Club CIN

[Apophis]

Somewhere underneath the city lied a club where the politics of the outside world could be left at the door. The only true penalty for breaking the peace was mutually assured destruction. Cage matches, however, were allowed if differences arose.

At a table in a corner of the red-tinted chamber sat Apophis, flanked by a pair of scantily clad, tattooed girls. Near the table stood a heavily pierced black man in a patchwork suit and a raven-haired white man in a black suit with a red tie. "Skoll, another round for the ladies," Apophis said.

"Right away Lord Apophis," the black man answered before taking the women's glasses to the bar.

[Nocturne]

A scantily clad woman approached his table, stopping at the guards and bowing her head respectfully.

[Apophis]

"Let her through," Apophis commanded.

[Nocturne]

The girl steps past the guards, keeping her eyes fixed on the floor.

"Greetings, sir," the girl says, keeping her hands out in front of her where they can be seen. Her posture is submissive yet careful not to shrink away.

[Apophis]

He took note of her lack of hesitation.

"And what brings such a lovely creature as yourself to my table? I somehow doubt you've come for the same reason as these two..." he said, stroking the cheek of one of the girls.

[Nocturne]

"It is my humble duty to inform you that my Mistress wishes to speak to you, sir," she replies. Carefully she places a black rook chess piece on the table before taking a step back.

"Should I inform her that you wish to accept her invitation?"

[Apophis]

"Leave us," he told the girls. They pouted, but complied.

He leaned forward and took the chess piece in his claws. "The Black Rook... So... I've at last drawn the Club's attention..." he said, clearly pleased.

"A chess club boss?" the white guard asked amusedly.

Apophis rolled his eyes. "No Seven. The Club."

"Ohhhhh... that club..." Seven grinned.

"I most definitely accept," Apophis smiled toothily.

[Nocturne]

"One moment please, sir," the woman says.

The lights flicker and the shadows around them seem to sink into the floor, the woman's head tilts back and she lets out a soft cry before straightening up. A cruel smile slowly spreading.

"Apophis," Nocturne says, her stance changing to something much more confident and tempting, "A pleasure to finally meet you. I'm glad you accepted my little pet's invitation."

[Apophis]

"I'm hardly so brash as to deny such an invitation..." he replied proudly, quickly turning serious again, "...not when there's a chance it's not a hoax. Not when I'm trying so hard to move up in the world, as I'm sure you're aware."

[Nocturne]

"Your ambitions have certainly been quite naked," Nocturne says with a small smirk, settling down in the seat next to Apophis, "The real question is, what can you do for me?"

[Apophis]

"Besides weapons, slaves, and murder for hire?" he smirked. "I can give you fear. The kind of fear the grand manipulators of your illustrious club can only get by proxy or from their servants. The kind of fear that makes grown men sleep with the light on in fear of what beasts may be lurking in the dark. I am not anonymous. I am that beast."

[Nocturne]

"How intimidating," Nocturne says, "I hope you don't mind too badly if I ask for a little proof first."

Nocturne begins to slowly slide her hand up Apophis' leg, "Just one little job. Do this for me and I'll make all your dreams come true."

[Apophis]

"And what is this... job?" he asked with a subtle purr.

[Nocturne]

"There's a facility I need you to destroy," Nocturne says, "Kill all the scientists and destroy their equipment. Secure the data and bring it to me."

"Do this and I'll be very, very grateful," Nocturne says, pressing up against her prospective partner in crime.

[Apophis]

He leaned in, speaking softly yet strongly, "You'll understand I'll need further... assurance... that this offer is, in fact, from a member of the club. Anyone can flash a chess piece and stroke my... ego.."

[Nocturne]

"So you want me to stop?" Nocturne asks with a tempting smile.

[Apophis]

"I certainly never said that," he smirked.

[Nocturne]

"And how exactly would I be able to prove myself?" Nocturne asks, "It's not as if there's a club ID badge."

[Apophis]

"The lady makes an excellent point," he conceded.

[Nocturne]

"But I would never be so crass as to suggest you trust me," Nocturne says with an evil grin, "So, how's this?"

Shadows swirl around the top of the table and a large briefcase is deposited.

"Five hundred thousand," Nocturne says, "Up front for the job. If you succeed, you get a private invitation to my villa and we can discuss your ambitions a bit more."

"Whatever you decide, you can keep the money. My gift to you in hopes for a very...productive partnership."

The last bit comes out as a positively seductive purr.

[Apophis]

"Well when you put it that way," he answered with a somewhat lustful smirk, "How can I say no?"

[Nocturne]

"Good boy," Nocturne says, "I'm glad you made the right decision."

[Apophis]

"There is nothing more right than a profitable partnership."

[Nocturne]

"I have places to be," Nocturne says, "I'll leave my pet with you. Feel free to use her as you see fit."

"I would prefer to have her returned in one piece, however."

[Apophis]

"I have no reason to harm her. I'm no savage, despite my... encouraged... reputation."

"Well, you do eat the occasional flatscan," Seven smirked.

"Alright, perhaps a little savage," Apophis laughed.

[Nocturne]

Nocturne smirks, "Just remember to get the job done."

[Apophis]

"Of that there can be no doubt," he assured with confidence.

[Nocturne]

"Then I'll be seeing you soon," Nocturne says with a smile.

With that, the deep shadows retreat and the girl sits there looking a bit breathless.