groovygamers.com

Dave and Greg managed to push a couple of table together in the library to hold all the usual suspects.

Very early in the evening, Sammy swings by the Suspects' table.  She is dressed in a very form fitting black cat costume.  Her face is obscured by a black cat mask, and she has a pink rhinestone collar around her neck.  She leans in close to Dave and purrs in his ear, "Hey, tell Greg I'm here and ready to play my part.  No cheating!  Don't either of you tell Elrod how I'm dressed!"

Dave grins, "And make it easy on him, not a chance kitty."  To make her passing the table less conspicuous he insists she slap him before departing, since most girls do at parties.

"Freak!"  The Kitty "slashes" him with her claws, trying as hard as she can to make it look good but not to hit him too hard.  She stalks away in high dudgeon.

Virginia Avery-Vaughn--Ginny to her friends--drifts past the Usual Suspects table in her fetching Lady Godiva costume, which consists of a body stocking and a thick and strategically placed yarn wig, silk flowers, and tiny brass bells.  A theater geek, she drops herself in Greg's lap in dramatic fashion and gives him a lipstick-y kiss on the forehead, then gives Dave's cheek a genial pat.  "Sylvia wanted me to let you know she's here.  She's slumming with the drama club tonight."

In full samurai attire,  Colin approaches the usual suspects table and bows stiffly to his friends.

"Konnichiwa, Greg-san and Dave-san."

This is pretty much all the Japanese he can speak.

"Have you perchance seen Sarah, Donnie or any of the others?"

He puts down his backpack on the table.

"When will the show begin" he asks mischievously.

"I'll overlook the fact that you are totally ignoring me," Ginny says good-naturedly.  "Hello, Colin.  You're looking very Tom Cruise in that outfit, but so far as I know you're the first samurai to arrive at the table.  Syl's here.  I thought I saw Kel."  She waves a careless hand in whatever direction she spotted Sherlock.

OOC: my bad. I thought that either Ginny didn't know the rest of us, or that she gave the message and went away.

"Oh, gomen nasai Ginny-chan, I didn't recognize you or I would have never been so rude. Tom Cruise though? I was angling for Toshiro Mifune in Yojimbo."

Then more seriously "How is Syl?"

[Colin may have been politely averting his eyes.  :)  ]


"Sorry, who?"  Ginny strikes a starlet pose, still perched on Greg's lap.  "I try not to typecast myself by sucking up too much of the Asian filmography."


"Grumpy.  Most girls would have the grace to cry their eyes out and lie on a divan in languid despair, but not my sister.  Besides, she's a little annoyed with me for telling her the hair dye would wash out."

(ooc going to move ahead a bit and figure the Megan and John thread will catch up soon enough.  Just in case anyone wonders, Megan's coat was left in Lance's car.)

Megan and John soon arrived at the library, having talked a bit with Lisa upon arriving at the party and then with several other members of the football team (as they were mainly gathered in the main hall near the food and drink).  They had made their way around a bit, talking to some of the other cheerleaders and others before starting back towards the library area to see who else might be around before planning to head to the dance floor.

There was a faint click from Megan’s heels as she sauntered up towards where Colin was standing talking towards the others, the sway of her hips slightly more accented than normal.  The blonde teen had a glass of punch in one hand, though this time without any Everclear, as she recalled the headache she had the morning after party at Lisa’s house earlier in the year. 

As she and John came to a halt near the table, Megan was a bit surprised to see Ginny there, but paid it little mind as she gave everyone a wide smile.  “Hey everyone.  Most of the others checked in yet?”  She asked as she put her right hand on her hip that was pushed out slightly in a striking pose.

As people chatted at the Usual suspects table, a green form zipped by through the air, snatching a mini sandwich from Greg's plate and disappearing into the darkness above. Donnie comes striding up, but falters at seeing Ginny languishing on Greg's lap. He straightens up though, and finishes his march towards the table. "Pilot Douglas reporting for duty, sir!"  

He smiles at his friends looks appreciatively at all the outfits. "Hi Ginny. Is Sylvia here tonight?"

(OOC hehe, BB's post just made me remember, what are Greg and Dave's costumes?  If any :))

Ginny was just about to give Megan the run-down on who was where, as far as she knew, but here's Donnie, asking a question which she is only too happy to answer.  "Yes, she is, Lieutenant Donaldson.  I left her to hold down my end of the Baz Luhrmann-versus-Franco Zeffirelli Romeo and Juliet argument.  I hope she won.  Luhrman's only produced one good film, and the rest . . . "  She waves a hand in the faux-French search for erudition.  " . . . lack substance."

Colin smiles "Well, I think Greg can attest that Kurosawa's movies aren't just asian, they're universal."


"Hair dye?"


Colin-san turns to greet Megan, but is quite stunned by her costume, and for several moments he's unable to speak. As soon as he realizes he's staring,  he turns back in utter embarrassment pretending to be coughing.

"H-Hi Megan. Hi John. Too bad for the game." he says quite awkwardly.


"Konnichiwa, Donnie-kun. Is it all ready?"

From somewhere else in the building, there comes the sound of shrieks and laughter as shuttered but unlocked windows are slammed open by a blast of cold wind from outside.  Decorations sway violently and abandoned napkins sail through the air as the gust passes through the room.  The flames in the library fireplace burn brighter for a moment, then return to normal.

"Well, Greg here--"  And here Ginny gives the young auteur's chin an indulgent caress.  "--has the good fortune to be a white, presumably heterosexual male in a Hollywood that thinks all Asians know martial arts.  I can't allow Kurosawa to contaminate my portrayal of Maggie when I'm cast in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof."


Ginny nods, infinitely pleased with herself.  "We can always dye it black again."

Donnie cocks his head at Ginny's comment. "What color is it now?"

To Colin, he says. "Ready as I'll ever be." He had recast his self-protection spell before leaving for the party.

Ginny dimples at him.  "You'll have to go see for yourself.  Go on.  I dare you."  She drops a wink.  "And then I dare you not to cream yourself, fanboy."

"Cream myself?" Donnie pulls out some Austin Powers teeth and fits them in. Affecting a British accent, he states "Madam, I am a pilot in her Majesty's Royal Air Force. We do not cream ourselves." He salutes and marches off.

Dave and Greg are dressed in black cloths, no apparent costumes.

"Things are already in motion."  Greg says as the wind whips around in the library.  "I thought I saw Seth a few minutes ago, so I guess everyone is accounted for."

"If anyone needs a ride home."  Dave says, "Just shoot me a text message if you can't find me."

Megan gives Colin a warm smile as he appears a bit shocked by her costume and tries to recover.  She figured it was nice at least some one (other than some of the other football players) appreciated it, given the lack of reaction she had gotten from John.  “Yeah, we were just talking a bit about the game.”  She replied to Colin’s comment.  “Like your costume.”

She watched as Ginny teased Donnie some about Sylvia, glad that Donnie seemed a bit more like himself and joked back as he began to act the part of a British military pilot.  She gave him a little wave in return to his salute as he left and she then looked back at the others.  “Well, if everyone is around, I guess its time to make the first trip to the dance floor.”  With that she downed the last of her punch, set the glass on the table and then wrapped her arms around one of John’s to start them off towards the small auditorium that was being used as a dance floor.

"I'm not sure I understand that. How can watching a movie ruin you? Wouldn't watching good cinema make you a more competent and versatile actress?"


"Then just call us when it's time."


"Well, thank you, it's nothing special..." he says, still a bit awkwardly.

"That depends.  I guess for some it would wash right out, but I'm an instinctive actress," Ginny declares.  "It might always have some influence on me that I couldn't ignore."

The doors open once again...and a caped man walks in with a keyboard. (set on organ) The keys play themselves as he enters the library. The haunting strains of the Phantom of the Opera.

BUM...Bum bum bum...Bum.....BUM...bum bum bumb bum buuuuuuuuuu.....

In walks a vampire.   (http://67.59.157.16/images/spirit/products/processed/00179291.zoom.a.jpg)

As he moves closer, his cape flutters do the ethereal way in which he takes silent flowing steps across the library floor...

His eyes...His eyes. There is no hint of humanity in them.  (http://www.fxeyes.com/images/custom/black_sclera.jpg)

And to top it all off. A fearsome brow, the brow and nose of a feral and evil vampire shows you no mercy....
(http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/2848.jpg?is=325,325,0xffffff)

A high quality dental appliance completes the illusion.
(http://www.halloweenonlinemagazine.com/makeup/vamp1-f5.jpg)

The keyboard stops playing abruptly as he sets it down to the side. "Hi guys"

"Ooh," Ginny says appreciatively and pushes herself to her feet.  She circles Seth, getting into an Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, mode and runs a hand down the edge of his satin cloak.  "And you come with your own soundtrack, too.  I'm down for the count," she quips, "and off to get some punch."  Lady Godiva winds her way out of the room.

(OOC- I didn't realize there were other people in the library... I'm making a slight edit... Sorry, cass... It might necessitate an edit on your part)

Megan and John had just started towards the door when Seth arrived, accompanied by the music he was playing on his keyboard.  The blonde teen gave him a smile as he came to a stop, his playing of the Phantom of the Opera halting as well.  “Very dramatic Seth.”  She said.  “Great job on your costume vampire lord.” 

Seth kind of awkwarded up around Ginny's performance, but a welcome compliment saved him from embarrassing himself

"Why thank you lady wench...I like your boots.

I think my mom has a pair in her closet."

Seth could have added how red was a great color on her. But he decided not to.

She did look good enough to ask for a bite....But John's presence reminded him that that particular pirate ship had sailed...

"John...that's an excellent Zorro Costume. Real sword?"

"Yeah.  Gift from a friend.  He told me every hero needs one."  John was looking at Seth's costume, I could never pull off a vampire.  You actually look the part, very cool."

“Thank you sir.”  Megan replied, doing a little curtsy in response to Seth’s compliment on her boots.  “I like them as well, make my legs look longer.”

She then wrapped her arms around one of John’s arms again.  “Well, we were just heading off for the dance floor for a bit, be back later.”

(Here is the LINK (http://groovygamers.com/forum/index.php?topic=3326.msg98961#msg98961) back to Megan and John's thread)

At John's compliment Seth draws his cape up in the stereotypical vampire pose.

"Naw...You'd fill out the costume...I had to have my mom take it in. It's not like you're blond. A blond vampire would look a little strange.

I think i've seen all of the zorro movies and I'm pretty sure he never has to kill a vampire. So i don't expect any Z's carved across my back.

Seth successfully hid a small stab of jealousy at Megan's comment about the dance floor

You're welcome, Megan. Have fun you two...

"Neither can I. Apparently vampires have everything but healthy coppery skins. Konnichiwa, Seth-san."


"I think there have been movies with samurai and oriental vampire, though. Good thing I'm carrying a wooden sword, instead." he says with a grin.

Konbanwa Colin. And your wooden sword would do better as as stake I think.

Allthough, I have always wanted my own  Samurai thrall. So watch out for your blood.

"I'm more than capable of driving my katana through your heart, creature of darkness. And my blood is the blood of my ancestors, it would do you no good."

He faces defiantly Seth's black eyes, lighting up his own. He looks into the ghost light, and takes a look at the people around while he's at it. It's not really Halloween, so there should be no ghosts around. Should they?

Colin sees the auras of the people, as well the faint flickers of spirits moving to and from.  They seem to be drawn to the place, not that people are here.  Observers of the merriment, passive and watchful.  some of them see him and acknowledge his precense.

Colin nods respectfully in return.

Blackbird, who are they?

At Colin's defiant stare, Seth decided to play along..."Listen mortal and heed my words. You play with forces old and elemental. Tarry long with your sword swipe, and your death is your own. With but a thought, I could rip your heart from your chest and sate my hunger."

Those who feel an important connection to this place.  They found happiness, or truth here.  They have come to remember and watch.

Watch? The party or something else?

Are we disturbing them, messing with their memories? Do I disturb them, when I use my ghost sight?

He realizes he's been staring blankly around.


"You cannot. I am blessed by the kami. And they'll guide my arm and my sword to strike true."

"Your pathetic totems are laughable in their lack of power. You stare around at nothing because you cannot bare to look into the eyes of true power.

Heaven wouldn't take me, and hell has forsaken me. I exist here as my kind has since humans have been playing with sticks in the desert.

Even a mirror can't bear to look at me, your kami are no different.

"Then you won't mind me invoking the blessing of Lady Sun upon you, would you?"

"Do so, and it will be the last thing you ever do...human-cattle."

Seth's face cracks a smile...

I dig the outfit...Where did you get it?

Life, and the living.  They are here of their own will, you do not disturb them.  You and the others here comfort them.

Colin smiles.
"I drew it, and my landlady helped me with it. I could say she's my foster grandma."


Oh, i see.

Colin smiles and nods at them friendly. He wonders if Greg and Dave would be happy of such an audience.

Sarah wandered around the party smiling and nodding at the crowd and scoring a small bottle of water.  She sipped at it and eventually made her way to the library. 

She had finally found them!  With a smile of relief she dropped the water bottle into her bag and tried that polite walk thing again and headed over towards the table.

"Kon Ban Wa hisa shi bu ri" she says with a small bow.  She peeked up and grinned asking, "Did that make any sense?"

Colin turns as he hears Sarah's voice and... he remains stunned again. Though this time it's different. Sarah may not have Megan's perfect curves, and her costume was as chaste as they can be, but... to his eyes, she's gorgeous nonetheless. His eyes go down all the way and then back up, from her body wrapped in the lovely kimono, to her face made mysterious by the exotic make up, to her smile and her emerald eyes...

When he finally snaps out of it, he bows deeply.
"Gomen nasai, Sarah-chan. I was too stunned by your beauty to understand your words. You truly are a daughter of Lady Sun."

Then, out of character, "Really, look at you. You're gorgeous. It makes me wish Halloween came more often. Can I take a picture of you by the fire?"

Sarah slips a fan out of her sleeve and opens it covering the lower half of her face.  "Arigato gozaimasu"


"Watashi wa kamaimasen." she offers, closing the fan and smiling.  "You know you can write a lot of useful phrases on the back of one of these fans."

She glances over at Greg and Dave, "Nice costumes." 
She smiles at the sight of Count Sethula. 

"So what have I missed?  Anything horrible happen yet?"

"Ehm, I'm afraid you lost me there. Next time, I'll do my research better. Deciding about the mon took me a lot of time, I'm afraid. It's a symbol I can use again, and I wanted it to look good."


"Not yet. We're kinda waiting for Donnie. Who is probably looking for Sylvia. Or avoiding her. I'm not sure. In the meanwhile, would you like to dance?"

And gets a smile in return

Sarah looks down at her outfit with a bit of remorse, "You know, I may have to just stick to the slow dances in this outfit.  Will that be too much of a hardship?"

She looks over at Seth again, "Hey Chocula, How was Seattle?  Did you get to look out the needle or have some coffee or anything?"

Back to Colin she adds, "So what's the plan man?  Has anyone spotted any people of interest this evening?"

I got some prepacked coffee at the airport...It was really good. Is really good, I still have some. But it was purely a business trip.

Thanks for asking

Colin grins. "My heart is torn, but I'll survive."


"Quite appropriately for a Halloween party, we have an audience of ghosts. They're kinda here for the show. It comforts them."

"Ghosts?" asks Sarah with a bit of worry.  "I get that there are more things in heaven and earth and so on but the more I'm around you Crow the more I feel like I'm running around without the instruction manual to this world." 

With a smirk she adds, "Or like usual I was late for the meeting and missed a bunch of the important info.  I mean, what's next?  I'd say aliens but I've already got one of those.  Kel's a ninja, Colin sees dead people, Donnie has dragons.. next thing you know we're going to have elves and faeries running around the place."

She looks at Dave and Greg, "This is why I haven't played WoW in months.  The real world is weirder than the game.  That and my parents increased my salary when I stopped paying for online games.  If Mart gets a super power they'll probably be able to save up to buy us cars or pay for college or something.  No... if Mart gets a super power they'll probably have to start paying some sort of super insurance."

That makes her pause, "Hey is there super insurance?  I mean what happens if A flood or a whirlwind or lightning or something from a super wrecked your house?"

OOC:  Be careful what you wish for, opensesame!

A young lady in a blue and gold Italian renaissance-style gown, gold veil, and gold mask enters the library and takes a seat near the fire.  She sits and stretches her hands towards the flames to enjoy their warmth.


Deleted.  Timing is way off.

Seth nods goodbye to everyone and makes his way back into the rest of the party.

(OOC- As he goes to meet Emma)

Colin breaks out in an amused smile. He knows the feeling.

"So far, the spirits I've met have only been gentle and helpful. Well except that one at the party. but all the others helped me somehow. You don't have to worry about them.


"Megan is probably the one best informed on the matter. Or John. You haven't seen Megan yet, have you? It won't be hard to find her. She's... quite audacious tonight."

Donnie swings by the table. "Domo aragato. You guys look rad." He gives Colin and Sarah a lazy salute and smiles, crooked fake teeth and all. "Hey Dave, my good man. Let me know if you see one or more of those girls we asked you to find out about a little while ago, wouldja old chap?"

"Got my minions keeping an eye out.  Nothing yet.  They might be scared of you." Dave's tone isn't humorous, he actually thinks that the witches might be worried about Donnie.

Despite Dave's somber face and tone, Donnie cracks another crooked-tooth smile. "What? Little ole me? Why would they be scared of one overweight freshman geek?"

"Maybe they heard about the size of your lizard," jokes Sarah.  "Okay, I'm going to have some fun at this party and look around a little.  I'm up for whatever you want when it's time.  Have you spotted the girls you are looking for?"

"Not yet. I'm going to go look around. See y'all later."

Sarah grabs Colin's hand and starts tugging him back towards the party.  "Unless you want to stay here.  That's okay."

If he doesn't resist she takes him onto the dance floor and dances despite the kimono.  If she shows a lot more leg than initially planned.. well.. lets chalk it up to wardrobe malfunction! 

Colin jokingly tries to resist for a moment but he's very happy to join her by the dance floor. He takes off the haori and lets himself go. And when her beautiful gymnast's legs appear, he gulps.

No! Enough with awkwardness. I want to be strong, and strength applies here too. She's my girlfriend, she wants to dance, and I'll dance with her, and make have a very good time. Behave like a man and not like a child for once.

There's something new in Colin's eyes ans he takes control of their dancing. He dotes on her as usual, sure, but he's also... determined, resolute. She's gorgeous and he dances to show her off, to make her head turn. To make her feel how much he likes her. At one point he pulls her close and kiss her without breaking the rhythm, then pushes her away again, with a smile. And when a slower dance begin, his harm is no more afraid to break her as he was. He's still very gentle, but slightly more forceful. This time he wants her to really feel him.

OOC: Moving this to Colin & Sarah