The Change (II)

Heather's words, "Everything is going to be alright," rung in Snow's head repeatedly. It was the fifth time she saw her shoulder through a group of thugs in the back alleyway south of Atlantis. Compared to the north, where the city damage from the Dungeon Overflow was worse, the dungeon buildings around the area were still present without being destroyed.

Snow twitched, realizing maybe it wasn't such a good idea as the poor souls got a fist full of Heather's infamous shoulder throw. It all started when they were heading straight towards the Dragon Express, a mile away.

They stopped for a quick coffee and came out with a bag of cookies and a coffee in hand. As they walked by, they were stopped by a group of five men that were catcalling them. Their steps quickened to not entangle with them, but they were surrounded quickly as they were asked for numbers.

Before Snow could do anything, Heather snapped. Heather wasn't the type to fight, nor was she a fantastic fighter, but when it came to hindrance and attitude, she was a monster. It didn't take long for Heather to clean them up, Snow did nothing, while they left behind a pile of bodies.

Entering through the door of the Dragon Express, a loud bell rang.

A heavy scent of fruity perfume permuted upon entrance. Both of them coughed.

"Did she really?" Heather was trying her best not to run out and cough out her lungs. "Why does she use that nasty perfume for everything?!"

Stepping forward, Snow raised her arm to cover up half the smell from choking her to death. She breathed in lightly to get used to it before she pulled down her arm.

Up before her were a group of men and women surrounding a singular stage that reminded her of a catwalk. At the end of the catwalk was a pole. On the sides were numerous chairs and tables with pink cloths and white flowers in the center.

Out on the outer walls were booths, where bunnies suited the receptionist, talking with customers as they brought in monsters that the Hunters had killed.

The light was dim as flashing lights continued to pour out around them, reminding Snow of a night club. Music blared with the latest hit music, pounding outwards in a rhythmic fashion.

Beautiful girls and guys strutted down the catwalk one-by-one, posing in a half-naked suit of clothes. One after another, they would dance on the pole.

Both Snow and Heather were baffled at what they had just walked in for, and the scenery inside reminded them of a strip club.

"What is going on?" Snow worded, her mind went blank, unsure how this whole store had changed so drastically in a short amount of time.

Heather closed her gaping mouth, she scowled, "Lily."

Scanning the area, Snow saw infamous Hunters, gamblers, and high-class dark society men sitting around, learning, and cat-calling at the girls dancing. Some even reached up to grab hold of their legs or arms in the hopes of touching them.

"Welcome!" A handsome looking man stepped forward in torn black jeans, yellow dyed hair, and without a shirt. He even wore black bunny ears and had a fluffy black tail. His foxy expression smiled coyly as he strutted forward, his arm widely motioned them.

Snow eyes strayed to his abs, chest then up to his face.

Heather whistled, taking Snow's gaze away.

"Nice body," Heather smirked.

"Thanks, madam," the man replied. "How can I help you today?"

Snow stepped forward, "Is Lily in right now?"

The man shook his head, "No, she won't be back until tomorrow, possibly."

"Possibly?" Snow was curious about what Lily even needed to do that took her attention away from the main store.

"Yes, she had an emergency to attend that needed her attention."

"Do you know what it is?"

The man shook his head once again. This time, he was getting uncomfortably closer, where Snow could smell his cologne, sweat, and the breath of mint. Even the amount of muscles that seem to flex every time he moved was distracting.

From the looks of it, Snow could tell that this man was probably Lily's toy. It hit every point that Lily would obnoxiously talk about. The wild nights that she would spend and the crazy parties that she would attend.

"Would you like me to leave your name with Ms. Lily?" His hand somehow interlocked with Snow's.

Snow flinched, but she stood in place, looking as indifferent as possible, "Just tell her that Snow came to visit."

"Is there anything else?"

A powerful, surreal magic started to overlap her senses, a bit dulling her mind. She snapped awake, realizing what this man was doing. He was trying to seduce her to stay, which was actually getting to her. Luckily, her magic was strong enough to counter the force that the man had given off. She frowned.

The man was surprised at her ability, unable to say anything but blush.

"I'll come back another time." Snow was ready to leave. She didn't quite like how the Dragon Express had turned into a strip club. Throughout her whole stay, she was thrown off by the odd presence and change of the store that she couldn't help but think that she had come to another place.

With an unexpected snap, Snow pulled away. Turning around, she started to head towards the exit.

"Have a good day!" The man shouted. His words trailing behind her.

The moment that they stepped out, Snow took in a fresh breath of air that she really needed. Staying any longer was terrible for her lungs as perfume wasn't the only thing that stunk up the room. The heavy amount of cigarettes was present, mixing in with the perfume, creating a toxic synergy.

Heather was trailing behind Snow, taking a few glimpses over her shoulder. She winked a few times and waved.

Snow eventually made it out, her steps finally slowing down when her phone rang. Snow picked it up, realizing who it was that was calling her. It was Mr. Rogers, and she had a feeling that he wasn't calling her for formalities. With a bit of reluctance, she picked up the phone.