Thread: The Van Leugen Chronicles - Dominion (R0NIN x Monaka21)

The Van Leugen Chronicles DOMINION It wasn't hard to see why Charon was Van Leugen's fastest growing nightclub. Set on the glassy penthouses of a towering sky-rise, the club boasted the finest liquors, the coolest atmosphere and the most expensive equipment on the market. State-of-the-art sound systems played only the latest music while dancers raved on nanomesh hololight floors... beautiful people flirted and laughed along a sleek bar counter, generously served by a host of attendants... secluded 'VIP' lounges catered to every passing luxury of their guests... Indeed, for the young people of Van Leugen, Charon was the place to be on a Saturday midnight. Of course, that was assuming they could get in. Burly bouncers stood at the club's entrance, arms crossed as they inspected the long line of well-dressed hopefuls, selecting only the prettiest girls and whatever men were capable of meeting a certain monetary threshold. Judging by the rare frequency of their selections, it would seem as if the nightclub was quite the exclusive hotspot. For the majority of the cologned males lined desperately outside the doors to Charon, their patience and hopes were futile. Two men stood out in the line, dressed in relatively formal clothing. This is a waste of time, Luke, the shorter of the two grumbled, rolling back a wrinkled sleeve to check his watch. We've been in this line for three hours. Three fucking hours and we're just gonna get turned away at the door. He grumbled. He was graying at the ears and his eyelids drooped as if he were constantly half-asleep. You don't know that, the other protested, besides, you heard the tip we got. Ares and Vienne are going to be here tonight. He straightened his jacket. He was clean and smooth, his face young and handsome. The other snorted. So ? So... inflection marked his voice, ...two of the biggest contending crime bosses in Van Leugen under one roof and you don't think something could go down? He shook his head. We're detectives, Anders. We'd be fools not to at least try getting in here. It's our job. Anders gave a world-weary sigh. Luke... kid... I keep waiting for you to wise up. He rubbed at his temples. Eight months. Eight months since you've had your detective's badge and you still haven't figured out how shit works in this city. Luke's jaw grit. I know perfectly well. Then what the hell are we doing here? Luke looked back at his partner, eyes ablaze. Because I don't give a shit about 'how things work in this city', Anders. I care about the job. He pointed to the doors of Charon. And right now, the job needs us in there. Anders just shook his head but offered no further word of protest. He knew trying to dissuade Luke was pointless. Best to just keep his head down and try and get this over with as soon as possible. Before long, they arrived at the front of the line. A bored-looking bouncer gave Luke a once-over and smiled slyly. Name? --- Back inside Charon, Ares sat at one of the booths near the bar. He swirled a tall glass of iced scotch in his hand, his feet lounging on the table. When is she supposed to be here? he asked, his tone lazy and bored. One of his assistants, a thin, pale boy with black hair, checked his watch. Any minute now. He looked up at the scotch glass hesitantly. Are you sure you want to be drinking before she arrives? No, he replied with a cool smile, but I'm equally sure that I don't want to throw away a perfectly good glass of scotch. He held the liquid up to a nearby lamp, smiling as the light refracted through the glass over his eyes. Besides. If she's half the woman I've heard she is, I don't think a little liquor would hurt me. This is a peace meeting, after all. We're trying to be civil here. He smirked, setting his glass back on the table and resting his arms behind his head, stretching. His muscles strained against the fabric of his dress shirt, toned and well-pronounced though not bulky. I'm actually quite looking forward to this, Ares grinned, running a hand through his hair, a little joust between two of the best minds in the city. The assistant shifted. I thought you said this was a peace meeting. It is, he shrugged, but we're bosses, Aron. Alpha dogs. Jungle predators. He rolled one of his shoulders forward. It's going to be a contest one way or another. That's just the way of things. Aron pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. Maybe she doesn't see it that way. Ares smiled. Maybe not. He picked up his glass once more. But I'll be quite disappointed if that's the case...