look gorgeous," she said.  She didn't really know Spencer well, but she seemed like some one that she'd get along really well with.  MJ walked over to the window and looked out.  "Ah, this feels like the old times.  God, I'm going to miss New York."  She turned around, slight sadness on her face.

"I'm really not looking forward to moving to California.  I won't be able to wear black anymore.  Plus, I'm really not into that whole vibe out there."  She shook her head and walked over to the bar and grabbed a bottle of water.




"I hope the young adult party will be as posh as this one," she said looking at Michael.  "Will Reid and I be able to sneak back and forth to both parties?  I can only be around people my age for a short while.  Teenagers bug me!" she joked.

[Reid Garrett]

"You and Spencer will get along just fine," Reid said as he grabbed MJ's hand and his cousin's. "Spencer, that dress is fabulous. And I think California is out, MJ. Neither of us really want to go out there. Wait. Uncle Mike, you still have that house in Malibu?"

"Thanks again for the chance to wear something so beautiful, MJ," Spencer said quietly as she watched her cousin and his girlfriend. "You look absolutely stunning." 

"Your boyfriend has the wheels turning again, MJ," Michael said as he walked over to the window where MJ was standing. "I'm glad your parents will be here. You have been such a joy to have in our lives, and my sister and I are so happy you can all be here for the gala. It will only rival the Met gala because of the work you and your mother did. And yes, I still have the house in Malibu. And one in San Francisco, but the weather is better in Malibu."

"Well, if we end up going West Coast, MJ, at least we wouldn't have to live with the X-Men," Reid said with a big smile. "I know what you mean about the teen crowd. At least some of the people at our party won't be high schoolers. But I agree about going between the two events."

"Of course you can. All three of you can," Michael replied as he glanced out the window to see a portal open near the red carpet. "Oh, I think things are going to get interesting soon. I just pray Ryder doesn't bring some odd looking ghoul to the party. Her taste in companions has always been a bit on the odd side."

"Well, Uncle Gerry taught her how to live that wacky Bohemian life ages ago, Uncle Mike," Reid said as he made a funny face. "Sorry, but the Crypt Keeper thing gets old fast. Back to a better topic. MJ, when are your parents getting here?"


 

[Alloy]

"Hopefully soon," MJ looked up on the clock on the wall.  "Mother is always fashionably late though.  She does like to make a grand entrance where ever she goes."  She took a drink from her glass.

"Malibu might be nice.  I do love LA but wouldn't want to live there.  San Francisco has too many hipsters there," she giggled.  "Maybe we can spend time between Malibu and New York though.  My modeling agency has offices on both coasts." She smirked at Reid.

"Yes, Ive been thinking about modeling again.  I didn't get to do much of it while we were at the Xavier Institute, but I'd like to start again.  As long as I'm not outted as a mutant.  That would totally ruin my career," she said bitterly.

[Deleted]

The shadows in a corner twitched and crawled over a nearby doorway, a pair of amber eyes gleam for second before a man steps through the doorway and into the room. He straightens his what looks to be very expensive clothing before approaching the others. He nods greeting to everyone and bows slightly to Priest out of respect. "Mr Priest, by the looks of things outside. Tonight's Gala will be grand." Antonio smirked to walked to his place as the Black Rook.

He stood patiently with his hands folded in front of him, the dark whispers taunting him as always. The shadows near him move ever so slightly as the bend to him as Dark creatures move about, only those with keen eyes could even notice. He forces his hatred against the ones coming in back to this throat, causing the darkness to taunt him more ~Kill... Killl Them.. We know you want to.... We see it inside you Antonio.. We are your hatred.. Your Darkness~

He smiles through gritted teeth. *Not Now!... perhaps soon.. but Not Now.. Now Leave Me BE!* his eyes gleam amber for a split second.

The shadows snap back to original position when Antonio unknowingly forced the darkness to command him.

[Michael Priest]

"We will do everything in our power, MJ, to make sure you run into no problems as you ramp up your modeling career again," Michael replied as he thought about the success MJ had had in the past. She was an intelligent and vibrant soul, and no one would dare hurt her as long as Michael Priest was there to help her. He thought of Reid as a son more than a nephew, so this was something he did out of love for his family more than any sort of love for Hellfire and the fame her career might bring those around her. And even if she was not of his blood, MJ was family to him.

Michael then turned as Antonio, the Black Rook of New York, entered the room. Michael knew a bit more about the young man's talents than many might have suspected, and he could sense the forces moving around Estacado.

"I did make sure that invitation went out as you requested," Michael said to Antonio. "And I made sure the dress was delivered to her as well. MJ's mother was a wonder getting it for me so quickly. And no, Sebastian did not object to your guest being on the list. This will truly be an evening to remember for all of us."

Wheels were turning behind the scenes that only Michael and Sebastian Shaw knew about, but by the end of the evening, the whole landscape of Hellfire was likely to change for the better. 

"Antonio, we'll get this lot into the 21st century kicking and screaming if we have to, won't we Antonio? MJ, Reid and Spencer, this night will mean so much to me because of all you are doing to move our little group forward. Thank you again."

[Alloy]

MJ smiled.  "You're very welcome, Uncle Mike.  I will help out in any way I can.  I'm just happy that a club like Hellfire still exists.  Everything is just so grand and elegant.  Really, you don't see much of that anymore." MJ smoothed out her dress and nodded politely to Antonio.

She turned back to Reid and took his hand.  "And I just want to thank you for letting me into your life, Reid.  You really understand me.  You get me," she said quietly.  It was the truth, before Reid her life with the X-Men had sucked.  As soon as she met Reid, things started to change.  

If he left the X-Men, then so would she.  She'd follow him where ever he went.  Do what ever he wanted her to do.

She squeezed his hand.  "Reid, is it too soon to say that I love you?" Her eyes twinkled and she smiled softly.  "Because, I do.  I love you so much, that it makes my heart ache when I'm away from you."

[Reid Garrett]

Reid breathed a sigh of relief when MJ said she loved him. He had been fearing the exact opposite when she grasped his hand. Reid may have been all confidence and bravado on the outside, but inside he was afraid he'd be left alone like many men in his family had been. His Uncle Michael had never had the best of luck with women, and his Uncle Gerry's wife had died shortly after Ryder had been born. To have someone say she loved him, and have it be the woman he truly loved, was a miracle he was grateful for.

"Follow me," he said quietly as he took MJ into one of the drawing rooms on that floor. "I don't want everyone hearing this. You deserve more than having someone get all nosy about things."

Uncle Mike had taken Reid out earlier in the week, and they had discussed not only the party but business, Reid's schooling and his life in general. Michael was thrilled MJ was in Reid's life, and he told his nephew it was never too soon to let anyone he loved know it. He had also asked a very huge favor of his mother a few days back, and now he was glad he did.

"It is not too soon. It's never too soon, MJ. I love you, too," Reid said as he leaned in to kiss her. "I know my Mom told you a bit about how she met my Dad. How he had given her a promise ring when they first got serious," he said as he fumbled in his jacket pocket. "I asked my Mom, and she said she'd be happy to see the ring on your finger now. If you want it , I mean. If you aren't ready, I understand."

Reid carefully opened the box to reveal the ring. It was platinum with an square-cut emerald in the center setting. Tiny diamonds circled the emerald and glistened in the light from the candles in the room. "I know tradition means a lot to both of us, MJ. I never want to be away from you either. I'm not going to be like one of those idiots you see on TV chasing skirts when I have the most amazing girl waiting for me at the end of the day. I promise. We're in this together." 

[Alloy]

MJ looked down at the ring and grinned widely.  "I love it Reid," she said quietly and then looked back up at him.  "I love you."  She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes and then they began to stream down her face.  Quickly she wiped them away.  "Ugh, I hate crying.  I bet my make up is getting all messed up," she laughed.

After she fixed herself up a bit she looked at Reid again.  "You are the most amazing person ever.  I'm so happy that I can be in your life.  My family loves you too which is good, because they've never liked any of the other guys that I dated.  Not that I've dated a lot before you.  My mom is always taking about how wonderful you are.  I'm sure she'll tell you at least a hundred times tonight," she said with a short laugh.

"This night is already proving to be magical," she said glancing out the window.  "Everything in my life seems perfect for once."

[Loki]

Back in the main area of the balcony, a tall man in a dark suit, carrying an unusual walking stick, made his way to Michael Priest and the man standing near him.



"Victor Von Doom sends his regards," Loki, the Asgardian known as The Trickster to many, said as he tapped his stick on the marble floor, looking below as the heroes and common rabble of this world made their way into this grand gala. "It is not as fine as Asgard, but it will suffice."

Loki was a bit surprised when Priest came to him with invitation in hand, but then again, the immortal and the god had dealings going back centuries. 

"Loki, this is Antonio Estacado, our Black Rook of New York," Priest said as the god nodded to the man before him. "And this is my daughter Spencer." 

"Michael has told me much about you, Mr. Estacado," Loki replied with a wicked grin. "As he has told me about others here this night, including you, my dear," he said as he took Spencer's hand and kissed it. "A dance later, if you please."

Loki's eyes narrowed as he felt a wave of mystic energy moving through the building. "How many Celts did you invite to this gala, Michael? I can feel every single one of them moving around down below. It is most...disturbing."

 

[Aro]

A poof of swirling red smoke appeared in the room and from it Aro, the Volturi vampire, stepped through it.  His blood red eyes darted around the room looking at all the fine things of the Hellfire Club before they settled on Michael Priest and the others.  "It has a certain charm, I suppose ..." he said giving a fanged smile.  He tilted his head in acknowledgment to the men.  "Not sure if this was where I was supposed to end up but nevertheless here I am!" he said and then did his creepy laugh.  

Aro was known for two things:  His insanity and his creepy laugh.

"I trust you'll have something ... or rather, someone for me to drink, Priest?" he cackled again.  He looked over at Loki and nodded in a kind guesture.  "Ah, The Trickster ... Long time no see."

[Detective Kinsella]

Kate quietly moved past the crowd that seemed to be growing by the minute and finally found herself inside the grand foyer. She had had to keep quiet about this party around the precinct, or she would have been drafted to work the event. After getting this dress delivered to her apartment a few days ago, she knew she didn't want to be stuck working all evening.



As she moved through the crowd, Kate couldn't believe her luck at having a limo come to pick her up. A ride on the subway would have been an unmitigated disaster, and flagging down a patrol car for a lift would have been bad form and would have raised too many questions.

((Why am I getting this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach? And why is my little accessory starting to act up already?)) she thought as she felt her Witchblade spring to life as she moved past some of the party goers. ((Calm down. Please. I want tonight to be a good night))

Kate finally made her way up the staircase to the balcony. She felt Antonio's presence up there, and she sensed a lot of other people, too. She stood back as several of them chatted, not quite sure what to do next. She waved to get Antonio's attention, and she prayed she wouldn't attract any unwanted glances her way. One guy with a very weird laugh seemed to make her Witchblade freak a bit more than usual. ((Oh boy. I think the evening just went to a whole new level of crazy))

[Deleted]

Antonio bowed respectfully to Loki, *Just what is planned if the God of Mischief and Trickery makes a point to appear. * He smiled knowing his name was being spread even to worlds of Asgard. He noticed Kate, who wouldn't dressed so elegantly. He caught himself almost captivated from her beauty. He glances to Priest then bows to Loki and Priest, "If you would excuse me for a moment, it seems my precious jewel has arrived."

The shadows slightly shift with his movements as he walks toward Kate. He smiles broadly approaching her with his hand out to her. "Kate, you look Astonishing."

He wiped his mouth playful, "Sorry about the drool, I am sure you will get that alot tonight." He winks at her with a smile. He could feel her anxiety and figured he could break the ice around with is laid back since of humor.

Antonio held his hand to her, "I have some people i would like to show you off to I mean introduce you." he half laughed, and only half kidding.

[Detective Kinsella]

"Thank you," Kate whispered to Antonio as the man with the odd laugh stopped staring at them for a moment. "And thank you for the dress. My salary would not have covered it, that's for sure. And you look amazing yourself. You apparently run in some very important circles. I'm not surprised, but I am impressed nonetheless."

Kate took a moment to center herself as she saw Loki in one corner and finally realized the laughing man was a vampire. She did a quick tick through her memory and remembered he was a very highly placed vampire lord named Aro. No wonder Antonio invited her. She might be one of the few humans in New York who wouldn't be terrified just walking into the room with these individuals.

"So, Hellfire Club? Very high on the social ladder indeed. I'll gladly meet anyone you want to introduce me to. I know a few by reputation already, but I've never met any of these people in my work."
 

[Reid Garrett]

Reid heard all the fuss outside the room and decided to stay inside with MJ a bit longer. He did not want her running into the guy he thought was outside. His mother had mentioned Aro the vampire, and he did not want Aro getting any silly ideas about MJ.

"How could tonight not be magical? You're here with me," Reid said as he kissed MJ. "And your make up is fine, but I can always help with the finishing touches if you want. You always look beautiful to me."

Reid knew his mother was as thrilled with MJ being in his life as her parents were that he was in hers. "Mom is glad your family will be here tonight. She really loves you, too, MJ. And she knows tonight is a very big deal. No more of this kiddie table stuff. The only one of the people at the school who understood us was Ms. Frost. Tonight she and everyone else will see what a treasure you are. I am so lucky you are my girlfriend, MJ."

[Michael Priest]

Between Loki's comment about all the Celts at the party and Aro looking for a "tap" for the evening, Michael began to wonder if inviting such a unique set of guests was such a good idea after all. "Loki, there is a very good reason for all of them to be here. Most of them have coffers filled with gold, and they will make wonderful contributors to the educational endeavors Hellfire is looking to promote. I can find you a suitably un-Celt populated area to hold court, if you wish."

Priest then turned his attention to Aro. Michael had assumed, all too incorrectly, that Melkir's little meeting on the West Coast would keep many of the mystic heavyweights away, but Melkir, the idiot, changed the days of his conclave so all who wanted to could attend the gathering here. That seemed odd to Priest, but he kept his thoughts to himself on the matter.

"Aro, there is a series of rooms set up for your needs," Michael replied as he pointed out two young Hellfire employees standing near the stairs. "They have secured suitable entertainment and refreshments for you and will take you there whenever you wish. I hope they are to your liking." 

[Deleted]

Antonio escorted Kate proudly on his arm across the room, slowly making his way back to his station. He picked up two glasses of wine from the staff carrying drinks, handing one to Kate and sipping from the other himself. He stood a distance from Priest and Loki awaiting their conversation to end before proceeding.

Originally Priest had made the offer to meet with Shaw, helping Antonio get his foot in the door. After seeing the conversation ending, he steps forward with Kate. "Mr. Priest, I would like to introduce you to Kate Kinsella. Kate, this is the man that helped me get where i am today."

Antonio could feel the shadows inching their way around him, faint green eyes peering out at him like the first night he encountered the darkness.

~Why do you hang around this light bringer Antonio... Kill her.. She will only bring death to us~

Antonio glares in the shadows *Silence your tongue or I will rip it out from your throat demon.*

~ha ha ha ha.. ooooh.. the rage, hatred, the darkness pours from within you Antonio.. Feed on it.. Use it~

Antonio smiles to Priest then to Kate, "Well gave me a helpful shove anyway."

[Detective Kinsella]

Kate's little accessory started to twitch, and she wasn't sure if it was because of Michael Priest or because of Antonio. She could feel the tug from the shadows, and she knew it meant trouble was likely going to be there sooner rather than later.

"It's a pleasure," Kate said as Priest took her hand and kissed it. She glanced at Antonio with a quirky smile, not knowing exactly what to make of all this. This really wasn't her world at all, but she wasn't going to disappoint Antonio. They had hit it off, somewhat miraculously, during their first meeting, and he had been very kind to her ever since.

"And it's a pleasure to have you join us this evening," Priest replied as he smiled at Kate and Antonio. Kate kept eyeing the man because she had this feeling he knew more than he was telling anyone--even Antonio. His name was not an unfamiliar one to anyone in her NYPD unit.

"Thank you both for inviting me," Kate said as she sipped her wine. "I'm sure this is going to be an evening this city will never forget."

[Tumult]

Finn finally made it up to the balcony area where he and Faith were supposed to meet up with their father and half-sister. He looked over at Loki and Aro and knew in the pit of his stomach that this night was going to be one no one would every forget and likely for the very worst of reasons. He kept the feeling to himself as he walked closer to his father, stopping for a moment to look over the balcony at the people down below. Finn knew his mother was not thrilled with this whole scenario, but there wasn't much he could do about it.

As he made his was toward his father, Finn tried to stay out of Aro's line of sight. He did not need DeeDee or one of his other siblings rushing up there to get Aro to back off. That would be very bad for everyone.

"Father, sorry I'm late," Finn said quietly as he finally got to Michael Priest's side. "Faith took forever to get ready. she'll be here in a minute."

[Loki]

"Well, our host has arrived, and he has made himself the center of attention. Again," Loki said to Priest and Aro as he watched Sebastian Shaw work the room below them. Loki looked at Finn and could feel the mystical energy swirling in the young man. Chaotic Celtic energy. "And Finn, your father has told me much about you," the god added as the young man bowed to him. "You will go far in this world."

Loki moved to the edge of the stairs and looked back toward the others. "Perhaps we should join Shaw with the rest of the assembled? I'm sure there will be many, many people clamoring for us to make our presence felt, Michael. After all, this is the dawn of a new era, and there is much work to be done."

The god of lies looked at Aro and flashed a very wicked grin at the Volturi, motioning for the vampire to join him. "Aro, as the evening goes forward, there is much we should discuss. Fate has brought us here, and there is no reason we should not take advantage of the moment to seize the day. Or the night."  
 

[Cailleach]

Many had remarked on the redhead who had been wandering around on the balcony, but none had dared approach her save Michael Priest. Frankly Cailleach was growing bored of being in the shadows this night. She did not care if her doppelganger was down below pawing at her feral lover behind some ficus tree. She was there to have a good time, and by the dark goddess, she would.

"Loki and Aro, two of my favorite dinner companions," Cailleach trilled as she walked from the shadows. "What? Were you expecting my lesser image? Surely you know she's here as well, but just because she is here, it doesn't mean I can't be here as well." 

Cailleach could tell how Finn Priest was reacting to her being there without even looking at him. "Michael, your son was made aware I would be here tonight, am I correct?" she asked as she looked at the Gray King and frowned. "I will not trouble you tonight, Finn. I know your mother is here as well. I have more interesting dinner companions to enjoy this night," she added as she slipped one arm in Loki's and the other in Aro's. "And you have another party to look after, young Finn. Your father has high hopes for you and for your cousin Reid. Do not disappoint him." 

As she smiled at Loki and Aro, Cailleach could feel the dark energy swirling around them, and it made her glad to be alive and in the center of it. "Shall we join the others, gentlemen?"

[Dorcha]

Mira had separated from the group as Aleera had as well and were making the rounds. The two knew each other quite well being in the mystic community. A smile came to Dorcha's face as the Red haired vampire queen rounded the corner. "Aleera? It's been ages!" She said with a smile.

"Mira for people like us that's common place." She said with a laugh as the two extended a friendly hug and started to walk up stairs. "Honestly Mira I am a little surprised to see you....I'm here because it's part of my duty but you generally have the freedom to come and go even with your position?"

Mira kept her smile but the vampire queen had a point. "Well from time to time it's important to make yourself seen." She replied as the two women ran into the group at the top of the stairs.

"Hello Aro." Aleera responded to the Council member with a nod as she then looked at Loki."Ah Loki can't say I am surprised to see you but a pleasure none the less." She said before adding. "Oh and just a little word of warning their is a blonde down there you might want to stay clear of for reasons you will find out soon enough I am sure."

It was then Mira spoke up saying hello to some of the faces she didn't recognize as it was only polite but her eyes stopped on Cailleach. The two had crossed paths many a time. Some of those crossings were less than pleasurable but it was important to be polite regardless. "Always good ta see ye Cailleach....The years have been good to ye." She said before continuing on to Micheal....."And you Micheal.....Good indeed." She said with a nod and a smile.

[Cailleach]

Cailleach rummaged through her memories as she smiled at Mira. It had been an eternity since the two women had been in the same place, and indeed not all of their meetings had been pleasant. "And the years have been kind to you as well, Mira," she replied as she watched the woman as she spoke to Loki and Aro. So much of the mystic community was interconnected, and it was hard at times not to run into those who had, at one point or another, been considered an enemy. "Aleera," Cailleach said with a slight bow of her head, "it has been a long time indeed. I'm sure that half the people here do not fully realize who walks among them this night. If they did..."

As she looked over the balcony for a moment, Cailleach felt her blood run slightly cold. "Van Helsing," she spit as she looked down on not Gabriel but Otto, the patriarch of the clan. He had apparently arrived with her doppelganger's grandmother Sifora and the MacFeorais matriarch's brother Teague. "My apologies. I know that name is not one that any of us likely enjoy hearing. I hope Otto's arrival does not ruin our evening."

"Good ladies, we will let no such thing happen," Michael Priest said as he walked over to Mira and Aleera. "If Otto misbehaves,  our staff will escort him off the premises. it is simply not going to be allowed."

"How did he get invited anyway?" Cailleach asked as she glared at Priest for a moment.

"He is the emissary for the Mystic Council this evening," Michael said as he shook his head. "Aleera, I trust the specifications you sent regarding your appearance tonight have been met. If there is anything the staff needs to attend to, please let me know immediately." 

[Dorcha]

Dorcha just smiled back at Cailleach. "Well I wouldn't worry too much about that tonight. Everyone is putting their own feelings aside for the greater good tonight and I think that will continue." Mira said as she looked at everyone present. "Still it's interesting to see certain faces tonight." She said as she motioned in the direction of The Red Queen who was sitting with Jessie below.

"Everything is fine Cailleach thank you. Honestly I don't mind if people don't recognize me. Aro is part of the council it's their job to guide. I only step in if it's needed.....But still thank you."