11010/You Never Know What Lurks Around the Corner

You Never Know What Lurks Around the Corner
Date of Scene:	03 May 2022
Location:	Midtown
Synopsis:	Mania meets Selene, and maybe finds a friend
Cast of Characters:	Selene Gallio, Andi Benton

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Selene Gallio has posed:
It is near unto midnight, and the Hellfire Club is buzzing with activity. Mostly, would-be guests jockeying to get in, and VIPs making their way up the steps on the velvety side of the rope. Few departing so early in the evening. But tonight, Selene Gallio is making her way out of the doors of the well respected establishment.

Perhaps to the surprise of some, but not all waiting to get in, she is dressed in the club's standard uniform. At least, that of the private section. And she seems to take it quite to heart. Knee high boots with heels that give her an extra bit of lift, with perhaps unnecessary garters around her thigh. Black thong panties and matching black corset that is laced open in the back, and barely covers her front. A conceit perhaps to modesty, but accomplishing little, a cape hangs attached to the corset behind her. The black leather all serves to contrast with her pale skin. Around her neck, a collar of black lace accentuates her form.

Her stride carries her down the steps without much in the way of pause, and she turns fluidly to walk down the street.

Andi Benton has posed:
A shortcut from point A to point B sees Mania making her way through Midtown. Often, it'd be through the use of weblines. This time around, they're kept in reserve as she parkours along, leaping from the edge of a rooftop to another, scaling vertical walls, even jumping out to either use a light post as a place to vault from or, in some cases, grab and swing from.

She soon realizes she's in the vicinity of the Hellfire Club, a familiar enough place from past experience, though she does not have a full membership. It's not exactly the kind of place her other half would fit in at.

All the same, she comes to rest atop one of the stoplights nearby, and a few people begin to point and murmur. All black, white spider insignia, expressive but solid white eyes. And, spiky.

<<Mania>> What are we doing here, Andi?
<<Andi>> Waiting.
<<Mania>> For what?
<<Andi>> Dunno yet. Let's find out.

Selene Gallio has posed:
Her stride carries her easily away from the hubbub at the entrance to the Hellfire Club, but Selene does not lose the sense of attention as she goes. Nor would one expect it - a beautiful woman, clad in what really should not be considered outside wear at all. But she seems to be ignorant of the effect she has on the ones she passes, striding as if she has a purpose down the street.

Andi Benton has posed:
Aaaand, there.

Selene comes into view soon enough, and Mania is watching. Expecting to see her? No, not at all, but people dressed like that tend to be tough to miss. So, with a nod as if indicating she's going to head in that direction - and nobody else to pick up on it since Mania and Andi are one and the same - the figure descends from the stoplight and proceeds to follow, about a block behind. There is a bit of recognition there, from something not too long ago.

Selene Gallio has posed:
Turning down a side street, away from the larger crowd but still with some passersby, Selene locks eyes with a young gentleman. Well, she looks at his eyes. His eyes look at her breasts. It is but a subtle gesture to cause the man to deviate from his path and follow Selene down an alleyway. That part, at least, is abandoned. He trails along after her, happily watching the gentle movements of her rear, unaware of exactly why this compelling woman is drawing him along into the shadows.

Andi Benton has posed:
The solid white eyes narrow at what can be seen up ahead. Still, some passersby are taking notice of Mania as well as Selene, meaning there is a bit of a commotion behind the woman. Nothing major, but at least a few people giving a wider berth. There are enough of them that it is difficult to see the fact Selene and some random guy are beginning to enter an alley just up ahead.

All the same, Mania's approach brings her closer, especially when she finally grows annoyed with the interruptions, taking to the rooftops again.

Selene Gallio has posed:
By the time Mania catches up with Selene and the gentleman, they are already engaged in what would be considered a fairly heavy dose of making out. He is up against the wall, Selene's lips upon his. He risks a rather ham handed attempt to grab her, but before his hand can reach any of the flesh that was promised, it falls down towards his side. A few moments later, he slumps down to the ground, taking a seat in the wet alleyway. His face slackened. Eyes seemingly vacant. Selene licks her lips, and turns to heard back towards the mouth of the alleyway.

Andi Benton has posed:
This is witnessed from above, and there is an immediate question inside.

<<Mania>> What are they doing?
<<Andi>> You really haven't paid attention to much, have you?
<<Mania>> What are you talking about? Look.
<<Andi>>Huh?

About that time is when the man crumples, and while they don't see everything about him that gives away the state he's been left in, there's just enough to suggest that this is something that's been seen before, except from someone else.

"Did you change your hair? It was red the last time," comes a voice from above that holds a sort of duality to it, feminine yet also alien, the latter a bit more guttural, rough-sounding, from deeper within. "It has been a while, Satana."

Selene Gallio has posed:
Turning her gaze upward, Selene seems surprised to be addressed by...whatever it is that is addressing her. "It appears that you have confused me with some vastly inferior copy," she replies, her tone that of ice dripping. "I am Selene, the Black Queen. And you are?"

Andi Benton has posed:
She starts in with a, "How have you been?" before Selene's words actually register. Even the eyes have turned upward, like a somewhat cheerful reaction. Then Mania squints, and the eyes narrow visibly as her head cants toward one side. "Wait, what? Selene? You are not Satana? But you.." A gesture follows, back toward the poor guy in the alley. "He sinned, and you did, um, that thing you do."

Before it's forgotten, the alien voice itself adds, "We are Mania."

Selene Gallio has posed:
"Yes. He sinned." There is a grin on Selene's lips. She can follow along with the best of them. "Pleased to meet you, Mania. Why don't you come down a bit closer? I can barely see you up there." She licks her lips for a moment, savoring the taste of the young man, perhaps, or in anticipation of a meeting with the creature before her.

Andi Benton has posed:
Mania will have to descend from above in order for a better look. By this point, she's taken up a spot on a fire escape landing, and Selene gets to watch her continue further by hopping out to cling to the wall across the way, looking back at the man when told he did indeed sin.

The arrival comes from about twenty feet up, a soft touch down to street level again, and it's more apparent that the spiky elements of forearms and shins seem part of the costume itself, if it even is such a thing. There is a more organic sheen to it, a texture that suggests it might not be a typical material. "You can see us better now?"

Selene Gallio has posed:
"Oh yes. I can." Selene smiles broadly at Mania, considering the figure for a long moment. "What manner of being are you, my dear?"

Andi Benton has posed:
Even with the chunky 'shoes' Mania wears, she is still giving up close to half a foot in height to the black-clad, pale woman.

<<Mania>> She does not dress exactly like Satana, Andi.
<<Andi>> I'm seeing this.
<<Mania>> She looks like a--
<<Andi>> I know where you're going with this, and I thought you just said you didn't know what they were doing back there.

No answer for that.

"What do you mean? We are Mania, like we said." The spidery insignia at chest and back might be a clue of some kind, but only if one is familiar with possible connections.

Selene Gallio has posed:
Tilting her head in study, Selene reaches out slowly, delicate fingertips reaching to close the distance. She seems intent upon touching the inky blackness before her. "You are more than human, my dear. Much more. Or am I mistaken?"

Andi Benton has posed:
Mania's attention shifts toward the fingers, and whether there is an inherent warning within from the symbiote or it's just a guarded nature, a half-step backward is taken. "We are not being what that guy back there is, so do not get any ideas. Or we might have to show you how much more we are." So that much is confirmed.

Selene Gallio has posed:
"Oh, I think I might very much like that, actually." Selene licks her lips again as she regards Mania. "Trust me, if I wished harm to you, it would have already befallen." She continues her advance, slowly reaching out with those fingers again.

Andi Benton has posed:
Those somewhat creepy eyes, though not /too/ different from the ones that make up Spider-Man's mask, narrow further. There is a tensing in the shoulders and body, like someone ready to spring into action if warranted. "That is easy to say," Mania retorts, more to the talk of wishing harm or not. All the same, the fingers draw ever closer toward the shoulder area, but Mania does not retreat. Instead, arms cross in front of her.

Selene Gallio has posed:
The fingertips land at what would be the collarbone, and may still be, of the host body. Selene's eyes are meeting those large whites, seemingly not unnerved by the appearance. She has seen far scarier things in her day. She allows her fingertips to touch the inky blackness, reaching out with her mind to try to discern just what it is.

Andi Benton has posed:
Mania does not feel anything particular from the contact, though the muscles shift ever so slightly. If that's what's actually shifting. Almost immediately, Selene can tell there is definitely something more to all of this than it seems. Mania is certainly human, at least a part of her is, but the reason for that other voice becomes apparent. It is a bond of some kind, an alien creature making up the other half of what the woman can sense. Mania continues to stare, body language marginally defiant.

Selene Gallio has posed:
"How diablogical," murmurs Selene, tracing her fingers down from Mania's collarbone. "Who am I speaking with? Which of you?" She gazes deeply into the white eyes, as if trying to gain some insight from them, as she continues to reach into the psyche of the creature before her with her powers.

Andi Benton has posed:
<<Mania>> Who are you?

This time, Selene can hear it herself. It is unclear whether Andi is in on the question or not, to begin with.

"Both of us. We are one. We found each other, and we are together." The eyes give nothing away, no ability to see behind or within like a mask might allow. They are, as far as Selene can tell, completely real, and one is currently larger than the other: the effect of a raised brow beneath exaggerated, spiky hair.

Chin dips in the direction of the trailing fingers, and claw-tipped counterparts flex as arms lower slowly.

Selene Gallio has posed:
A slow nod. "I see. One over the other." Selene's fingers trail over towards the center of Mania's torso, towards her neck. "You did find each other, and neither is complete without the other?" A question, for confirmation. Not merely a statement. She seems unconcerned about any of the possibly menacing imagery.

Andi Benton has posed:
"No. Together." Mania says it with affirmation. "Equal. Yes, we found each other. We needed each other. We are not complete without each other." A bond. Symbiotic, then? Parasitic? It doesn't seem to be something that is adversely affecting one or the other, so there is credence to the idea it is a beneficial thing.

Attention diverts with the fingers roaming again, and there is a pause as they slip up to the neck. There, too, it feels like a sort of skin more than a separate material, and one of the eyes flutters ever so slightly, like a twitch. A hint of a sound follows, akin to a 'chrr.'

Selene Gallio has posed:
The Black Queen nods slowly at this admission. "Equals. Impressive." The fingers at Mania's neck turn, Selene's index finger slowly dragging down from their throat, pressure from the fingernail that woud likely cut into human skin, trailing down along the center of their body. "Each strengthening the other?"

Andi Benton has posed:
The eyes turn upward in a sense, akin to a show of contentedness, though it's mixed with a bit of wonder as well, a question. "We learn from each other. Separate, we are weaker. You understand?" It feels as if Mania can share these things with Selene, on some level. The pressure is felt, but whether it is a natural protection of some kind or an adjustment to the finger there, it does not threaten to puncture or poke through.

Selene Gallio has posed:
The finger traces a slow path down the figure. No increase in pressure - it seems that Selene's curiousity has been satisfied with the lack of penetration of the alien skin. Drifting down Mania's chest, and across, tracing contours. "I understand. You protect each other. And learn from each other." Selene smiles, and nods. "Are there others like you?"

Andi Benton has posed:
Somewhere along the way, there is a partial step toward Selene that Mania takes. The Black Queen had been the one to close the gap between them first. The man behind them, whatever state he's left in, is essentially forgotten, for better or worse. "Yesss.." is spoken, as the finger wanders, drawing additional interest along the way. "And we..are not the only ones like us." Selene might be aware of what she is doing and the effect it is having.

Selene Gallio has posed:
Oh yes. Selene is aware. That finger continues to trace an idle path along Mania's torso. To what end? Distraction during the questioning? Satisfaction? "What are you, then, beyond...this? Where did you come from? I assume, beneath this, one of you is...human?"

Andi Benton has posed:
It has a way of causing certain defenses to let up a little. Yes, it distracts. Yes, it causes some attention to divert to that. "We are..human and..some of your people call us..symbiotes. We come from space. We find meaning through our hosts." And right now, it's hard to tell whether host or symbiote is reacting more to the touch, body weight shifting slightly into the contact, the eyes passing for what would look half-lidded for a normal person.

Selene Gallio has posed:
A slow nod from Selene. "Are you invaders?" A reasonable question, perhaps. "I mean no harm, I am just curious. What is your purpose here on our planet? Is it to explore, to conquer, to learn, to help?"

Andi Benton has posed:
"Not invaders. We help our bonds. Our bonds help us. We.." The voice remains two in one, but it slips a little, attention shifting downward again before the sound of a throat being cleared follows, along with another somewhat deeper sound. Mania remains where she is, for now. "We can take after our hosts, as well." There might be things left unsaid, however.

Selene Gallio has posed:
"I understand that, your survival. Your benefits to your hosts." Selene leans in, lowering her voice. "Tell me, though, why do you come to this planet? As a group, to find hosts. Why are you here?"

Andi Benton has posed:
Mania's answer is simple, and it also sounds sincere. "We..do not remember." It is not clear whether it is out of a reason to block such memories, or if they are simply not remembered at all. This does seem to cause some consternation, the expression in the eyes turning mildly frustrated. "But we are nothing without our hosts. We have no meaning without them. And we make them stronger."

Selene Gallio has posed:
"So you are here, among us, with no purpose, other than survival." Selene smiles, thinking to herself. "Why do you patrol the night? Do you seek prey? Or food? Or something else?" She steps closer to the creature, her voice lowering as she leans in.

Andi Benton has posed:
Mania pauses, listening. "Survival is all that matters. But also, learning. Experiencing. Growing. We.." Another pause, as if to formulate thoughts more clearly, carefully. "We..protect..the ones who need it." Except the guy back there. Oops.

Selene Gallio has posed:
"So you are protectors. Heroes?" Selene tilts her head, studying the being once more. "Protecting yourselves, or protecting others?" She seems very interested in this. "Have you make alliances with any here on earth, other than your hosts?"

Andi Benton has posed:
There is a hesitation in the creature. "We..are not certain," Mania determines, the sense of brows scrunching toward themselves seen in the shape of the eyes, again. "We might take after our hosts." Or, it might go another way. "We have friends."

Selene Gallio has posed:
"Friends?" Selene nods slowly. "I could be a friend," she murmurs, leaning in almost to whisper into what appears to be the ear of the creature. "Do you need friends? Those who can protect you?"

Andi Benton has posed:
Mania bristles, if briefly. "We can protect..us." It comes out a little awkwardly, but there are things going through the collective thoughts of symbiote and host that muddy the waters, so to speak. "Our friend?"

Selene Gallio has posed:
"I am sure you can," whispers Selene at Mania's ear. "Against most things. But surely, there are things that can hurt you. Right? Weaknesses?" Leaning in, speaking softly. "A friend to protect you against ... what?"

Andi Benton has posed:
Mania insists, "We are strong! We cannot be weak!" This appears to be a sticking point of some kind, causing a bristling in the spikes along parts of the body. Spikes that appear natural. A flustered reaction, suggesting a creature that is off-balance. The eyes pass around the area, leading to a leaning away from nearby light.

Selene Gallio has posed:
"Yes, you are strong, but even the strongest beings have something that hurts them." Selene turns her head slowly, looking behind her. "Light? Something else?" As she touches Mania, she reaches out with her mind. Seeking perhaps memories of pain. Injury.

Andi Benton has posed:
"Something else." Selene's creeping into memories indicates a couple things that the creature is averse to: intense heat, and loud noises the likes of which could cripple the ability to react, to hold form, to maintain control. "And yes, we are strong." The way it's said sounds like a side of her that is more primal, almost feral.

Selene Gallio has posed:
"If I know what it is, I can help you. We can protect each other." Selene nearly purrs into Mania's ear. "I can use protection too, you know." She glances around for a moment. "Will you come with me?" she asks softly. "I can take you to a safe place..."

Andi Benton has posed:
Mania grows quiet for a spell, likely in internal conversation, debate, whatever the case may be. In the end, the answer that follows is in the affirmative. "We will go with you."

Selene Gallio has posed:
Finally, Selene draws back, slowly, a smile on her lips as she regards Mania. "Come, my dear. We will talk in safety." Her fingers slowly drift away from Mania as she steps back towards the shadows, bidding the symbiote to follow her...