Bartimaeus

This was the plan: We enter Prague undetected with false identities and hide in disguises. After that, we blend in with the common folk, mingle our way around, and get to know any suspicious looking people. With this plan, we hope to find someone that might know anything about seeking revenge and any underground rebellion. The plan was solid and simple enough. Except, there was a simple problem that Nathaniel didn't consider. He had to become one them, meaning he must hang out with them, do all their activities, and offer them company for whatever they liked. With the way Nathaniel was huffing and puffing and stomping, you could tell that he wasn't particularly keen on going to a nightclub. That, and the constant complaining.

"Why would you agree to that, Bartimaeus?" He said for the hundredth time. "You know that I don't drink! This is most inappropriate and vile. I refuse to step into such disgusting place and have a single drop of liquor. I can't believe you've agreed to this. I'm backing out. We'll find someone else. Those children - the one we saw earlier today – they'll know something! I'll talk to them. Yes."

I was leaning against the bedroom's door frame, casually watching him throw his little tantrum.

"You're acting like a child."

"I am sixteen!" He shouted, his voice cracking slightly. "I can't drink that kind of stuff."

"Sure, you can. Kids your age do it all the time."

He shook his head and paced around the room. He continued muttering to himself about the legality and the health complications, his hands gesturing this way and that. Never thought alcohol would get him this frazzled.

I sighed. "Okay, how about this: all you have to do is take one or two sips. You can leave the rest to me. You don't have to drink that much. Just give them an illusion you're drinking."

He stopped his pacing, his fingers rubbing his chin. "Yes..." he muttered. "Yes. That sounds good…"

I clapped my hands together. "Let's talk plans now." I was eager to get this mission over with. I needed to go back home.

After much back and forth, Nathaniel and I hashed out a poorly cut plan that we could safely say we agreed on. At the party, I would take the lead. Become fast friends with the three teens, hopefully meet more people, and we would partake in any activities. Once we felt we were comfortable, Nathaniel would take the lead. His job was to drop subtle hints on any topics with magicians and rebellions. I would keep on the look-out for anything that seems suspicious. If anyone takes the bait, we latch onto them. We learn more, get inside the rebellion and find Hopkins. Sounds easy enough. Except Nathaniel and I disagree on when we should start asking about the rebellion. I would like to take my time; perhaps wait for the next time the kids invite us to another club. It seems less suspicious and more natural. Nathaniel was a little too eager on getting as much information in as little time as possible though. I'm worried that this would make us stick out.

While we prepared ourselves for the long, adventurous night, dusk crept up on us. Before we knew it, it was time. It had began to drizzle slightly, dampening Nathaniel's already sour mood. He ditched his cape and wore his large coat to keep away from the chill. It was a long, quiet walk to the nightclub. Neither of us spoke, our thoughts far away. My essence was aching; I longed to change forms to get some temporary relief. It's unfortunate I'd have to wait until we get back to London, otherwise I'd attract unwanted attention.

The nightclub stood tall and wide. Every inch of the front of the building's grimy brick walls were covered in fading posters of the past live music events. The large sign's neon lights flashed obnoxiously, the colored lights reflecting off the puddles. Somewhere from within the building, loud music could be heard over the collective sounds of chattering people. From the front entrance, a half-dressed girl stumbled out in a stupor, giggling and talking incoherently. She landed on the wet pavement staring up at the night sky. Nathaniel wrinkled his nose.

"She is humiliating herself."

I shrugged. "She's having more fun than you." I shoved him forward lightly towards the front entrance.

He carefully stepped over the girl. I nudged her to the side with a boot. She giggled and rolled over, her clothes getting soaked from the rain.

Standing near the front door, a large man stood. His broad shoulders was large enough to block the front entrance as Nathaniel stepped towards it.

"I'm going to need to see your identification. You look too young."

Nathaniel stammered a bit, patting down at his pants for a non-existent ID. I was going to act when a small voice to my left called out.

"It's - okay Dominik. Th-they're my – friends!" The sprawling girl hiccupped and giggled. She rolled back onto her back, her dazed eyes looking into mine. "You have nice eyes. And boots."

The large man – Dominik – looked between Nathaniel and I. After a moment, he finally nodded and gestured us to enter. Nathaniel hesitated but I pushed him forward.

In an instant, the music enveloped us all. I could feel the bass reverberating within me, a rhythmic beating stimulating a fast heart-beat. Strobe lights flashed above; people were moving in and out within the dancing crowd at the center. To my amusement, Nathaniel looked lost. Mouth open, he gazed at his surrounding. Everywhere he looked, people danced and drank. The environment was buzzing with excitement and care-free joy; laughter and an occasional shout could sometimes be heard over the loud music.

I walked forward, grabbing a hold of Nathaniel's hand. I pushed my way towards the center of the dancing crowd. Nathaniel stumbled over his feet and received a couple of elbows to the head a couple of times but he kept his pace with me. Once I felt that we were in the thick of it, I turned to him and bent close to his ear to shout over the music.

"Stay here. I'm going to find those three kids. Act natural and just dance."

By the look of his face, you would think I asked him to go mingle with the homeless.

"No!" He shouted. "I want to stay with you. I'll help you look for them."

Someone behind him stumbled and knocked into us. A man to my right grunted. The crowd of people were closing in around us, making it difficult to have a conversation. I shook my head and pulled him closer. I felt himself tense up. "Just stay here. That way I know you're safe. There's lots of people here so you'll blend in with the crowd perfectly."

I pulled back and turned, ready to go search for the three teens. I felt someone grab my arm; Nathaniel pulled me back next to him.

"No!" He shouted again. "I feel safe when I'm with you!"

He glanced over my shoulder and his face blanked. I wrenched my arm free and felt someone tap behind my shoulder.

"I didn't know you guys were a couple!" The tall teen named Alec shouted over the music, sneering at us.

"W-we're not!" Nathaniel stammered, forcing a fake laugh.

"Where's everyone else at?" I asked.

Alec pointed at a far corner of the room. "They're over there waiting for us. They got us a booth to sit. Follow me."

Squeezing through sweating dancing people proved to be a task. I kept my pace with Alec, weaving in and out of the stream of moving bodies. Nathaniel had a tight grip on my arm, careful to not stumble over my legs. The three of us finally broke free from the crowd and made our way towards the red leathered-booth.

The girl, Anne sat next to the freckled face teen. She spotted us and called out.

"Hey boys! You made it. Sick place, huh?"

Sticking to the plan, I took the lead. I hopped into the booth, Nathaniel following my lead.

"I could get used to this." I said, flashing a smile towards her. She giggled, twirling her a strand of her blonde hair with her finger.

The freckled face teen leaned over the table. "I forgot to introduce myself earlier. My name is Stefan."

Alec plopped down next Anne. "So, Ptolemy and Nathan, you guys want to try these?"

From his coat pocket, he pulled out a small bag. The bag contained several small white pills. Fuck. Nathaniel cleared his throat but I could sense him tensing up. I made sure my smile didn't waver.

"What are they?" I asked.

Stefan leaned forward, his voice straining to be louder than the blasting music. "They're new in the streets. They're called JuicePop. One pop of them, and you'll feel like you've drank yourself to a blackout. They're supposed to stimulate drunkenness but without the alcohol."

Alec pulled two of the white pills and slid them across the table, looking at Nathaniel and I expectantly. Stefan and Anne urged us on to take the pills. I leaned back against the seat.

"I can't," I said. "I'm driving and I gotta keep an eye on Nathan here."

Alec shrugged. "You could always order a taxi. But whatever. What about you Nathan?"

Nathaniel reached across the table and fingered the pill nervously. Stealing a quick glance at me, he smiled faintly at the three teens. With a swift movement, he threw his head back, popping the pill into his mouth and swallowed it. Our table erupted in cheers and laughter. Stefan smacked the table happily, encouraging Nathaniel to take another. Nathaniel declined. Without any hesitation, Stefan and Anne did the same, taking two pills each. There was more cheers and laughter. From underneath the table, I felt Nathaniel tap my leg. I bent down towards him.

"Change of plan," he whispered. "You're gonna have to do everything. I don't think I'll be able to handle it."

I nodded. I'm not going to lie, I felt a bit guilty. He was out of his element, and he was freaking out over the prospect of drinking alcohol. And here he was taking drugs from kids we don't necessarily trust. I honestly felt like I just failed at protecting Nathaniel. But this was the mission. He wanted to blend in, and we were for the time being. I have to give him props though. The kid is really dedicated to his missions. For the next few hours, I kept the conversation flowing. I pulled out every ice breaker I could think of, and every interesting topics that might keep a couple of drunk (or drugged?) teens happy. The dancing in the room never stopped and the music kept going on, a constant rhythmic beat blasting all around us.

As time went on, I kept an eye on Nathaniel. His demeanor began to change. As he talked, his words began to slur. His cheeks had a rosy tint to them and his eyes sparkled with awe. Within the half hour since he's taken the pill, he was loose. His tense shoulder sagged and laughter bubbled from his lips at every lame joke that Alec told. It was strange seeing him relax like this. I don't think I ever recall him being this carefree. Every once in awhile, I would lean in and whisper if he was okay. He always nodded in a dreamy state, words tumbling ungracefully about something he just thought of. Stefan and Anne proved to be much more physical and carefree. Within the hour, the two were wrapped up in each other's embrace in the corner of their booth, lips locked together and swapping spit. At one point, Stefan had his hands underneath her skirt.

Alec paid no attention. He kept his gaze at me.

"Where'd you say you were from?" He asked, a smile dancing on his lips.

"Egypt. Born and raised."

He nodded, his smile unwavering. To his right, Anne moaned out in pleasure and gripped Stefan's face with her free hand. Still, Alec kept his eyes on me. I looked out into the dancing crowd.

"Why don't you take a picture? I know I'm beautiful, but it's rude to stare."

Alec chuckled. "I'm just trying to figure you out. How do you know Nathan? Why is he with you? What's your relationship with him?"

"Well, uh, I actually met him in Egypt. And we became fast friends and we're just traveling together." What a terrible backstory.

Alec gestured towards the happy Nathaniel. He had his eyes closed, his head lolling side to side. "I just think how interesting it is to see you hovering over him like a worried mother hen. And I think I've seen you before."

I laughed half-heartedly. "Well, I'm a worrier. Can't help it. Speaking of which, if you don't stop your friends, they're about to get a rude and crying surprise in nine months."

At this point, Anne was on the table moaning, Stefan hunched over her. The table wobbled underneath their weight. Stefan was fumbling with his belts, his fingers sloppily struggling to unbuckle it. Alec silently cursed. With fumbling limbs, he attempted and struggled to separate the couple. Just as Alec finally got Stefan to slump back down into his seat, Nathaniel abruptly sat upright.

"Bartimaeus, I'm going to throw up."

I winced at my name and hastily shushed him as I took stole a quick glance at Alec. He was busy dealing with his friend who was now trying to crawl back on the table over Anne. He gave no indication that he was paying attention to us right now. I stood up from the booth, gently half carrying a sluggish Nathaniel out.

"We'll be right back," I said.

Alec threw a thumbs up and dismissed me.

Right. The bathroom. Where was it? Nathaniel leaned against me, his heavy weight slowing me down. I pulled him upright, and threw his arm over my shoulder. Walking into the dancing crowd was difficult already. Having someone leaning against you, legs stumbling and tripping, was almost impossible. I pulled him upright again and shouted over the blasting music into his ear.

"I need you to walk, Nat."

He muttered something but I didn't quite catch it. Uncoordinated legs attempted to walk when a tall woman bumped into me. My grip around Nathaniel lessened and he slumped down onto the ground. I growled out in frustration. He thought it was hilarious, apparently. He began to giggle as I pulled him back up.

"I-I'm going to throw up."

"No, not yet –"

He doubled over, his stomach content spilling out onto the floor. I unceremoniously dropped him to avoid nearly getting sprayed. I let out a curse when I realized he landed right on top of his own vomit.

"I have – I have to talk to you Bart –"

"Shhhhhh! Stop using my name! Here, let me pick you up and find a quiet bathroom, okay?"

He didn't protest and let me pull him right back up. The putrid stench of vomit and sweat reached my nose. The crowd were still closed in around us, heat and sweat radiating off the moving bodies. I pushed my way through and kept a close eye on Nathaniel who was now rambling incoherently. After much ducking and dragging and elbowing through the crowd, we finally broke through. In the far corner of the room, I spotted a door with a bathroom sign hanging above it. Next to the door, a line of people stood by, waiting for their turn. I groaned. Why do things have to be more difficult?

"Okay, Nat. I'm gonna count to three, okay? We're gonna barge into that bathroom before that big lady gets in, alright? Yes, we're cutting in line. I know that goes against your British moral code but we need to do this. I just need you to hold on to me. If I throw you, I'm sorry."

He mumbled, syllables clashing together to form gibberish. I took that as an agreement.

"One…. Two… And – THREE!"

I would like to say that things went gracefully. But it did not. As a person was exiting out of the bathroom, the large woman that was next in line was already preparing herself to enter. I attempted to run. A bit difficult when you're half carrying someone with stumbling uncoordinated legs. Instead, I tripped. Gracefully, I might add. In a desperate attempt, I threw Nathaniel towards the bathroom. He collided with the big woman, and fell backwards. With all the characteristic of a rag-doll, his back slammed against the bathroom's door, forcing it to open, and he quickly fell in. I jumped back onto my feet and ran. The big woman was now towering over Nathaniel, who was sprawled on the floor next to the stained toilet. A large roar erupted from her lips and, with a meaty hand, grabbed Nathaniel by the collar of his shirt. I jumped and landed on her back, prompting her to drop him. I bunched up my fist into her hair and pulled. She shrieked; her arms flailing in a desperate attempt to hit me. I avoided her heavy punches and hopped off, rolling head over heels.

Nathaniel groaned from the floor, rubbing his head. "I don't feel good."

The big woman roared at me; I hopped back on my feet and rushed towards her. Using all my strength, I shoved her out of the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. I locked it; her heavy fist began pounding against the door. The door shook with every blow. I could hear her scream and yell. I prayed the door could hold up. Keeping a cautious eye on the door, I rushed towards Nathaniel's side and propped him against the wall.

"We're in the bathroom right now. If you have to use it, do it now. The toilet is right next to you. No, to your right. Your right."

He vomited into toilet, nearly missing it. I kept the long strands of his hair away from his face as he emptied out his stomach. Finally, he threw his head back laughing. "You made pig lady angry."

"I would say she was more of a bull, but sure. Puke again if you need to, Nat. I don't know how strong that stuff was. You need to get it out of your system."

He shook his head and attempted to get up. I held him down.

"Bart, I have to talk to you," he mumbled.

"What is it? About the plan? Don't worry I got that down."

He giggled. "Bart. It sounds like fart."

"Charming."

"No- no wait." He closed his eyes, and placed a hand on my arm. "I didn't mean that. Bart, I meant – um – "

I grabbed a wad of toilet paper and dabbed at his face, wiping off the rest of the vomit that dribbled on his chin. Behind me, the angry lady was now kicking the door. Somehow, her roaring was being drowned out by the music. Nathaniel slapped my hand away.

"Listen to me!" His eyes flashed with irritation briefly, but then softened. He leaned his head against the toilet. "I'm so dizzy. But – You said that—that nothing ever means anything to me. I take offense to that."

I rolled my eyes. "We've already talked about this. I already apologized." I grabbed a new wad of toilet paper and rushed towards the sink to wet it. He was sweating now. Might as well get his face cleaned up.

"You're not listening to me. Many things mean a lot to me."

I dabbed his face with the wet toilet paper. He scrunched up his nose, flinching away.

"Hold still, no its not pee. It's just water. Next time I talk to Jane, I'll let her know that you mean a lot to her. And if your ego had a face, I would tell it too."

"No, no. Not her, you. You mean a lot to me."

"If I did, you would be dismissing me instead of keeping me around for long periods of time."

He opened his eyes. He was still dazed, but somehow, he kept his eyes on me.

"I do care about you," he started and paused to hiccup. "I just need you all the time. Jane is—" He waved his hand in the air in a dismissive manner. "She's meh. But you…"

I caught him take a quick glance at my lips. "Okay, conversation is over."

"Wait, Bart, I need to tell you how much you mean –"

"I think I know. Stop talking, Nathaniel."

He opened his mouth, but hesitated. The big woman was now slamming her entire weight against the door. I shouted through the door. "If you don't stop ramming the fucking door, I'm going to rip the shit out of you!"

There was a moment of quietness. But then a knock sounded.

"Knock again, bitch. Let's see what happens."

"Ptolemy! It's me, Alec."

"Oh."

I cracked the door open and peered out. Alec stood by, holding up an unconscious Anne. Stefan was nowhere to be seen. I looked around, searching for the big lady.

"She's gone. I had her kicked out," said Alec. "Listen, tomorrow, would you be willing to meet some of my other friends? They have this secret club and I feel like you and Nathan are worthy to check it out."

Nathaniel shouted gibberish from behind me.

"What kind of club is it?" I asked.

"How about I meet you by the pretzel stand tomorrow evening? I'll tell you everything then."

I nodded.

"Okay, see you and Nathan tomorrow, then."