Christmas Cheer and Grinchy Appearances. (Open, Christmas themed event)

Marina looked out to the crowd below from behind a curtain, the music very much ignored as he looked past the other performer to the crowd below. The crowd was more than large enough, set up in the stadium known as Zircon Fields. The place had changed forms to better accommodate The event, with festival like booths setup outside of it as well to capitalize. The event in question was quite simply a holiday event, one meant to raise money for the less fortunate within the city. Marina and many other performers had agreed to perform, and the whole thing had only turned into a much larger event in the end, as much a fair to celebrate the Christmas season as it was a simple benefit concert.

Marina himself had already performed, and while not his best, it had certainly been not been one of the worst, though the idol was still bugged by something. It seemed his powers had adapted days before, starting with a strange feeling before he’d let out an outright sonic attack by accident while talking with his manager about the event. As such his own performance had suffered somewhat due to stress, as well as fears of accidentally using the power while he sang. The idol himself was wearing a seasonal outfit, composed of what was essentially a cutely tailored santa style red and white outfit. The short skirted outfit included a hat, a santa like jacket over a seasonal shirt, and red and white stalkings that ended with a while cotton lining at a little past his knee.

The idol decided to exit the stage area, opting to remain in costume as she went out to check out the sights and sounds, knowing there was likely potential booths with food setup outside While normally he had to regulate his diet highly, as would be expected of any idol/singer he thought today could be a fair exception. Maybe he’d even get to meet some adoring fans?

Clint woke up from a long day of getting absolutly shit faced the way he usually does by asking. “How the hell did I get here.” Clint realized he was between two booths that were not there prior he dusted himself off, grabbed his hat, and planted it on his head. he began walking towards the smell of his next meal, while nursing his growing headache. Clint was wearing a long coat that kept him warm enough. Taking out a carton of cigarettes he pulled one out and lighting one up before taking a long drag.

The musics began to fade, signalling the end of the song of the merrily clad performer.  After a thunderous applause, they skipped off stage to the opposite side of where he stood.  Once they were completely backstage, he made his way center stage.  He was dressed in a full on Santa suit: a red coat with white fur lining, a red stocking cap, and large black shoes with bells on the toes.  However, he was much too thin to make a proper portrayal of Santa Claus.  Slung over his shoulder was a plain sack that was clearly empty.  He got up to the microphone and looked out at the murmuring audience.  His 'back stage crew' should be done setting up by now, and all security should be 'taken care of'.  All that was left was to get the show started.

He took a deep breath.  "Greetings and Merry Christmas!  I'd like to thank you all for coming here and celebrating this holiday so full of cheer in support of those in need.  And by that, I most certainly mean... me!"  As he took of his hat in an attempt at an elegant bow, what was already rather suspicious became plainly obvious.  Green fur covered his whole body.  Muscles bulged beneath the Santa outfit.  Clawed hands held his hat as he returned it to his head.  "I am known among my friends and enemies as Kreature.  If it's not already obvious as to why I'm here..."  Kreature snapped his meaty fingers and from offstage came two people.  One was the female performer who had just left the stage, and the other was a masked man, holding a knife to her neck.  "Naturally we will be expecting significance compensation for these performers safe return. Also..."  He walked over to the two, microphone in hand.  He reached for the girls head, pulling off her hat and throwing it to the ground.  "I won't be letting you people have Christmas this year."  He returned center stage and waved the man to return backstage with the hostages.  "I'll give the police fifteen minutes before we start taking... drastic measures."

Marin wasn’t aware of the danger he had escaped by leaving from the backstage area yet, and “her” disappearance had likely been noticed, but only after the fact as the “girl” had gone to enjoy the festivities outside. Marin was just enjoying a Christmas themed treat outside, with the man t the booth having been more than happy to simply give the free treat away to the passing celebrity. Marin noticed a suspicious looking guy smoking in the alleyway created by the snacks booth and another that was selling Christmas themed merchandise, including some altered versions of her own that had been made for the event. Something about the event had been coming across as weird as he’d left the staging area, but as he couldn’t place what, the thought had largely been dismissed.

It was then that the announcement started, catching Marina’s attention immediately as he knew it wasn’t supposed to be happening, nor did he recognize the person giving it, as he well knew the scheduling for the stage event, and that any announcements that hadn’t already taken place, were supposed to later as the money raised continued rising through the merchandising sales. The pop star frowned as she learned what was going on, tempted to find the police and simply wait it out but stopped. He dismissed the notion flying through his head for a moment, glancing down at the backstage key he had, they probably wouldn’t expect anyone to come through there. He had the power to help, probably but…his experimentation with the new power had been limited, and from what he knew he couldn’t exactly use it an unlimited number of times.

“What do I do?” He asked out loud, troubled by the suddenly difficult decision he was faced with. He doubted the police could really do something in time…and he did have a way into the building…not to mention they’d likely be a bit more hesitant to harm Marina seriously, considering she’d been one of the bigger names and undoubtedly part of their expected paycheck required “her.”

The staff entrance wasn't that far from where he was either..but he wasn't sure he could do it alone...

Clint heard the announcement and started looking around now even more pissed off because he has to deal with some guy trying to rob the stadium but also a hangover, he tossed his cigarette to the ground  stomping it out.  He noticed a young girl in what could only be described as a sexy santa outfit, he recognized the girl as a popular idol, Clint noticed a poster with her face on it and figured she must have been performing earlier.  Clint figured the girl must have had a backstage key he decided to ask her if she can get him backstage.  “Listen I can help get everyone out this all you have to do is let me backstage.” he moved part of his long coat out of out of the way to stealthily reveal Clints revolver to the young girl. “I am gonna need a drink after this.”

Kreature waited impatiently on the stage, tapping his foot, bell jingling.  With the brightness of the stage and the darkness of the surroundings it was hard to distinguish anything in the crowd.  There is no way he would have noticed the tag team forming quite a ways away.  None of the doors to the backstage were guarded.  They were a rather small team, so they had everyone with the hostages.  There were six of them, excluding Kreature, all armed with knives.  The security guards were all unconscious and tired up.  Kreature was not with the hostages, so he didn't notice that Marina Eldoris was missing, and the others that were with him didn't know the venue.  

It had been fourteen minutes since he made the announcement, and still no one had contacted them.  That was close enough, right?  He couldn't stand to wait much longer.  He picked up the microphone again, "Alright, I warned you.  You've forced my hand.  Things are going to get ugly starting now."  There was a terrified murmuring within the crowd, all fearing what Kreature would do.  He walked menacingly to the side of the stage, nodding to people behind the curtains.  Suddenly, he pulled up the giant Christmas tree that was standing next to him, and threw it off the stage, demonstrating his great strength.  The sound of breaking ornaments and shorting circuits reverberated through a silent stadium.  

"There!  Fifteen more minutes and the other tree is done too!"  He pointed to the tree that had been mirroring the one he just tossed away. He returned center stage with a confident grin on his face.

Marin finally straightened up, he still had doubts about what he was going to do but…he couldn’t just stand to the sidelines to let someone else deal with this. Putting on a confident demeanor, one few had seen of him outside of a stage, the idol knew what he had to do. Most of the performers there had agreed after he had, and more than a few had told him back stage they probably wouldn’t have done it if not for the fact Marina had agreed to make an appearance. It made him feel like this was his fault in a way, and now the idol knew he had to do the right thing.

“Ridiculous.” He answered in an almost haughty manner to the stranger, even after seeing the guy’s revolver. “As If I could trust some strange man to take care of this himself.” The singer said, before beginning to make the short walk to the door that would help lead them to the inside. Marin didn’t bother looking back to see if the gun-toting man was with him, to worried he’d find he was alone. He masked it behind a haughty arrogance, as though the reason for not looking back was simply that the man wasn’t worthy of her attention.

The door made an audible beep as it read his keycard before the mechanical lock clicked out of place, allowing Marin to open the door, staying there just long enough that the man would be able to go ahead of him. Taking only enough time to make sure that there was nobody lurking in the hallway, as he heard the tree being smashed by the supervillain. Hoping they wouldn’t be too late. The hallway would take them to the backstage area, and Marin would open a second door with his keycard, though only holding the door open partly. The idol would peak inside, trying to see where the hostages might be as well as the locations of the criminals.

Clint chuckled a little at the young girls not unfair assessment of him.  “Been doing fine so far.”  Clint followed the young girl because she probably knows more about the area than him.  Clint kept his gun at the ready just in case one of the henchmen find them although he would rather not make noise it was more for just in case.  The young girl opened the door before Clint heard the christmas tree being destroyed.  “So we should take out any henchmen we see we don’t want anyone getting hurt for not paying in time.”

Kreature continued, ever impatient, standing awkwardly in front of the microphone.  This plan had gone much smoother in his head.  He didn't expect this much waiting in pointless silence in front of hundreds if not thousands of people.  He twiddled his harry fingers, periodically checking his watch.  Only five minutes had passed since he tossed the tree.  That should have gotten them scared and shown how serious about this he was.  

The hostages were all sitting in the center of the backstage area.  They were surrounded by three of the guards, who each had their knives out pointed at the hostages.  They had their complete attention on the hostages and only significant noise or alarm from their allies would alert them away.  Additionally, the backstage area was mostly dark.  The other three were more spread out along the edges of the room.  Only one on the far side had their knife out. The other two seemed much more relaxed.  Especially the one nearest to the door the duo would enter from.  He was sitting against the wall, hands behind his head, completely unaware of the people entering the room.  

One of the hostages made a whimper which was followed up by a shout from one of the three center guards.  "What did I say?!  Steve, bring it here."  One of the guards along the sides brought him a large paper mache ornament.  The man lifted it up and smashed it on the ground.  Only a small crack formed in it.  In clear frustration, he relentlessly stomped on it until it was completely broken.  "There, now be quiet this time or I'll pick an even bigger one!"

Marina looked over to the side where one of the thugs was leaning against the wall, not having noticed their appearance apparently. The idol frowned, before taking a quick look at the others within the room. The two closest appeared less than competent, considering they seemed much more relaxed and less on guard than Marin would probably have expected, though the third on their side of the room at least had his weapon drawn. He did at least note that they didn’t seem to have any guns.

“I think they just have knives….I can probably get the one by the door…” He stated, not completely sure about that. He’d had some self defense training of course, his agent wouldn’t have let him walk around without a security escort to the same extent otherwise after all. There was also the matter of his powers, the sonic attack was a good possibility, but he didn’t really want to use that yet…as it could harm his voice if he used it too much, and there were still the other three guards to deal with after the three nearby criminals. That left his other ability…which could at least give him enough time to get a decent hit in.

Marina naturally wasn’t physically strong necessarily, ad while he was fit in other ways he didn’t seem to be able to build much in the way of muscle mass, which was probably for the best. He wouldn’t be able to wear cute clothes as often if he did, and as such he’d been taught how to defend himself in spite of that physical disadvantage. The idol stepped inside, sneaking up to the henchman before allowing his uncovered hand to brush against the other person’s skin, a second for his power to take hold before attempting to drive his knee into the man’s groin as hard as he could muster it. His hands would move to muffle any sounds the guy tried to make, while the other would reach for a length of Christmas lights as a makeshift way to tie the guy up.

Clint was observing the men in the room noting how incompetent these goons seemed to be.  “Alright I’ll take the two near him.” As soon as the girl snuck in Clint followed suit, sneaking up on one of the guards and slamming the butt of his gun into his head while keeping his hand on his mouth so he doesn't call for help and attempting to slam the man into the wall so he could silently drag him out of clear sight.

The guard attacked by Marina made a quiet squeak as he held his groin and fell to the floor already unconscious from the pain.  After the other guard was attacked by Clint, he was also immediately knocked out and he was discretely pulled into the shadows.  The three in the middle didn't notice anything at all, but the guy on the other side of the room stood up, suspicious but not alerting his comrades, and slowly walked the perimeter in the direction of Clint.  One of the hostages noticed the squeak of the guard attacked by Marina and squinted to see what it was in the dark.  After a moment she seemed to identify her and a smile arose on her face.  She seemed ready to speak out.  

Kreature paced back and forth on the stage.  There was still murmuring in the crowd, but it seemed different now.  As if they were less scared of the hijacker and more concerned for his mental health.  With the darkness of the audience, Kreature couldn't tell the difference.  He held a confident smile, attempting to be as intimidating as possible despite himself.  There was five minutes left before his next 'drastic measure'.

Marin let out a relieved sigh as the man went down, looking over to see the stranger take out one of the other guards before slinking down to avoid being spotted by the remaining goon on their side of the room. He failed to notice the other performer seemed about to speak up, as he was busy looking at the remnants of the destroyed decoration in confusion. Wondering why they would think destroying the decoration would be intimidating, considering the decorations were light enough even someone like him could lift it.

The boy considered his options, realizing that he’d need a better angle to get the henchmen around the hostages with his power without actually effecting the hostages. Knowing the other performers wouldn’t be able to run out if they were dealing with ruptured eardrums or something.Instead the idol would have to attempt to get closer, staying low and trying to avoid the more visible areas, though her brightly colored costume likely made that irrelevant. Hopefully if they did spot Marina, they’d simply assume they’d missed “her” when they were rounding up the hostages/

Clint noticed that the girl was going towards the hostages. “What is she planning.” he also could tell that one of the goons was walking towards him Clint waited until the man was close enough and smacked him with the butt of his gun, before pulling him back into the darkness. Clint looked back towards the girl telling her to do what she has planned by nodding before pulling the hammer back on his gun.

The girl who noticed Marina let out a sound of recognition.  The guards, who were not even wearing elf suits, immediately put their eyes on her, and then where she was looking.  There they noticed Marina sneaking in front of their downed comrade.  "Hey, what do you think you're doing!"  Two of the center guards began approaching Marina.  They moved quickly and were within four feet of her before holding up their knives, still a bit out of arms reach, at her threateningly.  The two were directly side by side.  At the moment, Marina was fourteen feet from the closest hostage.  "What did you do to Timmy?  Get over to the center."

The guard that was approaching Clint's location noticed him at the last minute.  Dodging the attack from the but of his gun and sending a kick right at him.  "Who the hell are you?"  After he regained his footing he would make a horizontal swipe with his knife.  The sudden commotion momentarily drew the attention of the other three guards, including the two right near Marina.  

Kreature wasn't even looking at the audience anymore, just staring down at his watch.  Where were the police?  Where was the money?  They had seen how serious he was, and the lengths he would go.  Surely they must be frightened and planning to submit to him.  It was one minute until the tree gets it.  They'd better hurry or he'd do it.  He wasn't bluffing.  He was agitated.  Less focused on intimidation, or even what was going on in the audience.

Suddenly being spotted, Marin froze on the spot as the two men approached, a bit panicked at the sudden danger he found himself in, the hostages seemed just within range of his potential attqck, and while Marina wasn’t exactly sure, he knew it would be better to play it safe than sorry. The idol’s hands went into the air, with little trouble showing more than enough fear at the situation to be believable as he backed up towards the door more.

The singer didn’t notice the struggle going on between her ally and the other thug, more worried about two infront of him and the sharp instruments they were wielding. He continued to back up a little, mentally assuming the distance as he did so and continuing to play the part of the scared starlet unsure of what was going on. Not difficult considering he actually WAS terrified by the whole situation. “Wha-what’s going on? Why do you guys have knives?” She asked, feigning ignorance at the whole situation as she backed up until she was sure the hostages were out of her range. The idol opened her mouth, only to let out a supersonic scream that would no doubt be painful to the two men, and the fact “her” powers weren’t public knowledge would likely assure the two would have little preparation for the sonic attack. Marina meanwhile had back up several feet from where he’d been standing, practically against the doorat this point as he used the sound attack.

He still wasn’t sure if he was far enough but, it wasn’t like the singer had much of a choice, and his power from what he’d seen didn’t exactly cause permanent damage anyways. At least she hoped it didn’t.

Noticing his attack narrowly missed Clint braced himself for the man’s retaliation by guarding his stomach with his arms. Clint reeled back after getting kicked and sliced in the midsection, he decided he was done with this whole situation by shooting twice at the man’s legs, before hearing the loud screech his ally let out Clint quickly covered his ears, Clint attempted to ram into the guy in front of him.

The two men threatening Marina were taken by surprise as she let out a sonic scream at them.  Both of them fell to their knees and dropped their weapons, as they were busy holding their ears in pain.  While normally, this wouldn't have done a whole lot so a person, these guards who weren't wearing elf costumes were rather ill prepared and not fit to deal with something like this.  The range of the sonic scream was not enough to where it would reach the hostages.  That also meant that the guard on the other side of the hostages was unharmed as well.  

After the guards kick landed on Clint's arms and the light slash was made across his forearms he was momentarily shocked by the sudden sonic attack from across the room.  While he was distracted, both of Clint's shots made direct hits.  One went through his thigh, and the other through his knee.  The guard fell to the ground, clutching his leg in agony as he began bleeding heavily.  He no longer cared about the knife he had and was simply crying his eyes out.  

The final guard went to follow up on the two that had gotten taken out by the sonic attack.  One of them was just kneeling, trying to recover from the ringing in his ears, while the other was just rolling around on the floor whining.  The final guard made a rush for Marina, knife pointed at her, yet clearly not secure in his hands.  As well, with his attention on Marina, and their negligence in tying up the hostages, there was now nothing stopping them from just walking away.  It took a moment for them to realize this, especially from those who were recovering from the shock of the sonic scream, but they began trying to back away from the fight as quick and quiet as possible.  

"Alright, times up!" Kreature announced.  He began lifting up the Christmas tree when all the sudden he heard a feminine scream and two gunshots ring out backstage.  He turned in confusion, setting the tree back down.  He looked back out at the crowd and said into the microphone, "Don't anybody move!  I'll be back to take care of that stupid tree!"  With lightning speed, he raced off stage.  Once he got to the back stage area the first thing he saw was Clint standing over a writhing guard, "Steve!  What did you do to him, you monster?"  Kreature rushed at Clint, ready to follow up with a punch.

Marina wasn’t really sure what to do about the whole situation, and he was feeling panicked when the remaining henchman charged her suddenly, feeling her body move almost before he could process exactly what it was, he was doing. The idol stepped sideward to avoid the knife, hands grabbing the extended arm and using the man’s momentum to fuel a throw. He had recalled the move from his few self defense classes, but had never really tried it, and probably wouldn’t have been able to pull it off if not for the adrenalin of the whole situation. Either way she’d try to capitalize on the advantage, kicking the man with one of her heeled boots to try to discourage him from getting up.

The idol finally took stock of the rest of the room, He’d heard the gunshots, and was scared what he’d likely find. Knowing the guy was armed was one thing but…Marina hadn’t really wanted anyone to get seriously hurt if they could avoid it, and she watched as the green man came rushing in, realizing his attack was likely fueled by abnormal strength. She’d try to angle the attack, before letting out a second sonic scream aimed at the green man that called himself creature. Hoping to distract enough at least for him to be taken down easily, and hopefully put an end to this whole thing.

As the scream stopped clint noticed the man who took the hostages was charging at him, Clint raised his eyebrow when he called him a monster but shrugged it off. Clint realized he may have used a bit of excessive force when he shot the man a second time, he did not ponder this long however as kreature charged towards him, Clint aimed his gun and fired at his shoulder as he charged towards him.  “You call me a monster but you took hostages.”

The remaining guard had been running full force, so he wasn't able to turn in time for Marina's sidestep.  She grabbed his arm and used his momentum against him to fling him to the ground.  His face smacked the ground and he sprawled out, knife sliding away.  There was now a large red mark on his forehead and his nose may have been broken based on the blood.  The last of the guards, who were not wearing elf suits, seemed to have been knocked out.  

Kreature sidestepped Clint's bullet.  His speed was abnormal.  He charged in from the front, but suddenly there was a kick to Clint's side that would send him flying several feet should it hit.  He was about to charge Clint again when suddenly there was a scream.  Kreature felt pain in his ears and held them for a moment before identifying the source as a beautiful and petite young girl.  At that time, he noticed all his other men seemingly taken out.  "What happened here?"  He growled at Marina and charged at her instead of Clint.  While he was fast, he seemed rather wobbly in his assault, almost as if he had become mildly disoriented.

Marina gulped as he realized he’d gotten the villain’s attention, not completely sure what he could really do if he let the monstrous looking man get close to him. After all, Marin wasn’t exactly impressive in the physical strength department, and would probably be easily taken down by the villain if he let himself get pulled into a brawl.

He was still terrified, especially since Kreature was moving much faster than he could hope to match. His throat was already hurting from the two sonic attacks earlier, and he wasn’t sure how many times he’d be able to do it again, if he could at all. Instead the trap had to take advantage of the monstrous villain’s superior speed as well as the fact he seemed to not be quite steady on his feet. The idol would attempt to roll out of the way, only really propelled by the adrenalin and a growing sense of self preservation. Were he to be successfully, the idol would try to trip the green furred man up, driving a heeled boat as forcefully as the petite idol could muster into the back of the man’s knee while simultaneously giving Kreature a shove forward hoping to trip the villain up, even if it weren’t going to do anything.

Assuming this were successful, Marina would try to put as much distance between her and the grinch like villain as possible, not wanting to risk being anywhere near his claws.

Clint decided to note the odd strength and speed of the kreature as it kicked him sending him flying several feet in the opposite direction, Clint noticed that the kreature was going towards the girl and pointed his gun at his shoulder once again to shoot him this time while the man could not see him.

As Kreature charged at the lone girl, his attack was dodged at the last second as she rolled away and attempted to trip him.  He managed to avoid her legs by jumping and landing a few feet away.  Ironically, the disorientation that had afflicted him caused him to lose his balance upon landing anyway as he fell sideways.  Luckily for him, the tripping caused the bullet Clint had sent off to miss.  The bullet flew by dangerously close to Marina.  Kreature held his aching head as he tried to stand back up.  He was on one knee and was trying to get to his feet but he was quite wobbly from the sonic attack and then falling.  However the effect seemed to be fading.  In a few seconds he would be able to regain his balance and be able to attack again at full speed.

The idol let out a startled cry as he felt the bullet pass by, just barely missing him and making his heart very nearly leap out of his chest as he realized he very nearly had come close to serious injury if not dying outright. He’d never really been in a dangerous situation before, and the henchmen while technically dangerous had been incompetent enough to allow for some level of insulation from the real risks involved.

“Can you watch where you’re shooting!” He yelled out in a panic. he had one more sonic attack, the idol wasn’t really sure what he could do though yet. The idol gulped realizing that she would be much worse off if he let Kreature recover, gathering what resolve he could, he took a moment to find something to use as a weapon, knowing he wouldn’t be able to match the green furred man’s strength or speed. Eventually his hand reaching a candy cane decoration that seemed at least somewhat sturdy, it was made of painted wood, rather than any sort of metal or plastic, possibly the set designer thought they looked better that way. The candy cane itself was slightly longer than Marina’s forearm it probably wouldn’t be much help, but it’s presence at least game Marina some sense of security. It wasn’t exactly thick, it looked about as thick as a broom handle overall.

He would have no choice but to run at the villain, he’d take a swipe at the villain hoping the surprise attack would at least help keep them from recovering. It wasn’t like he’d have a chance of taking on the superpowered villain otherwise. he still had one more use of his power, but thought that would be better saved if possible.