Zack knocked on the door, and there stood Max. The boy smiled. "Greetings, my friend!"

  Max welcomed him in, and what the blond noticed was that nearly half the town was there. Music played, and people were dancing, and drinking their tankards.

  This place was....neat, and cheery.

  Zack shook his head, and looked at Max with confusion. "What IS this?"

  "Oh, we're not there yet." Max said.

  He took him to the back of the bar counter and stomped the floor. A trapdoor opened and in they went.

  Zack could immediately get a strong aroma of burning herbs. Disgusted, he wrinkled his nose. He looked to his left, and saw that some kids their age were dumping white powder in their drinks. He then looked to his right, and saw that a couple were making out in the corner of the room.

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  He followed Max to the far end of the large, dimly lit room, and stopped as Max gave him a gesture, telling him to wait.

  The boy swept the drinks off the counter and climbed on. He stood in the center like it was a stage. Zack could hear the cheering come from across the way. The room then silenced.

  Max cleared his throat and began to speak. "Lads and Ladies, it's been a great pleasure for each and every one of you to be a part of this new society we are building for ourselves...right here."

  The crowd cheered, but Max silenced them. "But tonight, what I wanted to announce is that we have a new member to our clan! May I present to you, Zack!" The crowd cheered once again. Max ushered the blond to come on stage, but Zack shook his head. The crowd exclaimed in disappointment for the new kid's lack of cooperation.

  "Dont disrespect Max!" A man shouted at Zack, but Max stopped him.

  The boy chuckled. "It's alright, he's a little shy...let's not sweat it for him."

  Zack cautiously looked around the room.

  God, PLEASE hurry with this, Matthew!

  .............................................

  Upstairs ---

  Matthew crawled and ducked underneath drunken people that danced on the floor. He slid his way into the bar. He carried his slingshot for a good distraction.

  How was he going to get inside without anyone seeing him?

  ...............................