[IC] Life with an Unexpected Bang. |SinfulSkills & Avanhelsing|

[EasilyAmused]

The night was quiet in the fair city. Businesses closed, streets empty and blinds drawn to keep privacy inside instead of out. A long figure moved through the streets, a woman in all black walked down the street, a small bag over her shoulder. No police were called, no one knew and she was feeling a bit arrogant was she skipped along the empty streets. the women in the hooded mask moved with a grace unlike others, her body swerving as if she was dancing which, she was a little. "Diamonds and Emeralds and Rubies oh my." She whispered to herself. The police were following a false lead on the other side of the town, a lead that said someone was going to rob the jewelry store but simple is as simple does, the robber took the other jewelry store across town.

As a hooded figure she looked good, the skin tight black body suite she wore hugged every curve of her womanly form and the material was silk yet strong. Allowing her body to breathe yet preventing any scrapes as she crawled through vent or skidded across concrete. There was a wonderful fabric company in China that made the material she used on her costume and it always seemed to work her advantage. Even her face mask was made from the same things. Why? Simple, she didn't want to scar her pretty face. Though people didn't know what a pretty face she had and the false canine teeth she wore made her look as though she had fangs. Yes, life was fun when you were a robber.

Her hands clinked together as she touched the small pieces of something sticking out of her gloves. The 'something' was her trade mark. The clever woman created claws out of jewelry, since diamonds were the hardest material in the world, it made cutting open glass very easy, which was her main problem. Hacking into computer systems, simple; she learned how to do that as a day job, being a computer technician it's kind of a given. So far there has yet to be a security system she couldn't crack. It also helped that she worked in the computer section of the biggest company in town and they created most, if not all, the security systems used in town. Aw tonight was a good night and she even did a little skip jump as she walked down the street; so full of happiness that nothing could ruin her mood.

[Avanhelsing]

"Sir. Your search and theory about the Cat robber seems to have taken a hit." A stodgy British voice said into the man's ear as he sat on one of the rooftops looking down. All he needed to complete the look was a lightning strike and the weather of Helios City obliged him. One struck right behind the masked man. The mysterious Hawk. There were only two people who knew his idenitity and one was talking to him through the com link. The other was suppose to be asleep but Hawk doubted he would be. "Of course it did. One quiet night would be great but no." Hawk complained to the other man, it falling on deaf ears. "There is no rest for the wicked, sir. She is cross town at a jewlery store." The Voice of Rigel Winters said quickly. He had always been a part of Hawk's life. He had served the Cole family even after the accident. He held gaurdianship over their only living child Nathan and still was like a father to him. Owning half the town reuqired a strict fist and Winters offered it. "Alright. On my way." He said quickly before swinging off on a grappling hook. The car would have been faster but he needed to get there silently.

His black suit meshed well into te darkness as he landed silently on the rooftop. He looked down and saw the woman entering and taking down the system remarkably fast. He watched her go to the street and landed beside her. "You know that it is far easier to but the objects than it is to steal them." He said ready if she attacked him. "Seems I am smarter than the HCPD. How's about you drop the jewels and we leave quietly. or we could fight again." He said knowing which one she would choose. This had been going on for weeks."Newplace for us to fight. No dark alley or sewer this time." He commented noticing the change of scene.

[EasilyAmused]

The drop of the quote hero of Helios City. Hero, how pathetic, how could he possibly call himself a hero when he runs around in such a stupid looking suite. The young woman rolled her green contact colored eyes when he started to talk to her, her neck followed her eyes, the cracking of it echoed throughout the quiet streets as she brought her head forward again to look at him. "Anyone's smarter than the HCPD, they aren't exactly rocket scientists. But neither are you. See you got yourself a new suite. The last one I ripped to shreds." Though she didn't have much to brag about, he nearly broke her back and leg in several positions and she had to go to work the following day with a limp. Though she was 'accident prone' enough at work everyone believed that she fell down the stairs of her townhouse apartment. But that didn't mean she didn't have a good time. Normally, she wasn't a violent person but when it comes to this guy who just consistently attempts to spoil her fun, violence seems to be the only way she can get him to leave her alone. And by leave her alone, that means her getting away.

Her right hand shot out, claws extending and sparkling in the moonlight. Her smile spread across her full bright red lips as she showed her fangs. "It would be easier if we just part ways and that be that but, well..." She said dragging out the word in a sarcastic manor. "I know you wouldn't let me just leave. So I guess a fight it is." The young woman took a step forward, ready to pounce when suddenly. BOOM the building next to them exploded, sending the two individuals flying towards the opposite side of the street. The young woman's back landed hard against the stone building before she was up on her feet and her body turned to look at the masked person. "That was a little bit of an overreaction for a no don't you think?!" She snapped. "What the fuck is wrong with you!?"

It wasn't until a laughter was heard coming from the direction of the inflamed building that her gaze turned to see what the sick sadistic laughter was... oh no, someone else has come into town.

[Avanhelsing]

Hawk honestly did not like this woman. Their bi-nightly fights got tiring. He just wanted to get her behind bars and be done with this. Of course things were never quite so easy. No she was a great fighter and those claws hurt like a mother. He had claw marks all over his back and not in the good way. No she had torn his old suit to bits. This was was a lot tougher than the last one and should resist her claws a bit better. His best bet to beating her was to counter act her speed with his strength. It usually worked to his advantage. Yet here he was fighting her still.

"You know I am smarter than you. How do you think i found you so easily?" He asked making a hollow boast. She was smarter than he was by a good deal. "If you hand me the jewels we can go walk to the police hand in hand..." He said before he was cut off by the explosion. He slammed against the wall his face getting cut on his cheek. "Ahh. Why the hell do you think I did it?! If I had explosives I wouldn't use them on you!" He yelled before being cut off by the laughing.

"No.... Not him..." Winters' voice whispered into his earpiece. Before he could ask who the lunatic showed up. Hawk stayed quiet and oddly wanted to protect the woman from this guy. His laughing sounded familar."Well good evening! Welcome to the Show!" The man said coming into focus. He was wearing a white Sunday Suit you would see on a Southern gentleman would wear and his face was covered in horrible scars . His tone of voice made it sound like he was always laughing.

"I see we have two guests in attendance! Some common theif and a wannabe hero. How lovely. Now here is the deal kiddies. I am going to run this twon. You two are going to deal with it or their will be blood in the roads! I am the Gentleman!" He said laughing like a madman. He ran away as he said that. "Whothe hell was that." Hawk asked the woman helping her up. Winters was babbling in his ear."Noo... Not him...." Hawk looked confused.

[EasilyAmused]

"You're a psychopath how dresses like a Hawk to beat up a woman." She shook her head, half of her refusing to take his help but the other half pushed her ego aside and took his help getting to her feet. Glad she was wearing flats instead of boots she caught her balance better and quickly shook herself out of his grasp, not giving him a single reason to hold onto her any longer. The last thing she needed was for him to think he could drag her ass to jail just because he caught her in the explosion. Psychotic super hero wannabe loser now having to light shit on fire just to capture her. Well she wasn't going down at easily!!

Before she could yell more insulting and smart-mouthed comments to him, a voice from across the street echoed over the flames and the collapsing buildings. Her head turned and her green contacted covered eyes landed on the White suite dressed man. Her eyebrows rose under her mask as she listened to him speak. Oh this is bad, this is very bad. His voice didn't sound familiar but she felt as though she knew that type of talk, as if she had heard it somewhere in her lifetime before. Confusion moved across her face as he started to walk away; saying something about bloodshed across the city if they were to get in his way. Well, there's a big difference between blood and burglary. She didn't mind hurting people financially but physically wasn't her forte. "I don't know but I gotta run. That's something the moronic cops won't ignore." With that she disappeared into the night, jewels with her.

The next morning rolled around and Andrea Collins rolled herself out of bed, her body aching with pain as she placed her small feet on the cold hardwood floor of her studio apartment. Her place wasn't fancy, a couch with a TV, sowing machine on the table in the corner with a chair, kitchen and attached bathroom. Aside from that the only thing impressive was her three screened, two towered powered computer against the far wall. Oh she was a genius when it came to computers but did anyone give her the time of day? No not really. The only thing that helped her out was the job she had with Cole Industries. The inventors of most of the towns security systems, electrical equipment and media broadcasting tools; she worked her ass off and only got paid minimum wage, are you surprised now that she turned to robbing people?

Dressing for the day in her causal business clothes she put her white blonde hair up into a pony tail and blinked her blue eyes. Removing the red lipstick she had warn the night before, she replaced it with a soft pink before leaving the house and locking it behind her. She didn't have a car because she didn't get paid enough to purchase one but she was lucky that the town had a good public transportation. Shivers moved through her as she used the tunnel though, she hated to think the crazy guy from last night was in the city still. Her body ached as she walked up the stairs out of the tunnel from her train ride. Letting out a long sigh, she climbed the stairs to the building and entered inside, flashing her bags to the security officer who didn't really seem to care.

Her cubical was boring but the white haired blonde didn't care. Placing her bag under desk, she slid herself into her seat and opened her computer to see an email. Her eyes went wide seeing the important note; the owner of the company and half the town was going to be in the building. Oh wow, something's going on.

[Avanhelsing]

Hawk watched her walk off. He was still reeling from the whole new lunatic and explosions to try and stop her. That and the cut on his face was bleeding quite badly. He would have Winters look it over when he got home. Speaking of the butler he was still gibbering about this being impossible. That he knew that tone and way of speaking. Hawk would have to ask him about that later. Though he doubted he would get an answer. The butler liked to keep his secrets from his charge and that was okay honestly. Hawk managed to get away before the police showed up to question him.

He eventually reached his base under the Cole Mansion. he was in a foul mood He had failed again. She was still loose on the town and some new creep was in the picture. Lovely. He walked in and was greeted by a young looking blonde boy. The kid had deep blue eyes and looked to be about 7 or 8 years old. His sidekick Eagle, aka Chris Mathews. "Chris I though Winters put you to bed." Hawk/Nate said taking his mask off. "He did. I saw the explosion fro my window and thought you were involved! Were you?!"Chris asked looking excited. Nate had adopted him a few months earlier to a media storm. The kid had it tough and Chris had it worse than most. "Go to sleep Chris. I'll tell you in the morning." Nate said putting a bandage on his jaw where the explosion had gotten him. It would be showing tomorrow. Damn it. He had to look his best tomorrow or the press would have a hay day as they did when the 'Son of Helios' messed up. Nate went upstairs and fell asleep soon after.

Soon his alarm went off and it was time to be the 'Son of Helios', the playboy who never acted like things mattered at all. The press would ignore him if he did it so that was a good thing. He was taking another tour of his office since the investors wanted to again. He knew every inch of Cole Industries but the people wanted to see it. After a quick breakfast of toast and fruit he ran out the door to his car. A flashy red sports car and drove to the office. When he got there he greeted the guests with a smile and a wave. He decided to go through one of the computer areas on the tour first.

he sawsome white-blonde woman at one of the cubicles. She wasn't terrible on the eyes. He smiled as she passed him and the badage would be noticeable as he kept going. He had work to do.

[EasilyAmused]

Grumpy is as grumpy does. Andrea sat glaring at her computer screen, she didn't feel like working and even though she could knock everything out in half the time that her coworkers could she found her job to be extremely unlike-able at this moment. Her head was pounding, her back was sore and her mind was racing, thoughts of the lunatic she had encountered last night fresh on her mind. No not the normal lunatic she was used to but someone who actually blew up buildings and laughed hysterically. The laugh seemed unknowingly familiar. The laughter echoed in her head as she leaned back in her chair and looked at herself in the reflection of the computer screen in her soft blue blouse, her blazer hanging off the back of her chair. Her eyes were tired but she had work to do. Not the work she was getting paid for, she could do that later; right now she needed answers.

Her first Google search started basic, 'crazy man', 'bomber who laughs', 'deadly bombings in near by cities'. Nothing. A small sigh left her as she fell back against her sit. She wasn't willing to admit defeat just yet but she needed to find out who this person was. Taking in another deep breathe she began to look up things he had said, thinking he might be stupid enough to post something about himself online. In a way, she was right and in a way, she was wrong. She found something very interesting. A comic strip that seemed to capture the night perfectly from last night. Two people, one physically a woman and the other a man on the ground as a man in a white suite stood over them, speaking the same words as what was told to them the night before. A shiver moved through her as she read the laughter, his own laughter echoing in her ears as if he was right there. Her search was pulled to a halt when she realized that it was posted on a very basic image hosting website. She would need to look into this at home; these computers didn't have the technology she needed to track down what computer it came from.

The image was eery but she chose to print it anyway, getting the url so she could start her tracing when she got home. This didn't seem good. The blonde rose to her feet and walked over to the company print and tapped it as she waited for it to spit out what she needed. "He's here, he's here; do I look okay?! Oh my god I can't believe he's here! He's so handsome." The girls around her dispersed almost instantly as the presence of someone powerful walked into the computer area, everyone began to look busier than usual... then there was her, leaning against a table top, her fingers drumming on the printer with her skirt covered hip cocked outward. Pressing her soft pink lips together she blinked a few times as the light turned on, indicating that her page was being printed.

Her bright blue gaze moved to see the man walking through, talking to a group of people who seemed way more focused on what he was saying than the actual words coming out of his mouth. As the group came passed her, she pulled the paper from the printer and held it against herself to avoid anyone seeing the comic. Her gaze moved to the leader, her boss, Nathan Cole. His smile was nice, from a decent looking guy and she returned it with a small closed mouth smile of her own before she noticed the bandage. As the group walked away from her, she stepped into the pathway and watched him closely; analyzing his movements and taking in his features. Her jaw dropped and she nearly stumbled over as she hurried back to her seat. She placed the paper face down, her elbows on her desk and her head in her hands as she fell into the seat. No way, that couldn't be him. "He has that effect on everyone." One of her female coworkers said as she walked passed. That woman had no idea what she was talking about...

Five o'clock came slowly and Andrea finally made up her mind, she couldn't take on this guy alone and as much as she didn't want to admit it, she did care about the people in the city. It was time for her to swallow her pride. At the end of her shift she grabbed her things and dashed out. At home she changed into a pair of apple bottom blue jeans, a black tank top with a leather jacket and threw her purse over her shoulder, her purse holding some of the jewels she had stole; seriously, did you expect her to take them all, the print out and one of her gloves as proof of who she was. She needed help and he couldn't do it alone, he didn't have her talent or know-how. The bus trip to get to the bastard's mansion was long and the walk up the damn hill to his manor was even worse.

By the time she reached the steps to the oversized front door she was huffing and puffing. Now she was sore, annoyed and tired. Great, just great. She straightened herself up and dusted off her pants and shirt before pulling her bag up on her shoulder and knocked on the door. The door was opened by an older gentleman who looked at her with an annoyed look, "Yes?" He said in a stern tone to her.

Andrea wasn't taken back by the tone, she was used to people talking to her in such a manor. "I need to speak to Nathan Cole, it's urgent."

"He didn't order any call-women." The butler said and slammed the door in her face.

What?! She thought as her hand quickly went up and she knocked on the door again. When it opened, the butler looked more annoyed then ever. "Look, there's a major issue going on and he needs my help."

"If he had ordered a call woman I would know, he doesn't have any problem you can help solve." With that he shut the door again.

This time, angered, she banged on the door until he opened it again. Before he could smart off to her she pulled her fist back and punched him in the face, the man tumbled to the ground with a loud thud. Knowing she only had moments before Nathan would come down to expect the nose and wonder why the door kept opening and closing. She slipped into the near by sitting room and found herself a comfy chair. Crossing one long leg over the other she opened her purse and pulled out the bag of jewels. She began going through them, holding them up to the light much like she did at home and tossed them one by one onto the floor. Oh this should get some attention, that's for sure.

[Avanhelsing]

Nate hated being surrounded by yes-men. 'Wonderful idea, Mr. Cole! You are great!' They said as a chorus it seemed. He was so glad he was done after an hour. He rushed home soon after. He had to find this lunatic.

---

Nate sat at his desk in his study just thinking. He was trying to stop being the always peppy Nathan Cole and just trying to get back to being Nate. Chris was sitting on Nate's desk in a non Winters approved way. The old man tried to keep his charges under control as best he could. Usually to mixed success sine Nate and Chris were cut from the same cloth. Right now they were discussing wether or not Eagle should be allowed to patrol with this new crazy loose. "Chris, he is a madman. There is no way I am allowing you to go out while he is loose!" Nate said finally. Chris had his methods as to convince him. "But you are Hawk! You can take this crazy any day! You'll need my help if you want to catch him!" His protege said equally as final. He had learned well from his guardian. "Fine... You can patrol with me tonight. Only if you have all your work done." Nate said hearing someone knocking the door.

He heard Winters talking to someone. Odd. He usually slammed the door on the press. Then he heard a thud. He and Chris shared a look and ran into the hallway and found Winters in the floor. His nose looked red as if punched. He had been the one who had trained Nate so a punch to the nose was nothing. "Who did this?" Nate asked already hatching a plan. Winters pointed into the sitting room at a familiar woman. He had seen her at the office today. She had a bad of gems that looked familiar too. The cat lady had taken similar ones. His memory was great. "Who the hell are you? Why should I call the cops on you for assault and breaking and entering. That's 10 years in jail! Talk quickly. " He said walking in and not looking pleased.

[EasilyAmused]

Finally, she had some attention and she wasn't getting called a whore. A nice change of pace from her desk job where she was an invisible drone clicking away at a keyboard. Plucking out an emerald, she held it up to the light above her, ignoring his comment for a brief moment before tossing the little gem on the floor of the sitting room. "Funny, you spend so long trying to get me and you'd rather the cops bring me in instead of you." Her blue eyes twinkled as they flicked over to him, the right corner of her full lips curled up into an unmistakable smirk. "I underestimated the fund I'd have with you birdbrain." She said sharply, an insult she had called him one too many times over their years of playing cat and mouse with one another.

"But I'm not here to be arrested." She said as she pulled out a Ruby and held it up to the light. "Oh wait." With that she reached into her purse and pulled out a small device. After pressing the button, the electric devices went out, including all mobile devices. "There, now we can talk before you decide to turn me into the police." She spun the device in her hand before sliding it back into her purse and tucking it between her thighs for good measure. "Electronic scrabbler. Nothing electronic will work so unless you're going to send a pidgin... Or an eagle." She said eying the young man who just walked down the stairs. "I'm here to chat." She said finishing her thought as she pulled out a pearl and instantly threw it to the ground in disguise. "There's a mad man running around town. Crazier than you and more dangerous than me. The way I see it..." She examined a topaz before giving it a shrug and throwing it to the ground. "Neither one of us want to see anyone get hurt. I have a lot more connections than you do around town, and since I didn't grow up in a mansion. I know every inch of this town like the back of my hand. Between my skills, my brains, my connections and your..." She was examining a sapphire in the light as her brow pushed together, "Costume." attempting to give him some reasoning of why she'd need his help. "And want to keep people safe, we could stop him."

Before he could say anything she kept going. "If you are willing to hear me out, take a seat. If not you can take your best chance at when I turn back on the electricity that your video footage will still be there of me punching your butler. I think the police and press would most likely believe you tried to bribe a low level employee with jewels to preform tasks she wasn't willing to do. Who's the police going to believe? The innocent blonde who was taken to your house for interview for a new position and was instead nearly forced to preform call-girl acts or the man that the press has been dying to slip up and cause some sort of riot about?" With that she threw the sapphire onto the ground. "Shall we talk? Or will you take your chances?" She questioned as she pulled out another ruby.