The Raven's Basilisk

It was a bit over an hour later when the group finally met in the Voltham underbelly. The heavily layers of overpasses and raised highways above the densely packed slums adding to the distinct Voltham near dystopian vibe. Thick reinforced concrete pillars supported with massive steel beams, split the rising steam with their shadows. Both methods of support and the undersides of the overpasses covered in graffiti as far as a body could conceivably reach.

Below tucked into the dense cluster of buildings was a tucked away little dive, a sheet metal awning over the solid door, a single flashing neon hung along the brick wall. It showcased a rather gruff looking bulldog, the cards in its paw slowly lighting up to reveal a near royal flush in hearts. The two of hearts would flicker briefly before switching to the ace of hearts; the new card completing the royal flush and earning the dive its name: Lucky Dog's.

Constantinople looked up at the club's sign as he leaned against the once frequented old haunt, the trio of heroes standing in a little cluster beside him. Glancing down the darkening street to see their fifth walking up for the night. Izime looking much more civilized by earth standards than he usually was, Constantinople a bit surprised by the apparent effort his friend had put in.

"That one of the Executioner's old jackets, its missing the skull." Raising his brows Constantinople gave a nod, inquiring about the 'new' leather jacket Izime was wearing.

Izime glanced down at the leather jacket he was wearing trying to recall exactly who it had belonged to. There were a bunch of holes and patches where he had removed a totally unreasonable number of spikes, and it smelled smoky?

"It was one of the Soul Takers, don't remember if it was Timmy Bars' or Elliot's though." Izime finally recalled the anti-hero the jacket had belonged to. The soul taking demon contracted flaming bike rider Soul Taker, that or his horse-riding predecessor.

The thing had nearly been shredded when Izime found it, but it was leather, so it just needed a bunch of patches. Sure, it didn't look great, but it was functional, protective, and conveniently enough completely fireproof. The black also went with nearly any of the other clothes Izime had scrounged up, like the light brown shirt and naturally distressed jeans he had on. The denim fading and fraying from actual use and not some fancy machine.

Jim stood across from Izime, the classic tan jacket one of Constantinople constants along with the worn looking slacks. Beside him on the right were the two Blane's, surprisingly having managed to dress down somewhat. Izime wasn't too surprised Stan had some old clothes, but Steven was still toeing the line showing his money. The plated biker jacket he was wearing might have been scuffed but it was still too showy and those jeans were obviously mock designer.

Stan had managed to put together something decent, but that wasn't all that surprising. The aged and patched gray blazer and plain white shirt managed to make the man look like he had lost millions. The jeans were still Jenkins level pleated though. Izime wasn't going to start docking points.

This wasn't a mission, it was a networking and a bit of catching up with Constantinople, so Psyis had it spot on at least. The same stained gray hoodie and cheap denim that had him convinced the alien was just the average Volthamite. Though the bit of white hair that was spilling alongside her head stood out a bit Izime supposed she couldn't help her natural hair color. It was probably a bit difficult to keep it so pristine and snow-white thought.

"Cradle is?" Psyis asked a bit nervously, not wanting to psychically start checking her surroundings and wind up upsetting the raven again. A bit worried as Izime's gaze had lingered on her for a moment eyes searching her as if suspicious.

"Cradles above Miss Psyis," Izime put thoughts about aliens and hair-dye aside, giving a nod skyward before looking at the unwanted company for tonight. "No offense Mr. Blane but I don't trust you either, Cradle will be keeping an eye on things for me."

"That is a smart move." Blane didn't feel much emotional sway from the man who had addressed him by name in Voltham's underground. Obviously, he was confident, but both of them were so Blane simply acknowledged the move.

"Oh." A quiet voice of slightly surprised disappointment slipped through the cracks in the conversation as Izime continued, accidentally speaking over Psyis' disheartened sigh.

"I don't mind you, all of you checking your surroundings as well." Izime shrugged perfectly willing to share the field with all but one, giving the alien a bit of a limitation. "Just keep it under seventy thousand feet Miss Psyis and out of my own mind."

"Drink first and magic later?" Constantinople gave an appreciative nod as the group seemed to be coming to terms for their first meeting. At least setting some ground rules around baser powers and personal security.

"Yeah." "No."

Two spoke over two more Blane and Izime still giving one another the odd look while Psyis glanced at Steven in irritation. Steven crossing his arms as he stepped closer to his mentor wanting to try and physically impose with their size. Breaking his contact with those red eyes as he joined in, trying to intimidate Izime into listening. Constantinople just glanced between both pairs in frustration until Izime finally explaining his reasoning.

"I can't transport four people and let be clear Stan, you were never invited to the deal." Izime waved his fingers as he considered exactly where he had stashed the tanks, it would be a pain to hide all over again. Giving Blane a welcoming nod towards the door he did invite the man along in some fashion, "You are welcome to drink though."

"We didn't plan on drinking anyway." Blane shook his head not wanting to partake in any sort of social life that Constantinople enjoyed. Already wary of the place they had arrived, it being a well-known locale for nere-do wells of both human and the not so human variety, "Constantinople will take us."

"Sorry," Constantinople sighed stuffing his hands into his tan jacket pockets giving a nod back towards the Dark Duo in waiting, "Stan's still wanting to even the field."

"OK, let's be clear, Constantinople doesn't even know where to go so unless I'm willing to complying to this search, to which I'm not. Then you've got no real play here, my advice is to look me up on Savior Orbital instead of interrupting my night, Stan." Izime nodded, giving Blane a look as he offered up his Sol information. If Blane wanted anything he could have his business contact info, so Izime directed him there. "Any one of you can look me up in the Zythomian databases and find me in the Vidan's expense reports. My Sol ID is public and I'm not using an alias so start with that not with this shitty attempt at strong arming me."

"Now drinks," Izime jerked his thumb towards the door, not intending to waste any more of his life on explaining pointless details to Stan or Steven Blane, hell any of the three. Sighing Izime asked the first question one should ask when drinking with the exorcist, focusing on protecting his wallet. "Who's buying?"

Izime moved past the obviously pissed Stan Blane who was glaring at him towards the entrance, leaving that square jaw grinding away. Stan likely considering if following Izime's advice was rolling over or the wiser move. Seeing as Constantinople had led them to Lucky Dog's door rather uselessly the sleuth's options were limited unless he wanted to cause a scene.

"Who's got more money you or Stan?" Constantinople asked a genuine question as he looked between two of the richest people he knew, turning to follow his friend who'd decided to try and seemingly succeeded in putting Dark Night in his place.

Izime's churlish attitude likely earning him a full-blown investigation from the Blane's, the exorcist followed along knowing Izime would need someone in his corner. Bringing up an idle thought the exorcist had suddenly become curious enough to inquire about. Stan had stocks, cash, earth credit, and untold sums saved away. Izime had shelves piled with gems, trinkets from a millennia ago, and more Sol accounts that Cradle had feathers, more than likely that was. The exorcist never getting a solid figure from either of them, now using Izime bit of ire to tempt him into answering.

"If it's not earth money then it's me, if its earth money?" Izime admitted the first part easily, scratching the back of his head as he considered honestly answering the second half. With the help of Cradle he probably could launder enough credits to give Blane an honest run for his money before the Vidan financial division showed.

"Also you?" Constantinople figured what Izime was considering, not being nearly as morally strict as the other heroes around him. The trinket trader could probably easily launder those untold credits into earth money and cheat his way into being richer than Stan Blane in seconds.

"Right now? Probably seeing as I still have Cradle's debit card." Izime admitted as he pulled the black and silver stripped card out of his pocket, "We're easily in the top one hundred for Orion's Arm alone but I can't in good conscience collapse Earth's economy just because. The Vidan Security Council would have me arrested within the hour for interfering with a civilized world on such a scale."

"And how much is it worth if you don't launder it all into an established economy?" Constantinople stuffed his hands in his pockets, calling his toxin dealer out on being a liar, "Izime's only filthy rich because he'll trade in some long-forgotten currency that's good on exactly two half star-burnt generations ships tuff'n off near the ass end of the stars. The one man who'll crawl back across the stars and throw a fit if the Vidan doesn't acknowledge them because of some treaty that's half dust already."

"None of those agreements extending to Earth of course, so my Sol credits stay off earth unless I'm short." Izime stuffed the card back into his pocket glaring at the exorcist before his gaze swept the three morally stricter heroes, "Speaking of Constantinople, I'd rather not commit money laundering in front of our friends tonight, so how about you pay on time for once?"

"Mate you know, it's been a bit rough lately." Constantinople smiled throwing an arm over Izime's shoulder, dragging him down a bit as he waved his free hand in question. A hopeful smile crossing the exorcists face, a few brightly colored stones appeared in his palm which he opened in question. "Do you still take gems?"

"Pay at least half in cash now and I'll cut you a deal," Izime looked at his friend and business partner with a plaintive expression, a bit ashamed to admit he really did need the money even offering to give a steep discount. "I'll do gems for the rest later."

"Four tanks is a bit much mate." Constantinople released Izime knowing that his friend wasn't asking for money just because. It was likely he didn't have earth cash and was seriously considering the risks with the galactic economic finance police.

"Agreed, it was a sudden windfall after all, so I can manage storage for free, but I need at least a thousand for one tonight or I'm dumping the lot into the sun." Izime rocked his head back and forth as he considered his expected expenses for the next little while, adding an additional warning for the exorcist to keep in mind. "Considering the sudden attention I've gained in Voltham, who knows when I'll get more."

"Fucking wanker," Constantinople whipped a handout of his jacket smacking Izime on the arm as the man had no sense of style, no art of the trade. Simply playing hardball from the get-go and delivering an ultimatum within seconds. "I'll be back I'm going to find an a.t.-"

"Thank you annnnd done," Izime threw his arm around the exorcist now giving him a friendly shake in return for the smack, "Cradle even saved you and acknowledged the conversion rates for the U.S. dollar."

"Still a bloody thieving budgie, fine let's go." Constantinople cursed towards the black credit demon in the sky, looking at the Blanes accusingly as the trip suddenly got a bit expensive. "Only wanted to drink now I'm needing one."

"At least it's in earth gravity this time, puking in low-g is fun right?" Izime wanted to at least cheer Constantinople up a bit after Cradle had helped themselves to his wallet.

"Don't! Stop it!" Constantinople paled a bit as he recalled the sensation, the mess, the smell that had lingered in the ship's vents for days, even recalling how he'd had to dodge the still floating puddles. "No, I don't want to remember."

"HA!" Izime laughed pointing at the psychic seemed to have unfortunately just caught the recalled memory from Constantinople, watching as she paled to a sky blue and lavender one hand covering her mouth.

"Come on let's get this over with." Izime stepped between the four pulling the door open, wanting to at least hurry this so-called leisure time along so he could get back to the cable throwers in the sewer across Voltham. "Jessie's just going to love this."

"Nah, she'll have let it go... right?" Constantinople considered Izime's warning before turning back towards other three tag along's who'd immediately leaned away from the blasting music inside. "Guess this is your first dive with Izzy, plug your ears and welcome to Lucky Dog."

The three exchanged a glance watching as Constantinople took out two bright orange foam buds, rolling them about before tucking them into his ears. The trench-coated exorcist quickly disappearing inside, the street being blasted with the volume of the club as the door swung open once again.

Psyis used her powers to slightly dampen the movement of the air around her ears, creating a form of invisible earmuffs. Watching as both Stan and Steven took out their own actual ear plugs, the tiny flashing lights told of many untold features. Moving between the two who she could sense were busy thinking of ways to uncover more information about Izime Psyis pulled the door open. Walking through a narrow hallway that turned into a reception area for checking I.D.'s. a curvaceous woman behind the counter.

Izime throwing his arms open as he saw the ironically named and shaped woman who happened to run the bar. Sometimes wondering if she had a bit of succubus in her past as there was no way that figure was naturally possible. The woman looking like a real-life version of a certain voluptuous redhead with the last name Rabbit from another worlds cartoon imagination.

"There's my favorite bunny!" Izime looked at the curtain of red hair that was at the entrance to the skeevy haunt turned bar. The otherworldly scavenger a bit taken back as the club's owner immediately shoved a card reader towards him upon hearing his request. "Let me get a table downstairs for five."

"Not a fucking rabbit Izime and not till you pay your tab. You'd better keep that fucking bird out of my bar too, that thing ate the stage lights last time after you nearly kil-" Jessie stood slamming her hand on the counter already raising her voice, trailing off as she saw the second person join. Mouth open as she exhaled in exasperation, she looked as Izime's plus one for the night. "Constantinople? I swear to the gods if you're both here to start shit with another demon."

"Just keep your patrons from pulling axes Jess, and you bloody well know they started it with us." Constantinople quickly reached past Izime and swiped his card through the reader, pulling Izime along with him before he could piss Jessie off more. "Now you owe me one Izzy!"

Izime shoved the exorcist along with a pat on the back, ignoring the cheeky con-magician who thought clearing such a minor expense was going to earn him any further deals. Turning back to see who'd caught Jessie's eye as the easily fired up woman ignored them, letting Constantinople go ahead of him for a moment.

"And you are?" Jessie at least tried to keep some semblance of a professional attitude as another patron soon walked in. Cursing under her breath swearing trouble came in threes and Izime had asked for her to seat five. Brushing her long red hair out of her face she took a look, at least this one looked a bit more manageable.

"Shes with us and so are the two behind her." Constantinople spoke up as Jessica began to question the others, not wanting her to start digging to far into the situation. The exorcist quickly waving the psychic to follow them, only to be stopped by Jessie's already over it attitude as she held her hand out expectantly.

"And? I still want to see some I.D. demonic, human, or otherwise mister, my bar has rules." Jessica rolled her eyes, leaning over the counter with her hand out motioning for the newest to hand over some ID quickly.

"I'm an otherwise," Psyis pulled out her own Centropolis ID and handed it over, watching as Jessica's shapely mouth closed and her eyebrows raised. Psyis explained her species quickly, "Alien"

"Not the first I've had to kick out, so you mind your shit too." Jessie rolled her eyes before reading, quickly handing back the Centropolis heroine's card. Nope no managing this one either, Jessie unabashedly writing the Centropolis Angel in as the designated responsible party for tonight. "No tentacles or egg laying in my establishment got it, I don't give two shits how consensual it is."

Hopefully if there was any damage done maybe she could sue Centropolis for the damages, their hero was here. Only hoping seeing as prayer would likely be useless, Constantinople was here after all. At least one of the multiple insurance coverage's she had through various realms should cover something right? Jessie already imagining the possible damages caused by the three that had just booked a table tonight.

Psyis pocketing the card back, giving the Izime who had just abandoned her to this hazing a sarcastic look. The two having tarnished her reputation by association alone, the heroine curious what the actual club the two notorious idiots frequented was like. Hoping her hood would at least keep any of more the prying eyes in the bar at bay, it was bad enough to be famous. Let alone to be seen with the apparently infamous two that were now holding the second door to the club interior open patiently waiting to baptize her in its noise.

Pausing for half a second as the actual entrance swinging open with a rush of chilly air, it was just Steven. Psyis ignoring the overly jealous thoughts around Stan's constant partner as she continued, making her way to follow the other two as Steven checked in his own faked I.D. The alien taking a half-step before she was stopped, looking down to see a familiar hand on her arm. She looked up a bit irked but mostly with question in her eyes as Steven seemed to have other intentions beyond joining them.

"Hey, you know Constantinople's helping Izime give us the runaround, right?" Steven entered and quickly snatched Psyis arm, relaying his mentor's intentions on investigating Izime, "We're going to go to the station and check the database, you should come with me so we can get some real answers. Your useless here with your powers not working"

Izime looked back as he heard the Dark Duo's intentions, not bothered at all that the two were willing to get out of his hair. Going out with Constantinople had at least motivated him to hit a shelter and clean-up a bit. Earthlings not taking as kindly to his style of living as the Reaver colonies or the derelict ships he visited. Izime at least appreciated the kick in the ass and the invite to rejoin a bit of human culture outside of Wesson's family.

Glancing at Psyis, her red eyes more focused on Steven's hand than the offer to escape her official baptism at Lucky Dogs. A bit curious if the alien would remember her reason for coming, her supposed reason that was. Izime hadn't raised the issue afterwards, not wanting to make the bird feel any kind of anticipation or anxiety and Cradle hadn't asked. It was her own offer to apologize so the two could work out some agreement on using their powers.

"I..." Psyis glanced up from where Steven was holding her back, familiarity fighting intention. Red eyes turning towards the exorcist and human she had come to spend time with before looking back at her fellow hero. Unsure of which way to go, turning away once more as a voice came from the club's interior.

"Unhand the psychic, lad." Looking up from her arm to see Constantinople walking towards her his hand out in offer, giving Steven a bit of look before waggling his eyebrows at her. "You're stealing the one chance I get to bend this bastard's rules."

Izime watching the exorcist his brows wiggling as his eyes belied the humor on his face. It wasn't that big of a deal, Izime just didn't want some mind reader constantly testing his defenses anyway. Psyis had already had it out with Cradle; even Izime had said his piece as her methods were rude by even his standards. Still, Cradle's calling her touch petting didn't seem or sound like she had been trying to brute force their mental connection, so Izime was fine with her tagging along. Maybe she had learned her lesson over it so things should be fine, it was just as easy not to bother at all, right?

A bit unsure, Psyis could read that Constantinople really did want her to come to bother Izime, which worried her. Looking towards the man who had his brown hair tied back as he leaned against the door holding it open. His face unbothered beyond the look at Constantinople, wishing once again that she could read Izime's mind just as easily. The protective feeling from Steven doubling down as Constantinople reached them, eyes still on Izime searching for a hint.

"Not a chance to pass up, but it's your choice of course." The exorcist addressing Psyis directly this time, offering her something Steven hadn't: a choice.

Psyis glanced at the thoughts under the frock of blonde hair one more time double checking just to be sure that Constantinople was offering her an out while getting a chance to irk his friend. Finding nothing truly sinister. With one final glance at Izime who finally offered her a half-hearted smile and shrug in invite Psyis made a decision. It was enough for her to bother tagging along for a bit, if it was a problem she could just fly to the station. Pulling away from Steven with a half-sorry look Psyis was surprised at how easily he'd released her. Slipping past Constantinople quickly to try and catch the door Izime had just left to swing close on her after his maybe-yes of an answer.

"Ps-" Steven reached out as the Psyis gave a pitiful smile and walked into the dimly lit hall following Izime. A bit sad but not quite upset as he knew stopping her as her was impossible, Thessian strength far outmatching his own. Steven tried to follow his ex at the very least, moving towards the interior only to find the exorcist once again stopping him from keeping Psyis safe.

"Sorry lad, need a bit of help cracking this one from the lass. Besides, shes free and you've got plans right?" Constantinople quickly put a hand on the young man's chest stopping him with a bit he had prepared. Banking on Steven biting a tale about wanting to use the psychic against Izime and that for some reason he couldn't be there.

Besides dear adoptive dad Stan had already set the lads schedule for the evening, Constantinople using the leash Dark Night had on his partner to drive him away. Buying the two behind him a bit more time to separate themselves from the gloomy cloud that the Blane's seemed to enjoy spreading around everywhere. The exorcist listening while he layered on the bull, until finally the musics volume dropped. Constantinople smiled as the door behind him closing fully and sealing out at least a handful of decibels, confident the psychic could catch up with the alien-esque human.

Psyis following that figure through the smokey hall as the pounding bass and racket finally began to clear into something sensible through the layers of sound dampening. The low notes reaching through the wall to vibrate the air around them already, the warbling highs clearing as she reached a balcony, speeding up to try and catch Izime. Wanting to at least ask the question directly seeing as she couldn't read his mind. Red eyes cautiously glanced up from her clean tennis shoes as she tried to out match the pace of the slightly scuffed boots in front of her. Psyis a bit embarrassed as she noticed the bluing of her hand as it reached out to snag the elbow of Izime's jacket as she got close, the hell was she scared of.

Izime walked down the hall which opened into the broad hall of the familiar club, smoke from the stage's machines mingled with that of patrons and drifted upwards towards the balcony he was walking across. Below a mesh of musical forms was taking place nearly as complex and varied as the club's own patrons. Electronic notes and bone-rattling bass reaching out of a tin-can of a guitar, the vocalists fighting against the entire wall of noise that was supposedly backing them. Nearly reaching the very stained carpeted stairs before he felt a tug on his jacket, turning to see a blue and purple stripped hand pinching the leather.

"What?" Izime stepped back towards the alien, trying not to bump into her as he leaned his ear towards her mouth. The club's music was bordering on painfully loud, the music was good certainly, but Lucky Dogs was not the place for casual conversation. Private certainly but an easy relaxed chat was rather difficult here on the narrow balcony.

"I'm not being a bother, am I? I just..." Psyis tried to think of a reason for her tagging along with the two, finally using the same excuse Izime had put on hold originally, "I wanted to apologize to Cradle not interfere with your deal with Constantinople."

Izime couldn't hold back the snort as he watched the world best psychic actually getting nervous because she didn't know how someone felt. The irony of the alien having such a terribly human flaw was really putting a crack in the image he had of her. Quickly drawing his own conclusions as to why the exorcist had separated the psychic from her love interest in this world, even insisted on causing trouble for him.

Izime had seen Constantinople pull more than one odd creature to tag along with them, though normally the man stuck to things less human shaped. Nearly as bad as Bell had been pushing him to be intimate, though Constantinople claimed it was to celebrate life not out of curiosity over how Izime might perform.

"Why are you laughing?" Psyis let go of his jacket finally and crossed her arms, a bit cross that everything she said Izime somehow found humorous; it was just a question and an honest one not a joke or something silly. At least according to Constantinople, the exorcist was supposed to be the one bugging Izime; Psyis merely wanting to make sure she wasn't interfering.

"Nothing." Izime decided to actually give the alien a slight bump on the shoulder, at least trying to cheer her up before pointing back down the empty hall to explain, "Its fine, Constantinople's just being a prick, to me and Steven, because it's what he does. Don't take it personally, OK?"

Izime paused as he realized that had just left him to explain exactly what it was Constantinople did when he managed to get Izime to go out on the town. First it was that underwater bar trawl in Atlantis, ao drunk Izime was left unable to walk, trying to doggy paddle away from that eel thing instead. Constantinople having given the her-it-them the key to his room, that or they had just fried the door lock with their 10k volts of enthusiasm. Then there was the time with that manta lobster thing, Izime had been beyond mortified watching as a 7 ft tall soft-shelled crustacean cried. Constantinople even blamed him, saying that was supposed to only be a therapeutic massage and he never should have led the poor lady on.

Izime had to finally sit the man down; explaining that despite Constantinople's best efforts Izime did not share a similar enthusiasm for aquatic animals. The audacity of said statement had led to multiple assassins being sent after Izime's innocence, tonight possibly the boldest made by the exorcist.

A blush spreading across Izime's cheeks as he looked at the alien, celebrity, super-hero very thankful and somehow very regretful that she couldn't just read his mind. The question in her eyes reaching her brows and slowly working its way towards the lightly silvered lips. Izime swallowing as he tried to think of a way to avoid the coming question. Their third apparently having somehow heard him a moment ago, speaking up to question him. Constantinople's voice startling Izime who immediately looked up with a mixture of both irritation and blame.

"What do I do?" Constantinople tried to keep his own smile still shit eating and not as genuinely tense as Izime's was, watching as the two quickly separated as soon as his voice reached the two, both had their own abilities to dampen noise and filter it.

Izime caught leaning towards the same Thessian he'd been watching at the door, his head tilted just like the curious bird he had raised. The exorcist wondering if the no psychics rule was a bit more flexible than he had originally thought, perhaps this level of closeness was reserved just for her. The reaction was certainly different than the typical joking but sincere 'no' Izime had offered every other time, Constantinople hoping his friend had finally found someone that interested him.

There's no reason for those two to be so close.

Constantinople thought rather loudly, laughing as the psychic took another step back as the two were obviously caught on both ends. Those red eyes reading the same conclusions in the exorcists mind she pulled away from the cookie jar that'd been caught whisper yelling into her ear. Constantinople looking over and catching Izime who was trying to keep his smile from turning into a scowl. The psychic quickly following Izime down the stairs, either forgetting Constantinople's thoughts or choosing to ignore them.