If Today Was Your Last Day [O2A]

[Lilith]

Well, Lilith had almost gone Insane last night; following her assistants information about her former boyfriend Brent Starr and his resurfacing. Honestly, it hit her like a nice big ass Train. Or a Winnebago. One of those fancy time traveling ones. She required her long time friend.

Water.
Ala Vodka Russian.

But considering she remembered the Last Time she was in a nice nifty seedy New York bar.. Lilith decided this time upon the better part of valor.

Discretion.

It had been public knowledge that she was part of XWA now, as those nifty tabloids picked up and skewered her on a spit roast with Ray. So she was against going to a open bar at the moment, and considering 1 Penn housed an extensive lounge of bar and food, it seemed a more logical choice.

... -sigh-

An exasperation leaves Lilith's slightly painted lips as she enters the lounge. She realized there was a double edged sword to being in this place. Though it was not open to seedy public drunks...
It was open to seedy XWA drunks.

The Bar & Lounge was open to all XWA residents. This did not make Lilith insanely 'happy'. She had already almost had her fill of encounters with people upon the roster. The frightening fact of it not even being in-season was something that made even Lilith shiver with disgust. The amount of people that would flood this company once it was back in session.. as if she hasn't had enough trouble at this point. She tussles her hair softly for a moment before taking a seat in one of the big plush almost bean-bag style recliners near the far edge of the balcony. Her long Blood red hair swayed for but a moment as she cranks her neck and view to the right, looking down over the banister.

.... I don't like this view... it's scoped through another's' lens. Things were much easier when corruption was a foothold... but no, no now it's all politics and useless egotism filling the void...

Lilith murmur's to herself in disgust. The World was changing. Bit by bit. Not just the world of professional wrestling, but the Planet as a whole. More and more people..

Were in places of power, they had no right, to be in.

Tch...

She snorts out in an angry huff. Slowly smoothing out her black patten leather blouse. You know how hard it is to get a custom LEATHER blouse that isn't insanely heavy or suffocating? If someone ended up fucking this one up like that wench Manami did to her last Lace one.. Lilith was going to fuckin' kill.

The soft material of silk blended with vinyl glosses over the pink N' white pleated skirt she was wearing. Lilith had always enjoyed skirts. On other women. But once she started working for Maxim, it was not exactly a 'choice'. She had since grown accustomed to it... to a point. There were some downsides to wearing one of these things..

She crosses her legs, with precise aim. Because tabloids don't have ENOUGH dirt on her without trying to sneak some sort of shot. It amazed her, her JOB as a Maxim Model was to be in varying degrees of undress. That's the ENTIRE job description. And yet? Somehow, the Goddamn paparazzi seems to constantly try and best that by taking pictures of her in stages of undress in her personal life. Leeches.

She clicks the edge of her heeled boots against a near-by coffee table until a waiter makes his way over with a menu in hand, and smile on his face.
Sickening.

Hello Miss, what can I get for you this afternoon? We have a wide selection of-

I'm sure you do. That's fascinating. And I'm positively convinced that I should try the house special, based on your say-so alone. However since I'm one of those nice 'rebels' you people tend to believe exist, I'm going to go on my -own- preference and order whatever I deem necessary, mmkay?

... Um.. Miss I was jus-

How much money did you spend on College?

... What?

You tried to go to College right? Left home, teary goodbye to the family, girlfriend said it'd work out long distance -- you caught her banging one of your best friends I'm sure. Or your Father if you're a lucky young chap. College was going fine, awesome studying, girls were all cute. Couldn't keep up with the tuition so you had to drop out right? Failed your family's' expectations, your little dog Sparky does nothing but whine depressively anytime you speak with him.

Even a dog knows you failed, that's pretty fucked up.

.......

The poor waiter didn't even respond. Lilith simply blinks at him for a couple moments before he ends up snatching back the menus and rushing off in a frenzy. Lilith blinks again. That wasn't really that fun. Usually she'd get some sort of thrill by toying with someone's head... but it kinda seemed... mundane this time around. She never really had the feeling of being a 'bully' like most considered her. Usually cause victims fight back and it justifies what she's done. But when someone just takes it and runs...

... It's boring.

Lilith hangs her head slightly and sighs before the infamous jet black info device begins vibrating in her blouse pocket. Lilith snatches the little thing up and opens it up slowly. More roster info from Kat-..

........ What?

You owe me for this one, this was hard to get hold of Lil' ;

[Adrian Taylor, better known as Tha Infamous 187, has signed a preliminary contract with XWA. It is believed it will last long enough to guarantee legal in-ring action for the Tribute To The Troops visit. Continued contract negotiations afterwords are currently unknown.]

That name was in a very high security log Iggy had left for me. Something with a giant 'F' on it. I figured, you'd have no problem understanding it's meaning. See you later.

.... That's not possible....

[Tha Nightmare 187]

"Well, isn't this place fancy...?"

...Tha Infamous One said to himself, his eye staring up at the bright lights above his head and looking at the ceiling of The Lounge. He stood at the entrance of Xtraordinary Wrestling Association's establishment, The Lounge. A certain blonde haired alter ego would be correct in guessing that maybe 'fate' had a hand in tonight's travel choices. His dark shadow on the other hand grunted and shared his distaste for what he saw. He stood there dressed in his typical casual wear. A black hooded sweatshirt with his logo plastered across his chest in red. Available on his website with various other merchandise for the fans for only a mere $19.99. Cha-ching. Baggy khaki pants hung from beneath his sweatshirt from the waist down to the red and white All-Star Converse sneakers on his feet. The notorious red bandanna wrapped around his forehead brought the whole look together. The only problem with this picture was the bandages that covered his face from the night out at that 'club' that we do NOT talk about. Ever. Bruises and scratches told the story, but he was a quick healer. His talks with the boss lady of this company were still ongoing, but it never hurt to check out the scenery. He had to see what he was getting himself into before he made any final decisions.

"Let's see what we have here..."

His lowered his pale blue stare to scan the room. Looking to see if there was any sign of a certain 'dragon' who would probably poke his nose into his business. Let's hope we don't have any drama here tonight. Cross those fingers, yeah? This was a lot different than the dark bars he's been hanging around the past few days. He's been trying to go unnoticed in this city since he's come here, but it's too much to ask for. Everywhere he went, it seemed there was always someone who googled his picture and recognized him. And nine times out of ten, it was always someone looking to start some shit. Here? It seemed like a nice and calm atmosphere. Not really where he would probably spend most of his nights... Fuck it. Then there was something that seemed to catch his eye. Or rather a certain... someone. That dark shadow of his seemed to be at full attention at the sight in front of him. The reaction he had gotten from his dark shadow could not be mistaken.

"Is that who I think it is...?"

He shouldn't be surprised. He had heard she was in town. Not only was she in town, but she was stirring up trouble from what he's been told. However, it had been quite awhile since he had seen here. So, it was a little bit of a shock to see her here and in the flesh. His dark shadow urged him to go over and talk to her. He could use a friendly face in a city full of people who either want to take his head off or make it dangerously close to stepping over the point of no return. "Just fuckin' go over there already."...He told himself. Why the Hell was he acting so Goddamn strange about this? It may be because she was one of the few that has been around from time to time through all his ups and downs since he got into this business. She was even affected by the whole business that started in Toronto. It did pain him to think about those times. He wasn't even sure what all went down then. He didn't know. The two of them did have history. What to do? What to do? He drew a breath and exhaled a heavy sigh. He was just going to suck it up and head over there. Before he knew it, it seemed like his dark shadow had already begun putting one foot in front of the other.

"Here we go, I guess."

...He says to himself, not knowing what exactly he was going to say when he got there. He crossed the room towards that familiar face. He passed by a waiter who seemed to be a little bit flustered after leaving her table. Looked like something was troubling the poor boy. It seemed like she was back at it again. It almost brought a smirk to his face. Wait a minute. There it was. Yup. That smirk of his stretched across his face as he approached the table where Lilith Creighton was sitting at. Tha Infamous One stopped in his tracks beside her and offered a greeting...

"Well, well... Hello there stranger."

[Lilith]

.... !

God hates Lilith Creighton.

Lilith was caught off guard. The information plastered on her device's screen. The picture and vital statistics known to the public... and a few she'd figured out in her time with the..

... Familia..

The word slips out of her lips like satin. She was dumbstruck. It was him. It was Seven, he wasn't-

.. Dead.

Another word leaves her lips in confusion. She turns off the device, sliding it back into her blouse pocket before tussling her hair about a bit once more before motioning to the seat across from her. She stares directly at Seven for a good long while. She wasn't sure how long it actually was, but for her, it seemed like an eternity.

.. It's good to see you aren't dead as the rumors had been spread.. long time no see, Seven. I.. just, got word of your arrival here.. literally. I'm quite.. surprised.

Firstly.. I had believed the rumors had some validity due to the... sometimes volatile nature of the dear... 'Family'. I figured it was not entirely impossible for members to have been... well... yes..

Secondly... according to the raw info...

Lilith cocks her head to the side for a moment. She rolls her tongue around on the inside of her cheek before letting it click out in a loud pop.

.. You're working for N.E.O?
.. I don't know much about the 'Exodus' of the company... I don't particularly care either. It came at a fortuitous time considering I signed recently. The more things people places and powers are scattered..
The easier it is for me to pick them up.

... But, I am surprised... whoever replaced Gallas, would allow one of their members to 'cross the bridge' as it were from the Empire, and step foot back into the Plaza.

... I almost wonder if it was not something your ties with the 'Family' took care of?... Yes, well... that aside..

Lilith motions again to the seat across from her, only to be interrupted by a second waiter. It seems they were not giving up on reclusing an order from her. Lilith snaps her eyes to the new waiter sharply.

Vodka. White Russian. Double-Double. On the rocks. Blood Orange on the side. 'Please'.

And whatever Mister Seven wishes as well..

Lilith manages to lean sideways, almost nudging Seven with her shoulder, she whispers something half coherently before the waiter takes Seven's order.

... Where is the 'King'?

[Tha Nightmare 187]

"Don't mind if I do."

He sat himself down in the chair across from Lilith. It seems like everyone does their homework except for him. Those rumors about his demise? Those are still floating around? His dark shadow's laughter echoed in the back of him mind once again. He's got some catching up to do it seems. His eye drift up to the second waiter who had come to try and take their order. Like you didn't know what he was going to order. He just smirked at the waiter and said...

"Hennessy. No ice. No food. Just Hennessy."

Then that pale blue stare of his returned to meet Lilith's eyes. The waiter goes on to retrieve the two's orders. That smirk never leaving his face. He leaned forward towards Lilith to answer her question about a certain 'family' member who has gone missing some years ago...

"I can't exactly say for sure... The last time I saw him was like three or four years ago. Probably in hiding from the whole... ya know... I haven't heard from him. Haven't heard from anyone personally..."

He shrugged his shoulders. He sat up straight and decided he'd address the first couple of things that Lilith had pointed out. He did have a few comments to make on those things....

"Well, it's nice to see you too. Dead? I hear those rumors too, but you can't believe everything you read. You honestly think there's someone in this big, wide world of ours that has the skills to put me out of my misery?"

This wasn't entirely true. Someone did put Tha Infamous One in a coma. Then they tortured him for a good, long while. Then they left him in the streets of Chicago to rot. He wasn't exactly untouchable, but he sure as Hell wasn't going to admit that. Even if he had had a few too many close calls with The Grim Reaper. However, he had a reputation to keep.

"I thought you would know better than that. It's nice to know you care, though. Seeing as how you are keeping tabs on me and such."

He pointed to the pocket of her blouse. It was nice to take to someone he considered a friend. It was strange though. Gah... The last time he and her were in New York... His memory might be a little fuzzy, but he remembered some pretty strange stuff going on with some crazy minister with white hair and his war with the dark side. Oh, the faded memories from days past...

"As for my current employment situations... I go where I want to go. I do what I want to do. If someone has a problem with me treading in enemy waters, they can come see me. I'm not exactly in the loop when it comes to the whole mess between this company and the one over yonder. It doesn't concern me. It was a fresh, new place that was looking for some talent and I just happened to be in the neighborhood. I was just minding my own business in this city, because this is a free country and I can go wherever the Hell I please... When, wouldn't you know, someone from this side of the 'bridge' decided it would be absolutely hilarious to put their personal well being on the line and act like a tough guy. One thing leads to another... And I guess I'll be flying overseas with you guys sometime in the near future."

He shrugged his shoulder again. It was funny how things like that worked. Was he worried about being from a rival company in enemy territory? Nah. If the suits knew what was good for them, they would let it be. He was well aware of his own star power. He didn't flaunt it like some people did, but he did know that he wasn't here playing spy. He wasn't there playing spy. He was just looking to cash two checks every week and kick a couple of asses in the process.

"What about you? What wonderful things have you been up to?"

[Lilith]

... Often, children's books tell children a myth about Monsters.

.. The myth isn't that Monsters exist...

[/color]
Lilith sweeps her hair aside from behind her neck with her fingers, she slowly drags her left hand down her right arm, grasping tightly at the 'new' seal. She murmurs out with a faint smile.

It's that they can be killed.

... I suppose that would be the quote best used to describe my off-time from the world of professional wrestling... I to should more than likely be dead... but because God hates me, I have yet to be 'granted' that... I am somewhat disappointed. I had assumed if you were back around in this profession, it was under the guidance of the Family. You've taken off in a more solo capacity Seven?...

.. Then again. In my brief dealings with them, you never did seem to be one to nod and bow to orders unless they benefited you... wise ideal to have..

Lilith slowly rolls her ankle, cracking it as she switches positions. Crossing her left leg up over her right thigh. She tilts her head back for a moment with a small chuckle before letting out a long heavy sigh.

.. I think we may be getting to old for all of this shit Seven... me professionally? I work under contact with Maxim. I did not like the package Playboy had offered me... specifically because it required... 'business transactions' with certain people... Penthouse was a nicer offer... but something about it tells me they may have somewhat similar expectations..

I've grown out of the ideal of 'sleeping to the top'. It worked, it was fun.. but it was not, worth the drama. To this DAY people still hound me for 'stealing Jonny' and 'taking Sylas'... ugh..

... If it's -that- easy to free a man from his commitments... then the woman obviously wasn't taking care of him that well... but that's for another time..

... I've noticed some other familiar faces within the ranks of XWA... not.. Familia--R, but just recognizable. Have you had much chance to look around in the... putrid haze that is the pre-season?.. I somewhat doubt.. that 'Tha Infamous' one would be keeping his nose clean as it were..
-- To be honest I'd be a bit disappointed if you were, really..[/i][/center][/font]

[Tha Nightmare 187]

He nodded his head while he listened to Lilith. It was interesting to hear what she's been up to. Perhaps he'll have to pick up a copy of Maxim that featured the woman in front of him sometime in the near future... Sort of developing a mental picture and... Wait a minute... What was that about...? Sitting here, fantasizing... He reached behind with a hand and scratched the back of his head. Was that you in there? The dear dark shadow of his? What are you doing in there? He nodded his head again after lower his arm back down to his side. Once Lilith had finished, he replied...

"Well... Keeping my nose clean wouldn't exactly be what I would call it... What have I been up to in my free time? I've had my life threated by a certain someone from my past. Death is such a complicated enigma. It seems to rub a lot of people the wrong way. I've gotten in a scuffle somewhere where the first rule about it is that I'm not allowed to talk about it. I'll just leave it at that. But I'm sure you can see what wonders I've witnessed..."

He pointed to the bandages on his face. One across his eyebrow. A few small ones on his chin. Nothing major. He wasn't a mummy, but he did need to cover a few fresh wounds. Add another mental image of Lilith in a bikini... And... Gah... Cut it the fuck out in there. Appreciate the offer, but... He continued...

"It's really quite exhilirating. Other than that? Had a few prying eyes watching me here and there. Got me a little suspicious about those around me. Some coincidences just don't seem to really be coincidences to me. You never know who you can trust. And you who you... can't. Got a few people pressing my buttons, but I had to refrain from being the top story on the New York Times. If you catch my drift..."

He nodded his head once again. Yeah. Causing trouble was fun. Bashing people in the face in some structured street fighting was great. But he couldn't exactly commit homicide in the public eye. Now, in a more private setting, maybe things would be a little bit different...

"We can't have that now. I actually enjoy the freedom that I have right now. As for what my current affiliations and the like go... You are correct. I am currently running solo. No 'family.' No teams. No factions. Just back to square one. Like how it all started in the beginning. Guess you could say I'm the lone wolf, as you had said. But it's not that I'm not open to making a few friends, reconnect with some old ones, and all that jazz. That's all fine and dandy. I am approachable, believe it or not. But yeah, you are correct. The path I'm following is one I've been on alone... So far."

That smirk formed back across his face. That dark shadow of his sat in his ear like an annoying mosquito who just won't stop bothering you. He just couldn't get rid of this monkey on his back.

[Lilith]

Yes, working with one's self can be beneficial at times... albeit it can drive you mad if you do it long enough..

Lilith's train of thought is cut off when the waiter returns with their drinks, she nods her head slightly at the waiter before taking her glass and the saucer upon which the Blood Orange rests. She peels into the skin of it with her fingernails delicately as he sets the tray with Seven's drink down at their table.

... It boggles the mind to think what will transpire once the season officially begins... I don't know about you, but this whole 'Tribute To The Troops' thing makes my skin crawl... no offense to you as an American, Seven. I just have... unresolved feelings from my homeland.

... The info said you found a way to legally obtain a stay for the Tribute... which would indicate, at least in my opinion.. you already found someone you want to curb stomp with your boot-heel?

The words flow out of her mouth naturally, as if it was a common everyday occurrence. Which causes the, second, waiter to take his leave after finishing up with their order. She finishes peeling away the skin slowly, plucking out one of the segments and crushing it between her index and middle finger above her glass. The delightful color swirls and drops it's own hue into her drink before she lavishes up the remaining juice from the slice on her fingers with her tongue.

.. Or did Blackheart simply manage to obtain your services so she could throw you out into the 'great unknown' for kicks..
Cause she does give off that vibe, you know?

Lilith finishes the liberal 'cleaning' of her fingers before picking up another segment of the Blood Orange, and dropping it whole into her glass. She picks it up and slowly takes a small sip of her liberally mixed Vodka before gently clearing her throat and staring at Seven across the table.

.. To be honest when I met her I got the distinct impression she was quite like me in... different, ways.. I hope I'm wrong..
-- But I really hope I'm right.

Having to deal with her as the CEO of this place will take some getting used too. I'm usually the only 'Boss' in a general area who has a collection of Whips/Chains & Collars that are monogrammed...
.. Wonder if she gets a price break on those damn Wooden Horses..

-- But yes.. have you found a playmate so soon Seven?

[Tha Nightmare 187]

"Indeed I have, Lil'. Indeed I have."

...He said. He did have one thought going through his head. Why the Hell was she doing that with her finger? Was she pandering to his dark shadow? Did she have her own dark shadow? Is that why his was having such a reaction to seeing her? That sinister laugh echoed in the recesses of his mind from the dark shadow embedded in his skull. That whole thing Lilith mentioned about being by one's self for long periods of time? Could she have been any closer to the truth? He didn't want to fall back into that paranoid slump like he did a few years ago. Then again... She was around during that time. Perhaps she was aware of what was going on during his absence during his comatose days... He didn't say anything about that, but he did continue about his intended future victim...

"A little blast from the past who goes by the name Kenjiha. I'm sure you're aware of his existence because he is under Ms. Blackheart's umbrella here. Funny looking dragon tattoo on his face. Likes to act like he's the big cheese on campus. Pretty much needs the taste slapped out of his mouth every time he moves his lips."

He leaned forward and retrieved his glass of Hennessey. He brought the glass to his lips and took a drink. Yep. The good stuff. It brings back... fonder memories. He looked back at Lilith and continued...

"We have... history. Let's just say... Back in the day... When someone steps on your turf with the intent of taking over everything you've help built... And the repercussions for such a plan when talking no longer solves anything... I painted the wall of some building and added a nice touch of 'dragon' to said wall. He decided to take it upon himself to come to my home. And he decided to let his guys go ahead and give me a 'wake up call.' The result was..."

His eyes lowered to the glass in his hand. Remembering the sound of automatic gunfire and the body of kid brother in his arms. His own flesh and blood. A fucking child. He may have done some bad things in his day. But he never harmed a fucking kid. Never a fucking kid. That was simply... unforgivable.

"...disastrous. I decided to take it upon myself to end this little... fight of ours. You know what they call it out there in the 'war zones.' You would think after eleven long years... That everything would be... peachy. Blood for blood. An eye for an eye. That whole shpeel."

He eyes look back up at Lilith. It's a rather touchy subject for Tha Infamous One. This little war of his to take place in front of the Troops was personal. Gah. This is why he hated this fucking city. He brought the glass back to his lips once again and took another sip from it. He lowered the glass again and said...

"He wants to end it once and for all in the middle of the squared circle. I aim to make him look up at me, with blood in his eyes, begging for me to stop the pain, begging for mercy, begging for me to allow him to still draw breath on this Earth... I'll look back at him... And I'll put the tip of my boot through the temple of his fuckin' skull."

[Lilith]

Kenj-... hah...

A smile runs itself too and fro across Lilith`s face. The pure luck and chance of such a disturbingly vicious coincidence. She plucks another segment of her Blood Orange before taking it into her mouth, crushing the soft flesh with her incisors before chuckling once more, her fingernails clinking against the side of her glass. She hums out in a sick twisted satisfaction before she begins.

... Katana.. haha.. that's fuckin' amazing... Katana is the one who has some sort of ye olde' grudge against you... the fool who carries around the big ass prop from the reallllly badly English dubbed Samurai flicks..? Fuck..

Katana was the first person on the roster I met when I arrived here at the Plaza.. I had a bad feeling then, I had a bad feeling when he tried to 'solve' my problems, when he tried to 'align' himself with me... but this is just precious in that kind of short-bus Timmy wants to be President kind of way..

Lilith softly swirls the glass in her hand.. she slants her eyes along with her gaze towards Seven. You see.. it was that, kind of look. While saying, those.. kinds of things. That made Lilith believe, he indeed could have been dead. Even outside of the 'Family'..

.. Hmmm... I admire the enthusiasm to deal with problems past, Seven... and don't get me wrong, I remember your ability to get things done when the task is at hand...

Lilith sets her glass down on the table before her for a moment, a grim expression on her face as she does so. She was reckless herself, this was true. But... something about Seven's plan seemed well... suicidal.

.. Wishing to kill someone is not something I'd ever argue against. But doing so in... front of a Military Base of Operations... now that may be... the most insane Goddamn thing I've heard in the last two years.
Impressive;
Ballsy;
-- And likely to probably land you at least a fangirl or two in the crowd in her nice nifty baggy big-pocketed fatigues, I hear military girls like the bad boys you know? Kind of a catch - 22. 'I must chase you, bring you to justice, your crimes are grave and you torture your people - but oh my what a big cock you have' -- kind of thing... Forbidden Fruit always does taste so... very.. good.

But I'm not sure the extent of your chances of leaving the arena standing upright.

Or breathing.

Lilith leans back a bit in her seat, she had a legitimate concern really. Seven was, so far, the only person she'd met that she did not wish to kill thus far into the pre-season. Well that's not fair, she doesn't want to KILL Blackheart. Oh, and Asuka. No killing the potential night-time playthings. But you get the general idea. Lilith as a whole, had a very short list of people she considered friends. A list fewer considering she herself, was not on it. The Familia however, she trusted the Familia. As insane as that sounds. But she trusted it for a very, very good reason.

... There is an old... Oriental proverb... this.. old, bat-shit crazy Asian... more than likely on a 'celestial trip for self exploration' otherwise known as blown off on Opium... once said something that actually belies my opinion of him, and shows some wisdom...

'When you embark on a journey of Revenge..
.. Dig two graves. One for them... and one for yourself.'

Don't get me wrong, I'm not telling you revenge is.. wrong. I love revenge. Some of the best countries on this Planet were built on Money, Sex, Violence and Revenge. And the -truly- great ones had a dash of Control and Manipulation added into the whole mix. No, no revenge done right... can be a magnificent thing..

Better than sex.
Well... depending on who it's with anyway.

-- But.. you do need to be wary of your actions now. The 'Family' is no longer casting a net of information, resources...
Nor protection.

You're an intelligent man Seven. Far more than I'm sure you let people on the outside who look in,; ever see. Which in and of itself, speaks to your intelligence... therefore;

Lilith leans forward in her seat, picking her glass up once more before splitting the rest of her Blood Orange segments in half with her fingernails. The murky and violently beautiful color of it's juices sprays upwards into the air ever so briefly before falling to the table, splattering the outside of her glass and staining her fingers ever so delicately. She raises her drink slowly before taking a nice, long sip.

... Obtain your revenge... but do so slowly. I'm not saying don't HURT him. No no, reave his ass. Hospitalize him for all I care. It's your business after all. I don't know the situations between you and Katana, and from the looks of it... that may be a good thing to my mental and personal health. So I won't try to belittle whatever it is that happened after your.. hah... I love how you put that;

'Paint job.'

But.. I do, know something about absolutely crippling someone's mental barriers, destroying emotional tendencies... and creating a personal psychological hell all around...

Lilith leans across the table somewhat, barely propping herself up from her chair. She doesn't touch Seven, she knew he like herself was a person with limitations about personal space. But more to the point... something about him seemed to just look.. Dangerous. She whispers in a sadistic little giggle.

.. You should have -SEEN- the look on Claire-Bear's face when I stripped down her girlfriend as a hostage -- and decided to test my theory...

Another brief pause, the tone of her voice cracking in an almost supremely sadistically maniacal fashion.

.. Of who could make her scream louder -- And sent her the pictures.
... I can almost promise you she never accepted another text from anyone past midnight again.

Lilith laughs to herself before resuming her place in her seat once more. Oh that wassss a good one too... she can still remember the subtle moans. Screams. Gasps. Oh and the twitching. Oh there was so much twitching. That body seemed to react to evvvery little thing... hahah...
Good times.

[Tha Nightmare 187]

"Well..."

A suicidal mission? That wouldn't be such a bad idea, in his opinion. Maybe he could finally rest peacefully without having to look over his shoulder wherever he went. His roommate in his head probably wouldn't be a problem any longer. It might sound a little crazy, but perhaps his own demise wouldn't be such a bad thing. It seemed like ever since he was put on this planet, there had been nothing but pain and hurt that followed. And if that meant finally avenging his brother... That would be just fine. He'd kill that son of a bitch Kenjiha in front of a crowd and he could just claim that it was all an 'accident.' This job wasn't safe. Death was an occupational hazard one must think about before stepping into the squared circle. People died all the time. Whether it was inside the ring, or outside. Death wouldn't be so bad, he thought. Who would miss him? He was sure there would be some people out there, but he felt like his absence from this world would do more good than harm.

"You won't have to worry about me. I know I've had my times where I've been known to go off the deep end. I've done plenty of damage over the years to my enemies that I should probably have been put away a long time ago. I remember severely hurting that one guy... What was his name again...? Hussein Fatal or something... Way back in the old days... Threw him inside of a limo and rammed that son of a bitch with a SUV. You didn't see him again for... practically an entire year. Probably ended up in the Intensive Care Unit. But I'm not dumb. I know the risks I'm going to have to face when I step in front of the Troops. I can't just run in there and start causing mayhem like an escaped mental patient. As much as I'd love to just go in there and paint the ring red..."

More sinister thoughts from the sick and twisted mind of a psychopath. The dark shadow loomed over him like a storm cloud. He looked back up at Lilith. There was just something... about her. She seemed to understand him. There were very few people that actually knew the real him. The 'Family' only really knew one side of him. They saw the hardcore, in-your-face, bad ass who frequently represented the 'family' name to the fullest. They didn't see those cold and lonely nights where he drank to soothe the pain deep in his ice encased heart. The depression and anguish that was underneath the hardened scowl. He didn't know what it was, but he felt some sort of connection with her. Maybe it was because she was just as damaged as he was. Perhaps there really was something with some merit to the dark shadow's reaction to Lilith's presence. It was all very confusing for him. He felt like a certain demon barber on Fleet Street being told to prolong a long overdue vengeance.

"I should wait. I should... Plan... Plot... Strategize... That's half the fun, ain't it? Formulate a battle plan before I head into the war. Plan my next attack. Introduce him into the world of pain that I know all too well. I'm sure he's got some things he would hate to lose. Maybe some people that he couldn't live without? Who am I to not relieve him of such things? Right? Then I can sit back and watch as his whole world crumbles around him. Maybe if I'm lucky enough, the poor bastard will 'off' himself to save me the trouble, but that could just be wishful thinking."

That smirk returned to his face. Dark thoughts filled his cranium. Oh, what should he do to the poor little 'dragon' to make him run back to whatever hole he crawled out of and do a little redecorating with his own brain matter and bone fragments? It almost lifted his spirits to think of the very reason of his own pain and misery to suffer just as much as he has over the years. It would be a lot to give up not carving his enemy up like a Thanksgiving turkey himself. Oh well. He could finally cross that name off the list of people he felt were just a waste of space. He lifted his drink back to his lips and took another drink of Hennessey. Then he began to shake his head slowly...

"There's very few things in this world that get my stomach turning. I can sit through some really horrible atrocities. I've seen things. Terrible things. Some of which... Yours truly... May or may not have been involved in. But there's some things that are truly... Unforgivable. One of those things happens to be on a list of things that Katana has done that really make me want to skin the son of a bitch alive. I know I've done some things in my life that would cause a lot of people to look at me in horror. But never children. I would never hurt a child. No fucking way. Things like that will get you killed in prison. But he still walks the streets... All high and mighty... Me? Believe it or not... I do have a conscience. It never lets me forget. Even if they were a casualty of 'war'... I know there's not a whole lot one can do when things happen in the heat of battle, but... I would never harm a child. Katana...? He's the reason for a lot of my problems. He's the cause of..."

He pointed up and down to himself. The story of his life was etched into his skin in the form of scars. They weren't all from the wars wages with Katana and crew, but he had some little souvenoirs to remember them by. Katana was the reason why he was no longer accepted by his flesh and blood family. That wasn't entirely true. He was involved in this life before he met Katana. But he... He was the cause of...

"...all of this. Payback's a bitch. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Cliche'? Yes. But I never forgive, and I've never forgotten. I will break him. Mark my words. I will break that mothafucka."

[Lilith]

Lilith squints her eyes tightly shut for a moment. A child. The emotional damage that can be caused when a child is involved is nothing short of staggering to the human psyche. Few things can top this pain... it is something Lilith knows of..
First hand.

She slowly tucks some of her hair behind her earlobes. Her fingers claw gently at the glass before she sets it down softly atop the table. There was little she could do right now, little she could say. Seven had his own reasons and own purposes driving this. As is she was already rooting for him to gain revenege... now it just all seemed... well..

... Children are a source of great agony in the world Seven...

She picks her glass up once more, taking another large gulp of her mixed Vodka down. Her mind had gone from full blown revenge plotting mode to withdrawn pain mode. She closes her eyes again for a moment before shaking her head and trying to ignore the memories. Memories were something that had always had the most effect on Lilith. She unfortunately had a very good memory.. this was at times a good thing, but by and by... a natural fuckin' disaster. She leans back in her seat slowly, tilting her head back before letting out a large huff of a sigh.

Forgiveness... is an overrated trait. How does anyone truly 'forgive'... it can mean either you've grown weak enough to allow someone or something to step all over you and not fight back..

It can mean being arrogant enough in your stature to think you have the 'authority' and 'right' to deem it okay to 'forgive' someone of their sins. A typical human condition... forgiveness... such a foreign concept to humanity... I don't think we'll ever grasp it.

... I don't think there's a reason too.

The strong survive, the weak do not. This is a universal law save one special condition... one you just mentioned.
Casualties.

There will always be... someone or something that is.. for all intents and purposes driven to the situation.. 'innocent'. As innocent as a human being can be, anyway. The person may have done bad things in their lives, but it doesn't always equate to the situation in which they are caught in the crossfire... it makes life unfair Seven.... very unfair..

Lilith puts her glass down. Her fingers slightly squeezing and releasing in short bursts as she tries to block out the impending memories coming in waves of a mental flood. She breathes in deeply and slowly for a moment before exhaling long and hard. Memories... memories can kill you if you let them...
But they'll fuckin' rape your mind if you try to stop them.

Pick one.

... Remember, Seven... dig two graves. It seems the emotional investment in this is... a far heavier burden than any you've had in the past with playmates... you will be hard-pressed for self control and willingness to see past the fury... it is a valuable tool.. but it blinds us all far too easily..

... Then again there are some cases where people simply deserve to die.

'Judgment is only reserved for God'.

.. That always makes me laugh. I'm pretty sure the whole story goes, we were created in 'His' image yes? Well.. if God has judgment and punishment at his hip like a pistol... and we are created to be his mirror, his replica... why can't we fire it off too? It is a 'divine right' Seven... an Eye for an Eye. A Fang for a Fang. Blood is to be repaid in spades. I don't think you need me to justify this to you at this point... but in the long run a less guilty conscience always helps one sleep or... what have you, at night.

... Lord knows I've accumulated more than my fair share of guilt over the years..

A smile runs across her face. She giggles a bit to herself. But some of it WAS really worth it.

... But sometimes, people just ASK to get mind-fucked.

[Tha Nightmare 187]

"Heh. That they do. Sometimes people just need the rug pulled out from under them and a swift kick in the ass before they learn that there are just some people out in this small world of ours... You. Just. Don't. Fuck. With."

That smirk of his grew after those words exited his lips. His eyes focused on Lilith in front of him. A little bit of the dark shadow seeping through into reality? Maybe. There was just something so relaxing talking to another cold soul like himself. It wasn't often that he would be sitting here with a glass of Hennessey in his hand and feel... legitimately happy. Normally, he was drowning his sorrows. Now? He was actually enjoying his drink. Enjoying it. Not just drinking to forget. Enjoying his alcoholic beverage. Was he happy? Was this an emotion that he could actually feel? Was this normal? Was his dark shadow actually right about something for once? Should he embrace it?

"That is the problem that people like Katana make. They act like they can't be touched. They act like they're on top of the world and there is nothing that can stop them. That is mistake numero uno. You can only poke and prod the beast for so long before you wake up the beast. People like him don't want to see the demon sleeping inside of a human being. The end results can be rather... messy."

He laughed slightly at the thought of crippling Katana emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Another flash of the darkness in his voice. There was some truth to his words. There was something deep down inside of the body of Adrian Taylor. It must've come from the deepest and hottest pits of Hell. His dark shadow urged him forward. Whispering into his ear things that brought a smile to his face. What are you waiting for? It says. Do it. It says. Then he brought the glass back to his lips and finished off the rest of the Hennessey in his glass. He leaned forward and placed the empty glass on the table in front of them. He stayed leaned forward like he was, with his elbows planted on top of his knees for support. His pale blue stare looking back at Lilith. This was better than sitting in Dr. Knightly's office, having to lie to a person who was still stuck in their safe little bubble. It was almost like he felt like he could be... vunerable. Imagine that. Tha Infamous 187 letting his walls down and actually letting someone in. A privelege that even his closest friends don't tend to have.

"You're right, though. I'm going to take my hatred and my fury and all that bottled up pain that been building up over the past eleven years of my life, and I'm going to stuff it right in my back pocket. I'll leave it there until the time is right and it's time to destroy my enemy... completely. Wouldn't want to head into battle unprepared and blinded by rage. Or I'll end up in that second grave. We wouldn't want that, now would we?"

He winked at Lilith. That grin remained on his face. Something about his own death was pretty amusing to his dark shadow. It's not like he hasn't had his own close calls with the Grim Reaper. He's actually stared Death in it's face more than one occassion. He's always found a way to cheat the son of a bitch from collecting his soul. He shrugged his shoulders and continued...

"I'd like to thank you, Lil'. It's not very often that I get to talk to a friendly face. On most days, I'm stuck in a very dark place. I'm kind of glad that I've wandered into this place. With the millions of enemies I seem to make on a global scale, it's just nice to know there's someone out there who doesn't have plans to serve my head up on a silver platter. So... Thanks, Lil'."

[Lilith]

Indeed that goes both ways Seven. In my short time already here in XWA I've come across one person personally that I wish to dismember... and heard of another who resides here on a lofty cloud of a contract that I have a very strong urge to... well... as I was saying..

People like you and me... we are a dying breed now. It seems everywhere you look there's someone up and coming... mouthing off trying to imitate the original mouths. Not many people can do more damage than a W.B.K.Y.A segment now can they? Ahhh... good times... but I'll admit some of the newer mouthpieces manage to pull it off well.. I recall hearing somethings of one of the members here before the great 'divide' having quite the mouth on him... A couple of them actually. Ah well... my point is..

Those of us who LEGITIMATELY don't give a fuck, and don't 'act' like it because it's profitable;
Those of us who actually have the INTEGRITY to kick someone in the temple when they're down and begging us not too;
Those of us who have the MENTAL CAPACITY to string together more than four words when we verbally bend someone over;

We are a dying breed.

Everyone wants the quick fix these days. You slew some trash at someone, wait for a response, enter a typical 'NU UH NO YOU O RLY?!' stage of a 'webtard' war.. and suddenly you're wondering why you ever bothered taking a contract with people that remind you of teenagers you either fucked, sucked, and or killed back in high school.

Lilith takes a long heavy sigh. It hurt her that it was all true. She was indeed getting to 'old' for this kind of shit. Unless you're The Rock? Or a special few she'd already mentioned... almost anyone who fires off child-like insults... truly annoys her. It's like watching a special ed child trying to tie his shoes with one hand whilst crossing his eyes far enough so he can see 'Nirvana'. Ugh. The info device begins vibrating in Lilith's blouse pocket again. She holds up her finger slowly, motioning for 'a moment'. She takes it out and opens it up slowly. As soon as she slides her thumb across the faceplate..

Lilith, we have a problem. There's good news and bad news. Good news. Your ex-Starr started up a blog over in the Empire, and it mentioned you. The bad news. Your older ex's-ex Amber started one up too... you seem to be quite the 'hot topic' for the moment Lil'. Enjoy the reading.

Along with the text Katja had sent a couple links to Lilith's device. She doesn't dare look at them in public. She snaps the device shut and furrows her brow- unfurrow the brow unfurrow the brow. She rubs circles around her eyes before inhaling nice and long. Slow and hard. This was starting to become a nightmare. She had no idea if what Starry said in his blog was good or not, she'd have to look at the link when she got back to the suite... but Amber? Was Gianni already aware of Lilith's presence in XWA?.. She grinds her teeth solemnly. In all perfect honesty, Lilith hadn't accounted for that. But she does remember two individuals that she had given the name of Amber too in public...
Fury..

... Tch..

And Asuka.
The soft cute little innocent fairing naive totally corruptible and most enticingly to do so Asuka. She doubted Asuka would be the one to... well now wait. She DID try to get all supergirly when defending Katja. Ahhh... that was just awesomely cute. Lilith shakes her head and gets back to the point of thought. She picks up her glass slowly, chugging down the rest of her drink. She plucks the final segments of her Blood Orange and drops them in front of Seven's glass before getting up out of her seat slowly. She smooths out her skirt and blouse respectively before pulling a jet black and ruby red patterned Snake Skin wallet from the inside of another pocket on her blouse. Slowly pulling out a couple bills to coer the drinks and such, she drops them down onto the table before walking around to Seven's side. With a sigh she leans her weight softly against the table, her shoulder turning to face it's back towards Seven.

Sadly Seven, my personal assistant has given me some information of... importance.
... In all honesty I wouldn't tell many people but you are one of --.. wait...

Lilith's head snaps around, her body soon following. She plants both her hands on the table and stares, almost glares, at Seven in his seat. That was fucking brilliant. Why hadn't she thought of that sooner? Maybe she really was getting too 'old' for this kind of thing. The idea totally slipped through her mind with ease. Seven. Seven was part of N.E.O. He may be here temporarily, or however long after... she didn't know and right -now- she didn't care. The point was clear, and simple. Seven was part of N.E.O.
So was Starry.

Seven... I need you to.... che..

Lilith stops for a moment, grinding her teeth. She knew in reality, this may be a bad idea. Was it enough to know Starry was aware of her presence in New York?.. But if she had Seven contact him directly maybe she could--
The info device goes off again. Lilith groans in frustration and snaps it out of her pocket, opening it up with haste;

Lilith, don't act on impulse. The season hasn't even started yet! It'll be fine, we have time.

... The hell?

Lilith raises her eyebrow slowly... was.. Katja, watching her?.. Come to think of it... back during her bar-fight with Manami.. Katja sent her information that the wench was indeed a legal combatant... along with the words 'You're welcome'. She must have known.. ! Lilith's eyes begin to snap with rage. She'd have to put this idea of having Seven as the messenger boy on hold. She closes the device, shoving it and her wallet back into their respective pockets.

... Sorry, Seven. I need to go for now... it was indeed, nice seeing a... sorry, you know I have to do it... Familia-R, face again... I don't know your plans for after the Tribute... but, we should hang out again sometime. Being able to meet with someone you consider a friend and not expect a bullet or being sexually exploited? It's kind of nice..

Take it easy.. Seven.

Lilith blows one of her trademark little sadistic and emotionally destructive kisses at Seven before snapping her fingers at a nearby waiter, indicating that the check had been covered. She gives a short wave at Seven before making her way down the steps heading for the elevator..
Starry posted.
Amber posted.
Was her own assistant spying on her?..

... Lilith closes her eyes slowly before snarling under her breath. Fuck 'em all... maybe it's time Lilith showed people how to effectively start a 'Blog War'. She contemplates this ideal while she waits for the elevator doors to open, as they do. She turns back and looks up to the balcony, giving a short smile and wave once more to Seven, before disappearing behind the cold metallic doors.