It was the perfect Halloween night.

Mashups of classically Halloween and recent songs put to darker tones rang out from Castle Gould. There in one large dining hall was set the gothic place settings for guests to enjoy deliciously wicked treats. Heavy black curtains hung low as spider webs stretched between the chandeliers. Two large bars made up like an alchemist’s lab in the central lobby served adults glowing, smoking libations of a dangerous sort. A deep orange red glow emanated from the DJ’s stage and the smoky, wafting false flames of the Hellish theme at the dance hall.

Outside guests wandered to see the decorated grounds, teaming with Jack O Lanterns, skeletal remains, and actors hidden in not so innocent statues of various monsters! Many took their turn in the Mad Hatter’s Maze! A deranged crew of Lewis Carroll’s favorite characters chased / helped you through the long, winding attraction! Twinkling violet lights, looming gargoyles, and hidden secrets awaited you in the hedge.

Evil knights warred outside the Hempstead estate as a foul King ushered you into his realm: explore the richly designed but terribly haunted house! A bedroom held the Queen’s ghost and the tower was the playground of the evil warlock! Every room was cleverly crafted as you wove your way through tricks, devilish actors, and even the occasional treat. At the end of the spooky walk through was another hall made up for the King’s throne room complete with servants offering wine, mead, and finger foods. But watch out for that basement torture chamber, filled with history and danger!

Many had worked hard for this and all deserved the fun. The Haven organization, the city, various contributors, and many volunteers had worked diligently for two days after weeks of preparation, invites, vetting visitors, setting up with vendors, ensuring security, and of course decorating… Devon was certain not to let the night be ruined by bad weather. Oh no.

The last few days he’d done a few trips around the city, the island, Connecticut, and even at great risk… Jersey. Tempest had been influencing the developing weather patterns, manipulating the jet stream, and encouraging away the humid, warm air that was lingering. Tonight there was cool, autumnal temperatures, the faintest breeze, and a smattering of clouds to play over the moon.

The windows out from the throne room to the castle grounds let that cool air flow in. The fireplace burned but it was a false fire, an aesthetic for those courtly types who gathered as they talked of what had scared and surprised them on their way through the haunted house. It was getting a little crowded as the party was reaching the peak of its activity. Somewhere a witch cackled and a few people screamed.

It was a cheap shot, but at least the dress looked nice.

Sveta had used the codename Muse on and off over the years. It started with the X-men, and then she dropped it while she was a vigilante of her own, and kind of forgot about it while she was with Jude. And now, that she was actually using her powers in a place that she could trust, and helping people through Haven, the name somehow circled back and felt more appropriate than ever before. The Halloween party felt as good as any to give the whole Muse thing another shot. It was organized by Devon, after all, so it was bound to go smoothly.

Sveta tugged on her long gloves, and pushed some stray hair behind her ear as she walked into the haunted mansion. The gloves were not exactly Greek fashion, but they were a necessary safety feature, along with the light scarf around her shoulders. Hair piled up, Sveta felt fancier than usual, and managed to grab herself a glass of champagne (colored blood red somehow) as she walked into the party. She would allow herself to relax and indulge in all the Halloween craziness. For once, being a Muse was purely for fun.

This... this was an entirely new type of charity event for one very excited and trepidatious Greek. She was used to smaller events, a lot less grand, and she was used to being a part of running the events. The fact that she had nary a clue as to what was going on, who would be there, and where to go first was throwing her for a loop. She had received an invitation through an acquaintance who thought she might like to broaden her reach a little more. While she agreed that it was a good thing, she was already stretched thin with her current list. She wasn't sure how to would add in another one on top of her already hectic schedule.

Still, it was an opportunity she wasn't willing to miss, even if it ended up only adding a few more names to her books and expanded who she might be able to refer to where in the future. After panicking for too long over what to wear, she had decided on a simple gown, a feathery pair of wings, some comfy slippers, and a little golden halo suspended on a wire above her head. She worried and fussed for a while longer about how it looked on her, scolded sloth multiple times for attempting to eat her Halo, and eventually settled into calm acceptance before her date was to arrive and pick her up. Now, if she could just do away with the butterflies in her stomach...

--

Honestly, she was floored by the whole event. Actors in themed costumes, spooky setups left an right. Even the costumes some of the guests were wearing were downright amazing. She was feeling underdressed and out of it, but thankful that at the very least people were not asking about her snakes and how she made them look so realistic. Four Halloween's of being mistaken as a very convincing medusa costume were more than enough for a lifetime.

"This is simply magnificent, isn't it Amon?" She turned to the man at her elbow, shyly smiling at him.

Anyone who might insist that parties looke these were an unusual place to spy the lives of Ezra... would earn a begrudging concurrence. Ezra was entirely out of his element. He had come with visions of galas past swimming in his eyes-- you know, the good old days of centuries past-- when he'd seen the invitation for this benefit on All Hallow's Eve. He'd donated his funds, of which the were plenty, in order to obtain a ticket. His overzealous tenants had helped Ezra acquire a befitting costume.

Tonight he wrote a pinstripe suit with high-waisted slacks, an eccentric, bat-like tie, and a partial, skeletal face mask. The entirety of this ensemble was reminiscent of a particular animated skeleton. His massive height and spindly limbs only helped complete the look. His hair was neatly pulled back with a black ribbon, though a few stray locks escaped here or there.

Ezra walked with hands pressed together at the fingertips, and the fingertips alone, walking long, steady strides from door to door. Parties were not his cup of tea. As such, he was looking for a library. Surely a house of such stately history had one, at least at some point.

Ranger entered the Haunted House and hoped that Halloween would go as expected, unlike what had happened the previous year. He was there as additional security, the best kind even. Dressed and moving around like any other guest. Though being dressed like the other guests may be a stretch.

Being the man who Noel would have expected to show up at a fancy dress party in his ranger panties, Ranger used his flair for the ridiculous to craft his costume. White long sleeves and pants, a poncho, a brown cowboy hat, leather boots, leather gloves, gun belt with accompanying revolver in holster, and a Texas flag plastered on the front as a superhero logo he had come as Captain Texas. Watch your ass, criminals, Captain Texas is comin’... for your ass!

Noel had planned on being there as well, but she had eaten a whole bunch of M&Ms that were not M&Ms. She had eaten a handful of medicine that knocked her out like a light. Once he was dressed Ranger had found her half dressed on her couch. After checking she was fine, setting her with a saline drip, and letting in both dogs to watch her he had left for the event.

Considering himself on the job, Ranger slip past most of the refreshments and found himself some iced tea. When you run security you can make sure something of your liking is at any event you attend. Small perk. With a drink in hand he moved about the house putting an eye on everyone who had arrived before he stopped to speak to greet Sveta,

”Howdy, Sveta.” Ranger said with a tip of his hat before looking a little closer at her costume. It looked like something from ancient Greece, save the gloves. After a moment it dawned on him, ”Oh! Y’r a muse. Excellent costume.” Ranger appreciated the metaness of the costume.

((Svetlana Sergeyeva ))

Even if all he did was attend this party it was worth it to get his way into Haven. The well-connected and wealthy all liked to make a show of helping. They apparently liked to party too. Ved was all for a good party, especially with good music, good drinks, good decorations, and a crazy amount of people. He took to the costume he’d bought online, scruffy musculature and all. He hit the gym early in the day, added a bit of eye liner, threw in some red-irised contacts, and then was off. They tested the foam sword when he came in as if he’d bring a real one…

The person checking him over sure thought it was fake anyway!

The haunted house in a castle bit was fun. He hung out with a few girls outside, fetching them drinks, so he could go through with him. They hollered and screamed in play, but he’d shouted too! A few of those actors were almost too quiet… Mutant power to suppress sound maybe? Who knows with Haven; they were so mutant friendly. Warlock thought maybe too friendly, but that was fine. Goody goodies were all too easy to manipulate.

The giant skeleton got his attention fast when he left the girls behind. He’d maybe hook up with ‘em later. He got the digits; there was no hurry. He wanted to have fun after all. And where was Mr. Skeleton going? Warlock stalked him from the crowd for a bit, watching him go door to door and peering in.

“Hey cool castle right?” he said in a deep baritone, playing up the draconic warrior bit, “What you looking for?”

((OOC: tag Ezra Pahlke ))

Kiernan McCallan was not at all himself on this night. Tonight, he was Amon, boyfriend of the charitable guest Andrea, dressed as a knight from the crusades. That's right. A crusader. The costume itself had a hidden meaning of a sort; some might think an angelic knight partnered with an angel made perfect sense but the reality of it all was that he had plans to one day wage his very own holy war.

For now, though, he was trying to stall getting to first base with his disgusting green covergirlfriend. She was talking to him. "Oh, well, dear, it's something. Musta cost a lot, all this." It was true, no one put on events like this in Dublin. This place was decked to the max... He felt almost foolish for a moment picking at this small fry when a group with this kind of cash flow was operating in NYC... No, though, he had to start small, and use the momentum to work up to what he had not discovered would be his top goal.

One day he would make an example of Haven.

Today, he would look to Andrea smile kindly, and state. "You really do look great in your costume, love. Want to delve into the haunted house? Maybe get some punch?" He looked around, and slowly put the visor of his helmet down, resting a hand on his fake sword. It was wooden, but they'd still made him peace tie it at the front. He'd expected about as much from an event like this, so he kept his real crusader sword at home.

And yes, you bet your ass he had a replica 12th century longsword at home.

>>”Howdy, Sveta.”

With the amount of people Devon had invited (basically the whole town was on the guest list), and the excitement Haven members had for the shindig, it was only a matter of time before Sveta met someone she knew while mingling. This time, it was a guy dressed in a funny costume, something like a mix of a bad superhero and a bad Texas stereotype. Or something. It took her a moment to recognize the guy, she was too focused on the costume.

"Howdy, uh... Ranger! Wow. Hi!"

He seemed to be having the same kind of problem with her own outfit, although probably for different reasons. His was very specific, and hers was very generic.

>>”Oh! Y’r a muse. Excellent costume.”

"Yeah. A little on the nose, but" she shrugged "Why waste a good codename, huh?... What about you? Is this some... superhero I don't recognize?"

Ranger

Ranger chuckled to himself when Sveta finally realized who was addressing her. While he didn’t do anything to disguise his face… The costume was a bit much. He was likely missed with her focusing on the unapologetic stereotype standing before her.

“Yeah. A little on the nose, but why waste a good codename, huh?... What about you? Is this some... superhero I don't recognize?"

”I appreciate things that’re on the nose. My callsign that way. I used t’ be a Ranger… an’ top watched a lot of Walker. ” Ranger said in reply. Then while gesturing to his costume and striking a power pose added, ”An’ I’m Captain Texas. Animated superhero. He can fly, toss people around, an’ saves the world as only a Texan can.” Like riding missiles like a bull before throwing them into the sun.

Gesturing to the room ranger said, ”Haven’s really done an amazin’ job on this shindig. Y’ involved in it or is this a Tempest special?”

Without warning a blaring white light spider webbed through the castle, under cracks, and even into the darkness of the basement. It shone blindingly bright before suddenly ending. In its wake people screamed, shouted, howled, ran, and laughed.

Two knights, one arrayed in red and one blue, suddenly began to fight. A snake-haired woman hissed and chased at a man, the snakes suddenly all too alive. Chaos claimed the castle as the King outside rushed in to call his guards for protection.

“Guards, to me, to me!” he screamed.

((OOC: Yes, that's right! Not only is your mind like that of your costume, but so too had your physical body morphed! Note this does not grant any new abilities save for possible survival of exposed organs if a zombie, limited ability to walk through walls as a ghost, etc.))

There was a bright light and Warlock was quick to move away from the open door. The chance of some flash bomb going off through the window was enough to make him dive. Of course that didn’t matter as its brilliance spread through the corridors, cracks, and stained glass of the mansion. He rose up a true warrior, a slayer of demons, devils, and all dragon kin – especially dragon kin.

He heard the shouting and worried for the liege of this castle, but he was not sworn to any particular king. He hadn’t the opportunity to settle into the quiet comfort of one fiefdom. No, he roamed the land fighting the good fight wherever he might be needed. In this time it was here and now, so he ran for the greatest amount of commotion.

A sword of worn, but cleaned and polished steel was drawn from its sheath as he knocked a large winged monkey aside. Into the throne room he dashed to find chaos. A trio of scantily clad witches who seemed vaguely familiar withered at his approach. “Back, vile wenches!” he roared angrily. His eyes widened however at the sight of two beauties near the farther wall. “Stay back, witches, or the floor shall find your head!”

“To arms, brethren!” he called to the other knight and the… strangely attired mercenary. He was no knight but his traveler’s cloak, starred banner, and leather hat spoke volumes of his dangerous travels. “Protect the angelic visitor! Blessed be our trials this night!” He moved with two daring leaps to near the angel, the muse, the crusader, and the lonestar hero.

((OOC:  Pretty much everybody.  Ranger Svetlana Sergeyeva @bloodytash Andrea "Danger Noodle" Gordon ))

Halloween was kind of corny, even under the highest party budget, and everyone was okay with that. There was no need to be too elaborate or too serious. Even Ranger could put on a ridiculous costume and get away with it, and even though Haven was their workplace, the party still looked like it would be fun.

>>”I appreciate things that’re on the nose. My callsign that way. I used t’ be a Ranger… an’ top watched a lot of Walker. An’ I’m Captain Texas. Animated superhero. He can fly, toss people around, an’ saves the world as only a Texan can.”

Of course it was a Texas thing. Sveta chuckled. They'd need pictures for later.

>>”Haven’s really done an amazin’ job on this shindig. Y’ involved in it or is this a Tempest special?”

"Mostly Tempest" Sveta admitted "I'm just here to look pretty and not get too close to any..."

And then there was lightning.

***

>>“To arms, brethren! Protect the angelic visitor! Blessed be our trials this night!”

The Muse shook herself out of her shock. When did this party amongst immortals turn into something where all the creatures of Nyx were loose? Did they break out of Tartarus? What was a minor goddess to do in the middle of Chaos getting a return?
And whatever was an angelic?...

The man yelling was wearing armor that resembled the Greek heroes. The Muse latched onto that. There were not many musicians and poets by to inspire, but she could inspire heroic deeds at least, if needed. Or until a stronger immortal joined the fray.

"Chaos has broken its chains, warrior!" she announced, rushing to his side "We can't let it ruin the order the immortals has blessed the world with! Hold back the monsters, the hour is here for the heroes to fight side by side with the Gods of Olympus! Go with my blessing, and a kiss of divine inspiration..."

As Ranger would have guessed, the party was mostly Tempest. He was a master at throwing events like that. What Muse said next was cut off by a bright light that enveloped everything. It was like being present when a flashbang detonated.

Moments later our hero was shaken out of a stupor by a man in armor calling people to arms. Blinking he looked around to take stock of what was happening. It was like someone insulted Conway at a hoedown, chaos had ensued. Monsters, monkeys, and maniacal maniacs were running around chasing others.

The armored man called out to protect the angelic visitor before moving to close the distance. Near him stood a woman in a sheet, our hero assumed she was the angelic visitor. The sheet lady met the armored man in a skirt and said… Things.

As she was finishing our hero said, ”Blah, blah, blah, blah.” He then took a stance like he was ready to lift someone over his head and throw an someone into a lit fireplace and called out to the room, ”I’m Captain Texas and Captain means I’m the Captain of… That your Captain… That I Captain your Captain...Aww screw it. let’s fight!”

It was a simple question, really, but Ezra faltered. Perhaps it was the man's gladiatorial garb, or that the librarian was embarrassed by his own insatiable need to find books to rescue him from socializing. Whatever it was, the gladiator never received a proper response. There was a brilliant flash of light, a drowned cry of, “Oh my stars!”, and then… Everything was different, somehow.

“My, my, my,” the Pumpkin King trilled, a grin crossing his skeletal features, “What a marvelous party~ the mayor really outdid himself this year.”

Warriors were bustling to defend maidens, beasts of all sorts were snarling and yowling and flitting about. The room was in absolute disarray. Jack beamed at the chaos and strode down the hall, his long bony legs carrying him. A ragdoll-looking individual bumped into Jack, and Jack snarled loud. This sent the doll scrambling, earning a shriek, absurd laugh from the Pumpkin King.

((OOC:  I'm going with the idea the kiss has pushed Warlock's suggestion ability into an area affect based on his words here.  Feel free to message if ya think it's too far!  All in good fun! ))

Green eyes widened as the Muse spoke to him. He bowed his head but looked upon her with both wonder and hunger.

>> "We can't let it ruin the order the immortals has blessed the world with! Hold back the monsters, the hour is here for the heroes to fight side by side with the Gods of Olympus! Go with my blessing, and a kiss of divine inspiration..."

>> ”I’m Captain Texas and Captain means I’m the Captain of… That your Captain… “

Our warrior knew someone else was speaking but he was too enthralled with the lips of the ancient before him. He straightened as he stepped into the glorious immortal who had offered her blessing. With both arms extended, sword readied but away from the fair lady, the warrior tasted inspiration, tasted beauty…

Tasted power.

>> “…That I Captain your Captain...Aww screw it. let’s fight!”

"Thank you," the warrior whispered as he stepped back, jaw set with determination but eyes fixed with the vision before him. “Yes,” he bellowed in return to this Captain Texas. “We fight!” he called, eyes scanning the room and finding a large, snake-headed man drawing closer to the King’s throne. “You will fall snake man!” he shouted, words humming with power, encouraging and urging…

“Comrades of the light, the dark’s denizens must be vanquished!” he commanded as he charged forward. Indeed, his very whims were suggestions powered mightily, uncontrollably through the Muse’s kiss. Others turned and roared fighting cheers as they dashed goblins. Fair spellcasters chanted powerful words at the undead while other mighty heroes dashed into the fray.

Few noticed the park snake man falling behind the throne.