Gathering a Full Deck of Cards

[sweetcandygirl]

Cricket's backyard may look like everything is set up for another party, with treats set out on the tables and moonshine available for everyone. But there is a more serious tone to the gathering of people who were invited today...

Joker had made his arrival to the Nexus, and had set anonymous gifts to several people. But that was only the tip of the iceberg. Each person who received a gift also had their photo taken. And those photos were delivered to Harley -- torn up to try to torment his former lover.

And there was so much more that could be going on, so Harley thought it would be best to start a little resistance of people who were aware of what Joker could do -- and could rally against the Clown of Chaos.

Today, she was dressed for battle, even though she knew that they wouldn't be actually fighting Joker (at least not today). Besides, the outfit was designed by her new favorite tailor and it was appropriate clothing for battle, and featured all of her weapons -- including a brand new mace that she had recently acquired.

Despite all the different emotions in her head due to Joker returning to her life, Harley was keeping a calm face right now. She had good friends. Smart friends. They would figure out a plan that would work and make sure that Joker would never hurt her -- or anyone else -- ever again.

[Since there are several muses in this thread, I thought a posting order by Mun would be best. This is only a guidance, if you need to break posting order for any reason, or post more than once in a round, make sure everyone else gets a heads up. Mun posting order: Brin/ B/ Rey/ Serina/ Courtney/ Kiwi)

Comments

[alittlehinky]

Cricket's been studiously pretending nothing is wrong, ever since he and Harley talked. He works in the moonshine shed without any sign of moving the plant or the basket the fruit came from. He's carefully crated up the liquor made from marula fruit, though, rather than taste or sell it. He's not keen to throw it away, either. Maybe he'll have it tested and if it's safe he'll just keep it for Winter.

In the meantime, best to just act normal, but he's moved the rifle he keeps from the shed to inside the house, and locked it up but good, and whenever he's out and about, he carries a knife at his hip.

Today, he's made sure there's plenty of food--pizza and wings, no less--and both soft drinks and liquor. Willie is sitting on the porch as other people arrive, and for once she's not in a sparkly dress. Just a bow in her hair. She's alert, watching for strangers.

[coldsong]

Loki has been keeping an eye on Harley, from as close as she'll allow him to, while still watching over his children. They need his support, she needs his support, and...it's nice to be needed, actually.

It's nice to sit in Cricket's porch swing and drink pure white lightning from a mason jar, as well, waiting for the others to arrive and the discussion to begin. His gaze is distant, brain running on several tracks at once, and he's been quiet for the past hour, but he's attentive to Harley, if she needs him.

[middle_son]

Forrest is here only because Cricket wanted him to be here, and if Cricket is in any kind of danger then Forrest intends to protect him. He arrives earlyish, shuffling in looking as awkward as he always is in larger gatherings. He'll accept a comfortable chair and a soda from Cricket, though.

He does look just slightly pinkish, when he sees Harley, but her current outfit sends a message that is sobering, and that helps distract him from embarrassment.

[rogueinladysclothing]

Amelia arrives promptly for the requested meeting, covered in every weapon she can carry on her person (rapier and slingshot included) and a few more in a bag that contains the box she currently has the elephant charm necklace from Joker locked in. In addition to her usual long sleeves and leather underbust corset, the rogue has added leather bracers and new over-the-knee leather boots. It doesn't matter if they aren't going to fight anyone today - Amelia's not taking any chances whenever she makes her way around the Nexus.

Her demeanor is calm, if extremely tense. She takes deep breaths frequently and refuses all food and drink, pacing rather than sitting like the others. She doesn't speak to anyone beyond brief greetings and polite nods. Her bag is left behind on one of the chairs, leaving her hands open to flip daggers restlessly as she moves about the backyard. This isn't where she wants to be and it's quite obvious.

She's ready to end this, to end Joker for all of the damage he's caused. She wants to fight and to kill and to move on to whatever comes next. Harley deserves to be released from all the pain and suffering Joker has caused her, and Joker deserves to be drowned, torn apart, burned alive, and sent to whatever horrible afterlife he believes in. The rogue is done playing nice and even more done with waiting. It's time for them to make a decision and to end the threat permanently.

Aces of Spades: Involving Horvath and Danny

[sweetcandygirl]

After a bit of searching for contact information, Harley was able to find a way to contact Danny, and Cricket found information for Mr. Horvath. It was decided that both Harley and Cricket would meet up with the Danny and Horvath at the Nexus Café.

Despite the calmness of the Café itself, Harley still being dressed for battle is a sure sign of something more serious to the tone of the situation

[Side plot: Harley, Cricket, Danny, Horvath]

[alittlehinky]

Cricket is remarkably quick to locate the information they need. He's always been observant, and while 'book-learning' isn't looked entirely well on in the area of his world he comes from (at least not in excess), he's a very capable reader, and quite bright. He explains to Horvath that there's someone in the Nexus threatening him and several friends, and that he believes the person has been watching Horvath too, somehow, asking him to meet at the Cafe with Harley and Danny.

He shows up with Harley, but he's very much not dressed for battle. He looks like he always does, humble and low-key, in torn, loose jeans and a light blue hoodie with rainbow patches on the elbows. He's also carrying a pistol in a holster under his clothes, though he doesn't expect to have to use it. Not with these two. It's just...good to be armed.

[prescription_grade]

Danny, in turn, contacted Horvath immediately after hearing from Harley. He's easily scared, maybe, but he has reason to be. He knows nothing about the Joker, but sadistic sorcerers are something of an area of expertise, and he doesn't want to fall into the hands of one.

As a consequence of his need for some kind of backup, he arrives in the Cafe with Horvath. Which is actually convenient for all concerned. He's trying to look brave, and he smiles weakly at Harley, remembering her as a friend, but he's obviously rattled.

[bitterguardian]

On the one hand, none of this sounds good. On the other hand, it's a solid answer to the question Danny posed him when he first contacted him about the card left in his locker. Horvath arrives no more armed than usual, which is to say that his cane does have a sword in it and he's just never advertised that, and the rings he always wears are something of an arsenal as well. The truth is that Horvath does not go anywhere outside his home without being prepared to engage in sorcery battles, because you just never know.

He looks sober and formal, but not overly concerned. Fighting a psycho is not new territory.

King of Spades: Tracking down a Vampire

[sweetcandygirl]

It was up to Loki and Caspar to arrange a meeting with Toby, and discuss with him about his involvement with Joker. Harley felt it was best that Toby did not meet up with her at this time. Just in case something had been planned.

[Side plot: Loki, Caspar, Toby]

[fiveofnone]

It takes a combination of magical scrying and mundane sleuthing, but eventually Caspar and Loki narrow Toby's location to a specific block of bars in the area of the Nexus devoted to nightlife. Fairy lights hang between establishments as happy couples and groups of friends pop in and out of bars, the cool evening air full of laughter and friendly chatter.

Caspar's stoic expression sticks out like a sore thumb, not that he cares. "Still too many choices," he mutters to himself before looking up at Loki. "Any guesses where to start? Adia says that he's a fan of whiskey."

It's the most he's said since they've arrived, aside from sharing what Adia had told him about the heart-broken vampire: his super strength and reflexes, most of which she assumed, and his ability to charm others into doing what he wanted, which she witnessed first hand. That latter ability has him more unnerved than he'd like to admit, but after a moment's thought, he decides to give away some of his dignity in the name of self-preservation.

"Hey, uh... I don't want to be a liability, so try not to let him charm me. Knock me out if you have to. Okay? I'll take a beating, but I can't let someone in my head like that."

[coldsong]

Something about the atmosphere sits as ill with Loki as it seems to with Caspar. Too innocent, too happy-go-lucky, given what's going on in the rest of the multiverse. Unlike Caspar, though, Loki is capable of training his expression to something light and pleasant, and even humming with some of the music floating from half-open doorways. The net effect is of the prince of Asgard strolling with a somewhat reluctant, grim-faced companion, but since that's not out of character for either of them, it works.

"It'll have to be a smoking establishment," he says lightly. "I'm quite sure he either smokes or spends a lot of time around people who do. That narrows it down to..." He looks up and down the street and points discreetly to one fairly large establishment full of raucous noise, and a quieter, smokier dive a few doors down. "One of those."

And he'd rather it be the smaller one, so unless they see the vampire bodily smooshed against the window of the larger like a suction-cup plush on a back windshield, he'll suggest they start there. He's about to say as much when Caspar asks his question, and it gives him pause for a moment, a thoughtful look and a crease of subtle concern between his brows. "Would you like me to shield you?" he asks after a moment. "I'm capable of blocking a fairly wide range of mental influences. There are no guarantees, given I know little about the world he comes from, but it costs me nothing to try."

[rockandrollvampire]

Luckily for both of his pursuers, Toby's in the mood to be left alone tonight. The smaller, quieter bar fits the bill perfectly and as the two men approach it, they can easily spy the vampire sitting on a stool right out front of the bar. He's nursing a pint glass that doesn't have any condensation on it (hint: it's fully of whiskey) and a cigarette, staring out at the passing crowd that makes up the evening's crowd when his nose isn't in the book sitting open in front of him.

Said book is where his attention will be when the two of them step up to him. Chitchat is the last thing on his mind right now and he'll give off the distinct impression that he shouldn't be disturbed, as if noticing him is somehow more difficult right now. He's still very much there and visible, but his vampiric charms can go both ways and tonight he's put up the metaphorical "Do Not Disturb" sign.

Jack of Spades: Joker Toxin in the Nexus?

[sweetcandygirl]

Amelia also have very little information to rely on herself, as her task was to discover if Joker had established a factory to create his deadly toxin in the Nexus.

[Side plot: Amelia]

[rogueinladysclothing]

This wasn't the first time Amelia had been in this situation. Important tasks with only vague information available to her were common back on her world - especially when that important task involved someone she cared about. While others might have seen this as a challenge or a reason to back down, the rogue saw it as a greater reason to keep going, to push through all of the setbacks and struggle to get things right.

There was no room for failure. Mistakes were allowed only as minor disruptions. There were people counting on her and she wasn't about to let them down.

Rumors were always the best place to start with jobs like this, and she knew exactly where to track down the kinds of rumors that would lead her to what she wanted.

The Industrial District was the rogue's first target. It seemed unlikely that Joker would work directly with people in this more upscale location, but that didn't mean his supplies couldn't come from some of the vendors. Dressed in a fashionable disguise and with her hair magically colored, she walked from storefront to storefront; sat in every cafe, restaurant, and coffee shop; and listened. She listened for mentions of anyone buying up large quantities of materials - unusual or mundane - or new businesses that appeared to have sprung up overnight. For all his faults and weaknesses, Joker was strategic and calculating, and the rogue took note of anything that seemed even remotely out of place on napkins, in books she was reading, or on her phone. Each rumor would be given careful consideration and research before being fully pursued or discarded in due time. For now, Amelia's focus was purely on information gathering.

When she'd gotten all she felt she could from her forays into civilized business culture, she turned her attention to the Underbelly. Dressed far more appropriately for this part of the Nexus, she used her skills in stealth and eavesdropping as much she did her ability to charm and distract. She listened from the shadows as people from all walks of life made deals in dark alleys and filthy warehouses. She asked casual questions about various ingredients used in poisons as she restocked her own supplies of less than savory weaponry. She redirected and coaxed answers about goings on that seemed normal in the eyes of those who lived on the cusp of society, dancing close to the edge of asking about a certain man with an unusual face but never quite giving up who she was trying to find. It gave her something to work with, details and rumors that could be verified or discredited later. But above all, it laid the groundwork for the next step after research.

It would be a lot to process, considering how much information she would be able to gather from both areas of the Nexus, but there was never such a thing as too much information when it came to the safety of those she cared for - or for the ending of such a dangerous individual.

[sweetcandygirl]

While investigating the Industrial District, there was no mentions of anyone buying up large quantities of materials. But there was mentions of a new liquor establishment, that had started to leave samples around. There were a lot of compliments for the scotch too. It seemed everyone had to have more. Almost like once they had the taste test -- they craved another and another and another.

Then in the Underbelly, she found a little more information about the scotch manufactory. How it seemed to appear out of nowhere. And no one was really sure where it was even made. But here too... once people had a taste -- they craved more of the scotch. And black-market deals were being made once a new shipment arrived.

There was no information about a man with an unusual face. But once she asked a little bit more about the scotch supplier, she soon learned that there was one man -- an elder who walked with a cane -- who often came with stronger men who dropped off the supplies for the day. It was always that elderly man who received payment for the shipments being delivered.

And today -- he was expected to arrive with another shipment of Scotch.

[rogueinladysclothing]

Mention of alcohol and a new serving establishment isn't surprising. Even something coming in suddenly doesn't feel out of place. Someone may have simply not had luck with the product on their world and come to the Nexus to sell it. Finding a new, better market for your wares is something any decent business owner would do the moment they had the chance to do so. And setting up a new place to sell it? Practical and efficient.

It's learning that the new, hard sought scotch is coming from within the Nexus that worries her. Even more worrisome is how it affects anyone who drinks it - and the fact that there are black market deals to obtain more of it outside of the establishment in the Industrial District. Too many details all lead to the same starting point, and it's for that very reason that Amelia gears up to see this supplier in action.

She waits in the shadows above the delivery location, peering down from a low roof. Dressed in black from head to toe, her hair tied back in a simple braid, and more daggers on her person than anyone would be able to count before they were taken down, the rogue makes for an imposing sight. As much as she'd like to jump in and question the supplier, though, she knows how to do this properly. And so she crouches at the edge of the building, completely still as she watches for the old man and his guards to arrive, listening for approaching footsteps and conversations.

This will be a game of observation to start, one that hopefully extends long enough for her to get the information she needs to find the actual source of this scotch. If not, then she needs to get her hands on a bottle - discreetly, if possible - to find out the truth of what it is before she confronts this would be supplier for more direct information.

Ten of Spades: Setting a Trap

[sweetcandygirl]

Harley and Forrest were given the task to work together to set up a trap to lure Joker to them, instead of him having the upper hand.

[Side plot: Harley, Forrest]

Re: Ten of Spades: Setting a Trap

[middle_son]

((So I really dropped the ball on this one, sorry.))

As much as Forrest has come along with the intent of aiding Cricket however he can, he's just a little mystified as to what he should be doing, specifically. This problem is bigger than just his family, with so many of the people affected being more or less strangers to him. It's not something he can just sneak up to in the dark and shoot, or punch if it comes his way. multiple dimensions add a layer to trapping somebody that is utterly foreign, so he is admittedly not quite sure where to start.

"You... know this guy real well, right?" It seems clear Harley is the best source of information available.

[sweetcandygirl]

"I know best out of anyone who knows him. But there are still tricks up his sleeve..." Harley gets a few weapons ready, before they leave.

She rolls out a few handguns for Forrest to look over and choose from.

"And if it is me who he wants to hurt the most... lets put out the bait."

Joker: When All the Cards are on the Table

[sweetcandygirl]

[Two side plots combining: For Caspar, Loki, Toby, Amelia, Harley]

CW: Trigger warnings. Violence. Choking.

When Toby grabs the Shamaness and kisses her hard and unpleasantly, there is definitely no signs of satisfaction from the woman receiving the kiss. She does not struggle against the angry and hurtful kiss. In fact she lets Toby express his hate and returns the kiss with just as much dislike. She does not want the kiss... any more than he had wanted to kiss her.

But there is a change in the back of his mind as he kisses her. Something of the heartbreak from his past lessens just slightly. It is like the pain of that moment eases slightly. As the Shamaness absorbs the emotion of the memory into herself.

It fuels her. And she laughs, when Toby breaks the kiss and pushes her away.

"Break it." The shamaness runs her hands down her neck. And takes one of the blood beads around her neck. And breaks it, letting the blood run down her body.

"First... I believe I should bring the one who found their bodies to us..." The shamaness reaches out a hand, and the doorway glows greenish. At the same moment, Loki receives a text from Amelia... the rogue who sent the text finds herself walking through the doorway to reconnect with the three men.

"Each of their souls... each of their memories are with me..." The shamaness breaks more of the blood beads around her neck. As she does, the TV monitor slightly becomes bigger and bigger. Until it fills up most of the wall behind the desk.

"Break the contract. Break the deal. Cast my spell, until there is nothing left..." The shamaness turns and a green glow of magic surrounds the TV screen. Slowly, she ages year by year, as more and more of her magic is expended.

On the TV, the witness the goons surround Harley and start to treat her like a hanging piñata. Hitting her with their bars. And laughing each time they make contact. Then there is commotion at one of the entrances into the warehouse where they brought Harley... and the door is knocked down. In walks Joker (disguised as Loki). The men... not recognizing their own boss... immediately rush towards him to try to stop the unknown man. Joker takes out a gun and shoots each one.

"Intimacy. Betrayal. Broken hearts. He did all this to break her. To betray her one final time." The shamaness whispers. The TV grows to a size that it is as big as any of the people inside the room.

With the men dead, Joker walks up to Harley and places a hand on her face, lifting her battered face to his. And in the sweetest, softest tone, he whispers to her, "I am here. It's okay..."

Harley looks up to the face of Loki... and tilts her head, with a small smile. "I don't think I will make it, sugar pop. Come closer... I wanna one last kiss."

Joker smiles, and slowly brings his head closer to Harley's... his lips so close to meeting Harley's lips... when suddenly the woman slams her head against his. She laughs and laughs. Blood on her head after she bashed him.

"You fucking idiot..." She laughs. "You think I wouldn't know it was you? You think I wouldn't know it wasn't him?"

Joker slaps her. And drops the illusion, bringing his gun to under her neck. Harley rolls her eyes, and laughs again. "Go ahead Mistah Jay... if you can. We both know that you ain't done playing. You can never get rid of your favorite plaything."

With a low growl, Joker wraps both hands around Harley's neck and chokes her, until she has trouble breathing. But the whole time Harley laughs and laughs, until her laughs become so weak she can barely breath.

The shamaness puts more energy into the TV, a green glow surrounds it. Joker seems to sense something amiss, as he drops his hands and looks over his shoulder. He slides a hand through his hair... takes a long look at the barely unconscious Harley hanging there with only a thread of life left to her... and walks away. He has to make a new plan. Right now he knows he doesn't have any time left.

Moments after Joker leaves the scene, the shamaness breaks the last blood bead around her neck. And the TV shimmers with the green glow. Becoming a portal. "It is done. The contract is broken. You will find her there..."

[posting order: Amelia, Caspar, Loki, Toby, Harley/NPC]

[rogueinladysclothing]

Amelia has only a few seconds of rest between sending her text to Loki before she's pacing into... a study? Her eyes widen as she looks around quickly, confusion marring even her recognition of Caspar and Loki. The woman throwing magic about wildly briefly gets a panicked look before the rogue backs away from her and her eyes settle on someone she doesn't recognize against the wall. Is he the vampire the others were supposed to track down? Must be, but there's too much going on for Amelia to worry about him right now.

The scene unfolding on the TV screen isn't a pleasant one. Even knowing it's a projection, Amelia rushes over to take in the details more closely. Harley's hurt and Joker has her. This... this is why she couldn't contact Harley. This is bad. This is very bad and it needs to be fixed. Now.

She recognizes the change from screen to portal the instant it happens. Amelia spares a glance at the shamaness - who appears to be killing herself to open this doorway for them - and then glances at all the others in the room. She knows Caspar and Loki will follow, and she honestly doesn't care about the man folded in on himself right now. Whatever his deal is, he can handle it away from the rest of them while they go after Harley. Maybe if she was thinking more clearly, wasn't quite so exhausted, she could spare him a thought, but that's not where she is and Harley is far more important than any stranger ever could be.

"We have to go! Now! Come on!" It may sound like she's asking, but Amelia's certainly not waiting for an answer. With a single motion that beckons her friends to follow, the rogue turns and runs through the portal, intent on getting Harley out and to safety as soon as possible.

[fiveofnone]

It's a small surprise at how easily Toby casts off Caspar's arm (and a bit of a bruise to his ego), but he can set that aside so long as the vampire does whatever he needs to do in order to break the blood contract. Getting to his feet, he dusts off his suit and watches the twisted mockery of a kiss happening in front of him. He doesn't say anything, but the look of revulsion on his face gives away his feelings on the matter easily enough.

(Later, he'll think about what Loki said. About broken beings who can still feel love. He'll think about it when he comes home to Adia and tells her everything that happened. He'll think about it when he holds her tight and blocks away the thought of her in Harley's place. He'll think about it in the middle of the night, when he's the only one awake in their quiet little corner of Atlantis.)

But right now, all he's thinking of is: Gross.

Watching the Joker on screen choke the life out of Harley isn't any better of a view, and his fists clench unconsciously at the sight. Amelia's arrival is barely a distraction, although he hears her loud and clear when she shouts about going through the portal. It's probably another trap, but at least there isn't another crazy witch waiting for them on the other side of it. Right?

God, today is just the worst. "Right behind you," he says, running after Amelia. He trusts that Loki will follow. Toby can do whatever the hell he wants.

Extra Scene after The Credits: The Flower and the Caterpillar

[sweetcandygirl]

[For Amelia, Cricket and Poison Ivy]

[rogueinladysclothing]

Leaving Harley behind to do what was right for everyone was as close to impossible as it gets for the rogue. But with the woman resting and Loki watching over her, there was no room left for Amelia to pace or fret. She relented with a very terse nod and PINpointed back to the Nexus without a word.

She's equally abrupt with Cricket when she meets up with him, telling him only that they needed to see Red at Harley's request. In truth, she doesn't know what the point of this meeting is, but Harley asked and so Amelia will do it. When everything between them is settled and Cricket's ready to go, the rogue PINpoints them directly to the place where she left Red, hoping that the other woman hasn't wandered far.

"Hello?" she call as they look around. Her movements are far too sharp and disjointed. Her exhaustion and compounding lack of self-care is catching up to her. "Red, are you here? We need to speak with you."

Extra Scene after the Credits: Tracking down the Joker Tainted Liquor

[sweetcandygirl]

[For Flash, Caspar and Adia]