Shinshin [Hikari]

[Eidolon]

Whatever instinct had blocked her from the ability, the confrontation in the tunnels had snapped it free. She felt it now, a pulse of warmth and light just beyond her ordinary senses. The shame of the temptation to embrace it warred with her resolute acceptance that this was what she was. The compromise she had no choice but to be. Just because something felt right did not mean it was right.

Dusk was settling on the streets. Snow drifted thick and silent; not dangerous yet, but it was settling hard. She walked alone.

Long months of devoted practice had tightened the muscles and reflexes the past years had let soften. Eido moved with an understated, agile grace, head tucked against the weather, eyes softly observant. She wasn’t hunting, or not that kind; she was looking for her brother, and walking because it was better than stillness. Kōta hadn’t answered his wallet, and she was checking his most usual haunts – those she knew of, at least. Kōta maintained his connections with the underworld in Moscow; talked just enough of Yazuka influence, new clubs, and new clients, for her to understand the circles he called home. He had mentioned Haruto's name in passing once, just pointed enough that she caught the meaning, though she'd only inclined her head and never asked more about it. Since Zephyr had erased their names from the Atharim lists, he had delved back deeply into the world once denied him, and Eido had reluctantly let him go. The admonishment of him seeking a real life was often on the tip of her tongue, but he only ever raised an amused brow and ushered her to a mirror. He wasn’t wrong. And she could never meet her own eye in that reflection.

[Mitsuki Hayashi]

[[Thread is open btw. Takes place the first night of the snowpocalypse, so characters will be stuck here. Location is Hikari]]

New spaces were like new blades: beautifully made, and dangerously honest. Moscow had not shaped Hikari yet, and that made it fragile. She stood above the floor, not in the balconies meant for patrons but in the half-shadow behind them, where glass and silk curtains muted sound without killing it. From here the club looked like a living thing just waking up: bodies drifting in, laughter testing the air, music settling into its bones. The host staff moved with careful precision, still mindful of rules rather than instinct. They would learn. Or they would be replaced.

Mitsuki had not been in Moscow long, but the city had already begun to press against her skin. It was heavier than Tokyo. Less polished than Hong Kong. Its wealth was loud, its hunger unashamed. A place like this did not pretend to be clean, it simply demanded to be profitable. She respected that honesty, even as she distrusted it.

She wore no ornament that marked her station. No pin. No obvious luxury. A dark silk dress, cut simply, sleeves draped long enough to hide the line of her wrists. Her hair was pinned up without decoration. Those who noticed her at all assumed she was an investor’s companion, or perhaps management. Someone adjacent to importance, but not its centre.

That was intentional.

Power worked best before it was named.

Below, the first wave of patrons had settled into their drinks. Russian, Japanese, a smattering of Europeans who liked to play at danger on weekends. They laughed too loudly, touched too freely. The serving staff smiled and redirected with practiced grace. Mitsuki watched all of it with the calm patience of a tide waiting to turn.

She was cataloguing faces when footsteps approached behind her. Light. Careful. Trained. A staff member – security, not floor – stopped two steps back and inclined his head. He did not speak immediately. He knew better.

“Yes?” Mitsuki said softly, without turning.

“A woman at the door,” he began. “She surrendered a blade.”

That earned him her attention. She turned, slowly, eyes dark and intent. “What kind?”

“A tantō,” he said. “Wrapped. Handle first. No argument.”

That was… unusual. Most weapons came hidden, smuggled, or surrendered with irritation and bravado. Even professionals tested boundaries. A tantō was not a casual choice, either. It was intimate. Personal. Not the sort of thing one forgot they carried.

“And?” Mitsuki prompted.

“She asked for someone named Kōta. Would not give a family name. She did not press when told we could not confirm.”

Mitsuki was silent for a moment.

The music below swelled, a low pulse threaded with silk and threat. Somewhere, a glass shattered and laughter followed.

“She was uncomfortable,” the man added, carefully. “Not frightened. Just… out of place.”

Mitsuki considered that. Uncomfortable but not afraid. Armed, but respectful. Asking for someone, but not insisting.

Interesting.

“Did she understand the rules?” Mitsuki asked.

“Yes. Better than most.”

Of course she did.

Mitsuki looked back out over the floor, letting her gaze drift as if the conversation had ended. “Where is she now?”

“Inside. Near the bar. She declined a drink.”

That, too, was telling.

“You did well,” Mitsuki said. “You may go.”

The man bowed and withdrew, footsteps dissolving into the hush behind her.

Mitsuki did not move.

A woman who surrendered a tantō properly was not a tourist. Not Yakuza muscle, either – too precise, too quiet. She had learned long ago that weapons told stories. Not just in how they were used, but in how they were given up. Below, she spotted her easily once she began to look. The woman stood apart from the press of bodies, posture straight but not rigid, hands folded loosely in front of her as if unsure where to rest them. Plain clothes, deliberately so. Hair worn long and unstyled. No attempt to invite attention, and yet she drew it anyway, the way still water did when everything else churned.

Her eyes moved constantly. Not darting. Assessing.

She looked like someone who had learned to survive rooms that wanted to swallow her. Mitsuki felt a quiet stir of recognition, not familiarity, but kinship of discipline. Of restraint sharpened to a blade. Rumours had begun already, she knew. Whispers among staff, murmurs carried by men who liked to feel important. A woman behind the clubs. A dancer who did not dance. A name passed half-formed: Tsuki no Mai. Moonlit execution. Poetry for violence.

None of it had settled yet. Moscow had not seen her move.

She let her gaze slide away from the woman at the bar and returned to watching the room as a whole. Tonight was not for introductions. Tonight was for listening. For learning how this city lied. But she filed the woman away carefully. A surrendered blade was a promise, or a warning. Later, perhaps, she would decide which. For now, Mitsuki remained where she was: unseen, unclaimed, and watching as the club continued its slow, uncertain heartbeat around her.

[Flora]

The cold was not unusual for Moscow, but the snow was falling but you'd never know it from the people inside. She was included in that. They asked for weapons -- she didn't have any. The only thing questionable on her person was the P -- and other fun doodades, though the P wasn't really to be sold here -- not unless she saw a regular and new to ask. And there was a small bit that she was allowed to offer to entice someone to the Dream. But right now she was here for fun not for the sell -- it was new. She hadn't been here. Her parents thought she was studying in the library at school -- she always had an article to write.

Her outfit was glittery and fit the theme well -- she didn't look like the hosts here but she didn't look out of place either in her glitzy fiery orange dress that looked like it was on fire but it was just a display of lights and fabric. The proprietor wouldn't miss it. Well they probably would but there were others on the rack and she'd burn it after tonight -- one time that was it.

Tonight was about the fun. She walked up to the bar. - a quiet girl stood there without a drink, Flora pushed in next to her with a bright smile and a proffered hand "Flora." she waved over the bartender "Purple Rain. You can't be here and not drink." she shouted. She turned back to the shy girl. "What will you have -- H20 on the rocks?"

[Seven]

Seven was already on his second drink and halfway through adopting a host. He was going to choose wisely and take his time in the process.

At present, a potential host who was technically listed as non-binary on the menu but presenting tonight in a sharp, cyberpunk aesthetic was with him, wearing a cropped jacket lined in electric blue LEDs and a pair of sleek black trousers threaded with glowing kanji that shifted every few seconds. Their eyeliner was precise enough to cut glass around sultry eyes. Seven approved immediately.

“You,” he had said, pointing with two fingers and a grin that bordered on indecent. “You look like you walked out of my favorite bad decision.”

They had laughed, which was a good sign. Now he occupied one of the modular couches near the wrestling ring, one leg slung casually over the other, an arm stretched along the backrest behind his chosen company as though they had been friends for years. His suit tonight was anything but subtle: deep plum velvet jacket with exaggerated shoulders, silk shirt in pearlescent white left scandalously open at the collar, layered silver chains catching every shift of neon. His hair was long around his ears, deliberately unbrushed. Rings flashed when he lifted his glass.

He matched the room. Or perhaps the room matched him.

[Quinn]

Quinn had read the letter four times and still was having trouble believing it. The first line "Everyone here at Eksmo-AST Publishing Group is excited to take part in publishing your novel Ashes Do Not Forget..." kept repeating in her head. So much work and so many rejections. It was finally happening. She had even jumped in excitement, and had immediately pulled out her wallet. She had to tell Lucien.

Lucien,

I know you prefer more old fashioned forms of communication, but I couldn't wait to tell you. Eksmo-AST is publishing Ashes Do Not Forget! I sold a manuscript! Don't worry - I will send you a certified letter tomorrow. Thanks for beta reading, and thanks for everything else too. I'm going to this new club tonight, Hikari, to celebrate. Sometime soon though, I'd like to take you to lunch or tea as thanks.

Love,

Quinn

Lucien had always been more old fashioned, so she even sent him texts like letters. It was just something fun she did. She would have invited him out tonight, but the club would likely not be Lucien's vibe. He might meet clients at a place, but he would likely not enjoy it. He also was probably busy and she didn't expect a response for awhile. He would when he could though. Quinn had no idea if he even knew what the place was. If Lucien knew, he would likely piece together why she was going. The loneliness wasn't so bad after good news, but it would come back. At least now she could take advantage and spend some time with someone who would have to spend time with her.

She got dressed in a bright dress and jewelry fitting for the club and its theme. Access to money was never a problem. It was part of the reason she had actually succeeded as fast as she did. She could focus more on her writing than most aspiring authors as she didn't need a mundane job. The club had a Japanese pop-culture vibe, and many didn't know that she actually did enjoy manga and anime. It was an odd hobby for a serious novelist, but she did enjoy it. She felt she would like the vibe of the place and could hopefully enjoy herself.

Quinn took a cab to the club and checked her coat before entering the club proper. As always, she saw the candles. Most of them burned, some brighter than others, but there was hope in this room. The atmosphere was positive. She ordered a drink, a bright and fruity beverage that seemed to sparkle and shift colors. She smiled at the bartender appreciatively as she perused the list of potential hosts. She found a man she liked. Not too thin, but not too muscular either with a clean shaven face and hair spiked in an anime style. He even wore some makeup. The eyeliner was well done and a light blue that made his own eyes pop. He was incredibly attractive. She picked him and then the pair moved throughout the club.

Quinn wasn't much of a talker, and her host caught on fast. He didn't seem offended, and would talk to her, reading what she wanted through movement as they found a seat near the wrestling ring. He did his best to behave as a gentleman, but having grown up with Lucien meant that it wasn't quite what she was used to. Still it was endearing. There was another couple nearby. A man dressed extravagantly and almost blended in to the background of the club while still standing out. He was also a very attractive man and had his own host. Quinn and her host gave the pair a smile as they sat down.

Quinn moved closer to her host and he read her intent quickly. She felt his arm snake around her waist and pull her close. It felt good being held by someone like this. It wasn't something she felt often and she was glad that she came here while her mood was good. She didn't feel so alone right now. He gaze turned towards the wrestlers, but her mind was on the arm around her as she snuggled into his shoulder. It should be a good night.

[Eidolon]

Eidolon regretted her presence almost immediately. The doorman had politely refused her question, and in the bitter cold of winter’s worsening grip she’d been left with a decision: to pay the cover charge and go in to escape the declining weather, or continue her search. In the end she offered her blade out of courtesy, and entered. After the freezing winds outside the heat hit her first, followed by the smell: of sharp alcohol, and the mingling of bodies and perfume. The space was intended to overwhelm, bright and colourfully demanding under lighting designed to flatter and deceive. People leaned into one another as if proximity alone could manufacture meaning. It was exactly the flavour of vibrancy which would summon her brother like a moth to flame, and burn Eido’s retinas from the inside out. The perfect place to disappear in plain sight – she could almost hear him say it. But something already told her he was not here.

She scanned as she moved along the perimeter, observing quietly. Her discomfort was not fear. It was misalignment. Rooms like this sold pleasure as a transaction, intimacy as illusion. Eido did not know how to move inside such economies. She knew how to track footprints through snow, how to string a bow in cold wind, how to feel a blade’s balance before striking.

She felt the absence of the tantō at her side like a missing step in familiar ground.

At the bar she asked once more after her brother, and was once more refused on grounds of discretion. She accepted the answer with a polite thank you, and declined the menu of company, her solemnity betrayed by the brief widening of her eyes. Neither did she accept the seat offered with professional charm, choosing instead to remain standing, hands loosely folded before her. She absorbed everything with ease. Security placement. Exit routes. Lines of sight. Staff cohesion. There was structure here beneath the softness.

She would take a moment to warm up before she slipped back out. That was all.

Meanwhile a woman pushed through to her side, smiling and shouting over the music. Eido was not rude enough to ignore her, though she imagined the attention would be short-lived. The woman belonged to the room – bright and beautiful – while Eido was small and dark, unadorned but for the snow melt dampening her shoulders, and the brief smile she displayed for the humour. H20 on the rocks. Eido certainly could be here and not drink, but it seemed wiser not to risk creating a scene. The woman, Flora, might move on, but she might also sense sport. So Eido only nodded at the offer. Water would be fine. She did not even know what Purple Rain was.

[Quinn]

Quinn wasn’t watching the wrestling. Not really. It wasn’t why she was here. She was here because she wanted to celebrate and she wanted to celebrate with someone. The problem was she didn’t really know many people. She had some writing colleagues - people she talked to on message boards and what not, but Quinn had always struggled to fit in. Even at Rivington Folly, she felt alone in how much the rest of the kids favored their father. She had heavily favored her mother - whoever she was.

That was why Quinn had latched on to Lucien. They both had been special. They each had a supernatural ability of sort. Quinn had latched on to that, and Lucien had been fantastic brother. He’d been great at helping her understand what she could do and later, as she pursued writing, she had found more help.

Friends were hard to come by though, so Quinn was here. She wasn’t a fool. She knew this wasn’t real. She was buying an illusion. She just happened to be okay with the illusion. She snuggled in deeper and her companion, an Asian man named Kai, tightened his arms around her.

Quinn finished her drink. ”Would you like another,” Kai asked her, a hand tracing up and down her arm.

Quinn thought quietly before she responded. ”Yeah - just not sure what I want. Let’s go to the bar.”

He released Quinn long enough so she could get to her feet. They walked together to the bar where two women were. One was blonde and the other small and slight and had Asian features. Like everyone, they had candles by them. Quinn was used to them and usually could ignore them, unless one of them stood out. The Asian woman’s did. It was low and sputtering.

Quinn had once tried to explain to Lucien how she used her ability. She had told him that most people’s candles were somewhere in the middle. Both blindingly bright candles and candles that were completely rare. How she changed it was different depending on how the candle looked. For example if the wick was short and drowning in wax, you could heat the wax nearby or scrape some away. This woman’s candle had a different problem.

Her wick was frayed and the flame stuttered, searching for a purchase in which to burn. Quinn had seen it before. Hope was there, flickering, close to dying. This was supposed to be a place to have fun. She didn’t look like she wanted to be here and hope as waning. Quinn didn’t say anything. She decided to try and did so without showing her hand. The wick was frayed - so she fixed it by trimming the wick. Quinn saw her candle change, the wick became a single strand and the sputtering evened out. It wasn’t much, but it was enough.

Quinn approached the bar on the other side of the blonde woman. Kai, thin and lithe, wrapped his arms around her and pressed himself against her as she studied the drink menu. Her eyes kept going to the blonde woman’s drink. ”That looks delish. What is it?” she asked. Her voice was audible, but seemed reserved as if someone didn’t speak much.

[Flora]

The woman accepted her water and Flora laughed softly to herself. This was someone who didn't want to be bothered -- so why come to a club. Before she could ask another woman on the other side asked what she was having. "It's called Purple Rain." Flora ordered two more plus the water, her other friend could try one too if she wanted, but she'd get the water at least pretend to be having some fun. "For my new friends. Flora." She introduced herself to the other woman. "You look familiar." She didn't know from where, but Flora knew a lot of people from a lot of different places. She leaned over and spoke softly "At least pretend like you are having fun and no one will bother you."