14848/Unmasked!

Unmasked!
Date of Scene:	24 March 2023
Location:	Parrington Mansion, East Side
Synopsis:	An elegant masquerade turns to chaos as masked thugs steal a powerful,gemstone, using a bomb tied Selina as a decoy!
Cast of Characters:	Catwoman, Batman, Red Hood, Zatanna Zatara, Spoiler, Harley Quinn

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Catwoman has posed:\<br\>Parrington Mansion is one of the more wealthy mansions in New York..owned by one Edward Parrington, wealthy antiques dealer and socialite, it is a beautiful four story estate, currently decorated in wine red curtains, matching tables and elegant Persian rugs. A new set of art lines the walls and the ballroom tables along the walls are full of numerous beautiful antiques of all shapes and sizes, on sale for a silent auction to raise funds for a charity.\<br\>\<br\>The gentle sound of classical music from a string quartet fills the air as people gather to dance, to examine the priceless goods and to socialize.\<br\>\<br\>Selina is here, dressed in a short green sequinned dress, and lacy black domino mask and matching shoes and clutch. It is a masquerade ball Afterall, but the tips of the mask almost make it look like she has cats ears.\<br\>\<br\>There are other elaborate costumes as well...Oddly, quite a lot of people are wearing something reminiscent of Guy Fawkes masks, all dressed in identical black suits and red ties..What's with that?

Batman has posed:\<br\>Where is Bruce? Here he's wearing a high end and by high end we mean of course the best and most expensive black tux with a white shirt black vest and tie a blood red rose upon his lapel. But for his part it's a white Phantom of the Opera style mask as he meanders up to Selina with a grin. "Nice turn out yea?"

Red Hood has posed:\<br\>Jason Todd is hardly a socialite. But having Family Membership has privileges. And obligations. The deep rumble of a custom metallic gray '67 Pontiac GTO announces his arrival outside the mansion.\<br\>\<br\>Stepping out of the car, wearing a darker gray tuxedo with crimson lapels and matching bow tie. A black Venetian mask that draws on the crimson of his suit with intricate stylized etchings covers from his upper lip to the hair line. The mask largely hides the shock of white hair, though not entirely. Those who know him would likely still recognize him. He's not exactly trying to be incognito.\<br\>\<br\>Making his way inside as a valet parks his car, the man Formerly Known To Just A Few As Second Robin finds a flute of champagne and proceeds to mingle and browse the art and antiques on display.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:\<br\>If there's one thing superheroes, villains, and performers have in common it's this: \<br\>Spirit gum is the secret to a good mask. \<br\>\<br\>Anything else and you're an *amateur*. Elastic bands are cheap and can muck up hairstyles. Masks on a stick are a classic, but require constant effort lest you simply give up and reveal yourself (not that some mind this). But spirit gum, ah, now that's the secret to long, comfortable wear of even the most delicate mask. \<br\>\<br\>It is this that Zatanna Zatara went with for her part, though certainly not the only piece. She's attired in a dark blue gown with thin, jeweled straps that curve into a heart bodice; also jeweled. The black-blue of the gown is enhanced by the black tulle that begins at the empire waist and billows into a skirt embellished tastefully hither and non with shimmering embroidery. The colors and the balance of elements keep it in the realm of 'tasteful' and away from 'Prom 1998.' Black heels match the black chandelier earrings and, of course, the lace filligree black mask that crests over her cheekbones. An intense blue mascara saves the mask from putting her face in too deep of a shadow, while her black hair is left in a carefully brushed, shining wave down her back: only the top portion pulled back and twisted into a delicate bun. \<br\>\<br\>Zee was neither early nor late in her arrival; she arrived precisely when she meant to.. and of course ensured she had a glass of champagne in hand before making her way for the antiques to give each careful study.

Spoiler has posed:\<br\>Stephanie is here. Another fancy party. Another fancy dress. At least she's got a mask this time. And she chose a better, and worse, dress at the same time. The Spoiler's blonde hair is done up, falling down to her shoulders in golden waves. She's wearing a black strapless evening gown that drops to her ankles. The bodice hugs her torso tightly, and the skirt portion doesn't flare out too far. Unlike last time, this one has a daringly high slit up one side, going nearly to her hip, and showing off her conservative black pumps. The dress is deep, deep black with bits of silver thread twinkling in it. \<br\>\<br\>Her mask is a simple domino mask, black and speckled with glitter. She gives Jason a nod as she drifts through the party, keeping an eye out.

Harley Quinn has posed:\<br\>It's a Party, so of course, Harley is here, but ALOT of people might not recognize her well not at first. For one, her hair is down not in any ponytail at all yes she still has the pink and blue on the ends, though. Her Dress is a mix of black and red.. with touch of blue and of course, her typical diamonds \<br\>\<br\>     She's got her Amazon shoes the ones she made to be like her favorite hero Diana.. Just because she's a hero or villain doesn't mean she dosn't have her own heroes and she was so happy to get these sandals she just had to show them off. Then again she kinda stands out \<br\>\<br\>     Not many girls have white white skin on display, and with a dress like this it's showing A LOT of leg it's but up to the hip\<br\>\<br\>\<br\>

Catwoman has posed:\<br\>Selina Kyle glances at Bruce and smiles warmly to him. "Hey there, handsome, how's it going this fine evening?" she nods, checking her purse. Of course she's fully loaded and ready to spend. "So many beautiful things, I don't know where to begin..." she spies Harley out of the corner of her eyes, smiles and waves to her..Oh but what's that over there? She gasps in surprise, "An Egyptian cat statue..! It's beautiful.." and she's already running towards it.\<br\>\<br\>The Guy Fawkes men - all six of them, glide effortlessly through the party, their V-Vendetta masks expressionless and somehow creepy as they move almost in co-ordinated step amongst the crowds, one in each corner of the large room, in perfect co-ordination..\<br\>\<br\>Someone else is here, a handsome guy with dark shoulder length hair and a flawless 3-piece suit, eyeing Selina with a charming smile, also moving towards the cat statue..

Batman has posed:\<br\>Bruce Wayne smiles and nods to Selina. "Ah I'm fine beautiful and how are..." And she's off, attention span of a cat that one. His eyes taking in the guy fawkes wannabes with suspicion before his eyes land on Jason and Stephanie a brief smile but the look in his eyes says watch them. That guy in the three piece suit gets Bruce's attention momentarily as he approaches Harley. "Well hello, looking good there, how you doing tonight?"

Red Hood has posed:\<br\>Jason Todd offers a polite nod to Steph though his eyes show more recognition than most would have. "Miss" he offers quietly. Not about to ruin the mystique by using names even if he does know her. Masquerade balls are pretty lame in his mind. Too Eyes Wide Shut. It's a game rich people play. Nevermind that technically he's among those considered rich in Gotham these days.\<br\>\<br\>Eye contact with Bruce leads to a casual glance over the Men In Question and faint nod of agreement. Something isn't on the level.\<br\>\<br\>Moving closer to the art, he finds himself near the immaculate Zatanna. Does he recognize her? If so he only offers her an equally polite, "Miz." Then looking at the works of art and antiquity he adds, "There are some fine pieces here tonight." But is it the display of works he's refering to?

Zatanna Zatara has posed:\<br\>One thing Zatanna is talented at that isn't magic is being perceptive. She's kept herself at an angle for whichever piece she is currently examining; one that enables at least one blue eye to survey the room. \<br\>\<br\>Zee currently stands before a perfume bottle on a pedestal; its pedigree claiming that it was recovered from the Titanic. When Jason speaks to her, she does turn her attention fully to him. The initial response to his greeting is a smile and "Good evening." A sip of champagne and her attention slides over the floor; taking in art and attendees alike. "Certainly some interesting things even if you don't buy. Anything in particular caught your eye?" \<br\>\<br\>She certainly doesn't plan to place any bids unless her Magic Sense pings on something that shouldn't fall into mundane hands. She may be well-off but she's not Rich(TM).

Spoiler has posed:\<br\>Steph can feel eyes on her. Other party goers, Jason. Bruce. His especially. She can feel his suspicion and it makes her skin crawl. Her lips slide into a solid line, her posture going more rigid as she wanders around. She snags a flute of champagne, pretending to sip from it as she looks at the artifacts and art on display. \<br\>\<br\>She, too, doesn't like these fancy parties. They have never been her thing. These people are, usually, some of the worst on the planet, creating suffering and pain with their careless use of their money and power. \<br\>\<br\>She understands why the Rogues Gallery does what it does. She grew up in it. \<br\>\<br\>"Sir," she replies to Jason demurely as she continues her route, eyeing the Fawkes masked men, and the guy eyeballing the cat carefully.

Harley Quinn has posed:\<br\>Harley Quinn Grins as she looks over " Hello Nice to meet you " She says with one of those big grins of hers.. She's got a mask, of course, hiding her face. It's Very very showy as She turns to cock her head she looks at him " Have we met? " She asks with a grin and chuckle. \<br\>\<br\>     She spins a bit before she looks and leans in to give him a kiss kiss " Remind me to give my boys some training so they aren't as obvious as those morons " .

Catwoman has posed:\<br\>Selina Kyle glances at the handsome man, and blinks slowly, "Have we..Met before?" she queries. He smiles charmingly at her, holding out his hand, "Only in your dreams.." she stares at him speechless, as if mesmerized, taking his hand without another word as he leads her to the dance floor...She glances briefly towards Bruce before she is swept away on the dance floor, suddenly looking sleepy..As if in a trance as they dance a slow dance to romantic music..\<br\>\<br\>The Guy Fawkes men stand very still as they take up position: Two by the stairwell, two standing near Selina and her mysterious suitor, two standing by the door leading to the dining room. And two more, weaving slow circles around the ballroom.\<br\>\<br\>An elderly gentleman somewhere in his mid sixties, well built but greying at the edges and dressed in a stylish pinstriped suit nears the podium on the stage overlooking the dance floor. "Welcome everyone! My name is Edward Parrington and I shall be you host for the evening. I trust you have all had a chance to view the wonderful and rare antique collection I have on display for tonight's auction, and I am excited to say that a portion of the proceeds will go towards helping Gotham Hospital with a much needed renovation."\<br\>\<br\>Pale blue eyes scan the area, pausing briefly on Zatanna, offering her a warm, charming smile..Arching a thoughtful brow at Harley, smiling warmly at Wayne as if an old friend, nodding and smiling to Stephanie and Todd. "I have one last invaluable treasure on the podium here tonight, a priceless giant garnet, one of its kind, which I shall now place at the silent auction table." he lifts up the diamond cut stone, a beautiful white sapphire with a strange red flame that seems to burn within, amid a collective gasp.\<br\>\<br\>"This priceless garnet heart has been in the family for many years, but I trust one of you will put in a special bid for this beauty. And now without further argue, please enjoy the party!" he snaps his fingers and a lively waltz begins as he descends the steps towards the auction table..\<br\>\<br\>But before he can reach it, a strange mist begins to crawl around the edges of the ballroom, soon filling the entire room with a hazy blinding mist. It is not smoke although some people scream 'fire!' but this is thinner, easier to breathe but impossible to see through...What's going on..?

Batman has posed:\<br\>Bruce Wayne shakes his head looking to Harley and then Jason and Stephanie. "Whatever it is it's going down now." He mouths making gestures, intricate hand signs about where they should be positioned before making his way into onto the dance floor and nodding in a friendly manner to the man at the podium. But he's right next to Selina and her mysterious suitor he taps the man on the shoulder. "Excuse me I'm cutting in, I'll be dancing with my lady now."

Red Hood has posed:\<br\>Jason Todd shrugs a shoulder casually. "Well you know. Everything on display at these events is breathtaking. It makes it difficult to know where to look next or where to tear my eyes away from."\<br\>\<br\>With a polite bow, he offers to her, "I hope you enjoy your evening. But if not.." A curious comment to take his leave with but that is what he does. He's seen the signals as well as the suspicious figures moving into tactical positions around the gathering. He drifts easily over to a position where he is not far from one of those men but where he is outside of the man's peripheral vision. Still holding his champagne flute, now empty, as that mist filters in.\<br\>\<br\>Yeah, something was going done and this was the opening act finally.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:\<br\>"It does put off quite a bit of 'ooh shiny' syndrome, doesn't it?" Zee flashes a brief, almost playful smile at Jason Todd: breaking the hoity-toity attitude of the evening for a moment. Then the host speaks and reveals the big ticket item of the evening. \<br\>\<br\>*Ding* goes the Magic-dar when that gem is displayed. Zatanna may not be close enough to discreetly use her sixth sense to examine it, but just *looking* at it has her concerned. So as Jason makes his way off, she begins towards the front at a slightly-more-than-leisurely pace. \<br\>\<br\>But then a mist and everything zeroes in on 'this is a problem.' \<br\>\<br\>"Nepo eht srood," she says, the short phrase coming out sounding like some foreign, gutteral language... but with the desired results: doors flinging open - both interior and exterior - to allow the air to flow and hopefully clear the mist. *Hopefully*

Spoiler has posed:\<br\>This was honestly pretty terrible. Steph has, at least, avoided being flirted at by old rich men via the power of Resting Bitch Face. That does not save her as the obscuring mist rolls in. Though, oddly, as it starts to flow through the room, making things disappear?\<br\>\<br\>She smiles.\<br\>\<br\>Her entire body language changes. She slides from haughty and annoyed to ready to fight. Her stance is a little wider, her arms looser, and her head's on a swivel. She can't see anything, so she slows her breathing and starts listening, slipping out of her heels to move quieter across the floor as she begins to prowl.\<br\>\<br\>This is what she lives for.

Harley Quinn has posed:\<br\>Frowns " No, No, "She holds up a hand " I spent 4 hours pouring my tiny self into this dress and letting some lady do some Crazy stuff with my hair and she wouldn't stop talking and she smelled of Tuna " She growls " No no no crazy stuff not till I've had fun .. Or I'm gonna hit somebody with a BIG hammer.. and I mean BIG " She growls.

Catwoman has posed:\<br\>Selina Kyle is usually a lot more alert than this..Although right now she seems to be in some sort of daze, falling in with the handsome gentleman as he guides her across the floor in graceful steps. He merely smirks at Bruce as he interjects, shaking his head. "Oh, I think not.." he replies in what sounds like an eloquent foreign accent of some sort. He suddenly grabs Selina's wrist, tugging her away from Bruce and into the heavy fog that settles over the area, and without a word, two Guy Fawkes men appear between him and Bruce, blocking the latter's path.\<br\>\<br\>More fog obscures the dance floor and it quickly becomes apparent that this is not some simple stage act. A woman screams, stumbling towards the podium, presumably Edward's wife. "Honey? Where are you?" a stifled grunt answers her in response, and in the half gaze, two Guy Fawkes, aimed with guns are dragging his half conscious body up the steps.\<br\>\<br\>Two more stand guard in front of the door to the dining room, clearly guarding..Something. And suddenly the handsome guy who was dancing with Selina is on stage taking the podium, flanked by the remaking Guy Fawkes men.\<br\>\<br\> "Alright folks, this is not a hold up, just a quiet take over. We want one thing and once it is safely taken off the property, you may all go back to your previous business." he smirks wryly, his voice charming, smooth as silk. "Oh and I would not try anything funny, my men have the place surrounded..And somewhere in this mansion, one of you is tied to a bomb..Make a wrong move and that bomb goes off..Killing you all!"\<br\>\<br\>After a collective gasp erupts from the crowd, he makes a calming gesture with his curiously gloved hands, the fog almost completely cleared now, perhaps more quickly than usual thanks to Zatanna, although that one guarded door remains locked..\<br\>\<br\>"Relax, enjoy the rest of the evening. Do not put up a fight and no harm will come to you.."

Batman has posed:\<br\>Bruce Wayne grins as he shakes his head. "Take her and I'll find you and I'll make sure and bury you in every home of this country a very nasty public arrest and trial!" He growls before losing sight of him rapid reflexes has him striking first the guy in front of him on his right with a brutal Elbow!

Red Hood has posed:\<br\>Jason Todd watches and listens as the would be man of the hour makes his threats of a bomb and a theft. Because he's sure there will be no payment tendered for the item intended to be taken.\<br\>\<br\>Even as Bruce takes on his opponents, Jason moves up behind the one nearest him, swiftly moving to put the man into a sleeper hold, clamping down with his opposing arm to take the man down and out quickly.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:\<br\>With the mist cleared, Zatanna is able to take a better view of the room and just what's going on. Or at least some of what's going on. Masked mooks, check. Evil Guy, check. Host being dragged off, check. Supposed bomb, also check. \<br\>\<br\>It's the pair guarding the door, however, that she angles toward; depositing her champagne flute (still half-full) next to a statuette on a pedestal. It'll be fine, really. As she does, she melds into Performance Mode! and acts like a damsel in distress; clattering up to the ones guarding the door to the dining room, voice high and shrill: "OH MY GOD WHAT'S HAPPENING IS IT ALIENS IT'S ALWAYS ALIENS" Obviously with the intent that she distracts enough to inspect the Fawkes guys by the locked door.

Spoiler has posed:\<br\>The mist clears, and Stephanie is faced with this whole ass problem. Goons, a bomb, and they want something. That's not going to fly. Much like Jason, Steph is going to use her Particular Set Of Skills to handle some of this.\<br\>\<br\>Barefoot and in an evening dress, Stephanie looks harmless and, well, that slit is a magnificent distraction. She pads across the floor, making towards the locked door. She looks up at the man guarding it and smiles sweetly, disarmingly before she suddenly lunges.\<br\>\<br\>She uses her advantage of surprise and her nimbleness to strafe around the guy. She hops, lashing her arm around his throat and cinching it tight with her other hand on her wrist as her feet hit the ground.\<br\>\<br\>"You know, the last guy I did this to at least asked for my number."

Harley Quinn has posed:\<br\>     Harley Growls and yep no idea where that giant hammer was from or how.. But you know what most villians don't count on crazy.. and Well Harley is that.. So she's charing right at the podium with the boss man with that hammer " I wanted to DANCE " She screams as she leaps at him

Catwoman has posed:\<br\>A lot of things happen. One of the thugs blocking Bruce is matchm for his lightning reflexes, and he yelps and staggers to the ground at that lethal elbow, dropping something...Is that a remote control..? Wonder what that's for..! The second thug snarls and rushes at Bruce, attempting to punch him in the face with surprising speed and strength but can he match the strength of the Batman?!\<br\>\<br\>Meanwhile, those thugs guarding the doors have their hands full. They are both distracted by the sexy girl in her slit dress, long enough for Jason to easily take one down in a carefully placed lock hold, quickly taking him out of commission.\<br\>\<br\>The second thug snarls and rushes towards Jason, pulling out his gun and firing a couple shots at him. He has beckoned to the circling thugs, but one of them is distracted by Stephanie..\<br\>\<br\>As the second comes to guard the door, Zatanna might notice a note in his hand which looks super important as he stares at it as if trying to memorize what's on it..\<br\>\<br\>As for the boss man, he smirks at Harley and her hammer, armed with nothing but his body and his wits..But he is quick, darting out of the way with inhuman speed, "Impressive, my dear, but I can't let you interfere with our plans!" he counters with a swift jump kick aimed at her mid-section, followed by rapid fire punches aimed at her face!

Batman has posed:\<br\>Bruce Wayne grins briefly. "See.......this is a party...boy." He grins bobbing wearing and ducking as he calls to Jason. "Ladies....you doing...ok?" With that a spinning round house kick at his assailant before flipping and grabbing for the remote!

Red Hood has posed:\<br\>Jason Todd began to ease his goon to the ground after knocking him. But then his partner decides to pull a gun and shoot at Jason. So what's a reckless, undisciplined former Robin who doesn't care about the lives of criminals? He jerks the unconcious form of the goon in his arms so that the bullets hit him square in the chest.\<br\>\<br\>It might also be a gamble these guys are wearing armor under their garb. If not? Well it's one less goon to feed in Blackgate.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:\<br\>"Please! Please help me!" And Zatanna makes to stumble herself *right into* the goon with the note in his hand. As she does, she whispers (frantically, as if trying to confide in him): "eviG siht nam ogitrev." Just a little case of the topsy turvies; something to send his head spinning like he's had a few too many drinks. All the while, she keeps half an eye on whichever fighty-punchy attendees are in her field of vision. Just in case.

Spoiler has posed:\<br\>Stephanie grins inwardly as her tactic is working. While Jason and the others are drawing all of the fire, she's got one on the hook. She puts on her best, well, Selina and slinks over to the distracted guard, making sure he sees every sway of hip, every flash of leg. Every single implication that a distracted guy with a gun could ever git about an attractive blonde in -that- dress coming across the room to see him.\<br\>\<br\>"That's right," she mumbles to herself. "Think with your other brain for a sec..."\<br\>\<br\>She closes on him, and puts on her best bedroom smile, looking up at him. "Hi there," she says in her best husky voice. Which isn't very good. When she's pretty sure she's got him fully hooked, she reels him in by stepping closer, reaching her arms up as if to embrace him.\<br\>\<br\>Then she knees him in the crotch with everything she has.

Catwoman has posed:\<br\>Bruce has little trouble avoiding thug#2's next attack, and with a well placed roundhouse kick, he sends him stumbling back, momentarily stunned as that remote control slips from his hand..Hmm, looks like some sort of bomb detonation device. There is a green button marked, 'detonate' but sadly no button marked 'abort..' there is also a timer that reads: 5:00 and is slowly counting down.\<br\>\<br\>They had better find that bomb, and quickly!\<br\>\<br\>Jason makes a reckless move perhaps, but oddly thug#3 is stunned but not 'killed' as that gunshot hits him, sending him stumbling to the floor and out of the race..For now..The door is now clear of thugs but a high tech combination lock is attached to the door..What on earth could the combination be?\<br\>\<br\>Perhaps it has something to do wuth that note that falls from the suddenly tipsy turvy Thug#4 as Zatanna casts a dizzy spell on him, causing him to drop that note in his confusion...?\<br\>\<br\>While all this is going on, Thug#5 still circles the ballroom but is now distracted by the sexy Stephanie, mouth watering as he heads towards her, licking his lips..And receives a painful kick to the groin as reward..How rude! He grunts in pain, stumbling back, but catches his balance, pulling out a gun, pointing at her while uttering a string of profanities..And shoots!

Batman has posed:\<br\>Bruce Wayne looks around to see if there are any more baddies to knock out remote in hand. "Hey fam...it's a detonator....it's a damned detonator,, and it's counting down fast any luck? Any one left awake to question?"

Zatanna Zatara has posed:\<br\>The note is snatched up and the now-dizzified man given a nudge that should hopefully tip him over. He can go fetal in his confusion if he so wishes - isn't she kind?! \<br\>\<br\>A few seconds of study of the note and Zatanna is approaching the door. "Erahs ym sthguoht," Zatanna murmurs as she uses a touch of magic (sure, she can lockpick; this is so much faster) to unlock it. \<br\>\<br\>Her voice, like a whisper, reaches the others fighting: "Remember, 319. I believe it's a code or key." With that (just in case she gets knocked out or worse) done, the woman focuses her entire attention on getting into the dining room... mentally preparing herself for what she might find.

Spoiler has posed:\<br\>For a moment, Steph feels a rush of victory. The man stumbles back in agony, but it's not enough, apparently. Balls of steel. Steph swears as he lifts his gun, and she darts, strafing to the left as he opens fire. She gets grazed, a red line welling up on her leg as the bullet punches through her dress, leaving a hole in it. She frowns. "Hey! This thing was expensive!"\<br\>\<br\>She charges him again, zig-zagging about so he can't get a clean shot, earning another few holes in her dress. She grits her teeth against the pain of the bullet graze and jumps, an arm hooked out to catch him by the neck and bring him down to the floor.\<br\>\<br\>Then the punching starts.

Harley Quinn has posed:\<br\>     Harley was sent flying.. she crashed into a big old pile of food and trays and stuff.. her big hammer impacted the wall with a shudder and slammed intot he ground leaving cracks and showing hwo heavy that monster thing is .. But you know what else those long white legs Twist and she launches herself by up using a gymnastic move that really shouldn't work! .. But the next thing that happens is she is launching those silver plates like ninja stars and they are some pretty heavy nasty things when thrown by a woman super pissed her dress now has cake on it.. and that sweet sweet lovley smooth cake is not in her stomach!

Catwoman has posed:\<br\>Two notes clatter to the ground, one scooped up by Zatanna although it seems she is able to use her magic to pick the lock to the dining room..Within, another thug stands watch, growling and rushing at Zatanna, attempting to tackle her to the ground..\<br\>\<br\>Dinner has not yet been served on the large dining table with the pristine white table cloths.\<br\>\<br\>However, a lone figure occupies the far end of the biggest table..Wait, is that Selina..? She seems to be bound in chains with another combination lock holding her in place, her mouth gagged to keep her from screaming..\<br\>\<br\>And, oh yea, a bomb is strapped to her chest, sporting four wires wrapped in coloured plastic: green, yellow, blue, black..What did that second note say again...?\<br\>\<br\>Stephanie takes down one of the last guards pummeling him to oblivion which leaves just the two in the lobby who do not abandon post, still guarding the stairway..\<br\>\<br\>But that bomb timer now reads 2:00..They had better solve that last puzzle and fast!\<br\>\<br\>The handsome gentleman exchanging blows with Harley has no trouble keeping up,with her and her mallet, practically dancing around her with unusual grace and speed, using long powerful claws to slash at her to counter her mallet blows. He is definotely no small fry but he is also just distracting her as the rest of his men move into position..\<br\>\<br\>Suddenly he glances at his watch and sighs, barely dodging a stray flying plate, "Well it's been fun my dear but I must take my leave..Have fun..Try not to get blown up into too many bits!" with an eloquent bow, he turns and..Vanishes in a surprising blur of speeed..\<br\>\<br\>Time is running out..Can our heroes crack the code on the bomb before the timer runs out? Think carefully now..Which wire to pull..?

Batman has posed:\<br\>Bruce Wayne charging forward into the dining room he hits a guard with a powerful uppercut before reaching the head of the table. "Shit...that bastard! What'd he do to you!?!?" He growls looking over the bomb removing his phantom mask. "It's OK Selina, I'm here, I'll get you out of this." With that he looks over the wires and repeats the riddle in his head. "I'm going for it, if it works out we go back to the Manor if not I'll see you on the other side." Bruce closes his eyes leans forward and yanks the black wire from the bomb!

Catwoman has posed:\<br\>Selina Kyle seems pretty out of it still, sleepy even, as Bruce works on the bomb. She barely blinks at him, confused, exhausted and not entirely aware of what on earth is going on as he uses some deductive reasoning to pull the black bomb..The timer seems to count down, almost reaching 5..4..3..2..1..Then...Stops!\<br\>\<br\>With all the rest of the thugs knocked out or otherwise dealt with, Zatanna has no trouble using the first note to unscramble the code, freeing Selina from the chains and the chair. The surrounding onlookers breathe a sigh of relief once the bomb is detonated..\<br\>\<br\>Unfortunately, it was enough of a distraction to allow the true mission to be carried out..The fire Garnet is nowhere to be found, although Mr. Edward Parrington will later be found on the rooftop, confused and semi conscious but no worse for wear..Aside from a bit angry and upset that his prized possession was stolen..\<br\>\<br\>Which begs the question...What exactly was the significance of the Fire Garnet anyway...? TO BE CONTINUED!!!