by Riker Kane
“Yeah… Maybe…”
~ ~ ~
My apartment was nothing special. Some third-floor hole in a building in the middle of downtown Newmire between a couple of other old apartment buildings. The rent was cheap. I didn’t have to worry about any of the other tenants giving me shit. There were enough stores nearby to walk to and get the things I needed. And the gym was only a short walk away, too. The place served me well.
Jade coming over made me realize how barren it was inside. An old wooden coffee table sat next to a beat-up couch. A small shelf with some books I hadn’t read in years was off to the side. There was a faint smell of the gym but nothing overpowering. Of course, I was more used to it than her.
She didn’t seem to mind as she stood in my living room and looked around. “It’s pretty… sparse.”
“I don’t need much. Don’t watch TV. Not much of a gamer. Keep myself occupied with work.”
“What about when you’re at home?” She walked over to the window and looked outside. “I don’t imagine you just sit around and enjoy the view.”
“You knew as well as anybody how interesting Newmire can be at night.”
She laughed then took a seat on the couch. I grabbed a couple of bottles of water then tossed one over to her.
“No beer,” I said as I took a seat on the couch next to her. “Not much of a drinker either.”
“I’ve seen it for myself. Mr. Drake doesn’t know how to have fun except for an occasional visit to the Pussycat Club. I get it. Nothing wrong with a life of discipline. That’s how it is at the District.”
I leaned back and sighed. “The District… Life must be interesting over there. Being an Omega. Going into Pandora officially.”
“Pandora’s interesting but the life itself… You have to find something to keep yourself occupied. The dormitories are sparse. They keep us fueled with food but as far as recreation, there’s not much. My room is about as empty as this living room. I don’t think I’ll have much trouble adjusting.”
She laughed softly and took off her jacket. She didn’t show any damage from our trip into Pandora but her cheeks were a little red from being out in the snow for a few hours. The slight bags underneath her eyes were understandable. We were always tired after a run.
She took a sip of water then set the bottle down. “It’s strange. I don’t remember the last time I ever slept outside of Tim’s place. I mean, when I wasn’t serving as an Omega.”
“You and Tim. I know you guys weren’t a thing but…”
“I had my own room. We had a friendship. Had a friendship. Tim could never really get away from what he was good at.”
“Still can’t, apparently.”
“That’s just how it is for some people. Just like you.”
“Me?” I raised my eyebrows at her. “What are you talking about?”
“Your father was a fighter. You became a fighter. You turned into a trainer after you stopped fighting. And now you’re… still fighting. In a different way.”
“That’s one way of looking at it…” I laughed at the thought. I was following in my father’s footsteps literally. Guess I couldn’t have planned it better myself.
I didn’t think much more of it but Jade was staring at me. The only light came from the kitchen nearby and the streetlight from outside. The shadows crossed her face, so I could only see half of it. But her eyes still stuck out, deep green and focused.
“I have to tell you something,” she said.
“This sounds serious.”
“It’s not serious. But it is important. I…” She looked away. Jade wasn’t one to be sheepish, so it was definitely strange to see her acting that way now. “You know why I became an Omega.”
“A chance to fix things. A last resort.”
“I’d rather become anything than end up nothing. I realized how important it was to be an Omega. And I was good at it, too. Even though I was only just a Bronze, I felt like I was meant to do it. That’s the reason I answered Dr. Redgrave’s ad. That’s why I believed his story.”
“Anybody would have to take a big leap to believe it.”
“I still had my doubts even when he gave me all the details. Then he told me to recruit you. I knew it would be hard but honestly, I didn’t care. I had to do it.”
“I remember what you said. That’s the whole point of being an Omega.”
She nodded softly. “Dr. Redgrave gave me a chance to keep doing what I wanted to do. But after everything we’ve been through and how far we’ve come, I realized something else.”
“What’s that?”
“I…” She swallowed so hard I could hear it. Her eyes stayed looking to the side until slowly moving toward me. “I care about you, too. And your father.”
I wasn’t sure what to say. Never liked moments like this. They were important but they were uncomfortable, too.
“I appreciate that, Jade. Thanks—”
“You don’t understand. When we’re Omegas, we’re told we’re the last line between existence and extinction. All of humanity is at stake. I never had anybody important in my life except Tim but he only cared about me to feel good about himself. You though… You put a face on everything I was fighting for.”
Jade stared at me, her eyes slowly narrowing. I didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry. I reached out and put my hand on top of hers to try and calm down whatever emotions she was feeling. Or maybe I was just trying to deal with the tension I was feeling myself.
My communicator suddenly vibrated and the tension was broken for a moment.
SYNERGY with ENZO DRAKE
Jade Conrad - Level 5: 20% power increase to all abilities
Alisa Bosworth - Level 4: 10% speed increase to all basic attacks
“I wouldn’t be where I’m at without you,” I said. “Thanks, Jade. I mean it—”
She suddenly put her face to mine. Our lips pressed together and our tongues tangled. Wet, sloppy kisses echoed through my living room. Her lips were soft, delicate enough to remind me what it was like to be close to a woman. And her scent was subtle but fragrant, too, even after spending hours in the snow.
I put my hands around her back and pulled her closer. She reached up and caressed the sides of my face then gently pulled me away.
I stared into her foxy eyes. Gorgeous green eyes intense and seductive. Black hair flowing down the sides of her face. Pale cheeks slowly beginning to turn pink.
Couldn’t remember the last time I’d been with a woman. A few years at least. But I knew for damn sure she didn’t look as good as Jade did now. The fatigue of running through Pandora wasn’t enough to stop me.
There was one last moment. Breaths held. Eyes unblinking. Bodies still but hearts racing. Some clarity to stop. But it was only an acknowledgment from both of us to go further. I was gonna take her and she was gonna let me. Nothing had to be said.
My face rushed back to hers and I searched for her tongue with mine. Nothing more to think about. Nothing else to do. Nothing to try and stop it.
My hands roamed for her top and pulled it over her head. She returned the favor and tossed my shirt to the side. Our lips searched for each other, smacking together in between moans as our hands roamed down toward our jeans.
I unbuttoned and zipped her down. Jade climbed out and kicked her pants away like they were on fire.
I couldn’t get out of my pants fast enough. I was straining against my damn boxers. She pulled my jeans and underwear down in one quick motion, freeing my length.
My instincts made me stand up while she sat in front of me. Her eyes locked on mine for a second before her tongue twirled around my shaft. A soft, wet tease made me twitch. I exhaled a deep sigh when she sealed her lips around me and moved forward with no hesitation.
Hard gasps caught in her throat as she swallowed. Back and forth… Back and forth… I could hardly believe it for a second. Jade was bobbing her head on me like she was trying to consume me. Thirsty swallows and gulps were held down as she gri
pped my waist to brace herself.
I reached down and put a hand on the back of her head. Her black locks were silky smooth underneath my touch.
Her warm mouth tightening and pulling me in. The sounds of her throat slurping on me. Even the smell of her feminine scent wafting into my nose grew stronger. And the way she looked at me. Deep green eyes piercing through the darkness of my living room.
I couldn’t wait.
Jade was strong. Her body was so fit and slim. I grabbed her arms and moved her onto my couch to get a good look at her. Athletic curves from her waist to her hips. A bra straining to hold back a pair of breasts that were more than a handful. Pale, smooth-skinned legs that stretched all the way to the end of the couch.
She breathed hard through her mouth, her eyes locked on mine as she reached behind to unhook her bra. I gripped the waistband of her panties and pulled them down at the same time.
Seeing her body pale and bare only made it more impossible to turn back.
I climbed on the couch between her legs. Her mound was smooth except for a line of dark hair. The pink slit slick with anticipation made me twitch again.
My head moved down and my lips kissed one of her breasts. I couldn’t fit it all into my mouth but that didn’t matter. My hand kneaded the other as I sucked on her. She gasped a throaty sigh as her whole body arched.
“Enzo…”
Her voice was soft. Distant. Needy. I climbed deeper into her legs, searching for her opening with my length. There was no point in waiting. I pushed my tip and plunged the rest of my shaft hard into her.
Jade’s whole body seized up. Her hands gripped my back and her nails dug into me. Her legs wrapped around me like I was caught inside of her. I was in control but she was taking me in, swallowing me like prey into a trap.
My hips bucked hard against her. The sound of our bodies clapping grew louder with every thrust. My hilt slammed against her folds and made her groan each time.
“Enzo…”
Her sweaty body pressed underneath me. Soft C-cup breasts pushed against me. Her wetness was leaking out of her, making it easier to slide into her tightening walls.
Everything was building up inside of me. I couldn’t hold back. My hips moved like pistons, ramming in and out of her. I was giving it to her so hard the couch started to shift. The neighbors were gonna complain about the noise but I didn’t give a damn. Some athletic, gorgeous, raven-haired beauty was on the edge and I was gonna fall over it with her.
“Jade…” I gritted my teeth. One last moment of clarity before I thrust into her. My whole body tensed as I came. Thick spurts of my seed spilled out and wet her insides. I grunted through the pulses, holding her so she couldn’t move.
She squirmed underneath me though. The writhing of her body suddenly turned into hard spasms. A whimper stuck in her throat before finally getting out. I’d heard her grunt when she was in battle. Focused screams against the Shadows of Pandora. But this was different. Pure ecstasy. A feminine moan that only an orgasm could bring.
We both finished coming and our bodies collapsed. I stayed on top of her, listening to the sound of her ragged breathing matching mine. Sweating. Hearts racing. Throats dry. We were done. But even with my senses back, I didn’t regret it for a second. I pulled up just enough to see the smirk on her lips. No regrets from her either.
~ ~ ~
Jade was a few inches shorter than me but she was taller than most women. Her long, silky legs made her look slimmer, too. Her waist was thin and her stomach was defined. She wasn’t a waif though. If anything, her round, perky breasts were proof of that. They were big enough some probably thought they were fake. She wasn’t that type though.
She stayed on her side, her eyes closed as she rested on the couch. I admired her slender, naked body for a moment before turning back out toward the window. I’d been in Newmire long enough that nothing excited me. So it was always relaxing when I had the time to stare.
“See anything interesting?”
Jade moved next to me suddenly. Her hands wrapped around my waist as she moved in for a kiss. Three rounds on my couch apparently weren’t enough to tire her out.
“Just you,” I said.
“I know you’re thinking about the mission, too. Your father… Enzo…” She put her hand on my chin to make sure that I was looking at her. “We’re right there. Redgrave will get this done. Then we’ll get it done, too. I’m with you. Until the end.”
“I know.” I smiled softly and leaned in for another kiss.
She giggled and pulled away from me.
“Something funny?” I asked.
“No… I was just thinking about the time I first saw you.”
“You mean when you were stalking me?”
“Just trying to get a read on you. Never thought it’d get to this point.”
“…Never worry about the destination. Just enjoy the now.”
Jade rested her head against my arm. I turned back toward the window and looked out onto the city.
We were there. All we had to do was finish it.
38: Sparring Session
SP-002 SLAYER GAUNTLETS
*Amplified Melee Damage
*Amplified Strength
Added Core Abilities:
Revolver Drill
Swing both gauntlets 360-degrees, hitting targets on all sides
Power Shield
Activate a frontal energy barrier that blocks damage
Seismic Quake
Strike the ground to cause a tremor that stuns all grounded enemies
Earth Heave
Tear the earth from the ground and use it as a projectile
“Unfortunately, the Potent Mana is still being synthesized. As you know, in addition to applying it to your weapons, I must also have enough to use on your Recall Box to stabilize your essence when you’re in Anarchy. In the meantime, I’ve applied the Core you gathered from your victory over the Glacier Lion.”
“You don’t need to explain it to me, Redgrave. I know you’ll get everything done as soon as possible.”
The bright-blue display on the side of my gauntlet listed my newest ability. It didn’t change my mood though. I was restless. Helpless. Just waiting for Redgrave to give me the green light. All I could do was wait.
“I know you’re eager,” he said. “Believe me, there’s no one who wants to finish this more than me. I’ve seen tremendous growth in you. The amount of levels you’ve gained would be out of the ordinary if you were an Omega.”
“Never cared about being an Omega. The stats are nice. I’m in better shape than I’ve been in a long time because of the Red Mana. But I don’t plan on using these gauntlets any longer than I have to.”
“You will, however, have to use them as efficiently as possible. Since you appear to be quite eager, I’ve found something for you to do.” He walked over to the display map and pointed at the spot at the top of it. “I’ve located a Junction. It’s off the path, which means you’ll be able to close it. It’s not an immediate threat but the LOD will appreciate you doing this regardless.”
“Don’t care about the Legion. But nothing wrong with a little sparring. Gain some levels. Test my new ability. Get warmed up. What can you tell me about it?”
Redgrave looked at his tablet. “The Volcanic Valley. It will be quite warm, as the name suggests. The enemies will also be significant.”
“More goblins?”
“Possibly. But the environment seems less inviting to the usual suspects, if the guardian waiting for you is any indication. The Magma Spider protects the Obelisk.”
“Magma Spider. The gauntlets are strong enough to take it down.”
“As intended.” He tapped and swiped on his tablet again. “More missions to keep you occupied.”
Available Missions
Defeat 5 Great Shadows
Reward: $500
Gain 1 Mana Level
Reward: $100
Defeat the Magma Spider
Reward: $2,000<
br />
Redgrave gave me a kind but confident smile before heading back over to his workstation.
I walked over to Jade, who’d just finished polishing her staff.
“Alisa?”
Alisa decided to spend time with her aunt. Couldn’t tell Jade that though.
“Still got some business to take care of,” I said.
“Business?” Jade raised an eyebrow at me. She managed to look seductive even though I knew she was serious.
“It’s got nothing to do with Castleberry. We got her loyalty.”
“I trust her, too. It just feels like everything we do… being this close to the end…”
“I don’t wanna take any more chances than you do. If Alisa’s gonna flip on us, it’s probably having Beatriz sew us some suits we don’t wanna wear.”
Jade laughed softly, the intensity in her eyes gone quickly. “What’s next?”
“The Volcanic Valley. Shouldn’t be much walking but it’ll give us a challenge.”
“Whatever we need to do to prepare.”
“Let’s go.”
~ ~ ~
The sky was layered with red and dark orange like it was on fire. Floating above it, black and gray clouds blocked out the stars or the moon or the sun or whatever was up there. There was no telling what time of day it was. But whether or not the sun was out, it was still hot as shit.
Not hot like the Arid Flats. No, this heat wasn’t dry. It warmed my skin and made the sweat drip from my brow instantly. I was standing in a damn furnace.
It wasn’t hard to tell where the heat was coming from. The peaks in the distance exploded. Lava erupted into the sky and the ground shook. Steam hissed to add to the dark clouds gathering above. The fiery red lava trailed down the mountainsides, threatening to burn everything in its path.
We were a good distance away but that didn’t give me any comfort. All of my surroundings had seen better days. The trees were blackened, burned, and melted down to barely recognizable twisted shapes. What I guessed was brush and leaves were just ash that covered the entire valley in soot.
