The X-men run missions and work together with the NYPD, striving to maintain a peaceful balance between humans and mutants. When it comes to a fight, they won't back down from protecting those who need their help.
Haven presents itself as a humanitarian organization for activists, leaders, and high society, yet mutants are the secret leaders working to protect and serve their kind. Behind the scenes they bring their goals into reality.
From the time when mutants became known to the world, SUPER was founded as a black-ops division of the CIA in an attempt to classify, observe, and learn more about this new and rising threat.
The Syndicate works to help bring mutantkind to the forefront of the world. They work from the shadows, a beacon of hope for mutants, but a bane to mankind. With their guiding hand, humanity will finally find extinction.
Since the existence of mutants was first revealed in the nineties, the world has become a changed place. Whether they're genetic misfits or the next stage in humanity's evolution, there's no denying their growing numbers, especially in hubs like New York City. The NYPD has a division devoted to mutant related crimes. Super-powered vigilantes help to maintain the peace. Those who style themselves as Homo Superior work to tear society apart for rebuilding in their own image.
MRO is an intermediate to advanced writing level original character, original plot X-Men RPG. We've been open and active since October of 2005. You can play as a mutant, human, or Adapted— one of the rare humans who nullify mutant powers by their very existence. Goodies, baddies, and neutrals are all welcome.
Short Term Plots:Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
The Fountain of Youth
A chemical serum has been released that's shaving a few years off of the population. In some cases, found to be temporary, and in others...?
MRO MOVES WITH CURRENT TIME: What month and year it is now in real life, it's the same for MRO, too.
Fuegogrande: "Fuegogrande" player of The Ranger, Ion, Rhia, and Null
Neopolitan: "Aly" player of Rebecca Grey, Stephanie Graves, Marisol Cervantes, Vanessa Bookman, Chrysanthemum Van Hart, Sabine Sang, Eupraxia
Ongoing Plots
Magic and Mystics
After the events of the 2020 Harvest Moon and the following Winter Solstice, magic has started manifesting in the MROvere! With the efforts of the Welldrinker Cult, people are being converted into Mystics, a species of people genetically disposed to be great conduits for magical energy.
The Welldrinker Cult
A shadowy group is gaining power, drawing in people who are curious, vulnerable, or malicious, and turning them into Mystics. They are recruiting people into their ranks to spread the influence of magic in the world, but for what end goal?
Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
Adapteds
What if the human race began to adapt to the mutant threat? What if the human race changed ever so subtly... without the x-gene.
Atlanteans
The lost city of Atlantis has been found! Refugees from this undersea mutant dystopia have started to filter in to New York as citizens and businessfolk. You may make one as a player character of run into one on the street.
Got a plot in mind?
MRO plots are player-created the Mods facilitate and organize the big ones, but we get the ideas from you. Do you have a plot in mind, and want to know whether it needs Mod approval? Check out our plot guidelines.
"That is a well kept secret. Can't go telling you now, since I could change my mind later."
"Well @#$^, I'll just have to be on my best behavior,then, won't I?" Being honest, this already was his best behavior. He snickered when she insisted on picking him up, and demanded a stringent time table and list of requirements.
Quickly, he glanced them over, cringing at a few of the bullet points. "No guns, huh? Oh well. I don't need a weapon... I am one." He always wanted to say that. He often did when given any good excuse.
To be fair, it was true.
He reached out and grabbed the file from her, turning to glance at Jeremy. "I'll send you an E-mail." He had a feeling the kid might opt to show up some day if he gave his address out willy nilly.
With that, she dismissed himself, turning to head right on out. He had some prep to do before the party.
***
For someone who enjoyed a scrap much more than the average joe, he sure did enjoy dress up. He was just putting on the finishing touch when the time came. He heard a knock at the door, and turned to make his way there.
They parted ways then, and after she finished up a few things in her office she headed home in order to get ready for the night ahead.
In the comfort of her own home, she set herself on the task. Many years of primping had taught her how to accomplish even the most difficult of beauty regiments without the help of a professional. Her hair was washed, dried, and loosely curled. Pinned back in a classic looking fashion to match her vintage dress.
Her makeup was simple: a little eyeliner, a little shadow, and striking red lipstick in a shade she was fond of. Her girlfriend helped her into her dress once the other tasks were complete since the long red dress was made from a heavy fabric and had been tailored to fit her form like a glove. It was strapless, supported her in all the right areas, and had a slit in the front that ended just under her left hip.
A simple diamond choker settled around her neck, with matching earrings and bracelet, and she was done. She gave herself a quick appraisal on the way out, slipping into tall black heels.
A few minutes before she was due to appear at Cole's given address, a short black limo rolled to a stop outside. She contemplated sending the driver in to get him but found herself stewing over whether or not he would be properly dressed. In the end, she decided to go fetch him herself. At least then she would be able to properly chew him out and force him to change. (possibly)
She was standing there when the door was opened, one hand loosely settled on one hip as she waited. When she finally caught sight of what he had chosen to wear she found that her worry might have been unneeded.
The artist gave him a blank once over before nodding slightly. "I approve." He was dressed sharply and in untypical colors. He would stand out a little, but she didn't mind. If anything she would welcome the attention it could bring.
"You look like you could be part of a yacht club." Whipping out a small jewelry box, she produced a gold collar pin and reached out to attach it to him.
"My initials. Everyone will know you are with me. Ready?"
She turned, heading back toward the car. The driver had come out to open the door for them. As it turned out, Jeremy happened to be the driver as well. She didn't go many places without him since he knew her schedule by heart and was able to give her pretty valuable information without vocal words.
He was a tad bit surprised when she was on the other side of his apartment door. He'd figured she would send a cuff wearing man-servant up or something. "Huh... This where you tell me you're actually broke and you're picking me up in a Kia?"
He winked as she gave her approval, throwing in. "You and me both. Looking sexy... Devil with a red dress on." Me made a show of looking her up and down, laughing out loud when she mentioned he looked like he belonged in a yacht club.
"I do. Don't have a boat, but I like to hit on old rich women."
Was it true? Probably. He looked down at his fresh new pin as she placed it on him, and smacked his lips. "Next thing I know you're gonna brand me or something. I'm still hitting on every nice piece of @#% I see. Hope you know that." He followed her out, still fiddling with the pin as he climbed into the car.
Aaaaand, there was Jeremy. He knew where he lived now. Might as well have given the kid his address in the first place... Did she ever go anywhere without him?
He said his hellos, threw out a wink, got a blush, good times were had by all.
"Tell me about the party, then. What can I expect?"
"Huh... This where you tell me you're actually broke and you're picking me up in a Kia?"
She tilted her head slightly. "This dress alone costs more than a Kia." She smiled slightly at the compliment, "The devil wears Prada, no?"
"Next thing I know you're gonna brand me or something. I'm still hitting on every nice piece of @#% I see. Hope you know that."
"I was going to reserve that for the next time we meet, but if you insist..." The pin was in place and properly aligned. She admired it slightly before looking at him again. "And I am well aware that you will be on the hunt. In fact, I encourage it." Her slight smile shifted into something a little more devious. "All the better for me if you happen to grow a fan club and I happen to get a flood of requests, yes?" There were going to be a slew of women, and men, there who would surely look at him the same way he looked at... well... most things with legs, really. And probably some without. Considering that everyone would recognize that Cole had come with her she was anticipating some interest.
They climbed into the car and she made herself comfortable across the cab from him, reclaiming the flute of champagne she had been sipping before they arrived.
"Tell me about the party, then. What can I expect?"
"A lot of important rich shmucks." She answered back while crossing her legs. "It's a very typical gathering of people who just want a chance to remind themselves how important they are around like minded people."
Her lips pursed slightly as she admired the liquid in her glass. "Camille is the host. She's a French fashion designer who vacations here every now and then and really the only one you should attempt not to pi$% off. Her name carries quite a weight, and her husband is loaded. Feel free to help yourself." She pointed at a mini bar nestled between them in a middle seat but has also been referencing Camille as well.
"There are quite a few faces you will probably recognize simply because of what you do. People with money who happen to tiptoe around the law with various pursuits." She could name names but didn't feel like being that long winded at the moment.
"Jiro himself will be there, more than likely with his own handful of men. He doesn't often travel alone." She speared him with a look, curious and yet somewhat bored. "Have you any idea what his mutation is?" She did. It was a weird one, and yet Jiro was proud as a peacock of it. Took every opportunity available to show it off.
Posted by Saphirus on May 11, 2017 19:15:45 GMT -6
X-Men
Member of the X-Men
Shelby
1,590
82
Apr 16, 2021 19:54:07 GMT -6
Puck
It was a jolly time full of joking and fun. He gave the dress another consideration after she mentioned the cost. He couldn't see it, but he had more of an eye for what was sexy rather what was expensive. Looked like a plain red dress to him. Form fitting, but without her in it it wasn't sh#%.
She joked about branding him, and he straight faced it. "Hey now, William Cole belongs to no man... Or busty chick with eclectic sexual desires and a pretty face." He paused for a second. "I guess you're smart and got a good personality going for you, too, but yeah... What was I talking about?"
She gave him the all clear to hit on people, and he gave a little victory fist pump, ignoring the actual reasoning for it. He only took a break from picking through the mini bar to interject, "Yeah ima $#%& Camille. She hot? Doesn't need to be, but it's a plus."
He tuned in again, gently grasping his new rum and coke as she talked about Jiro. She brought up the man's powers, and D-9 nodded. "Mid-level at best... Turns two dragon tattoos on his arms into solid objects that attack things. Little bastards are bullet proof to a point, Not gonna hold up to what you're sneaking in for me, though. They are hard like metal on contact and have animal-like grip strength and tearing ability. All that won't mean #$%^ when I put a bullet in him."
He leaned back casually and took a sip of his drink. "Ever @#$^ed in the back of a limo? Only curious, you probably ride in them a lot."
"I guess you're smart and got a good personality going for you, too, but yeah... What was I talking about?"
A good personality? She quirked a delicate eyebrow at him. Well, that was a first. "#$%*ing and fighting." She reminded him gently, entertained in a mild sense by his antics. In some ways, he was like having a semi-attractive, somewhat clever jester around.
"Yeah ima $#%& Camille. She hot? Doesn't need to be, but it's a plus."
Ah, and then right back on track he went. "Like a finely aged wine," Shelly replied back. Camille was older, nearing sixty, but she spent quite a bit of time and energy keeping herself in tip-top shape. "If you're not careful she might break you, though." She sipped from her cup with a slight grin. Camille's daughter was about the same, although now sadly very straight and very married. Had a second kid on the way, last she had heard.
Both were voracious in bed, though.
Shelly nodded along as he explained what he knew about Jiro's power. It was pretty much that same as her, with a little more detail for the finer, more dangerous bits. He brought up a reminder of the weapon she was sneaking in, and she reached for her clutch. It was time to visit it again in order to ensure it would remain within her space for the rest of the drive. "Yep, and I have nothing further to add to that data. And," She popped her clutch open and withdrew a small mirror compact from within. She'd painted both sides herself in an ornate fashion, and in doing so had let little pocket worlds attached to them. Inside one of them was Cole's gun and inside the other, she had stashed one of her own favored self-defense items. "Excuse me for a moment."
She made contact with the painting in order to revisit and refresh the time limit on the items, briefly popped out of existence and back into it within the car. She didn't even bother to set her glass down, and once she was back simply re-crossed her legs and clipped her purse back shut. It was as if she had hardly moved at all, let alone crossed into an entirely different dimension. She would be frequenting her painting spaces frequently for little blips throughout the night until it was needed for her to bring the weapon out.
"Ever @#$^ed in the back of a limo? Only curious, you probably ride in them a lot."
One hand draped over her slightly exposed thigh as she chuckled at his question. "What a silly question. Of course I have. What would be the point of owning one if I didn't use it to it's fullest capacity?" She angled a slim finger to the seat he was sitting on. "I'm sure you must know who Charly Roseman is?"
She was a high-end model for various types of lingerie and a very well known name. "I worked with her last summer on a special commision piece. She helped me break in that very seat you are sitting on."
Around that time they were pulling into the curved driveway of Camellia's penthouse. Shelly disregarded her glass by the mini bar and allowed Jeremy to help her from the car as he pulled the side door open. "Thank you," She didn't need to lock eyes with her assistant to know he was listening to her attentively. She could hear it from the contact he was making with her skin. "Be a dear and keep an eye on the car for me, will you?"
He replied shortly, waiting for the agent to exit before he shut the door and hurried to move the limo out of the way. Shelly waited for only a moment before she headed directly for the entrance to the place, where two guards awaited them.
They were briefly scanned for weapons and any other banned items, before being cleared and allowed in. The interior of the building wasn't nearly as unassuming as the outside. The penthouse was decorated lavishly with expensive rugs, furniture, and accessories. Delicate crystal chandeliers hung from a curved, high ceiling in all directions, helping to both light the place up exquisitely, and add to the overall feel.
The whole place dripped of wealth. A waiter with a tray of fine drinks greeted them just inside. Shelly claimed a small flute of white wine for herself, before turning to glance around the room. It was already packed with various people milling about and schmoozing. Where to start?
Off in one corner, she could hear a live band working away at various classical songs, while in other wings she knew that there were other rooms restricted to specific activities. There were also multiple floors, considering that her penthouse was part of a very tall building within the city. She'd purchased the whole thing without having a true plan on what she was going to with a lot of the barren upper floors.
Posted by Saphirus on May 11, 2017 21:20:28 GMT -6
X-Men
Member of the X-Men
Shelby
1,590
82
Apr 16, 2021 19:54:07 GMT -6
Puck
"Like a finely aged wine, If you're not careful she might break you, though." He frowned, and set down his drink, looking at her in a mock deeply serious expression.
"Yeesh, I can't catch a break with you, can I? You know, it really hurts my feelings that you keep underestimating me. First with the painting, and now this. Honestly, I feel sorry for the old lady. She's not gonna be able to walk for days, and here we are, about to take part in her hospitality."
He assessed her exploit bragging for a moment as she professed it. "Damn... She's a hottie, too... Nice @#$... You know, you and I gotta talk game some time. We could exchange notes, war stories. It'd be a good time."
They pulled up to the location, and the gears in his head ticked on. "Plan... We go, we mingle, we get the lay of the land. When you find him, you get his attention, act interested, tell him to meet you upstairs alone. He'll be too busy thinking with his @#$% to act smart about it. We bag him then. Game?"
He downed the rest of his drink, leaving only ice, and set it down in the cup holder, climbing out and adjusting his coat.
They entered into an extravagant atmosphere, and he smiled widely, stealing a champagne flute and downing it as he walked through the door. He tossed the glass to a passing waiter, who barely caught it, and walked to the nearest group of three women to say hi.
"Yeesh, I can't catch a break with you, can I? You know, it really hurts my feelings that you keep underestimating me. First with the painting, and now this..."
She let him finish, but all the while a small coy smile was curling her lips. "I'm always a skeptic until proven wrong by absolute, hard evidence." Up in the front of the cab, poor Jeremy's ears were burning red from all of the things he had heard during the ride. "I don't often kiss and tell, but sure. Maybe over a drink sometime. In some ways, you and I seem to be like minded." It was a weird thing to think, considering their more obvious stark differences.
"Plan... We go, we mingle, we get the lay of the land. When you find him, you get his attention, act interested, tell him to meet you upstairs alone. He'll be too busy thinking with his @#$% to act smart about it. We bag him then. Game?"
Chuckling slightly, she held her clutch loosely at her hip. "Ah, the cliche and effective tactic is brought to life once more. Dangle boobs in front of the bad guy as a distraction to lead him toward his downfall." She sighed slightly, adjusting one cup of her dress to make sure it was supporting her correctly.
"Can't say it won't be boring, and stupidly easy, however. He's got a bit of an obsession with me." She smirked cattily, "There are a few floors at the top I have access to. Camille allows me to use the space for painting when I am visiting. I can easily get him up there alone."
With the plan in place, she separated from him briefly to mingle. Time passed slowly from then on, as she made her way around trying to spot Jiro without outright asking for him. It became apparent after some time that he was no present within the main hall.
She circled back around to meet up with Cole again, mostly to let him know she was going to move on to a different section. As she approached him though, Camille herself finally made an appearance.
"Shelby! Darling!" Turning on her heels, the Artist met the designer with clasped hands and a smile. The two exchanged quick kisses on the cheeks before the true conversation began. Unfortunately for some of those gathered around, the two of them slipped into French, forgoing English for the better part of the conversation.
Shelly circled back around eventually and turned to try and draw Cole into the conversation, switching easily back into English as she did so. "Camille, this is Mr. Cole. He is my date for the night."
The older woman was just as tall as Shelly in heels, with striking white hair curled and free on either side of her head. Her skin, while it had a few wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, was surprisingly supple for her age. She was dressed in a form-fitting black dress of her own design, which ended tightly at her knees and cut off at the tip just below a prominent, yet elegant collarbone. It was clear just from looking at her that this woman was where Shelly had gotten some of her own style traits from. She was beautiful, poised, and slightly dangerous to those not careful around her.
Camille gave the agent a long, thirsty look before extending a hand toward him. "Bonsoir, monsieur Cole."
Shelly watched the interaction with mirth in her eyes, casually sipping at her glass. "So, Camille... How is Fantine?"
Fantine was Camilli's daughter, who Shelly had had a run in with in the not-so-distant past. The older woman was overjoyed at the mention of her and clapped her hands together once in joy. "Oh oui! Fantine is doing just wonderful... I must say since you worked your magic on her, my darling, she hasn't looked at another woman since! I am expecting my second grand baby soon thanks to you!"
The artist chuckled, "Anytime, Camille. What are friends for, no?" The two of them slipped back into French momentarily, while casting sidelong glances at Cole. Eventually, Shelly turned from the conversation and spoke with him directly, "Cole... Might you be willing to escort Madame Camille somewhere? She requested you personally."
This was his chance if he wanted it... and she was sure he did. She would head into the dancing area from there to continue her search, before widening her range and checking a few of the other rooms.
Posted by Saphirus on May 11, 2017 23:24:52 GMT -6
X-Men
Member of the X-Men
Shelby
1,590
82
Apr 16, 2021 19:54:07 GMT -6
Puck
He was satisfied with her response on the sharing of stories. They were kindred spirits in that one regard, that much was true. He also appreciated her acknowledgment of the straightforward plan he put on the table. "Hey, if it works it works, right? Give me a sign when you are ready to go... I dunno... Gota any ideas?"
They'd figure it out.
They opted to go mingle with the crowd. He got seven numbers and made out with an aerospace engineer from china, and a stock broker from Illinois. At the same time. He liked this place. By the time he met up with Shelby again she was speaking with who he assumed to be Camille. He had to admit she looked good for her age. Very good.
Too bad he couldn't understand a damned thing they were saying. Shelby took a moment to introduce him, and the woman welcomed him in french. He waved a bit and replied. "Yeah, hey."
He stuffed his hands in his pockets as they went on about the woman's daughter. They did snag his interest as they brought up the woman's daughter. He couldn't help but chuckle a bit as he got on base with what the story was.
Hilarious.
As suddenly as the conversation started, it ended with Shelby informing him that his presence was required somewhere else. Alone. With Camille.
Hot damn, if that wasn't the easiest score of his life. He smiled a bit and held out an arm to escort the lady to places unknown.
Nearly an hour later he appeared back in the party, a little bit ruffled, but smiling wide and looking lively. The lady returned soon after. She had been a worthy opponent; he'd even learned a thing or two for the notebook back home. Yes, he took notes, being good at what he did was very important to him. In the end, their bout was a decided draw. He wouldn't mind a rematch, though.
He did panic a bit when he looked at his watch. They'd been that long? #@$^! Worth it, but #@$^. Where was Shelly, then? He started looking for her.
She watched the two walked away, before returning to the hunt. It was actually beneficial not having someone following her around the whole time cramping her style and acting like a third wheel. Cole entertained himself, she entertained herself, and everyone still knew he was with her.
She made the rounds through the dance hall, chatting with a few faces she knew and introducing herself to some she didn't. She ended up with a few new perspective clients and managed to hand out quite a few business cards before she ended up switching rooms again.
The next place she headed for was a smaller room nestled toward the back of the building. It was a smoking room, one set aside specifically for attendees to sample new, exotic cigars and had it's own old fashioned mini bar in one corner. On the way, she ran into an old face she happened to know who as headed in the same direction.
"Well, if it isn't Sir Langley." She sidled up beside him, taking the older gentleman slightly by surprise. "How are you these days, Thomas?"
Once he recovered from the start, the older man adjusted his checkered tie and smiled pleasantly at her. "Oh! Miss Walters, how wonderful to see you." He cleared his throat slightly, before reaching out to place a polite peck on her offered hand. "I am doing just wonderful these days." He offered an arm for her to take, which she politely did. Her running into him would make it seem less like she was wandering around searching for someone.
She chatted with her somewhat friend casually, making sure to be polite as possible. Thomas may have looked like a kindly old Mr. Rodgers type, but she knew something about him that not many did. Thomas could make people vanish with a snap of his fingers, and ultimately they were never heard from again. She wasn't quite sure if it was due to a mutation of some sort, or if the man just had a wealth of connections. He was kind of a mystery in that way.
Once they entered the room she kept with Thomas, giggling at one of his many jokes. She scanned the room around her on the sly and spotted her target off in one corner with two of his bodyguards and partners in crime. She was careful to actually turn to look at him since she didn't want him knowing she was aware of him just yet. She had to plan how she wanted to go about doing this, especially since Cole was more than a little preoccupied at the moment.
How long was he going to take anyway? Sure, she'd mock him mercilessly if he showed up comically early... but she'd also surely complain if he took too long. He was the one on the job here, after all. As she wandered over to a few free seats with Thomas and claimed one, she formulated a plan in her head.
A few minutes later it turned out that she hadn't needed to invest so much thought into a plan at all. Jiro himself appeared at her side, lacking his guards for once. Then again, in the eyes of someone who thought himself an Alpha, she wasn't much of a threat. The blonde turned to look at him while casually crossing one leg over the other. "Oh... Mr. Fujita. How nice to see you again." She kept her expression calm and natural, the same uninterested, yet polite smile he had seen countless times. In focusing strictly on him for the first time that night she noticed something different, and... not entirely good. He had a few new tattoos. Of the ones she could see, there were two brand spanking new dragons inked into the flesh around his face and head. He had shaved completely bald, and space once occupied by hair was now entirely covered with the spiraling body of a silver dragon.
Jiro had his attention fixed on her, completely ignoring Thomas. He greeted her in Japanese. She replied in kind. It seemed as if he didn't want Thomas to eavesdrop on their conversation. After a very brief conversation, he requested a dance from her. He knew that on some level she couldn't simply refuse him... there was strained tension in the air as her smile shifted into something pinched and irritated.
She agreed to it in his native language, before accepting his offered hand and leading her from the room while his guards tagged along behind. On the way back into the dance hall she happened to spot Cole, and it appeared as if he were either looking for her, or for Jiro. She didn't make any effort to catch his attention, as it would surely draw the attention of her criminal dance partner as well. She kept up her show of irritation, replying politely in Japanese to all of his questions and statement with short responses.
About half way through their first dance he broke the polite farce by leaning in and whispering his intentions into her ear. He had a plan it seemed... not a very well thought out one, but a threat with a pinch of blackmail that he felt would win him her affections. The worst part? She had to pretend it actually scared her on some level in order for him to think really had her right where he wanted her. In reality, she could rip his plan part up, down, and sideways. Her lawyer would have laughed right in his face, and her lawyer was a skinny middle-aged human.
Instead, she was forced to let her expression dip into further irritation; brows pinched, eyes narrowed, with a frown on her face. She responded to his demand as he would have expected, with an outright refusal at first. A little game began then, as the music carried on and other dancers churned around them they spat responses back and forth in whispers. She could tell on some level that he was enjoying the thought of backing her into a corner she couldn't escape from. If it were literally anyone else she might have enjoyed it as well, but Jiro Fujita had earned a very special place in her heart. One where she contemplated trapping him in a painting someday with all sorts of nightmares and only visiting to see if he had starved to death yet.
Eventually, she had to concede, but only when she felt it was appropriate. If she gave in too early he might figure out she was acting... if she drew it out too long, he might get fed up ad escalate it. In the end, she gave a tired, irritated sigh and finally agreed to his terms. Just as the dance ended Jiro started to lead her away from the dance floor with a hand on her lower back, while she unclipped her clutch and withdrew her compact from inside.
She made a show of touching up her lipstick while peering into the mirror, while on the sly trying to scan for where Cole might be. She'd spotted him a few times during that agonizing dance but hadn't been able to focus her attention fully on him. If he spotted her on her way toward the elevator, he would notice the signal she was sending. She'd told him that if she was ready she'd pull her mirror out and fix her makeup.
There was a code that needed to be punched in for access to the empty upper floors. Shelly knew it, Jiro did not. She snuck a little red from her lips onto her finger as she punched the code in, leaving a simple pattern for Cole if he were to try and follow the same way.
He wasn't to late. His rather joyous romp had not left his fr- I mean acquaintance he wanted to #@$^, high and dry. Good. That was good.
Jiro dancing with her? Objectively good as well. Things were going as planned, but he couldn't help but scope the guy out. Those tattoos. They were new... Maybe a sign of increased strength? There were arguably two things that Cole loved in this world. Sex, obviously, but more than that, he loved a good fight.
This looked like a good fight.
He was gonna kill this dude so hard. Honestly, he couldn't be more delightfully apprehensive, staring at a man he wanted to kill dancing with a woman he wanted to @#$^. It was pretty exciting. Was it hot in here?
Cole watched through the crowd as the dance went on, feeling eyes on him for a moment before looking around... nothing really stood out to him. There was an old man nearby pointedly minding his own business, which looked a bit suspicious to his reptilian brain, but he paid it no mind. When he looked back he noticed her pulling out her compact.
Alright, it was go time. He started walking, pushing his way gently through the former dancers. By the time he made it to the door she'd been in front of, she was gone. A quick investigation caused a smile to appear on his lips. Clever girl.
He poked away at the pad, and it flashed red. Not that combination. He poked again. Nope. Again. Nope. One of these would work. Again. Red. Red. Red. Green!
Hah!
He opened the door and stepped in, heading down the first little hall, only stopping when he heard something behind him. "You're chasing the wrong lady, son." The voice sounded... actually kind of nice. Like a kindly old man.
Shelly was generally a very cautious individual when it came to her personal safety, mostly because she had an image to upkeep and any lasting damage to her body could impact her business. A good example of this happened to be how she had previously treated Jiro before Cole had approached her. At an arm's length and with guards on duty at all times... Now she was walking into a secluded area with that same man and had given him the impression that she was helpless and pliable... just like he wanted her to be.
There was a certain thrill that came with that danger; With the knowledge that Jeremy had passed along to her about just what it was Mr. Fujita wanted. He didn't simply want her for her looks... he wanted to ruin her because of them. This wasn't some simple lust inspired tryst, no. If what Jeremy had told her was correct he didn't want anyone to be able to look at her the same way he had once he was done.
A real sicko, that one.
Shelly didn't mind the small spike of fear that came with that knowledge, though. In fact, part of her greatly enjoyed the apprehension. She was in a very dangerous situation, relying heavily on someone else to ensure her safety, and could do very little to really defend herself if things went bad.
There were butterflies in her stomach, and she relished the feeling of it.
Jiro spent the time silent as he dragged her along looking for a proper place for them to get down to business. Shelly spent it visualizing various things and counting down the time it would take Cole to reach them.
After a bit of searching, he found an empty room filled with large, wall-sized windows and a single structural beam in the center of the room. Shelly took a moment to reflect on how pretty and clear the sky was, with a lone moon hanging low above buildings in the distance.
Jiro set about loosening his tie and jacket while turning toward her and murmuring things in his native tongue. It was surprising at first how he seemed to want to play like he was a romantic, muttering things about how beautiful she was in the moonlight and how much he wanted to feel her skin. She supposed that on some level he was trying to lure her into a false sense of security so that when he eventually snapped he could relish in her reaction.
... It was boring, really. She all but rolled her eyes as the man closed the space between them, basically talking to himself at this point as he continued to whisper things. She allowed him contact, not attempting to keep a bored expression from her features as he pressed his face into the crook of her neck and took a deep breath of her perfume.
She glanced at an adjacent wall and pondered how much more awkward groping she would have to endure before Cole showed up.
Turns out it was 5 minutes.
Five minutes of a man she could barely stand to look at pawing at her like he was trying to knead dough. He was getting a little more aggressive too, so she wasn't sure how much more she would be able to put up with.
Pretty much right as her internal clock hit the 15-minute mark her purse, which was still dangling from the crook of one elbow, exploded open and sent a stun gun and Cole's hand cannon flying across the floor. Jiro jerked back at the sudden noise, taking a slight step away from her in order to turn and see what had fallen.
Well, @#%#. Shelly's pulse sped up instantaneously. The man probably wasn't going to react well to that, even if he didn't fully understand it. She'd snuck in weapons to the party where he hadn't been able too.
Just like that, he turned on her, and a hand that had been previously caressing her collarbone was wrapped in a painful grip around her throat. Jiro wasn't large in stature in any sense, but he was still strong enough to lift her slightly off her feet with that hold. In Japanese, he demanded to know who the weapons belonged too. He shifted back into business mode quicker than she'd have given him credit for previously.
She responded as best she could while struggling with the grip on her throat, letting him know that the gun belonged to her bodyguard. For a moment it looked as if he'd forgotten that she'd shown up with someone, or possibly that he'd never realized she wasn't alone in the first place.
She used that moment of confusion to send her shin flying straight into his crotch with enough force that he dropped her and stumbled back slightly. Things were escalating to the point where she was losing control of the situation... now would be a good time for the agent to come barreling in for the rescue!
He was in a room. It was dark... Dry, but it looked moist. Superficial. Was he trapped in a painting? He stood from a crouched position, looking around for any hint of light... There was only one door, some brightness showing from beneath the jam. The rest of the room was empty. No windows, no furniture.
It was a cell, seemingly, but a cell with the door of a house. He turned and walked on up to the innocent looking door, attempting to open it. It was locked.
"Won't be getting out that way, young man."
The same voice he'd heard before ending up here. It echoed from the environment. An old, kindly voice.
"Looks like the only way out to me."
"Well... I'll be honest. There is no way out. No one has ever escaped. Everyone dies down here."
Did he sound sad about that? #$^& was this guy? Mr. #@$^ing Rogers?
"Sounds like a challenge."
"It'll be futile to try."
"I don't try things... I do things... And after I get outa here, I'm gonna beat the @#$^ out of you... Break your old man hip. How's that sound you ancient c#$%!"
He waited for a moment... No response. He attempted to ram the door down. It shook a bit, but it was much more sturdy than it looked. Much more. Was this even really wood?
"... I told you, young man... There is no sense struggling."
Cole glowered at the door for a moment, and then started hitting himself.
He would show this dinosaur what was what. It just might take some time.