Raven had left the room and found the shower, pleased to be able to refreshen himself for the Sandman's arrival. He got rid of his dirty clothes, creating more out of the shadows in the room. No one knew of his powers and he tried his best to keep it that way. Almost every criminal had some sort of powers nowadays, either through demonic blood or some sort of science experiment. Those with powers were more often to turn to a life of crime than to become a "superhero" like those in comics.

Raven had inherited his dark powers from his father, a demon of the shadows that visited Big Vegas for all the sin that happened here. His mother was an unsuspecting prostitute, who died when he was born. Though, he never thought about his parents.

With the new shadowy material fashioned into a new suit, Raven left the bathroom and sat back on his chair, closing the laptop and staring out the window for Sandman's return.

Back on the wind, he had traveled most of the way before the rain finally decided to release itself from the sky's cover. Falling amongst drops of water, the pile of sand slid into an alley and reintegrated sloppily, escaping the alley and trudging across the street after staring around for oncoming vehicles. His hair was plastered down, obscuring half his face more like a mask now rather than a simple curtain, though he had to to into the Palazzo like this. Wet sand didn't maneuver well, as it was heavy and didn't hold to the wind. So he was quite the sight, slopping through the lobby and past the various shops to the elevators, jamming the button and shaking his hair. Its natural part at the far left side of his head still remained, but now his hair was wild, and Sandman ran his hands through it as the elevator arrived and he stepped inside, pressing the seventh floor button with his elbow.

He wasn't entirely sure if Raven would even still be there, really. Sometimes his clients simply left the payment and went on their way after they had a confirmation through video, though Sandman knew Raven enough by now, by the brief time he'd been in the presence of the man, that he was an odd one. Perhaps the concept of Sandman's dreamstride ability had kept him in the end.

his clothes were generally dry by the time he'd arrived outside the door. They were made of a water-resistant, breathable material that had been commissioned instead of pay by one of his past clients, and his entire wardrobe was full of the stuff. Clingy, quiet, difficult to tear, and threaded with a material stronger than Kevlar that didn't have an official name. He unlocked the door to his room, sliding inside and shutting it quickly, finding he wasn't alone. "I'll assume you didn't make a mess." He said simply, taking the camera out of his pocket and placing it in the box he'd left open on the end of the bed. "The proof was to your liking, I hope." He did hope, because then it meant there would be no question, and payment would be forward rather than questioned.

Raven scowled at the Sandman when he made his remark. What did he think he was? He shook his head, more in disbelief than in reply. He stretched and smelt the scent of rain water in the air. He hadn't noticed the rain, and now glanced back to the window. It was raining heavily, though that never stopped Big Vegas' night life. People never seemed to care if it was hotter than Hell or stormy, they would still go out dancing, gambling, drinking and meeting up with prostitutes.

"Yes, well... Your work is indeed amazing..." he breathed, trying not to sound too interested in the man. "I suppose you'd like your payment now?" The thing was, he didn't just carry around wads of cash. Most of his fortune was kept in a bank overseas. "Do you have a bank account number? I can wire the money to it right now." He pulled out his phone, a flash thing with touch screen and internet.

Sandman smirked, but said nothing about the man's reaction. But at least his work was nothing short of 'amazing'. He shook his head, stepping into the bathroom to retrieve a brush and draw it though his slowly curling hair. If he didn't get it brushed, it would curl more as the rainwater dried from it. He sat, sighing and closing the computer, its work done. Soon the tape would be erased, and ready for its next live feed. He shook his head, setting the brush aside. "It wouldn't be prudent for a killer to have a bank account." He said. And his paranoia wouldn't let him even consider opening one. No, he kept his money in a very safe place, and he wouldn't tell anyone. He didn't trust anyone that much.

"I'm either paid up front or, if it's anything above a thousand, it's sent to me in a package to a warehouse." He stood and took up the computer and its contents, placing them in the box again and closing it, but not before pulling out a card and presenting it to Raven. "Auto parts warehouse. Just put the delivery in the middle of some old parts and have it delivered anytime, I'll be called in for it. Just make sure it's a metal casing." He didn't trust the lifelong thieves and convicts that worked there as much as anyone trusted him. "Now, about your second request..." He dropped it there---Raven knew what he meant, and Sandman wanted to know specifically what Raven wanted.

Yes, of course. That made sense. He put his phone away and noted the location. That was easy enough to do, though he really disliked the thought of having to leave thousands of dollars unattended. But if it was good enough for the Sandman, it would have to be good enough for him. He stood and stretched some more, looking out the window at the rain. He wondered if he'd be able to find a plaything at all tonight. He'd have to visit some bar or club to pick up a drunk.

He straightened his clothes, glad that the shadowy material looked like any regular material. When the Sandman mentioned his other request he froze, trying not to blush. "Ah... Let's forget about that... I wasn't in the right mind..." He cleared his throat and nodded towards the man. "I'll have your payment tomorrow. I'd love to business with you again." He turned to leave.

Sandman smiled a bit, despite not facing Raven specifically. It was a smile for himself, really, personal. A big job after a smaller one, two in one night. Usually he was running after rats or crooks that couldn't pay for their drugs, and could easily make a hundred thousand in a night that way. But a hundred fifty for one job had set him for the day, even if it was more of a cap to that day, not to mention the ten thousand dollar job he'd had before Raven's. He'd be getting two deliveries soon, one coming to him tomorrow. Sliding the box back into its nightstand drawer, he stood up straight and flicked his head to the right, somewhat out of his eye again, and clicked his tongue against his teeth again.

Crossing his arm, he watched Raven turn. It was obvious that his clothes were different. Darker. "Hmm... Will it be for business, or pleasure?" He snickered, shaking his head. His words were quiet. "Either works for me." When had been the last time he'd gone somewhere---or came to the Palazzo---for something other than pure business? Something... fun. Something the city was well-known for. It had been a long time, Sandman knew that. Maybe he'd do that tomorrow evening, when he was refreshed and had more energy.

Raven froze at the door, his hand resting on the doorknob. For pleasure... He grinned and turned his head to study the red haired man with the strange, but exciting powers. Perhaps they could be allies, more than a hitman working for a mob boss. He wondered if the Sandman would appreciate a constant flow of cash, rather than waiting for people to contact him for hits.

"What are you doing tonight?" he asked, turning his whole body around and leaning against the door. "I'm about to go out to have some fun... Maybe you'd like to join me?" Hopefully the Sandman would know what he meant by fun. It wasn't gambling, drinking, going to clubs to dance or clubs to watch women... Mayhem, violence... That was fun.

Sandman tilted his head, resting his chin in a hand. Well, he'd brought this on himself. But was it so bad...? No, it couldn't be. What kind of 'fun' was Raven talking about, though? It could have a variety of meanings when it came from a mind as unpredictable as Raven's. He didn't ask, though, and turned around to look out the window. "No." Yes... The walls came down for an instant. Who else would care to hear his forwardmost thoughts? Beyond Raven, anyway. He crossed the room and stared down at the street. Its colors went along in red and white, slowly, then quickly, as the lights changed from one time to another. He crossed his arms, swaying from left to right a little at a time. He was sure playing with an unpredictable and violence-prone man would lead to even more unpredictable circumstances, but he was ready for that.

"I... think I'd rather stay in tonight." Maybe not alone... He shifted his feet, turning a bit but not necessarily turning to face Raven. "It's been a pretty rough day, as it is." Not that I wouldn't want a rough night, though. It was a struggle just to keep his mind so open. If Raven didn't catch his breach, he wasn't necessarily in control of his power. But he seemed like a controlling one.

Raven smiled slightly at the sudden drop of Sandman's walls. While he could hear his thoughts, he couldn't reach in any further. It seemed that Ceciro knew of his powers and was only letting him hear what he wanted him to hear. He sighed, as though he hadn't heard the thoughts, turning away again.

"Well that's a shame... I would have enjoyed spending some more time with you, after all..." He looked back at the Sandman, waiting to see if he'd say or think anything else. "It must get awfully boring, staying in this place after all." He guessed that the man didn't live here, but he knew that Ceciro was a lone wolf, only working for those that pay him. Raven used to have a friend. But that was years ago now.

We could have a lot of fun together, you and I... In this fancy hotel room, away from preying eyes... No one would know anything, except just us. He wondered if Ceciro allowed his thoughts to enter his mind.

Sandman bit his lips, staring at the window in front of him. He couldn't see his face, which was a good thing, since if he could, then Raven could in turn. He rolled his head, feeling a clearing of his mind, but his walls were still relatively sealed. Just enough was open for clear communication between minds. True, it was so boring... So boring when one had to deal with the concept of consent. Sandman knew Raven's type---dominating. It was obvious in who he chose to employ, whether the man knew it or not. That accountant was submissive, weak-minded, easily manipulated and a coward. Weak... Sandman bit his lip, standing up straight.

"It gets boring in general, really..." He offered. But really... It's so unfortunate you're... weak. Weak enough to just let it go. He shook his head slightly. "I guess you'll have to go." Fire him up. That was smart. Smart as far as Sandman's decisions went. He liked a little domination in his life sometimes, especially if it had that... real feeling. He shivered, but controlled it and clenched his teeth.

He had called Raven weak. Raven didn't like that. He was not weak, but quite the opposite. Maybe Sandman was trying to initiate something, make Raven grow out of control. But he couldn't show the man his true form, the thing he became when he grew angry. The only people that saw that, never lived to see much more...

Raven snarled and turned once again, glaring at the red haired man. "What did you call me?" he demanded, clenching his fists, as though ready to attack. He mustn't lose himself, lose control... He inhaled deeply. He'd truly be weak to fall for Ceciro's taunts. He composed himself, smirking evilly. He crept closer and stood next to the Sandman, staring down at the streets below. He imagined the flashing lights as fire... He could almost taste the pain and misery of the people suffering below them. He showed Sandman these images, glad to have someone who's mind was strong enough to do this with.

So beautiful, can you hear their screams? Feel their misery? See the way their bodies crumple and disintegrate... Their souls, so lost and tasty... It's so beautiful... One day... I will rule a world like this. He looked at Ceciro, waiting for a reaction.

Oh, so messy. Raven's concept of misery was far too flashy for him. Sandman watched, though, placid, content. Perhaps they all deserved it. Vegas was called a city of sin, after all. A city for the filthy to come and wipe their stains upon its hem. Adding to the disgusting recesses and obvious, blatant whores and drug runners, sluts, gamblers, adulterers. But he didn't react to Raven's anger. He only tilted his head, smiled, and showed his teeth. Until Raven was beside him. He turned back to look at the sky.

How can you rule a world, when you can't even rule a single person? He closed his eyes. Raven couldn't see his eyes, his hair was covering that side of his face and parted just enough when he lowered his gaze to the world below, as the visions faded. He really preferred elegant kills. Intimate kills. Entering his victim's body to feel their heart, their fear, their adrenaline as they began to struggle, to fear, to truly... see their life flash before their eyes. When they knew their life was ending for good, when they knew death was but a few breaths away. Yes, power.

Didn't Raven like power? But of course he did. He just handled it in a messier manner than Sandman.

I can rule you. Raven turned his whole body, staring hard at the Sandman and letting some of his powers leave his body, to create an aura of power. The room seemed darker, as though he was painting it with the shadows his powers were made of. Ceciro was asking for it, wanting to know what Raven was about, wanting to feel dominated. He wanted to lose control, feel the force and domination coming from Raven. He wanted to know what Raven's powers were truly like. He'd show him. He'd be happy to show him.

With dark tendrils of shadows, that seemed to come from Raven himself, he pushed Ceciro onto the bed, tying his hands tightly. Of course the man was made of sand. It would be easy to escape if he wanted to. If he wanted to....

There was the Raven Sandman felt existed. Full of darkness, darkness that moved on a whim. Of course anyone that could make clothes out of shadow had to control it in other ways as well, and Sandman just felt it, and even moreso when his hands were bound behind him with several solid-yet-ethereal tendrils of shade. For an instant his defensive mechanism kicked in, and he drew in a breath to blow sleeping-sand into Raven's eyes, until the cut of the man's shadowy arms. Though instead of relaxing, or becoming a cyclone of sand, he forced his wrists apart as much as he could. He was strong, Raven would soon learn that. He'd have a Hell of a fight on his hands, and the thought that flashed through his mind almost forced him into acting instead. He let Raven go, though, but not without a desperate-seeming struggle.

He went back, though. A sign that, to others, would seem like forcible submission, but it brought Raven forward at the same time. He breathed in again, but mostly to contain a lightheaded sigh. Oh, if Raven would just act... He growled, twisting his arms slightly, though the more he struggled, the warmer the room seemed to grow. The strength Raven had was enticing, so much more than anyone else had ever given him in the first moment.

Raven wasn't even breaking a sweat, being pulled closer by Sandman as he struggled under the cold grip of his powers. He smiled calmly, watching his new prey struggle. It was so much fun. He wondered briefly, why the Sandman wasn't fighting back to the full extent of his powers. Surely he could melt away or even put Raven to sleep. A strange thought came into Raven's mind, something that excited him. Sandman wanted this.

He kept his tight grip on the man, finally lying on top of his body and kissing him lightly. The skin that was so smooth but also grainy, like sand. He laughed, proceeding with what he intended to do to the man, enjoying the struggle more than the act itself. He soon let the shadows disintegrate, allowing Ceciro to fight back if he wanted to. But he could always call them back, if he had to take control once again.

Everything was burning. Burning him up. The natural course of action his body took betrayed him, though. Really he loved to indulge those special frames of mind, those that liked to command, show their strength, their powers, should they have any. And Raven certainly did. Sandman gasped, wiggled a little when Raven's weight pushed down on him. He struggled and fought as much as his weakening resolve would let him. It was easy at first, to show such strength, but that was quickly burned away as his desire was stoked a little at a time. It made him want to take control in turn. His walls were up again, unpredictable now, and he hoped to shock Raven by grabbing his arms and demonstrating his strength---which so many underestimated. With a short movement, Sandman flipped the man onto his back and took his place in turn, growling a low laugh and biting at the pristine, shadow-made clothing. Flawless stuff, the 'fabric'. Would it melt away at a mere thought from Raven?

This was a surprise indeed. Raven hadn't thought that someone like Sandman would be able to show such strength. Soon he was under the man, being touched, prodded and bitten. Even though part of him liked this, it was a nice change from how these proceedings usually went, he hated to not be the one in control. He searched Ceciro's mind, but found the walls up once more. He pushed at them, trying to make them crumble, while trying to distract the man by giving his body pleasure.

It seemed that Ceciro's powers came from demon blood as well. Demons... One of their weaknesses was pleasure of the flesh, making their bodies feel so good was a way to distract even the most powerful demons. He growled and found his shadows once again, forcing Ceciro back under him. He was not to be dominated. He was the one with the power. He was the one in control. Panting slightly, he pinned the man down. It must feel so good to be inside of someone as they die, to feel their organs stop, to hear the last bit of air escape their lungs. But of course, Raven's way of killing was a lot more... messier. Perhaps he could show Sandman one day.

No. He wouldn't allow Raven back into his mind. His walls were up to stay---they'd grown strong over time. Perhaps Raven would grow frustrated and show more of his power. Yes, that would be delightful. He gasped, flipped back over again. This time Raven was stronger, keeping him where he was, making sure his struggles were in vain. To feel their life waning, in your hands, every single fiber of your being... How could I describe it? He sighed, and found his way under the shadow-made clothing. He could so easily take Raven's life... Gently, easily... In an instant he could enter the man's body through the mouth and nose and even the eyes, and find his way into his lungs. And feel the strong body from the inside, feel it struggle, plead, cry out. Why did that make everything so much better?

Of course he was a demon. He was weak to sins of the flesh. But at the same time, he was so picky. Raven hit every mark, though. Strong, and strong enough to override his struggles. Strong enough to figure out what he meant, at first. A strong reader of the mind, easier to entice someone in with a few well placed thoughts. He drew his hands down, forcing his nails down into skin, digging in.

Was Ceciro considering killing him? But there would be no fun in that! Besides, Raven was certain that he couldn't die of the way Sandman killed. He'd been drowned before, and yet lived to tell the tale. So how would one kill a demon, even one that was only a half-blood? Raven shook his head, enjoying the pleasure he was gaining from Ceciro at the moment. But it would soon be over. What would happen then? Raven refused to think that the two would part ways for good.

"To kill... Kill... Kill..." he was whispering now, biting so hard he drew blood. "Kill those that are weaker, that are cowardly..." He thought of his accountant, passing the images through to Ceciro's mind. "Yes... Starting with him, soon all will be killed by us. We will rule. We will rule their pain... Accept my offering, Sandman. You will be the second most powerful and wealthy man in Big Vegas."

Aah, demons and their offers, their requests, their tendency to let someone have power in exchange for something else. Most thought their exchange would be their soul, but not exactly---a demon found little use in a soul, if it were able to be extracted manually anyway. Sandman didn't reply at once---the shadowy emon's teeth were much more interesting, surely the blood they brought forth threatening to stain the pale sheets. But it was little matter---he'd shed far more in this very place before, so much that he'd sometimes opted to take the blankets home to wash them instead of a housekeeper finding them and worrying. He didn't usually accept offers, though this time it was different. It was Raven, the strongest mob leader in the city. And he was Sandman, Cicero, the strongest and most feared hitman in the city.

He hummed, lifting himself and pressing his pierced tongue against Raven's ear before speaking. "Such a nice idea. Your name is as strong as mine... When word gets out that you and I are on the same terms, we'll become the most feared pair in the entire... state. But to start with that poor little accountant... Why not let me take him off your hands? He'll be good with me, I'll keep him in line." His hand snaked up to Raven's namesake hair, grabbing and pulling. His own was messy, it was hard to tell where the part was originally, or how it was even cut.

Raven was melting. The man's words, the way he struggled, the way he accepted his fate an allowed Raven to own him... Soon he was spent, lying back in a state of almost paralysis. If Ceciro wanted to kill him, now would be the perfect chance. The shadows disappeared from the room, which was lit once more with faint glow of the electric light bulbs screwed into the chandelier. He turned his head, to watch as the rain fell heavily on the windows.

"So good..." was all he managed to mutter, before closing his eyes and falling into a rare, deep sleep.

To kill a demon, the man in charge of the largest crime ring in the city. Only a demon could kill a demon, their strengths matched. But why would he do that? He was paranoid. If someone wanted to kill him it would not only take a lot, but he wouldn't be easily taken down in general. No, he wouldn't harm Raven in his most vulnerable state. So he smiled at him, right before sleep befell him. It wasn't as strong as Sandman's sleep induction could bring out, the twitches and slight movements showed it. Sandman laid alongside him, twisting the dark mess of hair between his fingers, closing his eyes and bending over Raven. A light tendril escaped his mind, worming its way into Raven's. A projection of his shade, nothing more. Once inside someone's mind, Sandman shared his dream, even if he wasn't necessarily in direct control as he slept as well. But he was tired now, and his walls were back up, strong, watchful.

Raven woke up with a start, feeling as though something was wrong. He sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, glancing about his luxurious room. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, perhaps he was just imagining things... And then his cell phone rung.

Feeling annoyed, he reached over to where his phone was kept. He answered it, only to be given a reply he had always dreaded to hear.

"The bastards got Shadow." His heart felt like it had stopped beating and his world crashed down around him. Not Shadow... No, this had to be a nightmare. It couldn't be true! The man that had been like a brother to him, like a father... He dropped the phone and screamed in rage, his body twisting with shadowy fire. Soon he had changed form, into something that even he hated to see.

He stopped briefly, feeling as though he had done this before. It was a dream, a memory... This wasn't real... He relaxed, knowing that the gang that had taken a hit out on Shadow were eradicated by him personally. He went back to bed, glancing over towards the window. The Sandman was there, watching everything.

His eyes snapped open and he sat quickly, hitting Ceciro hard in the face. "You saw nothing."

Curiouser than ever. Everyone had a dream, a nightmare. Sandman felt a rare style of power that came from being able to see the fears or pleasantries of others when they were completely unable to change it. But this one, while revealing a weakness in Raven's psyche, was also confusing. just who was Shadow, specifically? It was an obvious code or nickname, but his relation to the man was fuzzy. Sibling? Lover? Cousin? Perhaps just a close friend, but friendship like that couldn't bring out such a powerful reaction from Raven's dream-self. By Raven's call, it had to be something difficult. Shadow had died. How, though? Hmm... Such a curious puzzle. But it wasn't his place to question it.

The darkness between sleep and wakefulness blinded him momentarily, and a sharp slap startled him into falling apart, catching the air and reappearing across the room. "I see what I like." He growled. "And you asked me to enter your dreams. I did. But I'll be kind this time, and won't ask about Shadow or the course of action that led to his being absent from your current situation." He fell to the floor in billions of grains of sand, sliding to the window and returning to his human form. "It's all best left in the past anyway." He muttered. "Like all of our humanizing life events." The sky was gray still. Gray with rain. The weather report had predicted it would clear up by tonight.

Raven got up himself, shadows coming to cloak his body and form a new suit. He probably shouldn't have lashed out like he did. Sandman was right, after all. Raven couldn't control his dreams, especially that particular memory. Though remembering it still hurt him. He pushed it further back into the dark depths of his mind, focussing his attention on Sandman.

Of course what he said was true. The past was the past. Raven had avenged Shadow's death and some. There was no point mourning him to this day. "Well, thank you," he said briskly, straightening his suit. "I shall have your money sent to the location planned last night... Oh and, my offer still stands. If you accept, come see me in my office." He left his business card on a small table nearby. "I'd love to have you on board, Ceciro." Oh, the fun we'll have together...

Raven left the hotel without another word. He knew that this wasn't the last time he'd see Ceciro.