WHO: Jon Crane (is_fear_itself) and Orson Randall (honorindeath)
WHERE: An isolated back alley somewhere.
WHEN: Dec. 23, the night after Jon offends Desire.
WARNINGS: Probably a lot of graphic violence. R to be safe?
SUMMARY: Jon pisses Desire off. Desire teaches Jon why manners are important, through a proxy thug - Orson Randall. The moral: always be nice to strangers.
FORMAT: Quicklog

( And it's so easy to light a match when you've been burned once or twice before )

[Palpatine sits in his chair, the cowl of his robe pulled slightly back to reveal his entire face. A small smile graces his features, although it gives him a rather garish expression; not quite the festive happiness that everyone would expect, given the time of year.]

It has been brought to my attention that in this world, we are approaching a rather significant holiday. And while most of those who are here are not my subjects...

[He pauses for a moment, his eyes narrowing, before resuming his previous expression.]

...I still feel responsible for making a public announcement. After all, part of my duties as the ruler of my galaxy were to make public announcements such as this. Consider it a gesture of goodwill on my part to everyone in the city.

[Those who are sensitive to the Force, or can detect things similar, would be able to detect the smugness in his attitude after the last sentence.]

So, on behalf of the Galactic Empire, I wish everyone a happy holiday. Here's to...creating new opportunities for prosperity in the new year.

[One more broad smile graces his face, his yellow eyes glinting in the faint light in his warehouse base, and a slight chuckle escaping his lips, before the video clicks off.]

[ It's the sound of a scattering crowd, and the angle of the camera is poor for seeing what's going on-- as if someone had dropped their communicator in a scuffle. Beyond the hasty feet and panicked people, there's the sound of a car hood being smashed in by something heavy as hell. But the video only shows a young blond girl stepping onto the very same car with her feet.

It's strange, but the metal seems to sink underneath her. As if unable to bear the strain of her steps.

There's the sounds of a fight off the screen before a pained exhale, and Melee tumbles across the view of the camera. She seems to spot her communicator, grabbing for it hastily before the blond's leg comes down hard enough to easily crack the sidewalk where her hand was a moment ago.

She's sporting a black eye and some superficial injuries. Her right arm also seems to be at an awkward angle. But at least, she sounds like herself. ]

You know, a little back up right now would be fucking bueno.




(OOC NOTES: HERE.)

[The video initially shows a cloudy sky and snow, but eventually a scruffy face comes into view on the screen. He doesn't really seem to realize it's on just yet, and is prodding at the communicator]

Hmm... weird little thing...shoot.

[He realizes that he's being recorded and gives the screen a lazy smile and a tip of his cowboy hat]

This is on, right? Figured I better work this thing out, cuz I gotta few questions.

Now, I'm pretty sure this is New York City. Been there a few times, and this don't look too different...just wanna know what all that hero business was about. Just a bit puzzled 'bout that.

Well, Ichigo's post didn't work out so well on the whole job-huntin' front so!

[the sound of the Hollow taking a deeeeeep, deeep breath. Then, screamed at the top of his lungs;]

WE NEED A BETTER FUCKING JOB SO HELP US OUT OK!!!!!!!!

Me and Ichigo and Renji want NEW JOBS! Possibly superhero team stuff! But you have to PAY! I know you guys are out there.

SO SPEAK UP BEFORE I DO SOMETHING DRASTIC!!

[for the record, this sounds considerably more cheerful than those guilt-trip 'the homeless need your dollars' infomercials]

Tomorrow--that is, the 24th, for those of you who'll see this late--I'll be spending the day volunteering at the homeless shelter at [address]. For those of you who'd like to come along, feel free, even if it's for less than an hour. Extra pairs of hands are always needed and appreciated, so drop by anytime.

In other news, despite... [an annoyed pause.] ...recent setbacks, the Young Avengers are still active.

[private to Rikki] Got a question for you.

WHO: Kitty jewpryde and Gar of_animalia
WHERE: Outside the Titan's Tower
WHEN: 12/23
SUMMARY: Kitty tries to deliver her Christmas present before going off on vaca with the X-Crew, but like everything else she does, fails a little
FORMAT: quicklog~

( Will you get your wish? )

Oh what the hell. Here I thought I'd escaped this place.

Well, Merry Christmas Jim, guess you get to spend all your time not in space.
Fuck this. Soon as I figure out what I did last time, I am so outta here.

WHO: Bruce Banner and Betty Ross
WHERE: The most festive lab on the planet.
WHEN: Foreward dated to Christmas Eve
WARNINGS: Adorableness
SUMMARY: Betty gives Bruce his Christmas present!
FORMAT: Quicklog!

( So I got you a hard gift to find... )

[You can hear the sounds of the 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' Christmas special in the background. Billy is sitting on the couch, frowning at the television. He's in full Dr. Horrible gear.]

Hey City.

Is it wrong that I feel sorry for the abominable snowman? I mean, sure, he tried to eat Rudolph, but he's a bumble. They're supposed to do that. I don't think it merits that stupid elf taking all his teeth out.

[He adjusts his goggles slightly.]

I mean, all of these Christmas specials end up with everyone so happy. The Grinch's heart grows, the bumble puts the star on the tree, Southtown gets snow. Real Christmas isn't like that. I mean, they shouldn't be so happy. Jesus grows up and gets freaking crucified. That's not happy. Besides, this is just another situation of the mass media indoctrinating children to believe in happy endings and junk like that. Life isn't always happy.

[There's a pause]

And why the heck is the cowboy riding an ostrach a misfit toy? That seems pretty cool.

WHO: Selina Kyle
WHERE: Warehouse downtown, followed by Dark Avengers tower
WHEN: Evening of Dec 23rd, during Osborn's Avengers Christmas party
SUMMARY: While Sarah stands in for her at the evil Avengers bash, Selina takes care of Norman's Christmas present of REVENGE.
WARNINGS: Explosions! 8D
FORMAT: Solo

( But I really really really don't like you )

[Sounds obviously English, schoolboyish, Received Pronunciation.]

It's nice to see that 2009 can feel like 1935 when it really wants to, though it has more video screens and neon. The only time this place has felt normal as long as I've been here is at Christmastime. Bit odd, isn't it? But I suppose magic is expected this time of year.

Now, should I be expecting Saint Nicholas to actually come down my chimney? Because I may not have superpowers, but I have lived here long enough to know that sometimes you need to keep a fireplace poker handy. I wouldn't want any jolly old men to get hurt.

 [Looks like someone wasn't paying attention enough to private this.  Whoops.]

SAITOU!  WE ARE NOT KEEPING THAT DAMN CAT!  THAT THING ISN'T EVEN A CAT; IT'S FUCKING DEMON.  MAKE IT LIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE.