Digital Waltz

(Serena)
Serena quickly pulled the door shut, crouching low and using her dark atire to blend in with the darkness. Blade retracted she listened for a moment surveying each door to see if there was light shinning from under any of them.

(Serena)

To your right, you spot a door with bright yellow light under it. A few seconds later, the door flew open and two hulking batpony bouncers stormed out and marched toward the door you came in from:

"What a goddamn nightmare" one of them exhaled, clearly annoyed beyond any words.

They haven't spotted you yet, but they're moving in your direction.


There's not much room to move around in the corridor where you're currently staying. You spot several closed doors, between you and the bouncers. No visible light under the doorways.
There's a medium sized trashcan, standing just a meter away from you, beside the wall.


About 10 meters down the hallway, you hear the rhythmic beats of music, coming through a closed door.

The bouncers are in the way at the moment, and are rapidly moving in your direction. It doesn't look like they spotted you yet.

(Arnold)

"I'm afraid I can't step away now. I was hoping I didn't have to use this, but alas."
He pulls out an odd badge. On it, is his name and occupation. "Arnold Johnson, pretorian guard of Equestrian royalty. I demand access inside, as a person guilty of attempted regicide is in this club. But don't let that slip too soon."

(Oboro)

Given the description, she guess it must've been Amy Moore. But as she wanted to go for the capture, the lights went out.
"What? I though it was Arnold with the rotten luck!"

While she would love to see the display, she silently cursed as she kept trying to find that girl.

(Serana)
The mare tucks and rolls into cover behind the trash can. Waiting for the guards to pass with just enough space for her to stealthily dart passed them.

Moon watched the dancer quietly, taking a few more steps forward to observe. She was unfamiliar with this style of dancing, but watched the holograms curiously.

Violet seemed mesmerized by the lights, she had only seen dancing like that in recent internet videos and a news a wide smile is spread across her lips as she watches, "i am impressed" she nods as she watches.

(Arnold)

"OOOOooooooohh! A person guilty of attempted regicide is inside!" The bouncer loudly repeated, then frowned: "And who else is inside? Marek, Audrey Swan? An Architect?"

He crossed his arms and firmly blocked the exit: "Listen, chum, you're not the first one to think his badge can get him inside the club, ahead of the line. It ain't happening on my watch!


But thank you for giving me your full name, Arnold Johnson. I'll make sure to add it to the blacklist"

The bouncer scowled, still blocking the entrance with his arms crossed: "You are permanently banned from entering Darkstar, for debauchery and assaulting a bouncer.

The only way you're getting inside, is through my dead body!!" he said, glaring at you.










(Moon, Oboro, Violet, Naomi)


Since Oboro was maintaining a watchful eye on Amy when the lights went out, spotting her again in the darkness didn't prove to be difficult.
Amy's face was slightly illuminated by her own laptops screen. You spotted her in the darkness after a few moments.

She's still intently staring at her computer screen and furiously typing away. It doesn't look like she's aware of the events around her.



Noel suddenly approaches you with a cellphone and tries to shout close to your ear, to be heard over the loud music:


"The Council Building security is on the line! They just lost their camera feed completely! Their electronic systems are shutting down! Automated defenses are shutting down! Every locked door is being opened! They are about to loose control of the whole building!

We have to find the hacker and stop her, right now, before she completes her assault. Or the whole Council Building will be left completely vulnerable!!"


Noel shouted, then looked at her phone again: "They said... they picked up a witness in the square. The witness was apparently recording the riot, when things went south.
He filmed a woman with the 'Scrambled Face', on his camera, then looked at her with his eyes.

The woman is a batpony, young, early twenties. Gray pelt, blue dress. She kept smiling and staring at the Council Building, before the riot broke out. That should narrow down the list of suspects!"




The girl named Emerald continued to dance, fully entranced by the music. The lights slowly returned to the dance floor, restoring the dim twilight of the club.

The crowd slightly dispersed and returned to dancing as well.


Emerald caught you looking at her and smiled. Blue strings of light continued to envelop her as she danced:

"I give dancing lessons on Thursdays" she called, smiling to Violet and Moon: "Its not expensive, promise" her smile grew wide:

"You guys knew? Haven't seen you around here before"

















(Serena)

The bouncers pass you and head towards the backdoor:

"Are you kidding me? They broke the lock AGAIN!" one of the bouncers roared: "If I find the prick who did this, I'm gonna DECK HIM IN THE FACE!!!" he angrily shrieked at the broken door.

"Forget it" his mate waved it off: "The cops will be here in less than 10 mins, they'll sort this mess out"


As you look around, you hear the rhythmic beats of music, coming through a closed door, about 10 meters further down the hallway.

Violet smiles politely at her, "I might have to take you up on that~" she nods, "If I decide to come back here." she says as her eyes wonder away.

(ohohoh that bouncer is so lucky Rain isn't there)

// lol XD



(Moon, Oboro, Violet, Naomi)


"Ah, sister" Emerald smiled to you, a pair of batpony fangs slightly poking out: "First time in Adelheid? How do you like the city so far?" she asked.

Her dance involved a lot of moves where she spinned around herself, yet she somehow continued to maintain eye contact.
Her palms continued to project blue hologram strings, creating a blue whirlwind as she spinned around.



"...jeez" Mira grimaced and quietly whispered: "..kids these days... all too eager to chop off their limbs, just to install a cool new cybernetic"


Emerald didn't seem to hear her, or if she did, she didn't show it.

"It is!" she nods but frowns a bit at her, she casually dances with her just stepping with the beat and moving herself a bit with the music, "My experience so far has been... less then enjoyable if I'm going to sweeten it." she sighs, "I came here for the agriculture event, but got caught in the Hero's event" she sighs with a smile, "I got caught in the riot and well... I ended up here." she pushes the glasses up the bridge of her muzzle, "I'm Violet by the way" she says loudly over the music.

(Arnold)

"I suppose the polite conversation is over then."
He cracks his knuckles, and takes a stance.
"I wanted to bypass you politely, seeing a you're only doing your job. But I need to do mine as well, and I don't intend to drop my mission."

With that, he posed, and charged with his shoulder into the bouncer.

(Oboro)

Flying over as quietly as possible proved easier with the music. She landed close to Amy, and tried to take a peek at her screen.

(Moon, Oboro, Violet, Naomi)


"Esmeralda" The girl smiled to Violet: "Friends call me Emerald"

Her face briefly darkened: "Violet, I'm sorry to hear about the riot. Its truly foolish, how people seek to divide themselves.
If only they opened their eyes, perhaps they'd notice the suffering of others. And horrible atrocities  around the world, would not be permitted to happen.."

She grimly looked into space, her stare becoming unfocused, then she shook her head and smiled again:

"I'm sorry. Looks like I brought the colors of sorrow, to this place of respite. I'm supposed to be doing the opposite" she smiled widely:


"Adelheid has a lot of dance clubs. Theaters, casinos and operas. It is a city where actors tell many tales of wander, that reside almost behind every corner. Perhaps you will witness one such tale. Adelheid is a magical place" she released a bright smile.





As Oboro took a peek at Amy's computer screen, endless lines of code came into view.

Amy was using some kind of unfamiliar program, typing in one line of code after another, at a frightening speed.

You can't quite tell what she's writing, but it looks like she's typing out commands of some sort. The computer screen itself, remains unchanged. You can only see that the wall of code is getting longer and longer, the more she writes.

Amy appears to be fully concentrated on her task, squinting at the screen through her glasses. She doesn't seem to notice you at all.














(Arnold)


The bouncer proved to be surprisingly agile. He suddenly stepped to the side, tripping you. As you try to catch your balance and prevent a potential fall, two more hulking bouncers suddenly stepped out of the club, grabbed you by both hands and slightly lifted you up, before throwing you backwards.


Three bouncers now stood at the entrance, their arms crossed.

One of them leaned to the others and quietly called: "What's the ETA on the cops?"

"Shouldn't be long now" the other replied: "Maybe five minutes"

Violet cant help but look at the girl before her, the light she emitted from her palms was somewhat mesmerizing to say the least, "Esmeralda, that's a gorgeous name." she chuckles softly her fangs poking out from her top lip only slightly, "How long have you been around Adelhide? I come from the more southern end of Nyx, I own an orchard and, like I said before I came for the agricultural event so I could gain some information from some farmers from Sorin as well!" she chuckles, "but I'm sure you don't want to hear me ramble about the country, I am sure you're more of a city girl huh?"

(Naomi)
Naomi headed over to where Amy was as well. She took a seat on the same sofa keeping a little distance between them but she was still close enough to be able to reach out and grab Amy if she needed to.

(Serena)
Serena snuck the rest of the way and into the main club area. She had quickly pulled out the glasses, surveyed the area, then stowed them again. Based on the appearance given and what she was doing Amy looked like the best candidate.

From across the club, tablet now in hand, Serena began her own work of hacking into the laptop.

(Oboro)

She shook off her stern expression, as if she needed to supress the feeling of something she disgusted. Then, she made her way over to Amy, and took a seat.
"Hey! So, why are you sitting her all by yourself and not partying like the rest here?"

(Arnold)

"More people. I should've suspected it. Alas, it's a shame. On any other day I would've gladly helped you out with your job, but my duty is inside."
With those words he got up swiftly.
"Sorry friends, but you're out of luck."
He moved swiftly as well, throwing an elbow at one of the guards with folded arms. During the same move, he threw his leg at bis shin, hitting that soundly.

(Moon, Oboro, Violet, Naomi)


"I'm doing homework" Amy replied, not taking her eyes off the laptop:
"The music helps me concentrate" she said, squinting at the screen and typing away:

"I don't want a drink, or a dance, or a date. Sorry but, could you please not bother me"


She continued to type, then suddenly stopped and scowled at her screen.

Her face became distorted with anger and she muttered something in a foreign language. You get the feeling that she was swearing.



Amy minimized the program she was using a moment ago and started a different application. Her hands started dancing over the keyboard again.


On Serena's tabloid, you could see that Amy clearly spotted the attempted intrusion into her laptop and was now running countermeasures.




Emerald continued to dance, the strings of blue light slightly illuminating the area:

"Nyx sounds interesting, I've never been there" she said, releasing a somewhat sad smile:
"I was born in Adelheid, lived here all of my life. It was peaceful here... mostly.."

Emerald briefly checked her watch, without stopping her dance: "Its almost my time to go. I hope you still get to visit the agricultural event. It sounds nice. Important. Another small bridge between Soren and Nyx"


She looked at you for a long moment, then smiled: ".....I'll try to watch over you, whenever I can.. Adelheid is a bit dangerous right now... be careful... and keep your mind open, okay?" she smiled.

















(Arnold)


One of the bouncers crumbled to the ground.

The next second, the muscles in your entire body seized up, as you were hit with a taser.

Completely loosing control of your body, you slowly fall to the ground. One of the bouncers was holding the taser.
The other one heavily pressed you into the ground, rolling you onto your stomach and sitting on top of your back.

He twisted your arm behind your back and placed his knee on your head, preventing any kind of movement.


The bouncer was very heavy. Several dozen kilograms of muscle weighed on you, firmly pressing you into the ground.
You find it almost impossible to struggle, as the bouncer firmly locked you in place and your muscles refused to work, after being shocked by a taser.

(Serena)
A smile started to creep across Serena's face as the two hackers engaged in digital combat. At this point in time, all Serena was doing was stalling the girl. The reaction had been exactly what she wanted.

(Naomi)
Hearing the muttering and scowl Naomi acted. Standing up the platinum hair mare stepped creating a looming shadow over Amy.

"And whatever you're doing, you want to stop."

(Oboro)

She gave a chuckle. "I'm not here for a drink, miss."
Her tone then became grave, and grabbed one of her hands. "What are you really doing here on that laptop? Tell me in full detail."

(Arnold)
Though his body has been tazed and restrained, he hasn't passed out yet. He was thinking something.
~Damn it... Sorry everyone... I'll be gone for a while now. Get them for me...~

"Thank you for your time miss emerald!" she smiles back and steps back off the dance floor, her ears perk as she says she is going to watch over her wondering what that ment, "it was very nice meeting you." she nods

(Moon, Oboro, Violet, Naomi)


"Get the fuck off me you racist bitch!" Amy suddenly snapped at Oboro and Naomi:

"SECURITY!" She barked at the top of her lungs. With her free hand, she unplugged something out of her laptop.


Serena's tabloid showed that Amy has disconnected her computer from the internet, completely thwarting any attempts at hacking into it.


Two hulking bouncers materialized out of the crowd and slowly approached Naomi, Amy and Oboro.


"Who the hell let these thugs into the club!" Amy barked, tilting her head toward Naomi and Oboro: "I will not be harassed in such manner!"


The bouncers frowned at you. Looks like they're not about to play around:

"Step away from the guest" one of them quietly called to Naomi and Oboro: "Show me your Club Membership Card. Now"





Emerald watched the scene from afar and sighed, shaking her head, then turned back to Violet:

"It was nice meeting you Violet. Until next time" Emerald nodded and stepped into the crowd.

Violet frowned and made her way over to where the ruckis is. She frowns at the guards and amy. Her eyes fall on Amy as she approches. "I know these guys and I can assure you they arent harassing you for no reason..." she pushes the glasses up her nose as she looks at amy, "you are clearly doing something wrong if you get these two's attention sister."

(Moon, Oboro, Violet, Naomi, Serena)


"I'm doing homework for university, without bothering anyone!!" Amy angrily said:
"Or is that not allowed!?"


The text box next to her read:

Amy, Moore
University student, computer programming major. Honor student.
Age: 22
Occupation: Student. Part time job with a major software company.


"I did nothing wrong! You can't just manhandle me! Who the hell would be fine with that!" She scowled.

(Oboro)

"I wouldn't grab you if there wasn't a good reason for it. You're coming with us. We know what you did today, and you're not going to get away with it."

She turns to the bouncers. "I'm not stepping away from the suspect. She's coming with us."

(Moon, Oboro, Violet, Naomi, Serena)


Amy is staring at you with eyes full of hatred: "...harassing me.. manhandling me.. without evidence... without identifying yourselves... I will sue your ass so hard, you'll forget what your name is" she hissed.


"She's a.. 'suspect'?" One of the bouncers raised an eyebrow, looking at you: "You a cop? Show me your police ID. Now."


The two bouncers are firmly blocking your way.

(Serena)
"What's the word on the hacking situation?" Serena spoke into her comm,"We've stalled someone who fits the description, but I want to make sure it's the correct target"

Serena did a quick visual scan of the area, looking for anyone else that seemed to be engrossed with an electronic device. Amy seemed to fit the bill, but it hardly seemed likely she was working alone.