Haven Charity Auction No. 13302321232+1. Sveta had lost count a while ago. Good thing Finance, Fundraising, and PR were all on top of their game, because if it had been up to her, she would have skipped the whole shindig. As someone who grew up with no money at all, auctions always rubbed Sveta the wrong way. Rich people tossing money around for useless crap. Well, at least now as Haven CEO she could make sure they tossed the cash her way. Or Haven's way, anyway.

This one was a small, invitation only VIP affair at one of the fancy art galleries that Haven had a working relationship with. It focused on antiquities, as in, stuff from Greek and Roman times, and before. Sveta had missed a bit of school so her History knowledge was hazy, but she knew that the older crap was, the more money it was worth, especially to Americans. And some of the items were indeed very pretty. She hoped to get a good chunk of money from the auction, and use it to fund some programs for mutant youth. Or whatever else needed to be fixed at the moment.

The gallery was closed for the evening, and guarded by Haven security, as a preventive measure. Guests were let in by invitation. Sveta was there, playing the gracious hostess in an elegant, sleek gold dress with green trimming. There was champagne and caviar and whatever else rick folks were into. Since the event was small, the items to be auctioned were on display in glass cases around the gallery.

Sveta sent up a silent prayer that once, just once, everything would go okay.

"It’s because I did the research.” William said as Hercules pushed the wheel chair glad it still didn’t squeak. No rust buildup was a match for a god and a couple hits of the magical oil WD-40. Between that and the tape of Duct it was clear that his faith in humanity was well earned. ”Of course you did. I wasn’t questioning you. I was just asking how do you know it is what you think it is.” the prince of power tried to elaborate his feelings to his master.

“I don’t know” Willaim shrugged feeling uncomfortable in his suit and the questioning but he understood what Hercules was asking. ‘How do you know this is magic?’ “I just... feel like this will help us. So I want it.” he didn’t say anything more but the Immortal understood his master. ”Very well! It shall be yours then!” the god boomed as he pushed the chair further into the gallery.

“Sides, I figure after scoring the invite you’d be able to tell me if any of this junk is worth the price.” Willaim said with a little chuckle. The god responded in kind, ”I wouldn’t call any of this junk... some of the things here are part of history both mine and the mortals I shared them with....” the god paused and looked at the clay pot preserved in time under the glass. It was of a ship, one he knew well having served time on it. He was no where to be seen on it as the Argo approached a serpent. His tattoo of the same event had more details, ”However some are very inaccurate. This one is junk.” he said pointing to the pot and the price tag next to it.

“So... buy it then?” Willam asked messing with the son of Zeus. ”William....” Hercules responded with a sigh as the boy laughed. “Go grab a drink. I’ll look around on my own for a bit. Hopefully this won’t end up like last time.” Willaim said as he started to wheel himself off to another glass case.

Sighing loudly the giant shifted his eyes around looking for the mystic assassin that they encountered at the last charity event. This was far smaller and it seemed they were lucky. He wasn’t here. Walking over to the bar Hercules waited till he was up. ”I’ll have...” the god frowned not sure what kind of drink he wanted.

There were so many to choose from, the alcohol and mixtures in this era was overwhelming sometimes. ”What ever your favorite drink is... Tony.” the god smiled reading the name tag. ”Please and Thank you!” the god boomed as he removed his wallet and tipped.

Sveta did not know all the guests personally, although there could not have been more than forty or fifty of them. Many were familiar faces, either long-time Haven donors, or the créme de la créme of New York elite society. She made sure she knew as many of them as possible (while politely avoiding handshakes), but the guest list was not handled by her personally, so there were always a few surprises. For example, the young man in a not very expensive looking wheelchair, and his remarkably large bodyguard.

Sveta stood by the bar, holding a champagne flute aloft in her green gloved hand, and watched with mild curiosity as the large man made his way there to order a drink. The bartender was a little baffled, and ended up giving him scotch.

"Welcome to the auction" she said with a friendly smile, raising her glass "I hope you will find something you like."

Sveta liked to err on the side of caution with her assumptions. If he really was a bodyguard, he'd correct her anyway.

When the drink arrived he smiled warmly then gave a polite nod to the bartender and sniffed the drink. It was a whiskey of some kind he didn’t know the scents by heart yet but he was eager to learn. One fo the problems with his curse it was easy to miss so much each era had to offer and without masters to channel him into existence he could not enjoy everything the time had to offer. Like beautiful women.

Taking a sip the behemoth in a grey suit nodded to the woman and smiled, William could handle himself for a bit anyways. ”Good evening.” he responded to her greeting. Did she work here or own the place? A drink in hand he doubted she was working, from his understanding it was frowned upon to drink on the clock. Such a funny time.

”Thank you, I’m easy to please.” he bowed his head and chuckled, ”Though I’m here for the young man over there.” he gestured to William who was busy focused on a round stone chiseled in faded letters. It caught his attention for a moment as if it was calling to him. He paused for a moment then looked back to the blonde.

”This era of history in particular amazes me however so I’m even more grateful the young master asked me to accompany him.” he said into his glass before extending a hand to the gloved woman. ”I am Hercules pleasure to meet you Miss...” [/font]

The large man sniffed his drink a little curiously. Did he not like the quality? It wasn't like he had been very specific about his request...

>>”Thank you, I’m easy to please. Though I’m here for the young man over there.”

She glanced sideways at the young man in the wheelchair. So, he was an attendant of some sort, after all.

>>”This era of history in particular amazes me however so I’m even more grateful the young master asked me to accompany him. I am Hercules pleasure to meet you Miss...”

Svetlana arched an eyebrow. The bodyguard had a stage name. Fitting, for sure, but still amusing.

"I don't shake hands. But very nice to meet you, Mr. Hercules. Svetlana Sergeyeva. Acting CEO of Haven."

When she refused his handshake he looked at his hand curiously not sure what to do for a moment. It wasn’t often someone refused his handshake. It was a proper way to greet someone for the first time no? After a second he pulled his hand back and continue to smile hoping it wasn’t anything he did to ruin the potential greeting.

”Hercules is just fine. Unless I should address you as Ms. Svetlana Sergeyena. Acting CEO of Haven.” he chuckled to himself again with each movement it seemed as if his suit was going to rip at the seams.

”Why are you ‘acting’ CEO?” the mound of muscles asked curiously holding the small class in his massive hands taking care not to shatter it every time he looked to it. ”Is it a difficult role to play?” he asked looking around the gallery before turning back to her, ”It seems you are doing just fine playing the part.”

”Thank you for allowing us to attend the auction. The young master has been looking forward to this event all week after he saw some of the items up for auction.” the god said truthfully but not as to why he was excited. ”He too is fascinated by the era of the items.”

>>"Hercules is just fine. Unless I should address you as Ms. Svetlana Sergeyena. Acting CEO of Haven.”

"Svetlana is fine" she chuckled, watching the large man handle his drink. He looked impressive, but he did not seem like a brute, in a way many private bodyguards were.

>>”Why are you ‘acting’ CEO? Is it a difficult role to play? It seems you are doing just fine playing the part.”

"I'll take that as a compliment" Sveta smiled, not sure whether he was making a joke, or really did not understand the expression. He had some hint of an accent but she could not place it. "I'm acting CEO, because the actual CEO is on hiatus. So, I'm running things in his place. Like this auction." Well, technically, Haven was running it. But she was the face, so she needed to put on a good face about it.

>>”Thank you for allowing us to attend the auction. The young master has been looking forward to this event all week after he saw some of the items up for auction. He too is fascinated by the era of the items.”

"Well, I hope he finds something to his liking. If he can afford it." she added lightly. The young man in the wheelchair did not exactly look made of money. "So, you are... his butler, or something?" Who called their boss 'master' these days? That sounded problematic.

”Svetlana it is then.” the Demi-god nodded his head committing the name to memory to share with William later, It was appropriate to thank the host of any party an auction was no different.

”It was meant as one.” he smiled into his glass after a short sip. It was indeed a whiskey. Scotch whiskey to be exact. Hercules patted himself on the back mentally. If he actually did it the suit would have ripped in several places.

”I do as well. Like I said he has been looking forward to this all week after seeing some of the items. It would be a shame if the boy was disappointed by the end of it.” looking over to William in his chair the boy circled the round looking item in wonder. Hercules could ‘feel’ the awe radiating for him and cracked a smile. ”Though I shouldn’t worry too much about him.”

”Something like that.” Hercules said not wanting to lie but then remembered what he was supposed to say per William’s instructions. ”I’m his uncle. His mother is in a coma and his father died in a car crash earlier this year. I had to step in shortly after.” he stated fighting the tears that formed whenever he thought of William’s current predicament.

”William comes from a rich family from my understanding and when he sees something he wants it’s hard to tell him no, seeing as he doesn’t really ask for anything other than books.” the god chuckled.

”So, Svetlana. How long have you been ‘acting’ CEO?”

Sveta saw that the man was keeping an eye on the boy, even though he was not hovering over him exactly. He was too informal for a bodyguard (and those usually did not drink on the job), but not exactly an equal. Which is why Sveta guessed butler. Some posh people still had one of those...

>>”Something like that. I’m his uncle. His mother is in a coma and his father died in a car crash earlier this year. I had to step in shortly after.”

Oh, he was so definitely not an uncle. Still, Sveta was a little surprised that the large, burly man actually got misty-eyed while telling her the story. Big softie, much? At least the kid had someone looking out for him, after the crap life he had so far.

>>”So, Svetlana. How long have you been ‘acting’ CEO?”

"Well... almost three years" Sveta blinked. Had it really been that long? Jesus, Hadden needed to get his ass back to work. She decided to steer to more solid ground. "Haven supports at risk mutant youth. Which... is basically all mutant youth. We do fundraising events like this so we can expand out programs."

”Oh ho? Impressive,” Hercules raised an eyebrow surprised by the company the blonde before him ran. ”That’s Wonderful!” the god boomed showing he was indeed surprised. All mortals were at risk to him. It was magnificent that other mortals would help take care of each other. Some mortals indeed needed help more than others. Apparently some mutants liked to abuse their gifts but that was like all mortals. It was a good thing the prince of power was back in this era. They all needed protecting.

”What kind of programs are you looking to expand?” Hercules asked with all his attention now on Svetlana. It wasn’t that he personally had the money to help but any chance he got to help future generations he relished the chance to do so. The immortal found a guiding hand was all that was needed with most mortals.

”I can put a word in with William and see if it is possible for a donation as well!” the god said cheerily! William had money now, he just had to run things by his late fathers lawyers while his mother was still in the hospital. ”I’d also like to volunteer my time as well if possible!” Every at risk youth needs a role model. What better model than he? An Olympian god!

”That almost sounds similar to the Xavier school!” the god added snapping his massive fingers producing a oddly loud ‘snap’. ”I’ve been there a few times! I like the work they are doing there as well. Everyone deserves a proper education in a safe environment!” he said recalling what he had discussed with Elizabeth. ”Have you been there before?”

The man who called himself Hercules seemed genuinely excited about Haven's work. Sveta stared at him, surprised; one did not usually get reactions this... obvious, at fundraising events.

>>”What kind of programs are you looking to expand?”

"Well..." she had the spiel in her head, but she was not prepared to do it for someone who was actually this interested. It was usually more of an elevator pitch type situation. This large dude was throwing her off her game. Luckily, he went right on.

>>”I can put a word in with William and see if it is possible for a donation as well! I’d also like to volunteer my time as well if possible!”

"That's... incredibly kind of you" Was he a mutant? Looking like that, he could have had super strength, or invulnerability or something. Or maybe he was just a philanthropist. If he really was looking after the kid, he was probably a person who cared.

>>”That almost sounds similar to the Xavier school! I’ve been there a few times! I like the work they are doing there as well. Everyone deserves a proper education in a safe environment! Have you been there before?”

"Yes, I have" Sveta nodded with a smile. "I... lived there, for a short while. Haven has a working relationship with them too. We... try to support mutants who seek asylum in the States. We place the children with Xaviers when we can, and we help the adults start a new life. In a safer place. We also offer power training, job training, medical help... the works." She smiled, pulling a business card from her clutch and handing it to him. "Please feel free to reach out when you have the time to talk. Tonight should be about entertainment... and some light shopping."

”It’s nothing, I am a firm believer in helping those in need.” to Hercules all mortals were in need. Some just needed more than others.

”Wonderful! I was just there recently! I sparred with Sam of the Ice when I went to meet with the healer and Elizabeth!” Hercules boasted as he continued on with the conversation. ”Such a lively place! I thought about bringing William there a few times to meet some of the kids there. He has a hard time getting along with the kids at his school.” he said knowing all to well that William was just ‘bored’ with the kids in his school.

”Power training? Oh? Sounds interesting.” for what kind of power training was it without the prince of power himself. When she handed produced the card the god smiled and took it gently making sure not to touch her gloved hand out of respect for her earlier comment about not shaking hands.

”I always have time to talk to one so beautiful.” he stated before catching her meaning. ”I shall distract you no longer this evening! I look forward to discussing more with you later!” Hercules bowed his head slightly then strode off to find William who was still eyeing the ‘ball’ of what looked like engraved metal.

”You sense it as well?” Hercules asked staring at the item before them. ”It’s like my bracers.” the god said leaning over to get a closer look and then he eyed the price tag. William instinctively touched the spot where the ‘Bracers of Hercules’ resided under his clothing. “I want it.” William said aloud.

”Then you shall have it, will you need to call the lawyers before bidding on such an expensive item?” Hercules asked curiously knowing that a price tag that big needed some kind of sign off with his parents funds. “Nah, I’ve been pretty stingy with my parents money. I’ll apologize later.” Hercules chuckled, ”Very well. Let us go look at everything else before the auction starts. Maybe you’ll find something else that catches your eye.” the god said taking control of the wheel chair and pushing William along while he kept an eye out for Svetlana.

For someone so burly, the man made a graceful exit out of the conversation. Surprises, surprises. Sveta smiled as she watched him return to the kid in his charge, discussing some of the items up for auction. Maybe she had just found a new donor for Haven. Sometimes, these events were good for something.

She got herself a new glass of champagne just as the auction was starting. People took their seats, and Sveta took hers too, to the side, closer to the bar so she could keep an eye on everyone and everything. Now all she had to do was watch the money flow.

Or so she thought.

“This is the place?” a man in a black suit asked as their car pulled up. “Yeah, boss said it was an auction with someone who has been messing with our turf. They want us to make an ‘example’ of them.” said the man in the passenger seat as the other cars pulled up to the venue. It was an auction for the rich so it meant rob everyone steal the items for auction and then maybe rough the host up. Pretty standard. It didn’t make sense why the boss sent so many people.

The car doors opened as twenty people dressed alike exited their black sedans a few of them pulled the hammers back on their weapons as they gathered around waiting for the orders. “You three go take care of the guards up front. Rest of you with me. We are going in the back. Sooner we get out of here the sooner we can make happy hour eh?”

Meanwhile

Hercules stifled a yawn as he sat next to William who wanted to sit in the back for some reason. There was only one item he wanted all the others were far more expensive than they should have been in the Demi-god's immortal eyes. They were worth something yes but the only item Hercules deemed worthy of the price tag. “Yawn quieter.” William said, “It’s distracting.”

The slayer of mythical beasts looked down and whispered loudly, ”Apoloigies.” this clearly the entertainment Svetlana was talking about. Looking over to the bar he spotted the blonde and gave a smile in her direction. This was probably the shopping she had mentioned.

“And our next piece up for auction “The stone of Cerberus” start the bidding at...” William shot his number up before the auctioneer could finish his sentence which caused him to laugh, “Ah, I see someone is eager to get things started!” a few of the other members of the auction turned to see William with his paddle up. Some of them scoffed others chuckled, wondering why a child was allowed in the auction anyways. They quickly averted their eyes when they locked onto Hercules’s glare in everyone’s direction.

The auctioneer continued calling numbers as others raised their paddles. William just kept raising his ignoring the cost.

Svetlana watched the items go, one by one. They already had gotten a hefty sum of money; she had been assured that antiquities always did. Definitely made the evening of polite and mostly boring conversations worth it. From her vantage point at the bar, she occasionally glanced towards Hercules and his charge, wondering what they would bid on. Eventually, the "Stone of Cerberus" came on (whatever it was), and the kid seemed to liven up for the first time. The bidding started, and it was promising to be a battle.

And then an actual battle started.

The first shots rang out outside the front door of the gallery. Sveta's head snapped in that direction. People jumped, then yelled.

SH*T.

Security was outside, guarding the perimeter. But that did not mean everything was not going to go straight to hell in a hand basket if the auction guests started to panic.

"EVERYONE STAY CALM! Let Security handle this!" she yelled, pulling herself up onto the bar. "Move away from the windows. Over there!" she pointed to one corner of the gallery space that was the farthest away from the windows and both doors. It was partially shielded by the bar, which was a plus. More shots rang out front and back, and then was a loud bang at the back door.