The City of Ionia

A few days later, I took the underground metro and went to the nightclub. I bundled up with a windbreaker jacket, adjusting for the windy night. Many people lingered around the building, wearing provocative clothing. How were they not cold?

Multiple bouncers stood outside the door, wearing black and carrying weapons at their waists. I had an easy entrance last time with Sydney. She told them her name, and they let her enter without any issue. This time, I wasn't so sure.

I walked up to the bouncers and mimicked what Sydney did. I told them my name and they stared at me with a blank face.

"Id." The bouncer on the right said. He was muscular and bald with a tattoo of a creature on his chin and neck.

"Oh, yes, Id. One second." I pulled the small metal card from my pocket and handed it over.

The bouncer glanced at it with little care and allowed me to enter. I silently thanked him and did so.

Inside, there were numerous security personnel, all dressed in the same uniform, and people lingering around; most of them appeared to be intoxicated. They were spewing weird nonsense and slurring their words, which I didn't understand.

The room itself was spacious, with four elevators on the side, each containing two security guards. The floor was a smooth, red carpet, and the walls were sparkling white, as though someone had been hired to scrape and clean them daily.

The nightclub was on one of the higher floors. I needed to take an elevator. I went to the first elevator on the left and asked for the nightclub. I planned to check if Ruben was there, then try his penthouse afterwards. I didn't know if I had access to it since I was alone. I didn't tell Sydney that I was coming here. I left the house without saying anything.

The door slid open on one side. I stepped in and held the railing. I took a deep breath as the door closed. I squeezed onto the railing, tight as it moved.

After a long ten seconds, the door opened to the nightclub. It was more dense than last time. Sweaty people grouped onto the main dance floor with either an empty fist in the air or their drink.

The club itself was dark with neon lights blaring randomly. Music blasted through the speakers with a heavy bass, making my head feel heavy.

I didn't understand this culture, and I didn't think I would ever. I brushed it off and started looking for Ruben. But where should I start?

Security guards were posted in every corner. Maybe I could ask one of them? I nibbled on my finger, trying to think of something else. My mind couldn't think through his deafening music.

"Whatever," I mumbled under my breath.

I walked up to the bulky security guard. Similar to the one outsider, he was bald and muscular. Oddly enough, he had a noticeable forehead vein. It looked like a big worm that made its way under the man's skin. It was hard not to stare at it.

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I cleared my throat. "Uh, is Ruben available? I need to speak to him."

He shook his head. "He's not taking anyone at this time."

"No, no, this is very important. Please, could you tell him that it's Jill? He'll understand."

He looked down at me. "He is not taking anyone at this time. Get lost, or you will be escorted out of the building."

"Ok, ok." I slowly backed away. I went all the way here for nothing. If Ruben wasn't available, then there's no point in pushing it. Going home would be the right move.

Wait… why was I thinking like that? I couldn't go home. I needed to figure out my life here as soon as possible. Ruben was the only one who could help me.

I firmly planted my feet on the ground.

"No… I'm friends with Sydney. She's part of the branded 7. Let me speak to Ruben."

"That's it." He grabbed my arm. "You are going to be escorted out."

"Huh? No! I just need to speak to Ruben!"

I tried to yank my arm away, but his grip was too firm. He was twice my size. Brute strength would not be enough.

He dragged me towards the elevator, pushing the drunks out of the way. I tried to reason and plead my way out of it. My words went in one ear and out the other. He wasn't having it.

I couldn't go home yet. I had to do something. My future was at stake. Sure, I could come back later, but my stubbornness wouldn't let me. I wanted to speak to Ruben today, regardless of the circumstances.

No matter what…

I pulled my arm towards my face.

… I will speak to Ruben

I chomped the man's hand with force. He loudly screamed and dropped my arm. This was my chance to blend into the crowd.

The moment I turned around, a hand grabbed my shoulder. I knocked it away and tried to run, but failed miserably.

The man leaped forward and used his weight to slam me to the ground. His hand held my face to the wooden floor. I tried squirming my way out, but it didn't work. His body weight crushed my ribs. He pressed my head harder. I thought my eyes would burst.

Security guards surrounded me while I was pinned to the floor. They gathered around, probably discussing what to do with me.

I didn't fight or resist. It would only exacerbate the situation. There was nothing I could do besides comply.

But then, I heard a familiar voice.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, is this how we treat a lady around here? Well, of course, if she's into that type of foreplay. I know for a fact that this one isn't. Campbell, would you be so kind as not to suffocate this lovely woman to death?"

With that request, the security guard stood. I quickly stood and took a much-needed deep breath, and patted the invisible dust off my clothing.

"Gentlemen, I'll handle it from here," he said. His brown hair was slicked to the side, and he held a glass in his hand. He wore a dark blue tuxedo that matched his pants. He stood much taller than I. "I didn't think I would see you here. Is Sydney around?"

"Just me," I said.

"Just you? My, oh my, is this a surprise? Please, tell me what I can do for you? And no need to fix your hair, my love. You look perfect the way you are."

I wasn't sure if he was being sarcastic or not. Regardless, I didn't let that hideous comment distract me from why I was here.

"I need help. A favor… I guess."

He sipped his drink before saying, "Well, you've come to the right place. Let's head up to the penthouse. It'll be quieter and less… of this." He twirled his finger at the obnoxiously loud speakers.