As Jill made her way down the street, she felt her mind wander to her fight with the boy. The feeling of steel meeting steel as their blades clashed. Every move she made was given a response, whether defense, evasion, or a counterstrike. Even as she was able to get an attack on him, he ignored any wounds he was given.

'Pretty impressive for someone so young,' she thought, letting out a small hum as she reminisced on the bout. It was clear that he wasn't a Squire, since there was clear intent to kill. Didn't seem like a Guild or Clan member, either, since there wasn't any real 'structure' to his attacks. It was as if she was fighting against a rather competent street brawler. 'Still, the kid got something going for him. Can't wait to tell Maxxie about him!'

Hell, she may even have a new song idea!

With that, she felt a melody well up inside her as she began to hum. An on-the-spot tune, she felt her head bob to the unknown beat. The beat of her heart acting as drums, a rhythmic pulse against her ribs. The sound of steel clashing against each other setting a sharp, brutal tone. Feeling the noise of the world around her grow dull, the rhythm began to grow louder. The scraping of blades combined with the sharp noise of an electric guitar. The echoes of lighting striking the floor coincided with crashing of symbols. Yet, as she hummed along to the music forging itself in her mind, she paused as the scent of blood, booze, and sin hit her nose.

'Huh, guess I was out for longer than expected if everything started to open. I really need to get a watch.'

Making a mental note for tomorrow, she made her way down the path, following the ever growing scent. As she weaved through the people walking down the same path, she came across a familiar sight. People walking underneath an elaborate arch, every inch covered in red Luminore engravings. Crimson lights painted the brick street, painting the surroundings in a bloody hue. Each face carried a weight of desire, either hidden behind vague interest or clear as day. The smell of hunger surrounded her, from the bars and food stands to the brothels and alleyways. May not be Opulenca proper, but it was enough to feel like she was back home.

Making her way down the crimson colored road, she weaved through the small river of people. Some stepped into one of the establishments, something catching their eye. Others, meanwhile, were seeming to just explore, hanging around familiar food stands. As she glanced at a nearby food stand, she paused as her stomach released an audible growl. Feeling those around her turn towards her, she cleared her throat, hand covering her now pink face.

Yeah...it'd probably be best to grab some food on the way back home. She worked up a solid sweat, after all!

With that, she made her way towards the seafood stand, pushing the moment before this aside. As she got closer to the food stand, she felt the scent of spiced, fried meat enter her nose. Feeling her mouth water, she gulped down her saliva before slotting herself in line. As the line advanced forward, she eventually found herself in front of the server. Dressed in a black tee and flat cap, the man in front of her flashed her a small smile, eyes full of amusement.

"Hey there, what can I get for you?" the server asked, tilting their head towards the menu next to him. Taking a quick look at the menu board, she found something that caught her eye. To think she'd find someone who'd make that dish.

"I'll take the Widow and Hare Stir-Fry, please," Jill answered, pointing at a particular dish. She watched as the man's eyes widened, a flash of surprise in his eyes. A small smile appeared on his face as he began making her order. As she watched the cook go through the motions, she couldn't help but feel memories begin to bubble up in her mind.

The scent of candles, wafting through a living room. Coughing and laughter as an unexpected wave of spice hit her tongue. A hand patting her hair as she continued eating, determined to prove herself.

"Here's your order, ma'am," the cook said, bringing her out of memory lane. Seeing the man hold out a paper bag towards her, Jill gave him a small nod before taking it. "Made sure to add in some extra sauce cups. Seems like you'd enjoy it."

'Oh, you have no idea, man.'

"Thanks," she responded, giving him a small smile before pulling out her wallet. Pulling out the requisite Macre cards, she gave him a small nod before walking off. Weaving through the sea of people, she found herself in front of a familiar building. It stood tall amongst the surrounding buildings, looking more akin to an old manor. Heavy music played from the building, the air itself all but shaking to the beat. A line stood next to the door, with each person waiting for their turn to get in. Bouncers stood on each side of the door, making sure that those in line were kept in check.

'Huh, that's a lot more people than what we usually have. Do we have a special guest or something?'

Whatever it is, if the security is getting brought out, then they must have some solid sway. Making a note to ask someone later, she began to make her way towards the main entrance. As she walked past the line of waiting customers, she found herself at the very front. Yet, just as she made her way towards the door, she watched as a hand shot out in front her.

"Ma'am, please wait in line with the others," the bouncer in front of her stated, tiredness clear in her voice. Yet, despite her supposed annoyance, Jill saw a firmness in her gaze as she crossed her tattooed arms.

'Strange, don't think I've ever seen her around before. Must be a new hire.'

Yet, before she could begin explaining herself, another bouncer came over to them. From the various scars on his body to the dull purple of his hair, this was someone she knew well.

"Jill, why the hell are you in line? You should be downstairs," Jebidiah asked, crossing his arms. His turquoise eyes seemed to bore into her, as she was found with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Come on, Jebby! You know that training gets boring. Got to stretch my legs and all that," Jill replied, giving him her signature smile. Yet, despite her words, his gaze went down to the bag in hand before rising back to meet her own. Feeling the questioning gaze press down on her, a meek chuckle left her lips. "Okay, to be fair, I bought this, like, a few minutes ago. I saw a stand serving Opulencan food and I couldn't help myself."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Jebidiah sighed before opening the door for her. "Just get inside and go get ready."

Ignoring the surprised looks of both the new bouncer and those in line, Jill slipped past the open door. Once she was past the threshold, she heard the heavy oaken door close shut behind her. Making her way towards the main area, she was met with people moving about. Some were technicians, carrying and setting up various pieces of equipment. Others were more general workers, cleaning up from the daylight work or hanging out.

'Now, where is Harry?' Jill pondered, furrowing her brow as she scanned her surroundings. Eventually, her eyes landed on a figure she knew so very well. A large man, dressed in the uniform black shirt and pants, stood near the bar. Next to him was a woman dressed in a similar fashion, but with a gray baseball cap. Even with both the noise and distance, it was clear to Jill that he was trying to flirt with her. Even seems to be succeeding, from the looks of it.

Well, time to ruin it for him!

Letting out a small chuckle, she began to make her towards where they stood. She snaked towards the distracted duo, making sure she kept herself out of sight. After all, ruining the surprise would be so dreadfully boring. Once she was close enough, she let out a small breath as she observed the two.

'Alright, wait for it...wait for it...now!'

Seeing her chance, she leaped towards Hank in a burst of speed. She leaped onto his back, wrapping her legs around his waist before draping her arms around his neck.

"Hey, Harry, baby! I missed you!" Jill exclaimed, putting on a sickly sweet voice. Before he could even respond, Jill then tightened her arms around his neck, silencing him. Turning her gaze towards the lady in question, giving her a quick once-over. To be honest, she could kind of see what attracted Hank to her. She was solidly attractive, with her having a 'nice coworker' sort of vibe. Yet, the scattering of tattoos added a sort of edge to her, which seemed to be his type. At least, considering the similarities between the exes he told her about.

'Sorry to ruin the mood in advance, but I need to borrow him. He'll clear things up later.'

"Oh, hi! I didn't see you there," Jill said, putting on her best 'overbearing girlfriend' voice. Lessening her grip around Harry's neck, she slid off his back before walking over to the stunned woman. Before she could respond, Jill grabbed her hand before shaking it, a step-ford smile on her face. " It's so nice to see a new face around here! I'm Jill, this big lug's girlfriend. We often work different shifts, so I decided to surprise him. So glad to meet you!"

"Oh...yeah, nice to meet you," the lady- Stacy, going by her name tag- greeted, with an uneasy smile on her face. Her eyes glancing between her and the struggling to breathe Harry, she seemed to have her choice. Slipping out of Jill's hand, she began to step back, giving what seemed to be her best smile all the while. "See, I'd love to stay, but I have to go...currently on shift and all that. But, I-I'd love to talk with you two later!"

With her excuse made, Stacey turned on her heels before quickly exiting the scene. Watching the girl all but trip over her own feet, a small chuckle left Jill before turning back to Harry. He had the usual face whenever she had fun with him; furrowed brow, gritted teeth, twitching eye. The proof that she was successful in her job.

"Why do you keep pulling this shit?! You don't even like anybody like that!" Harry hissed, closing the distance between them. Venom laced his voice, each word carrying the weight of a very fed-up man. " Yet, every time I try to get into a relationship, you decide to pretend to be my ex or my current girlfriend! Do you have something against me, specifically? Because I don't see you do this with anyone else!"

"Gonna be real, I just find it pretty funny," Jill admitted, giving him a light shrug. Rage flashed in Harry's eyes as his brow twitched. Seeing this, Jill raised her arms in mock surrender as she took a step back. "Come on, man. We're friends, you should've expected this."

"...One of these days, I will fight you," Harry declared, a firm look on his face. Seeing this sudden resolution, a small chuckle left Jill as she tossed herself onto an open stool.

"And maybe, one of those days, you'd win," Jill shot back, shooting him a small grin. Seeing Harry let out a heavy sigh at her words, a small snicker slipped past her lips. Leaning back into the chair, she watched as the staff continued to prepare the place. "So, what seems to be the current happenings? Never saw this place so busy before opening."

"All this is just some final checks and preparations," Harry answered, crossing his arms. "Apparently, some big music name is using us as a venue. Someone named 'Jason Winters' or something."

"Don't think I ever heard of them," Jill hummed, tilting her head. "Might check 'em out if I can slip out from Maxim's gaze."

"Too bad that won't be happening," a voice above the two of them spoke. One that she heard many times over, whether it was giving advice during spars or reprimanding her. Just as the words landed on her ears, a figure fell from above, landing in front of the two. Rising up from his crouched form stood a man a head taller than Harry. Dressed in a gray and navy suit, her boss turned towards her, crossing his arms as crimson eyes bore into her. "I assume that you cleaned up your mistake, Jill?"

"Well, hello to you too, Maxxie," Jill answered, shooting him a cheeky grin. Yet, despite her attempt at casual talk, he simply raised a brow at her words, not responding. As she felt the silence between them grow, she glanced over to where Harry was, only to find the space next to her vacant. Eye twitching at his betrayal, she cleared her throat before turning towards Maxim. "The Hell-maw Gang and their newest purchases won't be a problem for us anymore. Furthermore, I actually encountered a neat thing today; someone who can match me in a fight."

Hearing this, Maxim furrowed his brow at her words, a questioning look on his face. Yet, she saw a sense of interest in his eyes, the silent order to continue on clear.

Seeing this, Jill smiled before beginning to speak about the Frost-Fanged Boy.