[img]http://i.imgur.com/NeeWKCw.jpg[/img] Bellagio Ballroom/Las Vegas/Present Day The luxurious Bellagio, a resort and casino seated on the Vegas Strip, welcomed the the chill of night like an old friend, its grand glow piercing through the dark shroud like a beacon, drawing in all manner of sinful folk. The outside was littered with limousines and luxury cars, all carrying men and women of great import. For one night, the Bellagio would house the largest collection of witches, criminals, and supernatural beings that the U.S. had ever seen, all gathered to enjoy an ancient festival given a modern mask. Inside, Hekate and the heads of each of the Five Families gathered in secret behind the stage of the Bellagio Ballroom, whose length was overtaken by beautifully chaotic arrangements of tables and red foliage, and whose walls were lined with golden and crimson designs. [color=MediumPurple]”I must say,”[/color] spoke Hekate to her companions, [color=MediumPurple]“You lot have outdone yourselves! Never before have I witnessed such splendor. Five hundred witches, a plethora of faeries, imps, and strange creatures in mortal dress, and soon, a family of criminals, along with their leader.”[/color] “And we owe it all to you, Lydia.” replied the elderly Syrenna Rowen, a gambling queen, renowned socialite, and head of the Rowen line, the first family of cradle witches to hold a seat in Las Vegas. “Had you not brought we five together, I fear we would have been destroyed by our lessers.” Hekate smiled and hugged the old witch, [color=MediumPurple]”My friend, you give me too much credit. I did nothing but show you a vision of one possible future, one that I’m sure you had all seen. Your treaties and peace meetings were your own doing; I had no hand in bringing you together, honestly.”[/color] She shook her head as each of the five accused her of too much modesty, and of this perhaps she was guilty. Afterall, the Five Families had been warring with one another for the past three decades, each new generation caught up in the old’s drama. When Hekate came to Vegas two years ago under the guise of Lydia Valis, she brought with her a vision of the future, one where the five united could take control of the city’s underworld. When they saw this, the warring ceased, but another obstacle stood in their way. “When shall he arrive?” asked Roman Adessi, owner of a local chain of Italian restaurants and head of the Dianic Cult, a group of witches dedicated to the Roman Goddess, Diana, and practitioners of [i]stregheria[/i]. He spoke of the mob boss, Barron Vanderbilt. [color=MediumPurple]”Soon enough,”[/color] Hekate replied. Her meeting with Barron a few days prior had gone well and he seemed cooperative enough. She invited him to the night’s festivities as a show of good faith and as a means of bringing he and the families closer together. The witches could not hope to rule Vegas with him in their way, so either they work together as equals, offering the other protection and favor, or they end him. [color=MediumPurple]”Come now, let us entertain our other guests.”[/color] The company of six appeared from the behind the curtains of the stage and spread out into the crowd of people already in attendance. Hekate stalked the doors of the ballroom, waiting for Barron and his crew. The last few hours of preparation for Barron was exciting, he knew he was in a balancing act between two major realms, that could easily tip one way or the other. His thoughts were of dominating the world and all it entailed. Magical or otherwise and to do this he’d need to strengthen all of his connections and resources available. Carol wore a midnight blue pinstripe trousers with a light blue dress shirt and a vest that wrapped around her waist a darker blue that merged the two color schemes together with a white thick dividing line connecting the two parts down the middle. All with a matching Fedora. Barron’s was a bit more simpler. An all white suit with white vest and black dress shirt with a pair of black and white two toned shoes and of course a matching tie and hat. He would stand out more than he should in a crowd of magical whatnots. As their car pulled up a Mercedes-Benz 1935 Special Roadster restored and in prime condition Barron stepped out his various golden rings touching the exterior door as it opened on it’s hinge he strode over quickly to Carol’s side and took her arm as she stepped out tossing the keys to an Employee of the Bellagio waiting nearby. “[color=9e0039]Take care of it. She’s the WIfes[/color]’.” He said as they made their way inside. Barron checked in they were expecting him as the Diviner pointed him towards where Mrs. Valis was entertaining some other party goers Barron walked up with Carol in tow. “[color=9e0039]Fancy Digs, might need a room modeled after this place. But before that, this is my Wife Carol[/color].” “Pleasure Mrs. Valis.” “[color=9e0039]And I happen to have something for you as well[/color].” Reaching for a manila envelope he held it out for her. “[color=9e0039]Just a little video of Saint James. I’m sure the Families will be happy to hear the matter is dealt with[/color].” Hekate took the envelope in one hand, passing it to a nearing waiter to take upstairs. [color=MediumPurple]”A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Vanderbilt, and we shall delight ourselves with this footage later this evening.”[/color] She waved over another waiter with a tray of drinks, taking one for herself and offering the others to the Vanderbilts. [color=MediumPurple]”I’m pleased that the two of you were able to attend. I trust there have been no complications to your evening thus far?”[/color] “[color=9e0039]The only complications were with her wardrobe. I wasn’t sure whether to complement her or revenge her as she was deciding upon what to wear[/color].” Barron laughed jokingly as Carol rolled her eyes. “[color=9e0039]But no. No complications thus far our evening is just getting started. We should start making the rounds I’d like to meet Roman Adessi; his restaurants serve amazing food yet I still haven’t met him in person. And I’m sure there are other Celebrities attending in person[/color].” He said with a hint of excitement. “Don’t be too excited dear. “ “[color=9e0039]But it’s like meeting Dead Domino or Vera Keyes in person. Ah times long past of another lifetime. Still I’m sure we should meet with the other Families, Mrs. Valis if you would introduce us[/color].” [color=MediumPurple]”Of course, right this way.”[/color] Hekate lead the Vanderbilts through the crowd, making a path to the front of the ballroom. She looked over the crowd for the heads of the Five Families, who quickly filed to the front once they saw who had arrived. One by one, the five of them gathered around Hekate, eager to meet their newest ally. [color=MediumPurple]”Mr. And Mrs. Vanderbilt, may I present to you the heads of the Five Families of Las Vegas.”[/color] Hekate motioned to each of them, stepping forward as they were introduced. [color=MediumPurple]”Syrenna Rowen, head of the Rowen line, the oldest family of witches in Nevada; Roman Adessi, head of the Dianic Cult, loyal followers of the goddess, Diana; Aaron Wright, head of the local Cultus Sabbati; Cassandra Loyal, head of the Hekatean Cult, a group devoted to the goddess, Hekate; and Genevieve Lachance, head of the Lachance line.”[/color] Each of the Five bowed as they stepped forward, all powerful, Old World witches of great influence. Hekate motioned to the Vanderbilts. [color=MediumPurple]”And may I present to you five Barron and Carol Vanderbilt. Mr. Vanderbilt owns the Gomorrah hotel and casino and has supplied your families with all they have needed for some time now.”[/color] Barron and Carol followed along eagerly in tow with Barron being more visually excited about meeting real life Celebrities, a wide infectious smile streaked across his face until all the Five Families made their way to the forefront of the Ballroom. Where Mrs. Valis introduced them one by one Carol nudged his shoulder. “You’re doing it again dear.” She said referring to his elated enthusiasm. “You’re worked up again and it’s showing.” Carol said in her attempt to remind her Husband of their current company. Shrugging it off Barron greeted them. “[color=9e0039]Sorry. I get practically giddy when meeting Celebrities. Mr. Adessi I love your restaurants and a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Rowen. A pleasure to meet you all, now I’m sure you’ve all heard about what happened recently and I’ve given Mrs. Valis some. Materials to go over with everyone here in a more. Private space[/color].” The five of them perked up. When Hekate told them of Saint James’s capture, they were all relieved. “Can we watch it now, Lydia?” asked the youngest of the five, Cassandra. Hekate held her in special regard being that she represented her cult. Hellenic witches were hard to find in the U.S. “I long to see what torture the bastard was made to endure.” The others nodded and shared a similar sentiment. [color=MediumPurple]”Alright, I suppose we can have our pleasures before business. If you’ll all follow me.”[/color] Hekate led all of them behind the stage once more, taking a small spiral staircase up to an office upstairs. Inside was a projector and a white screen. She set everything up, removing a disc from the manila folder that had been set on the desk by a waiter and inserting it into an adjacent computer. If the computer and projector hadn’t already been linked up, she would have no idea how to do so herself. Over a thousand years alive, millennia of magical secrets, and she could barely work a computer. Once everything was in place, she had Cassandra turn everything on. The disk played as Carol and Barron Vanderbilt took their seats offering a seat to his wife first before he took his own. With a vile grin he speaks. “[color=9e0039]Hope you all ain’t squeamish. I went old school, Prometheus Old School[/color].” As the tape played Saint James lay bound to a table. “[color=9e0039]See at this point I’d already gone through the boring stuff, he’d been trying to run a protection racket among the lower Witches and Mages anyone he thought he could intimidate easily enough. He didn’t like hearing no so he decided to be a little rough. Well all know how that went down so here comes the juicy parts[/color].” The tape played on with Barron stepping into the camera’s field of vision Saint James was otherwise naked save a few strips of cloth covering his groin his face had been beaten and bloody, his jaw cracked. But Barron stood there his back facing the camera as his Blood Manipulation magic began to slice into Saint James’ flesh ripping open a cavity that would have killed any normal man, due to the work of Barron’s Blood magic his blood kept flowing and his brain was kept from going into shock essentially keeping a dead man alive to endure hellish torment. The blood Barron was using formed eyes and teeth and a demonic head as it tore out the insides bit by bit first the minor organs through the agony Saint James howled out in pain as Barron tore out more important organs one after another all the while forcing him to live through being torn apart organs tossed violently and haphazardly across the room blood splattering the walls and even the lens of the camera as a cloth momentarily wipes it away with Barron still ripping the man apart. His smile cracked from cheek to cheek as wide as it would go before all that kept the man alive was Barron and his magic pumping through his veins whilst he held the man’s still beating heart between his fingers before shoving it down James’ throat embedding it into his esophagus. Barron stepped back after the affair which took place for nearly an hour, it took a moment for the beating heart to finally stop as his magic dissipated and Saint James died looking like he had been feasted upon by wild wolves. Stopping in front of the camera Barron spoke.”Get someone to clean this filth off my walls.” Before walking out of the camera's’ view. The six witches sat silently for a while after the tape had ended, a few of them holding down bile. Even Hekate, who was no stranger to massacre, was almost sickened by what she had just witnessed . . . almost. Were the Five Families really prepared to do business with this man? He held a power the likes of which they had scarcely seen before, marking him as not only a political and physical threat, but a mystical one as well. It seemed that the only grin in the room was Barron’s, for the witches, all of whom had unleashed other horrors in the past, were unfamiliar with the arts of physical torture. Hekate, however, took on Barron’s giddiness. He had revealed to them, to all six of his greatest potential allies/enemies, his powers. Perhaps not his trump card nor the full extent of those powers, but a glimpse that Hekate could use to her advantage. She sensed something sinister within him when they first crossed paths, but now that she had seen his gifts, she could protect the families against them if need be. She turned off the projector, stood up, and faced Barron. [color=MediumPurple]”I must say, Mr. Vanderbilt, that was quite a display. I think I speak for all in attendance that none of us were prepared for such brute and mystical force, but you have demonstrated that you truly are a force to be reckoned with, and you have not only our gratitude, but respect.”[/color] The others recovered from their daze and nodded in agreement. “[color=9e0039]A lesson needed to be taught, his corpse had already been dropped off at one of his Gang’s Hangouts. And I’m sure it’s making waves among those who would dare consider disrupting the balance. It may have been more than a little uncomfortable for the esteemed Five Families to witness but it was necessary. I will not be undermined by a small time thug whose only concern is mere destruction of the Community that he resides in[/color].” Carol had been seemingly unaffected in her husband's display of ultra violence and rises. “We wish to strengthen our ties with the Mystical Realm, to offer our services anywhere they be needed and ensure the prosperity it’s people deserve. We all stand to gain a mutually beneficial relationship between us, and of course a rise in all of our profit margins.” “[color=9e0039]I think what my wife is saying is that you help us we help you. Things have been escalating as of recent days. Meta Humans will soon rise to become the dominant power if we are not united in our endeavors[/color].” Hekate gave a wicked smiled. [color=MediumPurple][i]So that’s his plan, is it?[/i][/color] She was in tune with his emotions, his ecstatic body language. Behind the coolness of his voice and his brutish posture, there lie an even more powerful demon, one with a desire to rule. [color=MediumPurple]”Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt,”[/color] she addressed the couple in a deep, sultry voice, [color=MediumPurple]”contrary to our appearances, out status, and our many gifts, we are not villains. Our desires do not align with the mad scientists and evil necromancer’s of the fictional universe; we do not seek world domination. We are witches, we seek only freedom, and that is why we value you as our greatest potential asset.”[/color] Hekate walked around the room, her presence thickening the air. She still appeared as Lydia Valis, but she felt to others as Hekate. [color=MediumPurple]”We have surveyed the area, taken down those whom we deem to be lesser, those who would stand in the way of our desires. But among the common rabble of sinners and gangsters, there you were, at the height of criminal activity with a hand in almost all of Vegas’s affairs. If anyone among us had a claim to the throne, it would be you, and that is highly advantageous for we six and all we represent. It is not our mission to strengthen or enlighten the magical underworld of this city, only to do as we please, when we please, and how we please. With you on the throne and us acting as your nobility, we would be free from the interference of lesser gangs, law enforcement, and all manner of mundane threats. And with us at your side, well . . . I told you that all who joined us tonight would be gifted with good fortune for the year to come. You seemed skeptical, but let me assure you that our combined magic could indeed make you the richest, most powerful man in this city, if not the entire continent.”[/color] “We have but a few conditions,” Syrenna Rowen spoke up. “We would ask for your protection against all mundane harm. Your influence over Vegas’s overworld could insure us that.” “And access to your strongholds and your men,” Roman Adessi interjected. “Our powers may be great enough to get us what and where we want, but they aren’t always the most subtle.” “Let’s not forget proper compensation for offering our services.” Cassandra chimed in. Each of the five had something to add, but Hekate hushed them. [color=MediumPurple]”My friends make many demands, all simple in their approach, but what would you ask of us, Mr. Vanderbilt? In exchange for the services you already provide, as well as those that are asked of you know, what would you like in return?”[/color] Taking a stand immediately after the Five Families had made their demands Barron spoke. “[color=9e0039]I do not seek wealth, for that is merely a means to an end. Nor do I desire to rule just the mystical realm. I seek a greater game, and play a longer one. For I have seen the path man will take and lived it, I come from a world ravaged by Nuclear Fire, where all that remains is mutants and monsters. And if it takes me a thousand years before I stand at the head of the single World Nation so be it. But do not think I am incapable of conquering this world[/color].” Barron said as he walked to the front of the room the blank projector casting it’s light upon him as he walked by it and then stopped. “[color=9e0039]I only expect two things from those who follow me. Respect, and Competence. Race or Creed has no importance to me. Your demands thus far will be met as well, your protection is a given but first I must grow. These new Metas being created could serve a valuable purpose to augment my already diverse forces. And the Leaders of Vegas must first fall in line. Once Vegas is securely in my pocket you will have the Freedom you seek, and my men at your backing. There will be procedures in place however to ensure they are being utilized properly and given the respect they deserve. I will not see my men become mere servants they have proven their worth and do not deserve such a fate[/color].” [color=MediumPurple]”Of course,”[/color] Hekate replied. [color=MediumPurple]”We wouldn’t dream of treating any of your men with disrespect, and now that the negotiations are out of the way, shall we make it official?”[/color] The five looked at her with hesitation. They knew what she meant to do, and they weren’t happy about it. Hekate waved a hand over the desk at the edge of the office. A large, black box formed from the shadows and appeared as a thing of complete darkness, lacking any true features. She snapped her fingers and it opened, revealing an empty inkwell, quill, and a rolled up scroll. Hekate removed these items, set them on the desk, then spoke to the scroll in a chthonic tongue. It opened, resembling a contract of sorts, laid out will all that had been offered to both parties. Hekate turned to face the others. [color=MediumPurple]”I tell you that I have scarcely used such formal documentation. I am no stranger to deals and covenants, and my word is usually enough, but I feel that such a grand partnership requires a true contract. This document is binding and neither party can break their word without severe consequences. If you are ready, prick your finger with the quill, then sign.”[/color] Carol with not a moment to spare came up to the scroll reading it over as Barron stood beside her and let her examine it for any inconsistencies as it was her second nature. “[color=9e0039]The Mrs. is the legal expert, not that I lack any faith but it would pevee her if I signed without letting her look it over. A happy home is a happy wife after all[/color].” As Carol passed it to her husband Barron took the quill and stopped hovering it just in front of his finger. “[color=9e0039]Before I continue, Mrs. Valis. Which as well put together as it is - is merely a fabrication a gise for someone else. I'm a smart man. I know a fake identity when I see one. So who are you really[/color]?” The five heads looked at Barron, some in disgust, some with great intrigue. They all knew that Lydia was something more, but for Barron to call her out . . . Hekate only smiled. [color=MediumPurple]”Very good, Mr. Vanderbilt. I imagined that after our last meeting you might try to learn more about me. I apologize for the lack of information.”[/color] She waltzed around the room, her Otherworldly essence intensifying, becoming more tangible. Lydia Valis was beginning to fade, but not entirely. [color=MediumPurple]”Your assumptions are partially correct. I assure you that I am indeed Lydia Valis, for there isn’t another like her in the world. Whether or not she is a mask for who I truly am, well . . . do we not all wear masks? Believe me when I tell you that my presentation as Lydia is not to deceive or harm any of you, but if you must know who I am, then I shall tell you all.[/color] The lights began to flicker and a heaviness descended upon them all. Hekate’s form began to shift. Her olive skin was given a divine glow, her raven curls flowed about her as if swept by a breeze, her dark clothing was replaced by more noble and mysterious garb, and she emanated a dark, wispy aura that carried her signature. She hovered just above the floor in her most ancient form. [color=MediumPurple]”I am the goddess, Hekate.”[/color] her voice was both a gentle kiss and an ominous wind to all who heard it. The five heads looked upon her with awe, especially Cassandra, whose face was streaming with salty tears of joy. [color=MediumPurple]”You may know me by this name and many others, but above all, I am a being of magic, a patron of sorcerers and witches both ancient and contemporary, and I have continued my reign in this world to assure that those under my domain live in harmony and gain the proper respect.”[/color] Barron chuckled softly amused by the thought that a Goddess proper was before them. “[color=9e0039]You know, my old world didn’t have any Gods or Masters left just those willing to climb the rubble of the Old World to lay claim to whatever irradiated parcel of land their hands could hold. So I’ve grown a pair in my time, some may think of me as impertinent others - ballsy. Me, I’m confident. And that’s all you really need in this or any other world, that and near immortality[/color].” Barron spoke as he pricked his finger to finalize the deal set forth between them. “[color=9e0039]I look forward to making a better world, under my rule, but without weapons of mass destruction. And Polka. I’ll be honest I don’t know how to address you now, what would the proper procedure be for showing respect to a Goddess[/color]?” [color=MediumPurple]“Lydia or Ms. Valis will suffice,”[/color] Hekate replied, once again assuming the form of Lydia Valis. [color=MediumPurple]“My name is not as well known these days. To the ancients, I was a grand symbol. All but few of modern folk have forgotten the gods, dismissing them as legend alone. If this is the world I am to live in, one who does not truly know of magic or the gods, then I shall continue to meddle in my human form, Lydia Valis, or another should the need arise.”[/color] Hekate gestured for the five heads to follow Barron’s lead. They each stood up, collected around the scroll, and signed in blood. She then made a gesture and her own signature appeared at the bottom of the page, or what the others could only assume was a signature, as it was written in a strange, Otherworldly script. [color=MediumPurple]”One more thing, Mr. Vanderbilt. You may have your sights set on the world, but take care that you don’t get a big head. You are unfamiliar with this world’s legends, and in each of them, hubris was the downfall of men. If you wish to assume the role of a god, be wary. Before you can walk, you have to crawl.”[/color] “[color=9e0039]I have all the time in the world, and it will fall into my hands of it’s own accord. All good things come to those who scheme[/color].” Barron said with Carol by his side.