Chapter 1 - A night at the Electric Labyrinth

DJ Nimbus is set to kick off tonight's performance at the Electric Labyrinth's largest venue. A staggering 4000 people have snagged tickets, some shelling out over $2000 to scalpers for entry and a ridiculous amount to be in the VIP section close to the stage.

The Electric Labyrinth's largest venue, bathed in neon lights and pulsating with energy, boasts a sleek, futuristic design. With its towering ceilings and state-of-the-art sound system, it's the epitome of modern entertainment venues. The walls are adorned with abstract artwork that seems to come alive under the vibrant lighting, creating an immersive and electrifying atmosphere.

As the doors open, a flood of young, sexy, and fashionable individuals pours into the venue. The crowd is a sea of stylish outfits, from edgy streetwear to chic cocktail dresses, with each attendee vying to outdo the others in terms of fashion and flair. The air is charged with excitement and anticipation as the guests chat animatedly, their laughter and chatter blending with the thumping bass of the music.

Every corner of the venue is alive with activity, from the bustling bars serving up artisan cocktails to the clusters of people mingling and socializing. The energy is palpable as the crowd eagerly awaits the start of DJ Nimbus's performance, their anticipation building with each passing moment. It's a scene straight out of a glamorous nightlife fantasy, where the young and beautiful come together to see and be seen in the city's hottest spot.The Electric Labyrinth's VIP section is teeming with familiar faces and notable personalities. Dan M'Demne, accompanied by two renowned female tennis champions, Naomi and Yulia, commands attention as they glide through the crowd, their presence sparking a flurry of camera flashes. The tennis girls exude confidence and elegance in their bodycon dresses, their athletic figures accentuated by the vibrant hues.

Tav, Selvie, and Marcel secure themselves a prime spot just behind the VIP section, courtesy of their connections with the Electric's staff. Their strategic positioning offers them an optimal view of the stage and the bustling crowd. They make quite an impression with their revealing, overtly sexual outfits. One could say they are practically stripped bare, with only a scant few garments preserving their modesty.

Maximillian, true to form, employs his resourcefulness to gain entry through a service door, bypassing the need to pay for admission with the help of his abilities. With his trademark stealth, he blends seamlessly into the throng of partygoers, ready to immerse himself in the night's festivities.

Steven occupies a perch in the press gallery, his vantage point affording him a bird's-eye view of the proceedings below. Surrounded by fellow journalists from various news outlets, he wields his press pass with authority, granting him unrestricted access to the main floor, albeit barring entry to the exclusive VIP enclave.

A stranger going by the name of Tony, a man in his mid-30s, strides discreetly into the venue. He wears a stylish yet casual ensemble—a well-fitted leather jacket over a crisp white T-shirt, paired with faded denim jeans and polished boots. His dark hair is styled effortlessly, adding to his rugged charm.

Meanwhile, amidst the dimly lit ambiance of the stage as he finish the preparations, Connor catches sight of Anika Kessler standing in the front row. She cuts a striking figure in a captivating black and red dress adorned with intricate lace and leather details, her allure surpassing that of the two tennis stars accompanying Dan and other female in the VIP sections. Her smile is delicate and warm, that hide perfectly well how hinged she is.

Since he and Tammy had their brief and ego satisfying (if not physically satisfying) encounter earlier, Max has been killing time by knocking back drinks and gambling. He isn't concerned about the money, so he makes bigger and more daring bets, and loses in bigger and more extravagant ways. If there's one thing he knows, it's that flashing money around and acting like you don't care about losing it is a magnet for a certain kind of woman, and that's exactly the kind he's looking for.

He had chatted up a few girls so far, but the night is just getting started and he's here to have fun. No need to get tied to any one woman quite this early. After losing enough to draw attention to himself as a possible high roller, he headed down to check out Connor's show. Getting in through a service entrance was easy, but he had to use his "jedi mind trick" to get himself the VIP pass he convinced security he was owed. That had actually also been easy.

The VIP area was spacious, unlike everywhere else, which suited Max just fine. He liked the elbow room. He had space to relax and enjoy the drink he'd spotted on a tray and convinced a passing waiter was his, and he steered clear of the celebs. He didn't need to show up on newsfeeds or video clips.

He spots Tav just outside the VIP and makes eyebrows at her, then laughs. She'd never fall for his crap, and he knew it, but he liked to mess with her. She also knew his rule about never using his powers on any of the others, but she always seemed a little mistrustful of him. He guessed he didn't blame her. It's not like he lit up when he did his thing or had any particular tell. He looks around, checking the press area for Steven, and spots him, giving him the 'guy nod', a quick nod of his head that serves to say 'sup in lieu of words.

He downs his free drink quickly. At this rate, he better slow down. His phone buzzes and he pulls it out to see the message from Charlie. He grins. He hadn't seen Bevin since... well since before he'd been locked up, that was for sure. But even before that, he'd kept his distance. A guy like Max could get his stink on a guy like Charlie, and the last thing he wanted was the get in the way of Charlie's ambitions.

Max:	Lost my shirt at the blackjack tables
Max:	Got into the VIP
Max:	Where you at?

When Connor enters the stage, he's been on site for two hours. He came early with his sound rig, and hooked it up to the Electric Labyrinth's state of the art system. He's designed it to interface, well Tav did, but there are still an awful lot of cables. Once it was connected and tested, he disappeared back stage and donned his stage outfit, including the lightwires strung within, to give him a glowing effect. Of course, the actual light output wasn't that great, but he had ways of enhancing it. He's been careful so far, to not make it obvious that what was at play was more than special effects.

He enters the VIP section and hobnobs for a moment, glad-handing the people there, giving them all a brief treat, and himself as well when he sees the two tennis stars. He talks with Dan and them briefly, talking about their performances at the recent open invitational - he's a fan and knows a little of what he's talking about. Then Miranda Sterling, the fashion designer and Jackson Knight the entrepreneur get his attention, and each he gives a little taste of his light. His style is evolving, and Miranda's own look is too glamourous -- for now -- but her eye and opinion would be a wonder - fashions that draw the light, and reflect. For Jackson, he chats that adding drones to the show is a goal, creating holographic like scenes above the crowd, synced to the music.

Seeing Tav behind he blows her a kiss, and begins to bounce. The excitement writhes around him, and he restrains himself from just glowing. Nausea and ecstasy war within him for dominance, that fine line between panic and uncontrolled exhilaration.

Checking his phone, he quickly texts back,

Connor:

Showtime. Anybody need anything?

He looks up from the phone, and sees her. Anika. The crowd melts away, and she is there alone in the front row, looking as much a home in the shadows between strobes as he is in radiant light. He meets her eyes, his mouth gone dry and in the moment, changes his intro. His brain rapidly rearranges the first samples he wants, picking a way to blend it into his planned set.

The moments count down to showtime.

Tavisha and Selvie enter the venue through the stage and dressing room entrance using her Stage and Technical AV (Performance All Access Pass) before most of the crowd begin to trickle through the genpop entrance. She checks the sound boards and FX program cues; making sure all the latest additions she's developed for Connor's performance are up to date and cued on the proper dedicated channels. She converses briefly with the show's AVFX techs and intersperses her attention to the shows setup and giving her model companion some light PDAs: a kiss here, some hand holding there.

Once she's satisfied all is in order, she and Selvie slip back out and wait for Marcel to arrive with a couple drinks and recreational visits to the VIP lounge and ladies room to indulge in the powder Tav had slipped into the club for their enjoyment. Finally, Marcel arrives and Tav greets him with a big smile and warm embrace. "There you are, love. You look fabulous tonight." She gives him faux kisses to each cheek and slips his access lanyard around his neck.

Finding a spot at the closest bar, with a view of the venue's stage through its panoramic open mezzanine, the three chat, drink, and continue to pre-game before the show. Ten minutes before the start of Connor's designated show time to begin, they settle their tab with the waitress and head back down through the stage, crew, and performer entrance and make their way to the spacious area separated from the floor guests by a series of metal grated barriers, just behind the VIP viewing area. There is plenty of room for the three of them there and extra seats should they wish to sit at any point in the show—not that they would.



There are many in the crowd who notice their entrance, as they aren't exactly dressed to hide themselves in the crowd. Both Tav and Selive generally ignore the multiple catcalls and whistles. They do play it up a little when the photo flashes start and pose seductively together, then seal it with a kiss.

Tav's eyes meet those of Connor chatting up the official VIPs just ahead of them and she returns his affectionate gesture with a blown kiss of her own in his direction. She also is quick to spot Max in the VIP section and gives him a brief nod to acknowledgement.

Steven hangs out in the press area with his peers but not chatting with them, a glass of rum and Coke is his hand. Not that it will have much effect with his regenerative powers, but he finds the it calming anyway. He pulls out his phone, and skims through is contact list, finding Connor's name quickly and sending a text:

Steven:

Hey man, we need to talk somewhere private and we can't be seen. Do you have time before your set?

He sees a few of his old friends from the Nexus and gives each of them a nod or wave. He sees Max being sleazy, as per usual and shakes his head. When is he ever going to grow up? he thinks to himself.

Connor:

Ya, VIP access gate. I'll meet you there. Access tunnels nearby r usually empty.

As Connor makes the final preparations and steps away to have a private conversation with his friend Steven, the energy in the venue surges as the pre-show rap metal performance ignites the crowd with its raw intensity. The pounding beats and aggressive riffs reverberate through the air, fueling anticipation for the main event and drawing enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

Amidst the pulsating music and charged atmosphere, attendees are swept up in the electrifying energy of the performance, their excitement palpable as they eagerly await the start of the show. The fusion of rap and metal genres creates a dynamic sonic landscape that captivates the crowd, setting the stage for an exhilarating evening of music and entertainment.

Access Tunnels - Connor and Steven

Connor waits at the gate and then leads Steven past another security guard to a large steel door. Passing through it, he closes it behind. It's a long white concrete corridor running to the mechanical rooms, with access for maintenance staff.

"Thanks for coming, Steven," he says, with a quick but manly arm pat-hug. "If you can you stay after the show, there's a hospitality suite thing they do for performers. But what's up? " He checks his phone. "I've only got three minutes."

Access Tunnels - Connor and Steven
Steven makes his way down to the access tunnels a bit quicker than a normal person would, but keeps his urge to run under control. He returns Connor's greeting, a grim look on his face, "Man, you messed up," he says, "Someone has gotten wind that you're somehow amplifying your light show. My boss had someone unplug your equipment the other day and your light show didn't stop. She wants me to watch you tonight and write a story on it... Obviously I can't just expose you like that. So we need a plan. Fast."

About the Electric Labyrinth
The large venue where you are located is on the first zone (ground floor) is at the center of the circular immense building. The venue that is much like a small stadium is surrounded by multiple levels of dance floors, bars, and private tables and booths. Each level has a balcony that looks out on the main entrance and gives a view of the other levels. Beyond each balcony is another room, each with a slightly different decor or feel. Some are geared for dancing, some for conversation, some for dining. Many people never venture beyond the main club that is Electric Labyrinth.

Where Steven and Connor are located, is the first basement level, series of tunnels for heavy machinery and equipment that spread under the first floor and main venue. It's used by the staff and performers to move around without obstructions from the crowd. The area is only open to the public for emergency evacuations if needed, but it never happened since the building was completed.

Connor blanches, knees weak. "How did they- I saw the plugs undone later. Man. That's- I'm sorry, I can't believe-"

He takes a breath. "Okay, I'll show you the kit later and let you take some photos. I'll figure out an explanation during the show. I've got to get to it, but tonight I'll keep a lid on. Thanks Steven."

Connor:

no can do. expensive, no time. Hospitality suite after?

Steven nods seriously, "No problem, dude. I just wanted to get out ahead of this as much as we can without making it look like I'm covering for you. My boss is really sharp."

"I got you. I wish I knew what happened that night. Who this person was that tipped off your boss. What does he suspect-- nevermind that, I gotta get this shindig hopping."

He ushers his childhood friend out of the tunnels and back to the gate, while her returns to the stage. His mind gives itself a good shake. Time to blow this place wide open.

As Steven and Connor emerge from the tunnels, they encounter three figures ahead, each pushing large electronic equipment in cumbersome boxes toward the venue. The trio sports a punk aesthetic, evident in their rugged attire and edgy hairstyles. Tattoos adorn their exposed arms, featuring bold designs and intricate patterns that speak to their rebellious spirit. There's many groups playing today, not just in the large venue, but also in other smaller venues of the Electric Labyrinth.

One of the punks, with a Mohawk dyed a vibrant shade of blue, flashes a mischievous grin as he hoists a particularly hefty box onto his shoulder. His sleeves are rolled up, revealing an array of tattoos that wind around his muscular arms like abstract artwork.

Beside him, another punk boasts a shaved head adorned with various piercings, giving him a striking and unconventional appearance. His expression is more stoic, yet his eyes gleam with a hint of excitement as he navigates the bustling crowd with purpose.

Bringing up the rear is the third member of the group, his long hair tied back in a messy ponytail. His face is adorned with piercings and his arms are covered in tattoos depicting skulls and other intricate designs. Despite the weight of the equipment, he maintains a determined stride, his demeanor exuding confidence and defiance.

The bouncer, a formidable wall of muscles adorned with intricate tattoos, couldn't help but smirk at the clueless individual before him. "Hey, those folks dropped 10,000 bucks or maybe even more," he explained, his tone maintaining a veneer of politeness despite the implied exclusivity of the venue. "But it doesn't seem too packed in there, so I could swing you a deal at half the price. Cash only, though."

Connor bobs a head at the blue mohawk. "You this playing tonight? What's your band?" He's suspicious, especially given the news that people are fucking with his equipment when he's not looking.

The group comes to a halt, caught off guard by Connor's presence. "Yo there," the mohawk greets, a glint of camaraderie in his eyes. "We're The Crimson Forge. We've got a gig later at a more intimate venue. Break a leg with your show; we'll be catching it from the balcony." He is ready to leave, their demeanor suggesting they have matters to attend to. Connor racks his brain but draws a blank; he doesn't know that group, they must be one of the many emerging bands in NYC that he hasn't yet come across.

After a brief pause, the bouncer mulls over Tony's proposal before nodding in agreement. "Deal," he grunts, stepping aside to let Tony through as soon he has the money in his hand.

"Crimson Forge? Have a good show, take no prisoners."

He says too Steven, "Punk is cool. Way cooler than what I do. Why didn't you tell me I was a sellout!?"

He rushes to back stage and prepares to be introduced.

Max smiles at Seo-ah as she introduces herself. Hot damn, he thinks to himself, challenge accepted.

"Seo-ah." He repeats her name, using a subtle amount of his ability to make it sound pleasurable to her ears when said by his voice. That was always the first step. Make them like hearing you say their name. He takes her hand and meets her gaze, his eyes filled with confidence and charm. "A pleasure. I'm certain we haven't met. I wouldn't have forgotten someone so enchanting."

"I'm Maximillian," he says, his expression warm and welcoming as he scans her mind for the one thing he requires before going further: is there a set of circumstances where this woman would take me home and into her bed? If the chance is there, he feels safe in speeding up the transaction with his powers. If she has no interest, he won't force someone into something they wouldn't otherwise have done. It's one of his many rules for using his gifts.

"It's rare to meet someone of such obvious sophistication in a crowd like this," he says with a modest gesture to those around them, almost all dressed much less conservatively, some nearly naked. "What brings you out to this show?"

Tav gives Selvie and Marcel a brief smile each, as she is starting to get slightly annoyed the show is not begun yet. She brushes a hand lightly down Selvie's shoulder, along his arm, and takes her companion's hand in her own; squeezing it lightly with affection. As their eyes meet, she leans in and gives the stunning pink-haired playmate a kiss. "Hope Connor's show starts really soon..." She shares with her two friends.

Steven remains silent through the conversation with this Crimson Forge band. He likes punk music as much as the next guy, but he's never heard of them before. He says goodbye to Connor and makes his way back to the press area, ready to take pictures and take notes on the atmosphere of the show. He feels quite a bit better after his conversation with Connor.

Tav looks around as the familiar touch of her big brother's voice echoes in her mind, as she Selvie and Marcel stand eager at the iron barred barrier separating VIP from the sound and effect boards.

"Charlie? Where are you? I don't have eyes on you from our spot in the AVFX enclosure."

Max flashes his charming smile at Seo-ah.

"It's my first night out in a long time, too." He doesn't bother saying it's because he's been in jail for the last three months.

He keeps his eyes locked on hers, despite his desire to look her up and down. He can see something in those eyes, something he usually doens't see without pushing his influence into a mind. She seems genuinely interested in him, in speaking with him, getting to know him. That wasn't unusual; he wasn't a bad looking guy, and he was not without real world charm. But he'd grown so accustomed to just pushing his influence that he'd almost done it to her out of habit, without giving himself a chance to charm her the old-fashioned way.

"I'm here because an old friend is spinning tonight," says Max truthfully. "Connor will have this crowd in the palm of his hand. His mixing skills are top notch. When he spins, he fuses genres and beats so seamlessly you'll think it was recorded that way."

Before he gushes too much over the magic is that is Connor's DJ stylistics, he gestures around the room. "But also, these crowds. It's like a living canvas painted in style and personality. You never know who you're going to meet."

He looks back to Seo-ah, his eyes briefly taking in that gorgeous body again before again meeting her gaze. "You, for instance."

He shakes his head and grins. "You're really not the kind of woman I'd expect to meet here. Honestly, you have me at a loss for words."

Near Tony, Tav also notices Max talking with a stunning mature asian lady.

Right on cue, the canned rap metal ballad winds down, the sound quieting in synchronicity with the lights turning down. Connor steps forward in the gloom. The light-strings in his clothes glow slowly, and he leans forward. As the audience quietens, their attention focusing on the stage, his microphone goes live.

His deep autotuned voice whispers across the crowd from the speaker towers. "There are many kinds of love, as many kinds of light; And every kind of love makes a glory in the night." His eyes flash to Anika, hidden beneath his bowed head, wondering if she is the one he texted that to earlier in the day. Triggering the program, he opens up the set with his first song, a remix of a Belgian house number, but with the notes tuned to distorted guitars through his sound rig. The opening base notes start low enough to shake the stage before winding upwards. As the pitch increases, he slides the light toggle up, illuminating the stage in a brilliant pillar of light. Does he amplify the brilliance? Just a smidge.

Lasers shoot out of the overhead light rack just as the song begins, dancified beats bringing the number to a catchy bounce. His fingers dance across the controls, working his magic and creating new sounds from the base samples.

As Connor's electrifying remix fills the air, the energy in the venue surges. The crowd erupts into cheers and applause, their excitement palpable as they eagerly anticipate the show ahead.

Bodies sway and pulse to the rhythm of the music, illuminated by strobe lights and lasers casting vibrant hues across the room. The dance floor becomes a sea of movement, as attendees lose themselves in the pulsating beat.

Some revelers abandon their inhibitions entirely, dancing with abandon as they embrace the euphoria of the moment. Others gather in groups, their hands raised in the air as they chant along with the music.

Plastic cups and glowsticks litter the floor, evidence of the wild festivities unfolding. Laughter and shouts mingle with the melody, creating a symphony of sound that fills the space.

Amidst the chaos, people scream in delight, their voices blending with the music to create an infectious rhythm of joy and excitement. This is a night to remember, a celebration of life and unity in the heart of the rave scene. And as Connor works his magic on stage, the crowd dances on, their spirits soaring high into the night.


Anika, swept away by the electrifying atmosphere, raises her hands high above her head, forming a heart shape with her fingers as a sign of affection for Connor, visible amidst the vibrant crowd. Her gesture of love and unity is quickly mirrored by those around her in the VIP section, creating a wave of solidarity.

Suddenly, an unexpected phenomenon unfolds on the dance floor, captivating the attention of everyone in the vicinity.

Several clouds of mysterious dark mist, tinged with hues of purple, materializes and swirls around the venue, casting an enchanting aura over the space. As beams of light pierce through the mist, they scatter in unpredictable patterns, creating a mesmerizing display of colors and shadows. Some lights seem to vanish into the mist, leaving behind a shimmering trail of fairy-like dust that dances in the air. This wasn't part of the original plan, neither Connor or Tav know what this is, but the crowd love it.

Meanwhile, high above the stage, massive 3D screens comes to life, displaying holographic avatars of dancers in vibrant, neon-colored costumes. Selvie's avatar takes center stage, captivating the audience with her mesmerizing moves and infectious energy. Those equipped with electronic glasses are treated to an immersive augmented reality experience, as holographic figures dance and twirl around them on floating and platforms.

In the control booth, Tav oversees the spectacle with a sense of pride, orchestrating the intricate blend of sound, light, and visual effects that enhance Connor's performance. A dedicated team of technicians works tirelessly, adjusting settings and coordinating the dazzling array of effects to ensure a seamless and unforgettable show for all in attendance.

"Damn, this is insane!" Marcel exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement as he peered through the augmented reality glasses. Beside him, Selvie's eyes widened in wonder.

"Oh, my goddess... What is this mist? This is incredible!" Selvie exclaimed, her awe palpable as she gazed at the swirling colors around them.

In the VIP section, Seo-ah surprises Max by grabbing his hand. With the music pulsing through the air, she moves with an infectious energy, her long ponytail swirling around her as she dances with vigor.

From his vantage point in the press box, Steven enjoys a commanding view of the event unfolding below. With a pair of binoculars at his disposal, he can easily zoom in on Connor, the focal point of the evening's festivities. Amidst the vibrant crowd, his attention is drawn to a striking figure who must be Anika, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the scene.

Tav readjusts a couple of the fans units keeping the AV/FX cool and blows the mist away from the sensitive and expensive equipment boards. She's not sure what the stuff is, but Tav doesn't want it ruining her night.

Seo-ah's delicate hand is warm in his as she encourages Max to join her, and her infectious energy sweeps Max up into her dance. They move together as Max matches her vigor with enthusiasm. They mirror each other's motions, their bodies swaying in sync with the music's vibrant beats and thumping bass. As they move, Max finds himself actually enjoying their dance, usually something he just engages in as a pretense to getting something else.

Max is feeling quite enamored with the older woman as their dance continues, her subtle scent stirring something within him. Their connection transcends words as their eyes remain locked through most of the dance, their bodies pressed together in the midst of the crowd. The smiles they share convey their mutual enjoyment of the moment's spontaneity. Seo-ah's graceful moves and infectious energy create a captivating spectacle that draws admiring glances from others, and Max does his best to keep up with the elegant woman who has taken such an interest in him.

His plans to find a couple young dancers to make Tammy jealous fade into nothing as the prospect of spending more time with Seo-ah seems to dominate his mind.

Connor bops and bounces on the stage, his body lit and pulsing to the beat, as he slides and merges samples in and out throughout the show. He's lost in the moment, and when he sees Anika flash the heart sign, he swaps the bass line to a pulse beat and triggers the light show to be prominently red. He flashes a dab at her.

He drops his second line into the middle, voice throbbing with distorted bassy notes. "There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it." The music plunges into happy hardcore style, the beat and speed going into warp. Around him, the light suit screams with brilliance, nearly too bright to see, before he releases his augment to the LED light strings output. Too much, they're watching! but he couldn't help himself. The moment demanded it.

It's when the black mist occurs then he suddenly remembers the Crimson Forge. Something about them had bugged him, but then he realizes the mist is probably Anika. They took her light and gave it to him. What they left was a dark hole. Had she learned to adjust that, the way he had? It's a beautiful moment, and he blinks away tears. They made such prisms together.

The show continues, more heartfelt in the second half than the first. More emotion for that's what he felt.

Tavisha spins and bounces near the boards. Her face is lit up with joy and adoration for Selvie, as her holographic muse dances over the crowd. She moves the very short distance to Selvie and Marcel, drawing them into the dance with her. Her smile is infectious and she screams with rapt abandon with every pulse of Connor's performance. Fists in the air. Horns showing her love for the badass beats.

As the night wears on, the energy in the venue only intensifies, fueled by the electrifying performances and pulsating beats of Connor's show. Other artists take the stage intermittently, each bringing their own unique style and energy to the mix, providing brief interludes that keep the crowd engaged and enthralled.

Connor himself continues to dazzle and delight, seamlessly blending genres and weaving intricate melodies that captivate the audience. His passion and talent shine through with each song, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.

As the hours pass, the atmosphere becomes increasingly euphoric, with attendees losing themselves in the music and the moment. Bodies sway and pulse to the rhythm, illuminated by the vibrant lights and lasers that fill the space with color and energy.

As the clock approaches midnight, the main event draws to a close, but the night is far from over. Most of the VIP guests begin to migrate to a more intimate venue on a different floor, where they can continue to revel in the festivities in a more relaxed and private setting.

Inside the venue, a sense of anticipation hangs in the air as guests and artists mingle and socialize, enjoying the open bars and indulging in whatever pleasures they desire. The air is thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat, mingling with the sweet aroma of illicit substances such as cocaine and this new red powdery drugs, known colloquially in the street as dust.

In this intimate setting with dim light, inhibitions are cast aside as guests engage in uninhibited displays of hedonism and pleasure. Drinks flow freely, and the air is filled with the sound of laughter and conversation, punctuated by occasional bursts of music and the occasional moan of ecstasy.

For those in attendance, it's a night to remember, a celebration of life, music, and the freedom to indulge in whatever desires they may have.Tav, Marcel, and Selvie arrived together, followed closely by Max and Seo-ah. The stunning Korean woman appeared exhilarated from the dancing, her glistening skin evidence of a fantastic time with her younger companion. Steven and other members of the press are present but were politely requested not to take pictures of the guests. Tony discreetly made his way in, his attention seemingly drawn to keeping an eye on the enigmatic Anika, who attract intense gaze filled with desire wherever she goes. Dan M'Demne and Connor entered together, accompanied by two athletic female pro tennis players, Naomi and Yulia.

Tavisha looks this woman over, clearly not impressed by the interference with their intimate experience in the VIP afterparty. She casually drapes an arm around Selvie's waist and does her best attempt at a polite smile. "I'm not sure Oscar de la Renta is the look of the future, Cynthia." Tav looks down at her own outfit and that of her muse. "Our efforts are geared more toward the cutting edge of technology, entertainment, and fashion. Not a retro look to the fading elegance of a century past."

"Now, if you'd excuse us..?"

Tav whispers into Selvie's ear. 'I wouldn't be caught dead in Oscar de la Renta and the mere thought of seeing that trash on you makes me nauseous.'

"I need another drink after that little scene..." She glances around for the nearest bartender. "...another bump and moment..or three with you, Love."

Earlier...

After the show, and overseeing the techs pack up his gear, he showed Steven the rig. "The receiver is the core of the show. It syncs the lights and the sound, and then send both the signals to the sounds system and controls the light show. We plug in the light units to their own power for more output, not the HDMI cables can carry a fair bit of load. Still, whoever it was in your office sabotaged my rig overloaded the receiver. It's not meant to carry that much current. Look here," and while Steven watches, he channels power into the ports, using his Transmutation power to partially melt housing around the plugs and leave blackened steaks. "I'm going to have to rebuild this, I'm lucky out lasted tonight."

It's one hundred percent bullshit, and obviously didn't try to his that from Steven. But it's an explanation, the only one he could come up with.

"I almost burnt out my light suit today too, but that was on purpose. I might have burns, those strands got so hot. Looked great through, didn't it?"

Connor stays close to the tennis stars, particularly drawn to Naomi but secretly hoping that they both accompany him and Dan back to Dan's place after the party.

He chuckles with Dan, and they speak in a kind of bro code about some of the more naughty events. "And then, haha, remember that one, Tanja with a J? Passed out on the mirror with that rolled up Franklin suck to her ear? Can't believe she was an army brat! "

The rounds with the others are something else. He's totally drained from the show, poured his heart into the performance, but this is different and recharges him. After controlling so much light, sharpening, coloring, directing, he walks from spotlight to spotlight, and now lightly absorbs the light in the venue, his shadow a little darker than it should be.

Steven specifically hangs back from the festivities and just observes, not wanting anyone to think that he's close with any of the people here or else he might let Dani onto the fact that he's actually very close with Connor. That wouldn't be great for either of them.

Max tries not to embarrass his old friends by forcing them to associate with him. He knows what they all think of his life choices and how dangerous having an ex-con linked to them could be for their careers.

Instead, he focuses on Seo-ah. Recognizing her exhilaration from their dancing. Max wants to hold her attention. "Seo-ah, you are an amazing dancer. Your energy, your grace... mesmerizing."

He guides her through the crowd with one hand on the small of her back. "You have a real connection with music and movement. I could watch you dance all night. You fill every step with so much joy and passion."

He finds them drinks and a spot on one of the plus velvet couches. Once seated, he continues talking, bringing up a story from one of his trips across the southern border, a visit for which he gives no explanation. "Dancing with you reminds me of this time I was in Mexico City. I stumbled into this little salsa club tucked away down a side alley. The music was just pouring out onto the street."

He is animated as he tells the story, leaning in close to be heard over the crowd noise. "Before that night, I was never much of a dancer. But there was this older guy there, Miguel. He insisted I join him on the floor. He was so full of life, so energetic. He taught me a few basic steps, encouraged me to feel the rhythm, to not overthink it."

He laughs and continues. "I must have looked like a total fool at first, but Miguel... that guy's enthusiasm was infectious. He was so patient, got me to relax and enjoy the music in a whole new way. By the end of the night, I was dancing like I never had before, laughing, really enjoying myself."

Leaning closer, he meets her eyes. "Dancing with you brought me right back to that night, the joy of letting go and embracing the moment. You make me feel impulsive, spontaneous. What should we do to make this night even more memorable?"

"Exactly. Very old rich women and wallflowers." Tavisha agrees with Selvie's assessment and, leaning in slightly, kisses her.

Moving over to one of the more intimate bars, Tav smiles wickedly with the cute bartender's comment about their outfits. She reaches down to the zipper at the front of her body suit and pulls it down to the bottom to expose a strip all the way down to the base of the zipper. "I'd be less inhibited here in the VIP, if it were not for the uncool people mingling about the room."

Tav stands close beside her lovely muse, Selvie, as she challenges the pink-haired bartender to surprise her with a drink concoction. Tav glances about to see if she could see Marcel. She wanted to make sure he was enjoying himself at the party too.

In her turn, Tavisha winks at the bartender and calls her drink order. "Cherry Saz. Chilled. Heavy on the absinthe rinse. Cognac and honey bourbon with a splash of black cherry liquor. Shaken. On the rocks. With a lime twist."

In the midst of the raucous party, Steven, stationed at his vantage point in the venue, notices a peculiar sight. Anika, her expression contorted with anger and jealousy, directs her gaze toward Connor, who seems to be making advances toward the tennis star player, Naomi. Anika's eyes narrow, her features tightening with each passing moment, as if she's fighting to contain her emotions.

Ignoring the advances of others around her, Anika remains fixated on Connor, her grip tightening around the glass of strong liquor in her hand. Her rejection becomes increasingly curt and dismissive, her frustration palpable as she rebuffs each suitor who approaches her.

Near Anika, a pair of tall tattooed men in blazers observe Anika's behavior. Their gazes flicker between Anika and the scene unfolding with Connor, exchanging knowing glances as they take note of her increasingly agitated state.

Meanwhile, the rest of the venue buzzes with activity, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and drugs as guests indulge in hedonistic pleasures. Some engage in passionate encounters, their inhibitions cast aside as they give in to their desires in secluded area, while others dance wildly or socialize with fellow revelers, their laughter mingling with the pulsating beat of the music.

Tav takes up the two drinks and hands Selvie hers. "Thank you, Nadia. Connor's shows are always a hit." She takes a sip of her drink and nods, before picking up a cocktail napkin from the bar top and casually dabbing it along the fine beads of perspiration down the center of her torso. "Have you been employed by El Labyrinth for long, beautiful Nadia? I'm sure Selvie and I would have remembered you if we'd crossed paths before. We come here often..."

Max flashes Seo-ah a charming smile, his eyes locking onto hers with a magnetic intensity. With a smooth and confident tone, he replies, "Seo-ah, every moment with you is already unforgettable."

Max lets his fingertips gently caress the back of Seo-ah's hand, paying attention to her body language and responses to gauge her comfort level. He respects any cues indicating that she may want to slow down or change the pace of their interaction, but it's clear he wants to take their evening to an entirely different level than where they started.

"If you're ready to turn this night into something magical, then I'm all in." He leans even closer, his lips near her ear. "Let's write our own story tonight... filled with adventure, mischief, and who knows... maybe even passion."

He leans back again and brings his drink to his lips, studying her over the rim of his glass. "It's hard not to get swept up in this moment," he says, "in your eyes." Setting his drink down, he smiles confidently as he leans forward again.

"You have this magnetic allure. I find myself drawn to you in ways I can't quite explain." His tone if filled with mischievous amusement. "Where should the next step of our adventure take us? Say the word, and I'll take us there."

He words invite Seo-ah to embrace the unknown, step into adventure, and create unforgettable memories together.

"It's been a year," Nadia began, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "I started off working in the PIT, but I'm glad I finally got assigned to the VIP venues and lodges." She glanced around the upscale setting with a sense of accomplishment.

Selvie chimed in, her curiosity piqued. "What's it like in the PIT?" she asked, intrigued by Nadia's journey.

Nadia's eyes sparkled with amusement as she responded. "Lot of testosterone and sweat. Most bartenders and waitresses start off in the more humble venues or even the creepier levels to train and refine their skills. It's like a rite of passage there. It's hard to get your ticket to the VIP area," Tav knows that working in the VIP area is the highest paid role for staff, short of been an escort.

Nadia couldn't help but notice the beads of sweat trickling down Tav's body and smirked knowingly. "It's definitely more interesting here," she continued, her gaze flicking back to Selvie and Tav. "The crowd is way more refined than what I experienced in the fighting pits."

Tav listens with interest as Nadia regales them with her experiences so far at El Labyrinth, sipping her excellently prepared sazerac, with the slight bite of the wormwood on the rim of the glass. She glances to the lovely bartender, as Nadia's eyes again wander down Tav's exposed torso and abdomen. Tav smiles as their eyes meet for a moment. "I don't mind the perspiration for the right causes, but please hold the testosterone from any of my engagements."

Tavisha once more wraps one arm another Selvie and takes another sip. "We're glad you are up here in the VIP now, Nadia."

Oblivious to the daggers being thrown at his back Connor leans forward and whispers in Naomi,'s ear, "I know just what I want to try with you." Letting them innuendo dangle he brushes her athletic waist with a couple fingers and goes to the bartender, who seems to be occupied with Tav.

"Hey lil sis, I burnt a power lead in the kit. Help me fix it next week?" He nods to Nadia, and says, "Two espresso martinis but with single malt scotch, no rush."

He eyes Selvie. "What the fuck are you wearing? I need to send the designer a gift basket. Was that you on the monitors? I was wondering who was stealing my spotlight. Where did you find this devilish angel, Tav?" He looks back at Naomi and freezes seeing Anika behind her.

Quietly he says to Tav, "Anika is here. She looks mad. It was something I did, wasn't it?"

Nadia returns Tavisha's smile, her gaze lingering on Tav's exposed skin for a moment longer before meeting her eyes. With a subtle bite of her lower lip, she decides to loosen her long hair and untie them between two orders, a deliberate move to enhance her allure."Thank you Tavisha," Nadia says warmly, her tone genuine. "It's definitely a welcome change of scenery from the lower levels. The energy up here is... intoxicating."

Nadia is turning her attention to Connor's order, she nods. "Two espresso martinis with single malt scotch coming right up," she confirms, her tone friendly and accommodating. As she prepares the drinks, she keeps an eye on Tav's exposed body.

Once the drinks are prepared to perfection, she places them on the bar with a flourish, sliding them over to Connor with a friendly smile. "Here you go, let me know if you need anything else Connor. " she says cheerfully before returning her attention on Tav between orders from other VIPs.

As Connor mentions her outfit and her performance, Selvie's grin widens. "Guilty as charged," she admits, her tone filled with pride. "But hey, I'd say there's room for more than one star in this galaxy, don't you think?"

Anika's eyes narrow with icy intensity as she fixates on Connor, her expression veiled in a mixture of jealousy and anger. Her gaze pierces through the crowd, honing in because of Connor's interactions with the alluring Naomi. Meanwhile, the tennis star remains oblivious to Anika's presence, her attention solely focused on Connor as she gazes at him unaware of the brewing Anika in the background. Naomi waits with anticipation, silently beckoning Connor to return to her web.

Tav closes to Connor as he approaches, gives him a hug, and kiss on the cheek. She returns to him quietly, "Anika? Old girl of yours? Maybe she's jealous. You are hitting on that Naomi chick pretty obviously." She returns to Selvie and Nadia with their conversation. "Connor, this is Selvie, my muse, and close companion. Sure thing. I'll check on your rig when we have some downtime in the next couple days."

Tavisha smiles at Nadia, as she notices the attractive bartender's long pink hair now loosely framing her face. She looks to Selvie and they share and knowing glance. She waits her turn and then steps back up to the bar and leans in slightly. "You should join us when you get a break, Nadia. Selvie and I will be getting more comfortable with each other over in the more private alcoves of the VIP. If you'd like of course?" Tav places her empty glass on the bar in front of Nadia and taps the rim. "I'll have another, please."

Tav accepts the cell from Nadia's hand and quickly glides her digits into the contact field. She calls herself on Nadia's phone to get the bartender's number and turns privately for a moment to add a quick (and naughty) selfie flashing her naked breasts. Innocently, Tav turns and hands Nadia back her cell. "Three isn't that late for us..we'll talk later."

Returning her attention to Selvie with fresh drinks in hand, Tav guides them toward one of the alcoves not currently occupied.

Connor thanks Nadia and smiles warmly at Selvie before leaving Tav for Naomi.

Her gives her the espresso martini. "An espresso martini but with single malt scotch. Enough contradictory chemicals to keep the body buzzing!" He tries not to look at Anika, but can't help but see her distress. He says to Naomi, "There is an old friend of mine here. She's jealous of you I think. I can't think why. If anyone should be envious it's of me for taking with you "

At first, Max is shocked by Seo-ah's sudden movement, his heart racing with a mixture of surprise and excitement. He feels the warmth of her breath against his lips, the anticipation palpable in the charged air between them. As Seo-ah's lips hover just inches away, Max's gaze locks with hers, a silent question passing between them.

In that suspended moment, Max's mind races with a whirlwind of emotions and desires. He feels the subtle pressure of Seo-ah's thighs against his hips, her touch both gentle and firm, pulling him closer in an intimate embrace. The hunger in her kiss ignites a primal response within him. Max meets her kiss with equal fervor. His hands move to embrace her, exploring her curves, holding her close. He hadn't expected such a passionate display in a public place, but he doesn't hold back.

After surrendering to the intensity of her embrace, when they come apart, his senses are engulfed in the taste, touch, and scent of Seo-ah. He looks toward the closed curtain, wondering if anyone can see within, but not really caring.

He finds his hands moving over her body, exploring, hungry, almost desperate, and his lips find the bare skin of her neck just below her ear, the place where the high collar of her dress stops. He whispers into her ear.

"Your touch is electric, Seo-ah. I'm afraid I'm completely under your spell... but say the word, and I'll behave." His lips brush her earlobe as his hands move to dangerous places, threatening to escalate their encounter if she doesn't stop him. He has no issue with public sex, but he doesn't know how far she's willing to take their little tryst, at least in a public place. Still, he pushes her limits, curious where she'll stop him, or if she'll stop him.

With a sigh of satisfaction, Tav settles onto a large overstuffed velvet couch large enough to easily accommodate four or five for an intimate conversation or more. She places her drink on a small table just off the side of the couch and playfully reaches out and grasps onto Selvie's sides, just below the waist. She gently takes the glass from her girl's hand and sets it on the table beside her own. Then, pulls lovely pink-haired model into her lap. Tav kisses Selvie's neck, just below an ear and whispers softly, "The night's festivities are only heating up, Love and I need some quality Selvie time..."

Anika is so beautiful, and being close to her, it's like she's the half he didn't know he was missing. Once he knew who she was, it all made sense: Nexus some her light to make his so bright, so she was literally a part of him.

Naomi was everything he looked for in a woman. Strong, confident, gorgeous and accomplished. The allure of the high flying world of international tennis was a dream made manifest.

Connor's anguish at whether to go see Anika or play loyal to Naomi is cut short by the telepathic call.

Am I muted? Haha, sorry, Zoom joke. If everyone had a little space and can at least listen, I'll monologue what's happened in the last few days, and it concerns it all. But first, thank you all for coming to my show. I know you all know how important you are to me, and seeing you here fills my heart with joy

Seo-ah, you're so... fuck... what the...? Charlie? Bad timing, my man.

Max's hands stop. He looks up at Seo-ah, still straddling him. He has to calm himself. No need to send stray thoughts to his friends.

'sup Connor? What's so important you guys gotta push into my brain pan? More importantly, you hitting that tennis star or what?

Connor smiles and touches Naomi on the back. "Cats got your tongue? Cheers!" He clinks martini glasses with her, then says, "I'll be right back."

He approaches Anika.

Anika is here, from Nexus, here in this room, and I saw Miriam earlier today. I think they're working together, and for Nexus. Also, Steven's office thinks they caught me using magic, and sent Steven to investigate me further.

"Anika, you ran out on me. Did I scare you as much as that? I saw Miriam today too. I hope you're free of that place. I hope I can see you again."

He remembers that morning, her casual remark about Miriam as she fled the apartment with his jaw on the floor. Now here she was, and his heart was pounding.

'Charlie? Connor?...Max? Ummm what the fuck, guys? I'm busy getting busy. Glad my mind can easily compartmentalize.'

Tav kisses Selvie passionately, as her hands caress over her girl's amazing body. No one would ever describe Tavisha as shy or reserved in her element and the two of them are of a like mind when it comes to their show of affection for each other and the chosen few they share their intimacies with. Tav playfully unpeels one of Selvie's soft and inviting shoulders from her latex and leather sheaf and moves her kisses there to anoint the revealed skin.

'Anika? Miriam? I barely even remember those names... This Steven guy—is he someone special I should remember too?'

I agree with Tav, unless this is urgent, I have things that need tending to...

Max returns his attention to Seo-ah, his lips and hands pushing the limits of what's acceptable in a public space... but they're behind a velvet curtain, so maybe he can...

wait, did you say Anika? Hot little number? Does something with dark, kinda opposite what you do? We... worked together once. She's not one to mess with. Watch out for her.

Naomi discreetly observes Anika from the corner of her eyes before returning her attention to Connor, a playful grin dancing on her lips. "Seems like more than an old friend judging by her expression," she remarks, her tone laced with confidence and a hint of arrogance. Despite her nonchalant demeanor, Naomi exudes an aura of strength, confidence, and undeniable beauty.

With a subtle yet pointed comment, Naomi asserts her worth, making it clear that she won't tolerate being second to anyone, especially not in a guy's affections. "Look, I don't really care about your girlfriends, but if your mind is somewhere else, maybe you're wasting my time," she adds, her voice carrying a note of certainty.

The tall athlete is taken aback when Connor abruptly leaves her side to pursue another woman, a rare occurrence for someone accustomed to being the center of attention.

Meanwhile, Anika's frustration is palpable as she confronts Connor, her foreign Russian accent adding an edge to her words. "I had somewhere to be, and your place is too bright," she states, her voice carrying a hint of annoyance. Her gaze flickers to Naomi before returning to Connor, her expression challenging. The two women send each other daggers through their eyes. " What are you doing with this... enormous woman? "

"Miriam... I didn't know she was in NYC when i brought it up last night," Anika explains. "I'm not working with her if that's what you're asking. You're seeing me now. Why do you want to see me again?" Her words carry a sense of confusion, tinged with a hint of frustration.

The thought of reaching into her mind and seeing if he could make Seo-ah dance for him occurs to Max, but he dismisses without ever really seriously considering it. What was wrong with him? That would have been a shitty thing to do. But old Max would have done it and laughed about it. Something was off. Something in him had changed, although he wasn't sure what it was. Did it have to do with seeing Tammy Lynn or the way she'd dismissed him so thoroughly? Was it all that droning on by that annoying guy in jail? Was he growing a conscience?

He shook those thoughts off, and also tried to ignore his friends voices in his head. He focused solely on Seo-ah. She had chosen to be with him. He hadn't needed to push her mind. He'd forgotten what that was like. He'd forgotten what it felt like to share genuine attraction with someone else. He decided to slow down with Seo-ah. His hands moved to more suitable locations on her body, still intimate in his touch, but he stopped trying to find her limits. His kisses, though still passionate, became more subdued, more reasonable for a location where anyone could walk in on them at any moment.

"Your passion is like wildfire." He takes a moment to look up at her beauty, flashing his lop-sided smile. "But we should slow down before it consumes us. I want to savor every moment, every word, every touch."

He reaches for the drinks they set down earlier and hands hers to Seo-ah, then takes a sip of his own, his eyes again studying her over the rim of his glass. She was an enigma, strong, obviously in control of herself, but still losing herself to the moment, climbing atop him. He wasn't used to women acting like this unless he'd pushed her mind.

"I haven't felt chemistry like this in a long time." He sets his drink back down and holds her gaze. What would she say? What would she do? She made him curious.

He grins at her. "I missed you. I didn't tell you that last night, Anika, but when you're near me I feel. .." he laughs and ruins a hair through his carefully styled hair, but doesn't finish the sentence.

He looks back at the tennis star.. "That's Naomi. Shes an international tennis star. She's beautiful isn't she. Confident, powerful, accomplished." He looks back at Anika. "Shree doesn't even hold a candle to you." He looks at her closely. "She's not where my music comes from."

good luck with danger lass, he thinks to Charlie, wondering if he'll get it or if it will make it to Connor.

"I'll join you anywhere you go," he says to Seo-ah. A high-end hotel is likely, given the sophistication and bearing of the woman smiling at him. There are few things better than staying in an expensive room at an expensive hotel, and one of them is sharing said room with an attractive woman.

There is no hesitation as Max unlocks his phone with his face and passes it to Seo-ah. It's the latest model, still shiny and new with all the default apps in the default positions as if he just bought it and hasn't even taken the time to personalize it yet... because that's exactly what happened.

He grins at the mischievous glint in her eyes. "Why don't you call yourself from my phone so you have my number, too. Then you can ring and let me know when you're ready."

He likes her style. She's in charge, and he's totally cool with that. It would be a nice change of pace.

"Until later," he says with a glint in his eye.

Max watches her go with an appreciative gaze. Once she outside the red curtains he sits back and sips his drink. He wonders if she only came to the club to find a guy for the night, and expects that with a woman like her, that's almost definitely what this is. A one-night fling with a younger guy, if she still feels up to it when she gets back to her hotel. She might not even call. He'd done that enough times to know, string a girl along, promise to call, then something better comes along. He was hoping there wasn't something better, but he hadn't pushed her mind, so anything could happen. If it did, no big deal. He could find someone else.

Still... there had been something about her. Nah, he thinks to himself. I'm just getting soft. That guy must have really got inside my head. My game's all off.

He gets up and slides the curtain open, peering around the VIP lounge, looking for another woman to chat up in case Seo-ah decides not to call. He has to get his game back on. He's out of practice, and he doesn't want to go back to MacKenzie's unless he has to. Seo-ah would be his preference, but... you couldn't count on other people to do what they said unless you made him, at least in his experience.

Still, he might have a bed waiting for him tonight, and he hadn't even had to invade Seo-ah's mind. Maybe things were looking up for him. Maybe he wouldn't need to use his abilities.

Connor nearly flares a burning hue with her words, decides jealousy looks good on her. Everything does, really. Max's words echo in his head -- She's not one to mess with. Watch out for her.

"I'm glad you feel that way Anika." He reaches out and touches her hair barely moving it away from her shoulder as he looks into her dark eyes. "Are you ready for me? We'll clash hard you know, but I can promise you it will be full of passion."

He looks back at Naomi and decides instantly. No, he'd already decided when he came over here. Maybe he was a fool, he knew this could be a trap, but damn if Anika was bait, the bait was irresistible. "I'll tell her to find someone else. I'm taken."

Connor watches her leave, eyes drinking in every movement. His lips tingle from the kiss, his body alive from head to toe. He slams back the espresso drink and walks back to Naomi.

"Sorry about that. You deserve to be the center of attention in every room. You're welcome to kiss me then slap me and leave me regretting I was ever born for not picking you." His words are kind and playful, but he's not thinking of her, and she likely knows it.

Connor loves passion in a woman, and regrets having to make such a choice. He goes back to the bartender, Nadia and fetches a couple of champagnes, and then whimsically asks to have them with cherries.

Max, feeling a hint of unsecurity, keeps an eye out for potential company should Seo-ah fail to reach out within the hour.

Meanwhile, in their secluded nook, Tav and Selvie revel in each other's company, laughter and affection filling the air.

Marcel exits the venue in the company of two talented musicians from a local band, their laughter echoing into the venue as they depart.

Naomi finds herself instantly besieged by a throng of affluent suitors, each vying for her attention with offers of wealth and charm, far surpassing Connor's presence.

Over at the bar, Tony engages in lively conversation with Nadia who engaged him in conversations since he was alone, their rapport flowing effortlessly amid the bustling ambiance.

Meanwhile, Connor waits patiently, his gaze fixed on the archway that lead to the nearest restrooms, two glasses of champagne sitting untouched before him. It's been fifteen minutes since Anika left, leaving him to wonder about her whereabouts.

Connor downs the first champagne after five minutes, then the second after ten. He chats amiably with those around him, but then it occurs to him that if she isn't with Nexus, maybe they're after her too. It's a paranoid thought, but a real one in his mind.

Confident, the man of the hour if you will, he strides to the ladies restroom where he saw her go. Pushing the door open, he enters that unfamiliar ground. "Anika?"

Connor strides down the corridor branching off from the main venue, passing four doors along the way. One leads to the women's restroom, another to the men's, the third to the stairs, and the last to the staff area. Despite the no-smoking policy, a couple of punks linger in the corridor, puffing on joints with nonchalant disregard.

Disregarding societal norms, Connor boldly enters the ladies' restroom. Immediately, he notices several disconcerting sights. Anika's bag lies discarded on the floor, its contents scattered haphazardly around it—makeup, a phone, and various other feminine accouterments. A single black shoe, possibly Anika's, sits abandoned nearby, but Connor's attention is usually fixated elsewhere. Lastly, he spots an unfamiliar young woman sprawled unconscious on the floor, her long black hair splayed around her. Her dress is disheveled, as if there were signs of a struggle. She appears to be of Asian descent, but her identity remains a mystery to him.

Upon closer inspection of the floor, fresh drops of blood come into view.

No trace of Anika...

He blinks. And blinks again. What happened? He's seen shapeshifting, so he checks if the Asian woman is missing a shoe. Are we still linked? Anika has been kidnapped from the ladies room. There's blood. Max, I need your mind magic. There's a witness. Please hurry!

He panicking. Anika! He feels pulled apart. His heart has stopped. He's floating in a void of despair. The light reflecting off of him dims as he subconsciously absorbs power, his features as if in shadow. Focus.

He pulls out his phone, recording what he's seeing.

Connor swiftly captures the scene with his phone, ensuring to document every detail meticulously—the scattered objects on the floor, the black solitary shoe lying abandoned, the blood, and the unconscious victim.

As he surveys the area, a sinking feeling settles in his gut. Both shoes belonging to the victim are accounted for, indicating that the abandoned shoe likely belongs to Anika. It's a chilling realization, heightening the urgency of the situation.

Unconscious is never a good sign, but does the girl look like she's in dire need of medical attention? He doesn't really know how to answer his own question

While he's hyperfocussed on Anika, and waiting for his friends to respond, he leaves the bathroom and starts checking the other doors in the hallway. Maybe blood drops will lead the way. Yeah, right, what am I, a bloodhound?

Max has just picked through Naomi's mind to find her favorite drink and the song she most wants to hear, then looked it up on his phone to find quotable lyrics. He was right behind some blowhard trust fund rich dude talking about taking Naomi out on his boat and rolled his eyes when the guy said come out on my boat for the eighth time. He was about to make his move, had the perfect opening to use the line from the song, when he heard Connor in his mind.

Dammit.

He reaches past boat boy and pushes the drink at Naomi. When she takes it, he searches the guy's mind and laughs when he finds out the one fear he has about the boat, he laughs out loud. It ruins his quote of the lyrics.

"I don't wanna get in the way of your dreams or change who you want to be..." He forgets the rest of the lyrics and shrugs, then grins, all confidence, but also knowing he's giving up. He doesn't really have a chance with her anyway. He jerks his thumb toward the guy who's about to say something about being interrupted. "It's his dad's boat."

Then he turns and heads toward the hallway to the restrooms. He bumps into Connor coming out of the bathroom, clearly searching for something.

"What can I do?" He looks around, but he doesn't know what he's looking for.

As Max approaches Naomi with her favorite drink in hand, he notices her engrossed in conversation with the blowhard trust fund guy. Despite his efforts to engage her, she seems preoccupied with the man's persistent chatter about his boat and other superficial things.

Just as Max is about to interject with a clever line from the song he found, Connor's voice disrupts his thoughts, causing a momentary distraction. Regaining his focus, Max pushes the drink towards Naomi, trying to regain her attention. Eventually, Max has to give up to go help Connor.Connor stands still for a moment, his gaze scanning the dimly lit corridor for any signs of blood. Finding none, he shifts his attention to the adjacent doors, noting their potential significance. One leads to the men's restroom, another to the stairwell entrance, and the last to a staff-only area. Just as he's about to make a decision on his next move, he's startled by the sudden appearance of Max in the corridor.

Connor is headed to the stairwell when Max appears. "There is a girl in that bathroom, unconscious. Can you scan her mind and find out what she saw?" He leads Max back in, and starts collecting Anika's stuff, even her shoe.

"See the blood? Something happened. Maybe Anika took her down in the fight. " His mind is desperate for answers, but he knows that he knows nothing.

"If she was conscious, I could convince her to tell me what she saw, what happened, but I can’t really go digging around for stuff inside her head."

Max shrugs. "You sure you want to find Anika? She’s trouble, man."

Connor is tempted to wake her, splash water in her face, but is that dangerous? He doesn't know.

"My brother, she is exactly the kind of trouble I need. I--" he stops, sifting through his feelings. "I owe her big for what happened in Nexus. It's more than that but that is enough."

He nods to Connor. "That's all I need to know. I'll help in any way I can."

He opens the door to the ladies room, ready to head inside. "Just in case, it's probably better for you to not be hovering over the unconscious woman in the ladies room? You have a good reputation, me...?" He shrugs. "You know what everyone thinks about me. This will just seem like I'm more of a creep than everyone already thinks I am."

He heads into the barthroom, looks at the unconscious woman. He gives her body and face an appraising look. Not bad. If he doesn't hear from Seo-ah, maybe she'll decide she likes her rescuer... nope. Stop it. You're working.

He runs some water from the sink, fills his hand, splashing it toward the girls face. Yeah, her rescuer, he thinks, imagining how ridiculous that prospect is when he's standing over her tossing water at her face.

Very much involved with Selvie during these latest developments, Tav continues her makeout session in the comfort of the private booth tucked away in the back corner of the VIP room. She has pushed out the telepathic interference so she can focus on her girl. Her priority is to give attention to Selvie and keep her safe during their outing to The Electric Labyrinth this evening.

Read this for a refresh on rolling dice!

Connor keeps an eye out, standing casually in the hallway. His ears strain for the sounds of screams or struggles, but all he can hear is the music from the party. He checks his phone again and again.

Charlie had asked him some questions but he was becoming more distracted. He had mumbled something he was sure. Panic was riding. Why does she mean so much to me?

His mind flashes to Miriam in the coffee shop. His fists clench. He doesn't know for sure she had anything to do with it, but her betrayals were already stacked deep.

In the corridor, Connor notices two white women in their 30s wearing short dresses, their faces flushed and their steps unsteady as they zigzag towards the ladies' room. As they approach, he realizes he's blocking their path. It's no surprise that someone has finally emerged from the venue to relieve themselves after indulging in their fair share of alcohol.

Max hesitates but shrugs. " I hope you know what you doing, will keep watch with Connor outside. "

Connor sees the girls and says, loud enough to be heard in the bathroom. "Ladies, you're not leaving my party are you? Come back, let me get you a drink and you can tell me about yourselves."

He approaches them all smiles, and puts his arms around their shoulders, escorting them back to the party. "How about we play a game? Truth or Dare. Which one of you wants to go first?""

He lays on the charm and wants to get them to the party only long enough for Max and Tony to get clear of the bathroom.

As Connor leads the girls back to the party, their hesitant expressions soften under his charm. They exchange glances, seemingly intrigued by the idea of playing Truth or Dare with the star of the party.

One of the girls, a brunette with a mischievous glint in her eye, speaks up first. "I'll go first," she says, her voice tinged with excitement.

Connor grins, his plan falling into place perfectly. "Excellent choice," he replies, gesturing for her to continue.

With a playful smirk, the brunette leans in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Truth or dare, Connor?"

Connor chuckles, feeling the thrill of the game coursing through him. "Truth," he declares confidently, curious to see what she'll ask.

The brunette's eyes sparkle with mischief as she leans even closer, her lips brushing against his ear. "Is it true that you have a secret crush on someone at this party?" she whispers, her tone teasing.

Meanwhile, a drunk guy gets out of the ladies's room starting a commotion.

As Charlie staggers out of the bathroom, his transformation complete, he quickly attracts the attention of the nearest employee—a burly security guard stationed near the entrance to the venue. The guard eyes the man warily, clearly skeptical of his drunken act, but Charlie's urgency seems to pique his interest.

"What's going on?" the guard demands, taking a step closer to Charlie.

Charlie feigns a stumble, his voice slurred as he gestures back towards the bathroom. "There's a woman in there," he insists, his tone urgent. "She's on the ground, I think she's hurt. You need to go help her!"

The guard hesitates for a moment, exchanging a look with his colleague nearby, before nodding decisively. "Alright, show me," he orders, gesturing for Charlie to lead the way.

Charlie nods, feigning gratitude as he leads the guard back toward the ladies' bathroom, without much hesitation or trying to get an explanation as to why the man was in the ladies' room, he gets inside and notices the woman on the floor. " Oh shit, emergency in the VIP women's toilet. One lady is unconscious and needs a first responder team asap. Probably another overdose, bring the kit." He said in his radio.

"A secret crush? Oh my yes, sort of. I just met her, so who knows where it goes. I'm keen on finding out more, find out what she looks like when she's sleeping." He winks at them. "Your turn," he says to the other one. "Truth or dare."

When the commotion comes about, he interupts himself. "Oh no, an overdose? Sorry, I better go find out what that about. Nice to meet you both. "

He goes over to Charlie, helping them man stand. "Are you alright? Was it bad?" he asks, a little loudly for the benefit of the people nearby. "You better have a seat over here by the bar."

In their little bit of paradise, semi-hidden in the back corner of the small VIP room, Tav and Selvie momentarily untangle, do another line of coke, and finish off their previously sidelined drinks. Taking the opportunity, Tavisha checks within her small fashionable packpack and retrieves her burner phone. She quickly notes the time, then thumb and swipes through the messages and missed calls. She sighs and stuffs the cell back into her pack and pats the hidden compartment in the bottom to assure herself that her licensed pistol is still secure there, along with her NYC pistol carry license, in case it is found or detected even with her ability to hide or mask its presence to security and scanning devices.

Shrugging on enough of their garments to keep security and the cry babies off their asses—heavens only knows how those people got into the VIP of El Labyrnith's exclusive VIP room anyway in an intimate gathering of 200—the two of them wound their way back to the bar, trying to avoid said annoying, close-minded pricks, to check in with Nadia and get refills.

"Hello again, sexy." Tav greets their bartender. "We'll have another round while we wait for 3am..."

Connor strangles a beer.

"She's one of us. I want to get her back. But more than that. She said that she wasn't working with Miriam, so maybe we're being hunted. Anyone want that hanging over our heads?"

The mood shifts as Nadia leaves, and Jack enters. Connor can't help but smile. He's a sucker for strong women, and Jack had always been there, looking after them. She's not at all supportive of Connor's choices, but no one is perfect. He waves.

"Hey!" Jack says, exchanging glances with everyone, perhaps almost surprised that everyone seems okay and calm. She wasn't sure what to expect after Jennifer's text. She's almost dressed for the afterparty thing, or VIP room, or whatever this was. A clinging little black dress that doesn't really seem like something she'd wear under most circumstances, and... a pair of high-top sneakers. Chuck Taylors, a classic, just not such a great pairing with an LBD.

"How's everyone doin'?" she asks, making eye contract with each of them -- Charlie, Conner, Max, and Tav. Noting the commotion near the restrooms, she leans in closer, lowering her voice. "Everything okay?"

The irritation is immediately evident as Tav shakes her head with Nadia's departure for the rest room. She puts her hand in Selvie's and turns back for their spot in the intimate booth to gather the rest of their things. She turns, as they walk away, noticing the abrupt arrival of Jack. "I hope everything works out and this Anika person is found safe, but my priority is right here by my side at the moment and I'm not going to risk Selvie's safety. Good Evening to you all." Tav and Selvie vanish into the back of the VIP.

Connor watches Tav head off with her girlfriend. He looks at Jack and then back at Tav and shakes his head. Those two had a certain friction that often left him feeling he needed to be a mediator.

With Nadia and Selvie gone, he knows her can talk free-er. "I've had two run-ins from the Nexus in the last 30 hours. The first was Anika, a girl who was horribly abused by the scientist Miriam Montagne in the experiments that created whatever I am. She stayed with me part of last night before she told me who she really was, and fled."

His eyes lose focus, reliving the horror of childhood. "Then I ran into the very same Miriam at a coffee shop right near my new apartment. We spoke, and I got the impression she was still working for Nexus."

Her drinks a swallow from his beer. "Anika cane here tonight. She wants to be with me, but then went to the bathroom, just over there. She was kidnapped from there by two tattooed men with tasers I guess. I need to get her back, but I'm terrible at sleuthing."

"Jack." Max's greeting is perfunctory. He likes Jack, but... seeing Jack makes him think of Jennifer, and thinking of Jennifer makes him think of all the things he let slip through his fingers. All the things he pretends he doesn't miss or desperately want back.

He kicks back the end of his drink and circles around the end of the bar. He grabs a pilsner glass and puts it to a tap, filling it with beer he doesn't even look at, then comes back around the bar drinking it.

"I met Anika once before," he says to Connor. "She knew everybody we knew, said she needed help on a job. All I had to do was convince some security guards we needed to be in a place, then convince them they wanted to delete the footage. I don't know what she did, but it was over pretty quick. She didn't want to talk to me, so I never asked more. Whoever hired her paid me, so I guess..." he shrugs.

"I never met anyone but her. Just assumed she was one of us. Right age, knew all the right people. My gut tells me she's trouble, or maybe it's these people after her. Either way, I wouldn't risk my skin, 'cept you asked, so I'm in."

There's plenty of music playing, providing cover for the group to speak without much risk of bystanders or surveillance overhearing their conversation. However, as the old professor often warned, anything is possible.

A strong whatever expression marks Jack's face when Tav's girlfriend pointedly and frostily ignores her arrival and greeting, but Tav's immediate departure disappoints the woman. Leaning in close to the others to be heard over the music, she offers more personal hellos to each of them. Light perspiration covers the woman's dark skin; she got to the Labyrinth incredibly quickly, crossing town like only she can, with a combination of jaw-dropping rooftop free-running and riding the tops of box trucks and elevated trains. There were few places in the city Jack couldn't be first to... unless she was racing Jennifer. Bitch could fly.

Jack is at the club for a serious reason -- Jennifer's message was troubling -- but she can't help but flash a bit of that million dollar smile at Conner as she claps him on the shoulder. "Shit. These people all came for you tonight? Looks like I owe you lunch or something. This is the big time! Congrats, Conner!"

Her relationship with Max has been a more strained one at times, but he's still one of the pack and it's good to see him. "Max," she says with a nod, "looking sharp always, good to see you, man." Seeing him makes her think of Tammy Lynn; she's due for a check-in.

Just before Conner starts to explain the situation, the woman hears Charlie's voice in her head, and that makes her smile a little too. This is like the old days. I thought that was you, Charlie, all incognito. Smart. But you were always smart, C. Embracing the man in a quick but warm hug, saying, "Good to see you too," she steps back, straightens the high-tension spaghetti straps of her dress and turns her attention to the matter at hand.

Cooper's eyebrows go up at the mention of Anika Kessler, and up higher when Conner says he saw Dr. Montagne. She mouths the word fuck after the man says he thinks Miriam was still working for Nexus, and draws a deep breath before she responds. Her dress would make it quite a distracting breath in any other circumstance, but this news has the group on edge. Shit's going down, and the mention of the kidnapping is the icing on the cake. She did remember Anika, but she was just a kid. One of the ones Jack wasn't able to get to safety that day.

The woman's eyes go to the commotion at the restrooms as she speaks. "Alright, alright. Wow. That's -- that's a lot. Agreed, Conner, we need to help her." She gives Charlie/Tony a quick head shake when he mentally asks if any of them know more about Anika's situation, then looks at Max. "She tell you more, when you ran into her before? You should have said something then, Max. We cross paths with anyone we all knew from those days? We all need to know about it."

Another head-clearing breath and the woman gets into gear. "Alright, let's not just stand around here talking about it, they're on the move. Jennifer's tied up with work, but we need to get her informed as well, and see if there's some sign of where they took Anika." Looking into the passage that Selvie and Tav vanished into, Jack adds, "someone go drag Tav back out here, she if she's sober enough to hitch into the building's surveillance system. The cameras might have caught the getaway, right?"

Gathering up their things left behind momentarily for the casual jaunt to the bar, which was rudely interrupted, Tav looks at Selvie and leans in for quick kiss and to whisper in her ear, "Trust me, Love? Hold onto my hand and don't let go until I say. Were bouncing this scene and moving to another location." Tavisha takes her girl's hand and they make a circuit around the VIP venue to the emergency exit, with the two of them connected through Tav's invisibility augment. She opens the door as her mind reaches out to silence the alarm and surveillance on the door.

Instead of taking the emergency stairs, Tav leads Selvie a short distance down the back corridor and up a short flight of stairs to re-enter the Labyrnith. They move together to just outside the view of the velvet ropes and guards of Moonrise and wait until the coast is clear, before Tav breaks their invisibility connection and sighs heavily. "Okay, now." She releases her touch of Selvie's hand for a moment and approaches the musclebound doorman, who easily recognizes them both from their many nights of patronage at the Electric Labyrnith. "Evening, Tovarisch." Tav greets him with her natural Russian accent. "A cozy booth for two plus, pozhaluysta? Our usual..."

Everything worked as intended, but Tav noticed that the emergencies door alarm of the stairs are all disabled on the VIP floor where Connor and the others are. This is not normal.

Addendum: Quick text to Charlie.

Tav:	Emergency exit alarms were disabled. Connor's package likely transported through.

Glancing down at Not-Quite-Charlie's phone as the music continues to thump in the background, Jack nods. "Is she coming back? We're going to need her skills, and none of us should be alone with Nexus hunting around. Especially drunk or high."

There aren't many emergency doors leading to the stairs, so it's plausible to assume that the kidnapers escaped through the one near the ladies' room. Otherwise, Connor would have spotted them exiting the corridor into the venue.

Since Anika left for the toilet, it's been approximatively 30 minutes, considering how long Connor was waiting and everything that had transpired since they found the unconscious woman.

Apart from the deactivated emergency door alarms that lead to the stairs, the party currently has no other leads except attempting to access the security cameras. There's one in the corridor, so unless it was tampered with, it should have spotted the villains.

The stairs lead in both directions, offering access both upward and downward if someone peak behind the door.

What are the augments are doing from there?

"Fuck this is taking too long. I'm going looking. Those stairs and just hope we find another shoe, or someone who saw something. Come on."

With our without the others, he'll go through the doors into the stairs and look for clues.

He feels his powers bubbling under his skin, like a mirror ball sending tingling stabs of light.

"Down and out seems most likely," Max says as Connor rushes into the stairwell. "You guys go down, I'll head up. I'm the least helpful in a fight."

With a nod and a smile of visible familiarity of Tav and Selvie, the impeccably dressed and muscular doorman, Mikhail tapped his earbud and unlatched the velvet cord blocking the entrance at his checkpoint into Moonrise. He announced the admission of the two women through his comm and issued them in with a, "Have a good evening ladies. Enjoy..."

A few steps into the immersive sounds and sights of exclusive exotic dance emporium, the duo are engaged with one of the house's hostesses, Sasha, a slender brunette with white highlights in her forelocks and wearing a short black dress. She motions for them to follow and seats them in Tav's requested favorite booth, before leaving them to their own devices until one of the waitresses swings by.

The booth, a cozy half-moon affair with a padded wall, a small table, and enough room on the curving overstuffed seat to accommodate four if needed, had a clear and close view of one of the club's small intimate, full moon shaped stages.

Tav and Selvie seated themselves and settled in close to each other for a moment to breathe and continue enjoying their big night out together.

Jack nods at first Conner, who takes off, and then Max. "Don’t worry — I got that part covered if it comes to that!" Then, a split second before she tears after Con, catching up to him in a matter of heartbeats, the dark-skinned woman gives the man she’s had differences with over the years a sincere look. "Be careful up there. You find something and need help, call out. Cool?"

And with that, she’s gone.

Max just nods to Jack, then as she speeds away, he says under his breath, "Roger that, Captain Jack. I ain't playing hero. The lot of you should know that by now."

Then he starts up the stairs, climbing at a normal pace. No need to get out of breath. They wouldn't have been dumb enough to go up. He's just being thorough. Still, he pays attention, looking for anything that might be a clue as he goes up, checking the door at each landing, searching for cameras they might be able to get Tav to check.

As if, he thinks to himself. Jesus, Tav, even I'm being a team player this time. Granted, I got a woman waiting in a hotel room, not hanging off my arm. Still... 'one of us' and all that happy bullshit.

Connor feels the very air try and follow Jack as she lets herself free. "They've got tasers," he calls after her. It's been too long, he knows, and so tries to look for clues -- drops of blood, discarded doodads, anything that could indicate where they took her. He decides to check mostly the doors at each level.

If they went up, they have a room here, or a ... Is there a helipad on the roof?

Basement B2 - Connor, Jack, Charlie

As Jack, Connor, and Charlie descended the stairs, tension hung heavy in the air, each step echoing off the concrete walls. The stairwell seemed to stretch endlessly downward, leaving them with nothing but their thoughts and the urgency of their mission.

Finally, at the B2 level, they stumbled upon a crucial clue. There, lying abandoned on the cold concrete floor, was an identical black female shoe to the one found in the ladies' room. Its presence confirming their suspicions that they were on the right track.

Jack's eyes narrowed as she examined the shoe, her mind racing with possibilities. Connor's jaw clenched in determination, his resolve strengthening with each passing moment. And Charlie, ever the voice of reason, took in the scene with a calm intensity, ready to assist however he could.

Their options became clear as they surveyed the surroundings. One door led to one of the multiple floor of The PIT - Arena and Fight Clubs, a place known for its underground activities and shady dealings. The other door opened to one of the many garages under the building, a potential escape route.

The stairs continues downward, leading deeper in the ground.

Level 12th - Max

Max's muscles burned with exertion as he ascended the stairs, each step a testament to his determination for his friends. The rhythmic sound of his footfalls echoed in the stairwell, a steady cadence that drove him ever upward.

Ten floors passed in a blur of exertion and until finally, something caught his eye. At this level, a pair of imposing figures stood guard in sleek, dark suits, their stern expressions a clear indication of their authority. They exuded an air of professionalism, unmistakably signaling that they were not to be trifled with.

As Max approached, one of the guards stepped forward, blocking his path with a firm stance. "Hey, buddy, this is a restricted area," he said, his voice authoritative yet tinged with a hint of suspicion. "Employees and security only. You shouldn't be here. What are you up to?"

Connor tests the door to the fight pits, but something tweaks his brain. "If they were staff of the fight pits, would they needed to disable the alarms, or would they just have passkeys? And what would they risk trying to grab a beautiful girl for? My gut tells me they went to the parking garage, but I'm not sure. What way?"

He's tired and losing hope, but has to see those through. He'll do all there routes of he has to.

"Have either of you been in the fighting pits? What kind of sport do they provide for the audience?"

Jack nods at Conner as she stoops to pick up the shoe. "Agree, Con. Parking garage or down further -- is there more parking down there?" she wonders, looking for signage in the stairwell. When he asks about the fighting pits, the woman's expression is harder to read.

"Once or twice. It'll be a madhouse in there if there are fights on. Place will be packed. Not a bad place to get lost in a crowd, but people would certainly spot two goons lugging a shoeless woman."

Looking at Charlie as well, she adds, "Why don't you two check the parking garage -- I'll go down further and see what I can find out. I'll double back if I come up empty."

Without waiting for an answer the woman bounds off -- literally, taking the stairs a half a flight at a time, leaping down from landing to landing, advancing six or ten steps at a time...

Tavisha holds Selvie's hand lovingly and returns her kiss openly. She shakes her head when her girl asks about the brief disruption in the VIP venue downstairs. "My orphan brothers are always up to something, Love. You should know that by now. I don't know what they expect me to do about a person that's gone missing...a person I honestly don't even remember from when I was five. It's a police matter if she's missing. They should inform Jen of it. That's her thing. Not mine." She leans in and gives Selvie a real kiss on the lips. "You are my priority and my friends need to remember and respect that."

Tav's response is cut short with the approach of their waitress, Luna. She gives the sultry woman a lingering unabashed look, then turns to her pink-haired girl. "Evening, Luna. I'll have a Cherry Saz. Chilled. Heavy on the absinthe rinse. Cognac and honey bourbon with a splash of black cherry liquor. Shaken. On the rocks. With a lime twist...and..another cocktail, Love?" She asks Selvie to confirm.

Basement B2 - Charlie, Connor

As the group approach the door leading to THE PIT area, the sound of a rioting crowd intensifies behind it. Therefore, as suggested by Jack they are not going in that direction.

Jack descends the stairwell with remarkable agility, effortlessly leaping over entire flights of stairs in a single bound. Her movements are fluid and precise, allowing her to navigate the stairs with unmatched speed and agility without even sweating.

Charlie and Connor navigate the expansive parking garage of the B2 level. The space is vast, with rows upon rows of cars stretching out in every direction. They move stealthily between the vehicles, scanning the area for any sign of Anika or her captors.

Among the maze of concrete pillars and walls, they know there are countless hiding spots where someone could easily conceal themselves. They know that deeper there's a security box with goons inside monitoring the exit.

Despite the challenges, Charlie and Connor press on, determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest to find Anika and bring her to safety. With each passing moment, the urgency of their mission weighs heavily on their minds as they continue their meticulous search through the labyrinthine parking garage.

As they hurriedly weave through the rows of parked cars, the sounds of their footsteps echoing off the concrete walls heighten the tension in the dimly lit parking garage. Each breath they take seems to echo louder than the last.

Suddenly, the piercing glare of headlights cuts through the shadows, illuminating Charlie and Connor in a blinding flash. The roar of an engine fills the air as a black Mercedes van hurtles towards them, its metal frame gleaming ominously in the harsh light. With adrenaline coursing through their veins, they must react fast enough to dodge the vehicle with deadly intent aiming straight for them.

Connor's eyes flash and he gathers himself, nearly ready to try and tear the van apart, but lacking the tools to do so. They must be on the right track!

Moonrise - Tav and Selvie

As Selvie waits for Luna to jot down Tavisha's intricate drink order, she smiles warmly and nods. "I'll have what she's having," she says, flashing Luna a playful grin.

Luna raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the detailed cocktail choice. "Coming right up," she replies before disappearing into the bustling crowd.

As they wait for their drinks, Selvie leans in, her voice barely audible over the din of the club. " About your adopted siblings... They are an handful, i hope they do care about you, Tav. "

" They ought to call the cops, but let's be real, the NYPD? I wouldn't trust them with a water gun, same for that Jennifer. "

Basement B10 - Jack

Jack hadn't anticipated the building delving this deep, especially since the public elevator didn't offer access to such depths. The Electric Labyrinth was already impressive with its twenty above-ground floors, but discovering there were ten more underground was mind-blowing, especially considering it was all for adult entertainment and clubs. Reaching the last accessible floor via the stairs, B10, she was met with two doors, behind which she could hear the hum of machinery.

Basement B2 - Charlie, Connor

Charlie is violently struck by the vehicle, sent flying through the air and crashing onto the hood of a parked car. A normal human would have broke, but he somehow survived. Meanwhile, Connor, with a feline instinct, manages to roll out of harm's way, avoiding the impact and only sustaining minor scratches as he hits the ground. The driver momentarily loses control of the van, colliding with the front of a parked car, which slows them down slightly. However, undeterred, the driver continues their reckless drive toward the exit.

"Gotta be the garage," Jack says to herself as she reaches the bottom. It's been a long way down, and there were a disheartening number of doors leading to other areas inside the Labyrinth. Adult areas... which was further disheartening for a variety of reasons, but really what it meant was that her chances of finding Anika if they came down this far were slim to none.

Checking the two doors on B10, if she finds boilers and HVAC equipment and other building systems, she'll just close them and bolt back up to give the boys a hand, moving as fast as she can.

Waiting until the last second, and rolling to the side, banging his head off the plastic bumper of a Range River Discovery, he just avoids getting pummeled but sees the driver served to get him and tagged a Buick. I thought they stopped making those? his busy brain interjects.

Charlie want so lucky and he scrambles over to his friend. "C-Man!" he calls out in answer, half admonishing the man. He looks over at the dark van, trying to memorize it. Suddenly, he wonders if Anika is in there.

He focuses his powers, his light spent so frivolously this evening, he tries to blind the driver. Not seeing the man directly he switches, hoping to melt the tires instead.

Connor concentrates, one quick sweeping burst across the back of the tires.

He channels his power, down through his body, focusing it in his fingers, letting it build, and then releasing from his index fingertip.

A beam of light erupts from Connor's hand, targeting the van's tire and causing it to explode with a loud bang. Despite the blowout, the driver manages to maintain control of the vehicle and speeds out of sight toward the exit of the parking level.

Meanwhile, Jack returns to the B2 parking lot, scanning the area anxiously in search of her companions. Spotting Connor and Charlie, she rushes over to them, her heart pounding with concern as she notices Charlie's injuries and the blood seeping from his mouth.

As soon as Charlie's thought comes through, Jack abandons the lower-level search and races back upstairs recklessly, as fast as she can and frankly faster than she should. She tears her dress and abraids her dark skin as she blasts through the door to the parking garage, and is at a full sprint when she puts eyes on Charlie and Conner. When they both gesture at the exit, the preposterously athletic woman nods, grimaces and pushes harder, giving it her all. She's breathtaking when she's moving like this, but catching a vehicle moving at top speed on an open road? She doesn't have the legs for that. Now -- intercepting a speeding van that has to navigate its way out of a big event center's parking lot that's full of turns, gates, and other cars? That's doable.

Jack lays eyes on the black vehicle the moment she gets outside, and seeing the sparks flying from its damaged wheel gives her hope. Quick mental calculations see her try to predict where it will try to make an exit onto the street. That becomes her interception point, her point of attack -- and off she goes, cutting across the parking lot, bounding over cars, racing between rows, forward-flipping as she leaps over fences and guardrails...

Connor watches, jaw agape, as Jack races out of the stairwell and tears after the van, hurdling the hood of a Jeep Commander to cut a corner.

"Shit, you see that? Come on, let's go after her. You can lean on me."

He chuckles. "Lean on me, When you're not strong, And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on... "

As the black van forces its way through the security gate, shattering the barrier in its haste, Jack bursts onto the scene with unmatched determination. Security guards, their gestures futile as they try to stop the reckless driver, are left dumbfounded as they witness the athletic black woman in a tiny dress swiftly weaving through their midst.

With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Jack races after the van, her senses sharp and her focus unwavering. The damaged tire and the van's struggles to navigate through the streets only fuel her resolve to intercept it before it can vanish into the night.

Bounding out of the parking garage, Jack's movements are a symphony of speed and agility as she dodges obstacles and maneuvers through the crowded streets. Her athleticism is on full display as she effortlessly leaps over barriers, sidesteps pedestrians, and zigzags between cars with precision.

As the traffic light ahead turns red at the corner of E 58th Street and Lexington Ave, the van's slow down. With a burst of energy, Jack closes the distance between herself and the van, her determination driving her forward. The black vehicle doesn't intend to stop there, the driver anticipating the trafic to go through the red light between the cars. She can see through the side windows of the Van two goons with tattoos that don't seem in a good mood.

Meanwhile, Charlie and Connor, barely had the time to arrive at the security gate, are met with disbelief from the guards, one is scramble to report the chaotic scene unfolding before them with the phone in the cabin. " What the fuck?!... Must be on drugs. " The second guard said out loud.Useful Links(NYC Players' map) (Van's location)

Max stops when he encounters the security guards and grins disarmingly, holding both hands up to show he means no harm.

"You guys see a girl come by here? Black dress, nice smile? She said she'd meet me in the stairwell and..." he looks between the two guards and lets a look of dawning realization creep over his face. Playing dumb comes naturally to him, it's just another tool in the 'talk your way out of any situation' toolbox. He lets his shoulders slump and shakes his head. "Aww, man. Did I get fooled again? You'd think I'd learn."

He turns and points down the stairs. "I'll just see myself back down."

As long as the guards don't follow, he starts the trek back down and thinks to Charlie, nothing up here, man. Just beefy security. If security were in on it, they wouldn't have needed to disable the doors. Hope you guys had better luck.

On his way back down, he gets a message from Seo-ah. He opens it and almost trips heading down. Damn. Holy hell. He was in trouble for sure.

Max: Calling a car as soon as I finish this drink

Max: be there ASAP

He hurries down the stairs. They don't really need his help, do they? But he has to know for sure; he can't leave them hanging. He's done that one too many times. These are his only friends, even if they don't approve of his life choices. No one else could understand his life, his past, his powers. So he rushes downstairs, waiting for a response, hoping Charlie is still in range.

As powerful as Jack is, as strong a runner and jumper, she is every bit as acrobatic, agile and deft. Her short cuts have worked and gotten her close to the van, but she knows she has one shot at this. A ripping-fast sprint accelerates the woman down the street, then she cartwheels and sends herself sailing and tumbling into the air... trying to untuck at just the right moment and land on the roof of the vehicle as lightly as she can.

Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge - Jack
Jack's agile maneuver would have earned her gold at the Olympics. Unfortunately, only an elderly couple in their ancient Ford Taurus witnessed her acrobatics, their eyes wide like saucers. Though her landing made a considerable noise, the bustling sounds of the city likely masked it. Without missing a beat, the van pressed on with its erratic path through the streets, its damaged tire hampering its progress.

Several blocks later, the van slowed to a crawl at the base of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, eventually approaching a secluded, shadowy parking lot. Among the dilapidated old Ford pickups that had seen better days, an ambulance sat there its engine humming softly, and a sleek black Mercedes sedan gleamed in the dim light. Two female figures, shrouded in darkness stood near the luxury car, their features obscured.

As the van enters the parking lot, Jack strains her eyes to make out more details, but the darkness obscures her view.

Useful Links(NYC Players' map) (Van's location)

B2 Parking - Max, Charlie and Connor"You got run over by those freaks, sorry to hear that. Are you alright?" The security guard asked Tony with genuine concern. Meanwhile, his colleague is on the phone with the police, describing the scene. They can hear him talking from the security parking cabin window.

"I saw two guys driving," the guard continued, his voice tense. "There are cameras all over the parking, and we got their plate. They won't get far, that van looked in bad shape. "

Max arrives last at the scene, his breath rags and his heart pounding in his chest. He isn't the most fit guy and feels like his heart is going to burst out of his chest.

"GYB-4778, I think," the guard affirmed. "We'll file a report with the cops when they arrive. You'll need it for your insurance claim," he adds.

He lets out a weary sigh. "Ah man, this is going to be a lot of paperwork again," he remarks, shaking his head at the mess before them. " I heard a crash deeper in the parking, I suppose they damaged other cars? "

Max stares at the image on his phone. Damn.

"Listen, um." He looks between Tony/Charlie and Connor, then flashes his lopsided grin that they both know means he's pulling his usual bullshit again.

"Something came up. I gotta be three blocks..." He checks the map, looks around to get his bearings, and points up the street, "...that way, in thirty minutes or I lose out on a deal I setup earlier."

He shrugs to his two companions. "I wouldn't be much help, anyway. You guys got this." He takes a few backward steps in the direction of the hotel. Tav could have been helpful and she ditched. Why shouldn't he? Besides, Anika didn't even like him. She was ice cold on that job. Why should he stick his neck out, and miss out on Seo-ah, for her?

"But, you know, text me later. Let me know how things worked out."

Connor freezes at the comment about cameras all over the place. "Their van is borked, be easy to find. Their back-end exploded, it was wild. Lube your joints people!"

Max, the cameras might have picked up my light show, lasering their tires. Can you get them to erase the footage? Or send it to you then erase it?

Max huffs but stops walking away. He gives Connor side eyes as he approaches the security guard who's not on the phone.

"Say, pal," he says to the guard as he forces a thought into the man's head. You want to help me.

"Do you have access to the security footage?"

Tav takes her drink with a thank you and sips it, with a nod of approval, as Selvie and Luna share gossip. Her eyes fix upon the exotic dancer on the stage before them, without actually paying attention to her state of undress. "La Cosa Nostra and other syndicates meeting here at El Labyrinth is the secret everyone in the know knows...you know?" She comments with a playful smirk. "Though, I too am intrigued by this mystery VIP. I've heard a few rumors myself about recent activity, but I can't confirm anything...yet."

Looking out to her admiring patrons, the sexy girl on stage notices Tav's eyes on her and smiles, Unless she gets a very lucrative invitation by the end of her set, she's likely to make a pass by Tav and Selvie's booth before heading to the dressing rooms to see if they want a private dance...or two.

Moonrise - Tav and SelvieLuna smiles warmly. "Yes, the five Cosa Nostra families are present tonight, but it's rare to see them all together like this. Surprisingly, their rivals, including the East Coast Bloods, biker gangs, and South American factions, are all mingling on the same floor without any altercations. It's not your usual night at the club."

Noticing Tav's interest in the dancers, Luna excuses herself to attend to another booth. "Enjoy the rest of your night, let me know if you need anything else. " she bids them farewell.

As Tav and Selvie catch the attention of some of the dancers, Penelope and Vanessa, two Caucasian women, approach them and offer their services for a more private experience if they're interested.


Penelope and Vanessa, adorned in elaborate costumes that sparkle under the dim lights of the club, exude confidence as they approach Tav and Selvie. Their movements are fluid and graceful, a testament to their years of experience as professional dancers.

"Hello there, ladies," Penelope says with a sultry smile, her voice smooth and inviting. "We couldn't help but notice you admiring our performance. Are you interested in joining us for a private dance or more?"

Vanessa nods in agreement, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "We promise to make it an unforgettable experience," she adds, her tone playful yet alluring.

The two dancers exude an aura of sensuality as they await Tav and Selvie's response, their tantalizing movements drawing the attention of other club patrons nearby.

Underground Parking B2Max notices a subtle shift in the guard's demeanor, a slight tensing of his shoulders that indicates sincerity. "Yeah, we can pull up the footage in a minute on our screens here," he confirms, gesturing toward the security cameras. "Just haven't had a chance yet with my colleague tied up with the cops."

He nods toward the screens in the security box, where rows of monitors display various angles of the parking lot. "It's all digital, centralized in a control room that's backed up. Don't worry, we'll have their faces soon enough in VNet HD."

"Perfect," Max says patting the guy on the shoulder. "And can you access the main files and backups from here? There might be a bit we need to scrub. I know you want to help us out."

He continues pushing into the man's mind, giving him the urge to do what Max says.

This guy better just get this done, he thinks to himself. He's still thinking about those pics Seo-ah sent.

He scratches the back of his head, puzzled. "Why would we delete any of it? Don't we want to catch those jackasses?" His brow furrows in thought. "I wouldn't even know how to do that. The data is stored centrally, and only a few people have access to those servers." He gestures toward the security cabin. "From here, we can see everything, but we can't delete or manipulate anything. We can't even stop the equipment. And why would we need to, unless we were doing something we're not supposed to?"

"Sorry, I must have misspoke. what I meant was we want to make sure no one accidentally deletes anything. Good job that can't happen from here." He looks sideways at Connor and Tony.

You need Tav, Max thinks to Connor and Charlie. You just hit the limit of what I can do.

Tav looks up as the two dancers approach and attempt to engage them. She realizes that her absent focusing on the near distance as she contemplates all the situations of the evening have been clear cues for the two dancers to approach them. Tav smiles and squeezes Selvie's hand under the table. "Oh..hi Penelope..Vanessa..." As this is certainly not Tav and Selvie's first dance to Moonrise, they both know the girls by name and have spent some time with each of them in the VIP in the recent past.

So as not to appear to have mislead the dancers with her apparent attention to their performance, which would be rude in the extreme, Tav nods. "A private dance or three sounds wonderful right about now. Lead us the way."


'Charlie? Any luck with locating that Anika person Connor is so hot for tonight? There's a big organized crime meeting going down here tonight. I have a bad feeling there's going to be a bloody coup taking place in between. Call it Tav's intuition.'

"All right, man. Good luck," Max says as he darts back toward the exit. "I've got my phone if you think I can help. I might not answer right away, but I'll get back to you."

And with that he hurries up the sidewalk toward the hotel where Seo-ah is waiting rather impatiently.

Tav! There you are. That doesn't sound good. Might be dangerous for you two there. Can you get out safely? There's a chance the cameras in the parking garage caught Connor's powers, I don't suppose you could do something about that...the guard said the recordings are kept in a main security room. You'd still have to access it to work your magic, wouldn't you?