The guy's voice clicked into place. It was Charles Malone, spoiled son to a wealthy father. He had a mean streak and had tormented Nyx at his school back on Earth, why the guy had it out for him, he couldn't remember. Nyx figured he must have recently graduated from high school was out with his pack of friends. Nyx Rolled his eyes and ignored them as he tried to walk past.

“Whoa, hold up,” said Andrew one of Charles ‘friends’ putting his arm on Nyx’s shoulder stopping him, He looked just as Nyx remembered him; too tall for his age, built like a high school linebacker, with a square jaw and face. “We just want to catch up, any plans for the summer? Found some people to take pity on you I see.”

Nyx grabbed Andrews pinky, peeling away the hand, he slowly increased the pressure on the joint forcing him to his knees, “Andrew, if I remember correctly, didn’t Jennifer say the only reason she agreed to date you was that she pitied your low IQ?” He paused – some of the shoppers were eyeing the conflict, probably hoping to see a fight. He didn’t want that kind of attention and reluctantly let go of his ‘classmate’ who was grimacing in pain. “Now if you don’t mind.”

Soon as Andrew was free, he backed up shaking out his hand, glaring. A twitch and tightening of muscles indicated he was about to throw a punch. Nyx snapped his fingers distracting him, then pointing around at the onlookers. “Now isn’t a good time, if you insist on attacking me, why don’t we meet up at a time and place of your choosing?”

Charles pulled Andrew back giving him a slight shake of the head. “Not now,” he muttered under his breath. Andrew didn’t seem happy but complied with his friend’s suggestion.

Nyx smiled sweetly in the face of the hateful glare. “Good dog.”

Before Andrew could react, Charles spoke over him. “I have an internship on Wallstreet in New York and am flying out in the next couple days,” he lowered his voice like he was sharing a secret. “They are paying me five thousand a month, more than you have seen in your whole life.”

Nyx smirked, now that they couldn’t act out physically, they were trying shamming him. Dan seemed to have reached the end of his patients and stepped forward patting a clenched knuckle. “How about you get out of our way before I smash your heads into the tiles.”

Charles’s eyes went wide in mock fear as he raised his hands. “My dad will bury you if you so much as touch me.”

“A bully and a coward, typical,” Dan growled.

Nyx lightly placed his hand on Dan's shoulder pulling him back; this was not the time to use violence. Dan resisted for a moment glowing with his lips turned down in a scowl. After a tension-filled moment he finally relented, though Nyx could tell if things progressed further, he would act.

Nyx stared Charles right in the eyes. "You might be wealthy, and pride yourself on the ‘accomplishments,' but somewhere down the line you will feel an empty pit and realize something is missing in your life. You will try to fill that hole with fancy clothes and cars, but nothing will ever do it. In the end, you will devote yourself to making money and die a grumpy, dissatisfied man, mad at the world. Your life will have been wasted. You will never witness the true wonders of the universe. In that, I pity you," Nyx's tone grew dark, subtly leaning forward as he stared down the young man in front of him, "Now move out of our way," His eyes blazed a warning.

Their gazes were locked, probing each other for weakness. Charles was the first to break eye contact looking away. He muttered “looser” under his breath, then ushered his friends away after him. They looked confused but listened following after calling Nyx a few names.

Charles chanced a last look over his shoulder eyebrows scrunched in confusion. Nyx knew they remembered him as a shy kid who rarely spoke. It had made him an easy target. Things were different now; he had a presence that could not be ignored.

As they packed Nyx's new clothing into the car, Gabe raised his eyebrows. "You are different than I thought. Been living next to you for a while, I assumed you were more the quiet and awkward type, no offense."

Nyx shrugged, "at one time you could say that, no offense taken."

The car doors shut, and they were on the road headed to a motel nearby. Nyx felt guilty at having the brothers buying him things, he had an idea of a way to possibly make a decent amount of money and pay them back for their kindness.

“I really can’t express my thanks, I for one don’t forget my friends.”

Dan opened his mouth to respond, but Gabe cut him off, "Don't worry about it, we get... I guess you could call it an allowance, it goes away at the end of the month anyway if we don't spend it."

“I would still like to pay you back,” said Nyx as the car pulled into a motel six parking lot.

Gabe shrugged, “if you insist.”

Dan raised his eyebrows at his brother, Gabe’s head nodded ever so slightly before they turned back to him, he had just pulled his things from the car trunk.

"We are planning to go downtown tonight, we have the hookup at this club if you want to join,” said Dan.

Nyx’s eyes narrowed. Clubbing would be the perfect place to pick up the trace of demons. He would need to find and stalk a weak one to feed off. It was a necessary first step in his path of cultivation.

“Count me in.”

“Cool, hope you don’t mind if we come by later, then we can all drive together,” called Gabe out the car window as they drove away.

The air in the motel lobby was refreshing after the heat outside. A short brown-haired lady checked him in, something about her reminded him of a mouse. Bringing his luggage into room 210, he put away his perishables into the mini fridge and then took out the laptop that had belonged to his foster father.

It was a drab hotel room, windows facing the parking lot. He could smell cigarette smoke that an air freshener could not entirely cover up. The air conditioner unit chugged away in the window, and ratty grey curtains hung down in front. Nyx sat at a beat-up desk on the uncomfortable chair offered by the lodging and flipped up his laptop screen.

Nyx decided to put his money-making plan to use. His foster father had been addicted to online gambling and used a VPN to access global tournaments. Pools ran with thousands of dollars in prizes. His instincts honed, and he hoped it would be enough to place high in a tourney.

After connecting to the motel internet, he loaded up Poker Stars. There was zero balance. He updated the account on file to his private bank account, and after playing a few one-dollar hands to warm up, he checked for a tournament entering one with a two hundred dollar buy in. It had just started, but the option to join was still available. A few thousand people were vying for a first-place prize pool of close to fifty-thousand.

Nyx cracked his knuckles and joined the game. He hoped his instincts would help him, or he might have just as good as given away his money.

Nyx played it safe and over the next hour and the number of players in the game dropped. Ding, a notification informed Nyx he was in the money. An icon with ‘Two-hundred thirty dollars’ indicated his winnings even if eliminated now.

The current hand ended, and the chips slid to a player on the top corner of Nyx’s table. This player was aggressive with the username cheeze29 and cartoon mouse avatar. Two cards flipped out to the players. Ace, six, offsuit, a decent hand. A noise came through the speakers as players placed their blinds or folded. The timer in the bottom of Nyx screen started to tick down indicating it was his turn. The call button highlighted as he clicked it.

Three cards flipped on the virtual felt in the middle of the table. King, five and three, Nyx had nothing. Check, check, all in! Cheeze29 attempted to bully the table again with his chip lead. The others at the table folded, the timer started to tick down for Nyx again.

His instinct told him Cheeze was bluffing. Instinct was a funny thing, quickly drowned out by the noise of the mind. He trusted his instinct, and his high Ace gave him some added comfort. He called what he hoped was a bluff and both players' cards went heads up, Cheeze29 had Queen Jack offsuit. The river flopped a Queen.

“Fuck!” Nyx cursed, shaking his head, at least he would make his money back.

The last card flopped, Ace. Nyx let out a deep breath closing his eyes as he calmed his pumping heart. The chips moved to his pile making him chip leader. The button in the top corner now indicated he was placed fifty-six out of around nine-hundred remaining players.

His peripheral vision caught movement outside the curtain. Hitting the 'sit out next hand' button Nyx got up. Stretching his arms, out and back, brought attention to his sore muscles. Idling over to the curtain, he pulled it aside. It was Dan and Gabe, they had just parked their car and were looking around lost.

“I wasn’t expecting you both to show up so early,” said Nyx as he pulled open the door to his room.

Dan shrugged arms hang at his side, "we took care of what we needed to quicker than we thought, came to see what you were up to." He attempted a smile, which somehow didn't quite suit Dan's face, "we brought the ingredients for a BLT," he said holding up a bag.

“Come in, I just started a poker game, so I won’t be going anywhere for a while.”

Three people remained in the poker tournament. Nyx bit the last morsel of his final sandwich, it was dry without any mayo.

“Fold,” said Gabe.

He was watching over Nyx’s shoulder eyes focused on the computer screen. Dan was leaned back against the wall on the hotel bed, a pillow behind his back, hand up cushioning his head while he smoked a cigarette. The brothers had changed into fancier clothing in preparation for the night out, although Dan wore his gold chain around his neck.

“Just go all in, get this over with. We gotta get going, so I can find me a honey tonight."

“Pss, keep dreaming.” Gabe let out a laugh, “nobody wants any of that!”

“Get more than you!” Dan scrunched up his nose, “how much longer is this going to take.”

“Soon,” said Gabe still focused on the game.

Nyx folded, he had a weak off suit seven, two.

Sirens got progressively louder, “you play for a bit.” Nyx got up to look out the curtain. Three cop cars with lights blazing pulled into the motel six parking lot. It was getting dark, red and blue lights lit up the area casting shadows.

“What’s going on?” Gabe's eyes never left the screen.

“Some cop cars just pulled in,” said Nyx, expression turning serious.

“Not here for you, are they?” Dan said from the bed, a lilt in his tone.

Nyx turned from the window frowning at him.

“I’m just kidding, lighten up.”

“Dammit,” said Gabe, looking over to Nyx, “sorry.”

Nyx went back and examined the screen, a flashing box had replaced the poker table, ‘you placed second -- twenty-thousand dollars have been added to your PokerStars account.’

“Thought you were going to win it for me.”

“Well look at that,” said Gabe pointing to the winnings, “should easily be able to pay us back now at least.”

Nyx shook his head. It would take a day or two for the winnings to transfer to his account.

“Ok let’s get out of here! Finally!” Dan jumped up from the bed.

"Hold up, let me change," said Nyx unzipping his suitcase. Soon he stood wearing a new black button-up shirt and jeans; he had to admit Dan had picked out some quality clothing for him.

"Hey Nyx, just an idea, me and Dan talked to a friend of ours, he has a place closer to the city. When we asked him if you might be able to stay there for a while, he agreed," Nyx was in the process of shaking his head when Gabe continued, "don't worry, you don't have to decide now, but grab your things just in case."

"Wait one second," said Nyx, then packed up his laptop and new clothes, "would one of you mind taking this out to the car for me? I'll join you in a second."

Gabe agreed and hauled his luggage out the door. Nyx waited a few minutes for the cops to enter the motel office before making a break for the vehicle on light feet. Maybe they had found him by tracking his debit card, or it was just a coincidence, but he didn't want to take the chance. Even if they were there for him, the cops could only question him without more evidence.

Music blared as Dan plugged the Aux cord into his phone, generic hip-hop. The car rolled out of the motel's entrance; about five minutes later they merged onto the highway. Gabe weaved around the few other vehicles on the road making good time. Warm night air breezed through the windows. Once in the city, Gabe smoothly parallel parked and gave a satisfied grunt. He took the key from the ignition stilling the music.

Dan, who had been their DJ, narrowed his eyes at Gabe, "hey, that was the best part!"

Gabe ignored him and looked back at Nyx. "Don’t forget yours," a small bottle of liquor was swaying slightly from his fingers. He tucked it into his navy sports coat.

"I didn’t bring any, its fine, not planning on drinking much anyways," Memories of a drunk Greg tainted his desire to become inebriated.

Gabe shrugged opening the car door and stepped onto the sidewalk. The sign by the car read, 'paid parking 6am-6pm', they wouldn't have to pay. They walked in and out of the light of various street lamps as Nyx followed the other two. It was easy to see, even without the lamps, the stars and moon were bright. Nyx inspected the brothers for signs of Chi, but so far there wasn’t any indication. He remembered the distinct glow he had seen from Dan's core before.

At the door to a large grey building, was the club entrance, a long line waited to enter. Gabe went up to the bouncer raising his fist, and the big man reciprocated the movement, fist dwarfing Gabe's as they bumped each other. The bouncer then nodded his big head at Nyx and Dan, his fade and gelled hair bobbing. The red rope blocking their way was pulled back, and they were ushered inside.

Loud thumping music greeted them, strobes shifted and moved casting colored lights around to dance floor. A bar, off to the side, catered to a large group of people all bunched together holding out cards or cash to get the bartenders attention.

Dan rubbed his hands together eyes roving over the scantily clad women all around, "time to get me a honey," he said as he made his way onto the dance floor quickly swallowed in the sea of bodies.

"It ever work out for him?" Nyx shouted near Gabe's ear over the thrum of the music.

Gabe laughed, the sound muted by the other noises in the space. "He tries, not scared of rejection that’s for sure."

"I'm gonna get a drink, you want anything?" asked Nyx, he had started to move towards the bar but paused to wait for an answer. He hoped, they wouldn’t bother carding him.

Gabe patted the bottle inside his jacket, "maybe later, I'm Gucci."

Nyx shrugged, then squeezed into the throng by the bar. With his lack of mass, he managed to squeeze into a spot at the counter ignoring the pungent scent given off by the other patrons. There were two kinds he noticed; some were drenched in perfume or cologne, while others hadn't bothered their stench having people leaning away in disgust. Looking at the multitude of hands holding payment towards the bartender, Nyx followed suit waving his cash to get the busty woman's attention.

"Jack and coke please, keep the change."

She nodded and swiped the money. None too subtly she gave him a look over, as she grabbed a big bottle with a metal nozzle. She poured a healthy serving of Jack Daniels followed by bubbling coke.

Nyx could sense it before he saw it. Twisting his head from the bar a mass of red Demon Chi caught his eye, it swirled around an attractive brunette wearing a backless dress. She was standing at the edge of the dance floor, many men were also eying her.

The bartender noticed the look, reaching forward she brought back Nyx’s attention, He accepted the offered drink. She waited a second too long letting go. Nyx pushed and squeezed his way out of the crowd, but the Demonic girl was nowhere he could see or sense.

The wave of an arm caught his attention, Gabe stood above leaning against a rail in the VIP section. Once he knew Nyx saw, he motioned for him to come up. The lounge in the VIP section split into different booths. Gabe shared his with a middle-aged gentleman, who stood from a comfy black leather sofa and extended his arm, Nyx shook the offered hand noting the rough texture of calluses.

"Hello Nyx, I am Joshua. Gabe here has told me quite a bit about you," he said, running a hand through his silvery hair. The man had a deep, resonant voice, one that would sound right at home on the radio.

Nyx gave him a quizzical look, "I'm not sure there is much to tell."

"Ahh, I am not so sure that's true." The grey patches in Joshua’s stubble moved up with his smile. He had a strong square jaw and strength in his bearing. He did not appear as old as his greying hair suggested. Nyx’s wasn’t so sure he liked the glint he saw in Joshua’s eyes.

Gabe quickly chimed in, "Joshua is quite the poker player, when I told him about your winnings earlier, he had to meet you." The smile on his face was nervous yet somehow confident, "I hope you don’t mind I told him, he is also the one who offered to let you stay at his place if you decide you would like to."

"It’s fine," Nyx grinned showing his teeth, he sensed things were not as simple as they seemed. “The poker was luck really, I happened to make some fortunate bets."

Gabe and Joshua subtly made eye contact, "Of course, beginner's luck they call it. Cheers," Joshua held out his clear glass cup, dark liquor with some ice swished around inside. Nyx raised his clinking the cups together, then downed a large helping, it burned its way down his throat. His head involuntarily shook, it had been a long time since he could feel anything from such a weak drink.

"A lightweight ehh, not to worry we will get you right up to speed!" Joshua had a deep hearty laugh, Nyx couldn’t help but smile along. Maybe his first impression had been wrong, Joshua seemed like a likable guy.

Nyx sank into a leather love seat sitting opposite Joshua and Gabe, a glass table sat between them with a bottle of liquor sitting in a silver bowl with ice. Nyx observed the area around, a girl in the booth over flirted with a stranger, three friends escorted their drunk companion who could barely stand. Men, too old to be out partying, paced at the fringes of the dance floor awkwardly bobbing around. He didn’t see any sign of the girl with demon Chi.

"So, tell me how is living next to the two brothers'?"

"Ah…" The mass of swirling red was back, seeming to suck in the light. To Nyx, the area around the girl appeared as though in shadow, he had to say the girl was drop-dead gorgeous, a Succubus. "...Good." he noticed Joshua's eyes picking out the woman as well.

Gabe chuckled, "see something you like?" seconds later his eyes opened wide, “looks like Dan beat you to it!"

Nyx took a closer look at Dan who was being pulled along by the beautiful woman. Dull next to the demonic red beside him, his core was glowing with russet brown Chi as well. The red power lapped at him, the way a child would lick at something sweet; Nyx could feel its desire to feed. Drinking had relieved Dan of his control, but he seemed perfectly happy with a silly smile plastered on his face.