The music blared through the speakers, the heavy bass vibrating the floor as laughter and chatter filled the air. The Innovators Competition was less about showcasing any real inventions and more about fun, a celebration of the progress and creativity that had come out of this city. It was supposed to be a time for relaxation, for letting loose—something you should be enjoying. But as you leaned against the bar, watching the crowd swirl and sway, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you didn’t belong here.

You couldn’t ignore the tugging sensation at your chest, the pull of your own reality. There was something about this place, this perfect version of everything that made you feel out of place. Sure, your friends were alive here, there was no suffering, and—most importantly—Powder was Powder. Not Jinx. Not the lost soul you once knew. She was smiling, full of life, and it hurt. It hurt because you knew you had to leave.

But how could you walk away from this? How could you leave everything that was so perfectly wrong, knowing you'd return to a world without this, without her?

Suddenly, you felt a shift in the atmosphere—there, weaving through the crowd with an almost electric energy, was Powder. The smile on her face was radiant as she spotted you across the room, and without a word, she made her way over, her steps light with excitement. You didn’t need to hear her over the music; her presence alone told you everything you needed to know.

Powder stopped right in front of you, her bright blue eyes gleaming with something that almost made your heart ache. She didn’t say a word, not at first. Instead, she reached out, taking your hands gently in hers. There was no hesitation in her movement, just pure joy as she gave you a hopeful look.

"Come on," she murmured softly, her voice filled with gentle encouragement.

Before you could even gather your thoughts, she led you onto the dance floor, her smile never faltering as she moved gracefully to the rhythm.