《One Step At A Time》


 1. The first brick to fall

    Keagan Keita woke to the annoying sounds of his alarm which rang like a thousand bells in his head.


    He stumbled out of his bed and lazily walked into his apartments only bathroom.


    He set his alarm to set off a full hour before his clock in time which was eight o¡¯clock on the dot.


    Keagan brushed his teeth and took what passed for a shower.


    By day, he was an intern at Lezzaro one of the worlds largest pharmaceutical companies and by night, a video game streamer.


    Part of the reason he felt like a zombie was that he had to prepare for a presentation at the office and make new content for his growing online audience.


    Keagan got out of the shower, dried himself and slipped into what he assumed would be appropriate clothing to wear in the presence of big wig executive¡¯s.


    Keagan turned the TV on for some ambient noise as he made himself some coffee.


    [Celebrities getting stalked isn¡¯t exactly news, but we¡¯re getting reports from Cynosure about a man who somehow managed to live in the house of a certain celebrity whilst they were-]


    Keagan sighed as he took a sip of his smouldering hot coffee.


    Almost a year had passed since he moved to Unity and became a citizen, but even though Unity itself was a wonder of the world of tomorrow, it still suffered from present-day problems.


    Keagan sighed again as he dropped his coffee mug into the sink. He left his one-room apartment which was situated in a megaplex apartment building.


    Normally a place such as this would be engulfed by crime and corruption, but it was surprisingly peaceful and relatively quiet.


    Aside from the occasional fight here and there.


    Although, that¡¯s not to say that Acan district was paradise either.


    In simple terms, it was the slums of Unity.


    Where a large percentage of Unity¡¯s working population stayed.


    Keagan boarded the morning train and sat through the morning commute. He was fully prepared for his presentation and he had gained what little energy could be found in his coffee.


    ¡°There he is, the Kay man himself!¡± Keagan looked for the voice''s owner and found a tall lanky man with bright eyes and a wide grin.


    ¡°Hey, keep your voice down, you lunatic.¡± Keagan shushed the man as he sat next to him.


    ¡°What? Last night was epic and you want me to suppress the natural urge to celebrate?¡±


    ¡°No, I want you to tone it down a little. Besides, it wasn¡¯t that big a deal.¡± Keagan said while dismissively waving his hands.


    ¡°What? You¡¯re the only person I know who would play down getting back to back wins in ranked lobbies!¡±


    ¡°Calm down Roy!¡± Keagan said/ This time a little louder.


    ¡°Fine. Anyway, how¡¯s the presentation going?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s ready. Now, all we need is approval from the big wigs then full speed ahead.¡± Keagan said.


    The two sat silently for a bit.


    ¡°How¡¯s Mercy? She doing good?¡± Roy asked with a mischievous smile.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go ask her, you creep.¡±


    ¡°Ha! We both know that she¡¯s way out of your league. What chance do I have?¡±


    [ARRIVING AT STATION B03]


    Keagan and Roy disembarked from the train and made their way out of the station.


    The trip to the Lezzaro building was about ten minutes from the station, so Keagan and Roy had plenty of time to psych themselves up for the days work.


    The two eventually reached the mini skyscraper that was their workplace.


    Lezzaro had many headquarters in many parts of the globe, but the building in Unity¡¯s Ix Chel district was built strictly for research and development purposes.


    Keagan was undergoing the mandatory two-year internship that was needed before he became a full-time employee.


    He didn¡¯t mind being an intern as it meant that he¡¯d have less work to do and he¡¯d be able to stream more.


    ¡°See ya later bud.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Keagan said as he and Roy went their separate ways.


    Keagan got into the elevator and ascended to the second floor while Roy remained on the ground floor where he would replace the guard whose shift had ended.


    Keagan walked into the main office room where a group of people stood in a circle.


    ¡°Hello.¡± He greeted but the group ignored him completely.


    He knew why.


    Some high ranking executives from Lezzaro''s main branch were coming for a meeting soon.


    Everyone was nervous.


    ¡°Oh, hey there Keagan.¡± Came a greeting from the group''s leader and head of the Ix Chel research and development branch, Mercy Evergreen.


    ¡°Sorry, Johan posed an important question that I¡¯m surprised we all missed.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Mobility. " Mercy said with a grim expression.


    ¡°What? What does that have to do with pods that are literally going to be drilled into the floor?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Yeah, it doesn¡¯t sound like a big deal, but chances are that one of them is gonna ask how movable or serviceable the pods are.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Keagan said with a slight hum.


    ¡°If the question comes up, we could just say we¡¯ll outsource,¡± Keagan suggested.


    ¡°We thought about that. But that¡¯s the worst possible thing we could say.¡±


    A loud ringing tone then filled the air.


    Everyone gasped as Mercy answered her phone.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Mercy said.


    ¡°Yes sir, we¡¯ll be ready.¡± Mercy¡¯s call ended and she slowly put her phone back into her pocket.


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s run the final tests.¡±


    The floor quickly burst into life as everyone got to work on finalizing their projections and data.


    .


    ..


    The moment of truth quickly arrived and the team now sat in an office with the executives.


    Keagan''s sweat felt like molten lava as Mercy explained the details of their project.


    The nice part of being in the research and development department was that their job was to innovate, not integrate.


    If the executives deemed their project beneficial, it would be handed over to a separate branch where it would be tested and later on distributed.


    But, just as success yielded great reward, failure risked the very existence of the team.


    If the executives didn¡¯t like what Keagan and his colleagues presented, they could all be on the chopping block.


    Especially Mercy, who thought of the idea in the first place.


    ¡°Now if you would turn to page twenty four, I¡¯d like to explain the-"


    ¡°What about mobility?¡± Someone interrupted Mercy.


    Keagan traced the voice to its owner and his gaze fell upon a man with incredibly dark hair and even darker eyes.


    His face was riddled with wrinkles and lines, but his skin had a certain glow that hid his age.


    ¡°Well?¡± The man asked.


    Keagan snuck a glance at Mercy and saw that her eyes were wide open and sweat beads had formed on her forehead.


    ¡°Um- you see¡­¡± Mercy stuttered.


    It was true that they had neglected a very important aspect of their project, but Keagan felt that it was too unfair for Mercy to bear all of the pressure.


    ¡°If I may sir, the pod itself is made mostly of aluminium and various other light components. In that sense, it¡¯s easy to move.¡± Keagan explained and was met by the glares of colleagues.


    The executive¡¯s on the other hand all showed intrigue.


    ¡°Really? Then how about durability?¡± The man with a painfully cold voice asked.


    Keagan knew the man was just testing Mercy and her team¡¯s competence, but still¡­


    ¡°Like I said, the frame will be made from aluminium and the components will be safeguarded by a soft locking foam of sorts, keeping everything nice and snug during transportation,¡± Keagan explained as he desperately tried to keep his voice from trembling.


    His knees buckled as the executive¡¯s stared at him with eyes devoid of emotion.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name again?¡± The dark-haired executive asked.


    ¡°Keagan Keita, sir.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Ha, you must be after Mercy¡¯s job! Good presentation. Don¡¯t worry about the other details, we¡¯ll send a team to pick everything up in a week.¡± The executive said with a wide grin that was further exaggerated by his wrinkles.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Does that mean¡­?¡± Mercy stuttered.


    ¡°Yep. Your project is as good as approved.¡± The man said, while his peers jotted down various things in their note pads.


    Keagan turned to Mercy. Her face was flushed and her eyes were tearing up.


    It was true that she had worked the hardest, but her sometimes uptight nature is what led to her complete failure to assess her plans and led her to miss an important aspect of her project.


    Keagan sighed. He and his other colleagues also shared blame. But in Keagan¡¯s defence, he didn¡¯t care whether the project was approved or not.


    He packed his paperwork while the others shook hands and discussed future plans.


    Keagan organized the last pile of papers, but just as he was about to leave someone placed their hand on his shoulder.


    Keagan was a firm believer in personal space and how it should be respected, but he was at work and he didn¡¯t want to get fired.


    ¡°Mr. Keita, or should I call you Keagan?¡± The dark-haired executive from earlier asked.


    ¡°Oh, Keagan is fine sir,¡± Keagan said while desperately trying to move away from the man, but the executive held on strong.


    ¡°Hehe, please call me Dan. Tell me, what are your plans for tonight?¡± Dan asked.


    ¡°I honestly have none.¡±


    ¡°Great! Then how about you join us in Cynosure for a little dinner we¡¯re having.¡± Dan said.


    Keagan¡¯s eyes shot open. He had only ever been to Cynosure once and that was when he first became a Unity citizen.


    Cynosure was the upper part of the upper class in terms of infrastructure, quality of life and general awesomeness. That and it was the capital city of Unity.


    ¡°Oh, sir I couldn¡¯t impose on such an important gathering.¡± Keagan tried refusing.


    It¡¯s not that he didn¡¯t want to go, it¡¯s just that he didn¡¯t know whether he¡¯d fit into the crowd Dan was a part of.


    Also, he had a stream scheduled for later that day.


    ¡°Gathering? Haha, don¡¯t worry about it, it¡¯s just going to be a few people chatting over a few drinks.¡± Dan insisted.


    Keagan knew that resisting any further would come off as rude, so he gave in.


    ¡°Ok, sir. But I¡¯ll need transportation.¡± Keagan tried to play the ¡°pay for my cab" card.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Dan said cheerfully.


    Crap! Keagan thought to himself.


    He barely hung out with his colleagues and was never the best with social gatherings, so this was the worst possible scenario.


    Keagan and Dan exchanged contact information.


    Soon after, Dan and his group departed, leaving Keagan to face the glares of his colleagues.


    They all sat quietly in Mercy¡¯s office and everyone had their eye on Keagan.


    ¡°You lied to an executive.¡± Mercy said. Her voice hoarse, probably from stress.


    Keagan remained silent and prepared himself for the worst.


    ¡°You¡¯re an idiot, you know that right?¡± Mercy asked.


    Keagan nodded slowly.


    Mercy let out a sigh.


    ¡°But you did save our asses. So tell me, what do you want?¡± Mercy asked.


    ¡°Mmm?¡± Keagan was confused.


    He thought that he was going to face the firing squad.


    ¡°This was our first project and my first with me as team leader. If we failed, I¡¯d be packing my things and so would some of you. But thanks to Keagan¡¯s ability to deceive, we¡¯re safe for now. So tell me Keagan, what do you want? Drinks? An actual salary? What?¡± Mercy asked.


    Keagan¡¯s heart was racing at this moment. He had everything he needed back in his apartment and was never materialistic enough to want many things.


    He thought about it deeply.


    ¡°We do need a new 3D printer, I¡¯d rather we get that before I ask for anything,¡± Keagan said while suppressing the urge to ask for more money.


    Everyone except Keagan let out a disappointed sigh.


    ¡°You idiot, you¡¯re always like this.¡± One of Keagan''s colleagues said.


    ¡°Leave him alone Tommy. Just remember Keagan, if you need something, tell me.¡± Mercy said sincerely.


    Keagan nodded his head slowly again.


    The day went on as any other in the research and development department.


    They were all tasked with analyzing drafts Mercy was working on.


    This time, however, they made sure to point out any flaws they found, whether Mercy liked it or not.


    .


    ..


    The workday had finally ended and Keagan had no time to waste.


    He rushed down to the first floor and walked out of the lobby.


    ¡°Hey, Kay. Aren¡¯t you gonna wait for me?¡± Roy asked with sad puppy dog eyes.


    ¡°Sorry, I got something I need to do later. See ya tomorrow.¡± Keagan said as he jogged out of the building. He jogged to the train station and took the afternoon train home.


    After a short commute, he finally made it to his apartment.


    Crap! He thought to himself.


    Why did that guy have to be so friendly? He wondered.


    What¡¯s he trying to do?


    Keagan shook off his suspicions and hopped into the shower.


    After intensely scrubbing away at his body he wore the least casual set of clothes he had.


    Then he waited.


    Dan had arranged for a cab to pick him up at a designated time, so all Keagan had to do was wait.


    Keagan turned on his TV while he posted an apology to his viewers on his social media account and almost instantly, he got a reply.


    [BOO! What could be more important than the stream?]


    Keagan looked at the user ID and saw that it was Roy.


    [It¡¯s work-related, ya bozo!]


    Keagan replied before closing the app.


    [Join us later today as Professor Frederick Achebe explains in detail the truth about mankind¡¯s origin¡¯s.]


    Keagan turned the TV off as his thoughts became more chaotic.


    The ¡°dinner" Dan had invited him to had destroyed Keagan¡¯s daily routine.


    Usually Keagan would wake up, shower, eat, go to work, come home, stream and sleep. It was the perfect loop.


    That loop had been interrupted.


    This made Keagan feel the tiniest slivers of frustration.


    Keagan heard his phone go off.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    [Hi, Keagan. Are you ready?]


    The voice that belonged to Dan asked.


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    [Good. I¡¯m at your apartment.]


    ¡°Wait, what? I thought you said you¡¯d be sending a cab?¡± Keagan asked as he stumbled over himself trying to get to the door.


    [Are you unsatisfied with me as your transport?]


    ¡°No, of course not! It¡¯s just unexpected, that¡¯s all.¡± Keagan said as he locked his door. He quickly took the elevator to the first floor and found a luxurious black car waiting for him outside the building.


    Keagan looked around to see if any other car could be the one Dan was in.


    Then one of the windows in the luxurious car opened.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Get in.¡± Keagan saw Dan¡¯s head poking through the window.


    ¡°Ok.¡± Keagan got into the back seat and found that Dan had another passenger.


    It was a woman with beautiful black hair and extremely smooth looking skin.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you remember Catalina Acosta, she was there during your presentation today," Dan said as he drove the car out of the driveway and into the street.


    ¡°Good evening.¡± The woman coldly greeted.


    Keagan felt an uncomfortable chill run up his spine as the woman didn¡¯t even turn her head as she spoke.


    ¡°Er- good evening." Keagan greeted back rather awkwardly.


    ¡°Hehe, no need to be so stiff. You know, you surprised me today. I¡¯m so used to Mercy¡¯s robot-like speeches that when you broke down your part of the presentation, I was blown away.¡± Dan said excitedly.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Exactly! You just sound so natural and that is what our investors want. Too many people in the world think that Lezzaro is this heartless cooperation that wants to eat their babies and take their souls. But the image I want to project is much more¡­ human.¡± Dan said.


    ¡°What does that have to do with me? I¡¯m just an intern.¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Straight to the point again! I like that about you. Well, allow me to be frank with you as well. I want you to be our spokesperson. I know, it¡¯s a gamble. I mean, no one knows you and yes, you¡¯re an intern. But, you¡¯re also a scientist. One who actually speaks like a normal person. Not just your language, but your tone, your presence. It¡¯s all just so average.¡± Dan said.


    Keagan didn¡¯t know whether to be insulted or be thankful.


    ¡°Ok, but I still don¡¯t see where I fit in with your plans. Yes, I¡¯m a normal guy, but I¡¯m not exactly qualified to pitch ideas to members of the board or anything like that.¡± Keagan said. He also noticed that they were approaching a vectrain station.


    Dan found a parking spot inside the station and the three made their way toward the departure platforms.


    Keagan had never been on a vectrain, but he heard that they could travel hundreds of kilometres per hour and that they were often used by people who wanted to get to Cynosure fast.


    The three eventually made it to the departure platform and Dan made the appropriate payments.


    While Keagan waited for Dan, he realized that Catalina was rather tall.


    Even without her heels, Keagan assumed that she would be at least six feet off the ground.


    That, plus her generally large size meant she was an intimidating presence.


    Her navy blue outfit went along well with her jet black hair and her smooth skin perfectly contrasted with her matte outfit.


    She must have felt Keagan gaze because for the first time, she turned her head to face Keagan and their eye¡¯s met.


    Keagan¡¯s heart almost stopped as her near-black eye¡¯s burnt right through him.


    ¡°Done and done. Let¡¯s go!¡± Dan called out, snapping Keagan out of the trance he put himself in.


    The three boarded the vectrain and once they got strapped in, Keagan experienced what he assumed fighter pilots felt when pulling sharp turns.


    The vehicle shot itself forward and Keagan felt himself become one with his seat. He didn¡¯t even have time to observe the scenery as it shot by in the blink of an eye.


    Then in an instant, it ended and he separated from his seat.


    Dan and Catalina unstrapped their seatbelts and stood up as though nothing happened, whilst Keagan stumbled out of the vehicle like a drunkard.


    ¡°Hehe, first time?¡± Dan asked with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    ¡°Ah well, you¡¯ll be fine. But for now, let¡¯s have dinner.¡± Dan said.


    The three walked out of the station to find a luxurious vehicle waiting for them.


    The driver revealed that he was going to transport them to their location and the three boarded the vehicle.


    After a short drive, the three found themselves in front of a rather old looking building.


    Unity was known for its cutting edge buildings, but it also held on dearly to the past as buildings with classic designs could be found here and there.


    The building in front of them resembled that of buildings from the nineteenth century.


    With bare brick walls and mostly yellow lights, it felt like a bubble from the past.


    The three entered and were greeted by the thick smell of tobacco.


    Keagan did his best not to cough as he, Dan and Catalina made their way to the only populated table.


    Sitting there were some men in suits.


    They varied in ethnicity, height and even taste in suits, but they all had one thing in common, they were Lezzaro employees.


    Keagan knew this because the men sitting in front of him were some of Lezzaro¡¯s most prominent figures and so he straightened his posture and brightened his expression slightly.


    ¡°Look who finally made it. Daniel and friends.¡± One of the men said with a cheerful smile.


    His eye¡¯s, on the other hand, keenly observed his surroundings.


    The same went for the other men.


    Yes, they looked like they were enjoying themselves, but Keagan made sure not to get on any of their bad sides.


    Dan, Keagan and Catalina joined the suits and Dan introduced Dan as his business partner.


    The evening went on as Dan and his colleagues discussed certain things that Keagan knew he¡¯d best forget.


    ¡°Anyway, back to the young lad. What¡¯s your real goal, Daniel? I know you and you¡¯re not the¡­ most charitable person ever. So why?¡± One of the men asked.


    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s details you want? Ok, I want Keagan over here to be Lezzaro¡¯s spokesperson.¡±


    The room fell silent.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ that¡¯s definitely something you¡¯d want to do. But why him?¡± Another asked.


    ¡°Firstly, just look at him. He screams average joe, right?¡± Dan said while spreading his arms comically as though he was unveiling a new product.


    ¡°Yeah, so? Don¡¯t tell me you just picked some random guy on the street and brought him here.¡± One of the men said coldly.


    Keagan felt himself shrink as they eyeballed him.


    ¡°Ah-ha, quite the opposite. Keagan is almost a Lezzaro employee.¡±


    ¡°Almost?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s an intern,¡± Dan said.


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡±


    Silence once again fell on the room. This time, for longer.


    ¡°I see. Well, you¡¯ve got my support. Just don¡¯t let this blow up in your face.¡± One of the men said.


    Dan nodded his head once which seemed to satisfy his colleagues.


    ¡°Anyway, enough business talk. Let¡¯s drink!¡±


    Uh oh. Keagan thought. He was not very good with alcohol.


    The last time he had anything alcohol was back in his university days.


    ¡°Um, I¡¯d rather not.¡± Keagan declined politely as a waiter arrived with a tray with a variety of drinks.


    Their colours varied from transparent to dark purple.


    ¡°What? Hey, don¡¯t be shy. Just a few and that¡¯s it.¡± Dan said.


    ¡°What is it? Does the kid not drink?¡± One of the men asked.


    Everyone¡¯s attention turned to Catalina who had already finished whatever was in her cup.


    Odd thing was her eye¡¯s retained their cold glow.


    ¡°Haha, see boy? Even the lady is going all in. You gonna chicken out now?¡± Dan asked with the biggest smile Keagan had seen him make so far.


    Dammit! Keagan cursed internally.


    He took a random cup and the other¡¯s followed.


    Keagan took a sip of what tasted like propane.


    ¡°What? Is that it?¡± One of the men asked.


    Keagan steeled himself and swallowed the cup''s contents. He felt an intense amount of heat coming from his chest but saw everyone else doing the same thing.


    The evening continued like so as they drank ate and drank some more.


    Dan, like many of his colleagues, had taken off his tie and unbuttoned the top part of his shirt, while Catalina remained as calm as ever.


    The dinner eventually ended and it was time to head home.


    Dan, Keagan and Catalina were the only ones remaining and none of them were in any condition to drive. Not to mention the vectrain.


    Dan¡¯s phone rang, but he didn¡¯t answer it.


    It continued to ring as Dan laid face flat on the table.


    ¡°Um- Dan¡­ your phone.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s probably just my wife. She¡¯s such a worrywart. But she¡¯s so damn cute, I can¡¯t help but piss her off on purpose sometimes, hehe.¡± Dan said rather casually.


    Catalina returned from wherever she was.


    ¡°I called a cab for him.¡± She said flatly.


    Keagan nodded his head and propped Dan onto his shoulders.


    ¡°Come on, big guy.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Keagan! Keagan, don¡¯t forget our little deal. I wanna make you a star. Even if it costs your soul!¡± Dan blurted out some nonsense, but Keagan ignored it.


    The cab arrived soon after and Dan was sent on home.


    Fortunately for him, he lived in Cynosure. But Keagan wasn''t so lucky. He lived all the way in the Acan district.


    Crap! He cursed internally.


    Yes, he had the money to go home, but it wasn¡¯t going to be cheap.


    Not to mention, he was probably going to vomit during the ride home.


    Those things were incredibly fast and Keagan¡¯s stomach content was incredibly volatile.


    Keagan sighed.


    ¡°Er- see ya, I guess.¡± He bid Catalina goodbye as he walked towards the vectrain station.


    ¡°Wait! I live near here.¡± Catalina said flatly.


    Keagan turned his head slightly.


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°What I¡¯m saying is, you can stay over, just for tonight of course.¡±


    Keagan thought about it. He did need rest and he was as nauseous as ever.


    But he didn¡¯t really like Catalina¡¯s vibe.


    Something about her seemed off.


    ¡°No thanks, I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Keagan said as he waved his hand dismissively.


    ¡°Fine.¡± She said as she re-entered the retro-themed building.


    Keagan made his way to the vectrain station and made it to Acan district without making a mess. He took a cab home but realized that he didn¡¯t have his keys with him.


    Crap! Keagan cursed internally.


    Luckily for him, he had a spare, but he still hated losing a pair in the first place. He rummaged above the door and there was a little compartment where a light once was. He retrieved his spare, got into his apartment, kick off his shoes and slept.

 2. Thorny situations

    Keagan woke up with an intense headache and the sun¡¯s light burnt through the seams of his curtains.


    He desperately rolled over to avoid the light, but then realized that the sun was up and he wasn¡¯t at work.


    He panicked, got up, took the worlds shortest shower, got dressed and dashed out of his apartment.


    Thirty nervous minutes later, he was in the Lezzaro building lobby and Roy was where he always was during the day shift.


    ¡°Oi, what happened today? And what the hell happened to you? You look like crap.¡± Roy asked with a concerned look.


    ¡°I¡¯ll explain it later!¡± Keagan said as he entered the elevator.


    The time was nine thirty.


    Keagan assumed that everyone would be too busy running data checks to be too upset with him.


    He got off the elevator and entered the office with his head low. He then dashed towards his desk and sat down as quietly as possible while his colleagues had their faces on their monitors.


    ¡°The boss lady is looking for you." Keagan heard Tommy say.


    ¡°Who? Me?¡± Keagan asked softly.


    ¡°Who do you think, tsk,¡± Tommy said.


    Keagan let out a defeated sigh and marched his way to Mercy¡¯s office, but instead of an aura of despair, Mercy¡¯s office was filled with light laughter.


    Keagan nervously knocked on her door.


    ¡°Come in.¡± Mercy said.


    Keagan slowly opened the door but was surprised when he saw Dan and Catalina sitting along with Mercy.


    Keagan was confused.


    ¡°There he is! The future of Lezzaro!¡± Dan declared.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were so close with the director of operations, huh?¡± Mercy asked, intoxicated by the positive atmosphere.


    Keagan on the other hand was already writing his resume in his head.


    ¡°Oh- uh- We only met just yesterday. I wouldn¡¯t call us close, hehe.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Bah! No need to be so shy, you and I are as thick as thieves. Soon I¡¯ll be retired and you be an icon.¡± Dan said.


    ¡°Hehe, yeah. Oh- Tommy said you were looking for me.¡± Keagan shifted the conversation in the worst possible direction.


    ¡°Ah, yes. Mr. Eagleton here would like you to present the CryoPod''s at this year¡¯s Tech conference in Cynosure.¡± Mercy announced.


    Keagan¡¯s heart sank.


    ¡°Please, Mercy. Call me Dan.¡±


    The two bantered on while Keagan¡¯s head spun.


    ¡°But- but the conference is in a month and we won¡¯t even have a working prototype until early next year!¡± Keagan blurted out.


    ¡°Ah-ha! That¡¯s why she¡¯ll be joining you as project manager. I¡¯ve already received the go-ahead for this and you¡¯ll be given all the resources you need to push the CryoPod as our flagship product.¡± Dan said.


    Keagan wondered how bad the other projects were.


    Lezzaro had dozens of branches around the world, so Keagan wondered why his was the one to draw the shortest straw.


    ¡°Uh- um¡­¡± Keagan struggled to even speak as his nerves got to him. He turned his gaze to Catalina, who coldly stared into her phone.


    ¡°Wait a minute! Isn¡¯t Catalina Also a director? Shouldn¡¯t she be handling bigger business elsewhere?¡± Keagan spoke his mind in an attempt to escape from this situation.


    ¡°Actually, I made some calls and the board put this project on the highest level of priority,¡± Dan said with a bright smile.


    ¡°Are you unsatisfied with me?¡± Catalina asked as she glared at Keagan, who felt the coldest chill run up his spine.


    ¡°No! Not at all. It¡¯s just¡­ uh- never mind. It¡¯s a pleasure working with you.¡± Keagan caved in.


    ¡°Good. Now, I have some paperwork to do, so I¡¯ll leave you three to yourselves.¡± Dan said as he practically hopped out of the office.


    Keagan wondered just how much Dan was betting on his plan.


    Catalina stood up and followed him out.


    ¡°Wait, aren¡¯t we going to discuss our plans? I mean, we do only have three or so weeks.¡± Mercy asked.


    Catalina stopped for a moment.


    ¡°I know. That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to get my things. Have an office ready for me when I arrive.¡± She said as she left.


    Keagan and Mercy blankly stared at each other for a moment before simultaneously letting out heavy sighs.


    ¡°What the hell did you do last night?¡± Mercy asked while leaning back as far as her chair allowed.


    ¡°Nothing! Dan just took me to Cynosure for some drinks then next thing you know, boom! I¡¯m the company spokesperson.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Cynosure? I¡¯ve only been there like twice.¡± Mercy said.


    Keagan remained silent for a moment.


    ¡°So, should we drop everything else and double-check our CryoPod data?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Yeah, you do that.¡± Mercy said and Keagan walked towards the door.


    ¡°Oh and don¡¯t think I¡¯ve forgotten about your tardiness.¡±


    Crap! Keagan cursed as he walked out. He returned to his desk and started running simulations that put the CryoPod¡¯s through various tests digitally so that they could prepare for any real-world problems.


    Keagan also knew that all these calculations would prove useless in the sense that real-world use was too random and he couldn''t guarantee buyers that the quality of materials would be of the highest level.


    Keagan worked through the day.


    Catalina arrived later with some men who moved some of her things into a vacant office where she would be working.


    Fortunately for everyone, she was very distant and didn¡¯t involve herself unless it was something necessary.


    The working day finally came to an end and Keagan organized his desk, but as he prepared to leave,


    Catalina walked up to his desk.


    ¡°Do you have anything planned for the evening?¡± She asked flatly.


    Yes, I have a stream planned. Keagan said internally.


    ¡°No¡­¡± He awkwardly said.


    ¡°Good. Come with me. Dan said that I should prepare you for the presentation.¡± She said.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± Keagan asked sceptically.


    ¡°Clothes shopping. Your current wardrobe is¡­ unbecoming of a spokesperson.¡± Catalina said while intensely eyeing Keagan¡¯s hoodie and sneakers.


    ¡°Oh- Ok.¡± He couldn¡¯t argue, but he still didn¡¯t want to spend any time with Catalina than was deemed necessary.


    Keagan followed her out of the office building as his colleagues shot curious glances at the both of them.


    Normally, Keagan preferred blending in with the crowd, but now he stood out simply because he was walking behind the tall, menacing yet beautiful Catalina Acosta.


    Keagan followed her to the office parking space, where they entered Catalina¡¯s car.


    It was smaller than Dan¡¯s car but no less luxurious. It was finely polished.


    The two drove for what must have been thirty or so minutes before stopping.


    Their destination was a nearby mall.


    After finding some parking space, the two began their trek into the mall.


    Their first stop was a barber.


    Keagan looked at his semi curly hair which had almost grown to neck length.


    ¡°Oh- I don¡¯t want to cut my hair.¡± Keagan protested.


    ¡°Oh? Dan said you¡¯d resist. He did also say that he would compensate you fully for your efforts.¡± Catalina said as she sat at a nearby couch in the salon.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°What did he mean by compensate?¡± Keagan asked while caressing some of his long black hair.


    ¡°Think about it. For a brief moment, you¡¯ll be the company¡¯s face. That in itself will come with perks and if that doesn¡¯t satisfy you, there are always monetary benefits.¡± Keagan knew exactly what she meant, he just didn¡¯t like how Dan and Catalina weren¡¯t even trying to hide the fact that they were using him.


    Keagan sat on the chair and moments later, a neatly groomed man appeared with various tools.


    A few minutes passed as the man worked on Keagan¡¯s head.


    The man¡¯s work was quickly finished, revealing Keagan¡¯s new look.


    Moments earlier, he looked like an average guy with an average job, but he had been transformed into a slightly above average guy with great hair.


    Keagan let out a deep sigh as he mourned his lost follicles. He dusted off the hair off his hoodie and walked up to Catalina who was lost in her phone.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m done,¡± Keagan said, but his words fell on deaf ears.


    ¡°Hey!¡± He said slightly louder, snapping Catalina out of her phone-induced trance.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ you look less¡­ bad,¡± Catalina said with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°Thanks?¡±


    Catalina got up and Keagan followed as the two left the salon.


    ¡°What now?¡± Keagan asked as random people shot curious glances in his direction.


    ¡°Clothes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to buy me clothes?¡± Keagan asked sceptically.


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll simply decide what you will wear from today onwards.¡±


    ¡°What? That¡¯s unreasonable, no?¡± Keagan asked as they entered a high fashion store.


    ¡°No. What¡¯s unreasonable is Dan picking an intern as the company¡¯s spokesman. Your value is far less than you think. So, pick some things and I¡¯ll choose which one¡¯s you take home.¡± Catalina said.


    Keagan¡¯s chest felt tight for some reason.


    He was frustrated, but Catalina was right and so he let out a deep sigh.


    ¡°Fine, but I probably can''t afford even a pair of socks in here,¡± Keagan said.


    In all honesty, Keagan did have some money saved up, but that was for his streaming setup and there was no way in hell he was going to blow it all on an overpriced belt.


    Catalina dialled a certain number on her phone.


    ¡°Daniel, your pet says he can¡¯t afford new clothes.¡±


    Keagan frowned momentarily.


    ¡°Yes. Yes, but you owe me.¡± Catalina said before lowering her phone.


    ¡°Daniel said pick whatever you want, he¡¯ll cover it.¡± She said reluctantly.


    Keagan didn¡¯t understand what had just happened, but free is free, so he went at it and picked three outfits.


    ¡°Done!¡± Keagan said as he walked towards the checkout counter.


    ¡°Done with what? I have to see you in them, lest you embarrass the company.¡± Catalina said coldly.


    Keagan sighed as he walked into the changing room. He slipped into the first outfit and presented himself to Catalina.


    It was a denim jacket, paired with true blue Jean¡¯s.


    ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°Terrible,¡± Catalina said promoting Keagan to crawl back into the changing room where he tried the second outfit.


    This one was a medium-sized jacket paired with beige pants.


    Keagan emerged and turned back as soon as he saw Catalina¡¯s disapproving gaze. He tried the third and was shot down instantly, however, this time Catalina had an outfit of her own in hand.


    ¡°Here, try this.¡± She said as she handed Keagan the outfit. It was a faint blue shirt with smoke grey pants.


    Keagan slipped into the outfit and emerged from the changing room to see Catalina, except this time one of her brows was slightly raised.


    ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°Passable.¡±


    Keagan groaned as she picked several outfits and shoes that match in style.


    The two proceeded to the cashier and Catalina paid for everything, much to Keagan¡¯s surprise.


    They then left the store and made their way out of the mall.


    They eventually made it back to Catalina¡¯s car.


    The sun had just set and Keagan was prepared for a long nights rest as the day was Friday.


    Catalina drove out of the parking area and it took slightly under an hour for them to arrive at Keagan¡¯s apartment.


    ¡°Where is the parking space?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s around the- wait a minute! Why do you want to park?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°We need to prepare your presentation. The board will meet in three days and Daniel wants you to present the CryoPod concept to them by then.¡± Catalina said calmly.


    ¡°Wait a minute, that¡¯s Monday!¡±


    ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here to help you prepare for that.¡±


    Keagan froze. His apartment was rather untidy and he also had a stream scheduled in an hour.


    Crap. He cursed internally.


    ¡°Fine. But this is seriously uncool. Just how bad were the other projects and how bad is Mercy at public speaking?¡± Keagan complained as he directed Catalina into the parking area.


    ¡°The other divisions are just incompetent, that¡¯s all. And as for Mercy¡¯s terrible people skills, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s something that can be fixed, but we¡¯re short on time.¡± Catalina said.


    The two unpacked Keagan¡¯s new clothes, but then Keagan saw Catalina pull out a separate suitcase.


    ¡°What¡¯s that for?¡±


    ¡°My clothes and other personal items.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what? You¡¯re staying the night?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Unless you want to learn how to address the board on your own.¡±


    Keagan caved in and the two made their way upstairs.


    Keagan did as best as he could to spruce up the place but Catalina always had the same disgusted expression.


    Keagan¡¯s apartment had an open plan layout, his bedroom seamlessly merged with his living room and to the farthest end, his kitchen. Nothing fancy, but it wasn¡¯t as bad as Catalina¡¯s expression made it seem.


    Keagan sat patiently sat on his couch as Catalina changed into something more comfortable in the bathroom.


    Keagan thought about the past two days. He had gone from an intern to a corporate tool in a single flies lifetime.


    But then again, maybe he was always a cog in the machine.


    ¡°Ugh.¡± Keagan groaned loudly.


    About five minutes later, Catalina emerged from the bathroom wearing sweatpants and an oversized shirt. Her long black hair carelessly hung behind her as she sat next to Keagan on the couch.


    ¡°What are you staring at?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. I was just wondering if you always spend the night with people you barely know.¡±


    ¡°Tell that to the paycheck waiting for me at the end of this,¡± Catalina said.


    ¡°I see¡­ so what now?¡±


    ¡°I want you to present the CryoPod as the product the board should approve,¡± Catalina instructed.


    ¡°Ok¡­ The CryoPod is a revolutionary-"


    ¡°More enthusiasm.¡± Catalina


    ¡°Ok. THE CRYOPOD IS A REVOL-"


    ¡°Too loud, idiot!¡± Catalina yelled.


    The night went on like that.


    Keagan apologized to the viewers on his channel and before he knew it, it was half-past three in the morning.


    ¡°Ok, now tell me again, what is the production cost of a single CryoPod?¡±


    ¡°Three thousand dollars per unit,¡± Keagan answered.


    ¡°Good. How about durability?¡± Catalina asked.


    ¡°Three to four years, depending on how it¡¯s maintained.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Just say four."


    ¡°Ok.¡±


    Catalina let out a sigh as Keagan stretched his tired arms.


    Keagan was about to get up when he heard the strangest sound.


    It was a low growl.


    Keagan looked down and realized that sound was not coming from him.


    ¡°Are you hungry, we¡¯ve been at this for a while,¡± Keagan said while picking up his phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m not that hungry.¡±


    Another growl came from Catalina.


    ¡°Ha! I¡¯ll order us something,¡± Keagan said and thirty minutes later, their order arrived.


    Keagan had ordered some vegan pizza. He wasn¡¯t sure what her tastes were and asking her looked like it would be tedious, so he just got pizza.


    Keagan placed the pizza down and watched in horror as Catalina devoured half the pizza before he could even blink.


    Keagan managed to get a few slices before Catalina finished the whole thing.


    Satisfied with the meal, Keagan walked over to his bed and plopped straight into the fetal position.


    ¡°Where should I sleep?¡±


    ¡°The couch,¡± Keagan said as he welcomed sleeps warm embrace.


    .


    ..


    The next morning came quickly and after breakfast, Keagan and Catalina further prepared for the meeting which was forty eight hours away.


    A few hours passed before Keagan heard a knock on the door.


    Keagan walked up to the door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Yo, it¡¯s me!¡± Roy yelled.


    Keagan looked back at Catalina who was focusing on some paperwork. He wasn¡¯t sure how Roy and Catalina would interact, but that was for fate to decide.


    Keagan opened the door and Roy burst into the apartment.


    Keagan chuckled internally as he wondered where Roy found the energy to be so energetic.


    ¡°Man, you¡¯ve let me down twice now. My days are only complete when your soul is crushed on stream, ya know?¡± Roy said as he walked into the living area where he froze upon realizing that Keagan had a guest.


    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t know you had company.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s staying over for the weekend,¡± Keagan said as he downed a bottle of water.


    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s like that¡­ allow me to introduce myself. My name''s Roy Deacon.¡± Roy said while extending his hand.


    Catalina ignored him so Roy turned to Keagan for answers, but Keagan shrugged it off.


    ¡°Ahem! What are you reading there?¡± Roy asked as he took the file in Catalina¡¯s hand.


    Crap! Keagan cursed internally.


    ¡°Um-¡° Keagan tried reprimanding Roy, but it was too late.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ schematics for CryoPod prototype¡­ Wow, you¡¯re actually interested in Keagan¡¯s work? Well, that would explain a lot. He¡¯s a nerd, so maybe you¡¯re a girl nerd, Haha.¡± Roy said casually as he sat next to Catalina.


    ¡°Um- Roy¡­ that¡¯s Catalina Acosta. Lezzaro¡¯s director of operations¡­¡± Keagan said as he watched the blood leave Roy¡¯s face.


    It took a moment, but Roy eventually realized who he was sitting next to.


    ¡°Oh my goodness! I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°Are you a friend of Keagan¡¯s?¡± Catalina asked in her usual cold manner.


    ¡°Y- yes! Best friend actually, hehe.¡± Roy chuckled nervously.


    Catalina looked at Keagan, who nodded in acknowledgement.


    Catalina sighed.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s fine. Besides, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s here unannounced. Can I have that back?¡±


    Roy looked at the papers in his hands, then back at Catalina.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Catalina went back to reading and Roy stood up and led Keagan outside.


    ¡°Oi! Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you had an executive in your house? Also, why is there an executive in your house?¡± Roy asked with wide eyes and pale skin.


    ¡°Um- you see, it''s kind of a long, but short story,¡± Keagan said while scratching his head.


    ¡°Break it down for me.¡±


    ¡°Ok, the company wants me to present a project in a month or so, at the annual tech conference in Cynosure. But I¡¯m basically a nobody and so Catalina is here to coach me.¡± Keagan explained, but Roy was still perplexed.


    ¡°Ok, that makes sense. Kinda. So, when are you going to stream again, or should I start my own channel?¡±


    ¡°Tuesday, I think.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡±


    Roy said and the two re-entered Keagan¡¯s apartment.


    ¡°Um- once again, I apologize for my rudeness earlier, ma¡¯am.¡± Roy apologized again and Catalina gave him a slight nod.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll have to go now, I got a thing to do. So yeah.¡±


    Roy left, leaving the apartment with an eerie silence.


    ¡°You know, he wouldn¡¯t have been rude to you if you didn¡¯t ignore him.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°So-"


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± Catalina cut Keagan off.


    ¡°Yeah? What do you want-"


    ¡°I¡¯m going out.¡± Catalina stood up and stormed into the bathroom.


    Keagan sighed. He didn¡¯t care about what she did and so he sat on the couch, took out his phone and scoured the internet.


    Thirty minutes later, Catalina emerged wearing a gorgeous red dress and dark blue high heels.


    Keagan wondered what she had packed into her suitcase, now he had an answer.


    Keagan noticed a slit that ran up Catalina¡¯s knee-high dress.


    It had a bold, yet subtle appeal.


    ¡°What?¡± Catalina asked after noticing Keagan¡¯s stare.


    ¡°Nothing much, just that dress¡­ it¡¯s nice.¡± Keagan admitted while rubbing his nose shyly.


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡± Catalina made a monotone sound and walked towards the door.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back later.¡± She said before leaving.


    Keagan let out a sigh before heading to his ¡°other room". One where non of the clutter and messiness of the rest it the apartment was present. He quietly entered his soundproofed room and closed its unusually heavy door.


    He sighed again, before posting a certain message on various social media sites. He sat down on his custom chair, switched on his computer and started streaming a game of his choice.


    Keagan enjoyed attempting record-breaking plays in various games and he had recently beaten the record for most kills in a certain game


    Recently his routine had been disrupted by Dan and his schemes, but he finally found some free time


    The time was half-past five in the afternoon and so he braced himself for a full afternoon of gaming.


    .


    ..


    Several hours later.


    ¡°Ok, this is getting tricky, back me up I¡¯m going in.¡±


    The match had reached its climax and there were only two teams left.


    Keagan was low on health, but he had a solid plan to take out the last team. He just needed support.


    Keagan sent his avatar charging forward and his two squadmates joined in on the assault. It didn¡¯t take long for bullets to start flying everywhere.


    [Their tank is low! His low!]


    Keagan¡¯s teammate yelled.


    ¡°Got it!¡±


    Keagan¡¯s avatar ran through the compound the opposing team was huddled up and found the Tank his teammate mentioned.


    With half a health bar and a magazine full of bullets, Keagan let loose and shot the tank as they desperately tried to escape.


    ¡°Bro, this guy¡¯s not as low as you said. Get over here now!¡±


    Keagan¡¯s avatar ended up being the bullet sponge as his opponent used his advantage as a character with high damage resistance and let out a volley of his own bullets at Keagan.


    ¡°Come on! Come on!¡±


    Keagan¡¯s pleas for help went unanswered as he desperately tried dodging his attacker.


    Then suddenly he heard a clicking sound. He couldn¡¯t turn away from the action on screen, so he decided to focus on the battle before him.


    Keagan heard the muffled sound of footsteps over his headset, but he kept his attention on the screen. He had one bullet to go before his opponent was eliminated, then suddenly two hands covered his eye¡¯s, preventing him from seeing the screen.

 3. Partial asphyxiation

    Keagan¡¯s heart sank as he heard his avatar die. His frustration quickly grew into anger and he turned to whoever had their hands over his eyes.


    ¡°Could you take your hands off?¡± Keagan asked as politely as he could.


    The person removed their hands and Keagan turned to face them.


    To no one''s surprise, it was a slightly flushed Catalina. She silently looked at him as he glared daggers at her for ruining his game, something she had yet to realize.


    ¡°Do you know what you just did?¡± Keagan asked, with his patience reduced to a fraction.


    ¡°I just wanted to-"


    She let out an incredibly loud burp and giggled at herself while Keagan¡¯s anger seethed.


    He turned back to face his screen and exited the game.


    ¡°Goodnight guys. got to go.¡± He said before switching off his computer.


    Meanwhile, Catalina stood there silently, her towering body was completely contrasted by the almost guilty expression on her face.


    Keagan didn¡¯t care, but he couldn¡¯t exactly scold her for a simple prank, that and she was his superior.


    His frustration bubbled, resulting in an extremely twisted expression.


    Catalina flinched for some reason, causing Keagan to relax his facial muscles.


    He let out a sigh before noticing that her dress was a mess and she smelled quite bad.


    Keagan looked into her eyes in search of answers, but all he could see was sadness.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What happened.¡± He asked.


    Camila¡¯s eyes started tearing up and she collapsed onto her knees.


    Keagan didn¡¯t have the energy for this. He got up and offered her his hand. She took it as she silently sobbed.


    Then suddenly she let out a torrent of vomit in Keagan¡¯s direction.


    Keagan stepped away as fast as possible, but by that time he was covered in stomach juices.


    Keagan checked, but by this time, Catalina was face down on the floor.


    He began regretting ever allowing her into his home. He barely knew her and yet he let her treat his home like this. He didn¡¯t care that she was technically his boss and that his career depended on Dan¡¯s little gamble.


    Keagan sighed again.


    ¡°Catalina.¡± He called.


    ¡°Catalina!¡± He tried again but she was out cold.


    Keagan walked out of his den, cleared up the couch and hoisted her there.


    Normally, this wouldn¡¯t be a problem, but Catalina was huge and so lifting her like some sort of princess proved impossible.


    After laying her down, he then realized another problem. Her dress was drenched in vomit.


    Keagan thought about removing it but then realized what doing so implied. He got a sheet and nearly covered her smelly body before realizing how troublesome the vomit would end up being.


    Keagan steeled himself for what he was about to do next. He gently placed his hands along her thighs, slid the once beautiful black dress up and removed it.


    This revealed to Keagan a sight he wasn¡¯t prepared to see.


    He saw flawless skin, covered only by what could be called modest lace underwear.


    Keagan lost his breath for a moment, then remembered what he was doing. He dashed to his wardrobe and took one of his spare shirts. He quickly clothed her then fell onto his bed.


    Frustrated and slightly confused, he wondered what she would say when she woke up. But he decided to push those thoughts aside so he could sleep.


    .


    ..


    The morning came quickly.


    It was Sunday, meaning Keagan only had a day to prepare for his presentation.


    Luckily for him, he understood everything he had to and Catalina had taught him how to speak to the board.


    Keagan opened his eyes, allowing them to soak in the light of the morning sun. He got up and saw that Catalina was still sleeping.


    Keagan grabbed his phone and called the person who started all this.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Dan. We need to talk.¡±


    [What the hell do you want? It¡¯s like, four AM!¡±] Dan asked in a low and irritated voice.


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s half-past eight.¡±


    [What do you want?]


    ¡°Umm¡­ it¡¯s about Catalina.¡±


    Keagan heard movement as he spoke. He turned and saw Catalina crawling towards him.


    Her long black hair dragged along the ground as she moved and Keagan could still smell the vomit from before.


    ¡°W-" He heard her whisper.


    [Well? What about Catalina?¡±]


    Keagan hesitated as Catalina tugged on his leg.


    She pressed her index finger against her lips and made the slightest noise.


    ¡°Shh.¡±


    Keagan¡¯s heart started racing.


    He wasn¡¯t indebted to her, nor did he feel obligated to remain silent, but just looking into her eye¡¯s made him feel something.


    Pity.


    He hadn¡¯t felt that emotion in such a long time and to make it worse, he didn¡¯t want to comfort her.


    It was she who ruined his match.


    It was she who entered his house smelling like the south side of a turd.


    Wait a minute. Keagan wondered.


    How did she get in?


    BAH!


    He didn¡¯t care.


    Monday was only a day away.


    ¡°Er- uh- I was wondering if she¡¯d be joining us during the presentation, hehe,¡± Keagan said awkwardly as he coldly stared at Catalina. Almost the same way as she did when they met. Her eye¡¯s trembled as their gazes met.


    [Really? Just that? Well, there¡¯s nothing wrong with a project manager being present, especially since she¡¯s technically in charge of the continued development of the project.] Dan explained.


    ¡°I see. Cool. That¡¯s all I needed to know."


    [Ok. Goodnight.]


    ¡°It¡¯s morning already, hehe.¡±


    Dan ended the call leaving Keagan and Catalina in silence.


    ¡°Get up,¡± Keagan ordered and she obeyed.


    ¡°Let me get this straight: last night was an accident and you don¡¯t want Dan or anyone else knowing about it.¡±


    Catalina nodded her head.


    ¡°Talk. You¡¯re being weird.¡± Keagan said harshly.


    ¡°Yes, please don¡¯t tell Dan.¡±


    Keagan felt weird for being shorter than her, but he needed her to stand for them to speak properly.


    Also, he wasn¡¯t buying her whole act. He knew something was wrong because the same person standing in front of him acting like a victim was also a highly decorated executive at Lezzaro.


    Normally, she was cold and calculative, which led Keagan to believe that she wanted something.


    ¡°So, what do you want?¡± Keagan asked, causing Catalina to gasp.


    ¡°W- what do you-¡°


    ¡°I¡¯m not rich so it¡¯s not money¡­¡± Keagan said to himself.


    ¡°You and Dan could be planning on framing me for some sort of backhanded business practices you¡¯re running¡­ but why me? I¡¯m not that special.¡±


    Catalina trembled as he rambled on.


    ¡°Would you please stop that!¡± Keagan yelled.


    Catalina reduced the intensity of her trembles, but they were still there.


    ¡°Ugh, you better not be recording this,¡± Keagan said as he sat on the couch.


    Catalina remained standing and unfortunately, Keagan¡¯s shirt failed to cover her panties.


    Keagan unconsciously stared at them for a moment, then look at Catalina who was now blushing.


    ¡°Oh my goodness, go get dressed!¡± Keagan said and Catalina went into the bathroom with her suitcase.


    Keagan ran his hands through his hair as he ran through multiple scenarios that could explain Catalina¡¯s behaviour.


    Keagan made himself some coffee as he thought about the possibility of losing his job for some abstract reason, that somehow failed to reach him.


    ¡°Ugh.¡± He groaned, then took a long sip of his scolding hot coffee.


    He needed the burn to remind himself that he was awake.


    That his superior had practically lost all of her dignity in front of his very eyes.


    Keagan didn¡¯t like her when they met, but now he had inexplicable feelings of annoyance.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Catalina eventually emerged from the bathroom. In an instant, Keagan smelled whatever soap she had used, which was an improvement from the smell of her stomach contents.


    Her wet hair stuck to her shirt which stuck to her almost bronze-coloured skin.


    Catalina stood by the bathroom door.


    Almost as if waiting for Keagan to tell her what to do next.


    ¡°What?¡± He asked, but she didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Ugh! How long are you going g to keep this up? First, you vomit on my carpet and now you¡¯re doing this¡­ ugh. Come here. Sit here.¡± Catalina did as she was told. Her body shook as Keagan glared at her.


    ¡°What happened last night?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°I- I- wen- ou- with a friend,¡± Catalina whispered.


    ¡°Speak up, I seriously can''t hear you."


    ¡°I went out for some drinks with a friend.¡± She said.


    ¡°I see. I don¡¯t really care about why or how you got this way, but I¡¯d like to make one thing clear¡­¡± Keagan paused.


    ¡°I don''t want any trouble. Whatever you¡¯re going through, whatever you¡¯re involved in or whatever you¡¯re plotting, I don¡¯t care. When we finish Dan¡¯s little scheme, it''s bye-bye. You hear?¡±


    Catalina¡¯s expression changed into one of sadness.


    ¡°What? what- you know what? I think it¡¯s time for you to leave.¡±


    ¡°Wha- why?¡± Catalina asked as tears welled up in her eyes.


    ¡°Why? Oh, I don¡¯t know. Maybe it¡¯s because you vomited on my floor, stunk up my house and ruined my game. What Are you going to do? Be my maid-"


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Now you¡¯re just being weird. Go home. I¡¯ll see you at work tomorrow before we go to Cynosure.¡±


    ¡°N-¡°


    Keagan had enough of her already and what he wanted was some alone time.


    ¡°No, go home now,¡± Keagan said and Catalina started packing her things.


    Thirty minutes later, she was fully dressed and ready to go.


    There were no goodbyes, as Keagan didn¡¯t even want to look at her.


    So she left.


    Keagan let out a sigh. Then realized that he had been sighing rather often lately. He made himself some breakfast and then went to work on his presentation.


    This time, on his own.


    .


    ..


    The next day came quickly.


    Keagan got up, drank some coffee and dashed out of his apartment. He arrived at the office slightly earlier than Roy because he took a taxi.


    Everyone in the office had their eye¡¯s on him.


    ¡°Mercy¡¯s waiting for you,¡± Tommy said.


    Keagan made his way to Mercy¡¯s office and entered to find Mercy along with Dan and Catalina, who had returned to her old, cold self.


    \Only thing different was that she avoided directly meeting Keagan¡¯s eyes. But Keagan didn¡¯t mind.


    The four meticulously prepared for the meeting and by nine o¡¯clock, they were headed for Cynosure.


    Upon arrival in Unity¡¯s capital, the four made their way to Lezzaro¡¯s true headquarters.


    There they awaited the arrival of the board members who arrived shortly after.


    Keagan was introduced as the spokesperson and he did his best not to mess things up.


    In terms of presentations, it was pretty standard, only the stakes were much higher.


    Keagan smoothly weaved his way through any questions they had for him.


    Dan got along well with them while and when Catalina was asked to present her part, she did so effortlessly. She had miraculously regained her coldness overnight.


    Keagan wondered where that cold expression was the day before.


    The presentation concluded and the board was left to discuss their decision.


    Mercy and Keagan sat for almost an hour while Dan convinced the board that Keagan¡¯s project was the perfect one to present at the technology conference.


    Dan emerged, alongside Catalina, from the board room with a stern expression, but as soon as they left the building, Dan¡¯s face changed into a smile.


    ¡°Woo! That was awesome! I¡¯ve never gotten those old farts to do anything, yet here we are.¡± Dan exclaimed as they boarded the vectrain back to Chac district.


    ¡°D- did they approve?¡± Mercy asked nervously.


    ¡°What? No. Not yet. But they did say that it was good. Which is more than a lot can say. We¡¯ll have to wait for them to call. Until then, let¡¯s drink!¡± Dan declared.


    ¡°No thanks.¡± Mercy declined.


    ¡°Yeah, me too. I¡¯m going home.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°What? Why? We have to celebrate your convincing performance, no?¡± Dan asked, causing Keagan to flashback to that oh so irritating night.


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m good. You have fun. Besides, shouldn¡¯t I be preparing for my role as spokesman?¡±


    ¡°Oh, cocky aren¡¯t we? You know you¡¯re not a big shot yet, right?¡± Dan said while running his hands through Keagan¡¯s hair.


    Keagan moved away to a safe distance.


    ¡°Ok, then I¡¯ll see you all tomorrow,¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Ooh, first day in and he¡¯s already taken the mantle of lone wolf.¡±


    Keagan ignored Dan¡¯s teasing and began his journey home. He arrived at around four thirty in the afternoon. He had plenty of time so he decided to clean the mess in his gaming den.


    It took roughly thirty minutes or so, but his den had been restored to its former state.


    Keagan vowed to never have guests over, even if it killed him. He spent the latter part of his day lazing about and watching TV.


    Exactly what he needed to take his mind off things.


    At around seven PM, Keagan heard his doorbell ring.


    He didn¡¯t remember inviting Roy over and he defiantly didn¡¯t invite Catalina.


    So who was it?


    Keagan got up and opened the door slightly, revealing a woman whose beauty could only be called godlike.


    She had the palest skin and the darkest hair Keagan had ever seen, her blue eyes were like gems and her face was almost devoid of lines or wrinkles.


    ¡°Are you Keagan Keita?¡± The woman asked. Her voice silky and low.


    ¡°Yes, and you are?¡± Keagan feared he wouldn''t like her answer.


    ¡°I''m Karisa Astali. I¡¯m here to apologize for what Catalina put you through.¡± She said with a sad expression, but Keagan didn¡¯t buy whatever she was selling. He already suspected Catalina was up to something and the presence of this woman only added to his growing list of suspicions.


    ¡°I see. Well, there¡¯s no use crying over spoilt milk. So, yeah. Everything is fine.¡±


    Upon hearing this, the woman¡¯s face lit up.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°I said everything is fine. So everything is fine.¡± Keagan insisted.


    ¡°Ok, I understand.¡± She said with a smile that seemingly lit up the surrounding area.


    ¡°Uh- so¡­ goodbye-"


    ¡°Wait!¡± Karisa stopped Keagan.


    ¡°What?¡± Keagan asked with a slightly annoyed tone.


    ¡°May I come in?¡± Karisa asked.


    Keagan could see beads of sweat forming on her forehead.


    What the? Keagan wondered.


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you have business elsewhere?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°N- no. I just wanted to know more about what exactly happened. I think you may have the wrong idea about Catalina.¡± Karisa said with desperate eyes.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Keagan hated himself for allowing whatever game Catalina and Karisa were playing to get this far.


    Karisa entered and Keagan led her to the couch.


    ¡°So what now? Are you going to tell me that Catalina¡¯s a good person and that we should try and get along? Listen, we already talked this out and I made it clear that I don¡¯t want anything to do with any of¡­ this.¡±


    Keagan noticed Karisa had become rather flushed after he spoke.


    ¡°Are you ok?¡±


    ¡°No- it¡¯s just that¡­ you¡¯re exactly as she described,¡± Karisa said.


    ¡°Mmm? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Oh- right, could you please forgive Catalina for how she behaved and this may be too much to ask, but I¡¯d really like for us to be friends.¡±


    Keagan sighed.


    ¡°Why would I want that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But it would be interesting, no?¡± Karisa asked.


    Keagan saw the conversation was taking a problematic turn.


    ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s getting pretty late, don¡¯t you think?¡± He said as he stood up, prompting her to leave.


    ¡°Ok. I¡¯ll go, but only if you promise that you¡¯ll consider being friends with Catalina and me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll consider it."


    Karisa''s face lit up.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Keagan knew he was going to regret this. He escorted Karisa out of his apartment and down to the parking area where he saw a black limousine with two large men standing near it.


    ¡°Goodbye, Mr. Keita or can I call you Keagan?¡±


    ¡°Keita is fine.¡±


    ¡°Ok, bye then,¡± Karisa said before entering the limousine, which didn¡¯t surprise Keagan at this point. He didn¡¯t care what she drove, as long as she was leaving.


    Keagan returned to his apartment and lazed throughout the rest of the day until the warm embrace of sleep found him.


    .


    ..


    Keagan was awoken by his alarm and for the first time, he was afraid of going to work.


    Not only were his duties as spokesperson waiting for him, but Catalina was also there.


    Keagan had his morning coffee and left for work, this time taking the morning train.


    ¡°There he is! Mr. Big time!¡± Roy greeted in his usual friendly manner.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°What up? Oh, I don¡¯t know. My friend hooked up with an executive and neglected telling me about it.¡± Roy said with a pout.


    ¡°Hey, I told you that she was just there for work.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you said that and I completely understood it. Work you said¡­ I hope y¡¯all worked real hard, Haha!¡± Roy teased.


    ¡°Come on, bro. It¡¯s not like that. She¡¯s actually quite-" Keagan stooped himself. He realized that Roy wasn¡¯t the type who was good with secrets. He wasn¡¯t a tattletale, but telling him would complicate things.


    ¡°She¡¯s what?¡±


    ¡°A workaholic, uh- yeah. All she thinks about is stocks and such, hehe.¡± Keagan said with a cough.


    Keagan¡¯s phone vibrated. He took it out as he and Roy found seats on the train.


    Keagan saw that he had received an email.


    The sender name read [Skylos].


    Keagan opened the email and found numerous pictures of breasts.


    From what Keagan could see, the pictures were selfies taken in a bathroom.


    Keagan hurriedly put his phone in his pocket as sweat formed on his forehead. He was nervous because he knew exactly who those breasts belonged to.


    Keagan¡¯s face then twisted into a frown.


    ¡°Hey man, what¡¯s wrong? If it¡¯s about what I said, it¡¯s a joke. I know you were working, ok?¡±


    Keagan realized that his expression was rather dark and so he quickly put on a smile.


    ¡°Oh, that? No, it¡¯s not you. I was just thinking about something.¡± Keagan said while scratching his head.


    The train eventually arrived in Ix Chel district.


    Keagan and Roy took a short walk and were soon at the steps of the Lezzaro building.


    ¡°See you later,¡± Roy said.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Keagan said as he slowly walked towards the elevator.


    He made it to the second floor and entered the office area where he was met by applause.


    ¡°Congratulations!¡± Everyone said in unison.


    Mercy approached Keagan and gave him an awkward hug.


    ¡°Guess what, the board approved our project. We¡¯ll probably need a super cool nickname for it and since you are our spokesman, I think you should be the one to name it.¡± Mercy suggested excitedly.


    Keagan¡¯s brain went into overdrive.


    ¡°Um¡­ how about Lovelock?¡± Keagan¡¯s suggestion was met by various sounds of intrigue.


    ¡°Oh? Bold name, what inspired it?¡± Johan asked.


    ¡°I just took it from one of the scientists who introduced cryogenics to the world, James Lovelock.¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Mercy exclaimed.


    Thirty or so minutes passed as everyone celebrated the approval of the project, but Keagan knew that their work was only just beginning.


    After everything settled down, Keagan¡¯s focus shifted towards something less peachy.


    Keagan walked to Catalina¡¯s office and knocked.


    ¡°Come in." Keagan heard a voice answer, but it wasn¡¯t Catalina¡¯s, it was Dan''s.


    Keagan entered to find Dan, Mercy and Catalina discussing something.


    ¡°So? How does it feel being the hero?¡± Dan asked.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know what you mean.¡±


    ¡°Oh come on! We did it, but I¡¯m sure a science man such as yourself understands that the hard part starts now.¡± Dan said with a rather bright smile.


    ¡°Of course. Um- could I speak with Catalina for a moment?¡± Keagan politely asked.


    ¡°Oh? Would you look at that? First day as spokesman and you¡¯re already making demands, ha! Sure kid, go ahead.¡± Dan teased.


    Catalina rose from her seat with the elegance expected from a woman who sat on one of the highest seats of one of the worlds biggest companies.


    Keagan keenly watched as she walked towards him. Her form was flawless and her eyes were sharp.


    But Keagan noticed that her gaze never met his. He led her out of the office and walked into the emergency staircase area where almost no cameras or people were. He stopped and she did the same. He didn¡¯t turn around and kept his back at her.


    Keagan sighed.


    Why me? He wondered.


    Couldn¡¯t she find some corporate big shot to annoy?


    He turned to face her and found her gaze on the floor.


    ¡°Look at me,¡± Keagan said and she did so.


    ¡°Did you send me those pictures?¡± He asked. His voice low and cold.


    Catalina nodded slightly.


    ¡°Speak when you¡¯re spoken to, for Pete¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°Y- yes, I did.¡±


    Keagan already knew that.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Catalina¡¯s eyes widened momentarily.


    ¡°I- I don¡¯t know.¡± She said.


    ¡°Is that so? Then what would you do if say hypothetically those pictures were to circulate around the company?¡± Keagan said in an octave lower than before.


    Catalina gasped and shook her head frantically.


    ¡°No, please don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t jump to the gun. I said hypothetically. Besides, wouldn¡¯t it be your fault for carelessly sharing such pictures in the first place? What if I wasn¡¯t as civilized as I am right now? Or did you send them knowing I wouldn¡¯t do anything?¡± Keagan asked.


    His impatience slowly morphed into anger. He desperately wished his days would return to their old, monotonous ways.


    ¡°N- uh-¡° Catalina muttered.


    Any fragments of the dignified woman Keagan saw in the office had been replaced by this mumbling mess.


    Keagan could almost say that he hated her at this point.


    What? Was he not interested in romantic relationships?


    He was, but he reasoned that if that¡¯s what she was after, then she wouldn¡¯t have taken such annoying measures.


    ¡°Ms. Acosta, you¡¯re taking this a step too far. Take this foolish game of yours and play it with someone else. Tommy is a decent guy, I¡¯m sure he¡¯d enjoy your antics.¡± Keagan said and


    Catalina¡¯s expression quickly became one of pain, but Keagan didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Also, tell your friend that I¡¯m not interested in whatever she was talking about,¡± Keagan said before walking out of the staircase area.


    Leaving the emergency door to close with a loud thud.


    The day went on and Keagan was introduced to his role as spokesperson by Dan. He had several trips to make to different parts of Unity, where he would discuss the benefits of cryogenics and why Lezzaro was the best company for that. His first trip was in two days, but Keagan didn¡¯t mind, because, at the end of all that, Dan promised him not only full-time employment at Lezzaro but an increased salary.


    Keagan salivated at the thought of being able to upgrade his current gaming setup.


    The working day ended and Keagan went home with a tone on his mind. He arrived in his apartment and jumped straight into bed after his not so long commute home.


    Keagan¡¯s eyelids fell and he slept.


    .


    ..


    Keagan was suddenly shaken awake by the sounds of movement. He got up as quickly as he could and noticed two shadowy figures moving about in his room.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening? Who are you?¡± Keagan yelled desperately as he grabbed the nearest hardest object he could find, which was his alarm clock.


    The two shadows looked at each other for a moment, then dashed towards the door.


    Oh, no you don¡¯t! Keagan thought as he charged towards the one closest to the door and rammed it over.


    The shadowy figure was surprisingly short, unlike the one behind it which was much taller.


    Keagan hesitated, but then saw that the shadow was shaking, almost vibrating.


    Keagan assumed that the shadow was a first-time burglar and so he dashed and tackled it into the ground.


    The shadow fell over quite easily, but just as he was about to smack the shadows face in he heard the other one move.


    ¡°No!¡± The shadow screamed, revealing that it was a woman.


    The shadow tried to grab onto his shoulder, but he elbowed it in the face and sent it flying away.


    Meanwhile, the one below him offered little to no resistance.


    Keagan placed his elbow over its neck, in an attempt to rid himself of the bigger target. But then his right hand landed on something that was rather soft. He squeezed lightly before realizing that it was a tit.


    Keagan then pieced together the situation. His mind came to the only conclusion it could.


    ¡°Catalina?¡± Keagan asked, his voice hoarse.


    ¡°Y- yes,¡± Catalina answered, even though Keagan still had his elbow pressed on her throat.


    Keagan quickly got up and turned on the light, revealing two women dressed in dark tracksuits and hoodies.


    Keagan¡¯s mind started spinning.


    ¡°What the fuck are you two doing here?¡±

 4. Those that followed

    Catalina and Karisa sat side by side on the floor as Keagan paced around.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± He yelled.


    He had removed their hoodies, revealing that they wore nothing but underwear underneath and when he searched the two, he found some of his boxers in each of their pockets.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Keagan yelled.


    ¡°Would you please tell me why you¡¯re in my house and how, before I call the cops?¡± Keagan asked, his voice had become a hoarse growl due to the stress he had been under recently.


    The two women looked at each other briefly, then back at Keagan.


    Except, Catalina kept her eyes low, while Karisa looked at Keagan¡¯s chest area.


    ¡°We- Catalina told me what you said to her. I understand if your angry, but please understand-"


    Keagan felt the most unsettling sensation when he looked into Karisa¡¯s eyes.


    They looked¡­ hungry.


    ¡°We only wanted to get to know you better, but when you said that you didn¡¯t want to be involved with us anymore, we felt horrible.¡± Karisa continued.


    ¡°So you thought that the best way to do that would be to break into my house? What the hell is wrong with you?¡± Keagan asked. His expression one of pure disgust and annoyance.


    Keagan then noticed that Catalina was trembling. He looked closely at her face but saw no tears. He turned to Karisa and saw that she had a large bruise on the right side of her face.


    Keagan groaned.


    He assumed that Karisa was the daughter of some big shot politician when they first met. If that assumption was correct, it would mean hell was waiting for him if her father saw her in her current state.


    Keagan¡¯s pacing became frantic.


    He didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°Ok¡­ what do you want? Huh? Just tell me, please.¡± Keagan asked.


    Karisa looked at Catalina, who looked back at her and they both nodded.


    ¡°I want you to¡­ punish us.¡±


    Keagan¡¯s heart stopped.


    His mind silenced and his nerves calmed.


    ¡°What?¡± Keagan asked. Unsure if he heard Karisa correctly.


    ¡°H- Hit us.¡± This time it was Catalina. Her whisper reached the inner parts of Keagan¡¯s ear clearly.


    Keagan collapsed. His knees ached but that pained paled in comparison to the gut-wrenching pain he felt in his head.


    He hated the two women in front of him so badly it made him sick.


    ¡°Haaarg!¡± Keagan screamed into the night and even the sky¡¯s trembled as a nearby thunderstorm roared in pain.


    Keagan fell backwards as he silently wept. His mind ran as it looked for any possible escape from the two demons in front of him. He knew that whatever they were doing was just getting started and he hated the prospect of having to deal with any of their bullshit.


    His chest ached as he groaned in agony, then to make things worse, Karisa crawled over to him and placed her head on his chest where she heard his heart as its beat tremored across his entire upper body.


    Catalina followed suit and placed her head on his belly.


    The two then tightly wrapped their bodies around Keagan, not in an attempt to comfort him, but as an act of accomplishment.


    It was as though they felt rewarded by his anger and hatred.


    Keagan¡¯s breathing started slowing down as he realized that if his anger is what they wanted, then he had lost the moment he let Catalina get under his skin.


    Keagan¡¯s already tired eye¡¯s shut and he slept and had dreams of dirty serpents coiling around his body.


    .


    ..


    Keagan was honestly too tired for work. Not only that, but his body felt three times heavier for some reason.


    He opened his eye¡¯s and found two half-naked women could around him. They were sound asleep, but even that couldn¡¯t hide their twisted nature from Keagan.


    He looked at Karisa. She was shorter than Catalina but bigger and softer. She had a pair of large breasts and thighs that completely enveloped Keagan¡¯s left leg. Her pale skin and black hair made her a world-class beauty. Unfortunately, she had a bruise on the right sight of her face but Keagan didn¡¯t and couldn¡¯t feel any guilt for what he did.


    Keagan turned to Catalina. She was far taller than Karisa and slightly taller than Keagan. Her long limbs coiled around Keagan¡¯s body and her beautiful brown bronze skin was only enhanced by her black hair.


    Keagan hated these women equally, but simultaneously he felt enamoured with their beauty. But even their beauty wasn¡¯t enough to convince Keagan that their actions were in any way forgivable.


    Time was moving and he needed to go to work. He fought his way out of their grasp and made himself some coffee as he got dressed. He took several sips then left for work.


    Why didn¡¯t he kick them out? They got in before. Keagan reasoned.


    There wasn¡¯t much stopping them from entering his apartment. Besides, Keagan had other worries.


    Unity was a relatively corruption-free country, but even it had its fair share of power-hungry maniacs.


    If Karisa was the daughter of a man with power, then her delusions of masochism would be the last thing he¡¯d have to worry about.


    Keagan¡¯s commute to work was rather uneventful, which by Keagan¡¯s recent standards, was an amazing thing. He met Roy, they laughed about how Keagan was neglecting his streams and they eventually made it to the Lezzaro building.


    Keagan, Mercy and Daniel prepared for Keagan''s trip to Kukulkan district. He would be speaking to students and professors at a local university about the importance of cryopreservation and such.


    During lunch break, Keagan heard that Catalina called in sick and said she wouldn¡¯t be coming to work for a couple of days.


    Keagan also heard something strange on the news.


    [Allegations of abuse in the Astali household have surfaced after images surfaced of Karisa Astali, who is Andre Astali¡¯s daughter, she appeared to have a bruise on the right sight of her face. Just a reminder, Andre Astali is the grandson of the founder of Lezzaro and is currently its CEO. What do these allegations mean for the company or the family running it? Find out more on the channel.]


    The reporter said.


    Keagan felt what was left of his hope shatter. He hoped that this would all blow over. That Catalina would find someone else to obsess over. That Karisa would do the same. That he could go back to streaming his favourite games and watching movies with Roy on weekends. But all of that was now gone and washed away.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Keagan worked the day away and by the end of it, he was hollow. He took the train back home and by the time he arrived, he had nothing but dark thoughts flooding his mind. He opened his door to find that his apartment had been cleaned. The mess from the night before was gone.


    Keagan closed the door and entered, then his heart sank when he saw two sharply dressed women sitting on his bed.


    At that moment he corrected a thought that lingered in his mind.


    These women weren¡¯t snakes.


    They were annoying.


    Persistent.


    Like bugs.


    Yeah¡­


    ¡°Oh? You¡¯re here? I wonder why, hehe.¡± Keagan said with a deranged chuckle.


    Karisa pulled out a leather briefcase with several documents in it.


    ¡°We were serious when we asked you to punish us.¡±


    ¡°Oh? You don¡¯t say.¡± Keagan said as he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge to cool his head.


    ¡°Yes and so, we got you this.¡± Karisa offered him one of the many documents.


    Keagan took it and read over its contents.


    It was an index. An index to what looked like a list of things they wanted him to do.


    ¡°We realize that we asked you for too much last night and so we put this together. With this, you¡¯ll be able to do as much as general human rights allow. This is not a contract, it''s just something to make you feel better.¡± Karisa explained.


    Keagan finished the index and dropped the paper at Karisa¡¯s feet.


    He knew who Karisa was at this point. He saw just how much she was exposed to the public eye.


    Yet there she was.


    Begging for him to hurt her.


    Catalina on the other hand had the more obsessive side to this.


    She had it all.


    Money.


    The perfect job.


    Yet there she was.


    Silently awaiting orders.


    Like a dog.


    Keagan hated that about her. How she could switch from top of the class businesswoman to whatever she was when no one was looking.


    Keagan then had an idea.


    Before him sat two very powerful, very stupid women. He could use them somehow. He didn¡¯t know how and he didn¡¯t know when, but he was sure their statuses in society would prove useful to him in the future.


    Was he playing right into their hands? Maybe, but he didn¡¯t care anymore.


    ¡°Listen here, I really hate you two and that will never change. However, I will agree to this and you will become my punching bags so to speak. Understood?¡± The two nodded their heads.


    ¡°Oh my goodness, speak dammit!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± They both said with scary amounts of blood in their cheeks.


    Keagan sighed.


    ¡°Take off your clothes,¡± Keagan said suddenly.


    The two looked at each other, then back at Keagan.


    Keagan himself felt his stomach twist at the thought of hitting anyone.


    Fortunately, the people before were trash so the feeling was suppressed.


    ¡°Have you suddenly gone deaf? I don¡¯t want to mark your faces any further. Next thing you know I¡¯ll be in prison.¡± Keagan said as he took off his hoodie and shirt.


    The two removed their clothes.


    Karisa removed her emerald green dress, revealing a set of black and pink lace underwear that beautifully contrasted with her skin.


    Catalina removed her grey top and skirt revealing a set of black underwear.


    Keagan absorbed the sight before him. He admitted to himself that they were truly beautiful, but was met by the harsh reality of their true nature.


    Keagan looked into Karisa¡¯s eyes and could see them quivering in anticipation. Catalina on the other hand shyly covered her body, even though he face was completely flushed.


    ¡°I said undress,¡± Keagan said as he removed his belt from his waist.


    The two removed their underwear further revealing their shameless bodies.


    Keagan had a reasonable amount of experience with women so he wasn¡¯t too concerned about whether or not he¡¯d be aroused.


    He was too focused on punishing them.


    Karisa undressed first, revealing a pair of beautiful breasts and a seamless canvass of unblemished skin.


    Something that struck Keagan was the darkness of Karisa¡¯s hair and eye¡¯s.


    Once again she was the truest manifestation of the word contrast.


    Keagan tilted his head towards Catalina who was still getting undressed. He wasn¡¯t surprised when he saw her breasts as she had shamelessly sent him pictures of them before.


    Keagan spectated as she removed her panties.


    Keagan realized that they were both cleanly shaven.


    Keagan didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Turn around and bend over.¡±


    They did as they were told.


    ¡°Now, we''re going to play a game, since Catalina ensured I¡¯d never enjoy that hobby of mine ever again. I¡¯m going to ask a question. If you answer it incorrectly, I hit you. If you answer it incorrectly, I also hit you, got it?¡± He asked as he wrapped his belt around his right hand.


    Catalina and Karisa nodded simultaneously.


    ¡°Good. Now, why did you pick me when there are a billion other assholes who¡¯d actually enjoy beating the living shits out of you?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°It was Catalina. When she first met you, she noticed the way you looked at her with such beautiful cold eyes. She told me about you and after I saw you I was convinced you were the one.¡± Karisa said.


    Keagan realized that these crazed women had been crazy long before they met him. He would¡¯ve wondered what made them this way, but he honestly didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    The sound of the belt hitting Karisa¡¯s bare flesh resounded throughout the apartment.


    Her tiny squeal tickled a nerve in Keagan¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Ok, Catalina. I dislike you the most. What led to you vomiting on my floor?¡± Keagan asked, his voice low and his eye¡¯s narrowed to a slit.


    Catalina turned to face him and when she met his gaze she felt the burning anger and annoyance. Her body quivered at the terrifying site of Keagan¡¯s half-naked body as it pulsed with anger.


    Keagan wasn¡¯t all that much to look at. He exercised every now and then and had a pretty balanced diet. His curly black hair and average height made him look like an average Joe. But Catalina and Karisa had introduced him to an insufferable amount of annoyance and frustration, resulting in the Keagan who stood before them.


    ¡°Who said you could look at me?¡± Keagan hissed. His face one of pure disgust.


    A loud smack then pierced the air as Keagan¡¯s belt bounced off Catalina¡¯s ass.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Catalina yelped as her body quivered erratically.


    ¡°Now answer my question.¡±


    ¡°I was with Karisa- after I told her about you, I drank a bit too much and-¡°


    In all honesty, it wasn¡¯t that big of a deal, but Keagan had already sunk his teeth into their little game and turning back was going to get harder the more he played.


    Keagan hit her again.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Keagan¡¯s brain had already marked down the differences between Catalina and Karisa¡¯s screams.


    ¡°Now one for both of you. Are you enjoying this?¡± Keagan asked.


    The two looked at each other before simultaneously looking back at Keagan with teary beet red faces.


    ¡° ¡°Yes!¡± ¡° They both screamed.


    In that moment. Something within Keagan broke. He didn¡¯t know what nor why, but he felt like he had been unhinged from whatever prevented him from dishing out his feeling onto Catalina and Karisa.


    ¡°Is that so? Well then, I see no point in holding back anymore. You shall be mine from now on. Anytime I feel like you two are in any way inconveniencing or annoying me, I¡¯ll make you pay for it by mutilating and humiliating those beautiful bodies of yours so they may match your ugly insides.¡±


    Keagan then uses his entire upper body to unleash a rather cathartic series of beatings.


    This continued until neither Karisa nor Catalina could stand.


    They silently wept on Keagan¡¯s bed as he absorbed his new reality. He then made up his mind.


    He¡¯d do his job as spokesman, get his dream job as a researcher at Lezzaro, prepare for his retirement, all the while ruining the two women below him.


    Karisa hiccupped from the pain and her body convulsed as she wept.


    Catalina was no different.


    Their once flawless buttocks were now lined with bruises and bumps.


    Karisa¡¯s bruises were most visible against her pale skin.


    Keagan felt no pain, no regret and absolutely no pity upon seeing their beaten states.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for today. My hand is sore. Go get some lotions and creams tomorrow to help with the swelling and pain.¡± Keagan said as he prepared some quick microwave micro meals.


    Three of them to be exact.


    Thirty minutes passed and he handed the meals to Catalina and Karisa who were still trembling from pain.


    They silently ate as Keagan stared at their naked bodies.


    ¡°What¡¯s so special about the human body? Why do artists and scientists alike marvel at its so-called beauty? I¡¯m no philosopher, but I think humans should be judged by what¡¯s on the inside and what¡¯s on the inside is ugly. Just like you.¡± Keagan said after swallowing a spoonful of his quickly made rice.


    Catalina and Karisa both kept their gazes low and didn¡¯t speak. But their tear covered faces were bothering Keagan. He walked to the bathroom and got a towel and he started wiping Karisa¡¯s face. Her skin was so soft, it was as though merely touching it was tainting it.


    He dropped the towel and held Karisa¡¯s face so that her gaze would meet his.


    ¡°Do you hate me?¡± He asked and Karisa slowly shook her head.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°N- N- N- no.¡± She stuttered.


    ¡°I see,¡± Keagan said before he shifted his attention to Catalina.


    ¡°Do you hate me?¡± He asked as he gently raised Catalina¡¯s head. She looked into his eyes and any coldness or anger was gone.


    He was tired.


    ¡°No.¡± She answered.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Keagan then looked at both of them.


    ¡°This would be unfair if I didn¡¯t reward you for behaving, but since the both of you pissed me off so much in such a short amount of time, you¡¯ll be getting the bare minimum.¡±


    Keagan handed Catalina his towel.


    ¡°Since you like ruining my stuff, here. Enjoy.¡±


    Catalina took the towel and grasped it close to her chest.


    ¡°And as for you-"


    Keagan got up, grabbed her head and kissed her bruise. He ran his hair through his hair.


    ¡°What did your father say when he saw this?¡±


    ¡°I told him that I fell, so he didn¡¯t mind,¡± Karisa said with a pained smile.


    Keagan frowned, effectively wiping her smile away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t smile if you don¡¯t want to.¡± He said as he kissed her bruise.


    Then he licked it.


    ¡°Ah.¡± She made the faintest sound as he traced his tongue along the bruise''s edge.


    After they finished their meals, the three noticed that it had gotten rather late.


    Keagan got into bed, while Catalina and Karisa stood by its side.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep. When I do and only then, will you be allowed to sleep. Until then, stand there without a word or else.¡±


    Keagan closed his eye¡¯s. He felt weird going to sleep while two naked women watched him, but he didn¡¯t care.

 5. Upward

    Keagan woke up fatigued and cranky. He opened his eye¡¯s and saw that Catalina and Karisa had coiled themselves around him as they soundly slept. He thought back to the previous night.


    A lot had happened and somewhere deep down, Keagan knew the worst had yet to reveal itself.


    The time was six thirty in the morning.


    Keagan slithered out of his bed, took a quick shower, got dressed in his new clothes, downed a cup of coffee and went to work before Catalina and Karisa woke up. He had looked at himself through his body length mirror and saw something.


    Something different.


    It wasn¡¯t his new haircut or clothes.


    Just something.


    Keagan left the apartment and walked to the train station.


    There he met Roy who had a depressed look on his face.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Keagan asked.


    Roy looked at him with glassy eyes.


    ¡°You missed another stream! I¡¯m a simple man. I work hard and watch others play hard. See? Simple!¡± Roy cried.


    Keagan hugged him and ran his hands through his messy hair.


    ¡°You smell funny. Did you have a girl over again?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°Umm¡­ yes. But- it¡¯s complicated.¡± Keagan said as he let go of his friend.


    ¡°Well, whatever. Finish whatever it is you got going on and get back to streaming.¡± Roy said to Keagan as they boarded the train.


    ¡°Yeah, well if you want me to stream so bad, why don¡¯t you just stream yourself? I¡¯m sure the internet would love you.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Ha! Luckily for me I suck at gaming!¡± Roy said as a single metaphorical tear ran down his face.


    ¡°Poor you. Oh and don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll get back to streaming soon." Keagan said as the train zoomed into Ix Chel district.


    Keagan and Roy quickly made it to work and the two-headed their separate ways.


    Keagan headed up to the research and development floor, sat behind his table and got to work. His primary job was going over data from various simulations and tests and running it over and over again. He¡¯d then have to take those runs and generate averages and detect outliers or errors that could occur in real life.


    It wasn¡¯t the most fun job in the world, but Keagan enjoyed it nonetheless.


    An hour later passed and Keagan¡¯s colleagues began the daily routine of gossiping and bantering.


    ¡°Yo, that hot exec is back today? How long do you think she¡¯ll be working here?¡± Johan asked.


    Keagan realized that he left Catalina and Karisa at his place. He wondered what outfit she¡¯d be wearing since she¡¯d have to go back to Cynosure to get changed.


    ¡°Forget it, bro. You don¡¯t stand a chance with her. Five bucks say that she the ¡°eat your food with your pinky up" type.¡± Tommy said.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. She has this¡­ aura to her. So intense. So¡­¡±


    ¡°Sexy?¡± Tommy added.


    ¡°Yeah, sexy!¡± Johan said while drooling.


    The office door opened and Catalina entered. She wore a beautiful peach dress and a sharp peach coat. Her black hair hung gracefully behind her and her bronze skin shined rather brightly.


    Catalina walked past Keagan and his colleagues without even glancing at them, let alone greeting them.


    She then silently entered her office.


    ¡°See what I meant?¡± Johan asked.


    ¡°Drop dead gorgeous?¡±


    ¡°Drop dead gorgeous!¡± Johan said triumphantly.


    ¡°Tell you what. I¡¯m going to get her number.¡± Johan said.


    ¡°Oh? Good luck to ya then.¡± Tommy said.


    ¡°Guys, shouldn¡¯t we be working?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re just saying that because you wouldn¡¯t stand a chance,¡± Tommy said.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ I don¡¯t know. Keagan is pretty lucky. Did you see how he got accepted into our branch? The competition was stiff. Tons of brilliant graduates, tons of new blood and yet we got the most average of the average. No offence, by the way.¡± Johan said.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right! Keagan¡¯s so lucky, he scored himself the position of spokesman in like what? A year?¡± Tommy asked.


    ¡°You do know that this is only temporary. After Dan is done with me, I¡¯ll probably be tossed aside like a candy wrapper.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Yeah, true. But Mercy is more than qualified for the position of spokesperson. I don¡¯t understand why it had to be you.¡± Tommy said with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°You just want your crush to succeed, hehe,¡± Johan said.


    ¡°Wha- what? No! Come on Johan. You know it as well. Mercy was the one who was supposed to get the job.¡± Tommy said while hiding his face behind his coffee mug.


    ¡°Hehe, whatever. Let¡¯s do some work.¡± Johan said.


    The working day continued and much to Keagan¡¯s joy, it was more of the same stuff that he used to do before he was spokesman.


    Research, compilation of data and presentation.


    The working day came to an end and Keagan clocked out. He said his goodbyes to Roy who¡¯s shift hadn¡¯t ended and went home.


    The commute was rather uneventful but he got a phone call from Dan that threatened to block the return of his dearly sought monotony.


    [Yo, Keagan!]


    Dan greeted energetically.


    ¡°Hello, what is it?." Keagan greeted simply.


    [You know, I¡¯ll never get tired of your frankness. Anyway, prepare your best material because you¡¯re going to a university in Kukulkan district. The nerds there want to know more about cryopreservation and guess what? You¡¯re the spokesperson of a company developing CryoPod¡¯s, yey!]


    Dan said enthusiastically.


    Keagan on the other hand hated every word Dan had just said because this meant he¡¯d have to shift from his routine. He also knew that being a spokesman wouldn¡¯t be easy so he decided to bear with it. He eventually arrived at his apartment building.


    ¡°Ok, when are we going? Also, Kukulkan is a very¡­ reserved district. How will they react to a concept that will, in theory, make people immortal?¡± Keagan asked as the elevator took him to his floor.


    [Just be ready tomorrow. Oh and don¡¯t worry about the moral stuff. Say what you¡¯re there to say and we¡¯ll gauge the response.]


    Dan said.


    Fuck. Keagan cursed internally.


    ¡°Ok, I¡¯ll be ready,¡± Keagan said before he ended the call. He entered his apartment and saw that it was relatively cleaner than he had left it. He took off his tight white shirt and tight grey pants. He slipped into some black sweat pants and an old shirt, then jumped onto his couch, closed his eyes and found the sweet embrace of sleep.


    .


    ..


    A couple of hours later, Keagan lazily got up and made himself a quick microwaveable meal.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    It was the fuel he was going to need to break a certain world record in a certain game. He wolfed down the rice and pork like it was nothing, dragged his feet across and entered his den. He couldn¡¯t erase the memory from that night, but he was calm enough to let it slide over him. He was focused and hella determined. He switched on his PC and began his grind.


    Hours passed and he got nowhere near the international record of twenty eight eliminations in a ranked match.


    But he didn¡¯t care. He was having fun and his viewers were enjoying the show.


    The night wore on and Keagan realized that he had to sleep, but a certain text from one of his viewers kept him from doing so.


    [Yo, Kay. Do you know KillaB? She¡¯s the previous record holder. Well, I just found out that she also lives in Unity. Maybe you guys should collab.]


    The viewer suggested.


    [Well, that would all depend on whether or not she wants to collaborate. But thanks for the suggestion, I¡¯ll keep it in mind.]


    Keagan typed before turning his computer off. He made his way to his bed and once again found himself sound asleep.


    .


    ..


    Keagan hadn¡¯t had a good sleep in a while. So when he woke up feeling as refreshed as he did, he couldn¡¯t help but smile. He took a shower, wore his unreasonably expensive clothes, drank his morning cup of coffee and went to work.


    He found Roy where he usually was.


    Standing near a bench in the train station.


    Roy noticed Keagan and a smile slowly formed on his tanned face.


    ¡°What?¡± Keagan asked as he approached the smiling Roy.


    ¡°You and KillaB playing together would be the show of a lifetime, no?¡± Roy said.


    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± Keagan asked. He had already forgotten the little chat he had with the viewer the night before.


    ¡°Bro, have you even looked at your phone? The internet is going crazy, well¡­ your fan base is. They all want to see the ultimate crossover between the two of you, me included.¡± Roy said.


    Keagan couldn¡¯t help but sigh deeply.


    ¡°You know what? I¡¯ll contact her and see what she says, ok?¡± He said with a defeated expression.


    He couldn¡¯t help but do whatever Roy asked, because Roy never asked for much.


    The two arrived at work and Keagan quickly realized that this day wasn¡¯t going to be like every other day.


    Firstly, everyone in the research and development department was hard at work.


    This was unusual because even Johan and Tommy were busy.


    Lastly, Dan was there. His presence was annoyingly bright and obvious.


    Keagan approached him.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Keagan greeted.


    ¡°Yo! Keagan¡¯s here!¡± He said rather loudly.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t the others preparing to leave?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°What? Oh, they aren¡¯t coming. It¡¯s just you, me and Catalina.¡± Dan said straightforwardly.


    Keagan didn¡¯t understand it, but he didn¡¯t care.


    As long as presenting data on cryogenics was all he had to do, he was more than willing to do so.


    Dan, Keagan and Catalina got into Dan¡¯s car and they headed to the nearest Vectrain station.


    Traffic was unusually high, which is why Dan decided they leave as early as possible.


    ¡°Tell me, what do you do in your spare time?¡± Dan asked.


    ¡°Who? Me? Well, I play a lot of games. So there¡¯s that.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Mmm¡­ my son loved that sort of stuff.¡± Dan said softly.


    Keagan remained silent as they slowly drove on.


    ¡°I really hate traffic,¡± Dan whispered as they inched along the road.


    They eventually reached the Vectrain station and Dan went off to get some tickets. Leaving Keagan and Catalina.


    She wore a magnificent turquoise skirt and a pure white shirt which was partially covered by a similarly turquoise blazer. Her hair was in a neat bun, kept together by an emerald pin. She was the truest essence of elegance.


    Well, that¡¯s what she looked like.


    Keagan saw numerous people staring at her as they awaited the vectrain.


    Keagan wondered how they all failed to see how ugly she was.


    He slowly walked behind her and inspected every inch of her body in search of whatever the people who looked at her found beautiful.


    He found nothing but a shell.


    A mask.


    A fa?ade.


    One which made Keagan¡¯s stomach tighten up. But how could he blame the general public for not being able to see past her perfectly built mirage?


    Keagan sighed as he stepped away from her.


    There was no point thinking hard about whatever she was.


    ¡°I¡¯m back!¡± Dan announced and they departed for Kukulkan district.


    The trip was rather short due to the vectrain¡¯s speed.


    Keagan disembarked from the train and his gaze fell on what could be called the greenest place on earth.


    The Kukulkan district of Unity was designed for the pure purpose of preservation.


    Taking what the earth had and nurturing it.


    Keeping life as a whole, safe.


    There were very few ground-level roads in this district.


    Every major road was suspended far above the ground to allow vegetation to flourish.


    Yes, there were buildings, but even they were designed in such a way that life wouldn¡¯t be troubled by their presence.


    Keagan and company entered a taxi and made their way to Kukulkan¡¯s university.


    It was a large building, whose size was dwarfed by the amount of vegetation that grew around it.


    Keagan pitied anyone who was allergic to any one of the possible millions of plants in this district.


    The three of them made it to the reception and there they met professor Alex Druid.


    A Short and energetic man with thinning blond hair.


    ¡°Welcome to Kukulkan¡¯s finest institution of learning. I¡¯m Alex Druid and for today, I¡¯ll be your guide around this building of ours.¡± He said.


    ¡°Pleased to meet you. My name is Daniel Eagleton and these are my colleagues, Keagan Keita and Catalina Acosta. I¡¯m sure you know this already, but we have a presentation that starts in a few minutes so I¡¯d like us to head there as soon as possible.¡± Dan said using his professional voice.


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    The professor led them to the lecture hall they¡¯d be using to present their findings to professors and students who were interested in what cryogenics had to offer.


    Or more specifically, what Lezzaro had to offer.


    Keagan entered the hall and nearly every seat was filled which wasn¡¯t a surprise considering Lezzaro¡¯s reputation.


    Keagan got to work explaining what made Mercy¡¯s project and theories that much better than anyone else¡¯s.


    The response he got was positive, but no minds were blown.


    At some point in the presentation, one of the professors asked a certain question.


    ¡°What is the longest length you and your team could preserve say, a complete human body?¡± The professor asked.


    ¡°Good question. The problem is I am limited on what I can and cannot share since the project is still in the development process. But if I were to give an estimation¡­¡± Keagan paused as he shifted his gaze from person to person in the audience.


    ¡°I¡¯d say that the preservation duration is indefinite.¡±


    Keagan was met by a myriad of gasps and other sounds of awe.


    ¡°How is that possible? Current methods can only preserve a sample for about half a century, but what you¡¯re saying is that you could keep something alive forever?¡± Another professor asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to find the answer to that question when we present our project at the conference in a month.¡±


    This time, everyone let out disappointed noises.


    Keagan checked his watch and saw that his time was up.


    ¡°Sorry folks, that¡¯ll be all for today. I¡¯m glad you allowed me to present the findings of my colleagues and I hope I¡¯ll be able to share more with you at a later date. Goodbye for now.¡± Keagan said and everyone simultaneously got up and swarmed around him.


    First, it was the professors, who asked him all sorts of questions, but professor Alex saved Keagan and led his colleagues away.


    The next problem was the students. They asked him increasingly personal questions as they swarmed around him.


    Luckily for him, Catalina stepped forward and grabbed everyone¡¯s attention.


    Much unlike Keagan, who was a living breathing manifestation of the word average.


    Catalina was the opposite


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Keita has other business to attend to, so unfortunately he will not be able to answer your questions of now,¡± Catalina said as Keagan snuck out of the lecture hall.


    Dan followed closely behind and Catalina followed soon after.


    The three of them eventually made it out of the building and Dan requested a taxi ride for them to the vectrain station.


    ¡°You did good, by the way. We¡¯re going to be doing a lot of that. Until you become the face of the scientific community.¡± Dan said.


    Soon enough, a taxi arrived and they boarded it.


    ¡°Oh? Isn¡¯t that aiming a bit too high?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Are you afraid of crashing?¡± Dan asked in return.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m just wondering why you¡¯re shooting me in the first place.¡± Keagan said.


    Dan¡¯s eyes narrowed for a moment.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ well, let''s just say that if this works out I¡¯ll be a very rich man,¡± Dan said.


    ¡°But the way I see it, you¡¯re not lacking in the financial sense,¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Probably. From your perspective, I¡¯m a successful man, but there''s one thing that I can''t take and that''s incompetence. Sounds a bit arrogant, but I can¡¯t help it. Catalina is the same. Hehe, tell him about your legendary exploits in the marketing division.¡± Dan said from the front passenger seat to Catalina who sat next to Keagan in the back.


    Catalina looked at Keagan.


    Keagan narrowed his eye¡¯s slightly.


    ¡°Well, by that time I was still only an assistant. My boss at the time had a very passive method for marketing Lezzaro in Unity-"


    ¡°Exactly! So guess what Catalina did. She worked her ass off and took his job, haha!¡± Dan interrupted.


    ¡°Yes, after I got close to the Astali family, I used their influence to replace the marketing director,¡± Catalina said as she desperately avoided meeting Kagan¡¯s gaze.


    Keagan had acquired a piece to the puzzle that was Catalina.


    ¡°See? In this business of ours, you gotta keep moving upwards. Lest a young upstart replaces you.¡± Dan said.


    The trip back to Ix Chel was uneventful.


    They made it back to the office before the working day was over so everyone was still hard at work and they were now in Mercy¡¯s office.


    ¡°So? How did it go?¡± Mercy asked.


    Her thick glasses and rather messy hair completely hid her genius-level intelligence.


    Keagan sometimes theorized that she did it on purpose.


    That she hid her true personality behind the fa?ade of someone ditzy and clumsy.


    ¡°Oh, it went better than great. Those old farts will most likely be spreading the word of your research to the far reaches of the land and by the time the conference is here, Keagan will blow everyone away with the CryoPod reveal.¡± Dan said excitedly.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. I guess we¡¯ll have to start working on a fully functioning prototype, huh?¡± Mercy asked with a tired expression.


    ¡°Yes! The time for theories and concepts is over. Your project is now within the minds of the scientific community, failure will result in a shame that none of us will be able to live out.¡± Dan said with a bright expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re a maniac, you know that?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Dan said.


    The meeting eventually came to an end along with the working day.


    Keagan was about to fetch Roy, whose shift had ended so that they could go home together. But his shoulder was suddenly grabbed by someone from behind.


    ¡°Yo, where are you going?¡± Dan asked.


    ¡°Home?¡± Keagan said nervously.


    ¡°Awesome, can I tag along? My wife¡¯s not home and I¡¯ll be bored alone so¡­¡± Dan said while making a pathetic attempt at a sad puppy dog look.


    Keagan wanted to say no.


    He REALLY wanted to say no. But Dan was technically his boss.


    Even then, that didn¡¯t warrant hanging out.


    ¡°Yeah, Ok¡­¡±


    ¡°Perfect! I¡¯ll go get my car.¡± Dan said as he dashed out of the building.


    Keagan stood completely still as he ran through the countless consequences hanging out with his boss could have.


    Roy approached the petrified Keagan.


    ¡°Oi! Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m starving. I wonder what home-cooked meals taste like.¡± Roy wondered.


    ¡°Umm¡­ yeah. Hey, do you want a lift home?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°What? You got a car?¡± Roy asked as they walked outside.


    Both of their gazes fell on an extremely luxurious car.


    ¡°Nope. We¡¯re hitching a ride in my bosses car.¡±

 6. Whats in a dream?

    Keagan and Roy had hopped into Dan¡¯s car as he had insisted on hanging out with Keagan.


    They made it to Acan district and dropped off Roy at his place, which was a megaplex that wasn¡¯t far from Keagan¡¯s place.


    Dan and Keagan made it to Keagan¡¯s place and there they proceeded to ¡°hang out¡±.


    On the surface, Dan looked like a fun uncle type who enjoyed the most of what life offered. But Keagan wasn¡¯t so na?ve as to believe that hanging out was Dan¡¯s only intention.


    Keagan got two bottles of water from the fridge and turned on the TV before settling next to Dan on the couch.


    ¡°So¡­ what do you want to do exactly?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Well, I never got around to learning how to play games properly. So how about that?¡± Dan said as he removed his jacket and tie.


    ¡°Ok, how about we try the game I¡¯m currently transfixed by.¡± Keagan turned on his gaming console and spent two or so hours teaching Dan the basics.


    By ten PM Dan had already become accustomed to the routine parts of the game.


    All that was left for him to start playing it.


    The first match went well, Dan¡¯s team ultimately lost, but he gained a ton of experience.


    ¡°Come on!¡± David yelled as he lost his fifth match in a row.


    ¡°Hey, shouldn¡¯t you be on your way home by now? I¡¯m sure your wife is back.¡± Keagan said with a yawn.


    ¡°Oh her? Mmm¡­ you have a point. But before I go, how much does one of these cost?¡± Dan asked as he grabbed his jacket.


    ¡°Five hundred bucks for a new one, but good luck finding any of these.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Dan asked.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ not sure. It¡¯s as though in some alternate dimension, some global conundrum prevented the company from mass producing them in this dimension. Ah well, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get yours easily enough.¡± Keagan said and shortly after he bid Dan farewell.


    That¡¯s one strange old man. Keagan thought. But in all honesty, Keagan didn¡¯t mind it at all.


    Keagan laid comfortably on his bed. He decided to amuse himself with some local news and after an hour or so, he found himself sound asleep.


    .


    ..


    Keagan woke up the next day with a fully charged mental battery.


    It was Sunday so he didn¡¯t need to get ready for work or anything of that nature so he crawled to the kitchen. He checked everywhere but couldn¡¯t find any more quick microwaveable meals.


    His soul sank. But then his mental fortitude lifted his spirits. He grabbed his wallet and left his apartment. He also remembered that he needed to make another spare of keys so the timing was perfect.


    The streets of Acan were as busy as always.


    Unity as a country had a colourful population, with people from all over the world, but Acan was the hub of social and background diversity.


    Acan was also the busiest of Unity¡¯s districts.


    With thousands of people moving in and out of it daily.


    Keagan found himself in a supermarket. He was lazily strolling through the isles when suddenly a cold chill ran up his back. He looked behind him and saw nothing too suspicious.


    Well, there was a rather familiar-looking large man, but Keagan brushed the thought aside.


    Keagan grabbed himself a dozen or so quick meals and headed to the checkout area. He paid for the meals and headed to the locksmith, but on his way there, he saw another large man with an uncomfortably familiar face.


    Keagan got his keys copied and left the supermarket. On his way home he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was being followed.


    He looked back as he walked but saw no one.


    Keagan eventually made it back to his apartment. Had one of the quick meals, but a shadow under his door revealed that someone had indeed been following him or at least, that''s the conclusion he had come to.


    Keagan wanted to assume that it was a potential threat. But last time he used that assumption, he bruised the daughter of the man who practically owned Lezzaro.


    Keagan silently got up and walked towards the door. He couldn¡¯t tell, but it seemed as though the shadow was vibrating or shaking.


    Keagan quickly grabbed the door handle and opened it as quickly as he could, revealing Karisa.


    She may have hidden under a hoodie and baggy pants, but Keagan recognized her instantly.


    ¡°Please let me in.¡± She asked. Her voice was hoarse and her eyes had bags beneath them.


    Keagan looked around the corridors and then back at Karisa.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Keagan let her in and she stood behind the couch.


    Keagan locked the door after closing it and walked over to Karisa.


    His cold eyes inspected her body as though they were peeling the very flesh from her bones.


    Keagan saw no damage aside from the slight discolouration around her eye. But that was from when she broke into his house so Keagan thought little of it.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Keagan asked.


    His voice low. He made it clear that if it was sympathy she came in search for, she¡¯d leave without receiving any.


    ¡°I got into an argument with my parents-"


    ¡°And you ran away?¡± Keagan interrupted.


    Karisa nodded slowly.


    Keagan now knew why those men he saw in public looked so familiar.


    ¡°So those guy¡¯s weren¡¯t just following me¡­ they were following me to see where you were. If I could guess, they serve your parents directly. Meaning your parents already know where I stay¡­ shit.¡± Keagan said.


    Karisa trembled before Keagan.


    He saw that she was struggling to stand.


    ¡°Sit. I¡¯ll make you something to eat.¡± Keagan said as he walked towards the kitchen.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t- aren¡¯t you upset?¡± Karisa asked.


    ¡°Mmm? No, not really. I don¡¯t like being followed but I don¡¯t think I should punish you for something you didn¡¯t do to me. The only way I could get angry at you is if-"


    Keagan was interpreted by loud knocking. He looked at Karisa who was wide-eyed as well.


    Keagan walked up to the door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Keagan asked, but received no response.


    Keagan slowly opened the door and found two large men waiting on the other side.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    They wore dark black suits, had cleanly shaven heads and wore sunglasses.


    If Keagan¡¯s life wasn¡¯t at stake, this situation would have been rather comical.


    ¡°Is Ms. Astali inside?¡± One of the goons asked.


    Keagan wondered what would happen if he lied and said no.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He said reflexively.


    The guard to Keagan¡¯s left took out a phone, dialled a certain number and raised the phone to his ear.


    Keagan¡¯s heart began beating like an ancient drum and beads of sweat formed on his brow.


    ¡°Yes sir. She¡¯s here.¡± The goon said.


    ¡°No, sir. She is inside the home of one of the employees.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± The goon said before offering Keagan his phone.


    Keagan¡¯s heart completely stopped.


    ¡°It¡¯s for you.¡± The goon said with a blank face and monotone voice.


    Keagan took the phone and raised it to his ear.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Keagan said nervously.


    [Ah, first off. Allow me to apologize for any trouble my daughter may have caused.]


    Said a soft and rather low voice.


    ¡°Uh- who is th-"


    [Oh, where are my manners! My name is Andre Astali, father of Karisa and although this is not important right now, your boss.]


    The man introduced himself.


    ¡°I see¡­ My name is Keagan Keita, oh and about Karisa. She hasn¡¯t been that much of a bother to me specifically.¡± Keagan said.


    [That¡¯s good! I¡¯m sure you can imagine her circumstances. Busy parents, tons of privileges. She almost sounds like a clich¨¦ rich girl, hehe.]


    Andre joked.


    She¡¯s in her fucking twenties! Keagan cursed internally.


    ¡°Yeah, but I wonder why she¡¯s acting the way she is,¡± Keagan said.


    [I¡¯d like to know the answer to that question as well. Mmm¡­ unfortunately the timing prohibits me from speaking with you at length. Which is quite the bummer considering how nice you are to talk to, hehe. When I heard my daughter was in Acan, I half expected you to be a drug lord who¡¯d demand ransom or something.]


    Andre said.


    Keagan didn¡¯t know whether to blush or shudder.


    ¡°Er- yeah¡­ hehe.¡± Keagan laughed awkwardly.


    [Now, I have some business to attend to. Do me a favour and keep an eye on Karisa for me. I¡¯ll make it up to you.]


    Andre said.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ I don¡¯t know sir¡­¡± Keagan groaned.


    [Oh? I was under the impression that you and Karisa were friends.]


    Andre said.


    ¡°It¡¯s- it¡¯s not that. It¡¯s just that Karisa can be a lot to handle at time¡¯s, I¡¯m sure you know this.¡±


    [I know, that¡¯s why I¡¯m asking you to keep her safe while I clear up my schedule. Or were you expecting some kind of incentive?]


    Andre¡¯s voice lowered by several octaves.


    Keagan felt his presence even through the phone.


    ¡°No sir. I just want some assurance. Remember this is your daughter we¡¯re talking about. If anything were to happen to her, I¡¯d have hell to pay, no?¡± Keagan said, returning an equal amount of intensity through the phone.


    Unfortunately, Keagan didn¡¯t hold much power in this situation.


    [Are you saying that my daughter isn¡¯t safe there?]


    ¡°No, but like I said, this is your daughter we¡¯re talking about. I just want to know whether I¡¯m in the clear should anything I can¡¯t control happen.¡± Keagan said. He then realised that he and Andre were talking about Karisa as though her opinion on the matter didn¡¯t matter.


    Keagan laughed at himself for even thinking about that.


    Of course, her opinion didn¡¯t matter.


    Keagan just wanted to ensure that his ass wouldn¡¯t burn if Karisa or her family started a fire.


    [I see your point. It wouldn¡¯t be great for me either if she caused trouble in the open. I like your cautiousness. Ok, how about this. Take care of my daughter and if she does act up, make sure it''s behind closed doors. I don¡¯t care if you have to use Mot and Yrrej, just get her behind cover and let her throw her tantrums. Then when I¡¯m done with my work, we reunite as one big happy family.]


    Andre suggested.


    Keagan wanted to run away.


    ¡°Sounds reasonable.¡± He said as the call ended.


    Keagan handed the phone back to the goon.


    ¡°The boss said she¡¯ll be staying with me for now,¡± Keagan said and the goons left. He closed his door and took one big breath and sighed.


    ¡°Now you¡¯ve really done it.¡± Keagan hissed.


    ¡°Getting your dad involved wasn¡¯t what we agreed on, but I guess it¡¯s too late to regret anything,¡± Keagan said as he returned to the kitchen where he prepared meals for both he and Karisa.


    Keagan ate as he pondered where his life was going.


    At this rate, Catalina would most likely have something for him as well.


    Keagan checked and saw that Karisa hadn¡¯t eaten much.


    ¡°Eat. You¡¯ll need the energy.¡± Keagan said as malice oozed out of his eyeballs.


    Karisa trembled as she looked into Keagan¡¯s annoyed eyes. She lowered her head and ate away at the rice and pork on her plate.


    Fifteen minutes later Keagan got up and did some light stretches.


    Karisa watched attentively as he undressed.


    ¡°What? Wondering what I¡¯m going to do? Well, let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve got a hankering for ice cream and guess what? I¡¯m fresh out of ice cream.¡± Keagan said. He then went into the bathroom, got changed into a tracksuit and dashed out of the apartment.


    Karisa was left alone, with no idea what was happening nor what plans he had in store for her.


    She stood completely still and in no less than ten minutes, Keagan had returned. He was covered in sweat and his breaths were frantic.


    Keagan closed the door behind him and placed a certain box into the fridge.


    ¡°Take off your clothes.¡± He said as he stormed into the bathroom where he took a quick shower.


    He then got changed into his old clothes and by the time he got out, Karisa had already undressed.


    Keagan stopped momentarily as his eyes once again fell upon her glorious figure. Her shorter than average height and larger than life breasts gave her an almost adorable look.


    Her hair carelessly hung over her shoulders, but Keagan noticed that it had lost its pristine sheen.


    She hadn¡¯t washed it properly in a while.


    He closely looked at her skin, which was fully exposed to him as she stood perfectly straight.


    ¡°Go bath. If I¡¯m going to eat, it¡¯s going to be on a clean plate.¡± He said as he went to the fridge. He took out the box from earlier, revealing that it was vanilla ice cream.


    Karisa did as she was told and took a shower.


    Keagan patiently sat on his bed as he played through various scenarios in his head. He didn¡¯t want Karisa¡¯s father to get involved this deeply, but he had dug his grave the day he let her set foot into his home.


    Keagan comforted himself by believing that at the end of this, everything would fall back into place.


    Karisa eventually emerged from the bathroom and although she had dried herself to the best of her ability, her skin sparkled due to the remaining water.


    ¡°Come here.¡± He said as he turned on the TV.


    Karisa did as she was directed.


    Keagan made her lay down with her facing the ceiling and her head near Keagan who had a tub of ice cream in his hand.


    ¡°Open your mouth.¡± Keagan said and Karisa did so. He then served the ice cream into her mouth as she lay.


    ¡°If you swallow even a bit of it, I¡¯ll- just don¡¯t swallow it,¡± Keagan said as he continuously served the ice-cold dessert into Karisa¡¯s mouth.


    After Karisa¡¯s mouth was filled, Keagan then began eating the ice cream in spoonful¡¯s.


    [Just a daily reminder that Unity is currently the leader in science and technology. Don¡¯t forget to check out the history of Unity in the Museum of Cynosure. Unity ¨C The man-made continent.]


    One reporter said.


    ¡°Tsk! Little do people know¡­ Unity is built on the dead bodies of millions. Mmm? You know that?¡± Keagan asked Karisa who¡¯s eyes were glassy.


    Keagan wondered if the ice cream was too cold.


    He placed his spoon down and crawled over Karisa.


    He mounted her, but Keagan felt that she very much had the upper hand in their little predicament. Her breaths were evenly paced, even though she was breathing through her nose.


    He looked into her open mouth and found traces of ice cream.


    Keagan dropped his head to the point where his lips were mere nanometres from hers.


    ¡°I want the rest of it.¡± He whispered.


    A single tear rolled down Karisa¡¯s face as Keagan pressed his lips on hers.


    She then fed him whatever ice cream she had left in her mouth.


    Keagan felt Karisa¡¯s hands running up his back towards his head and yanked himself away from her.


    They both took loud gasps as their passionate feeding session came to an end.


    Keagan dropped his head onto her chest and pulled up the blanket, covering them both.


    ¡°You seriously suck, you know?¡± Keagan said before eventually falling asleep.


    .


    ..


    Keagan was awoken by the sound of a loud explosion.


    He opened his eyes to find himself alone in his bed.


    The sounds of a distant heartbeat echoed throughout his room which was pitch black.


    Keagan quickly got dressed and tried turning on the lights.


    The lights didn¡¯t turn on and it looked as though his room was getting darker. He grabbed his phone and tried calling Roy but there was zero network service.


    Then suddenly, the TV turned on, but instead of a clear picture popping up on the screen, it was just a grey fuzzy image.


    [It¡¯s nothing personal kid. I- just- want- yo- to- kn- th-]


    A fuzzy voice said at an unreasonably high volume.


    The voice was so distorted, Keagan couldn¡¯t tell whether the speaker was male or female.


    The screen blinked and another voice said.


    [YOUR FATE IS SEALED.]


    [What on earth are you doing?]


    Another asked before the TV shut itself off. His left hand also felt unusually tight, he looked at it and saw a simple watch.


    It was mostly black but had numerous cracks on it.


    Keagan didn¡¯t remember owning a watch.


    The echoing heartbeat returned, but this time it was much louder.


    Keagan felt his breath become short.


    It was getting harder to breathe, so Keagan dashed towards the door and opened it as quickly as he could.


    What met him on the outside was a hellish scene. He looked into the horizon and saw pitch blackness.


    No stars.


    No moon.


    Just darkness.


    Keagan looked further up and saw the streets of Acan. Everything from buildings to cars hung precariously above him.


    Keagan ran back into his apartment and grabbed his torch.


    He went back outside and tried to shed more light on his surroundings, but the darkness was far too vast and far too pure.


    Keagan¡¯s heart raced. He trembled in fear as the darkness grew ever closer.


    In a moment of panic, Keagan ran to the emergency staircase and headed straight to the ground floor.


    Upon reaching the ground floor he exited the apartment building to find an endless ocean of snakes.


    Millions, if not billions of snakes coiling around each other.


    Some of them noticed him and began coiling around his legs.


    Their black soulless eyes dug into the far reaches of Keagan¡¯s mind as their cold bodies slithered up his body.


    Keagan tried running back to the emergency staircase, but it was too late.


    Many snakes had already gotten ahold of him.


    They dragged him into the pit, without a single bite, nor constriction.


    ¡°No, no. No. No! No! NO!¡± Keagan screamed as the snakes pulled him into their dark, warm pit.


    The heartbeat that echoed throughout the world grew stronger and closer.


    So much so, that it was as though Keagan was right next to it.


    The snakes continued to coil around him until he was completely submerged. He had become one with the darkness.


    So terribly empty, yet calming.


    Keagan¡¯s mind went numb and his thoughts froze as he sunk into the gentle darkness.

 7. Forsworn Resistance

    ¡°Keagan.¡±


    A voice called.


    ¡°Keagan!¡±


    The voice called louder this time.


    Keagan opened his eyes and found his vision was blurry.


    His face felt wet. He wiped at his eye¡¯s and saw that he had been crying.


    He got his bearings and realized that he was sleeping next to Karisa.


    She tightly clung to Keagan as he desperately wiped his tears.


    He felt warm.


    He felt¡­ comfortable.


    Even though he was in the arms of a person he honestly hated.


    Keagan¡¯s thoughts started running wild.


    What was that dream about? He wondered.


    This was the first time he had such a strange dream.


    Keagan remembered the darkness he felt at the end and clung closer to Karisa.


    Karisa gasped as Keagan silently wept. He hadn¡¯t felt so afraid in his entire life.


    Twas a fear born from deep within his heart.


    Keagan shook as Karisa ran her hands through his hair.


    All of a sudden, the darkness that ate away at his mind had receded.


    The sound of the morning alarm was drowned out as Keagan sank into Karisa¡¯s breasts.


    Karisa reached out and turned off the alarm, allowing Keagan to rest for a little while longer.


    Thirty or so minutes passed and Keagan eventually calmed down.


    ¡°You have to go to work,¡± Karisa whispered.


    Keagan groaned as he separated from Karisa and as he did so, the darkness in the back of his mind gradually returned.


    He was scared.


    Anxious.


    Vulnerable.


    Keagan steeled himself. He didn¡¯t know why he was behaving this way, but he wasn¡¯t going to let that affect his daily life.


    Keagan took a quick shower, got dressed and had his morning coffee.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ Go get some things at the supermarket. I¡¯m not sure if you can cook, but it¡¯d be nice to have a home-cooked meal.¡± Keagan said.


    Karisa nodded as Keagan left the apartment.


    The further away he walked from his place, the colder he felt.


    One could reason that winter was getting ever closer, but still¡­


    He eventually reached the Train station where he found Roy at his usual spot.


    ¡°Yo, what¡¯s up? What with that look? You look like you just got divorced, hehe.¡± Roy said with a cheerful expression.


    Keagan tried smiling but his checks felt unusually stiff.


    ¡°Nah man, it¡¯s just-"


    ¡°Work?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. That and I¡¯ve got a bunch of other stuff, so yeah.¡± Keagan said as they boarded the train.


    ¡°Yeah, I get it. But just remember, dark clouds are usually followed by the brightest sunlight.¡± Roy said with his nose raised high.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been watching those weird motivational videos again, haven¡¯t you!¡± Keagan said with a weak smile.


    ¡°What else am I supposed to watch when you rarely stream anymore," Roy said while pouting.


    ¡°Good point,¡± Keagan said as they sped through the vast area of Acan.


    Keagan looked outside the train''s windows and for the first time in a while, he saw just how vast Acan was. How vast unity was.


    All of the red central rail lines were connected to the blue interstate lines which were connected to all the green local lines and all of these stretched out for thousands of kilometres.


    He wondered if his problems meant anything in the grand scheme of things.


    Keagan and Roy eventually reached the Lezzaro building and parted ways.


    Keagan made his way to the R and D floor where he calmly sat behind his desk and went to work.


    The working day went by rather smoothly and Keagan did what he needed to do.


    But he couldn¡¯t shake off the cold feeling he¡¯d had since waking up.


    The time eventually came for everyone to take a break.


    Keagan went to the men¡¯s room and washed his face. He looked at himself in the mirror and saw someone completely unrecognizable.


    Yes, he was the same person but he felt different.


    Keagan shrugged those thoughts away, left the bathroom and called Dan.


    [Hello.]


    ¡°Yeah, I just wanted to ask what I¡¯m doing next as spokesman,¡± Keagan asked. He needed a distraction.


    [Ah ha! Perfect timing. I just got off the phone with the network where my wife works and guess what? You¡¯re going to be on national television on Wednesday night!]


    Dan said.


    Keagan¡¯s brow sank. He wanted a distraction, but this was far too extreme. He wanted an escape from stress. An escape from all the excitement and chaos. But calling Dan seemingly triggered the opposite.


    Keagan sighed.


    ¡°Ok. I¡¯ll be ready,¡± Keagan said.


    [Oh and I got my hands on a console and you won¡¯t believe what happened.]


    Dan said excitedly.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Keagan asked as he returned to his desk.


    [I logged in like you said, played a few matches, but on one of five matches I got yelled at by some kid!]


    Dan complained.


    ¡°These things happen quite often the more you play,¡± Keagan said as he ran the program that assessed data and organized it on his PC.


    [Oh yeah? Well, I don¡¯t like it. I thought gaming was a fun experience for every party involved.]


    Dan whined.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Ok, we¡¯ll have to talk later. Gotta work.¡± Keagan said before ending the call.


    Now he was more anxious and stressed than ever. His temples ached and he felt short on breath.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look so good, man,¡± Tommy said.


    Keagan looked at his hands as they trembled.


    ¡°I dunno what¡¯s happening. I think it¡¯s stress or something, hehe.¡± Keagan said with a chuckle.


    Tommy¡¯s expression changed from curious to concerned.


    ¡°Nah, bro. I think you need to get checked or something.¡± Tommy said.


    Keagan nodded as he got up. He stumbled over to the emergency staircase as the pain in his head increased. He frantically took out his phone and texted Catalina.


    [Emergency staircase, now!]This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    He typed and not a minute later, Catalina entered the emergency staircase. She wore a pure black skirt and a rather cute white shirt, but Keagan couldn¡¯t focus on any of that.


    Catalina looked at Keagan as he trembled against the wall.


    At first, she wore a concerned look, but it changed once she saw Keagan¡¯s pitiful state.


    She opened her arms inviting him in for a hug.


    Keagan¡¯s trembling increased to the point where it looked like he was convulsing in pain.


    Keagan fell into her arms and just like that, the pain disappeared.


    Fuck! Keagan thought as his body calmed itself.


    His heartbeat calmed and his thoughts became clear.


    Twenty or so minutes passed as Keagan tightly.


    ¡°Are you- are you ok now?¡± Catalina asked softly.


    ¡°Yeah. Yeah, I¡¯m good.¡± Keagan said as he let go. He looked at Catalina''s once perfect shirt and saw that it now had creases.


    ¡°Umm¡­ are you busy after work?¡± He asked as he did what he could to fix her shirt.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Mercy and I need to visit the lab in Cynosure to check on the prototype development.¡± Catalina said.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ how about I come over to your place later,¡± Keagan said.


    Catalina¡¯s face lit up.


    ¡°Ok.¡± She said, her face beat red.


    Keagan exited the emergency staircase and returned to his desk.


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± Tommy asked.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Ok, but don¡¯t forget to get checked up, ok?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    The working day ended and Keagan descended to the ground floor.


    ¡°Yo, go on without me. I¡¯m working overtime today.¡± Roy said.


    ¡°Why would you do that" Keagan asked.


    ¡°Well, the other guy called in sick so I¡¯ll need to step in for now. Besides, overtime may mean more work, but it also means more cash.¡±


    ¡°Ok, see ya,¡± Keagan said before heading home.


    He arrived to find Karisa sleeping on the couch.


    Tsk! Keagan cursed internally as he got changed.


    He then rummaged through the kitchen and found himself a veggie bar. He found himself staring at Karisa as she slept.


    Karisa must have felt his gaze because she slowly woke up.


    Keagan''s gaze avoided her entirely as looking at her caused him to experience a strange warmth.


    Keagan went into the bathroom, took a quick shower and got changed. He emerged wearing some top of the line clothing Catalina had gotten for him.


    A smokey grey shirt and some black pants, coupled with some semi-formal shoes.


    Karisa¡¯s expression changed as Keagan walked to the door.


    ¡°Where are-"


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have friends?¡± Keagan interrupted.


    ¡°Oh- umm¡­ yeah, but they''re only friends with me because of family connections. Nothing real or serious.¡± Karisa said.


    Keagan turned around.


    Karisa had a wistful look in her eyes, which made Keagan want to tease her.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to Cynosure,¡± Keagan said softly.


    Karisa¡¯s ears perked up slightly.


    ¡°Oh.¡± She made the tiniest, cutest noise.


    Keagan couldn¡¯t stop himself from smiling. He approached the couch.


    Karisa looked up at him, almost in anticipation.


    Keagan placed his hand on her shoulder, prompting her to lay down on the couch.


    She was wearing a two-piece pyjama, revealing her belly button as she lay.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back tomorrow, ok?¡± Keagan said, causing Karisa to let out an almost undetectable sigh of disappointment.


    Keagan smiled as he looked into her eyes, then just as Karisa began to smile, his disappeared.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡± He said as he left.


    He took the elevator to the first floor and got onto a taxi to the nearest vectrain station.


    The ride was rather pleasant, but Keagan couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious.


    It wasn¡¯t because he was going to Cynosure.


    He just felt on edge.


    ¡°So- uh, have you heard about the recent strings of crime that police say could be gang-related? Acan ain¡¯t as safe as it used to be.¡± The driver said in an attempt to cheer Keagan¡¯s visibly sour mood.


    ¡°Oh? I don¡¯t think the police nor we as citizens should jump to conclusions. I haven¡¯t been that attentive to the news recently, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s your usual group of maniacs. What are the crimes again?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Oh, the usual. Stuff like robbery, murder and some bootlegging here and there. But one can¡¯t help but realize that Unity isn¡¯t safe from what affected the rest of the world, ya know? Some people don¡¯t need rhyme nor reason to go over the edge.¡± The driver said as they arrived at the vectrain station.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Keagan said with a deep sigh.


    ¡°Anyway, have a good one.¡±


    ¡°You too,¡± Keagan said before exiting the taxi. He made his way to the vectrain and paid an unreasonable price for his ticket to Cynosure.


    The time was around seven-ish.


    Keagan made it Cynosure and stood just outside the vectrain station as he dialled Catalina¡¯s number.


    [Hello.]


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s Keagan. I¡¯m at station R03.¡± He said.


    [Ok.]


    Catalina said before ending the call.


    Keagan lazily paced around the sidewalk as he waited for Catalina.


    Keagan then stopped dead in his tracks.


    Wait a minute! Keagan thought.


    Why am I here? He wondered.


    He wanted to reward Catalina for her help when he had his little episode.


    Also, why the hell was he having a panic attack?


    Keagan quivered as a dark possibility crossed his mind.


    A car horn shook him back into reality and he saw a rather small but luxurious looking car with a beautiful woman inside of it.


    The woman emerged from her vehicle, revealing herself to be Catalina. She wore a modest outfit, that kept her warm as the evening winds blew past.


    Keagan¡¯s heartbeat drastically slowed down as he approached her.


    Their eyes met, causing Catalina to lower her head.


    Keagan¡¯s new reality stood right in front of him and back at his apartment.


    It was a beautiful, yet oh so sick one.


    ¡°Well? Aren¡¯t you gonna take me to your place?¡± Keagan asked.


    Catalina silently nodded and returned to her car.


    Keagan joined her and they made their way to Catalina place, wherever that was.


    Keagan enjoyed the ride as many of the sights were completely new to him. He saw cars one could only dream of owning.


    Buildings that nearly reached the heavens themselves and technology that was scarcely available to the general population of Unity.


    They finally arrived at a hillside home a couple of kilometres from the vectrain station.


    It wasn¡¯t anything too big but it was rather isolated.


    The gate opened as Catalina drove into the driveway, revealing a modern aesthetic.


    The house was designed to fit against the technical backdrop of central Cynosure, thus there was a lot of grey and white.


    Catalina led Keagan into her home and prompted that he sit on one of her three couches.


    Keagan didn¡¯t want to be too much of a nuisance, but the house seemed a little too clean¡­ as though she barely lived in it.


    Catalina prepared Keagan some coffee. He noticed that it was the same brand he had at his place.


    Keagan took a sip as she stood patiently beside the couch.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ do you like coffee or¡­?¡±


    Catalina shook her head.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­ I saw that you had some so I got some in the case that you visited.¡± She said softly.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    The evening wore on rather calmly.


    Catalina turned on the TV and they watched the news for about an hour or so.


    ¡°Are you- are you hungry?¡± Catalina asked.


    ¡°Yes but-¡° Keagan looked into her kitchen and saw that there wasn¡¯t much in terms of things to cook with.


    Catalina noticed Keagan¡¯s expression and walked to the kitchen area.


    She opened the fridge revealing to Keagan a week''s worth of microwaveable meals.


    Keagan tilted his head in confusion as Catalina prepared their meals.


    The two finished their meals and Keagan decided that it would be best if he accomplished what he came all this way to do.


    But something felt off.


    He felt it in the tips of his fingers.


    Excitement.


    ¡°Undress-¡°


    ¡°Wait!¡± Catalina interrupted.


    A faint frown formed on Keagan¡¯s forehead as Catalina ran off into what Keagan assumed was her bedroom.


    Three minutes passed before she emerged from the room, wearing what Keagan could see was a dog collar and nothing else.


    Keagan pinched his brows together.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ I really dislike how you are always prepared for this.¡± Keagan said. He also noticed that she had a pair of fake dog ears and what Keagan hoped was a fake tail.


    Catalina walked to the centre of the living room, presenting herself to Keagan as he removed his shirt and belt.


    ¡°Turn around,¡± Keagan instructed.


    She did as she was told revealing a peculiar sight.


    The ¡°fake" tail was indeed fake, but it was attached to something that was inside of Catalina.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ weird, but fitting. Just don¡¯t expect me to do anything to your ass. The only thing I want to do to it is to destroy it, not¡­ you know.¡± Keagan said as he did some light stretches.


    ¡°Face me,¡± Keagan instructed.


    She did as told and Keagan observed her freakishly tall body.


    Her breasts, although beautiful, were nowhere near the size of Karisa¡¯s. Her hair was thick and black and silky.


    Keagan ran his hands through it.


    Her face became flushed as Keagan¡¯s eyes surveyed her every cell.


    Keagan noticed his heart rate.


    It was so steady.


    So calm.


    Keagan grabbed Catalina¡¯s collar as his expression changed. He went from calm and collected to downright disgusted.


    ¡°Why do you have a dog collar? I didn¡¯t see a dog when I got here.¡± Keagan said.


    His voice a whisper.


    His face twisted in a scowl.


    ¡°I- I¡¯ve always wanted to do¡­ this,¡± Catalina admitted through the slight choking effect of Keagan¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I see. So you admit that you¡¯re not normal. That you¡¯re perverted.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Society wouldn¡¯t take that lightly and so I shall punish you in society¡¯s place. Bend over.¡± Keagan instructed.


    She did as she was told.


    Keagan took a deep breath as he contemplated marking Catalina¡¯s body, but then he remembered that she once broke into his house so¡­


    ¡°Ah!¡± Catalina let out a small noise after Keagan hit her bare bottom with his leather belt.


    Keagan felt the slightest quivering sensation in his ears.


    They danced.


    He hit her again with the same amount of force.


    The same happened again.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ That noise is annoying. Shut up!¡± Keagan said in a desperate attempt to stop himself from enjoying this too much.


    He hit her again and eventually developed a rhythm.


    This went on for about ten minutes until Catalina couldn¡¯t stand anymore.


    Keagan panted heavily as he had worked up quite the sweat. He knelt and looked at Catalina¡¯s soaking wet face.


    Tears and sweat had coated her face evenly, much to Keagan¡¯s satisfaction.


    ¡°Ah crap! I forgot you have work tomorrow.¡± Keagan exclaimed as Catalina trembled on the floor.


    Her dog ears were nowhere to be found, but her not so discreet butt plug was still inside her.


    ¡°I wanna sleep, let¡¯s take a shower.¡± Keagan said to he convulsing Catalina.


    ¡°Come on.¡± He said and she slowly began crawling behind him.


    ¡°No, not behind me. This is your house, you know where the shower is.¡± He said as he waited for her to crawl to where the bathroom was.


    Her ass was wildly exposed as she was on all fours.


    Her once beautifully combed hair was now a mess and her beet-red face was drenched in tears.


    They eventually made it to the shower and Keagan got the water running.


    He washed himself as Catalina wept on the floor.


    She eventually joined him in the shower and after they both dried themselves.


    Catalina then led Keagan into her room.


    Keagan wasn¡¯t that surprised by her choices of decoration, which were bland and mostly grey.


    One thing that stood out was a pink box in the furthest corner of the room.


    Keagan told himself not to dare look inside it.


    Catalina turned off the lights, got dressed in a rather modest nightgown and climbed onto her bed.


    She gently patted the side, prompting Keagan to join her.


    Keagan did so.


    They looked into each other''s eyes for a moment.


    Fresh tears still formed in her eyes and her body still shook slightly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you and Karisa did, but I¡¯ll never be the same again,¡± Keagan whispered.


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t want this.¡± He continued.


    ¡°But it looks like there¡¯s no going back so¡­ might as well enjoy it,¡± Keagan whispered.


    He slowly reached out into the blankets until he found Catalina¡¯s body.


    He held her hand and brought it up to his mouth where he gently kissed it.


    Then in an instant, used that same arm to bring her closer to him until their bodies touched. He could feel her frantic breath, which was completely different from his slow and evenly paced breath.


    Keagan lowered his head into the blankets.


    He then moved his head to her chest and used his lips to trace across her skin in search of something.


    He found his target and took a nibble at it, prompting Catalina to make a sound Keagan wasn¡¯t sure was born from pleasure or pain.


    Catalina¡¯s arms wrapped around Keagan¡¯s head as he took tiny nibbles at both of her nipples.


    He was about to go even further down but stopped himself momentarily.


    Keagan emerged from beneath the blanket and came face to face with Catalina. He leaned closer towards her and she did the same.


    Keagan tilted his head to the side, preventing their lips from touching.


    He could feel her anticipation through her very skin and so Keagan decided to throw it all on the line and kissed her.

 8. Rapture

    Keagan woke up to the sweet smell of coffee. He opened his eyes and found that he was alone in Catalina¡¯s bed, but the bedroom door was open, this allowed the magical coffee fumes to enter the room.


    He checked his phone and saw that the time was six thirty. He¡¯d need to move pretty quickly if he wanted to make it to work, since he was in Cynosure and it was several kilometers away from Ix Chel. He crawled out of the bed and exited the room to find a fully dressed Catalina. She wore an exquisite blue skirt and a pure white top, but Keagan didn''t really care.


    He did, however, spot a coffee mug on the kitchen counter and it looked like it wasn¡¯t hers. Keagan ignored it and went into the shower. That¡¯s when the reality of what he had done sunk in. He caved in and let his primal urges usurp his reasoning. The water ran and he thought about how to rectify his shortcoming. His failure control himself would soon lead to another batch of stress and Keagan wasn¡¯t looking forward to it. He left the shower and saw that Catalina had prepared a new set of clothing for him.


    ¡°Mmm? Let me guess, you got my measurements from that time at the mall.¡± Keagan said as he took the clothing. He returned to Catalina¡¯s bedroom and got changed. He used Catalina¡¯s mirror to look for anything odd in his appearance. Satisfied with his look, he left the room and drank the coffee from earlier.


    ¡°Oh- isn¡¯t it cold?¡± Catalina asked. Keagan took a big sip of coffee before answering.


    ¡°Yes. You should¡¯ve left it in the kettle and then served it once I arrived. Anyway, let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll be late.¡± Keagan said and they departed from Catalina¡¯s house shortly after. During the trip, Keagan got a phone call from Roy.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    [Yo Guess what?]


    ¡°What?¡±


    [My big brother¡¯s got released yesterday. His passing by my place today. You should come over.]


    Shit. Keagan thought.


    ¡°Er¡­ ok. But- you know what, never mind. I¡¯ll be there.¡± Keagan said reluctantly before ending the call.


    The journey to Ix Chel from that point on was uneventful and they arrived at work on time. Keagan saw Dan and Mercy discussing something and so, he approached them.


    ¡°Keagan!¡± Dan greeted excessively loudly.


    ¡°Hey Dan.¡± Keagan greeted back.


    ¡°So? Excited, aren¡¯t you? Your debut on television.¡± Dan said.


    ¡°About that¡­ will the interview have anything to do with the CryoPod, cause I thought it was classified?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Nope. Just cryogenics.¡±


    ¡°Ok. Oh, good morning Mercy.¡± Keagan greeted the almost invisible Mercy.


    ¡°Good morning. Don¡¯t humiliate the company on international television please.¡± She asked in her usual nervous manner.


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Keagan said with an awkward smile.


    ¡°Ok, gotta head back to Cynosure. So get to work, check your data and I¡¯ll see you tomorrow in the morning.¡± Dan said before leaving.


    ¡°Why was he here though?¡± Keagan asked Mercy before she entered her office.


    ¡°Mmm? Oh, I¡¯m sure he just wanted to speak to you in person.¡± Mercy said. Keagan brushed aside any suspicions he had as he went to his desk and began working on the days task.


    The day came to its end and Keagan psyched himself up for his meeting with Roy¡¯s brother. He tidied up his desk and descended to the first floor. There he met a rather excited Roy and they made their way to Acan.


    ¡°Man, its been so long since I¡¯ve seen Cory¡¯s ugly ass.¡± Roy said as he and Keagan patiently sat on the speeding train headed for Acan.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Keagan said with a sigh.


    ¡°What? You think he¡¯ll be up to no good?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°N- it¡¯s not that.¡±


    ¡°I understand. But he''ll behave. I hope.¡± Roy said as they arrived at their station which was station B01. The B stood for blue which meant that the train was an inter district one. Red was used for trains that only traveled in Cynosure and green was for local trains that only traveled within their districts.


    Keagan and Roy made their way towards the apartment complex where Roy stayed. It was a short walk from where Keagan stayed, but unfortunately it was also further towards the unregulated side of Acan. Keagan had heard about the rise in crimes in Unity as a general and Acan wasn¡¯t spared.


    They arrived at Roy¡¯s apartment and waited for his brother''s arrival. Keagan patiently waited as Roy prepared some food.


    ¡°So, when was the last time you went grocery shopping?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°Umm¡­ when was the last time you cooked for me?¡±


    ¡°A month ago?¡±


    ¡°A month ago then.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Roy exclaimed.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, one day you¡¯re gonna kick the bucket just cause you¡¯re too lazy to cook.¡± Roy said as he stirred the delicious smelling contents of his pot.


    ¡°Who¡¯s fault do you think that will be? It¡¯s your food that tastes so damn amazing!¡± Keagan said while puffing his cheeks.


    They both then heard a rather loud knock on the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m cooking. Check if its Cory.¡± Roy said and Keagan jumped out of the couch.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Its Cory.¡± A rather smooth deep voice replied. Keagan opened the door and saw a gigantic man with a buzz cut and numerous tattoos. His almost black brown eyes had a coldness to them that made the air sink.


    ¡°You must be Keagan.¡± The man said.


    ¡°Bro!¡± Roy called out while running towards the door.


    Suddenly, all of the intensity from before washed away as the large man smiled, revealing a few silver teeth.


    ¡°Bro! You have no idea how happy I was when you told me you got a job.¡± The large man said as he entered the apartment.


    ¡°Well, that was all thanks to Keagan and guess what Corey?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I get paid quite a lot.¡± Roy said while puffing his chest. Roy¡¯s brother, or Corey, sat down on the couch. One could almost hear the couches cries as it supported Corey¡¯s weight.


    ¡°I¡¯m so damn proud of you. Kinda makes me wanna get a job too. How about it Keagan? Think you can get me a job at your big wig company?¡± Corey asked. Keagan¡¯s heart shook at the sound of Corey¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Umm¡­ I¡¯m not sure they¡¯d accept you, since¡­ you know.¡± Keagan said while his voice box struggled vocalizing his thoughts.


    ¡°I see. Well, that¡¯s a shame.¡± Corey said as Roy served everyone their meals. Keagan watched as Corey ate large spoonful¡¯s of Roy¡¯s rice and pork hunger killer combo.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Mmm! Delicious! I¡¯m telling you. You should be a chef or something.¡± Corey said as his eyes rolled back comically.


    Roy looked overjoyed while Keagan on the other hand couldn¡¯t help but feel like he was interrupting their brotherly bonding, so he pretended to check the time.


    ¡°Ugh, dammit. I gotta prepare for work tomorrow. I guess I¡¯ll be seeing you guys sometime soon.¡± Keagan said as he placed his empty plate in the sink.


    ¡°What? So soon? Ok.¡± Roy said as he tidied up the kitchen. Keagan walked towards the door, then suddenly he felt a large hand place itself on his shoulder.


    ¡°Hey, why don¡¯t we have a chat outside. I¡¯ll accompany you out.¡± Corey said, which resulted in Keagan''s heart metaphorically shit itself out of his body.


    ¡°Ok.¡± keagan whimpered. The duo made it out of the apartment complex and stood next to each other on the sidewalk, which emphasized Corey¡¯s height. His old leather jacket didn¡¯t help either, it only added to the intense vibe that surrounded him.


    ¡°Listen, I wanna thank you for taking care of my brother.¡± Corey said rather softly.


    ¡°Huh? If anything, he¡¯s the one who took care if me, hehe.¡± Keagan said awkwardly, but stopped once he saw the seriousness in Corey¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I mean it. Thank you.¡± Corey said as he stared into Keagan¡¯s eyes.


    Keagan sighed before relaxing his shoulders and shedding any preconceptions he had of Corey.


    ¡°No worries.¡± Keagan said with an equal amount of seriousness.


    Pleased with Keagan¡¯s answer, Corey turned around and returned to the apartment. Keagan walked home as his thoughts returned to a cold but familiar place. He returned home to find Karisa sitting patiently on the couch. He could smell something had been cooked but Roy¡¯s food had filled him to the brim.


    ¡°Did you cook?¡± He asked as he got undressed.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Karisa answered.


    ¡°Put it in the fridge or something, I¡¯m full.¡± Keagan said as he plopped onto his bed. He felt so calm when he was at home.


    Karisa packed away whatever she had cooked and stood next to the bed.


    ¡°Get on.¡± Keagan instructed. He needed to remove any lingering anxiety from his mind, so Karisa turned off the lights and got into bed with Keagan. She removed her pyjamas and laid next to him. Keagan let out a loud sigh.


    ¡°Was it work?¡± Karisa asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Keagan said. Karisa hadn¡¯t met Roy yet so he didn¡¯t expect her to comment.


    ¡°It¡¯s Roy''s brother. I''m worried... and kinda scared.¡± Keagan said. Mostly to himself than to Karisa.


    ¡°But I guess everything will be fine.¡± Keagan said. It was more a plead to whatever omniscient force was listening.


    Karisa ran her fingers through Keagan¡¯s curly hair as the night wore on. Some time passed and Keagan eventually found sleep.


    .


    ..


    The morning alarm shocked Keagan awake and he snuck out of bed and away from Karisa. He completed his morning ritual and headed for work, but upon arrival at the train station, he saw an anomaly.


    ¡°Hey, Keagan!¡± Roy called out.


    Keagan saw Roy standing next to his freakishly tall brother.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Keagan greeted with a weak wave.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Corey greeted back.


    ¡°Not to be rude but what¡¯s Corey doing here?¡± Keagan asked while avoiding eye contact with Corey.


    ¡°Oh? He wanted to see where I work. That and he has something he wants to do in Ix Chel, so yeah.¡± Roy said as they boarded the train. Keagan couldn¡¯t help but feel knots forming in his stomach.


    The train eventually arrived in Ix Chel and they made their way to the Lezzaro building.


    ¡°Ta-da!¡± Roy said excitedly.


    Corey eyed the large building intently before turning his attention to Keagan.


    ¡°Just what do you guys make up there? Medicine? Chemical¡¯s?¡± He asked, but Keagan shook his head slightly.


    ¡°Nah, we make storage. Really cold storage.¡±


    Corey let out a sigh.


    ¡°Ah well, I¡¯ll see you guys later. Don¡¯t forget to keep an eye on my little rascal of a brother, ok?" He said as he walked away. His large frame caught the attention of many suit and tie pedestrians.


    ¡°Who does he think he is? Calling me rascal, tsk!¡± Roy scoffed playfully as he and Keagan entered the building. Keagan went up to the R and D floor and there he found Dan and Mercy once again discussing something outside her office.


    Keagan approached the pair.


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Keagan. I was wondering when you were going to show up. You ready?¡± Dan asked.


    ¡°Yeah, but are we going to do the interview now? It¡¯s like seven in the morning.¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Sounds to me like you¡¯re nervous.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not nervous. I¡¯m just wondering who watched TV this early in the day.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t sweat the small stuff and besides, by the time we get there and the interview starts, it¡¯ll be already noon or something. So don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Dan said in an attempt to comfort the slightly nervous Keagan. Dan and Keagan bid their farewells and began their journey to Cynosure.


    They eventually arrived at Biznet studios and Dan was right. After everything was prepared and they finally sat down for the interview, the time was already two o¡¯clock.


    Something else that surprised Keagan was the fact that the person interviewing them was none other than Dan¡¯s wife. She was actually quite popular and Keagan had seen her several times on TV.


    After some time, Keagan and Dan sat opposite Dan¡¯s wife and the interview began.


    ¡°Good afternoon, my name is Amanda Palmer and joining me today is Daniel Eagleton and Keagan Keita, who have seemingly found a way to stop the ever turning cogs of decay. Welcome to the show.¡± Amanda said. Her voice, although feminine, had this smooth deepness that felt rather nice to listen to. She wore a very modest dress and a pair of thin glasses.


    "Thank you so much for having us.¡± Dan said using his business voice. Keagan was surprised by how cold Dan and Amanda were talking to each other, because if Dan hadn¡¯t told him, he¡¯d have thought they were complete strangers.


    ¡°Yes, now moving on to the question of the day. How? How did you do it? Lezzaro scientists have allegedly found a way to completely stop a complete human body from decaying. I¡¯d like to know how.¡± Amanda asked.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll have to admit that I¡¯m the business half of the answer, so I¡¯ll hand that over to Lezzaro¡¯s resident scientist and new spokesman.¡± Dan said while slighty grinning at Keagan.


    Keagan let out a nervous smile then went on to speak about the details of Lezzaro¡¯s methods of cryopreservation and how beneficial it would be to the world.


    ¡°Wow. Such an interesting concept.¡± Amanda said. Keagan could see that Dan wanted to blurt out the truth about the CryoPod, but he stopped himself every time the urge surfaced.


    ¡°Next question I¡¯d like to ask is what advice can you give the rest of the scientific community on cryogenics- genics- g- g- g- genics.¡±


    Keagan wasn¡¯t sure, but it sounded like Amanda had glitched or something.


    ¡°Ahem! Well, it¡¯s pretty straightforward. Push the cell to its limits without killing it. Doesn¡¯t matter how long it takes or how cold it gets, just ensure that you keep the cell alive. Once you figure out how to safely freeze the cell, you¡¯ll have to figure out how to safely thaw the cell.¡± Keagan explained. He couldn¡¯t help but feel like all of the studios crew members were looking at him, but he brushed that thought aside.


    The interview eventually came to an end. Keagan and Dan were escorted backstage and Keagan patiently waited for Dan to bid his wife farewell. It was then, that Keagan was struck by a sudden surge of anxiety and fear. He felt it crawling around him. The eye¡¯s of the people around him seemingly glared into his soul. Keagan¡¯s breathing hastened and his thoughts went into a frenzy. He did his best to conceal the fact that he was experiencing extreme discomfort.


    Eventually, Dan concluded his meeting with his wife and approached the barely standing Keagan.


    ¡°You ok there?¡± Dan asked with a look of concern.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. I think I just need to take a nap.¡± Keagan said as he stumbled out of the studio with Dan. They got into a taxi and made their way to the nearest vectrain station as Keagan trembled.


    ¡°Dammit boy, what¡¯s wrong with you. You look like you¡¯ve got a cold and are having seizures at the same time.¡± Dan said as he held Keagan straight so that he could sit up. Keagan''s eyes had nearly rolled backwards completely and his mouth was frothing.


    ¡°Nope, we¡¯re going to the hospital. Eh, sir. Could you take us to Cynosure medical centre?¡± Dan asked and the taxi driver changed course, but by this time, Keagan had lost feeling in all of his body and his mind felt numbed by the coldness he felt.


    The moments crawled by as Dan took Keagan to the hospital where he was taken to an emergency.


    Keagan would¡¯ve have trembled at the sight of all of the medical staff and their soul burning eyes, if his body hadn¡¯t become so numb.


    Keagan¡¯s vision eventually faded and he passed out.


    .


    ..


    Keagan¡¯s body felt like it was being crushed by a hundred hydraulic presses. His head ached severely and his thoughts were distorted. He opened his eyes and was met with the glare of bright white hospital lights. He blinked the pain away and saw the face of a man he assumed was a doctor.


    ¡°Hello Mr. Keita and good morning.¡± The doctor said with a rather weak smile. Keagan tried to greet him in return but found himself unable to speak.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t force yourself, your body is still recovering. It¡¯s ok, just lay still. You should be fine within a few hours.¡± The doctor said.


    Keagan winced at the doctor as he didn¡¯t even know why he was in the hospital to begin with. The door to the private hospital room opened, revealing a concerned Dan, who walked straight towards the hospital bed where Keagan rested.


    ¡°Keagan, are you ok?¡± He asked.


    Keagan shook his head slightly indicating that he wasn¡¯t ok. The doctor took out a tablet from one of his oversized pockets.


    ¡°Ok, Mr. Keita I¡¯m going to ask you a few questions. Nod or shake your head in response ok?¡± The doctor asked and Keagan nodded his head.


    ¡°Ok. First question: Have you had any visions or hallucinations recently?¡± The doctor asked, but Keagan looked at Dan in confusion. Dan shrugged his shoulders indicating he didn¡¯t know where this was going either.


    Keagan shook his head and the doctor noted his answer.


    ¡°Second question: Have you had any strange dreams recently. Ones that may have caused you extreme stress and or joy?¡± The doctor asked and Keagan¡¯s eyes shot open, as he remembered a certain dream. Keagan nodded his head and the doctor took his notes.


    ¡°Do you know what rapture is?¡± The doctor asked, this time his tone was more serious. Keagan shook his head.


    ¡°Well Mr. Keita, Rapture is an extremely addictive hallucinogenic drug and I¡¯m afraid to say that someone has been giving you large doses of it. We found extremely high levels of the drug in your bloodstream. Yesterday, you experienced withdrawal symptoms, which reinforces that you¡¯ve been on it for some time." The doctor said.


    "You may want to visit a rehabilitation centre, but I¡¯ll give you what you need to suppress some of the withdrawal symptoms.¡± The doctor said before the room. Leaving Dan and Keagan to digest the information they¡¯d just received.


    ¡°What the hell, kid. You really had me worried there..¡± Dan said.


    "Who could have done this to you?" Dan asked rhetorically.


    Keagan knew the answer. He felt it. His brows sunk and his eyes flared in anger as rage consumed his mostly immobile body.

 9. Gratuitous affection

    Keagan cursed himself for his naivety. There was no way he could have seen any of this coming, but he couldn¡¯t help but hate himself for allowing things to get this far.


    Dan noticed that Keagan¡¯s face had turned rather sour.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you think it was someone at work?¡± He asked causing Keagan to ease his facial muscles.


    ¡°N- no. I¡¯m not sure who did this, but I doubt it¡¯s any of my colleagues.¡± Keagan said, his voice low. His body was still incredibly sore and his head ached extremely.


    The doctor from before returned and handed Dan two little bottles full of pills.


    ¡°Mr. Keita, you¡¯re gonna have to take two of these daily. They¡¯ll help you with the withdrawal. Some side effects may include drowsiness and nausea. That¡¯s because the pills will be actively fighting the shocked state of your brain caused by the presence and absence of Rapture in your system.¡± The doctor said before closing the door and approaching Keagan.


    Keagan noticed the doctor had magnificent Auburn hair and deep blue eyes which were perfectly contrasted with his white coat and blue scrubs.


    ¡°Now, I must be completely honest, no one knows the real complete list of effects caused by Rapture. What we do know is that patients who¡¯ve taken the drug experience what they describe as extreme hallucinations and almost all patients developed dependency.¡± The doctor sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s a new drug, it has no odor and is effective no matter how it enters the body. Personally I¡¯d love to keep you here so that we may examine the after effects of the drug, but I understand that you¡¯re a busy person so I¡¯ll have to request that you drop by for an examination every Friday.¡± The doctor said.


    ¡°Ok, Doctor- err¡­¡±


    ¡°Xander. Bryan Xander. You¡¯re fit for discharge right now actually, but I recommend you rest a little longer.¡± Dr. Xander said before leaving the room.


    Dan let out a sigh.


    ¡°You wanna go home or¡­?¡± He asked as he placed Keagan¡¯s pills on the table near the bed.


    ¡°Yeah. I got some¡­ work I need to do.¡± Keagan said. Dan gave him a sharp nod and left the room, leaving Keagan to bath in the sun¡¯s morning rays.


    Not ten minutes passed before Catalina entered the room with a large bag Keagan assumed had all of his clothes and other items.


    Keagan¡¯s eyes shot opened and he released every once of animosity he had in him as she sat next to his bed.


    ¡°Show it to me.¡± Keagan whispered. Catalina¡¯s brows furrowed slightly.


    ¡°What?¡± She asked hesitantly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fuck with me! Show me Rapture!¡± Keagan said in a compressed scream that sounded more like he was choking on his own anger.


    Catalina¡¯s eyes shot open and she pulled her purse closer to her chest. Keagan wasn¡¯t in the mood for any of her games so he painfully sat up and grabbed her purse. He rummaged through its contents until he found a unlabelled bottle of what looked like colourless perfume. Keagan¡¯s eyes narrowed as he glared at the little bottle.


    ¡°Is this it?¡± He asked while holding the bottle far away from his face.


    Catalina nodded her head slowly as tears formed in her eyes.


    ¡°Arrg!¡± Keagan wheezed as he shoved the little container back into Catalina¡¯s purse. He got up, removed his robe and changed into the clothes Catalina brought for him.


    ¡°Let me guess, you were gonna use it on me as I slept right? Huh?¡± Keagan asked as he slipped into his shoes.


    ¡°Come on! We¡¯re going to my place. I¡¯m sick of this shit. You¡¯re literally going to beg for death after I¡¯m done with you and guess what. After this, after today, we¡¯re done. I¡¯m done.¡± He ranted before he got discharged from the hospital.


    He and Catalina entered her car and made their way to the vectrain.


    Throughout the entire journey to Acan, Keagan¡¯s anger fumed and his eyes darted back and fourth as he contemplated just how to deal with the situation at hand.


    They eventually reached Keagan¡¯s apartment and upon entering, Keagan approached Karisa as she sat on his couch idly watching the news.


    ¡°Wha- I- What were you guys thinking?¡± Keagan asked. His words were slurred and his movements were sluggish, this was because he had taken the pills the doctor had given him.


    Karisa stood up, shocked at the sudden accusation, so she turned an eye to Catalina.


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t try to weasel your way out of this. Show me it. Your whole stashhhh- Arrg!¡± Keagan yelled as his mind warped in and out of reality.


    Catalina took out the little bottle from her purse, prompting Karisa to open one of her bags. She pulled up her own little canister and showed it to Keagan, who took both bottles and threw them outside. They fell almost five floors down and shattered as they hit the ground.


    Keagan re-entered apartment and sat on undid his belt. His arms quivered in anger.


    ¡°G- g- get undressed.¡± He stuttered as he rolled up his sleeves.


    Karisa and Catalina did as they were told and bent over awaiting Keagan¡¯s wrath.


    ¡°You''re despicable human beings for doing this to me and to make things worse, you actually enjoy it when I hit you. So this will be the last time. After this we''re done. Never speak to me. Do not contact me in any way-"Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°But-" Catalina was about to object as she gasped, but her opening her mouth angered Keagan so much that he swung the belt so hard, it hit her ass and ricocheted and hit him just below his left eye.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Keagan cursed as Catalina spasmed after receiving the hardest lash Keagan had ever given her. Before, when Keagan hit them, there was a slight guilt in his strikes. A nervousness born from the fact that harming another human is wrong, but that was gone now. Keagan had hit her with all he had and the resulting pain caused her to black out momentarily.


    Karisa¡¯s eyes shot open as she witnessed what Catalina had just gone through. She glanced at the door momentarily, but just as she did, Keagan hit her as well.


    She received two lashes and the loudness of the belt hitting flesh could surely be heard elsewhere.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Karisa let out an actually cry of pain. Most of the time when they did this her cries were a mixture of pain and pleasure, but Keagan was ensuring that neither of them could enjoy this.


    ¡°Trash! Utter human trash! And to think I pitied you. I avoided damaging those bodies of your. But no! No! You¡¯re going to suffer. Isn¡¯t that what your wanted?¡± Keagan said as he flexed the muscles in his right hand. He adjusted his grip on the belt but then noticed that Karisa was trying to crawl away.


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t!¡± Keagan said as he grabbed her. She silently squirmed as Keagan threw her onto the bed. He mounted her and grabbed her head. She looked away from him and avoided eye contact.


    ¡°Look at me! It¡¯s over. That thrill you sought, that pleasure you were looking for and that delusional hope, it¡¯s gone. I¡¯ve had it.¡± Keagan said as his almost black eyes dug holes into the back of her skull.


    Keagan then used his belt to tie Karisa¡¯s hands together. He grabbed another belt from his closet and proceeded to let loose on Karisa.


    At some point, she stopped crying or screaming because she had run out of energy and her vocal chords had given out. Keagan on the other hand was still enraged.


    He looked at Catalina who cowered next to the bed. He dashed towards her, grabbed her by her hair and pulled her out into the open.


    Catalina may have been larger than Karisa, but she was way more timid. Keagan didn¡¯t care. He shoved her face to the ground and hit her all around, while taking some care not to hit her face.


    After some time, Keagan had finally burnt himself out and the pills started to kick in. His thoughts cleared up and his stomach growled, signalling that it was time to eat. He looked outside the window and saw the sunset. He could also hear the distant sound of police sirens in the distance.


    Acan was beginning to change, or maybe this was the way it had always been. Keagan thought as his body alternated from energetic to drowsy. He checked the time to find that it was one o¡¯clock. He let go of his belt revealing a blood starved hand.


    Then suddenly he heard a loud knock on his door.


    ¡°APD the door!¡± A man yelled.


    ¡°Who?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Acan police department open the door.¡± The man repeated.


    Keagan approached the door, looked through the peephole to see several men dressed in police uniform.


    Crap! He cursed as he slightly opened the door, revealing to the police his sweaty face.


    ¡°Is there a problem officers?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Sir we received a call that stated that suspicious noises where coming from this apartment.¡± One of the policemen said.


    ¡°What? No, I think there was some sort of mistake, hehe.¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Ok. Mind if we take a look inside just to be sure.¡± The policeman asked. Keagan wondered what would happen if he said no.


    ¡°Sure, if it¡¯s just a simple check.¡± Keagan said as he opened the door, allowing the police into his house. He turned to find a fully dressed Catalina and Karisa sleeping in his bed with their faces down, hiding their teary faces.


    [7-13, backup required in zone 5. Suspected drug exchange in progress.]


    "Ok, we''ll be there." The police said into his walkie talkie.


    ¡°Seems normal to me. Ok, we apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused, have a good day.¡± He said as he and his colleagues left.


    Keagan closed the door and let out a deep sigh. He had gone off the edge for a while. He sat by the bed and rubbed his temples.


    His thoughts were rather clear and his body¡¯s pains had died down rather drastically. Keagan assumed that this was the magic of the pills finally kicking in.


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Keagan let out a deranged laugh.


    ¡°This is¡­ this is¡­ horrible. Just how far were you guys planning on taking this?¡± He said as he looked back at them. Their hair messily covered their faces and drool ran down Catalina¡¯s mouth.


    Keagan moved over to Karisa who was the most awake of the two.


    ¡°Anyway. Our crazy ride has come to an end. After you recover, eat, pack your things and-¡°


    Keagan heard another knock. He went to the door, opened it and found the two goons that protected Karisa.


    Keagan¡¯s heart stopped.


    Oh shit, here we go again. He cursed.


    ¡°Mr. Keita, the boss would like to speak with you." The goon said as he offered Keagan a phone.


    Keagan nervously took the phone and placed it on his ear.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Keagan said.


    [Good afternoon Mr. Keita. I honestly have to thank you for taking such good care of my daughter. She¡¯s going through quite the phase and I¡¯m always too busy to do anything about it. So I must thank you. Speaking of Karisa, where is she?] Andre asked.


    ¡°Er- she¡¯s sleeping.¡± Keagan lied.


    [What? She¡¯s sleeping? She wasn¡¯t partying all night was she?]


    ¡°No sir.¡±


    [Wow. It would seem as though you tamed the tiger, hehe. Anyway, on to why I called. There¡¯s a little gathering happening on Saturday and I was hoping you¡¯d be there. This would be perfect as we could get to know each other a little better. From the few calls we¡¯ve had, I can already tell that you¡¯re a responsible lad, so I¡¯d like to match the voice with the face. So, what do you say?] Andre asked.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ is it possible that I politely decline?¡±


    [Mmm¡­ well that wouldn¡¯t be a problem, but seeing as my daughter will have to come, it¡¯d be a shame if her close friend weren¡¯t there, right?]


    Close friend? Tsk. Keagan cursed internally.


    ¡°I see. Then I¡¯ll be there.¡± Keagan said before the call ended. He handed the phone over to the goon before they left. Keagan closed the door again and walked towards the bed where two limp bodies laid.


    ¡°This sucks.¡± Keagan said as he inspected Karisa¡¯s body.


    There were bumps and bruises here and there, but she had sustained the most damage on her butt.


    ¡°Well, your old man wants me to do a thing on Saturday. I don¡¯t want to do the thing. But your old man owns Lezzaro so¡­ I¡¯m doomed.¡± Keagan said but then he saw the strangest thing.


    Karisa began crawl towards him.


    Her pitiful, messed up state inched closer to his body. He felt her heat, her teary eyes could¡¯ve squeezed out the sympathy out of the coldest of hearts. But Keagan wasn¡¯t cold. He wasn¡¯t heartless.


    He just didn¡¯t care.


    She reached out for his hands but he moved it away. He really didn¡¯t want to touch her, but she extended her reach and placed her hot hand on his. At that moment, he felt an extreme amount of warmth. Not just from her body heat.


    ¡°Do you hate me?¡± Keagan asked as he looked deep into Karisa¡¯s eyes, which were distorted by her tears.


    ¡°N- no.¡± She whispered. Her voice still hoarse from all the screaming and crying. Keagan placed his hand on her damp head and rubbed it slowly. He felt her shaking from pain, but it seemed as though his hand had calmed her somewhat. He decided that all of this pain was too much too deal with so he had two options: seek help from someone or stick with it until the end. The problem with the first option was that he¡¯s end up involving an innocent person in his troubles and the second option was terrible in itself. Keagan decided that he¡¯d deal with those problems when they came, but in the meantime, he needed to unwind.


    Keagan moved closer to Karisa and ran his hands all over her body. This triggered all sorts of responses as she flinched in pain. She made all sorts of noises as he reached for her ass.


    ¡°I failed, didn¡¯t I?¡± He asked.


    ¡°You were supposed to hate me by now¡­¡± He firmly grabbed her ass and pulled her towards him until they were pressed closely together.


    ¡°Ah!¡± She cried out in pain as Keagan fondled her swollen butt.


    ¡°Hate me.¡± Keagan ordered.


    ¡°Leave me alone. Avoid me. Spare me.¡± He begged and for the first time, Karisa showed an expression that Keagan had never seen. Keagan¡¯s heart beat took off as her lips parted.


    ¡°No.¡±

 10. Cant Get Any Worse, Right?

    Keagan somehow managed to find sleep. Even though his thoughts threatened him with insomnia, he found sweet relief in the world of sleep.


    But that wouldn¡¯t last forever.


    Keagan could feel himself slowly regaining consciousness. He could hear the sounds of the morning traffic along with the smell of coffee dancing about in the room.


    Wait a minute-


    Kalos opened his eyes to find a semi naked Karisa prepared some coffee and an unconscious Catalina laying by his side.


    Keagan let out a low groan as he got up. His right hand was rather sore and his throat felt as dry as hell.


    Karisa walked up to the bed and offered Keagan some black coffee. He stared at her for a moment. Her gaze was low and she wore a shirt that barely covered anything. Her eyes were swollen, possibly from crying a bunch and her face was beet red.


    Keagan extended his right hand towards her, causing her to flinch slightly.


    ¡°Your hand.¡± Keagan said, his voice low, yet non threatening.


    Karisa placed her small hand into his and he pulled her towards him, taking the coffee from her in the process.


    Keagan took a few sips of his coffee before placing the cup down by a nearby table. He then pulled Karisa even closer to him and pressed his head against her belly.He let himself sink into his thoughts as he planned on what he¡¯d do after meeting up with Karisa¡¯s father and what he¡¯d need to do to rid himself of these two.


    Keagan was shaken out of his thoughts by the sound of a muffled growl.


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s time for you to eat.¡± Keagan said as he sluggishly got up. His body was drained after all the exertion from before and his right hand hurt like hell, but the pain he was feeling was probably nothing compared to what he dished out on Catalina and Karisa.


    Keagan checked the kitchen area and found that he was out of cereal. He let out a sigh before turning to Karisa, who was barely able to stand and Catalina who was still asleep.


    Neither of them was going anywhere anytime soon but he felt like he should as least try to get rid of them.


    So Keagan hopped into the shower, washed away all of the sweat he¡¯d accumulated the day before, changed into some fresh clothes and walked towards the door.


    ¡°Wake her up.¡± Keagan told Karisa, who had been standing in the same spot for a while.


    Karisa then gently shook Catalina awake.


    Catalina awoke in an instant, her eyes popped open and she stared at Keagan with almost frightened eyes.


    Keagan didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°So¡­ I¡¯m going to buy some breakfast. I kinda want something healthy so I¡¯m going to get some cereal or something. You on the other hand, have two choices: you can leave now and never EVER come back or you can stay and be obedient, honest women. The choice is yours. I say it like it¡¯s simple but your old man wants me to meet him for some reason and I doubt it¡¯s anything good.¡± Keagan said with a sigh.


    ¡°So? What¡¯s your decision?¡± Keagan asked, his eyes narrow and cold. The fact that he had dark brown eyes didn¡¯t help either, as they looked black in the shadows, making him look even angrier, even though in reality, he was just a tired of everything.


    Catalina looked at Karisa, who simply looked down, causing the already teary Catalina to start crying.


    ¡°I see. So Karisa is the one who usually dictates what you do¡­¡± Keagan said, more to himself than anyone.


    Karisa looked at Keagan and saw his dark form hovering by the door. Keagan saw that she was tearing up as well, this made him frown slightly.


    Karisa then took a deep breath before clasping her hands.


    ¡°Can I stay?¡± She said as tears ran down her face.


    Keagan merely tilted his head.


    ¡°Why? So that you can torture me more?¡± He asked coldly.


    Karisa then slowly walked towards him as her mouth parted.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Keagan asked as Karisa walked up to him. He gently brushed aside the hair that covered her face and raised her chin so that he could see her eyes.


    ¡°I want you to keep loving us.¡± Karisa said as before her legs gave in too all the standing she¡¯d been doing. Keagan caught her, but in the act touched some of her bruises.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t love you. Either of you.¡± Keagan whispered.


    ¡°You do.¡± Karisa said.


    Keagan knew he hated these two more than he¡¯d hated anyone in his entire life and yet there Karisa was, declaring the contrary.


    ¡°I- uh- Catalina, come here.¡± Keagan ordered and the petrified Catalina slowly got off the bed. She slowly approached Keagan, who still had Karisa in his arms.


    Keagan offered his arm and Catalina hesitantly took it. Keagan pulled her closer to him.


    ¡°How about you? What do you want and don¡¯t ask Karisa. I want to know what you want, maybe that¡¯ll help me understand what¡¯s going on in your sick little head.¡± Keagan asked.


    Catalina looked into Keagan¡¯s eyes, his dark almost unfeeling eyes.


    ¡°I want you to love us as well.¡± She said. This only deepened Keagan¡¯s frown.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°Why me though? And don¡¯t give some bullshit about me being special or something. I want to know why?¡± Keagan asked.


    The girls then looked at each other before looking back at Keagan.


    ¡°Because we love you.¡± They said simultaneously, causing Keagan to pull the two even closer to him. He pressed his lips against Karisa¡¯s and they kissed so deeply, his mind temporarily went numb.


    Keagan managed to rip himself away from her and looked at Catalina. She wanted a kiss as well, but Keagan gave her a light kiss on her lips and he could feel her exhale in disappointment.


    Keagan smiled, then gave her what she really wanted. He kissed, not as aggressively as he had Karisa, but he put the same amount of effort into it.


    Catalina must have enjoyed it because she wrapped her arms around Keagan, while Karisa gently ran her fingers through Keagan¡¯s hair.


    Keagan then realised that he had taken two steps back in all this so he yanked himself away from them and fixed his clothes and hair.


    ¡°Anyway... I¡¯m going to get some breakfast. You guys should bath, you smell like crap.¡± Keagan said as he stormed out of his apartment.


    Upon seeing the morning sun he realised that he truly had failed in detaching himself from those two.


    Keagan sighed deeply, before heading for the supermarket, there he bought a few things before returning to his apartment. He wanted to postpone entering his own place at all costs so he called Mercy.


    [Keagan, are you alright? Dan told me you were at the hospital. What happened?]


    Mercy asked.


    Keagan wondered when she got close enough to Dan to call him by his shortened name, but he shrugged the thought away.


    ¡°I¡¯m ok, I won¡¯t be able to come to work today, but I¡¯ll be fine. According to the doctor, someone was trying to drug me.¡± Keagan said as he sat on the last set of stairs before his apartment.


    [Oh my goodness! That¡¯s awful. Do you know anyone who would have done that?]


    Mercy asked.


    ¡°Nope. Your guess is as good as mine. I had my suspicions, but they were dead ends.¡± Keagan lied.


    [Is that so¡­ well, whatever the case may be, you can¡¯t let word of this get out. Otherwise we¡¯ll sink.]


    Mercy cautioned.


    ¡°I hear you.¡± Keagan said as he got up.


    [So how are you feeling?]


    Mercy asked.


    ¡°Physically, I¡¯m great. Mentally, it¡¯ll take some time, but I¡¯ll recover. The doctor said that not much is known about the drug they found inside me, but the good doctor also gave me some pills just in case.¡± Keagan said as he opened his apartment door.


    Inside, he saw that Catalina and Karisa had cleaned up the mess that was caused by the previous days activities and were now patiently waiting for him on the bed.


    They had changed into their pyjamas and had taken showers, like Keagan instructed. Keagan ended his call with Mecry and prepared some cereal for everyone and sat on his couch as he flipped through serval news stations.


    The news spoke about many things but Keagan was looking for something in particular.


    [Crime rates in Acan have reached a record high with many police officials saying that it is now a hotspot for criminals of all sorts. This is partly due to the low living costs of Acan and various other factors.]


    Keagan didn¡¯t care about the rising crime rates, what he was curious about was where Karisa and Catalina got their bottles of Rapture.


    ¡°How long have you been using Rapture?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Not long. A month or so.¡± Karisa said.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re going to stop. I¡¯m going to see a doctor today and you¡¯re coming with me. He¡¯ll give you the same pills he gave me.¡± Keagan said, but then he realised that they would suffer from withdrawal symptoms and he had a ¡°dinner" to attend on Saturday.


    ¡°Dammit. Does your dad know?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Keagan sighed.


    ¡°Catalina, your car is in Cynosure right?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s here.¡± Catalina said.


    ¡°Huh? How does that work? I¡¯m pretty sure we left it at the vectrain station.¡± Keagan said as he got up.


    ¡°The Vectrain company also shuttles our cars when we travel.¡± Catalina explained as she cleaned up the kitchen area.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡±


    Keagan and company headed to Cynosures main hospital and since Keagan had a reserved spot on Dr. Xander¡¯s schedule.


    They made their way up to his office and awaited his arrival.


    Not ten minutes passed before he arrived.


    ¡°Ah, Mr. Keita. Good afternoon. Part of me was expecting you to skip out on our appointment.¡± Dr. Xander said as he shook Keagan¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hehe, I wasn¡¯t going to miss this appointment, even if I had to crawl here.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°And who have you brought along?¡± Dr. Xander asked.


    ¡°This is-" Keagan stopped himself and looked at Karisa. Her father was one of the most powerful men in Unity, if word got out that his daughter was a drug user, lord knows what would happen.


    Karisa placed her hand on Keagan¡¯s shoulder and nodded.


    ¡°This is Karisa Astali and Catalina Acosta. They went through something similar to what I went through.¡± Keagan said and Dr. Xander''s eyes shot open.


    ¡°Oh- Ms. Astali, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡± Dr. Xander said as he extended his hand.


    Karisa shook his hand and they entered his office soon after.


    Dr. Xander sat behind his table and gestured that the others take the seats opposite to his.


    ¡°So, you said that these two have also come into contact with Rapture?¡± Dr. Xander asked.


    ¡°Yes. Although they¡¯ve been... exposed for about a month now.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°I see. Uh- actually, I have something for the three of you. It¡¯s a form I got from the research centre here in Cynosure.¡± Dr. Xander said as he handed Keagan and company two page forms.


    ¡°Fill in whatever you feel comfortable filling in. It¡¯ll help us in our search for Raptures true effects on the human body.¡± Dr. Xander said as they each filled in their forms.


    ¡°Ok. Now, we¡¯re going to have to do some blood tests, some scans and that¡¯ll be it for today.¡± Dr. Xander said.


    Keagan and company spent the next hour or so getting checked up and tested.


    When they finished all their tests and answered the last questions, they were ready to go after Dr. Xander gave Karisa and Catalina their pills.


    Dr. Xander escorted them out of his office.


    ¡°Thank you Dr. Xander.¡± Keagan said as they arrived at the hospitals lobby.


    ¡°No, I should be the one thanking you. Rapture is still a very new drug and I¡¯d like to know as much about it before more people suffer through what you had to go through." Dr. Xander said. This made Keagan clench his jaw a bit since the ones who drugged him in the first place were standing right besides him.


    ¡°I feel the same. Anyway, have a great day.¡± Keagan said as he nursed the tiny bubble of anger in his head. He didn¡¯t know why, but he felt super frustrated, then it dawned on him. He needed to take his pills.


    Keagan and the girls made their way back to Acan. On their way, Keagan had managed to sweat so much that his clothes were damp. He cursed himself for leaving the damned pills behind and he didn¡¯t want to take any of Karisa¡¯s or Catalina¡¯s pills because they had a limited amount and Keagan really didn¡¯t want to go back to the hospital so he bit his teeth and eventually made it home.


    Keagan rushed into the bathroom, grabbed his bottle and took two pills like Dr. Xander prescribed.


    Keagan sat on the bathroom floor as the Oh so familiar feeling of coldness returned. He remembered clinging to Catalina and Karisa every time he felt this way, but now he knew that they were giving him more doses of Rapture.


    Keagan laughed at himself for getting caught up in all this.


    ¡°Can¡¯t get any worse, right?¡± Keagan asked himself.


    Purposefully asking the universe what else it had in store for him.


    Keagan eventually left the bathroom and plopped onto his bed. Catalina and Karisa joined him. They were fully clothed, so Keagan couldn¡¯t see their discoloured skin and their bruises.


    Keagan looked at both of them as they clung to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to drug me again are you?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Karisa said.


    ¡°No.¡± Catalina said.


    ¡°I see¡­ then I¡¯m sorry for hitting you like I did.¡± Keagan said, but the reaction he got was¡­ puzzling.


    Karisa frowned as best as she could. The smooth skin on her forehead assumed the shape of what some could call a frown.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t apologize. We were the ones who tricked you. We lied to you and yet you still love us in spite of our wretchedness.¡± She said rather clearly.


    ¡°Like I said, I don¡¯t-"


    ¡°Karisa is right. You should never apologize to us.¡± Catalina said with a cute frown.


    ¡°So now you¡¯re telling me what to do? You¡¯re only my superior at work. Try not to forget that.¡± Keagan said with a chuckle, causing the both of them to blush.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep. Take your pills now.¡± Keagan instructed before slowly closing his eyes.


    He would need a lot of rest as he was about to meet the man known as Andre Astali.

 11. Plainly Average

    Keagan woke up with a weak yawn.


    The day was Saturday meaning he¡¯d soon be meeting Karisa¡¯s father.


    Usually when you meet a girls father, peaceful talks about life and marriage are common, but this was going to be painfully different. This time most likely be peaceful.


    Keagan realized that Karisa and Catalina were nowhere to be found in his apartment. He deduced that they were out shopping for clothes in preparation for the dinner.


    Keagan honestly didn¡¯t care.


    Actually, he wanted to do something he hadn¡¯t been able to do in a while. So he took a quick shower before entering his den where he switched his pc to hear the sweet sounds of fans spinning. He knew that he¡¯d need to prepare for the dinner but how much preparation should a guy do anyway?


    Keagan hoped it wasn¡¯t much.


    He then loaded up his favorite game and went to work on reminding his brain what it felt like to actually enjoy something.


    Keagan played and played until the void in his heart filled up somewhat.


    His K/D ratios were in the high whole numbers, his flanking was flawless and his internet speed was stable which made his experience most pleasurable.


    That is until he heard the door to the apartment open.


    Keagan let out a muffled scream of pain internally, before shutting down his computer and leaving his den.


    Upon leaving the den, he found a sharply dressed Karisa and Catalina.


    ¡°Let me guess, you¡¯re coming as well?¡± Keagan asked as he found the most formal set of clothes he had.


    Well, in all honesty, Catalina was the one who bought them all for Keagan. After all, most of them were way too expensive for an intern like himself.


    Keagan got dressed and after a quick phone call, they were on their way to Xipec Totec which was Unity¡¯s equivalent to Hollywood with an added sprinkle of unreachable wealth gap.


    It was almost impossible for a normal person to live in Xipec and for those who would, the cost of living was headache inducing.


    Keagan wondered if this was done on purpose by Unity officials.


    Were they sucking out as much money from the moderately wealthy while fooling them into think that the high life was actually worth it?


    Keagan didn¡¯t know the answer to that question.


    What he did know was that for a person like him, it was better to leave those thoughts alone.


    Keagan and company eventually arrived at the Astali household which was more of a mansion surrounded by hundred is acres of land that could probably benefit Unity if it was used for something different.


    After checking in at the front gate, the guard let Keagan and company in and that¡¯s when


    Keagan saw serval luxurious cars parked all over the place. He sighed as he had partially expected this outcome.


    Keagan and his entourage were led into the main building by one of the many workers who attended the guest.


    Keagan couldn¡¯t help but notice many high profile faces in the crowd, but two stood out to him.


    It was Dan and Mercy. They were surrounded by people dressed in stiff looking clothes, but Keagan had other things to worry about.


    At the center of it all, stood a middle aged man with graying hair and a warm smile, which was enhanced by warm brown eyes. That man was Andre Astali.


    His smile caused deep lines to form on his face, which was a rarity because most of the upper class had face altering surgery as soon a single mark appeared on their skin. Well, that¡¯s what Keagan read in a magazine.


    Standing next to middle aged man was a middle aged woman. Who, like Andre, had a warm smile and a fair amount of wrinkles. She wore a deep red dress and had various pieces of jewelry around her neck.


    Keagan was about to mentally praise the two, but the he realized that they hadn¡¯t undergone surgery because not doing so probably helped with their popularity. The common man could say ¡°Hey, Andre is comfortable with the way he looks, so I guess I should too.¡±.


    Andre noticed Keagan¡¯s presence and his smile brightened. He excused himself from whatever conversation he was having and approached Keagan, Karisa and Catalina.


    ¡°I assume you are the man who¡¯s been taking such good care of my daughter. It¡¯s truly a pleasure.¡± Andre said as he extended his hand.


    Keagan didn¡¯t bother to smile, but he did shake Andre¡¯s hand.


    Also, Keagan was unable to fake smile because he felt the smallest amount of guilt for mercilessly beating Andre¡¯s daughter.


    ¡°The pleasure is all mine I¡¯m afraid. As an employee of yours, I must say, you¡¯re truly awe inspiring.¡± Keagan said, trying to mitigate the damage not smiling may have caused.


    It was then that the middle aged woman who stood by Andre¡¯s side approached.


    ¡°Is this the man who I¡¯ve heard so much about?¡± She asked, her voice low and silky smooth.


    ¡°It is indeed. Go on, introduce yourselves.¡± Andre said with a hearty laugh. He truly seemed elated.


    Keagan accidentally looked the middle aged over as he introduced himself. He had gotten so used to giving Karisa¡¯s ugly body inspections that his eyes started scanning people subconsciously.


    ¡°My name is Keagan Keita, it really is a pleasure to meet you.¡± Keagan said, still unsmiling.


    ¡°My, he is a peculiar one, isn''t he? My name is Sylvia Tannin Astali.¡± The woman said as she gracefully offered Keagan her hand.


    Keagan shook it gently, before raising his brow.


    ¡°Astali? I didn¡¯t know Karisa had a sister.¡± Keagan said, his face unmoving.


    Andre let out another hearty laugh before prompting the group towards a separate room.


    ¡°Oh, You flatter me, but I¡¯m actually her mother.¡± Silvia said, but Keagan couldn¡¯t care less.


    In his eyes, the woman responsible for creating and raising Karisa was just as sick.


    ¡°Is that so? I couldn¡¯t have known.¡± Keagan said as Andre led everyone into what looked like a dining room.


    It was longer than it was wide and a similarly long table graced the rooms centre.


    Andre gestured that everyone take a seat, with him sitting at the centre. His wife sat by his side and Keagan sat next to him, meaning Karisa was a bit further away, along with Catalina.


    Andre let out a sigh as he rubbed his smooth chin.


    ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s up?¡± Andre asked, his eyes narrow and his tone serious.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind, but I did some homework on you and you¡¯re about as average as they come and I mean no offense in that. I¡¯m just curious as to why my daughter found comfort or perhaps even joy in your company.¡± Andre said, his brown eyes were calm and composed.


    "Why don''t you ask her yourself."


    Keagan tilted his head towards Karisa and for the first time since arriving at the Astali household, he smiled. His black eyes widened and they showed an unfeeling void to those who fell under their gaze.


    ¡°Ooh! I absolutely adore that look. Andre why didn¡¯t you tell me our guest was so intense?¡± Silvia asked rhetorically.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Karisa¡¯s eyes widened before she put on a rehearsed smile.


    ¡°Well- Keagan is amazing. He¡¯s fun to talk to-"


    LIE.


    ¡°And he treats me and Catalina well.¡±


    LIE!


    Keagan couldn¡¯t help but vomit internally every time she spoke with that Oh so revolting smile on her face.


    ¡°I hope he hasn¡¯t been treating you too well.¡± Andre said with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°Oh dear, I¡¯m not quite ready to be a grandmother. Or maybe I am¡­¡± Silvia said more to herself than anyone else.


    Keagan then faced Andre.


    ¡°Trust me, sir. Our relationship based on nothing but friendship, although I¡¯m surprised that numerous suitors aren¡¯t constantly begging you for her hand in marriage.¡± Keagan said with an empty smile.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure you know this, but Karisa isn¡¯t exactly¡­ perfect.¡± Andre said as a waiter entered the room. He prepared the table as other waiters placed various silverware on the table before taking their leave. The first waiter then served Andre and company before taking his leave as well.


    ¡°I apologize, but I¡¯m unfamiliar with your tastes.¡± Andre said as he ate away at his meal.


    Keagan looked at his plate and saw that his food looked edible, so he had no complaints.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t, this looks quite delicious.¡± Keagan said before eating what he assumed was beef. He tried not to think too hard about the taste and texture as he ate away.


    The group eventually finished their meals and after letting out a satisfied sigh, Andre turned to his wife.


    ¡°Silvia, it¡¯s been a while since you and the girls had some time alone. Why don¡¯t you catch up while Keagan and I get to know each other a little better." Andre suggested, but Keagan knew that it was more of an order.


    Silvia, Karisa and Catalina stood up and walked out of the room.


    But the door was then opened again, this time Dan and Mercy entered the room.


    ¡°Yo, Andre. The damned camera¡¯s are here. If we¡¯re going to do the thing, we¡¯re gonna have to do it now.¡± Dan said as stood next to Andre.


    Mercy stood next to Dan, who was dressed in a pure black suit.


    Mercy was wearing a pale green dress, but Keagan didn¡¯t care about their clothes. He wondered why they were standing so casually next to Andre Astali.


    ¡°Oh Keagan, hey. I hope you don¡¯t mind but we¡¯re going to ne stepping in front of a few cameras in a couple of seconds.¡± Dan said with a bright smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s only fitting. You three represent the future of Lezzaro¡¯s medical research division. With your ground breaking work, many lives will he saved, isn¡¯t that right Mercy?¡± Andre asked and Mercy nodded silently.


    Dan loudly clapped his hands before turning to leave.


    ¡°Come on then.¡± Dan instructed as he led Andre and the others to a separate part of the building.


    There, they were met by over a dozen photographers and various other people.


    Keagan squinted as the numerous flashes of lights rendered him temporarily blind.


    Dan, Keagan and the others then posed for a few photos before Keagan was told to summarise their research while leaving out any details about the CryoPod.


    Keagan stepped back as Dan announced various things, but what Keagan found puzzling was Mercy''s presence. She barely said anything and only did as Dan told.


    Keagan held Mercy in quite high regard so it was strange seeing her being so strange.


    After all the media stuff came to an end and the dinner wrapped up, Keagan asked Mercy if they could speak alone.


    ¡°Hey.¡± She said, her voice hoarse.


    Mercy was a brilliant woman and she was young, she usually had so much energy and life in her eyes, yet Keagan couldn¡¯t see any of that in the woman who stood in front of him.


    ¡°Hey, sorry if I¡¯m speaking out of place, but are you ok?¡± Keagan asked his boss.


    Mercy¡¯s winced for a moment. Keagan didn¡¯t know why, but he could read her expressions quite clearly.


    She was distressed.


    ¡°Hehe- what makes you ask that?¡± Mercy asked, her green eyes staring blankly at Keagan.


    Even as she smiled, Keagan couldn¡¯t feel any of the warm radiance that she usually had.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ it¡¯s just you look, stressed. Like I said, I¡¯m saying this based solely on what I see, so I apologize in advance if I¡¯m wrong.¡± Keagan said as Dan approached them.


    ¡°There he is! The future of our beloved company. I can¡¯t even begin to tell you how I¡¯m excited about the Cryo-" Dan moved in closer to Keagan and whispered.


    ¡°-The CryoPod.¡±


    Keagan could smell a bit of alcohol on Dan¡¯s breath, but that wasn¡¯t Keagan¡¯s only issue.


    Dan had shot Mercy several¡­ cold glances as he walked towards them.


    ¡°Anyway, Mercy and I have some business with some shareholders. Small details about the project, you understand.¡± Dan said as he led Mercy out of the room Keagan was in.


    Keagan let out a weak sigh. His plate was already full, but he couldn¡¯t help but feel concerned about Mercy. Whatever Dan had involved her in, it was clearly stressing her.


    Keagan sat by a nearby chair as he the Astali household emptied.


    He then saw Karisa walking along her mother and Catalina.


    The trio approached Keagan as he stood up.


    Keagan inspected Karisa and Catalina. They looked fine, but Keagan could tell something wasn¡¯t right.


    ¡°Mr. Keita, are you about to leave?¡± Silvia asked.


    Keagan looked at his watch. It was ten o¡¯clock. Returning to Acan would be a hassle. They¡¯d have to get or hotel room or something.


    ¡°Uh- yes. It pains me to leave, but our journey to Acan will be long, so-"


    ¡°Acan?¡± Silvia gasped.


    ¡°That will not do. For you to travel so late and so far...¡± Silvia¡¯s voice trailed off as she spoke.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯ve a wonderful idea! Why don¡¯t you stay the night?¡± Silvia asked.


    ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t want to take advantage of your hospitality any further." Keagan said as he frantically waved his hands. He absolutely DID NOT want to be in the same house that Andre Astali called home.


    Silvia then grabbed Keagan¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Please, it would be a pleasure to have you over.¡± Silvia said.


    Keagan knew that refusing her request at this point would come off as rude, but what could he do.


    Keagan jerked away his hands from Silvia and rubbed the back of his head in thought. But he was unable to think up an excuse to he sighed in defeat.


    ¡°Ok-"


    ¡°Wonderful!¡± Silvia exclaimed as she walked over to Karisa.


    ¡°Show Mr. Keita where the guest room is situated.¡± Silvia said as she turned to leave.


    Karisa then silently led Keagan to the second floor before stopping at the guest room.


    She opened the door revealing a rather luxurious looking room, but that¡¯s not what Keagan was worried about.


    Firstly, there was Mercy. Keagan didn¡¯t know what Dan had done or was doing, but he was definitely sure it was the cause behind Mercy¡¯s stress, or her stressed appearance, at least.


    Then there was his second problem-


    Keagan plopped onto the rather comfortable bed and allowed his butt to sink in, absorbing all the comfort the bed could offer.


    ¡°So¡­ those were your parents, huh?¡± Keagan said, more to himself than Karisa, who¡¯s head was lowered.


    Keagan then took off his shoes and put them away before getting undressed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have rooms of your own?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°We do, but-"


    ¡°Then go.¡± Keagan instructed as he laid his head down to sleep.


    Karisa and Catalina left the room, allowing Keagan to sleep peacefully.


    .


    ..


    The next day came quickly.


    Keagan wanted to leave the Astali house as soon as possible, so he shot out of the bed, remade the bed, got clothed and left the room. But just as he closed the door, he saw someone to his right.


    ¡°Mercy?¡± Keagan called out and the person turned around to face him.


    ¡°Oh- good morning Keagan. What are you doing here? I though you¡¯d gone home.¡± Mercy asked, her voice hoarse and her glasses missing.


    ¡°I could ask you the same thing.¡± Keagan said coldly.


    Mercy opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.


    Keagan then decided that it would be best if he didn¡¯t get involved in whatever she was involved in. Not because he didn¡¯t like Mercy or anything. It¡¯s just that helping her might lead to more headaches down the line.


    Also if she wanted help, she¡¯d have asked, right?


    ¡°You know what, forget about it. See you at work.¡± Keagan said as he walked past her. He could¡¯ve sworn her expression turned into one of pain, but Keagan ignored it as he made his way towards the first floor.


    There he saw Silvia talking to one of the workers.


    Keagan approached Silvia, who was well dressed even though it was seven AM on a Sunday.


    ¡°Good morning Mrs. Astali. Sorry for any inconvenience my stay may have caused.¡± Keagan said while wishing he could sprint out of the door and run to Acan but that was almost impossible.


    ¡°Good morning to you Mr. Keita. Oh and don¡¯t worry, it was a treat having you over. Care to join us for breakfast?¡± Silvia asked.


    Keagan looked at his watch and pretended to look at the time.


    ¡°I apologize, but I have some matters to deal with back home.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s so unfortunate. I was really looking forward to spending more time with you and Karisa. Speaking of which, are you taking her with you?¡± Silvia asked and for the first time since they¡¯d met, Keagan saw a different emotion on her face.


    You see, most of the times when Keagan saw her, she wore this weird motherly expression that didn¡¯t feel right. It was a gentle smile yes, but mothers don¡¯t just smile all day. That¡¯s what made talking to her all that weirder.


    But that expression was nowhere to be seen as Keagan noticed.


    She really wanted Karisa gone.


    Her eyebrows were arched upwards and her eyed wide.


    ¡°No.¡± Keagan said flatly.


    Her expression changed again.


    Keagan was perplexed by Silvia¡¯s complex facial expressions.


    He wanted to tease more expressions out of her-


    Wait a minute!


    Keagan reeled himself back in.


    ¡°Ahem, I wouldn¡¯t want to separate you and her any longer.¡± Keagan said after letting out a fake cough.


    ¡°That¡¯s no problem, really. Me and the girls managed to catch up last night and they told me all about you." Silvia said.


    Keagan narrowed his black eyes which made Silvia¡¯s face change again.


    ¡°Has anyone ever told you that you have beautiful eyes?¡± Silvia said and Keagan¡¯s unconsciously twisted to a frown. He fixed his face, but Silvia had already seen his reaction.


    ¡°Ahem. The girls talked about me? Then I must ask, what do you think of me?¡± Keagan asked, unable to reduce the seething cold in his eyes.


    Why was he upset?


    Well, Silvia talking to Karisa and Catalina could only mean one of two things.


    The first case is one in which they lied and Silvia doesn¡¯t know anything.


    The second is one in which Silvia not only knows the truth, she may be the one who played a hand in making Karisa and Catalina the woman they are.


    ¡°Well, from a parent''s perspective, you¡¯re ok. Karisa doesn¡¯t get in trouble when she¡¯s with you and your relationship seems stable, but I hope you¡¯re not thinking about making any moves on her.¡± Silvia said and Keagan merely shook his head.


    ¡°However, as a person- no. As a woman¡­ many things are off about you Mr. Keita. Oh, can I call you Keagan?¡± Silvia asked as they stood besides the staircase.


    The house was rather busy, so Keagan and Silvia thought it would be best to not interrupt the workers.


    ¡°Keagan is fine.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Ok, frankly speaking, you¡¯re not that handsome, your financial situation is average, you¡¯re barely employed and you¡¯re not that tall.¡± Silvia said.


    Keagan didn¡¯t taken offense as everything she said was true.


    ¡°But, those things are all external. What makes you special is what¡¯s inside. Your voice and the way you talk to people is¡­ interesting, to say the least. Not to mention those eyes of yours¡­¡±


    Uh oh.


    Keagan needed to get as far away as possible from Silvia. He couldn¡¯t help but feel like she was an older version of Karisa.


    ¡°Mom, breakfast is ready.¡± Karisa said as she peeped her head out from the next room.


    Keagan sighed.


    ¡°Anyway, it was a pleasure talking to you, but I must take my leave.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Ok. I look forward to our next meeting.¡± Silvia said as Keagan left the house. He had long since ordered a taxi, so he made his way to the front gate as quickly as possible, hopped into the taxi, made his way to the vectrain station, paid for an unreasonably expensive ticket and made his way home.


    Upon reaching his apartment, he saw Roy and his brother waiting for him at the door.


    Keagan didn¡¯t mind.


    Actually, he was quite happy to see Roy¡¯s lovable face.

 12. Bruised and Broken

    ¡°There you are! We¡¯ve been knocking for hours. Also, is your phone off or something. You¡¯re dressed in some fancy looking clothes so I can only assume that you went out.¡± Roy said while crossing his arms.


    ¡°Hey guys. I¡¯m sorry, It was work. The boss wanted to get some photo¡¯s taken but then time flew by and boom. Sleepover.¡± Keagan said.


    It wasn¡¯t really a lie since Andre Astali was technically Keagan¡¯s boss and they did attend a mini conference.


    Keagan opened the door, allowing Roy and Cory inside.


    Keagan closed the door and the three found themselves on the couch.


    ¡°What exactly have you been up to? Sometimes I get here to find smoking hot babes and other times I arrive and you¡¯re nowhere to be found." Roy asked as


    Keagan turned on the TV.


    He put the sports channel and rested back into the couch.


    ¡°How many times do I have to tell you, she was here for work.¡± Keagan said lazily. He hadn¡¯t been able to relax at all back at the Astali house.


    ¡°I know that, but even you have to admit it¡¯s weird. Unless a woman completely trusts a man, there¡¯s no way she¡¯s entering his house.¡± Roy said.


    ¡°When did little bro become an expert in woman? Does this mean I¡¯ll he an uncle soon?¡± Cory asked without facing his brother.


    ¡°Who knows¡­ anyway, this isn¡¯t about me. Also, you can¡¯t talk bro. You didn¡¯t see the lady who graced Keagan¡¯s shabby joint with her presence. She was like what I imagine angels look like.¡± Roy said.


    ¡°Is that so? Too bad Keagan said that they have a strictly professional relationship.¡± Cory said.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Roy agreed.


    Keagan, Roy and Cory then spent the next three hours lazing about and watching movies.


    The time eventually came for Roy and Cory to return home.


    ¡°That was¡­ rather relaxing.¡± Cory said as he stretched his huge arms.


    ¡°I know right! Hanging out has never been simpler. Get together, watch some movies and eat some of Keagan¡¯s stupid microwave meals.¡± Roy said while placing his hand on his tummy.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re the ones who came here. In an alternate dimension, we hung out at your place and had some of your godlike food.¡± Keagan said as he escorted them to the first floor.


    ¡°You make a compelling argument. Then it is decided. Since you have all the entertainment and we have the food. Why don¡¯t we force Roy to cook before coming to your place?¡± Cory suggested only to punched in the arm by Roy.


    ¡°Why am I the only one who cooks around here?¡± Roy cried.


    ¡°Because anything I cook is legally required to be disposed off under the classification of toxic waste and Keagan¡­ can Keagan even cook?¡± Cory asked as he turned to Keagan, who waved his hands dismissively.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even bother. I can cook about as well as a toddler.¡± Keagan said.


    The three eventually bid each other farewell.


    Part of Keagan wanted them to stay over, but another, much larger part of Keagan feared Cory.


    Keagan returned to his apartment. Spread his arms and jumped onto his bed.


    His head was clear.


    LIE.


    And he absolutely wasn¡¯t thinking about Catalina and Karisa.


    LIE.


    Keagan eventually fell asleep.


    .


    ..


    The next day, unfortunately, was Monday.


    Keagan got up, completed the morning ritual and went to work.


    He crunched some numbers and organized some data.


    Something that worried Keagan was the fact that they¡¯d stopped running physical tests.


    Dan had prioritized getting blueprints to the other departments as quickly as possible, but Keagan couldn¡¯t help but feel like that would only end up in non functional units, rejects and a whole lot of dissatisfied customers.


    Keagan got up and walked to Mercy¡¯s office, while avoiding going near Catalina¡¯s office. He then knocked gently on Mercy¡¯s door.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Keagan entered, but what he found inside was a rather confusing sight.


    Mercy was there, yes, but her appearance was strange. She had bags under her eyes and her face was beat red.


    Her outfit was also rather odd.


    Usually, Mercy would wear loose fitting clothes and little to no makeup, but the mercy in front of him had unnervingly bright pink lipstick among other things.


    Keagan shook himself out of his perplexed state.


    ¡°Umm¡­ I just realised that we haven¡¯t run any physical tests in a while. Will this be ok?¡± Keagan asked.


    Mercy looked at Keagan with distant eyes.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure everything will be fine. Our numbers add up, plus we have our prototype if the higher ups want to see the CryoPod in action.¡± Mercy said.


    Keagan nodded before turning to leave. He stopped halfway before completely leaving.


    Something was going on with Mercy and he really wanted to ask if she needed any help. But he and Mercy weren¡¯t that close.


    Keagan didn¡¯t want to come of as nosy or anything.


    ¡°Hey Mercy.¡± Keagan said with his back facing her.


    ¡°You ok?¡± He asked softly.


    ¡°Who? Me? Yeah, totally. Now get back to work. If you¡¯re really worried about the CryoPod, then continue running the simulations. If you run into a problem, come straight here, ok?¡± Mercy said.


    Keagan nodded before leaving.


    At least I tried, right? Keagan wondered as he returned to his desk.


    The working day went on and eventually came to an end. But as Keagan left the office, his phone began to ring.


    Keagan answered the phone as the person calling him was Dan.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    [Yo, Keagan. How are you doing? Listen, I have a favour to ask of you.]


    Dan said.


    ¡°It depends. What¡¯s the favour?¡± Keagan asked.


    [Yeah, do you have any other female co-workers in R and D department?]


    Dan asked.


    Keagan¡¯s brows furrowed.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    [You see, we¡¯re doing some marketing for another product and the models we hired bailed on us. We could get others, but that would be expensive. So we¡¯ve opted for a cheaper alternative.]


    Dan said as Keagan left the lobby.


    Roy was working late, so Keagan didn¡¯t have to wait for him.


    ¡°What about the other departments? My team is a sausage fest. The only woman is Mercy, but she¡¯s too busy to come help.¡± Keagan said, his eyes narrow. He got onto the train and headed back home.


    [Mmm¡­ I came to you because you¡¯re on the ground and with the people. It would be weird if an executive just randomly asked an employee to model for the company.]


    Dan said.


    So you¡¯re asking me to do it instead? Keagan wondered.


    [Anyway, you have a point. The R n D department is a boys club. Why don¡¯t you pass by the testing department tomorrow and see if anyone wants some extra cash. Tell them marketing sent you and if that doesn¡¯t work, call me and I¡¯ll talk to them. Anyway, got to go. Call you later.]


    Dan said before ending the call.


    Keagan sighed as he entered his dark and empty apartment. His stomach growled, begging for food and so, Keagan microwaved up some quick meals and ate away as he watched the local news.


    Nothing really interesting was going on and so he decided to get some ice cream to brighten up his day. He slipped into some warm clothes as winter was fast approaching and left his apartment.


    He made his way to a nearby store, got a small tub of ice cream and left the store, but as he left, he saw a group of men standing just outside the entrance.


    Keagan ignored them and made his way home. But, as he walked, he noticed that the group was following him or they were heading in the same direction.


    Keagan decided to cross the street and the group of four did the same.


    Keagan increased his walking speed, but then the group broke into a full sprint.


    Keagan did the same, but the group caught up to him and one of them tackled Keagan to the ground.


    Keagan desperately tried crawling away, but two of the men grabbed both his arms and house him up.


    ¡°Listen closely, met us here tomorrow at six PM with your employee access card.¡± One of the men said.


    ¡°What?¡± Keagan asked, only to receive a punch to the gut.


    Keagan held his screams in.


    ¡°Make sure not to touch his face.¡± One of the men said.


    ¡°Yeah, sure. Anyway, tomorrow. Here. Access card. If you don¡¯t, we¡¯ll make you fear leaving that little apartment of yours.¡± The man said before punching Keagan several more times.


    The men then left Keagan writhing in pain on the street.


    Keagan looked around and saw no one, which was pretty suspicious in itself, but worried Keagan more was how the guys who beat him knew that he worked at Lezzaro.


    Keagan stumbled onto his feet and saw that his ice cream tub was still in it¡¯s plastic bag.


    Keagan took his bag and walked back home.


    Upon entering he put his ice cream in the fridge, took a shower, rubbed some ointment on his wounds, retrieved his ice cream and plopped onto the couch.


    There he painfully ate away at his desert as he pondered on what had just happened to him. He decided to notify Roy about his situation.


    The phone rang for a bit before Roy answered.


    [What¡¯s up, buddy?]


    Roy asked enthusiastically.


    ¡°Just got beat up, man.¡± Keagan said.


    [What? By who?]


    Roy asked.


    ¡°No clue. They looked like random Joe¡¯s. But they knew I worked at Lezzaro.¡± Keagan explained.


    [Mmm¡­ this is bad. Do you know what they might want?]


    Roy asked.


    ¡°Nope. They didn¡¯t say anything. Just that I should meet them where they beat me up with my employee access card.¡±


    Keagan said, before releasing that his ice cream was finished.


    [Did you call the cops?]


    Roy asked.


    ¡°Not yet. I¡¯ll first have to contact Dan and see what he thinks. I am the spokesman after all, lord knows what people will say if Lezzaro¡¯s employee¡¯s are being attacked?¡± Keagan said.


    [Ok. Cory and I will pop by tomorrow and check up on you just in case. You may not have noticed, but my brother is like a tank. Dumb as a bag of bricks, but built like a brick shithouse- Ow!]


    Keagan heard Roy yelp in pain.


    Keagan ended the call before letting out a pained chuckle. He then dialled Dan¡¯s number and the call was answered a moment later.


    [Yo, Keagan. What¡¯s up? Did you already complete the favour?]


    Dan asked.


    ¡°No. Not yet. I did, however, get beaten up by some guys who knew I worked at Lezzaro.¡± Keagan said as sadness filled his heart. Not only was his ice cream finished, his tummy was also rather painful.


    [What? Are you ok?]


    Dan asked.


    ¡°Yep. But it¡¯s not me I¡¯m worried about. Should I call the cops?¡± Keagan asked.


    [No! Not yet. Let me think about this. I¡¯ll tell you what to do by tomorrow so just sit tight.]


    Dan said before ending the call.


    Keagan looked at his phone, then called the police.


    He really didn¡¯t want to take any chances.


    The police eventually arrived at Keagan¡¯s apartment and he answered whatever questions they had, before they left. He did, however, leave out the but where they knew he worked at Lezzaro.


    Apparently, they planned to deploy more police officers in that part of Acan.


    Keagan didn¡¯t care, as long as he could walk around without getting beat up.


    Keagan then crawled into his bed to sleep, but before he could even close his eyes, his phone rang. He checked and saw Catalina¡¯s number.


    Nope. Keagan told himself before closing his eyes and falling asleep.


    .


    ..


    Keagan woke up the next day with a pounding headache. He had barely managed to get a wink of sleep as he feared the men from before would break in and break some of his bones.


    Keagan nervously climbed out of the bed, took a paranoid shower, slipped into his clothes and left for work. He took careful steps until he made it to the train station where he nervously waited for the trains arrival.


    ¡°Keagan, is that you?¡± Keagan jumped as a voice called.


    He turned around and faced a worried Roy.


    ¡°H- hey, there.¡± Keagan stuttered as the train arrived.


    ¡°How you doing?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m ok. I just need to work the stress away.¡± Keagan said with a weak and tired smile.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make any sense. People usually relax the further they are from work.¡± Roy pointed out.


    ¡°You have a point, but I often find myself getting lost in the data sometimes. It¡¯s cathartic.¡± Keagan said as the train approached Ix Chel.


    ¡°Cathartic? Not gonna pretend I know what that means, but you might wanna ask for some time off. You¡¯ve been through what we scientists call a traumatic experience.¡± Roy said as the two arrived at the Lezzaro building.


    ¡°Oh? Well ok then, Mr. Scientist. I might just do that. See ya.¡± Keagan said before ascending to the R and D floor.


    There he met a flustered Mercy who seemed to be waiting for someone. Catalina also had a rather worrisome look on her face. Keagan didn¡¯t care though.


    Keagan looked behind him to check if anyone else was coming, but then Mercy ran and grabbed him.


    She then hugged him as tears fell into her eyes.


    ¡°Oh, Keagan. You¡¯re ok. Tell me, did you go to the hospital?¡± She asked.


    Keagan struggled to breath as she increased her chokehold on his neck.


    ¡°No, but I¡¯m fine. There¡¯s no need to worry.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Tommy asked.


    ¡°No clue.¡± Johan said with a sigh.


    Mercy led Keagan to her office as she wiped the tears from her face.


    Keagan didn¡¯t know why she was crying but she seemed rather emotional-


    Wait a minute! Keagan exclaimed internally.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Mercy, maybe I should go to the hospital. Dan hooked me up with a doctor in Cynosure. Would it be cool if you accompanied me?¡± Keagan said.


    Mercy nodded frantically.


    ¡°Of course. It¡¯s just so sad that one of my people would have to go through so much suffering.¡± Mercy said.


    Keagan knew that she wasn¡¯t being dramatic. She genuinely cared for him, but something wasn¡¯t right.


    ¡°Ok. Let¡¯s go. I promise I¡¯ll work really hard when we get back.¡± Keagan said with a smile as she packed her things.


    The two then made their way to Cynosure via the usual and uncomfortable means. The vectrain.


    ¡°Dan told me to make sure that you were well taken care off.¡± Mercy said, her eyes looking into the distance as they rode a cab to the hospital.


    ¡°Dan¡­?¡± Keagan droned. He really wanted to make sure Mercy was ok, but with the way she was and the way she behaved around Dan in recent times, Keagan couldn¡¯t help but feel worried.


    They eventually arrived at Dr. Xander''s office and Keagan got checked up. However, he also asked that Mercy get tested and checked as well. Keagan told her that she may as well get checked.


    Her tests showed that she indeed had Rapture in her system. Dr. Xander then told her everything about Rapture and it¡¯s effects.


    Mercy understandably broke down into tears.


    Keagan did his best to comfort her as Dr. Xander gave her the medicine she needed to counteract Raptures side effects.


    Keagan and Mercy then left the hospital and made their way back to Ix Chel.


    During the trip, Mercy was unnervingly quiet.


    ¡°Hey-¡°


    ¡°I know. I really wish I¡¯d talked to you about all this, but¡­ it¡¯s just Dan and-"


    ¡°Does this have anything to do with Andre Astali?¡± Keagan asked as he rolled up the window that separates the taxi driver from the backseat passengers.


    ¡°Y- yes¡­¡± Mercy said.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ listen Mercy. You and me, we¡¯ve both been ensnared by the Astali¡¯s. It would be best if we shared as much information with each other as possible before it¡¯s too late for both of us.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Ok.¡±


    The two eventually arrived at the Lezzaro building where they worked the rest of the day away.


    Keagan told Mercy to lay low and that he¡¯d call her later.


    .


    ..


    The working day came to an end and Keagan went home along with Roy. He made sure to keep his employee access card with him at all times.


    He then made his way home.


    Keagan checked his phone for the time and found that it was thirty minutes to six. He decided to give Dan a quick call before giving his card to the men who attacked him.


    [Yo, kid. You ok?]


    Dan asked.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m about to hand over my card to the men who attacked me.¡± Keagan said.


    [Yeah, no problem. I¡¯ve prepared a little surprise for anyone who dares enter our building. So stay safe, give them what they want and get back home.]


    Dan said before ending the call.


    Keagan nervously got up and left his apartment. He walked to the spot where he¡¯d been attacked and saw several men waiting for him.


    He then stopped as the men approached him.


    His heart rattled and sweat poured out from every possible pore.


    ¡°The card.¡± The man from before asked


    It was in the afternoon so Keagan could see his features clearer. He was tall, bald and wore casual work clothes.


    By the looks of it, he was a construction worker.


    Keagan handed his card over.


    ¡°Is this all?¡± Keagan asked even though his throat was tight.


    ¡°Tsk! Just do as you¡¯re told, that¡¯s all.¡± The baldy said as he walked away.


    Keagan then turned around and returned home as quickly as possible.


    Whatever Dan was cooking up, Keagan hoped that it would save him from living a fearful life.

 13. Pain

    ¡°Mercy, you there?¡± Keagan asked as he held the phone close to his hear.


    [Yes, I¡¯m here. How about you, are you safe.]


    Mercy said. Her voice hoarse.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Now, I¡¯m going to have to ask you to be completely honest with me. What have you been doing with Dan?¡± Keagan asked. His voice low, but concerned.


    [I- uh¡­]


    Mercy struggled to speak.


    Keagan reasoned that she didn¡¯t feel comfortable talking about what she may have experienced.


    ¡°Listen. I understand. One of the Astali''s did some messed up things to me as well. So, no worries.¡± Keagan said as he removed his phone from his ear.


    [Wait!]


    Mercy cried.


    ¡°What?¡± Keagan asked as gently as he could.


    [I¡¯ll tell you, but- can we meet up?]


    Mercy asked.


    Keagan checked the time and saw that it was a little past seven.


    ¡°Ok, but where? I live in Acan.¡± Keagan said.


    [I live in Ix Chel. Would it be too much trouble if you came over?]


    Mercy asked.


    Keagan thought about it for a moment.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mind at all. Just send me you address and I¡¯ll be there.¡± Keagan said as before ending the call. He then took a quick shower, slipped into some casual clothes and left his apartment. He then took the vectrain to Ix Chel and navigated the scarily empty streets until he found Mercy¡¯s apartment building.


    It was a tall and rather luxurious looking building, which made sense since it was located in the science hub of Unity.


    What also made sense was how Mercy was able to afford living in such a place.


    She was a genius. Top of her class and she was set to become one of sciences leading woman. Well, she was one of the leading women at Lezzaro.


    Keagan eventually made it to her apartment. He gently knocked on her door and it wasn¡¯t long before the door opened, revealing a cutely dressed Mercy.


    But Keagan hadn¡¯t gone all that way just to look at her. They had important issues to discus so Keagan steeled his mind.


    ¡°Hey. Come in.¡± Mercy said weakly.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Keagan greeted as he entered her lavish apartment.


    Mercy led him to a nearby sofa and the two sat down.


    ¡°Can I get you anything?¡± Mercy asked.


    ¡°Do you have coffee?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Mercy said with a lowered head.


    ¡°Then some water would be perfect.¡± Keagan said and Mercy got him a glass.


    The room then fell silent.


    Keagan had carefully laid out the questions he had for Mercy, but he didn¡¯t want to force her to answer any of them so he sigh patiently.


    ¡°Firstly, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°For what?¡± Mercy asked as she fiddled with her cute blue pyjamas.


    ¡°For everything. Dan, the Astali¡¯s¡­ just everything. I thought that I was the only one those sick bastards messed with but¡­ what happened to you? Because I¡¯m trying not to come to any conclusions, so¡­¡± Keagan asked.


    Mercy looked further down, her lips shut.


    ¡°I see¡­ would it make you more comfortable if I told you what Karisa did to me?¡±


    ¡°Karisa?¡± Mercy gasped.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Keagan then retold his story of madness.


    .


    ..


    ¡°My goodness, you poor thing.¡± Mercy exclaimed softly.


    Some time had passed and it was now well past midnight.


    ¡°Yep. Story of my life. But I¡¯m still curious. What happened to you?¡± Keagan asked.


    Mercy took a brave deep breath before speaking.


    ¡°It was Dan. You see, we¡¯ve known each other for a while, but we weren¡¯t really that close. After we presented the CryoPod, he started calling me and checking up on me. I didn¡¯t mind cause he was fun to talk to, but one day- one day he asked me to meet him. We met at a hotel and when I arrived at the room, I saw Andre Astali sitting next to him. I asked him what was going on and he said that Andre was his old friend and that he needed me to¡­ comfort him. I said no, but then Dan said that if I didn¡¯t do what he said, he¡¯d cancel our project and my career would be ruined. That meant that seven years would have been for nothing!¡± Mercy broke down into a full cry.


    Keagan grabbed her shoulder and pulled her closer. He didn¡¯t have any other intentions that to comfort her as she cried.


    At least she¡¯d have a shoulder to cry on, unlike he, who had overcome¡­ or more accurately, succumb to the madness Karisa and Catalina subjected him to.


    ¡°Shh.¡± Keagan said and eventually she calmed down.


    ¡°Anyway, I ended up agreeing, but the things Mr. Astali made me do were strange. He made me-"


    ¡°No, it¡¯s ok. I don¡¯t need to know. It must have been horrible for you.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°It was. Mr. Astali then began requesting that I dress more¡­ explicitly. It¡¯s as though he enjoyed watching me in my embarrassment.¡± Mercy said.


    Keagan¡¯s jaw clenched as he pieced together the fact that Andre would do such things to Mercy.


    In Keagan¡¯s eyes. She was a saint. Or maybe a shepherd. She guided the research and development team when they were lost and encouraged them to work through the long hours of the day.


    Part of Keagan wished that the Astali¡¯s had made Keagan their one and only target, but it was too late. Mercy had seen and done things that would scar her forever.


    ¡°So what do we do now?¡± Mercy asked.


    ¡°To be completely honest, I have no idea. As it stands, you and I are in deep, which is incredibly unfortunate.¡± Keagan said as he checked the time.


    ¡°Anyway, thanks for sharing. I¡¯ll do what I can to get Dan and Andre off your back.¡± Keagan said as he stood up.


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re leaving?¡± Mercy asked. Her voice sounded much better than before.


    Keagan sighed.


    ¡°You want me to stay?¡± He asked.


    Mercy nodded her head slowly.


    Keagan sat back on the couch.


    ¡°Ok, I¡¯ll stay. But we have work tomorrow so let¡¯s get some sleep.¡± Keagan said before Mercy brought him a blanket.


    After hugging Keagan one more time, Mercy walked into her room.


    Keagan¡¯s eyes slowly fell as he wondered whether Dan was successful in his plan, whatever it was.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it..


    ..


    The morning eventually arrived and Keagan could smell something sweat in the air. He opened his eyes to find a bowl of cereal on the table in front of him.


    Sitting next to him was a fully dressed Mercy. She had returned to wearing her usual conservative clothes and her intelligent eyes burnt brightly.


    ¡°Sorry, but we¡¯re a bit late. I didn¡¯t want to disturb your sleep. You must have been so tired.¡± Mercy said.


    You have no idea. Keagan thought as he gently smiled.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have do go so far for me. Remember, I¡¯m an intern. A nobody. My concern is with the one who actually matters, you.¡± Keagan said as he sat upright.


    Mercy¡¯s eyebrows furrowed at this.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t say things like that. Remember that it was you who tricked Dan into thinking our project was flawless and it is you who came all this was to comfort me. You¡¯re not a nobody. Well, not to me.¡± Mercy said before prompting Keagan to eat.


    Keagan did so with great vigour and the eventually left Mercy¡¯s apartment.


    Fortunately for them, Mercy lived in Ix Chel so the Lezzaro was a short drive away.


    Keagan and Mercy arrived at the building to find all sorts of security personnel and police walking about.


    They were stopped and asked for their access cards.


    Mercy showed hers, but Keagan didn¡¯t have his.


    Keagan tried to explain to the guard that his had been taken from his, but the guard didn¡¯t listen.


    Then Dan showed up.


    ¡°Let him through.¡± Dan ordered and the guard did so.


    ¡°Hey kid, we did it! We caught the bad guys.¡± Dan said with a wide smile.


    ¡°Yeah. Awesome. Hopefully I can go back to walking outside in peace.¡± Keagan said as Mercy walked past the two of them.


    ¡°Oh yeah, later today I need you to accompany me to the testing department. You know, for the favour I ask of you.¡± Dan said before Keagan left for the office.


    Keagan then worked the day away, but as he did, he felt as though someone was watching him.


    Keagan then beamed his dark eyes at Catalina¡¯s office door to find that it was slightly open. He could see her as clear as day, but he decided to ignore her.


    ¡°Hey Keagan, I saw you coming in to work with Mercy. What¡¯s that all about?¡± Tommy asked.


    ¡°Ooh. Someone is jealous.¡± Johan teased as he worked away.


    ¡°I¡¯m not jealous! I¡¯m just curious.¡± Tommy said with his nose raised and chest puffed.


    Keagan wondered what the hell Tommy was doing, but it would probably be better if he cleared things up.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ to be honest, Mercy and I recently experienced something unpleasant so we met up to talk about it.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to say anything Keagan. Tommy, leave Keagan alone and get back to work.¡±


    .


    ..


    The working day eventually came to an end and Keagan made his way downstairs.


    There he met Dan who greeted him with a smile.


    ¡°For a businessman, you sure do love standing around.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be mean and besides, this is part of business, so there.¡± Dan said as he and Keagan entered his car.


    They then took a short drive to the testing department, which was one of several buildings that Lezzaro designed for testing purposes.


    Dan and Keagan entered the building and Dan spoke to the head manager about what he needed, the tough part was actually getting some volunteers.


    Keagan had a bad feeling about what Dan was actually up to.


    After an hour or so, Dan and Keagan had managed to get some of the testing department¡¯s prettiest women. Well, Keagan did. Dan just watched.


    Funny thing is that even though the women of the testing department had their hands covered in grease and motor oil all day, they had a strange beauty to them.


    Keagan and Dan eventually left and returned to the R and D building.


    Keagan headed straight the train station and went straight home, but once he arrived at his apartment building, he saw a weeping woman.


    She was dressed in her wok clothes and was sitting by the Street side. She looked slightly older than Keagan and had long, but graying brown hair.


    Keagan ignored the woman and entered the apartment building, but as he entered the elevator, he heard a bunch of footsteps.


    It sounded like some people were running.


    Then in the next instant, four masked individuals entered the elevator and began beating Keagan up.


    ¡°Watch the face!¡± One of the voices yelled.


    Even though Keagan was in intense pain, he recognized it.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± The other, very familiar, voice said as they continuously beat Keagan up.


    Keagan could feel them targeting his fleshy bits. They were taking care not to break any bones, but at this point Keagan was covered in bruises.


    ¡°Ayt, let¡¯s go!¡± One of the attackers yelled as the elevator reached Keagan¡¯s floor. The attackers stormed out of the elevator and took the stairs down.


    Keagan crawled out of the elevator and stumbled his way to his apartment.


    FUCK! He cursed internally.


    Someone was targeting him and Lezzaro and whatever they were looking for wasn¡¯t in the R and D building. Not to mention, Dan had buffed the security in the building.


    Keagan entered his apartment, took off his clothes and threw himself into the shower where he painfully cleaned himself.


    He then ate two of his microwaveable meals and sat on the floor as his body convulsed in pain.


    He was tired.


    Tired of receiving the short end of the stick.


    He called Roy and asked that he come over.


    In no more than twenty minutes, Roy and Cory were in Keagan¡¯s apartment.


    Keagan was shirtless so all of his bruises were clearly visible.


    ¡°Oh my goodness!¡± Roy exclaimed as he helped Keagan onto the couch.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Roy asked as Cory sat down next to them.


    ¡°It was the guys from before. They got me in the elevator.¡± Keagan wheezed.


    ¡°How can you be so sure it was the same people?¡± Cory asked.


    ¡°Their voices. That and the outfits they wore. It looked like they had just clocked out of work. Same as last time.¡± Keagan said.


    Cory¡¯s eyes narrowed upon hearing this.


    ¡°So what are you going to do now?¡± Cory asked as Roy helped Keagan rub pain soothing ointment all over his body.


    ¡°I have no idea. Kinda wanna jump off a bridge to end my suffering, but that¡¯s stupid right?¡± Keagan said with a sigh.


    Roy¡¯s brows the sunk.


    ¡°No!¡± He said while staring at his friend.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you get through this, just promise me you won¡¯t do something so like that.¡± Roy said.


    His eyes burning with anger and a bit of sorrow.


    ¡°Ok. But if I¡¯m going to behave, you¡¯re also going to have to behave. I don¡¯t want to see you on the news.¡± Keagan said.


    The three then sat in silence as Keagan¡¯s body took in the various pain relieving medicines he had taken.


    Roy eventually fell asleep on the couch leaving a wincing Keagan and Cory.


    ¡°So they were targeting Lezzaro through you?¡± Cory asked as he stroked Roy¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Any idea what they were looking for?¡± Cory asked.


    ¡°No clue. Judging by their appearance alone, I can tell that they were greatly misinformed. Our building is only home to prototypes and various other new technology. Lezzaro may be a pharmaceutical company, but our building does not deal with that stuff.¡± Keagan said, even though his chest pain begged him to stop talking.


    ¡°I see. What do you think their real target was?¡± Cory asked.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ like I said. Lezzaro is a pharmaceutical company. They were after drugs of some sort. But¡­ one thing about Lezzaro is that no one and I mean no one is allowed inside their¡­ production sites.¡± Keagan said.


    Cory let out an understanding hum.


    ¡°I see. Then I¡¯m sorry you got beat up for nothing.¡± Cory said.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Keagan asked as his eyelids fell.


    ¡°Your attackers attacked you because they thought you had access to one of those production sites right? But you don¡¯t. So it really is a shame you got involved in their scheme.¡± Cory said.


    Keagan¡¯s consciousness snapped back into the waking world for a moment.


    What¡¯s with Cory? Keagan wondered.


    Cory then got up.


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ve got to bounce. Tell Roy I¡¯ll be back at his place.¡± Cory said as he opened the door.


    ¡°Oh and Keagan, just out of curiosity, do you know where one of those production sites might he located?¡± Cory asked.


    ¡°Why?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°I have a hunch that the guys who beat you up may be targeting the place. Just wanna see if I¡¯m correct.¡± Cory said.


    ¡°Err¡­ that¡¯s the problem. I don¡¯t know. You¡¯ll have to talk to a high level Lezzaro employee. Remember, I¡¯m an intern.¡± Keagan said with a yawn.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Cory said before leaving.


    Keagan fell asleep next to Roy.


    .


    ..


    The next day arrived painfully.


    Keagan kicked Roy away, as they were sleeping practically on top of other on the small couch.


    He then got dressed as Roy hesitantly ate one of Keagan¡¯s microwaveable meals.


    They had a short argument about health and stuff, but Keagan was in too much pain to care.


    They then took turns at showering. Keagan borrowed Roy some of his clothes, but since Roy was slightly larger than him, they were a bit tight.


    The two made their way to work and Roy changed into his uniform at the speed of light.


    Keagan sighed in amusement as he made his way to the second floor.


    There he sat down painfully on his chair and went to work.


    .


    ..


    A couple of hours passed and that¡¯s when his pain meds wore off.


    His entire body burnt and his head ached incredibly.


    Keagan checked his pocket, but found no trace of his anti pain tablets.


    Tommy noticed Keagan¡¯s pained expression.


    ¡°You ok?¡± Tommy asked as Keagan got up.


    ¡°Y- yeah, I¡¯m good. Just gotta use the bathroom.¡± Keagan said as he left.


    ¡°Must be a tummy ache.¡± Johan reasoned.


    ¡°Stop coming to your own conclusions. Next thing you know he sat on his balls or something.¡± Tommy said while raising his nose.


    ¡°You really hate Keagan, don¡¯t you? Anyway, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Meanwhile, inside the men¡¯s room Keagan writhed as his body ached.


    Part of him wanted to ask Mercy if he could go back home for the day, but such actions wouldn¡¯t help him as he was an intern. He needed to give this job his all.


    After all, he wanted to work at Lezzaro and nothing was going to stop him.


    Keagan splashed some water on his face before returning to his, seat but at this point, Tommy and Johan could tell that it wasn¡¯t a tummy ache that was bothering Keagan.


    ¡°Dude, are you sure you¡¯re ok?¡± Tommy asked as Johan walked towards Mercy¡¯s office.


    Keagan tried smiling as best as he could.


    Johan then returned with Mercy and Catalina who both had horrified expressions.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Mercy asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s Keagan. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s feeling too great.¡± Tommy reported.


    ¡°Ok, bring him to my office.¡± Mercy said, but Keagan kept his eyes on his monitor.


    ¡°Guy¡¯s, I¡¯m fine.¡± He said without knowing what kind of expression he was making because at this point his mind had gone numb from pain.


    ¡°Tommy, Johan, carry him to my office.¡± Mercy instructed and Keagan two colleagues did as they were told.


    Keagan was then sat down on a sofa that was on the furthest end of Mercy¡¯s office.


    ¡°Ok, give us some space. I¡¯ll call you if things get worse.¡± Mercy said and Johan left.


    ¡°But-" Tommy tried saying.


    ¡°Just go.¡± Mercy said softly.


    Tommy left, leaving Mercy, Keagan and Catalina.


    ¡°Listen. I¡¯m fine.¡± Keagan said with what he thought was a smile, but in all honesty, it looked as though he was in excruciating pain. Which he was.


    ¡°Clearly, you¡¯re not.¡± Catalina tried saying in her professional cold manner, but Keagan looked at her with overflowing hatred.


    ¡°Do not speak to me.¡± He whispered.


    Mercy then sat next to Keagan, but in the process, she accidentally bumped against Keagan¡¯s left arm, which was heavily bruised.


    Keagan held in his screams of pain, as he fell over.


    ¡°Catalina, help me undress him. I think the problem is his skin or something.¡± Mercy said as she removed Keagan¡¯s jacket.


    Catalina helped remove his shirt and that¡¯s when they saw the pitiful state Keagan¡¯s torso was in.

 14. Skylos

    Tears began welling up in both Mercy and Catalina¡¯s eyes as they bore witness to the sheer amount of damage Keagan had taken. His breathes were short as to minimize the amount of pain breathing caused.


    Catalina moved in to touch him, but Mercy knew what Catalina had done to Keagan before.


    ¡°Get away from him!¡± Mercy yelled, prompting Catalina to step away.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to do anything, call an ambulance or something.¡± Mercy said as she slipped Keagan back into his jacket.


    The ambulance eventually arrived and Keagan was taken to the nearest hospital.


    However, a few minutes later, he was transferred to a hospital in Cynosure. Not that Keagan could tell, because he was half asleep for most of the time.


    .


    ..


    Keagan felt his mind return to him slowly. Someone had given him some really potent medicine and it was really working. He opened his eyes to find an entire crowd of people around him.


    He checked and saw that he was in a hospital bed inside a private hospital room and sitting around his bed was Mercy, Catalina, Karisa, Silvia and Roy.


    ¡°W- what-" Keagan tried speaking but his throat was dry and his lips didn¡¯t move when he wanted them to.


    ¡°Shh. Don¡¯t talk. Just rest for now.¡± Mercy said.


    ¡°You poor thing.¡± Silvia said.


    Karisa and Catalina remained silent


    Roy, on the other hand, held onto Keagan¡¯s hand tightly.


    Keagan didn¡¯t enjoy this feeling.


    The feeling of being weak, fragile. So much so that all the people in front of him would look at him with such eyes. He missed the days when his life was in his control, but maybe that control was destined to be short lived.


    ¡°The doctor said you should take some time off. So you¡¯ll rest up for a week or so. Depending on future developments. Your injuries weren¡¯t too had, you¡¯ll be discharged tomorrow, but we¡¯ve all decided that it would be best if you were as close to the hospital as possible, so we¡¯ve rented out an apartment just down the road from here. Roy is going to help you with whatever you need. He¡¯ll still have to go to work though.¡± Mercy said with a smile.


    Keagan looked at Roy who still held his hand tightly.


    ¡°Th- thank you, but I¡¯ll be-"


    ¡°No, Keagan. We¡¯re keeping you safe whether you like it or not. It¡¯s painful, you know. Watching you suffer. It¡¯s hard on us when all you ever do is give us your best.¡± Mercy said.


    ¡°Yeah, she has a point. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be able to repay you for your help, so let us take care of this one.¡± Roy said.


    ¡°And what kind of mother would I be if I didn¡¯t repay my daughter''s master for his help.¡± Silvia said.


    I KNEW IT! Keagan cursed internally, but everyone seemingly ignored her ludacris statement.


    ¡°Thank you. Oh- Mercy, tell Dan that there¡¯s a possibility the guys who attacked me will be looking for the production sites next.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Mmm? That¡¯s impossible. Only a high level-"


    ¡°I know. Just tell him to keep his guard up.¡± Keagan said before passing out.


    .


    ..


    Keagan was eventually discharged the next day and Mercy and Roy took him to the apartment they¡¯d all rented out for him.


    It was spacious and it was located in a secure location.


    Well, everywhere in Cynosure was secure since the government had declared Cynosure a green zone. This meant that the police and justice system were all top of the shelf, premium stuff where no expense was spared.


    Keagan sat in his temporary bed and breathed easily knowing that he wouldn¡¯t be randomly attacked.


    Roy and the others prepared the apartment to Keagan¡¯s specifications.


    Keagan could even smell coffee in the air.


    He turned to find Karisa in the Kitchen area.


    The apartment was open planned, so all of the sections weren¡¯t separated by walls.


    Well, except the bathroom.


    The bedroom was literally one step away from the living room, even though they both had tonnes of space. Actually, this all reminded Keagan of his apartment back in Acan.


    Karisa handed Keagan a cup of coffee before everyone gathered around him.


    ¡°Ok, we¡¯re off now. Everyone, make sure to give Keagan the space he needs ok?¡± Mercy said.


    Everyone agreed before leaving.


    Keagan stopped Roy for a moment before he left.


    ¡°Umm¡­ did you tell your brother about this place?¡± Keagan asked.


    There was a suspicion he couldn¡¯t shake off.


    ¡°Mmm? Nope. Hey, I know more than anyone that my brother is or was a criminal. If he were to set foot in Cynosure, he¡¯d have a field day. But, onto more important business...¡± Roy said as his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you have a harem of assorted babes?¡± Roy asked with a tinge of hatred in his voice.


    ¡°Firstly, they are not my harem. Secondly, all but one of them are completely available, if you feel like taking your chance.¡± Keagan said while dismissively waving his hand.


    ¡°Oh, you can¡¯t lie to me about this. You should''ve have seen them when the doctor explained how badly beat you were. They broke down into tears and everything. Girls only ever do that if a guy they like in pain.¡± Roy said.


    ¡°Oh? And you learnt this where?¡± Keagan asked with a smile.


    ¡°Umm¡­ life¡¯s a great teacher. Now, as your best friend and business partner. I expect- no. I demand that you share a percentage of your stocks.¡± Roy said.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been watching too much reality TV again, haven¡¯t you.¡± Keagan droned.


    ¡°Anyway, get outa here. I wanna take a nap and your face isn¡¯t helping.¡± Keagan teased.


    ¡°So that¡¯s how it is¡­ hehehe. Luckily I have a trump card that will leave you begging for my company.¡± Roy said as he walked towards the door.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Keagan asked, half scared Md half curious.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll see.¡± Roy said with an evil smile as he left.


    Keagan sighed as he sank into his bed. His eyes fell and he eventually found sleep.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it.


    ..


    Keagan was awoken by the sounds of knocking and so he sluggishly walked towards the door.


    It was around seven in the evening, so it wasn¡¯t late enough to warrant excessive paranoia.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Keagan called out, just I case.


    If no one answered, but still knocked, he¡¯d call the police.


    ¡°It¡¯s Silvia.¡±


    Crap. Keagan cursed internally. He wanted to ignore her, but she was Andre Astali¡¯s wife. Even if he wasn¡¯t directly rude to her, it would still mean trouble.


    Keagan opened the door to find Silvia, Catalina and Karisa.


    Catalina and Karisa were dressed in coats, but winter was fast approaching so Keagan paid it no mind.


    ¡°Hi?¡± Keagan greeted.


    ¡°Good evening, Keagan. Oh, how I like that name. Anyway, my daughter and Catalina would like to apologize for all the trouble they¡¯ve caused you.¡± Silvia said as Keagan led them inside.


    They all sat down on the couch.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ there¡¯s no need for an apology. We¡¯ve already-¡° Keagan narrowed his eye¡¯s as he internally glared at Karisa and Catalina.


    ¡°-Sorted things out.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Oh, my. I just love that look. You have beautiful eyes, you know?¡± Silvia said.


    ¡°You¡¯ve said so before. But I¡¯m really nothing more than a man who really wants to sleep. In silence. By himself.¡± Keagan made sure to emphasize his words.


    ¡°My- such¡­ awesomeness!¡± Silvia exclaimed out loud.


    This freaked out Keagan a little bit.


    ¡°Ok. I understand that you may have made up with the girls, but I feel like I should apologize to you as Karisa¡¯s mother and Catalina¡¯s mother figure. Girls?¡± Silvia said.


    Karisa and Catalina stood up and removed their coats, revealing that they were wearing lingerie.


    This also exposed some of the markings Keagan had left on their bodies.


    Keagan looked at Silvia, but she continued smiling, except this time it was a different¡­ hungrier smile.


    Keagan¡¯s eyes widened as Karisa and Catalina approached him.


    They then sat next to him and held both of his arms.


    Keagan then shot a glare at Silvia and she gasped.


    ¡°If you keep looking at me like that- I¡¯ll¡­¡± Keagan could see blood accumulating in Silvia¡¯s face as she got more and more flustered.


    ¡°I think it would be best if you all left and besides. Aren¡¯t you married, point one. Also, your daughter is almost naked right in front of you, point two.¡± Keagan said without paying any attention to the Karisa or Catalina.


    ¡°I know. I know I¡¯m a horrible mother, but look what that has led to. My daughter has found the perfect man to serve forever.¡± Silvia said.


    ¡°Just what the fuck is wrong with you?¡± Keagan asked, his face twisted into a frown.


    ¡°What did you do to you daughter, so much so that you ended up turning into... that?¡± Keagan asked.


    Silvia lowered her head.


    ¡°I tried to give her normal life, but Andre didn¡¯t make it easy.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± Keagan said as he got up.


    ¡°So, are you going to leave soon, cause I¡¯m gonna take a nap. My head hurts.¡± Keagan said as he snuck into his blankets.


    Karisa and Catalina followed him and sat next to him on the bed.


    Silvia joined them as well.


    ¡°Come on. The least you could do is listen, no?¡± Silvia said as Catalina and Karisa joined him in the blankets.


    ¡°Anyway, I married Andre quite some time ago, but even then. There wasn¡¯t a spark or something magical that one expects when getting married. No, I married a boring business man. Anyway¡­¡±


    Keagan blocked her voice out as she spoke and it took about five minutes before she realised that Keagan wasn¡¯t listening.


    ¡°Aww. You¡¯re so mean!¡± Silvia said. With every passing second, her character devolved from a proud woman to what was more akin to an annoying brat.


    ¡°We know mother. Isn¡¯t he wonderful?¡± Karisa whispered.


    I HATE ALL OF YOU. Keagan thought, but there was an upside to all of this.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ so you¡¯re saying that as an apology, you¡¯d like to give me Karisa and Catalina?¡± Keagan asked.


    Silvia¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Then you are mistaken. I already posses these two, thus you have nothing to offer and no, I do not want money.¡± Keagan said.


    Yes I do. I want a lot of it, but not from you. Keagan thought.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Silvia made a pained sound as Keagan grabbed Karisa and Catalina with both his arms.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯d like to punish these two for being trash, so could you please excuse us?¡± Keagan said, partially hoping that she¡¯d be too embarrassed to stay as he fondled her daughter right in front of her.


    He was mistaken.


    ¡°Why? I have to witness this.¡± Silvia said as drool ran down her mouth.


    Keagan snapped.


    Fuck it.


    Keagan sat up and looked into Silvia¡¯s eyes.


    She was several years older than him, but Keagan could see beauty in her. She was smaller than Karisa, meaning that Karisa got more of her father in her.


    Keagan reached out his right hand.


    ¡°What- what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± She asked. Her chest rapidly moving in and out. She was nervous and excited.


    ¡°I want something¡­ something special. Something exquisite.¡± Keagan said. His muscles ached, but the pills he had taken were still working their magic.


    He wondered what would happen if he even laid a hand on Silvia Tannin Astali and so he did. He gently held her making her gasp.


    ¡°I won¡¯t do anything you don¡¯t want to. Girls, go to the couch.¡± Keagan instructed and the two left.


    Leaving Keagan and Silvia alone on the bed.


    ¡°Well? This twisted game is reaching it¡¯s midpoint and I wonder what¡¯s in store for me. More pain? Sinister pleasures? I guess it¡¯s time to find out.¡± Keagan said as he crawled out of the bed.


    ¡°Oh, my. Is this how you captured my daughter¡¯s heart?¡± Silvia asked, her face red.


    ¡°No. I hate your daughter. You on the other hand¡­¡± Keagan said he could even see her considering every word he said.


    Keagan leaned in towards her, but then he noticed that her expression changed.


    She sighed and got off the bed.


    ¡°Ahem! I must say, Keagan. You¡­ you truly are special. But I like the way I am now. Although I am married to Andre, my heart belongs to no man. Although you may have stolen a piece of mine. I¡¯m going to go home now and I''m going to regret not accepting you and falling deep in love with you. I¡¯ll live out the rest of my days wondering what might have been.¡± Silvia said as she grabbed her purse.


    ¡°You say it like that¡¯s what you want. The pain that comes with you walking away from me.¡± Keagan said as he sat back down.


    ¡°That¡¯s it precisely. I want to painfully torture myself before I sleep as I fantasize about all the cruel things you could have said and done to me.¡± Silvia said as she walked to the door.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°I know.¡± Silvia said before leaving.


    The apartment went silent as the minutes ticked by.


    Keagan had originally wanted to use Silvia to get to Andre, but that was out the window.


    Catalina and Karisa crawled back into bed with him.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Keagan asked coldly.


    ¡°It¡¯s- it¡¯s been a while since we- you know.¡± Catalina whispered.


    Karisa¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Did you-?¡± Karisa gasped.


    ¡°Hehe, no. We didn¡¯t. Unfortunately, at that time you guys were happily drugging me so¡­¡± Keagan said as he rested his head on his pillow.


    Keagan slipped his arms underneath Karisa and Catalina¡¯s rather warm body¡¯s. He then squeezed their breasts gently, taking care not to hurt them in the process.


    ¡°You know, not matter how hard I try. I¡¯ll never enjoy being with you. Actually, if Mercy was open to it, I¡¯d rather be with her. She¡¯s nice and smart. The complete opposite of you two.¡± Keagan said with a sigh.


    ¡°But here I am.¡± He said as he looked into their eyes. In them, he saw nothing but hunger and sickness.


    Keagan then squeezed their breasts again, but he put a little more effort into it this time, this made Karisa and Catalina moan softly.


    Keagan looked at the discoloured spots on their once perfect skin. He felt kinda bad. It was really a shame that two perfect bodies belong to such sick monsters.


    Keagan then remembered something from a while back.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ shortly after we met, you sent me an email with pictures of your naked self. But the name you used was weird. What was it again?¡± Keagan asked Catalina as she placed her head on Keagan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Skylos.¡± Catalina whispered.


    ¡°And that means?¡±


    ¡°D- dog." Catalina said and Keagan¡¯s face twisted.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure dogs are supposed to be man''s best friend. So why are you so horrible?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Catalina apologized.


    ¡°Oh? That¡¯s a first. What are you apologizing for? For being a bad dog or for being a bad human?¡± Keagan asked. His face expressionless.


    ¡°I-"


    ¡°Get off.¡± Keagan said and Catalina got off the bed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see. Since you fancy yourself a dog, I expect more lycan like behaviour. Assume the begging pose. Dog version.¡± Keagan instructed as he walked towards the kitchen. He then got a pack of cereal and returned to the bed where he sat.


    Catalina was on her tip toes, while bending her knees.


    ¡°Look, I have a snack. Don¡¯t you want it?¡± Keagan asked as Karisa placed her head on Keagan¡¯s back.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Catalina cried.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe dogs can speak English. You¡¯re going to have to try a lot harder. Karisa, my belt. I¡¯m pretty sure my pants are somewhere around there.¡± Keagan said as an intense amount of anger welled up inside him.


    ¡°Arf! Arf!¡± Catalina made a barking noise.


    Keagan¡¯s eyes shot open as he was perplexed by her commitment to her sick role.


    Karisa handed Keagan his belt and he placed it beside him, before tossing a single cereal at Catalina.


    The cereal landed in her mouth.


    ¡°Would you look at that. She¡¯s not such a bad dog after all.¡± Keagan said as an undeniably evil thought crossed his mind.


    ¡°Ok. So you can beg. But¡­¡± Keagan rummaged through the basket he had gotten when he was discharged from the hospital. He found what he was looking for and waved it in front of Catalina.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for the true immersive dog owning experience and one of the fears all dog owners have is that one day, their little pet may end up eating a piece of chocolate by accident. Come.¡± Keagan instructed.


    Catalina¡¯s expression was one of concern and actual fear, but she crawled towards him regardless.


    Keagan removed the wrapper from the chocolate bar and pointed it at Catalina¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Oh no. My dog has accidentally eaten some chocolate.¡± Keagan said in a monotone voice.


    Catalina looked at Keagan with confused eyes.


    ¡°Well? You heard me.¡± Keagan said. His eyes narrow and dark.


    Catalina took a bite of the chocolate and smiled weakly at Keagan.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ no. Not enough. A dog wouldn¡¯t show such restraint. Eat all of it.¡± Keagan said. His voice low and his heart calm.


    Catalina looked at Karisa, but she was too busy caressing Keagan to care.


    Catalina then ate the whole chocolate bar, which made Keagan smile brightly.


    ¡°Good. Now die.¡±

 15. The Beast With Many A Back

    Karisa stopped caressing Keagan almost instantly.


    Catalina¡¯s eyes shook as she wondered what Keagan meant.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ this isn¡¯t good at all. My dog has eaten chocolate which is clearly a problem and yet it isn¡¯t dying.¡± Keagan sang.


    Catalina panicked.


    She honestly didn¡¯t know what Keagan wanted her to do, even though his instruction was so clear.


    Keagan then got up and walked over to her. He looked down at her with his cold, dark eyes as he placed his hands on her shoulders.


    ¡°Oh, dear. What ever shall l do?¡± Keagan said as he slid his hands up her shoulders towards her neck. He then applied a small amount of pressure at the sides, taking care not to squeeze the larynx.


    Catalina¡¯s eyes opened as wide as they could as Keagan continuously applied pressure to her neck.


    His mind went blank as she choked beneath him.


    But then he realized that she wasn¡¯t resisting.


    Her arms frantically spasmed around, but she didn¡¯t try to kick him off or push him away.


    Keagan then realized that no matter what he did, he could never get rid of her without satisfying her sick fantasies.


    He let go off her and watched as she fell backwards.


    Tears ran down her eyes, but he knew that she wasn¡¯t crying because she was sad or hurt.


    Keagan crawled over her twitching body and looked into her teary eyes. He lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers, but to his surprise, Catalina received his kiss openly.


    Actually, she kissed him back passionately which shocked Keagan. He then decided to kick all logic and reason in the balls.


    He slid down his pants as his tongue danced with Catalina¡¯s.


    His heart raced as he frantically kicked off his pants. He then pressed his body against Catalina¡¯s.


    ¡°I-" Keagan tried speaking, but he couldn¡¯t form any words nor sentences. All he could do was act on his desire to take Catalina once and for all. Although it wasn¡¯t clear who¡¯s victory that would be.


    Catalina smiled as she pulled Keagan¡¯s head into her bosom, she made sure that he could hear her dancing heart.


    Then, Keagan moved her panties to the side and he slid into her with everyone ounce of strength he had.


    Karisa gasped upon witnessing Keagan and Catalina as they became one.


    She couldn¡¯t help but let out pained moan as Keagan gave Catalina his undivided attention.


    She watched as Catalina held Keagan so tight, it looked as though she was afraid he¡¯d suddenly stop and leave her.


    Karisa¡¯s body begged for her to join them, but she knew better than to interrupt Keagan.


    But then again-


    Keagan wrapped his arms around Catalina¡¯s back as he thrust into her with all his might, which wasn¡¯t easy considering the fact that his pain medication had worn off completely at this point.


    He could feel Catalina gratefully accept him with every thrust.


    Catalina¡¯s moans filled the apartment and her body became a hot sweaty mass as she tightly clung to Keagan.


    Catalina must have realized that Keagan was reaching his climax and so she forcefully rubbed her hands down his bruised back.


    This made him fuck her even harder and faster, so much so that her eyes crossed, but she wasn¡¯t done.


    She then slid her arms across his back again, but this time upwards towards his neck as she too reached her peak.


    Keagan let out several grunts as he came into Catalina, who pulled at his hair as her legs flew into the air.


    The room quickly fell silent as Keagan and Catalina caught their breaths.


    Keagan got off Catalina and watched as she convulsed with pleasure.


    He then heard movement behind him.


    He turned to look and found a completely naked Karisa. She erotically fondled her breasts as her eyes beckoned him.


    Keagan got up and used Karisa¡¯s shoulders to press her into the bed. He then lowered his head to kiss her, but she teasingly tilted her head and kissed him on the cheek.


    Keagan the pressed his forehead against hers and applied generous amounts of pressure momentarily.


    She got the message and kissed him, gently at first, but once his body came into full contact with hers, Karisa abandon all restraint and kissed Keagan with all she had.


    Keagan accepted her his as he fondled her breasts. They were so soft and felt so delicate that Keagan felt as though his hands would disappear into them.


    Keagan then turned his attention towards the rest of her body.


    Unlike Catalina, who¡¯s body was relatively fit, Karisa was softer and slightly bigger.


    Keagan could feel himself getting lost in her embrace. Her rapid, but subtle heartbeat called out to Keagan who had long since lost his pants, so after a little alignment, he was ready indulge in Karisa¡¯s body.


    He crudely forced his dick into her with the same amount of passion as he did with Catalina, but Karisa let pained moans rather than Catalina¡¯s animalistic cries.


    Keagan looked into Karisa¡¯s eyes and saw tears fall from her eyes as Catalina joined them on the bed.


    Keagan ignored her and focused on Karisa.


    ¡°Are you ok?¡± He asked, his voice full of genuine concern.


    Karisa smiled as tears continuously ran down her face.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok. I¡¯m just so very happy.¡± She said before Keagan thrust into her again. Her cries of pain gradually turning into desperate moans. She wanted Keagan to give her what he had given Catalina.


    Keagan continued to explore Karisa¡¯s body, but she couldn¡¯t help but feel like he was holding back.


    Karisa held Keagan¡¯s head in place.


    ¡°Go ahead. You don¡¯t have to worry about me-"


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not. I was taking a little break!¡± Keagan said as he fucked Karisa¡¯s brains out. He abandon his reasoning and even after Karisa orgasmed herself into a semi conscious state, Keagan continued to ravage her body until he too drowned in intense pleasure.


    Keagan collapsed on top of Karisa, who slowly regained consciousness.


    Catalina moved in closer to them as they laid bare on the bed.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡°I love you Keagan.¡± Catalina said.


    Keagan¡¯s already fatigued heart began racing as he heard Catalina call him by his name for the first time.


    ¡°I love you too.¡± Karisa said weakly.


    Keagan was too tired to yell at them about how much he hated them and how they were terrible human beings.


    ¡°I¡­ love you too.¡± Keagan said as the two coiled themselves around him.


    Keagan¡¯s eyes slowly closed and he eventually slept.


    .


    ..


    Keagan was awoken by the sweat smell of coffee.


    There was something about coffee that Keagan couldn¡¯t help but love. The more of it you had, the more you wanted.


    Taking a sip was satisfying in itself, but drinking a whole cup was bliss. Then you''d realize that it was all gone and make another. A beautiful cycle.


    Keagan opened his eyes and found a semi dressed Catalina and Karisa as they prepared something in the kitchen.


    He smiled subconsciously as he rose.


    His entire body stung like crazy so he quickly took one of the pills Dr. Xander had given him.


    Keagan also realized that Dr. Xander had done so much for him and he was yet to thank him.


    He brushed that thought aside as Catalina offered him a cup of coffee.


    She bashfully smiled before joining Karisa for breakfast.


    The morning went by uneventfully.


    Keagan wished all of his days were like this, but then he heard a knock on the door.


    His heart sank as he wondered who it was.


    He cautiously approached the door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± He asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s Mercy. I just wanted to check in on you.¡± Mercy said.


    Keagan opened the door and welcomed Mercy in.


    ¡°You seem to be doing ok. Seems like I was worried for nothing-¡° Mercy stopped talking as soon as she saw two barely dressed women in Keagan¡¯s kitchen.


    ¡°Oh- umm¡­¡± Keagan stuttered as he looked between Karisa, Catalina and Mercy.


    ¡°Keagan¡­ are you doing some weird role playing things?¡± Mercy asked as she placed the basket in her hand on the table.


    ¡°Nope. That¡¯s just the way they are and you two, get dressed.¡± Keagan instructed as he sat on the couch.


    ¡°Still though¡­ Karisa Astali. She¡¯s like a super model.¡± Mercy said as though Karisa wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. Anyway, enough about them. How are you doing?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but Dan hasn¡¯t called me in a while. I should be fine if Andre moves on.¡± Mercy said as Karisa and Catalina joined Keagan on the couch.


    ¡°So¡­ Karisa Astali¡­ you¡¯re Keagan¡¯s¡­?¡± Mercy asked.


    ¡°Can I be completely honest with you?¡± Karisa asked, her voice calm and composed.


    ¡°Yeah, sure."


    ¡°Keagan is our heart. Our soul. Keagan is everything we want and so much more. We love him and he¡¯s our master.¡± Karisa said as she gleefully smiled. Her face was beet red. So much so that Mercy could almost see the blood circulating beneath her skin.


    ¡°Oh- is that so? You really have it rough, huh?¡± Mercy said as she gave Keagan an awkward smile.


    ¡°You have no idea.¡± Keagan said as he crossed his arms. He then turned on the TV.


    [- has been reported missing. The police are investigating his disappearance and Lezzaro is seemingly sparing no expense in their attempt to find one of their top scientists.]


    The reporter said.


    The headline read: ¡°Head Lezzaro Scientist Peter Cranston has gone missing¡±


    Keagan exchanged glances with Mercy.


    ¡°This is bad.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Catalina, what rank does Peter hold among the top researchers?¡± Keagan asked.


    Catalina gasped briefly before regaining her composure.


    ¡°He is second. Head scientist Erika Schmidt is first, but she¡¯s in France right now.¡± Catalina said.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Mercy asked as Keagan¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°They¡¯re going to target the production sites.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Mercy asked.


    ¡°The guys who attacked me may be targeting Lezzaro¡¯s chemical production lines.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable, but how did they know to target the head scientists? Normally, if someone wants access to the production sites, you need to be a worker there, or be a head scientist. The guys who attacked you may have forced the information out of a worker and are planning to use the head scientist for easy access to the site. But why didn¡¯t they let him go to work? This may have reduced suspicion, but there was also a chance that he¡¯d run to the police.¡± Mercy said as she adjusted her glasses.


    ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s wait and see what happens. But we should¡­ I should talk to Dan just in case.¡± Keagan said as he sat back into the couch.


    ¡°Anyway, you¡¯re here. What had you planned on doing? It is Saturday after all.¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Nothing much. What were you up to before I got here?¡± Mercy asked as she removed her jacket.


    ¡°Umm¡­ nothing really. Had some breakfast. You know, the usual.¡± Keagan said with an awkwardly loud chuckle.


    ¡°So you usually have two gorgeous babes with you everyday?¡± Mercy asked as she kicked off her shoes.


    ¡°Well, as you know, these two aren¡¯t normal.¡± Keagan said with a nasal tone.


    ¡°I know. So, what were you going to do to them?¡± Mercy asked as she folded her legs.


    ¡°Who? Me? Nothing, much¡­¡± Keagan said with a sly laugh.


    He knew that Mercy was trying to distract herself from her reality, but he didn¡¯t want to involve her in Karisa and Catalina¡¯s sick game.


    ¡°Listen¡­ why don¡¯t we just watch some-"


    ¡°No Keagan. I want to be with you right now. Even if it means being with¡­ those two.¡± Mercy said.


    ¡°Ok, but don¡¯t freak out.¡± Keagan said as he got up. He was still shirtless, so mercy could see his slightly above average chest.


    ¡°it¡¯s ok. Besides, this will give me a chance to get close to the spokesperson himself, no?¡± Mercy said as her face turned red.


    Mercy Evergreen. Keagan recited mentally before turning his dark eyes towards her.


    ¡°Take off your clothes.¡± Keagan said as the morning sun danced in the apartment.


    Mercy¡¯s eyes widened, but she did as she was told. Albeit hesitantly.


    She revealed her bare self to Keagan, who honestly didn¡¯t know why she was going along with his demands. He keenly inspected her rather smooth skin and his eyes wondered around her curly brown hair. Her green eyes and bright smile could steal the heart of any man, but Keagan respected her too much to want to harm her.


    Actually, that¡¯s exactly he was trying to show her. His goal was to embarrass Mercy to the point where she¡¯d give up on joining in.


    Keagan approached Mercy. His breaths calm. His mind focused.


    Mercy wore a set of pale green underwear that complimented her fair skin.


    Keagan then placed his hands on her shoulders and Mercy twitched. Keagan wasn¡¯t sure of it was out of excitement, anticipation or perhaps even fear.


    ¡°I won¡¯t hurt you.¡± Keagan said


    As he leaned in towards her ear.


    ¡°Unless you want me to.¡± Keagan whispered as Mercy fell backwards onto the couch.


    Keagan reached out towards her bra. He patiently waited for her to scream and beg that he stop, but that scream never came.


    Keagan slid his hand beneath her bra and squeezed her rather modest breasts.


    Mercy offered little resistance as Keagan removed her bra.


    ¡°I can stop here if you want me to.¡± Keagan whispered as Catalina and Karisa watched.


    Mercy glanced at them and saw their sorrowful looks as Keagan explored Mercy¡¯s body.


    ¡°Keep going. I know this is sudden, but-"


    ¡°No, it¡¯s ok. Sorry for testing you. Girls! Get dressed and leave. Mercy and I have some catching up to do. Oh and Catalina, keep an eye on Dan. I¡¯m not sure, but he¡¯s definitely up to something.¡± Keagan instructed and the girls dressed up and left without question.


    Keagan then got off Mercy and took a deep breath, before letting out a sigh.


    ¡°Have you had lunch yet? Let¡¯s eat, take a shower then we¡¯ll talk.¡± Keagan said as he walked over to the kitchen area.


    ¡°How are you always so level headed? I just tried tempting you and yet you led me by the nose and observed my reactions¡­ are you a psychopath?¡± Mercy asked as she slipped back into her pants. She wore her shirt as well, without any underwear beneath.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ no. I¡¯m just afraid. Afraid of getting hurt. So I watch. I¡¯ve been hurt so much in such a short amount of time, it¡¯d be foolish of me not to carefully observe my environment. Whether or not this ¡°skill" ends up being useful is up to the universe.¡± Keagan said as he prepared some microwaveable meals for Mercy and himself.


    Mercy watched as Keagan served her a steaming hot meal.


    They both ate away and in a matter of minutes, they were done.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to shower.¡± Keagan said as he slipped into the shower. He was surprised by Mercy¡¯s sudden entrance.


    ¡°Oh? You¡¯re really serious about this. Mmm¡­ I wonder what Tommy would think of this? Or Catalina and Karisa.¡± Keagan playfully wondered, but Mercy¡¯s face darkened as she undressed.


    ¡°Those two hurt you so badly and yet- I wonder if I will ever be able to forgive Dan and Mr. Astali for what they did.¡±


    ¡°Who says I¡¯ve forgiven them?¡± Keagan asked, his voice low.


    Mercy looked into Keagan¡¯s black eyes and she could see all the hatred and pain he felt, but that didn¡¯t explain any he was sleeping with his enemy.


    ¡°But-" Mercy tried saying as Keagan entered the shower.


    ¡°It¡¯s complicated. I can¡¯t explain how it works, but I definitely haven¡¯t forgiven them and you shouldn¡¯t forgive Dan either. The reason I do anything I do, my goal is to reestablish a sense of normalcy to my life. A routine. Whether or not Karisa and Catalina are in that routine is up for debate, but I¡¯ll see all this through. Then one day, I¡¯ll sit back on my chair as I play my games without fear. The fear of being drugged. The fear of assault. I even feared for you and I still do. I want all of that to disappear, but in order for that to happen, I need to establish what I want in my new routine. Understand?¡± Keagan asked as he turned on the water.


    Mercy nodded her head slightly, even though all she saw was the movement of Keagan¡¯s lips and the black fire in his eyes.


    The two bathed rather slowly before emerging from the bathroom.


    Keagan plopped onto his bed and wondered when he¡¯d get to eat some of Roy¡¯s famous stew.


    Mercy crawled onto Keagan¡¯s bed and fiddled with her hair as Keagan completely ignored her.


    His thoughts swam in the vast dreamscape that was Roy¡¯s stew. Beefy or porky, thick, heavenly goodness!


    Mercy tried reaching out to him, but hesitated as she thought about what he said.


    Keagan wanted to return to his normal and predictable life. She wondered if she had a place in his world.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Keagan-"


    ¡°You know, I always thought you and Tommy would make a great couple.¡± Keagan said rather bluntly.


    Mercy¡¯s heart sank.


    ¡°Is that so? I dunno. He seems clingy, possessive and insecure.¡± Mercy said harshly.


    ¡°Oh? Then I guess he¡¯s not the one.¡± Keagan said with a sigh before turning to face Mercy.


    ¡°I know what you want, but all being with me guarantees is pain, fear and a sprinkle of misery.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°But that¡¯s not all there is to you. You¡¯re caring, to me at least. You¡¯re smart. Slightly handsome.¡± Mercy said as tears rolled down her face.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ I¡¯ll take those as compliments.¡± Keagan droned.


    ¡°I want you to hold me.¡±


    Keagan¡¯s eyes narrowed which made Mercy¡¯s tremble slightly. He then spread his arms and Mercy instantly fell into them. He could feel her desperation, her fear and her anxiety.


    She probably worried that Keagan would reject her, but Keagan held her tightly.


    ¡°Ok, fine. But don¡¯t ditch me when the shit inevitably hits the fan.¡±

 16. A Meal With Friends

    Keagan had cuddled with Mercy for so long it felt as though their bodies were glued together. He didn¡¯t know why Mercy found comfort in his arms, but if that¡¯s what she wanted, then that¡¯s what he was going to give her.


    Keagan eventually managed to rip himself out of her grasp and make his way to the kitchen.


    The morning sun angrily made it¡¯s way into Keagan¡¯s eyes, but he didn¡¯t mind the pain.


    His body was feeling far better than before so a little sunlight was the least of his concerns.


    Keagan then received a text from Dan as he drank some cool water.


    [Oi, Keagan. How are you doing?]


    Dan asked.


    [I¡¯m ok. Feeling much better than before, but I¡¯m guessing you didn¡¯t text just to catch up. What do you need?]


    Keagan asked.


    [I¡¯ll never grow tired of your frankness. Anyway, we need a working prototype and we need to fast. Do you know where Mercy is? The guys down at the testing department have made some progress but I¡¯d like someone to check if everything is in working order.]


    Dan said prompting Keagan to look at the sleeping Mercy. She had been so stressed in recent days that Keagan couldn¡¯t help but offer his help. Not to mention that Dan was the root of most of her newfound pain.


    [I¡¯m not sure where she is, but you could get Tommy instead. He¡¯s basically her right hand man.]


    Keagan said.


    [Alright. He¡¯ll do. But notify me if you hear from Mercy. None of my calls are reaching her.]


    Dan said.


    [Ok.]


    Keagan said before returning to the bed where Mercy soundly slept.


    Or not.


    Keagan noticed that her foot was swaying left and right, so Keagan walked over to her foot and ran his index finger across the bottom.


    Mercy trembled, but she didn¡¯t give in. She maintained her sleeping fa?ade.


    Keagan chuckled internally before mounting her back. He could feel her soft butt beneath him as he lowered himself. He moved in towards her ear and took a nibble of the top part of her right ear.


    Mercy continued to pretend to sleep.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ I wonder how much pain a person feels when they¡¯re asleep." Keagan teasingly said as he gently caressed Mercy¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Pull it and I kill you.¡± Mercy said, although her voice was slightly muffled by the pillows her face was buried in.


    ¡°Kill me? I¡¯d love that.¡± Keagan said as he pulled her long and curly brown hair.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Mercy violently thrashed around throwing Keagan off her in the process.


    Keagan hit the floor on his but and broke into laughter.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite the aggressive one.¡± Keagan said as he jumped back onto the bed. He then grabbed her rather small arms and pressed them into the bed. He looked into her beautiful eyes and smiled.


    Usually when Catalina or Karisa did something, Keagan¡¯s stomach would twist and turn, but with Mercy, the only thing he felt was comfort and joy. He then realized why Mercy wanted to hold him so badly.


    ¡°Listen¡­ I¡¯m sorry about yesterday.¡± Keagan apologized.


    ¡°No. I should be the one apologizing.¡± Mercy said with a smile.


    Keagan¡¯s eyes sparkled for a moment, but that moment was interrupted by the sounds of knocking on the door.


    Keagan frowned before hopping out of his bed, grabbing a nearby shirt and walking towards the door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Keagan asked, his irritation clear.


    ¡°It¡¯s Roy! Hurry up, I made some stew for you.¡± Said a playful voice.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Keagan quickly opened the door and welcomed his buddy and personal chef.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call?¡± Keagan said as he walked towards the couch.


    ¡°Oh, I just wanted to surprise you-¡° Roy stopped as he approached the couch.


    ¡°Kay...?¡± Roy droned.


    ¡°What?¡± Keagan asked as he yanked the lunchbox full of leftovers from Roy.


    ¡°Why is there a naked woman in your bed?¡± Roy asked, his voice monotone.


    ¡°Umm¡­ that¡¯s not some random woman. Look carefully.¡± Keagan instructed as Mercy sat up, revealing her modest breasts for Roy to see, although that wasn¡¯t her intention.


    Mercy quickly got dressed before she greeted the shocked Roy.


    ¡°Good morning. I¡¯m sure you already know my name, but I¡¯m Mercy Evergreen.¡± Mercy said as she shook Roy¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Yeah, I know very well who you are, but I¡¯m curious. What kind of relationship do you have with Kay?¡± Roy asked with a pout. Roy was also one of the few people who called Keagan Kay, but he only did so rarely when he wanted to emphasize something.


    In this case. It was a burning jealousy.


    ¡°We¡¯re friends¡­ I think. I don¡¯t know. We just have a lot in common.¡± Mercy said as she sat on the couch along with a pouting Roy.


    In the background, Keagan microwaved some of the leftovers Roy had brought over.


    ¡°Oh? Mmm¡­ ok.¡± Roy said as he turned to Keagan.


    ¡°What¡¯s you secret bro?¡± Roy asked. His eyes intense.


    ¡°Who? Me? I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re talking about, but the key to making friends is you always be kind and accepting.¡± Keagan said as he dished out the steaming hot stew for the three people present in the apartment.


    Keagan took a seat beside Roy and ate away at the savoury goodness that was his stew.


    Roy neglected his serving and continued staring at Keagan, while Mercy tried some of the stew.


    ¡°Nah, man. I¡¯m serious. You know when was the last time I had a someone back at may place?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°When?¡± Keagan asked with his mouth full.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ¡°Before I met you.¡± Roy said bluntly.


    ¡°Aww. Then stop being friends with me.¡± Keagan suggested.


    ¡°No way. You¡­ I know this may sound weird, but you complete me bro. When I¡¯m lost, you help me find my way. When I¡¯m angry you calm me down. Sometimes I wonder why you¡¯re not my brother instead of Cory, but that aside. You seem to have a gift when it comes to¡­¡± Roy eyed Mercy as she stuffed her face.


    ¡°Women.¡± Roy said as he crossed his arms.


    ¡°Hehe, let me clarify something before your green shade darkens. Me and Mercy aren¡¯t an item. At least, not at this moment. She came over because she wanted someone to talk to.¡± Keagan explained.


    ¡°Ok. Understandable. What about the super model and the executive?¡± Roy asked with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯d be surprised by how evil those two are.¡± Keagan said as his eyes rolled backwards. The stew threatened to make his heart seized up with joy.


    ¡°Oh? And you¡¯d know this how?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°I dare you to spend more than two seconds with them. They suck.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ ok. What about the milf?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°Do you mean Karisa¡¯s mom? First off, she¡¯s married. Second, no. I¡¯m not interested.¡± Keagan said as he finished the last of his stew. He then gave the fridge a predator like gaze as it held the rest of the leftovers.


    ¡°Arrg!¡± Roy groaned before noticing that a tear was rolling down Mercy¡¯s face.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°No idea. Mercy?¡± Keagan called out, but Mercy¡¯s tears continued to fall.


    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ you guys are such good friends. It made me wonder if I¡¯ll ever have anything so real¡­ so tangible.¡± Mercy said.


    ¡°Bro I think your beef is too much for the common woman.¡± Keagan teased as he took the empty dishes to the sink.


    ¡°Sorry ma¡¯am, but Keagan and I aren¡¯t friends. He¡¯s a parasite who¡¯s been feeding off of me for several years.¡± Roy scoffed.


    ¡°See? That¡¯s what I mean. I don¡¯t have anyone like that to talk to or joke with. I¡¯ve spent so much of my time trying to develop my research that I completely forgot about everything else and now I¡¯m so bad with people I can¡¯t even lead my own project. Keagan has to do everything and I fear that¡¯s why he got hurt.¡± Mercy said.


    Roy offered her his hand and she held it before her wrapped his arm around her.


    ¡°Look at what your stew did, hehe.¡± Keagan teased.


    ¡°Oh, shut up. She¡¯s hurting. Oh and miss Mercy, you¡¯ve got your whole life ahead of you. There¡¯s plenty of time left to make friends and have good times-"


    ¡°And good food.¡± Keagan interrupted, only to have Roy throw a pillow at him.


    ¡°Really?¡± Mercy asked as she wiped her tears.


    ¡°Yep. Oh and don¡¯t worry about Keagan. He¡¯s a tough cookie. How do you think he helped redeem a ex thug like myself?¡± Roy retorted as he rubbed Mercy¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°He helped you too?¡± Mercy asked.


    ¡°He out right saved my life. I was part of a group of nasty individuals who did nasty things, but Keagan showed me that there was more to life than hurting others. That and he wanted easy access to my cooking.¡± Roy said.


    ¡°Whatever you¡¯re going through is probably clearly visible to Keagan. He can see all of your pain and he¡¯s probably trying to find a way to help. So cheer up. Keagan¡¯s not always a womanizing pervert.¡± Roy said as he let go of Mercy.


    Keagan completely ignored Mercy and Roy as they shared a tender moment. He then hopped into his bed and checked his phone to find several messages.


    [Hi Keagan. It¡¯s Silvia. I don¡¯t know why, but I miss you so badly. Ever since I left the apartment, I¡¯ve been in such lovely pain. I want you so bad which is unfortunate because we are not meant to be.]


    Keagan¡¯s eyes widened slightly as he read the strange text.


    [Anyway, I¡¯m going to savour this pain as I think of you, but I wonder. Are you thinking about me?]


    Keagan put down his phone and sighed loudly.


    ¡°Yo Keagan. You should stop tormenting poor Miss Mercy.¡± Roy said before he threw another pillow at Keagan.


    ¡°You can call me Mercy.¡± Mercy said as she walked towards the kitchen to get some water.


    ¡°What do you mean by torment?¡± Keagan asked playfully as he thought about what Dan had said earlier.


    ¡°She said that you have a habit of teasing her and emotionally manipulating her.¡± Roy accused rather loudly.


    ¡°Is that so? Mercy, have I been manipulating you?¡± Keagan asked as Mercy sat besides him on the bed.


    ¡°Yes. Yesterday, I came here with the expectation of getting my brains fucked out, but you made me fall for you instead.¡± Mercy whispered before Roy jumped out of the couch.


    ¡°Dammit! I forgot about Cory.¡± Roy said as he walked towards the door.


    ¡°Gotta go, but don¡¯t think any of this is over Keagan. One day you¡¯ll share your secret. Otherwise I¡¯ll never cook for you again!¡± Roy said as he stormed out.


    Mercy giggled.


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re not laughing at my friend.¡± Keagan said with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just that he¡¯s so¡­ beautiful.¡± Mercy said as she placed her hand on Keagan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°That¡¯s the first time anyone has used that word to describe Roy, but tell me. What about him is so beautiful?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s so honest and pure-"


    ¡°Didn¡¯t he just tell you that he was a thug?¡± Keagan interrupted.


    ¡°Yes, but the both of you made it through that and came out better, no?¡± Mercy asked as she flipped through the TV stations.


    [I know right? It¡¯s so weird! Those two look nothing like the bodyguards that usually accompany the Astali women.]


    The talking head in the TV said.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Keagan¡­ look.¡± Mercy said as she pointed at the TV.


    Keagan turned his head to the TV and saw a blurry image of he, Karisa, Catalina, Mercy and Roy as they entered the very apartment he was currently in.


    [You know what I¡¯ve always wondered what the Astali¡¯s do behind closed doors. Do you think that building holds the answers?]


    One of the talking heads asked.


    [I think you¡¯re jumping the gun a little there, but I share a bit of your curiosity. The last time Silvia Astali made a proper public appearance was about five or so years.]


    Another talking head said.


    [Wow, really? That was ages ago. I¡¯m pretty sure you were in your thirties, right?]


    [Oh, you!]


    Keagan could feel his brows tens up as he saw various pictures of Roy, Catalina, Mercy, Silvia and Karisa as they entered and left the building.


    Mercy snuck a glance at Keagan and saw an expression that quite literally made her tremble in fear.


    Keagan whipped out his phone as the afternoon sun showered him in a bright orange reddish hue. He then punched in a certain number and waited.


    [Wow. Colour me surprised. I never expected-]


    "You saw the news didn¡¯t you?" Keagan coldly interrupted and for some reason, he was overcome by the sudden need to drink coffee.


    [Yes, I saw the news. What of it?]


    Silvia asked calmly as Keagan got up to make himself some coffee.


    ¡°What should I- what should we do?¡± Keagan asked as he added seven teaspoons of sugar into his already sugared coffee.


    [Absolutely nothing. Oh and I love that voice of yours. Being on TV must have really gotten to you. But I believe this isn¡¯t the first time.]


    Silvia said as she let out a weird noise.


    Keagan ignored it. He didn¡¯t want to deal with anymore Astali madness than he had to.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. What¡¯s Mr. Astali going to think? Also, you may not understand this, but I¡¯m uncomfortable with the idea of having my pictures taken by random people.¡± Keagan asked as Silvia let out strange moans.


    Keagan then realised that she was relishing in his angered tone and so he took a deep breath and sighed.


    ¡°Listen, I just don¡¯t want to be caught up in some media scandal.¡± Keagan said calmly.


    [Aww¡­ I wasn¡¯t finished¡­]


    Silvia said and at this point, Mercy could see the blood vessels popping up on his face.


    But Keagan needed to keep calm. After all, Mercy was there.


    [Anyway, you don¡¯t have to do anything. Just stay put and the media will get bored and move to the next scandal.]


    Silvia said, her breath heavy.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Keagan droned.


    [By the way. Before you end the call, can you yell at me-]


    Keagan ended the call and placed his phone in his pocket.


    Mercy walked up to him and gave him a warm hug.


    Keagan sighed.


    His heart wouldn¡¯t calm and his mind raced as he wondered if his life would be ruined by some cheesy or life threatening headlines.


    ¡°I suggest you go home.¡± Keagan said coldly.


    Mercy flinched.


    ¡°And then then what? I leave you here to face this alone? No. I¡¯m staying.¡± Mercy said as her voice threatened to leave her.


    ¡°Well, problems aside. Tomorrow is till Monday and you have a job to do. Oh and if Dan does something text me and I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    Keagan said.


    ¡°What? Do you really think I¡¯m worried about that? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to work without you there.¡± Mercy said as Keagan turned to face her.


    ¡°No. I won¡¯t allow you to do or say as you want. I know what you¡¯re about to say. Some emotional stuff about how you and I are now suddenly inseparable, but I¡¯m going to stop you right here and right now. Your research is more important than I will ever be.¡± Keagan said as he walked toward his bed.


    ¡°I know that. But I think you¡¯re mistaking me for the two wretches who ruined you life. You don¡¯t get to dictate who I let on and out of my heart.¡± Mercy said as her eyes burnt brightly.


    Keagan would have been taken aback by her behaviour but he was honestly relieved to hear that Mercy wanted to stay by his side.


    Keagan smiled weakly at Mercy as he laid back on his bed.


    ¡°Fine. If you want to be on this sinking ship, then I won¡¯t stop you. Well¡­ I tried, but you didn¡¯t listen.¡± Keagan said as Mercy stood eerily still before him.


    The sun slowly set and so deep shadows crawled all over the room.


    Keagan looked into Mercy¡¯s eyes and opened his arms.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to push me away?¡± Mercy asked.


    Keagan shook his head.


    ¡°No and I¡¯m sorry for being so-"


    ¡°Mean?¡± Mercy interrupted as she approached the bed.


    ¡°Hehe, yes. Now come.¡± Keagan said as Mercy crawled into the bed.


    ¡°You know what I¡¯ve learnt over the past few weeks?¡± Mercy said as she rested her head on Keagan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not very good at expressing yourself. Yes, you frown and yell sometimes, but even as you sat in pain in the hospital, you didn¡¯t cry. You didn¡¯t ask for help or anything. ¡° Mercy said as the room turned dark, courtesy of the night sky.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Keagan droned.


    ¡°It¡¯s true. Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m here if you ever need me.¡± Mercy said as she closed her eyes.


    Keagan wondered if all he now knew was anger and pain.


    If so then maybe Mercy had a point.

 17. Pain - The Beginning

    Keagan was awoken by the violent ringing of his phone. He picked it up to see Dan¡¯s caller ID.


    Keagan answered the phone while rubbing his sleepy eyes.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    [The date for the conference has been confirmed. Next month, on the fifth. That gives us ten days to prepare. I hope recover quickly, otherwise we¡¯ll both be in hot water.]


    Dan said as Keagan crawled out of his bed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be ready.¡± Keagan said.


    [Good.]


    Dan said before ending the call.


    Keagan lightly stretched as he prepared some coffee for himself.


    It was still pretty early, so the sun was nowhere to be seen, but Kalos felt more awake than he had in a long time.


    After the presentation, he¡¯d rid himself of Dan and move on with his life.


    Keagan¡¯s phone rang again. This time, it was Roy.


    ¡°Yo. What¡¯s up?¡± Keagan asked.


    [It¡¯s Cory, he¡¯s in trouble. Turn on the TV.]


    Roy instructed.


    Keagan switched on the TV and flipped over to the news where he saw live footage of what looked like a robbery in progress.


    Keagan¡¯s eyes widened upon seeing the picture of Roy¡¯s brother next to the footage.


    [Police are now trying to find a way to diffuse the situation. We can only hope no one is hurt at the end of all this.]


    The reporter said.


    The headline below read: ¡°Ex convict, Cory Deacon and several other suspects in active shoot out with the police.


    Keagan took a deep breath before switching off the TV.


    ¡°Call work and tell them that you¡¯re not going to be able to make it. I¡¯ll be there soon.¡± Kalos said.


    [Ok.]


    Roy said before ending the call.


    Keagan walked over to the bed where Mercy slept. He then gently shook her awake.


    ¡°What is it?¡± She asked while removing some of her hair from he mouth.


    ¡°Its Roy¡¯s brother. He¡¯s in trouble. Go on to work, I¡¯ll go see if he¡¯s ok.¡± Keagan said, but Mercy¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t he come here?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Because not everyone earns as much as you do.¡± Keagan said as she got up.


    ¡°Ok, but come straight back here when you¡¯re done.¡± Mercy said as she prepared to leave for work.


    Keagan watched as she left before he too prepared for his trip. He locked the door as he left for Acan.


    He eventually made it to Roy¡¯s place where he gently knocked on the door.


    ¡°Roy, it¡¯s me.¡± Keagan said and it wasn¡¯t long before the door opened, revealing Roy¡¯s saddened face.


    Keagan entered Roy¡¯s apartment and they sat on his couch in silence.


    Keagan reached out and touch Roy¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°I should have seen the signs.¡± Roy said as his voice trembled.


    Keagan tried speaking, but he honestly didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°I¡¯m so¡­ so sorry, Keagan.¡± Roy said as he looked into Keagan¡¯s eyes.


    Keagan took a deep breath before grabbing Roy and hugging him deeply.


    ¡°Shh. Don¡¯t say anything.¡± Keagan said as he held Roy.


    The two sat in silence as time slowly crawled by.


    Roy then reached for the remote and switched on the TV.


    [Oh dear, the shootout has drastically escalated and the suspects are trying to make their escape from the building.]


    The reporter said.


    Keagan turned his head and saw footage of several men in a gunfight against several police.


    One of the men stood out to Keagan. He was large and wore a mask over his head, but nothing could hide his identity from Keagan.


    Keagan wondered how the police knew.


    Keagan shook those thoughts away.


    [The suspects have entered a vehicle and are now trying to escape capture.]


    The reporter said as Cory and his men drove away from the warehouse.


    The police quickly got into their cars and pursued Cory.


    The chase took them into the main road that led out of Ix Chel.


    One of the cops then landed a lucky shot and damaged one of the wheels in Cory¡¯s vehicle.


    The car then spun out of control before crashing into the side of the road.


    Cory and his men got out of the car and began shooting at the police, but they had lost the cover if the warehouse.


    One of them fell after taking multiple shots to the body.


    Then another.


    They all fell until Cory was the last one standing, but even then. He was riddled with bullets, but he didn¡¯t stop shooting.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Then a bullet flew across the road and into Cory¡¯s head.


    ¡°Uh-" Keagan sounded.


    Roy¡¯s eyes widened as he watched his brothers body hit the ground.


    [The police have seemingly shot and killed all of the suspects-]


    Keagan grabbed the remote from Roy and switched off the TV as tears welled up in Roy¡¯s eyes.


    Roy then broke down into tears, prompting Keagan grab and hold Roy again.


    Roy wept for what felt like an eternity.


    Keagan ignored all phone calls that he received and before he know it, it was already six o¡¯clock.


    Keagan ripped himself away from Roy. He then walked up to the fridge and grabbed some leftovers.


    He reheated them before serving them up. Then he placed Roy¡¯s plate on the table in front of him.


    Roy didn¡¯t move as he sat on the couch.


    Keagan would have urged him to eat, but doing that wouldn¡¯t be very good and so he waited.


    Keagan eventually finished his meal, but Roy hadn¡¯t even touched his.


    Keagan sighed.


    ¡°Roy?¡± He called out.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Roy asked. His voice weak.


    ¡°You gotta eat.¡± Keagan said.


    Roy looked at his now cold food and grabbed his plate. He then slowly ate away at some of his food before some loud knocking came from the door.


    ¡°APD, open up.¡± A loud voice said.


    Keagan¡¯s eyes narrowed. He scanned the room for anything¡­ out of order, but found nothing.


    He then got up and opened the door slightly.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Keagan asked upon seeing several armoured men outside.


    ¡°Are you Roy Deacon?¡± One of the police asked.


    ¡°No. He¡¯s inside.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Oh? Mind if we come in and speak to him?¡± The policeman asked.


    Keagan looked at Roy, who was still eating, before turning to the police.


    ¡°Now¡¯s not a good time.¡± Keagan said in an attempt to spare Roy from whatever the police had in store.


    ¡°Please, this will only take a moment.¡± The policeman said.


    Keagan sighed.


    ¡°Fine, but only one of you.¡± Keagan said. He then led the policeman to where Roy sat.


    ¡°Good evening Mr. Deacon. I¡¯m detective Oliver Craig. I¡¯m not sure if you are aware, but your brother, Cory Deacon and several other people were killed today after attempting a robbery on a private property.¡± Oliver said.


    Roy looked at Keagan.


    Keagan gently held Roy¡¯s hand before nodding.


    ¡°Uh- yeah, I saw what happened on the news.¡± Roy said weakly.


    ¡°Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?¡± Oliver asked.


    Roy agreed and a mini interrogation took place.


    About an hour passed before Oliver was satisfied.


    ¡°Thank you for your cooperation. I understand this is a tough time for you, but if you have any more information to share, please call this number.¡± The detective said as he offered Roy a card.


    Roy accepted the card before escorting the detective out. He then returned to the couch. He gently rested his head on the couch as he searched for Keagan¡¯s hand.


    Keagan held his best friend and it wasn¡¯t long before they fell asleep.


    .


    ..


    Keagan was awoken by the loud ringing of his phone.


    The caller ID showed that it was Dan.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    [Yo, I need you in Cynosure. Gonna introduce you to the guy in charge of the conference this year. Hopefully our day will end in a few drinks, hehe.]


    Dan said.


    Keagan looked at Roy, who soundly slept.


    ¡°Umm¡­ ok. I¡¯ll come, but now¡¯s not a good time. A¡­ friend of mine just died.¡± Keagan said.


    [Oh? Oh¡­ then I¡¯ll make sure to do most of the talking.]


    Dan said.


    ¡°Ok.¡± Keagan said before ending the call. He then gently shook Roy awake.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve got some work to do. Call me if you need anything, ok?¡± Keagan said as he got up.


    ¡°Ok. I¡¯ll visit the police station and do what Detective Oliver Craig said, but I really don¡¯t want to be alone.¡± Roy said.


    ¡°Ok, go to my place. I¡¯ll be there as soon as I finish whatever Dan has planned for me.¡± Keagan said as he handed Roy his keys.


    Keagan then power walked over to his apartment. He kept looking over his shoulder to check if he was being followed, but after doubling around the block he stayed, he eventually got into his place, took a quick shower and went to Ix Chel.


    He made his way to the Lezzaro building and headed straight for Mercy¡¯s office.


    ¡°Ah, look who¡¯s back. Are you sure you¡¯re ready for work?¡± Johan asked as he spun around in his chair.


    ¡°Yeah. Didn¡¯t expect to be seeing you for at least another week.¡± Tommy said with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m all better now.¡± Keagan said with a bright smile as he knocked on Mercy¡¯s office door.


    ¡°C- come in.¡± Mercy said with a stutter.


    Keagan entered the office to find Dan, Mercy and Catalina.


    Dan got up and gently hugged Keagan.


    ¡°There you are! I ain¡¯t gonna lie, you had me worried for a second.¡± Dan said as he allowed Keagan to take his seat.


    Keagan noticed that Mercy¡¯s face was pale and she had a hollow look in her eyes.


    ¡°Anyway, you and I are going to Cynosure to meet with Frederick Achebe himself. The goal is to get as close to him as possible. I want as much space as possible on that damned conference floor and I have a feeling that if he hears your science talk, he¡¯ll explode with nerdy juices.¡± Dan said with an evil smile.


    ¡°How did you ever become a director?¡± Keagan asked, but Dan shrugged his shoulders in response.


    ¡°Anyway, Mercy and Catalina are going to check if our fully functional prototype is ready and by the time the sixth is here, we¡¯ll all be sitting in the winner¡¯s circle.¡± Dan said as he opened the door.


    ¡°So, let¡¯s go!¡± Dan said rather loudly before leaving the office.


    Keagan the shifted his focus to Mercy, who¡¯s gaze was low.


    ¡°Mercy, you ok?¡± Keagan asked, but Dan¡¯s head popped into the office again.


    ¡°Yo! Cynosure isn¡¯t across the street. Let¡¯s go!¡± He said.


    Keagan looked at Catalina for answers, but she was in her ¡°cold¡± mode.


    Keagan sighed before getting up and following Dan out of the Lezzaro building and into his car.


    They made their way to the vectrain station and travelled to Cynosure in a flash.


    They then took a taxi to a certain restaurant and awaited the arrival of Professor Frederick Achebe.


    Dan impatiently tapped his feet as they waited.


    ¡°So¡­ your friend died?¡± Dan asked.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ maybe I should have clarified. My friends bother died.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Oh? How old was he?¡± Dan asked. His voice soothing and sincere.


    ¡°Not sure. Twenty seven or somewhere around there.¡± Keagan said prompting Dan to look up in thought.


    ¡°That¡¯s far too young.¡± Dan said.


    ¡°You know, my son left my wife and I at a young age too. I asked myself all sorts of questions, but at some point I realised that his memory will live on within me.¡± Dan said as he nibbled on the appetizers.


    ¡°Keagan, life is o so tragic at times. But its crucial that you keep going for those unable, ok?¡± Dan said before glancing to his left for a split second.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ you know what? Here.¡± Dan said as he removed his leather watch.


    ¡°It was my son¡¯s. I¡¯m letting you have it to reinforce my advice. I shouldn¡¯t have to look at it to remember him because he¡¯s always in here.¡± Dan said as he pointed at his heart.


    Keagan opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the presence of a rather large man to his left.


    ¡°I take it you are Dan Eagleton and Keagan Keita?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°Yes, Dr. Achebe. It truly is a pleasure to meet you.¡± Dan said as he got up, allowing Dr. Achebe to sit besides him after they shook hands.


    Keagan¡¯s attention was drawn to the man¡¯s incredible height. He had a hair of greying hair, smooth dark skin and a pair of intelligent eyes.


    His clothes were semi formal, but he had a pair of comfortable looking shoes.


    ¡°My apologies. I had a few errands to run before getting here.¡± Dr. Achebe said.


    ¡°Tis no problem at all. Actually, that gave me and Keagan here some time to chat.¡± Dan said with a smile.


    ¡°Is that so? And I here I thought Lezzaro was going to send me some cold hearted snakes in suits.¡± Dr. Achebe said with a hearty laugh.


    That laugh hid a certain message that Keagan noticed a little to late.


    ¡°Not all of us are cold hearted though.¡± Dan said. His smile still bright.


    ¡°I can tell. You and the young lad look like you have a deep bond.¡± Dr. Achebe said.


    ¡°Thick as thieves, he and I. Speaking of theft, I¡¯d like to get to the point, if you don¡¯t mind.¡± Dan said.


    ¡°Oh? Go on.¡± Dr. Achebe said as he leaned forward.


    ¡°See, the space Lezzaro needs for the unveiling of the future needs to be fitting. That¡¯s why I wanted to talk to you.¡± Dan said.


    ¡°I know. But if that were your goal, you¡¯d have followed protocol. So¡­ how much space do you want?¡± Dr. Achebe asked.


    ¡°Half of the thunder dome.¡± Dan said.


    Silence followed.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ explain to me what you¡¯re offering the world of science again."


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s his job.¡± Dan said, snapping Keagan into an attentive sitting position.


    Keagan then explained cryogenics and its applications before hinting at what the CryoPod could do without naming the classified machine.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Dr. Achebe droned deeply.


    ¡°As an archaeologist, this intrigues me deeply.¡± Dr. Achebe said before offering Dan his hand.


    ¡°Twenty five percent of the venue.¡± The professor offered.


    ¡°We¡¯re talking about world breaking science here¡­ fourth percent.¡± Dan said with a smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re really willing to spend all that money? Unfortunately, as a scientist, I must allow other companies to share the stage. Thirty percent.¡± Dr. Achebe said, his eyes narrow.


    ¡°Thirty five?¡± Dan asked.


    ¡°Thirty five.¡± Dr. Achebe said.


    ¡°Shall we drink to that?¡± Dan asked.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that why you brought me out here in the first place?¡± Dr Achebe asked with a grin.

 18. Open Up

    Keagan watched as Dan and Dr. Achebe drank the day away.


    At some point, the old fools were talking about personal things that Keagan couldn¡¯t relate to.


    Keagan actually jumped with joy as the meeting came to an end.


    The three men stood just outside a vectrain station and they were bidding each other goodbye.


    ¡°I swear, we should meet again soon.¡± Dr. Achebe said with a bright smile.


    ¡°I agree. Although we may have to order double thanks to the appetites of a certain someone, hehe.¡± Dan said with a chuckle.


    ¡°Ah, then I will pay for the meal next time.¡± Dr. Achebe said while extending his hand.


    ¡°Who said I was talking about the food?¡± Dan asked with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°Oh ho! Good one.¡± Dr. Achebe said as he and Dan shook hands.


    Dr. Achebe hopped into a taxi before leaving Dan and Keagan.


    ¡°That was-"


    ¡°Exhausting?¡± Keagan interrupted.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ no. I enjoy men like him. Actually, you¡¯re the same. Anyway, it¡¯s a bit late. Wanna come over to my place?¡± Dan asked.


    Keagan looked up in thought. He really didn¡¯t want to spend any more time with Dan than what was deemed necessary, but Keagan was also curious about what Dan was doing to Mercy and why.


    ¡°Sure. I believe you said you bought a certain console- wait a minute! The conference is in nine days. Shouldn¡¯t you be working instead of chilling?¡± Keagan asked.


    Dan shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°Hey, everyone deserves a break, no?¡± Dan asked.


    Keagan sighed before nodding.


    ¡°Ok, but after tonight, its back to work for both of us.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Perfect. Now, let me request for my car to be driven here and-"


    ¡°Yeah, you do that. I have a phone call to make.¡± Keagan said as he walked.


    [Keagan?]


    Roy asked.


    ¡°Yeah, I won¡¯t be able to make it back tonight. Man the fort for me, ok?¡± Keagan said as Dan¡¯s car arrived.


    [Sure. What do I do if any of your lady friends come by?]


    Roy asked.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ if its Mercy, then you should be fine. But if it¡¯s the other two, ignore them. Let them in and leave them be. Oh and get some groceries. I know how much you hate my food. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll pay you back.¡± Keagan said as the night hung precariously above him. He felts its weight painfully on his neck and the cool winds didn¡¯t help.


    [Ok.]


    Roy said before ending the call.


    Keagan walked over to David¡¯s car and entered it.


    They then drove towards the northern part of Cynosure.


    Keagan didn¡¯t pay any attention to anything as the chances of him being there a second time was almost zero.


    Dan the drove up to a relatively small building in the context of Cynosure buildings.


    It had a sleek modern design and was two stories tall.


    ¡°Is this your apartment building?¡± Keagan asked


    ¡°Mmm? No, that¡¯s my house. Well, our house. According to the Misses.¡± Dan said as he parked his car. He and Keagan walked up to the front door.


    Dan dug around in his pockets before getting his keys and opening the door.


    ¡°Please, make yourself a home. I can¡¯t remember the last I had a normal guest.¡± Dan said before Keagan heard footsteps coming from further in the house. He looked to find a middle aged woman with a curious look on her face.


    ¡°Good evening, Dan. Who is this you¡¯ve brought with you?¡± She asked as she stood. She wore a rather comfortable looking set of casual clothes and her hair was neatly held down in a bun.


    ¡°Oh my, I apologize for not recognizing the current spokesman of Lezzaro.¡± The woman who Keagan remembered was Dan¡¯s wife said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Keagan said as Dan reached out to hug her.


    The two held each other for a moment.


    ¡°You smell¡­ awful.¡± The woman said.


    ¡°And you smell like a bed of roses.¡± Dan said with a chuckle before letting his wife go.


    ¡°Well, introduce yourself Keagan." Dan said while stumbling away.


    ¡°But we¡¯ve already met.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Oh yeah? What¡¯s her name?¡± Dan asked while comically narrowing his eyes.


    ¡°Amanda Palmer.¡± Keagan said instantly.


    Dan¡¯s brows lowered.


    ¡°Show off.¡± Dan said before walking away, leaving Keagan and Amanda alone in the hall.


    ¡°You must be tired after dealing with Dan¡¯s shenanigans all day.¡± She said with a smile.


    Keagan didn¡¯t smile back but he did sigh.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡°He¡¯s not that bad, once you get used to him.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Oh? That¡¯s the strangest compliment I¡¯ve ever heard anyone give Dan.¡± Amanda said. Her smile deeply emphasized her wrinkles, but the did little to hide her beauty.


    Not that Keagan cared.


    ¡°Oh? Why¡¯s that?¡± Keagan asked as Amanda led him down the hall.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ people usually say that he¡¯s a terrific man and he¡¯s work at Lezzaro is amazing, but you¡¯re the first to actually talk about him as a person. That¡¯s nice.¡± Amanda said as she led Keagan to a certain room with a large TV on one of its walls.


    ¡°Please, take a seat while Dan finishes whatever he¡¯s doing.¡± Amanda said as Keagan sat on one of the three sofas.


    ¡°Is there anything you¡¯d like?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Some water would be perfect.¡± Keagan said before Amanda left.


    Keagan sighed before kicking his brain into overdrive. He wanted to find out what he could about Dan and that would require focus, commitment and-


    Fuck. Keagan realized that he was actually quite nervous.


    Dan eventually arrived in a set of comfortable looking pyjamas. He then plopped onto the sofa across Keagan and handed him a controller.


    ¡°Now, the real fun begins.¡± Dan declared as he turned on the console.


    Keagan prepared to pick Dan¡¯s brain, but it wasn¡¯t long before the damned fool fell asleep, leaving Keagan alone and awake.


    Keagan cursed himself for trusting a middle aged man to stay awake after a full day of drinking.


    Fortunately for Keagan, he carefully avoided any alcohol.


    He closed his eyes in an attempt to sooth his frustration. He looked at the time on the watch Dan had given to him and saw that the watch was dead. Actually, it had several cracks on it.


    Keagan took out his phone and saw that it was midnight.


    Keagan sighed before he heard footsteps to his left.


    ¡°Still awake?¡± Amanda asked.


    ¡°Yes, but so are you.¡± Keagan said as he avoided looking at Amanda as much as possible.


    She was a high profile TV reporter and he did not want any miscommunications of any kind. So he kept his gaze on the TV as he played the game Dan had so selfishly left him alone in.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say that I¡¯m having trouble falling asleep.¡± Amanda said as she walked in front of him and towards the sofa to Keagan¡¯s right. He would have scolded her for walking in front of the TV while he was playing but he kept his mouth shut.


    The TV¡¯s volume was low and so, a strange silence filled the room as Amanda awkwardly stared at Keagan.


    ¡°Is there something on my face?¡± Keagan asked as politely as possible.


    ¡°Oh no. I¡¯m just curious.¡± Amanda said softly.


    ¡°About what?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious about why Dan gave our sons watch to you.¡± Amanda said, stopping Keagan¡¯s heart for a moment.


    ¡°I could¡¯ve sworn he wore it in the morning as we left for work, but when he returned, it wasn¡¯t on his arm anymore. It was on yours.¡± Amanda said with an almost scary smile.


    ¡°I apologize if I¡¯ve offended you in any way, but I think I should clear something up. Dan offered me the watch earlier today as we had dinner.¡± Keagan said while trying his best to minimize whatever damage him wearing the watch caused. He could have taken it off and handed it to Amanda, but Keagan¡¯s gut predicted that would be worse.


    ¡°Oh? And why did he do that?¡± Amanda asked. Her sweet, low voice echoed throughout the room and into Keagan¡¯s skull.


    ¡°I¡­ I lost a friend recently. Dan said that it important to hold onto the memories of those who¡¯ve died in our hearts. So he gave me the watch to prove his point.¡± Keagan said as the rooms temperature seemingly dropped.


    ¡°I see.¡± Amanda said as she placed her feet on the sofa.


    Keagan felt his phone vibrate. He checked and so saw that he had serval messages from Catalina.


    Keagan¡¯s face reflexively twisted into a frown, but he quickly suppressed his feelings of bile and returned his phone in his pocket.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Amanda asked.


    ¡°Mmm?¡± Keagan realised that he had been frowning intensely and so he fake coughed.


    ¡°Ahem! No, it¡¯s nothing. Uh- shouldn¡¯t you be resting up for tomorrow? I¡¯m sure being a journalist is no easy feat.¡± Keagan said with a fake yawn.


    ¡°Well, I have tomorrow off, but I think we¡¯re avoiding a certain subject. That look you just had. What was it that angered you so?¡± Amanda asked as she narrowed her pale grey eyes.


    Keagan sighed before looking straight into Amanda¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Listen, I fear you may have the wrong impression of me. Your husband and I aren¡¯t close. Please consider that for a moment.¡± Keagan said before returning his gaze to the TV.


    Amanda chuckled before standing up and sitting next to Keagan.


    ¡°I understand that you may not be very fond of Dan, but he sure likes you enough to allow you into his home, no? So why the coldness?¡± Amanda asked.


    Keagan really wanted her to leave him alone, but she was determined to pick his brain-


    Oh. Keagan realized.


    ¡°You want me to open up?¡± Keagan asked and Amanda nodded slowly.


    ¡°Why?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not every day that my husband brings home a guest. Not only that, but a relatively normal guest. I¡¯m so used to entertaining eccentric individuals that I¡¯ve grown a bit numb¡­ but when I speak to you¡­ I feel like I''m talking to a normal person.¡± Amanda said.


    Keagan saw too many red flags in this situation.


    ¡°Umm¡­ I''m sure Dan makes a wonderful conversation partner.¡± Keagan said while trying to hide his nervousness.


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s¡­ ok. But you are new and your reactions are entertaining to watch.¡± Amanda said with a giggle, but Keagan was tired of whatever game she was playing and so he fake stretched his arms and yawned again.


    ¡°Is that so? Ah well, I¡¯m beyond sleepy. Mind if I bunk here with Dan?¡± Keagan asked, but Amanda¡¯s eyes narrowed as a smile formed on her face.


    ¡°Oh no, that simply won¡¯t do. Why don¡¯t you sleep in the guest bedroom?¡± She asked.


    Keagan wanted to run away.


    ¡°Ok?¡± Keagan said before he was led to a medium sized room.


    ¡°Goodnight-"


    ¡°If there¡¯s anything you need, just let me know, ok?¡± Amanda asked.


    Keagan slowly nodded before closing the door. He then walked over the bed and forced himself to sleep, even though his body begged him to keep at least one eye open.


    .


    ..


    Keagan awoke as he heard someone moving about nearby.


    He opened his eyes to find a pyjama clad Amanda placing a tray by the table near the bed.


    She noticed that Keagan was awake and smiled in response.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± She sang.


    Keagan narrowed his eyes before getting up.


    ¡°Good morning. What¡¯s with the tray?¡± Keagan asked as he saw a full breakfast on it.


    ¡°Oh it¡¯s nothing much. I just found myself with some spare time and ingredients. So I made you some breakfast.¡± She said as she walked towards the door.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Keagan asked before she left. He couldn¡¯t deny that he was hungry, but dammit, she was acting far too strangely


    Keagan wondered if she was taking Rapture, but maybe she wasn¡¯t.


    Keagan ate away at his breakfast and checked the time to find that it was seven AM. He got up and made his way to the kitchen were he found a gleeful Amanda and a grouchy Dan.


    ¡°Good morning." Keagan greeted, only to have Dan wave at him as he made his way upstairs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him. He¡¯s always like this in the morning.¡± Amanda said.


    Keagan and Dan prepared for their trip to Ix Chel, but Amanda stopped them, just as Dan twisted the door knob.


    ¡°Be sure to bring Keagan back soon.¡± She said with a smile.


    ¡°Oh? I just might.¡± Dan said before he and Dan rode of to Ix Chel.


    Not much was said as they knew that there was much work to be done, but Keagan regretted ever agreeing to Dan¡¯s stupid sleepover idea in the first place.


    Keagan and Dan eventually made it to the R and D building and Keagan went to work on finalizing the data on the CryoPod, with the help of all his colleagues.


    Well¡­ Mercy as busy in her office, but Keagan assumed that she was preparing for the conference as well.


    The working day ended and Keagan made his way to Mercy¡¯s office. He knocked and she allowed him in only for him to see her state. Her eyes were half open and her cheeks looked a little hollow.


    ¡°Oh my goodness, when was the last time you ate something?¡± Keagan asked.


    Mercy weakly waved her hands in response.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s just the stress of all this that¡¯s getting to me-"


    Keagan interrupted her by loudly closing the door.


    ¡°Was it Dan?¡± Keagan asked. His voice sharp and his eyes burning with fury. Although none of that fury was directed at Mercy.


    ¡°N- no. It was Mr. Astali.¡± Mercy said as she shook.


    Keagan sighed before sitting down on the chair in front of Mercy.


    ¡°Finish up your work. After this, we¡¯ll go to my place in Cynosure.¡± Keagan instructed before calling Roy.


    ¡°Yo. How are you feeling?¡± Keagan asked.


    [I¡¯m ok. That detective guy really helped me out with the logistics of things. How about you?]


    Roy asked.


    ¡°Me? I¡¯m ok. But Mercy¡¯s not looking so good. How about you fix up some of your stew for her?¡± Keagan asked.


    [Ok.]


    Roy said before Keagan ended the call.


    Mercy then noticed that Keagan was sitting idly as she worked.


    ¡°Y- you can go to Cynosure. I¡¯ll catch up.¡± She suggested, but Keagan crossed his arms.


    ¡°Nope. I¡¯m staying right here.¡± Keagan said, prompting Mercy to work at a faster pace.

 19. Unravel

    Mercy and Keagan rode silently to his temporary apartment in Cynosure.


    The taxi driver sensed the tension in the air and so he turned down the radio.


    Keagan¡¯s breaths were even and his mind was clear. Mercy on the other hand¡­


    They eventually arrived at the high end apartment and made their way to his place.


    Keagan smelled something delicious in the air as he opened the door. He entered the place to find a neatly dressed Roy standing in the kitchen.


    Roy noticed Keagan and Mercy.


    Keagan, in turn, noticed the bags under Roy¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Keagan greeted as he made his way to the couch.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Roy greeted without abandoning his post at the stove.


    ¡°How was work?¡± Roy asked. His voice low, tired and his words labored.


    ¡°You know how it is. Clock in. Clock out.¡± Keagan said before sighing.


    Mercy sat silently next to him as he pondered.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Keagan asked softly.


    Mercy fiddled with her fingers. Her eyes darted around the room and Keagan could tell she was panicking.


    ¡°Was it Rapture? Cause if it is, we¡¯ll have to go the hospital-"


    ¡°It- it wasn¡¯t Rapture.¡± Mercy said with a slight stutter.


    Keagan¡¯s brows furrowed.


    ¡°He threatened me again.¡± Mercy said.


    ¡°What did he want from you?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°He wanted me to work for him¡­ as a personal assistant.¡± Mercy said as she looked at something that wasn¡¯t quite there.


    ¡°I see. Dammit.¡± Keagan said as he leaned back. He had completely failed to get anything out of Dan and Mercy¡¯s situation was only getting worse.


    Roy served everyone their meals and they ate in silence.


    Roy could see that Mercy was in a bad place and there was nothing Keagan could do about either of their situations.


    Keagan burped loudly as he stretched his legs.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± He cursed.


    ¡°Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!¡± Keagan suppressed his screams as best as he could because no matter how hard he thought, there was no way he could go against a man like Andre Astali.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Keagan said as he reached out for Mercy¡¯s hand.


    She accepted it as he offered Roy his other hand.


    ¡°What the hell are we going to do?¡± Keagan asked as Roy sat by his side. They then held hands as the night hung.


    Keagan wondered if maybe he could somehow convince Andre to let Mercy go, but he didn¡¯t even know where to begin.


    .


    ..


    Mercy and Roy eventually fell asleep.


    Keagan whipped out his phone and texted the only person he could think of.


    [Hi, oh dear sweet love of mine. What¡¯s up?]


    Silva asked.


    [I need your help.]


    Keagan typed.


    [Oh? What do you need?]


    Silva asked.


    [It¡¯s your husband. I¡¯m not sure how, but he¡¯s threatened one of my colleagues.]


    Keagan said. His heart calm and his breaths steady.


    [Oh? Mmm¡­ if I can be completely honest, Andre has had a lot of pets. I¡¯m not sure which one you¡¯re talking about. Also¡­ are you gonna play with me soon? Karisa told me about what you did¡­ aww¡­ I wish you could have done that to me to, but harder.]


    Silva said.


    Keagan resisted the urge to puke as he typed.


    [What do you mean by pets?]


    Keagan asked.


    [You know, play things. Which is weird since he has a beautiful wife, but what do I know?]


    Silva asked.


    Useless bitch. Keagan cursed internally.


    [I see.]


    Keagan typed before dropping his phone.


    He sighed deeply as he pondered.


    Keagan grabbed his phone again. He wanted to ask Silva to help with the Andre situation, but she seemed rather useless.


    Ah ha! Amanda Palmer. Keagan thought in a moment of triumph.


    She was a journalist.


    Maybe she would be of use. But Keagan realized that, to her, he was basically a stranger.


    What he needed was time.


    Time to prepare for the conference which was nine days away. He also needed time to help Mercy.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    He needed time to be with Roy to help him grieve.


    Keagan let out a low rubble as he growled.


    This, unfortunately, woke Mercy up.


    ¡°Mmm?¡± She made a soft noise.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I just contacted someone I thought could help, but it turns out she was useless.¡± Keagan said, shaking Roy awake.


    ¡°Mmm?¡± Roy sounded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, bud. I¡¯ve just got some calls to make.¡± Keagan said with a sigh.


    ¡°I see. What time is it?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°One.¡± Keagan said while rubbing his eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s sleep.¡± Keagan said as he rested his head against the couch.


    His mind was already far too numb for sleep to elude him. His body needed it.


    .


    ..


    The next day came early.


    Keagan, Mercy and Roy all prepared for work.


    Mercy would have to go to her house for a change of clothes and so they went their separate ways upon reaching Ix Chel.


    Keagan and Roy made it to work.


    The day wore away and it wasn¡¯t long before lunch time.


    Keagan walked over to the emergency staircase and dialed a certain number.


    [Hello?]


    A familiar, low, feminine voice asked.


    ¡°Hey, uh- it¡¯s Keagan. Keagan Keita.¡± Keagan said while trying to surpass his nervousness.


    [I know it¡¯s you. I¡¯m just wondering why you decided to call.]


    Amanda said.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ I¡¯m-" Keagan stopped himself from asking for help in a desperate and rather pathetic manner.


    ¡°I was just wondering how you were doing. That¡¯s all.¡± Keagan said with an awkward chuckle.


    [Mmm¡­ is there something specific you want to talk about?]


    She asked.


    ¡°Nah, not really. I- Err-¡° Keagan struggled to formulate words as he paced around the staircase.


    [Would you prefer it if we spoke in person?]


    Amanda asked.


    ¡°Yeah, hehe. That would be great. If your schedule allows it, of course." Keagan said in a manner that was unbecoming of him, but what choice did he have?


    [Ok. How about we meet up tomorrow in the evening. You seem a bit distressed, so I think my home should be suitable for a little heart to heart.]


    Amanda said, but with the tone of her voice, it sounded more like she was singing.


    ¡°Ok.¡± Keagan said before ending the call. He then returned to his desk and worked the day away.


    .


    ..


    Keagan zombie walked out of the Lezzaro building, alongside Roy.


    They made their way back to Cynosure, with Keagan paying for their trip and they both plopped onto Keagan¡¯s bed.


    Keagan whipped out his phone and texted Mercy.


    [Hey. You ok?]


    He asked.


    [Yeah, I just made it back home. Andre hasn¡¯t texted me yet. I¡¯ll let you know if that changes.]


    Mercy said.


    [Ok.]


    Keagan typed before closing his eyes and sleeping.


    .


    ..


    Keagan was awoken by a knock on the door. He checked the time and saw that it was five AM.


    Keagan stumbled his way towards the door. He slowly opened the door to find a flustered Karisa.


    Keagan closed the door and sighed. He opened it again before letting her in.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s been a while since we spent time together¡­ so, I was wondering if¡­ you know.¡± Karisa mumbled.


    Keagan wanted to kick her out, but he couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Bathroom.¡± Keagan ordered as he made his way to the aforementioned room.


    There, he undressed as Karisa watched.


    He then walked over to her and placed his hand on her cheek.


    ¡°Your dad is an asshole, you know that?¡± Keagan asked.


    Karisa¡¯s eyebrows furrowed slightly.


    ¡°He¡¯s being cruel to one of my friends and I really want to stop him, but alas, I am only human.¡± Keagan said as he walked into the shower.


    Karisa was wearing a rather cute blue dress and a big black jacket.


    Keagan cleaned himself as violent thoughts danced in his mind.


    Keagan eventually got out of the shower, dried himself, got dressed and led Karisa out of the bathroom only for them to meet a semi conscious Roy.


    ¡°Heh?¡± Roy sounded.


    Keagan ignored him as he made himself some breakfast.


    Karisa stood by the couch as she waited for Keagan¡¯s orders.


    She paid absolutely no mind to the befuddled Roy standing next to her.


    Roy sighed before joining Keagan in the kitchen.


    ¡°Should I even ask?¡± Roy asked as Keagan served two cups of coffee, much to Roy¡¯s dismay.


    ¡°She wants to hang out with me, but I have stuff to do.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Oh? Why do I get the feeling that your ¡®hanging out'' would be best performed without a certain Roy Deacon?¡± Roy asked playfully.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. We¡¯re not going to do ¡®that¡¯.¡± Keagan said before making his way to the couch.


    Roy joined him before noticing something.


    ¡°When did you get a watch and why is it already broken?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°Dan gave it to me.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Roy said before noticing that Karisa wasn¡¯t sitting with them. He also noticed that she looked like she had no desire to join them. Well, that was the case until-


    ¡°Sit down.¡± Keagan said with a sigh. Roy¡¯s eyes widened as Karisa¡¯s face showed an expression he¡¯d rarely seen in anyone in a while.


    Joy.


    She sat on the couch happily before staring at Keagan silently.


    Keagan ignored her as the minutes ticked by.


    Roy decided to give up on solving what the deal between Keagan and Karisa was. He hopped into the shower and it wasn¡¯t long before he and Roy were on their way to work.


    Yep, Keagan had completely abandoned Karisa back at the apartment.


    The working day¡¯s hours crawled by and it wasn¡¯t long before Keagan was on his way to Cynosure. He eventually made it to Dan¡¯s place. He softly knocked on the door and it wasn¡¯t long before Amanda opened the door.


    ¡°Good afternoon." Keagan greeted.


    ¡°Hello, Keagan.¡± Amanda said before leading Keagan into the living room where they sat next to each other.


    Keagan had hoped that she would sit a little further away, but he quickly abandoned that hope.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s bothering you?¡± Amanda asked. Her brown hair was sharply enhanced in besuty by the afternoon sun.


    ¡°How- what-¡° Keagan stumbled over himself. He had prepared a list of questions he wanted the answers to, but his brain was fizzling down to nothing.


    He wanted to ask about what she knew about the Astali family and he wondered if she had any contacts who could get dirt on Andre, but that was quickly ruled out by the fact that if such dirt existed, Andre wouldn¡¯t be the head of Lezzaro.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it must be strange seeing a stranger falling apart in your home, hehe.¡± Keagan said in a desperate attempt to rid himself of his nervousness.


    ¡°Its ok. Honestly, when you came by the other day, I was intrigued by the way you interacted with Dan. It was nice.¡± Amanda said with a deep smile.


    Keagan narrowed his eyes as his heart rate slowed down.


    He sighed.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ but I must say, he is an invasive one." Keagan lied.


    If he was going to get her to talk about the Astali¡¯s, he¡¯d need to get her to lower her obviously raised guard.


    ¡°You know, when we first met, he totally invaded my personal space. Then he forced me to go out drinking with him.¡± Keagan said while pretending to be crestfallen.


    Amanda chuckled slightly.


    ¡°Yep, that sounds just like him. What else? Tell me what he¡¯s like when you¡¯re alone.¡± Amanda asked.


    ¡°Mmm? Well¡­ he¡¯s surprising easy going. I expected him to be a cold lifeless person when I presented my work to him, but the more I talked to him, the more chaotic and¡­ fun he became.¡± Keagan said with a smile.


    His facial muscles cried as that was the hardest smile to ever smile, but he pulled it off.


    ¡°I see.¡± Amanda said with a sigh.


    ¡°Ok, now tell me more about yourself.¡± Amanda said.


    Keagan took a deep breath before summarizing his life.


    .


    ..


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s actually quite impressive.¡± Amanda said.


    Night had already fallen and Keagan¡¯s throat felt rather dry.


    ¡°All this talking has gotten me quite thirsty. May I have some water?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Oh my! I was so enamored by your story that I completely forgot my manners.¡± Amanda said as she hopped off the couch.


    ¡°I¡¯ll only be away for a moment.¡± Amanda said before leaving the room.


    Keagan whipped out his phone and checked the time. It was just past seven.


    Keagan wondered where Dan was, but that thought was interrupted by Amanda¡¯s reappearance.


    She had a tray full of all manner of snacks and a cup of water.


    ¡°Here. I¡¯m sorry, but all I could find was a few snacks. It¡¯s just that your story has robbed me of my focus.¡± Amanda said prompting Keagan to narrow his eyes.


    Amanda said next to him before handing him the single cup of water.


    ¡°Are you not going to have some?¡± Keagan asked while narrowing his eyes.


    ¡°I drank some on my trip to the fridge.¡± Amanda said with a smile.


    Keagan took a sip of the cool fresh water. His chest suddenly felt warmer. He couldn¡¯t wrap his head around it, but he felt at ease all of a sudden.


    Keagan took another sip of water and the feeling intensified.


    ¡°Now, we may have swayed from our original path, but I remember that you had something to tell me.¡± Amanda asked.


    ¡°Yeah, I did.¡± Keagan said as his eyes narrowed even further.


    ¡°Does it have something to do with the Astali¡¯s?¡± Amanda asked prompting Keagan to widen his eyes completely.

 20. Eerie

    ¡°How did you know-?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a reporter Keagan. I saw those interesting pictures of you and the Astali women.¡± Amanda said as Keagan¡¯s body temperature continued to rise.


    ¡°Is that so? Well, Its not them I¡¯m having trouble with. It Andre Astali who¡¯s caused me and a friend of mine so much grief.¡± Keagan said with a sorrowful expression.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Amanda sounded.


    ¡°Can I be honest with you?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m all ears.¡± Amanda said with a smile that kinda annoyed Keagan, but he didn¡¯t show it.


    ¡°Andre has been blackmailing a friend of mine for some time.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Oh my. That¡¯s quite something.¡± Amanda said as Keagan snacked down on some cookies he found on the tray Amanda had brought in.


    ¡°Yep. I¡¯ve been stressing day and night trying to figure out how to help her, but alas. I am powerless.¡± Keagan said with a sigh.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ what is it that you hoped I¡¯d be able to do?¡± Amanda asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly. You¡¯re a journalist, so part of me hoped that you¡¯d have some sort dirt on Andre, but then again¡­¡± Keagan¡¯s voice trailed off as he realized that he was being a little too honest.


    He mentally slapped himself for being an idiot.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have anything you could use against Andre Astali. Men like him don¡¯t allow themselves to be caught in whatever heinous acts they commit.¡± Amanda said as she gleefully watched Keagan as he ate.


    Keagan stopped eating only for Amanda¡¯s face to twist as though she were in pain.


    Keagan checked his phone for the time and saw that it had gotten quite late.


    ¡°Anyway, talking to you helped.¡±


    No It didn¡¯t.


    ¡°A lot of the stress I had washed away, so thank you.¡±


    Dammit! Keagan cursed as he thought of another way of helping Mercy.


    ¡°It is rather late. You could stay the night, if you like.¡± Amanda offered, but Keagan had no use for her anymore.


    Also, she had a weird aura around her. A vibe that Keagan didn¡¯t like.


    ¡°No, but thank you for the offer. I have some things to take care of in Acan, so¡­¡± Keagan said as he stood up.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Amanda stood up as well with a shocked expression.


    ¡°You live all the way in Acan? Then there is absolutely no way I can allow you to travel there this late.¡±


    Crap. Keagan cursed himself for using that excuse.


    ¡°Uh-"


    ¡°Please, I insist. Surely whatever business you have can wait, no?¡± Amanda asked.


    Keagan wasn¡¯t sure, but he could feel beads of sweat forming on his forehead.


    Keagan sighed before sitting back down.


    ¡°Ok, I¡¯ll stay.¡± He said.


    Amanda¡¯s face almost glowed upon hearing this.


    She sat down and quietly stared at him.


    Keagan couldn¡¯t help but frown in this strange situation.


    Amanda noticed this and so she opened her arms.


    ¡°Maybe a hug could help ease some of your sorrows.¡± She offered, but Keagan shifted away from her in response.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, really. All I need is some rest.¡± Keagan made sure to emphasize his words as he spoke.


    Amanda closed her arms as Keagan whipped out his phone.


    He checked in on Roy and Mercy to see if they were ok.


    Roy was in Cynosure with Karisa and Mercy was in Ix Chel.


    Amanda shifted closer to Keagan as he bid Roy goodnight.


    ¡°I think I should hit the hay, I¡¯ve got a long day ahead tomorrow.¡± Keagan said with a yawn.


    ¡°I see. You remember where the guest room was, right?¡± Amanda asked.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Keagan said before practically running into the guest bedroom.


    Keagan plopped onto the bed and closed his eyes but a deep ache in his chest prevented him from sleeping peacefully.


    He sighed before forcefully putting himself to sleep.


    .


    ..


    Keagan awoke to find that he had gotten a reasonable amount of rest.


    He sighed before getting up and leaving the room.


    He was about to make his way to the living room when footsteps stopped him.


    To his right was a sleepy looking Amanda.


    Dan walked up from behind her with a grumpy face.


    ¡°Morning, kid." He growled as he made his way to kitchen.


    Keagan stared at Amanda for a moment before following Dan.


    ¡°You look¡­ downtrodden.¡± Keagan said as both he and Dan drank some water.


    ¡°Yeah? Well, this is the final leg of my little race. Gotta make sure everything is in place before you go up on that stage and introduce the world to the thingy.¡± Dan said with a sigh.


    Keagan noticed that Dan actually looked tired.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ then I shall do my best ¡° Keagan said.


    Keagan and Dan then prepared for their trip to the Thunder Dome, but Keagan stopped by his Cynosure apartment for a shower and a change of clothes.


    He also wanted to check up on Roy and Karisa.


    He entered the apartment to find it relatively unchanged.


    Roy and Karisa were watching TV. They both noticed Keagan and smiled simultaneously.


    Karisa ran over to Keagan with open arms, but Keagan ignored her as he grabbed a change of clothes.


    ¡°So¡­ the big day is almost here.¡± Keagan said before entering the bathroom.


    ¡°Yep. What do you plan on doing afterwards?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna take a good long break and spend more time with you and Mercy. Sound good?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Roy said with a bright smile.


    Keagan nodded before taking a shower and it wasn¡¯t much longer before he was on his way to one of the biggest structures in Unity. The Thunder Dome.


    To say it was big would be an understatement. It was about four football fields big and that was just the inside. Its exterior space was also big enough to hold serval mini events. Also, the Unity government had designed it an emergency gathering point in case of an emergency since it was built with military grade precision and materials.


    Keagan arrived at the Thunder Dome, showed the security guards his Lezzaro employee card and looked for Dan. He found him standing near what would be the stage that he would have to take.


    ¡°Its almost time.¡± Dan said. His face stern and his arms crossed.


    ¡°Yep. What do you plan on doing if the reception is luke warm?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll move on and try to find the next big thing.¡± Dan said straightforwardly.


    ¡°I see.¡± Keagan said.


    The two then spent the next few hours preparing for the conference.


    Keagan noticed that throughout the day, Dan didn¡¯t crack a single joke or make any mistakes.


    He was focused.


    Determined.


    Scarily so.

 21. Ad Victorian

    Keagan arrived home and instantly plopped onto the bed.


    Four days had passed since he and Dan began preparing for the conference and in all honesty, he was tired.


    ¡°Wow¡­ they''re really draining the life out of you, huh?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Keagan spoke as he pushed his face into the pillow.


    ¡°When¡¯s Mercy gonna come?¡± Roy asked as he got up to start cooking.


    Keagan check his phone to see that it was a few minutes past six in the afternoon.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be too long.¡± Keagan said as he rested his eyes.


    This was a fatal mistake as he completely fell asleep.


    .


    ..


    Keagan felt something on his neck and so he tried swatting it away.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± A familiar feminine voice yelped.


    Keagan opened his eyes to see a casually dressed Mercy.


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯ve arrived.¡± Keagan said with a smile.


    Mercy saw through his smile and so she gently placed her hand on his cheek.


    ¡°You look tired.¡± She said as Roy cooked up something in the kitchen.


    ¡°Bah, tired is one thing I can never be.¡± Keagan said as he sat up.


    ¡°Hehe, ok. Anyway, let¡¯s go over everything. We¡¯ll take a break once Roy finishes cooking and then we¡¯ll finish everything up.¡± Mercy said with a hint of nervousness in her voice.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°You¡¯re starting to worry me.¡± Mercy said. She held Keagan¡¯s hand and looked into his dark brown eye¡¯s.


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Keagan said.


    The two then spent about four five minutes going over their research.


    Mercy had been working on the theory that supported the CryoPod¡¯s existence for years.


    Her career was on the brink of a major breakthrough and Keagan was going to help present her research to the world.


    Keagan on the other hand sat on pins and needles. He had far too much on his mind to relax. The Astali¡¯s, Roy, Mercy and various other things clouded his mind.


    ¡°Chow time!¡± Roy announced, snapping Keagan and Mercy out of their work induced trances.


    They quietly ate as they night wore on.


    ¡°Tomorrow is the day.¡± Mercy said.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Keagan agreed.


    Everyone finished their meals and headed straight to sleep.


    Although sleep eluded Keagan for most of the night.


    Keagan closed his eyes as the hope for a better tomorrow flashed in his mind.


    .


    ..


    Keagan opened his eyes and the light of hope was about as bright as the ones on the stage he was about to step onto.


    ¡°You ready, kid?¡± Dan asked with a bright smile.


    Keagan smiled in response.


    ¡°Hell yeah.¡± He said confidently.


    Mercy walked up to him as Dan walked away. He could see buckets of sweat rolling down her face as the their big moment approached.


    She wore a rather classy dress.


    Keagan offered her his hand.


    She accept it and smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to pass out.¡± Mercy said.


    Keagan could feel the sweat in her palms and the heat in her hands. This was totally different from his calm heart and cool appearance. He wore a dashing pair of smoke grey pants, a clean white shirt and a broken watch. He had gotten a fresh hair cut and his posture was great.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll be fine- no. We¡¯ll be great. Just get up there and tell everyone your hopes and dreams with the same confidence you had when you told us.¡± Keagan said.


    Mercy breathed deeply in an attempt to calm herself.


    ¡°Ok!¡± She yelped before a certain man approached them.


    ¡°Ah, if it isn¡¯t the spokesman of Lezzaro himself.¡± Andrew Astali said as he made his way towards Keagan and Mercy.


    The entire venue¡¯s temperature seemingly dropped as Keagan turned his cold, hateful eyes towards Andre.


    ¡°You have no idea how grateful I am for this opportunity.¡± Keagan said with the same bright smile from before.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Your success is ultimately Lezzaro¡¯s success. So do your best out there.¡± Andre said with a warm smile.


    Mercy shrunk away, leaving Keagan and Andre as they made their way towards their positions.


    Mercy was right behind them and it wasn¡¯t long before Catalina and Dan joined them.


    A deep silence followed.


    Keagan looked straight ahead of him.


    He looked in the direction of his future.


    A peaceful future.


    [And now, the moment you¡¯ve all been waiting for. Presenting the man behind the machinations of Lezzaro pharmaceuticals, Andre Astali!]Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Fredrick Achebe said from the other side of the giant board Keagan and the others were hidden behind.


    Andre walked out and received a wave of applause.


    Keagan¡¯s eyes narrowed as Andre spoke. He said some things about Lezzaro before introducing Keagan and his team.


    Keagan took a deep breath before stepping out onto the stage with the others.


    A wave of applause assaulted his ears, while bright lights ravaged his retina, but Keagan was unfazed.


    He was prepared.


    ¡°This here, is the face of Lezzaro¡¯s future. He may be small in stature, but trust me when I say that he¡¯ll be a giant in the future. Keagan Keita.¡± Andre introduced before stepping away from the microphone.


    Keagan took centre stage in front if a giant object hidden beneath a blue velvet cover.


    ¡°Greetings, members of the scientific community. Today is a monumental day for science and mankind as a whole because on this day, at this moment, mankind becomes immortal.¡± Keagan said only to receive a wave of gasps from the massive audience.


    There were other tiny stages in other parts of the Thunder Dome, but Lezzaro had everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Yes, project Lovelock started with a dream. The dream of a single woman and I¡¯d like her to explain how she brought about this world shattering change.¡± Keagan said before stepping aside, allowing Mercy to take centre stage.


    Mercy walked up introduced herself and explained everything that led to this moment in her career.


    She was meet with numerous applause and she eventually stepped aside for Keagan to speak.


    ¡°Splendid. Mercy¡¯s mind and the research it has birthed is the reason why our mortality is o so tragic.¡± Keagan said with a slight frown, silencing the crowd.


    ¡°I would waste time and speak about the geniuses of yesterday, but no. I want to preserve the genius of today. So, it is my honour to present you with the means to preserve that genius. Allow me to present to you-"


    Keagan paused as all of the workers got into place.


    ¡°-The CryoPod.¡± Keagan announced.


    The crowd broke into a frenzy as their eyes ate away at the glorious form of the CryoPod.


    Its sleek white design and beautiful front glass panel made it extremely appealing to look at. Also, there were almost no ugly cables visible. Well, from the front.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve found ways to presence organs for extended periods of time and yes, scientist are working on finding a way to revive those organs, but I am here to show you the no compromise device. A full adult human body will be frozen in time, thanks to the CryoPod and that¡¯s not all. Advanced Lezzaro technologies allow us to revive ninety nine percent of all frozen tissue.¡± Keagan said, but at this point, the crowd and the cameras were already convinced.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯d like my colleague, Daniel Eagleton, to explain the business end of our glorious future.¡± Keagan said before stepping away from the microphone.


    Mercy looked at him with awe stricken eyes and even Catalina, who was usually a glacier in public, smiled.


    Andre Astali walked up to Keagan and whispered.


    ¡°Perfection.¡±


    Keagan held his hatred in as there was no point ruining the moment.


    Dan went on to explain several things before Andre ended the whole thing.


    Everyone retreated backstage and Dan practically tackled Keagan.


    ¡°Woohoo!¡± He cried, even as several Lezzaro employees walked about.


    ¡°We did it. The truth is out there. Now lets sell the hell out it.¡± Dan said.


    Keagan could practically see the drool rolling down his mouth.


    ¡°Get off.¡± Keagan said and Dan regained his composure.


    Keagan noticed that Andre was gone.


    ¡°Anyway. Let¡¯s celebrate this momentous moment by destroying our lives!¡± Dan yelled and before Keagan could weasel himself out of it, Dan grabbed his shoulder.


    ¡°Uh-uh. No, you¡¯re coming.¡± Dan said as he led Keagan, Mercy and Catalina to what looked like a bus.


    ¡°Just how prepared were you?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Very.¡± Dan said as everyone hopped into the bus.


    ¡°What were you going to do if we botched it?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Must you always be the pessimist?¡± Tommy asked as he too got onto the bus.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to Keagan for once, everyone. Let¡¯s party our asses off.¡± Johan said with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°Yeah, from now until tomorrow. No one do a thing Keagan says.¡± Dan declared.


    Keagan sighed in defeat before sitting.


    Mercy sat next to him. She held his hand as the bus drove off.


    ¡°We did it.¡± She said.


    ¡°Nope. You did it.¡± Keagan said as they pressed their heads together.


    ¡°No! No lovey dovey on this bus, just hookers and booze.¡± Dan yelled as he opened a bottle full of transparent liquid.


    ¡°Here.¡± Dan gave Keagan the bottle.


    Keagan looked at Mercy, who simply smiled.


    Keagan sighed before taking a sip of whatever was in the bottle.


    .


    ..


    Keagan sighed as his ears rang.


    The ¡°Victory party¡± as Dan called it, was finally over.


    They dropped Mercy right by her door and dropped everyone else in the order of¡­ there was no order.


    Keagan, however, was last.


    He crawled into his apartment and fell onto his bed.


    Roy slept soundly on the couch as a motivational speaker ranted on and on about the value of self respect and whatnot.


    Keagan smiled as his eyelids slowly fell.


    .


    ..


    ¡°Keagan!¡±


    Keagan was awoken by Roy¡¯s call. He opened his eyelids which felt like they had the texture of sandpaper and saw Roy¡¯s sleepy face.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s your phone. It¡¯s been ringing all morning.¡± Roy said, prompting Keagan to check his phone.


    Apparently, Catalina, Tommy and Roy had tried calling him several times.


    Keagan¡¯s phone started running.


    It was Tommy.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Keagan asked with a yawn.


    [Have you seen them?]


    Tommy asked, his voice panicked.


    ¡°Seen what?¡± Keagan asked as he plopped out of his bed.


    [Check your emails!]


    Dan yelled.


    Keagan checked his emails and opened the top one.


    His eyes widened upon seeing almost hundreds of images of a naked Mercy, but that wasn¡¯t the only thing.


    He saw her being humiliated and tortured by Andre Astali.


    Keagan squeezed his phone so hard that it cracked.


    He then raised it to his ear.


    ¡°I just saw them. What the fuck happened?¡± He asked.


    [No idea. I¡¯ve been trying to contact her all day, but she isn¡¯t answering. Don¡¯t you know where she stays?]


    Tommy asked.


    ¡°Yeah, I do.¡± Keagan asked as his face twisted into a scowl.


    Roy noticed this and walked up to Keagan.


    [Send me the address and meet me there.]


    Tommy said.


    ¡°Ok.¡± Keagan said before ending the call.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°Its mercy. Some pictures of her and Andre are circulating around.


    Keagan said as he walked towards the door.


    "That''s fucked.¡± Roy commented as they left the apartment.


    They hopped into a taxi and made their way so the nearest Vectrain station.


    On their way, Keagan called Dan.


    [Yo, kiddo. What¡¯s up?]


    Dan asked.


    ¡°You did it, didn¡¯t you?¡± Keagan said. His voice was laden with hatred and anger.


    [What do you mean? Did what?]


    Dan asked.


    ¡°Mercy.¡± Keagan said in a suppressed scream.


    [Oh? Mmm¡­ I¡¯m not gonna say much, but I¡¯m sure you already know the harsh truth of the world.]


    Dan said.


    ¡°Now¡¯s not the time for your damned lectures. Tell me why?¡± Keagan asked.


    [Look, kid. I¡¯m not going to confirm or deny whatever you¡¯re saying I did, but if I did to anything, it¡¯s nothing personal, kid. I just want you to know that.]


    Dan said flatly.


    Keagan felt his soul tremble as they arrived at the Vectrain station.


    ¡°So what now? What was the end game?¡± Keagan asked.


    [Not sure what end game you¡¯re talking about, but I¡¯m sure everything will fall into place.]


    Dan said as Keagan and Roy boarded their train.


    ¡°I see." Keagan said.


    [Yup.]


    Dan said before ending the call.


    Keagan and Roy remained silent as they made their way to Ix Chel.


    They then hopped into a taxi and made their way to Mercy¡¯s apartment.


    There, they found a pale Tommy and Johan.


    Tommy noticed Keagan and walked up to him.


    ¡°Hey-"


    Tommy punched Keagan in the face mid sentence.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Johan said as he grabbed Tommy.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s his fault!¡± Tommy yelled.


    Keagan got up.


    ¡°Did you call the police?¡± Keagan asked, even as his jaw ached.


    ¡°Yeah. They should be here any moment now. Also, I don¡¯t mean to pry, but what the hell happened?¡± Johan asked.


    ¡°Would you believe me if I said that it was Daniel Eagleton who did this?¡± Keagan asked.


    Johan''s eyes widened.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± Tommy said.


    Johan let his go before walking over to Keagan and Roy.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ explain it to me so that I understand.¡± He said.


    ¡°Remember when we first presented the CryoPod?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Which executive behaved the strangest?¡± Keagan asked.


    ¡°Daniel.¡±


    ¡°Yeah and did you also noticed that he and Mercy spent a large amount of time together after that? I¡¯m pretty sure he was using her to get to Andre Astali.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°Yeah, but you and that other executive were also behaving weirdly. What? Did you think we were blind? Yeah, I saw you and her every time you went to the emergency staircase.¡± Tommy said as his anger flared up.


    ¡°That was different.¡± Keagan said.


    ¡°How?¡± Tommy yelled.


    ¡°Because I love her.¡±

 22. The End

    ¡°Oh.¡± Tommy sounded.


    ¡°Yeah. Me and her got together shortly after we met in that meeting, but it had nothing to do with Mercy or Dan.¡± Keagan explained.


    ¡°Arrg!¡± Tommy sounded before a police car drove into view.


    Tommy explained to the officer the situation and the officer requested entry from one of the apartments guards.


    The guard agreed before accompanying the officer inside, leaving Keagan and the others outside.


    ¡°Damn. I hope she¡¯s ok.¡± Johan said.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t get it.¡± Tommy said.


    ¡°Why would Mr. Astali do those things to Mercy?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Keagan said.


    Some more police cars and an ambulance arrived in front of Mercy¡¯s apartment building as the officer from before exited the building.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say, but your friend is Dead. All evidence i could see at first glance points to suicide, but we¡¯ll have to conduct a thorough investigation to rule out any other possibilities.¡± The officer said only to be met by silence.


    ¡°Oh, come on.¡± Johan said.


    ¡°Would you gentlemen mind coming with me to the station? I have a few questions I¡¯d like to ask.¡± The officer said.


    Keagan and the others followed him to the Ix Chel police department. There they were asked various questions before they were released.


    Keagan and the others then parted. They decided it would be best to get some rest before actually sitting down together and thinking about everything.


    Keagan and Roy made their way to the vectrain station.


    ¡°Umm¡­ are we going back to Cynosure?¡± Roy asked.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Keagan said with a despondent expression.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve got a few things I wanna get back at my place.¡± Roy said.


    ¡°Ok, let¡¯s go.¡± Keagan said.


    The two made their way to a nearby train station and made their way to Acan.


    Upon arrival, they walked to Roy¡¯s apartment.


    Roy then came to a complete stop just before opening the door.


    Keagan looked at what Roy was staring at to find that the handle for Roy¡¯s apartment was broken.


    Keagan grabbed Roy¡¯s shoulder and pulled him back.


    ¡°Let me check.¡± Keagan said as he slowly opened the door.


    ¡°What the-?¡± Asked a large man.


    Keagan came to a complete stop as Roy poked his head into his apartment.


    ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that Cory¡¯s coward of a brother?¡± Another man asked.


    Keagan saw that Roy¡¯s apartment was in tatters, but his focus quickly returned to the large man as he got up.


    ¡°Umm¡­ I¡¯m pretty sure this is-¡°


    The large man punched Keagan in the nose, breaking it in the process.


    Keagan tried turning to run, but the large man grabbed his collar before pulling him back.


    ¡°What are you doing? I thought you guys were Cory¡¯s friends!¡± Roy yelped, but the large man pulled out a gun from his pants and point it at Keagan.


    ¡°Yo, Farouk. Calm down.¡± A third man said.


    ¡°Nah, it¡¯s this little fucker''s fault that Cory¡¯s dead.¡± The large man said as blood ran down Keagan¡¯s nose.


    The man the punched Keagan again and again as Roy watched.


    Keagan¡¯s mind went numb as the large man mounted him.


    ¡°Ok, take out your stress, but you know that you can¡¯t kill him right? Our DNA is all over this place.¡± The second man said as the large one continued to beat Keagan.


    Roy eventually grew tired of watching his friend get hurt and so he lashed out at the large man, but the large man reflexively raised his gun wielding arm and pointed it at Roy.


    A loud sound echoed throughout all of Acan.


    ¡°Oh my goodness! Why the fuck did you do that?¡± The second man asked before running to Roy¡¯s side.


    ¡°I- I don¡¯t know. The little shit looked like he was seriously going to come at me." The large man said before the third ran out of Roy¡¯s apartment.


    ¡°Ah, fuck it! Let¡¯s go.¡± The second said before running out.


    The large man dashed out of Keagan¡¯s apartment, leaving Keagan on the cold, dirty floor.


    Keagan crawled towards Roy as his head rang.


    Roy was covered in a warm red liquid, but Keagan ignored it as he grabbed his best friend.


    ¡°Roy!¡± Keagan cried, even as his face stung.


    ¡°Roy!¡± Keagan screamed, but Roy was unresponsive.


    One of Roy¡¯s neighbours saw the o so gruesome scene.


    ¡°You ok?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°Call, the police.¡± Keagan cried as Roy continued to bleed.


    ¡°Ok!¡± The man said as he pulled out his phone.


    Keagan held onto Roy tightly as his once warm blood turned cold.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Tears began rolling down his face as he sat by Roy¡¯s side.


    It had been a good long while since he had a proper bawl and so the tears flowed freely.


    The police eventually arrived and Keagan saw a rather familiar face.


    ¡°What on earth happened here?¡± Detective Oliver Cranston asked as serval paramedics charged into Roy¡¯s apartment.


    They hurriedly tended to Roy before carrying him out on a stretcher.


    More paramedics came and placed Keagan on a stretcher.


    Tears continued to fall as the evening sun blared into his eyes. He was eventually taken to the nearest hospital and there he was treated for his several features, but at no moment did he think about himself. All he wanted to know was if Roy was ok.


    One of the nurses entered Keagan¡¯s room.


    The nurse checked the many devices that Keagan was hooked into, but then Keagan suddenly reaches out and grabbed his hand.


    ¡°What the-?¡± The nurse exclaimed.


    ¡°Where¡­ where¡¯s Roy?¡± Keagan asked, but the nurse gently smiled before placing his hand on Keagan¡¯s.


    ¡°Please sir, I suggest you minimize your movements.¡± The nurse said before someone entered the room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take it from here.¡± Detective Oliver said as the nurse left.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Keita. It pains me to say this, but Roy Deacon is dead." The detective said.


    Tears rolled down Keagan¡¯s bandage covered face as Detective Oliver paced around the room.


    ¡°We heard from several eye witnesses that Mr. Deacon¡¯s apartment was occupied by several of Cory¡¯s gang members. Mmm¡­ I think It¡¯d be best if we spoke about this at another time.¡± Detective Oliver said as he placed a card by Keagan¡¯s bed.


    The detective then left, leaving Keagan alone in the mind numbing silence of his room.


    He had only his pain to keep him company as he wept.


    Keagan wondered where everything wrong.


    Why he in a continuous and repetitive cycle of pain.


    Ah ha.


    Keagan thought.


    Maybe it was karma for sins past.


    Or divine punishment from above.


    Maybe even Murphy¡¯s law.


    But one thing was clear to Keagan.


    He was tired.


    So very tired.


    He wanted to sleep.


    For a really long time.


    .


    ..


    Keagan was eventually discharged and he made his way to his apartment.


    Detective Oliver and the good people of the Acan police department had caught Cory¡¯s gang members and they were being proceeded by justice¡¯s firm hand.


    Well, Keagan didn¡¯t care. He also heard that Dan had been promoted and was the current CEO of Lezzaro, but that news also didn¡¯t interest Keagan.


    He opened his apartment door and took in a deep breath of air, even as his chest ached. It had been a while since he''d last set foot in his own home, so a strange feeling overcame him as he looked around.


    His face had been sewn together in various places, but he looked better.


    Keagan ignored all foreign thoughts as he made his way into his den.


    His safe place.


    He sat down on his chair and places his hand on his mouse.


    Sure, it was made from plastic, but something about it made Keagan feel¡­ in control.


    Keagan switched on his pc and contacted his viewers on various social media sites. He then streamed some casual gameplay for about two hours before quitting.


    Keagan chuckled as he had lost all of the matches he played, but he felt good. Really good.


    He checked the time and saw that it was a few minutes past five in the morning.


    He then took a deep breath before getting up.


    He took out a certain watch from his back pocket and threw it into a nearby trash can.


    Keagan slipped into his shoes and then left his apartment without locking or even closing the door.


    He made his way down the elevator and walked slowly to the train station.


    He looked at a certain bench to the left of the platform, but he told his heart to hold in his tears.


    He quietly rode the train to Ix Chel and eventually arrived at the Lezzaro building.


    He entered it, but instead of taking the elevator up, he rode it down to one of the underground floors.


    He walked out of the elevator at a certain floor and made his way to a certain room.


    The room was behind an extremely fortified door, but fortunately for Keagan, he knew the password.


    Keagan entered the extremely clean room and made his way to the centre.


    There, sat a large white device.


    It had a sleek design and had numerous cables running into the walls.


    Keagan typed in serval commands into the device before it opened with nary a whimper.


    Keagan ran his hands along the device before hopping into it. Shoes and all.


    The device slowly closed itself, sealing Keagan inside it completely.


    Silence befell the device interior, but that silence was broken by a sob.


    Tears began rolling down his face as he allowed himself to feel.


    He thought about Roy.


    About how they¡¯d spent most of their time together eating and bickering about his health and various other things.


    He thought about how even though Roy was lived a few blocks away, he always felt so close.


    Keagan placed his hand above his heart as he wept.


    The device then started filling itself with a certain liquid.


    Keagan chuckled to himself as the real genius of Mercy¡¯s work was never the CryoPod, but the liquid it used to preserve-


    Meh. Keagan cancelled thought as the liquid continued to fill the CryoPod.


    Keagan took a deep breath as the liquid reached his neck.


    He then closed his eyes as it reached his chin.


    He wanted to sleep.


    For a long time.


    And this was the only thing he could think of.


    His thoughts focused onto the images of those he cared about, but a certain thought passed through his mind as the liquid completely filled the CryoPod.


    Catalina and Karisa¡¯s naked bodies filled his mind.


    This made Keagan accidentally open his eyes.


    He paid for this mistake as his eyes stung, but this wasn¡¯t the only problem.


    In a moment of panic, Keagan gulped some of the clear liquid.


    He thrashed around in search for air, but it was far too late.


    That and the CryoPod could only be opened from the outside.


    Keagan screamed at himself internally.


    He didn¡¯t want to sleep with images of those wretches in his mind-


    .


    ..


    Catalina awoke with a yawn.


    She hadn¡¯t heard from Keagan in a while, but she knew that he was at his best after some rest.


    She hopped out from her bed and took a shower before getting dressed for work.


    Her trip to Ix Chel was rather uneventful, but it was her arrival at the Lezzaro building that wasn¡¯t so calm.


    She saw several police vehicles and an ambulance.


    She walked up to the only familiar face in sight.


    ¡°Ahem. Tommy, care to explain what¡¯s going on?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Uh- it¡¯s Keagan¡­¡± Tommy seemingly froze up. His face was pale and his eyes were trembling. It was thought he had seen a ghost or something far more gruesome.


    Catalina panicked.


    ¡°What about him? Is he hurt?¡± She asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ I think he¡¯s dead.¡± Tommy said as Johan approached.


    ¡°What? How?¡± Catalina asked, her voice slightly raised.


    ¡°He froze himself in the CryoPod, but something happened and the prototype malfunctioned. The CryoPod froze him beyond any possible restoration.¡± Johan explained.


    Catalina¡¯s face returned to it¡¯s normal cold self as she walked away.


    ¡°Where-?¡± Tommy was about to ask, but Johan stopped him.


    Catalina texted Karisa as she got onto a taxi.


    [Meet me at The Velzen.]


    She texted.


    [Why?]


    Karisa asked.


    [Just do it.]


    Catalina said before dropping her phone into her pocket.


    She let out a deep sigh as she made her way to Cynosure.


    She eventually arrived at a certain restaurant in Cynosure.


    She reserved a table and there she waited with cross arms.


    Karisa eventually arrived.


    The discoloration on her face had slightly faded, but then again, it did very little to her overall beauty in the first place.


    Karisa took the seat opposite Catalina¡¯s.


    ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡± Karisa asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead.¡± Catalina said.


    Karisa¡¯s face went through several emotions in rapid succession.


    Confusion.


    Terror.


    Pain.


    Sorrow.


    Then her face became cold and neutral.


    ¡°I see.¡± She said as her voice trembled.


    ¡°Delicious, isn¡¯t it?¡± Catalina asked.


    ¡°Oh¡­ extremely so. Anyway, what are we gonna do now?¡± Karisa asked.


    ¡°No idea. Chances are we¡¯ll never find one such as him ever again.¡± Catalina said with a sigh.


    ¡°Why did he have to be such a cowered in the end?¡± Catalina asked.


    ¡°No idea. Anyway, let¡¯s go tell mom. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll love this.¡± Karisa said as she got up.


    Catalina joined her as they left the restaurant. She noticed a small object falling from the sky.


    ¡°Mmm? Its snowing.¡± Catalina said as they walked off into the distance.


    The winter that followed in Unity was a rather cold one.


    But things are often still in the cold and stillness is true bliss.


    THE END


    Authors notes:


    Finally! Its over. Now I can go back to doing what I love¡­ writing. (Help, I¡¯m stuck in an endless cycle of the written word!)


    Just kidding.


    Anyway, how did you enjoy One Step at a Time?


    Well, I didn¡¯t enjoy it at all.


    Making someone feel pain in real life is tough, so writing fake pain is hard, but in an internal way.


    Writing Keagan was¡­ fun. At times. Its always so easy to write the knight in shining armour character, but Keagan isn¡¯t exactly nice. But he isn¡¯t evil either. I had many moments where I wanted to flip the script and make him save the day, but alas. Not all days can be saved.


    Thank you very much for reading my fiction and I hope you have a great day.


    As for me? I¡¯m tired. So bye-bye!