5470/Tourney: Welcome to Kairos

Tourney: Welcome to Kairos
Date of Scene:	30 September 2018
Location:	Kairos Island
Synopsis:	The combatants and guests of Elektra's Martial Arts Tourney are welcomed to Kairos Island.
Cast of Characters:	Elektra, Sister Reinhardt, Shang-Chi, Daredevil, Green Arrow, Lady Shiva, Red Ranger, Zeitgeist (Julius), Robin (Wayne)
Tinyplot:	Tourney

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Elektra has posed:
Kairos - Dock and Beach

As far as docking areas go, the dock at Kairos is a rather simple affair, and terribly unassuming. For all that, there is room enough for several large ships to berth. There is a short Boardwalk that travels up and down the beachfront for a brief ways, ending in stairs leading down to a sheltered beach nestled amongst sand and time smoothed rocks. A large offshoot of the Boardwalk moves away from the beach, leading to a path to the Villa and grounds of the island proper.

The sands of the beach are a nearly pristine white, interspersed with well worn limestone and dolomite rocks that form inviting configurations along the beachfront. Dotting the beach, here and there, for the Tournament, are several pitfire areas, along with torches that are lit in the evenings, after dusk, to allow those who might enjoy the sand and waves to have areas to congregate.

Elektra has posed:
Kairos - Villa

The Villa on Kairos, fondly dubbed Daffodil for no obvious reason, is an elegantly sprawling affair surrounded by cleverly placed trees that have grown to provide just the right amount of shade and privacy for the villa, without being overbearing or ostentatious. There are numerous smatterings of wildflowers along the lawns, along with benches clearly placed to enjoy lighting at various times of day, and the spectacular views.

The Villa itself is rather understated inside. While it's clear that this isn't your average cottage, and that there is no small matter of money spent on its upkeep and its furnishing, the place still has a casual feel to itself that is both welcoming and comforting. There are places to sit in companionable silence, as well as more formal areas to gather for meals. The bedrooms are off in wings at opposite ends of the villa.

The clear centerpiece of the place, though, is the quarried marble fireplace that would comfortably fit 4-6 people in front of it on the rugs and furs scattered amidst the seating area there. It's surrounded on either side by glass doors that lead to a large deck that overlooks a steep ravine backing onto the ocean itself.

No small expense was spared for the Tournament. Guests will find any, and all, amenities that they might wish,from both mundane beer, to sophisticated champagne. Meals are catered by a rotating staff of chefs who provide both menus and on demand dishes.

Elektra has posed:
Kairos - Main Fighting Grounds

Clearly the showpiece area of the Tournament areas, this space has been set with small tented pavilions for spectators, as well as a large space that has been perfectly manicured for fighting to occur in.

For the pre-matches, people seem to come and go, and the area is available to any and all who might wish to avail themselves of the space. For the final bout, the space will be transformed, with the area more formally marked off, and extra seating and amenities provided for the spectators.

When the area is not in use for formal matches, visitors are welcome to use the space for their own amusement, and it is expected that many may wish to informally challenge one another. Guests are asked to respect the Tournament rules, and remember that killing an opponent will have you forcibly removed from the island.

Elektra has posed:
Kairos - Subsidiary Grounds

As well as the main fight grounds, there are several smaller areas that have been cleared to allow for the comfort of guests. Some of these spaces provide areas for sparring and warming up, as well as medical tents, and areas where light refreshments can be had. While vendors are not a formal part of the Tournament, several have made an appearance, and items that may be of interest to guests are available for sale.

As with the rest of the island, these areas are quite casual in nature, and meant to be both inviting and relaxing. Places where guests can meet and mingle in a non-confrontational setting. While it might be trite to say it, what happens on Kairos stays on Kairos. It is only for the Goddess of the sea, Amphitrite herself to pass judgement upon.

Elektra has posed:
The boat that carries the guests to Kairos is large - larger than most yachts, but not an ocean liner. Clearly a company boat, as the Hellas International symbol is marked not only along its side, but upon things like the life presevers and life boats. Several doors cheerily sport the same logos, but guests are asked to respect the privacy behind these doors, and they sequester most of the inner workings of the ship, as well as private spaces for the crew, who will be on duty for the remainder of the event weekend.

The trip itself isn't that long, and the waters are calm, so that as the island comes into view, framed by the sunset, it truly feels like you've gone on an idyllic cruise about the Mediterranean, and are about to pull into port to a beaachfront dinner.

In many respects the beachfront surrounding the docks resembles that fact: torches are lit, as well as several small bonfires. The dock itself is lit up with anti-glare lighting that creates a subtle and welcoming glow. And there upon the docks, waiting, is the hostess of this event.

If the Hellas International hadn't given it away, the presence of Elektra Natchios herself, standing upon the docks with a smile upon her face, certainly now indicates that she is the mysterious patron of this Tournament.

"Welcome to Kairos."

Sister Reinhardt has posed:
    "Kairos? This your personal island?" Suzanne says as she steps off the boat and looks about. This could be amusing for her, especially since she's just watching. Too much temptation to use something that would give her too much of an edge in a fight, and that would be very unfair. "So you're.....Elektra, right?" She asks the woman.

Shang-Chi has posed:
Shang-Chi steps off of the boat in casual fashion. He's dressed simply in white trousers, sandals and a Hawaiian style floral shirt, worn open to leave his chest bare. He has a pair of oversized Aviator sunglasses on, a bit retro styled but they work on him.

He bows formally to Elektra on disembarking, acknowledging their hostess. He is wary, however, and it shows in the half-smile that turns the corner of his lips.

"I believe she is," he says in response to Suzanne's question. "Your reputation precedes you, ma'am. I am Shang-Chi."

Daredevil has posed:
The Man in Red traveled light, just a travel bag and his eponymous uniform, a ninja's shozoku in red without the mask. In its place was some sort of customized bandana covering from the bridge of his nose to the where it was knotted at the back of his skull. There are holes cut for the eyes filled with polarized lenses, standing out black against a sea of red.

On the ride to the island, the man keeps to himself, simply content to watch the others but as he disembarks and sees their host, he seems to come to life, emotions warring on his expression a moment before he settles into a cocky grin. "Thanks. Nice island, definitely got the one from Enter the Dragon beat," he replies to her welcome.

Green Arrow has posed:
    For his part, Green Arrow has been mostly staying out of sight in his own room on the ocean liner. He's been seen at the dining area a couple times, but hasn't seemed interested in socializing with his peers yet.

Coming out onto the main deck and heading towards the pier as the liner docks at the island though, Green Arrow is finally out in the open, wearing his usual green suit and backpack-quiver. The bow itself is in staff form, holstered on the quiver. He's also carrying a small briefcase in his right hand.

Stepping off and over to Elektra, Green Arrow gives Suzanne an appraisal, his head swaying down, then back up as he coming up from behind and to her right, before he looks to Elektra, the domino mask and hood having been replaced by a breathable green balaclava for this trip. His usual hood is pulled back instead. "I had a suspicion you were involved in this," his voice mask is still firmly in place, though, "I'm Green Arrow." He offers by way of introduction, before his eyes go to the man in the Daredevil suit, giving the same appraising up and down.

Lady Shiva has posed:
As various people disembark, the woman who spent the entire ride off to herself finally moves to follow the crowd. She isn't last to leave the boat but she is certainly closer to that portion of the visitors. During their passage, she had taken up a spot standing near a rail, eyes on the others in the group instead of the view like many had enjoyed.

Shiva is dressed as is her usual. The red shirt is an Asian style, the simple black pants, slippers on her feet. Over it, a lightweight black leather trenchcoat despite the warmth. As she takes her place with the others on the dock, she does not offer a vocal greeting to Elektra but instead gives her a brief nod.

Elektra has posed:
((theme music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZunGXrbS0hQ&list=PLMTDYdrZ86n198N5tJk_Rf0wB324EaUcC&index=1))

Elektra is a lone figure upon the docks, but scattered about the beach, and along the pathway leading up to the villa and the other areas where guests will stay and mingle, there are those who are clearly staff, though they are not obtrusive. Here and there, torches line walkways leading to the Tournament areas. For now, though, the staging area seems to be the dock and beach.

As guests disembark, and move to the Boardwalk and beach, refreshments are handed out. Elektra nodding to many of the guests. Some getting personal greetings. Others merely noted with a look, or, in some few cases, a respectful bow.

When it seems the bulk of the guests are present and disembarked, Elektra raises her voice to the assembled, the sound carried by the natural accoustics of the cresented area.

"Welcome to Kairos. Yes, as most of you have realized by now, I am Elektra Natchios. I wish to personally thank all of you for indulging me this weekend, and attending my little soiree, so to speak."

She's handed a champange flute, and with her other hand, gestures to the Island.

"Welcome to Kairos. This Island was one of the first pieces of property that my father bought with his own money. He believed that there was a time for everything in one's life, and that family, friends, and relaxation were as important as work. He also believed that you treated your leisure time with the same dutiful attitude as you did your career. Many of my happiest memories of childhood took place upon this Island."

"Kairos, in Ancient Greek means the right, critical, or opportune moment. The ancient Greeks had two words for time: chronos and kairos. The former refers to chronological or sequential time, while the latter signifies a proper or opportune time for action." Her glass is lifted to her guests. "To that end, I welcome you to Kairos. A place where I hope the spirit of my father inspires you, even as I hope that the presence of your peers challenges you to rise to new heights. Yamas!"

Red Ranger has posed:
Red Ranger has been a more social type himself, exploring the areas of the watercraft that he's allowed to. Introducing himself as Red to anyone that would want to speak to him. The youngest of the competitors it ooks like is wearing a form fitting red tank top that's tucked into a pair of loose black hakama a pale red obi wrapped around his waist that sports a silver and gold 'belt buckle' of unusual construction with, a pair of wrestling mat boots on his feet. Finally a form fitting red luchadore style mask covers his head, it designed to leave his mouth, and the top of his head uncovered..that leaves his mouth, and the top of his head uncovered.

Daredevil has posed:
Taking a champagne flute when offered the Man in Red lifts it to Elektra, "Yamas," he echoes. Then knocks the contents back like a shot of hard liquor. When he's done, the glass is tossed aside to shatter on the boardwalk.

Feeling Green Arrow's gaze, the Man In Red's (or Daredevil as Green Arrow had rightly guessed) head turns in that direction, giving the man a nod. "Nice party, huh?" he says with a smile as he grabs another flute of champagne from a passing waiter without turning to see where he reached.

Sister Reinhardt has posed:
    "Nice to meet you, Elektra." Suzanne says before looking behind her and looking at Green Arrow for a moment. She carries herself with a bit of a confident air. Perhaps too confident? In any case, she looks about and looks at all of the people here....especially 'Red'.

However, she does spot Shiva and tilts her head as she walks over. "Lady Shiva." She says softly. "I guess I should've expected to see you here." her tone is friendly, of course, but somewhat hushed.

Red Ranger has posed:
Red Ranger turns down a flute of alcohol himself when a serving staff comes by offering one of the tall glasses, the teenager looking around at the other more reclusive contestants. Cracking his neck from the built up tension he raises an eyebrow in question as he meets her gaze. moving to an out of the way corner he quietly just watches starting to take in the people around him instead of the view like he was on the boat..

Shang-Chi has posed:
Shang-Chi raises an eyebrow, "Enter the Dragon? I'm not familiar with it," he says. Something about the way he phrases it seems very playful. He isn't impressed in particular by the island, in part because it resembles all too closely many of the hideaways of his own criminal father - and because he has rejected the values that celebrate excess, possession and luxury. He puts up a hand to turn away a glass of wine when he's offered.

The sound of Shiva's name being spoken makes his eyebrow raise, giving an appraising look to the woman addressed. Reputations being what they are, he's more than aware of the fearsome woman's existence, even if they've never actually met.

Green Arrow has posed:
    You don't get to be amongst this group of selective martial peerage without confidence in yourself. Green Arrow himself has the same air of confidence himself, though a bit more humble, by observation, "It's a martial artist genre film from the 70s about a tournament in a private island." Green Arrow fills in the blanks for Shang-Chi, looking the mans way, "It's a very accurate metaphor."

Then, he turns to regard the Man in Red, "looking to meet and learn? I didn't expect you to leave your chosen playground for this. I'm learning new things already!" Green Arrow offers with more than a bit of humor to his tone, before he turns around and starts to head inland, heading for one of the waters, "Any decent beer around here?"

Lady Shiva has posed:
As the sizing up begins, Shiva's lips twist up into a faint smile. It is ever so in a situation such as this. Otherwise, they wouldn't have come. Though some are not there to ply their abilities against others and to prove their worth. Instead, they are there to observe.

That is the role that was offered to Shiva, wisely. She has no care for a tourney to test her skills. She is confident in herself. Yet the hostess had chosen to offer Shiva a chance to be a guest, to watch others, something that is a certainty for her attending. As the wait staff arrives, she takes bottled water which is sealed. Hearing her name, she turns to look at Suzanne, remembering their meeting almost a year before. "Suzanne. It has been some time. Have you come to partake of the festivities or watch?"

Sister Reinhardt has posed:
    "Just watch, actually. I have a bit of an advantage that would be VERY unfair to most of these fighters. So rather than leave even the smallest of chances that I might abuse it, I opted to watch. Of course, I'll end up learning something here." Suzanne says to Shiva and smiles. "You watching as well?" She then looks over her shoulder. "huh. I've heard of Green Arrow, but I'm rather....outside of where he operates, I guess."

Elektra has posed:
For her part, once the formal welcome is finished, Elektra regards the gathering with a calmness. There are some expected faces in the crowd. A few that surprise her - but that is to be expected given how invitations went out. Some had certainly been personal invites - cards that arrived with no return address or sender, but clearly stated the intent of the weekend. Others were given the invitations via other means. Word of mouth that drifted in the right ears. People who were encouraged to be at the departure site at the designated time. Others were merely guests of guests. Support staff. Interested parties. Observers.

In short, Elektra did not know all who would have been invited or arrived, but now that she's seen the gathering, she can't say she's displeased. And had things gone another way, she might have been said to be very, very pleased with what she saw.

As it was, things were sufficient to the task she'd set to the weekend.

However, as hostess, there is perhaps some obligation to mingle, so mingle she does, stopping to greet various guests. When she approaches Shang-Chi, she gives him another respectful bow. "It is good to see one of your stature honour us this weekend. Thank-you."

Shang-Chi has posed:
Shang-Chi smiles quietly, "There's no such thing as fair," he says. "All things are never equal. No advantage is insurmountable. Nor disadvantage," he says.

He gives a nod to Elektra, "I favor the art over the martial, in our shared pursuit. I hope we can achieve wisdom and mutual understanding from these contests. Not merely bloodsport," he said.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Zeitgeist is among the masked contingent, he's been spending his time on the deck. His mask seems to allow the removal of his breathing filter, as he's removed it so that he can have a normal conversation and drink a bit of champagne as well. He bows slightly to Elektra as she does her introduction, he waits his turn and he does respectful nod and bow, "This tournament seemed important, I felt it was worth a watch, I don't believe I was invited, just wished to watch, if that is acceptable, if not I can see how well I can still swim." He grins.

Robin (Wayne) has posed:
     Robin was all about his skills. So when it came to an opportunity to face off against some of the best, the teenager couldn't help himself.

  With a backpack on his back, he approaches Elektra much like the rest, and bows, keeping his eyes to Elektra as he lowers his torso. "It reminds me of home, just without the twin volcanoes." The young martial artist packed with not seemingly much, but all those compartments on that belt...can hold quite a bit.

Lady Shiva has posed:
At the words from Shang-Chi, Shiva glances over to him and gives a slight nod. From her, that is like a respectful bow. Thought most here wouldn't realize that most likely. The joys of having a reputation but others not necessarily knowing the truth. Hard to tell what parts of the legend might be true.

She has heard of Shang-Chi-Chi as well, though she has not had the opportunity to see him fight. She glances back to Suzanne then follows the other woman's gaze to the man in Green. Her words are for the woman at her side though. "I shall be observing, as well." And possibly learning from some of those who have skills she has not seen before.

Green Arrow has posed:
    Finding a brand he likes wasn't that hard, and the balaclava has a hole at his nose and mouth. The eyes have the same lenses as his usual domino mask... but at least he's able to drink and eat freely. Taking a good few swigs of his chosen beer, Green Arrow empties a good portion of his cup as he starts coming back to the rest of the guests. His eyes turn to regard Suzanne once he's nearby, "What advantage is that?"

If he sees Shiva looking in his direction, he doesn't acknowledge it yet.

Elektra has posed:
There's an inclination of head from Elektra to Shang-Chi.

"Indeed. There is as much art to the form as there is martial. I think there's a mix of attitudes here this weekend. It shall be interesting to see which philosophies prevail."

She herself understands both sides of that coin.

As Lady Shiva approaches and acknowledges Shang-Chi, so too, does Elektra acknowledge the woman with a nod of head. "Ah, I see that my invitation did not go amiss. You are, indeed, someone I would dearly love to see employ the art some day. However, it is enough that you shall witness what unfolds this weekend. I do hope that you will not find us lacking when all is said and done."

Red Ranger has posed:
Red Ranger snags an Hors d'oeuvre off a near by tray as he makes his way over to where Green Arrow has moved, having over heard Suzanne's comment as well, the question has his curiosity piqued as he watches and listens. "yeah, what's your edge?" he asks..

Sister Reinhardt has posed:
    "One that you really don't need to know about." Suzanne says rather bluntly to both 'Red' and Green Arrow. "And, since I'm not an opponent for either of you, don't need to worry about it...do you?" She says with a wink to both of them....and she puts on a blue pair of glasses before she goes to grab something to eat.

Daredevil has posed:
Joining the group around Suzanne, Daredevil smiles, "That's hardly fair, teasing us about an advantage and then not following through," he says taking a sip of his beer, Green Arrow's idea appealed to him. "I think we deserve to know."

Shang-Chi has posed:
Shang-Chi nods, recognizing the honor in Shiva's gesture and giving her a similar inclination in return. "I have chosen to participate. I have nothing to gain. But neither do I have anything to lose. So long as the rules of the playing field are abided, of course," he says.

"My first instinct, too, was to observe. But one cannot learn as much from watching as from doing. If one wants to swim with the salmon, they must test themselves against the current."

Lady Shiva has posed:
As the attention turns to Suzanne, Shiva's smile doesn't fade. Her words are for those asking the other woman as well as for Elektra. "What is that Western phrase? Be careful what you wish?" If Suzanne wishes to maintain her secret, Shiva is not one to reveal it.

She looks to Elektra then Shang-Chi. She simply gives a nod of acknowledgement to Shang-Chi's viewpoint. "We all choose our own paths." Then she flicks that look back to Elektra. "Wherever it may finally lead."

Green Arrow has posed:
    "Seriously. It's like having foreplay, with no payoff." Green Arrow seems undeterred by Suzannes denial. Then, he looks to Shang-Chi, offering a raise of his glass in acknowledgment of the man, "I came here to test myself and maybe even learn. It's been a while since I've done any self-improvement outside my ranged implements. I'm already solid with the longbow."

Then, there's a glance to Lady Shiva, "'Be careful what you wish for'" Green Arrow offers in a slight correction.

Robin (Wayne) has posed:
     Lady Shiva had garnered a look from Robin as he scanned the room. The very woman that had challenged his brother. He had heard of her from his days in the League.

  Damian was used to being the youngest person in a group, no bother really to him. "You have to get your hands dirty sometimes." He comments towards Shang-Chi.

Elektra has posed:
Elektra gives a softly enigmatic look Lady Shiva's way.

"Time and endless tides. Some endings are inevitable, but I suspect the weekend shall lead to some surprises."

For the moment, she excuses herself from the illustrious pair of guests, and continues her round of greetings. There is something of a soft laugh as Suzanne is both plied for information, and expertly avoids divulging her secrets.

"We all have secrets," she murmurs as she passes on by the small gaggle about the other woman, and finds herself still laughing that soft laugh as she greets Damian. "You found the beer," she tells him with amusement. "I'm almost afraid to ask if that's legal." His comment about the valcanoes elicits a query, "I hadn't realized you were from an active region?"

It was something of new news to her, filed away for some future reference. "But you came. I'd wondered if yours would be a face I found here. I'm pleased."

Sister Reinhardt has posed:
    "Be careful what you wish for, but yes...I get it, Lady Shiva." However, She then looks to Green arrow and Matt. "As Elektra said....we all have our secrets." She especially looks to Green Arrow. "Don't we?" She then grabs some hors'derves. "Ah, here we go. You have some excellent food, Miss Natchios!"

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Zeitgeist notices some recognition between the combatants or perspective watchers, such high-level combat tournaments will attract the same sort so it should be expected. He probably would only recognize those that were people of high public image.. and more then likely they are the masked ones, those with the most to lose. Shang-Chi gets his attention, being that he looks the classic martial artist, "I wonder if you see combat as the point when basically any discussion has been exhausted, your left with basically a choice of attempting to show someone that your willing to suffer for your beliefs.. or have somene else suffer theirs." he shrugs

Red Ranger has posed:
Red Ranger pouts a bit. "Spoilsport." he says with a bit of a grin, his tone more amused then let down as the answer he wanted isn't provided. "If you're a Martial Artist, you should always try and put yourself in situations where you can improve. That's why I sought out an invitation to this tournament." he explains

Robin (Wayne) has posed:
     Damian gives a cordial smile to Elektra. "It isn't my first time having one, but in legalities, no it isn't." He answers, huffing a bit as he drinks from the glass.

  "Originally...but that was before I came to Gotham." He comments, before shrugging his shoulders. "I haven't been to the island in years now." He idly wondered how much had changed.

Shang-Chi has posed:
Shang-Chi cocks his head at Robin, "Some stains wash away. Some do not, not matter how much you scrub. Be careful with your hands, young one. They're the only ones you get."

Zeitgeist receives a level look from the Master of Kung-Fu. "Suffering," he says softly. "Suffering is something we produce in ourselves, through our beliefs. Or rather, by having beliefs at all," he says. "You cannot suffer loss if you have no wish to win. You cannot suffer strife if you have no goal to reach. As the Lady Shiva says, we all must make our own choices - and live with the consequences."

Elektra has posed:
Elektra doesn't do the traditional mime of zipping her mouth and throwing away the key, but the amusement in her eyes could certainly imply she's thinking such a thing.

"Well, I suppose I'm hardly one in a place to be quite the stickler about legalities," she murmurs to Damian. "After all, there is a certain implication that if you find yourself here, that you are ready for what will transpire. I would caution that some life lessons you needn't learn on your own. However."

She inclines her head to the younger man, and turns to regard Suzanne - a woman with whom she isn't familiar. That the other other has designated herself observer out of a sense of moral obligation creates a certain quandry:

On the one hand, Elektra has cautioned others to be wary of what secrets they might spill this weekend, and that secrets are hardly unique. On the other hand, Elektra is oh, soooo curious herself as to what there might be beneath the other woman's surface.

However, Elektra hasn't survived by being reckless with her actions.

Instead, Suzanne also earns a polite nod. "I find the hardest thing we learn about ourselves is our fallibility. I had a teacher, once, who impressed upon his students that skill wasn't flashy, and that flashy often found one dead. Soft footsteps still leave an impression in mud, he'd say, and then disabuse me of the notion that it meant it was okay to walk upon wet earth. I look forward to talking further with you over the course of this weekend."

Green Arrow has posed:
    "And I thought Bats liked to talk in circles." Green Arrow finally says after he listens to Shang-Chi, and waits a few moments to reply. Then, he downs the rest of his beer, before he places the cup on a table, "I'll see you all later." A look is given to Damian as he goes, "No offense, but the guy can get ridiculous about this sort of thing." He says as he's starting to head out of earshot.

Red Ranger has posed:
Red Ranger tilts his head at Shang-Chi "Wouldn't living by that philosophy mean that you can't Love either? To love someone is to open yourself up to suffer losing them, be it by them no longer loving you, or in losing them when their time comes to pass?" he asks curiously "That seems like a rather.. solitary way to live one's life, and with it you still lose something because you can't 'own' those experiences that improve your life." he says more thinking to himself than trying to counter the man's logic.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Zeitgeist says, "Choice." he shakes his head slightly. "I think we try and tell ourselves that we have a choice." he sips his drink, he gives a vague smile, "we're simply the product of our experiences and others experiences as well..robots that hope to prove ourselves capable of independence..." he pauses a bit, and another sip of his drink, "but I'm darkening the mood, getting too deep for this little chitchat.", he nods, "I wish you good luck in the tournament, I hope to learn much from these trials." as he backs a few steps away, letting the Master of Kungfu to continue conversation with others.

He looks to Red Ranger, "You do need to experience loving someone else more then yourself once in life, it is indeed a reward and painful experience, that I think I can agree on.""

Robin (Wayne) has posed:
     The comment from Shang-chi only had Robin sigh. "My hands have been stained enough for three lifetimes." Without going into much about his life as an assassin, Robin simply takes another drink.

  Damian raises a brow as Green Arrow speaks his mind. "None fuckin' taken." Well, it was no secret that this newest Robin touted himself as the son of Batman. And of course, Robin was a bit foul mouthed.

Sister Reinhardt has posed:
    "Yeah. I learned that when I took up Shotokan. There's always someone bigger, stronger and better than you are." Suzanne says to Elektra. "but when you come from the lowest parts of yourself early in life....the only direct you have to go is up.....and make sure you don't dig." She then chuckles. "And we always have a choice." She says to Zeitgeist. "And the hope that we can make ourselves a better person than we were yesterday."

Shang-Chi has posed:
Shang-Chi regards Robin with a look of simple compassion. "Ah. My sorrow for you, then, my friend. I, too, was robbed of choices early in my life. As the man says," he says, gesturing towards Zeitgeist, "Perhaps we have no choice at all. The wheel of dharma spins and we cling to the spokes, hoping not to be crushed like grain," he sighs.

"I do not mean to speak of grim truths. Perhaps I, too, should retire for the night. I grow mournful as the night waxes. Old friends come to visit in my memory and I am reminded of their absence."

Elektra has posed:
"A better person than we were yesterday," Elektra repeats after Suzanne. "A lofty goal. I've learned, though, that sometimes our past is inescapable."

She lifts her glass to the woman. "But not always inevitable."

Shang-Chi's announcement of retiring for the evening earns him a, "The villa is up the path. You, of course, have been assigned a room." Some have other sleeping arrangments made for them. "And I do hope you enjoy the matches."

Zietgiest she regards questioningly. "A philosopher, then?"

Daredevil has posed:
Daredevil listens to the back and forth with a pensive expression.

"Personally, I think the choice is the only thing we really have, and what we do with those choices is what defines us, what raises us to heaven or damns us to hell. As for love, that's something else entirely..." he says letting that thought trail of some.

"Regardless, I understand what you're saying," he nods to Shang-Chi. "The open hand can hold anything, so if you have no expectations then you can accept whatever comes. Or at least, that's what I've heard. Never had much luck with it myself."

He offers a wry smile, nodding to the other man as he like the Green Arrow before him moves to take his leave.

Elektra has posed:
Here, Elektra turns to Matthew. She'd been avoiding this particular greeting, but his words had provided an opening taht she could not resist.

"The Devil of Hell's Kitchen."

It's not quite an inclination of head she gives him, but there's an undercurrent of acknowledgement just the same.

'The trouble with choice, is, the people confuse that with success.There are always choices. It's the outcomes, though, that we can't control. Sometimes you can only do the best with what you have."

She finds her glass empty, and thus unable to be lifted to him.

"Choice isn't what defines us. What we do with the choices we've made? That defines us. Anyone can pick a side. Not everyone can live with their mistakes."

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Zeitgeist nods to Daredevil and Suzanne, "Optimistism, I would expect it. And I do applaud when people actually go out there and fight to let people have choices, just wished those we fight for would make good choices as well."

He looks to Elektra, "You tend to become one when you've been around as long as I have been.. You hope humanity would learn from their mistakes, you want to see them see around that corner that previous generations have looked around without going there themselves. It's like how many times do they have to bring back damn flair pants... bell bottoms... boot cut.. seriously."

Red Ranger has posed:
Red Ranger looks up the trail towards the Villa while running his hand through his hair. "I think I'm going to turn in too. Thank you for the invite to this tournament Miss Elektra." he says respectfully as he starts to make his way towards the distant house..

Sister Reinhardt has posed:
    "Not optimism....hope. Always hope. Hope to be a better person than you were yesterday." She then looks to Zeitgeist and chuckles. "Or rehashing the hula hoop." She then looks back to Elektra. "Hope is an emotion, but it can also be a force. The question is: how far can hope take you? To move an inch? A mile? Can it lift you off the ground? Can it take you to the stars and sustain you? Can it take you to a distant world in trouble and work with others to bring down a threat to that world? Can it take you to a different world and speak with a machine that you can sit on the shoulder of, and have an intelligent conversation, then face someone that knows a DIFFERENT martial art than you've ever seen in your entire life, but is also another intelligent machine, and could squish you with a boot?"

Suzanne then lean in towards Elektra and almost whispers in her ear. "Yes it can, but you need enough of it." She then turns and waves to the ones that are remaining. "I'm going to turn in as well. I look forward to the matches, Elektra."

Daredevil has posed:
"Ms. Natchios," Daredevil replies with a smile.

He does incline his head slightly. Only fitting as he's the guest on her island.

"Splitting hairs, living with your choices, even the ones you'd rather not make is part in parcel of making them."

Sensing her glass is empty, Daredevil takes her empty one and replaces it with a full one from a passing waiter.

"We all have to live with the choice we make, it's just that some of us do it better than others."

Suzanne's speech about hope earns a faintly bemused smile from Daredevil. "You lost me towards the end, but I likw how you think," he says. He hears the near-whisper to Elektra, it's almost impossible for his ears to miss, but he pretends no to.

He turns then to Zeitgeist, "As long as you've been?" he asks catching that trailing off. "You don't seem that old."

Though he'd recently been given a lesson in the dangers of assuming that sort of thing in these days of mutants and externals.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Zeitgeist says, "Nothing worth hiding honestily. " He shrugs, "My first death was the during the time of Nero and Burning of Rome. I had lots of optimistism back in those days."

He grabs a new glass himself from a passing waiter, "It's been a tough few millennia." he stares at his wine glass, tortured, burning, explosions, and fire along with dead men stare back at him from it's reflection, "I lost hope quite a few times.""

Elektra has posed:
There is no surprise from Elektra when Matt hands her a fresh drink; not is there any hesitation or disdain for the action.

"There are choices that come without action. Words come cheaply. It's our actions that cost us. I wouldn't be so foolish as to say that it is splitting hairs."

She politely quiets, then, and lets Matt and Zeitgeist converse.

Daredevil has posed:
Daredevil inclines his head to Elektra. "Fair point," he concedes, her words leaving him little spirit for debate. He drains what's left of his glass of beer.

Zeitgeist's admissions leave Daredevil blinking behind the polarized lenses of his tourney mask. "That long?" he asks. He could tell the man was telling the truth, but still a part of him balked at believing it was possible. "So, how did you get it back? Hope?" he asks.

Elektra has posed:
Elektra pauses, looking like she might say something to Matt, but instead there is nothing but silence. At least until she says to the small gathering she is near, "You'll have to forgive me. There are many other guests to greet, and a few I'd like to personally escort to their accomodations."

And with that, Elektra puts her nearly untouched new drink on a passing tray, and withdraws.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Zeitgeist says, "I've seen humanity seek higher things even though society has programmed them to do something some other way. I said we were robots, but we do occasionally become 'real' occassionally. I'm going to go and slump under a tree somewhere.. see you later. Devil of Hell's Kitchen." he chuckles, "By the way, your reputation proceeds you. Lots of fear and lots of hope." he downs his drink, "You, give me hope indeed." He starts his way towards a random large gathering of trees, if they are here."