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Iron Rain Pt. 01

By: Lost Boy



Part 1: Homecoming

Today is my graduation day. Today I leave the life I have known for four years behind me. Today I leave the military school my father exiled me to and return to civilian life. Today everything and nothing changes for me and I have grown enough to accept these facts. Today is my graduation day.

There is a figure kneeling on the soft pliant mat in the gymnasium. In his left hand rests a shinai a bamboo practice sword used in the martial art of kendo. His right hand rests on his right thigh. He is perfectly still and with every breath his universe becomes smaller and smaller; with each heartbeat his mind clears and thoughts cease to be. When all thoughts are banished and his universe has completely dissolved his right hand moves without thought and grips the shinai and simultaneously draws and cuts his unseen foe with flawless precision. The figure opens his eyes and standing before him just outside of the range of his strike in an elderly man unbent by his years due to his complete dedication to his art, the art of sword combat. I am that figure kneeling and standing before me is Master Akira Kobayashi last scion of the White Lotus School of Combat.

"Perfection Shaw-san you have taken and mastered my lessons despite your unfortunate disability," his English is accented but his pronunciation is very good.

The disability is that I was born American and began my lessons late in life. But Master Akira was the father I never had and I am greatly saddened by our immanent parting of ways.

"Thank you Sensei for your kind words," I say, slowly rising to my feet. "It has been both an honor and a privilege to have studied at your feet."

"You have made me proud and to know that at least a part of my teachings will live on through you makes the sting of our parting bearable."

"I have to go and prepare for the graduation ceremony."

"I know but before you go I have something to return to you," he says and reaches around his neck and takes off the chain and the strange key that hangs from it and holds it out for me. "You gave this into my keeping when you began your studies not sure if you should keep it or not. I feel it is time for you to discover what lock it opens."

"Thank you Sensei," I said bowing and taking the key and chain into my hand.

"I hope the lock opens doors to a bright future for you Nicholas," he said smiling a rarity for the stern faced sword master. "You had better go or you will be late and that would be a poor start to a new life goodbye."

I bowed low, turned and left for my dorm room. I jogged across campus and reached my room in less than five minutes, not too shabby for being bare foot and in my ghi. I stripped down and started my shower and checked out myself in the mirror and could see my father staring back at me. I had his hazel eyes, hawk-like nose and prominent chin. I saw very little of my mother in my features but knew that her part of me was my forgiving nature, artistic soul and the hunger to be loved. The academy had killed the first two aspects and the utter lack of communication with my father had put the last to rest a long time ago. Military school was like being exiled for reasons that haunt you and keep you up at night. But as the weeks became months and then years I ceased to care or hope. I knew after I stepped out on stage to receive my diploma I would turn to face the audience and besides friends and faculty there would be no other familiar faces. He blamed me for his wife's death and nothing was going to change that not even four years of separation. A cloud of steam filled the bathroom and I stepped into the shower and felt my muscles relax as the hot water did its work. I lathered up and soaped my hard body from top to bottom and applied shaving cream to my face and made sure it was impeccably free of hair. Then I did the same to my groin and balls making sure they were as smooth as my face. It was a habit I had started years ago and like all military habits were now second nature. I dried off and examined my nails and found them fit for graduation. I dressed and made sure my captain's bars were perfectly placed. I examined my reflection once more and found no flaw whatsoever! 

As a unit we arrived at the field and assembled according to name and patiently waited for the ceremony to begin. I found myself secretly hoping that my father would be in the audience but I knew better and squashed the emotion before it took root. One by one we made our way up to the stage, received our diploma and left via the opposite side of the stage. Of course there were cheers from friends and family as each cadet was given their diploma, would anyone cheer for me I wondered? 

"Captain Nicholas Shaw..." came the contralto voice of the Commandant then followed by a roar of voices, whistles and clapping... well I'll be damned!

I crossed the stage in a measured step as we were instructed, took the diploma in my left hand and shook his hand with my right. I turned to face the audience and everyone was on their feet showing how happy and proud they were of me... even my father! There he stood despite all hope and I nearly cried. I turned and headed off stage while the other students had their time in the limelight. When the last of us had received our diplomas the Commandant addressed the crowd.

"As you know it is custom for the Valedictorian and Salutatorian to speak for his class but this year will be different as these two students will make introduction to the student voted as the best representative of our school. Please welcome Sergeant Marcus Brady to the stage."

Another roar from the crowd and Marcus took the stage and when the noise died down he held up a piece of paper then crumbled it up.

"I had a nice speech all lined up for you about what the future is going to mean to our graduating class but Terry and I decided to share some memories of the past that greatly impacted our lives and why we achieved our academic success. When I was a freshman I was going to run away and never look back on this place. I was angry, tired and scared to death..."

I remember when I caught Marcus packing his things and ready to run, run to anywhere but here.

"... I never told anyone about it until now. A dear friend of mine talked me out of it and told me this. 'When a sword is being forged it is hammered, beaten and thrust into the fire over and over again. If the sword is taken out unfinished from the forge it is brittle and will surely break. But the secret is to bend with the blows and embrace the process so that in the end you are a gleaming three foot razor that all men will fear.' He was and is a huge fan of the Samurai sword and so thanks to his words I stand before you today tall, strong and razor sharp!"

The crowd rose to its feet and roared their approval. The Commandant took the podium once more and when silence had returned he spoke again.

"Thank you Marcus. Now our second speaker is Lieutenant Terry Wilkes please welcome him to the stage."

Terry took the stage in his ground eating strides and smiled brilliantly to the audience before speaking.

"I am the tallest member of my class," the crowed murmured at his six foot seven inch frame, "and has cost me nothing but grief because we have no basketball team here and I had no place to fit into until someone stepped in and found me a niche to call my own. Half way through our freshman year the school offered a special martial arts program to learn the art of Kendo or Japanese sword fighting. Only twenty students were chosen and I was not among them... well not until someone campaigned to the Commandant himself on my behalf. It wasn't easy for him to even get an appointment, he is a busy man our fearless leader, and the program was experimental but still he stuck his neck out for me and I was accepted as the twenty first student to Master Akira Kobayashi. After four years out of the original twenty one students only four endured to senior year and due to our success the program will continue. Kendo has taught me discipline, courage and the deepest meanings of honor and if not for that chance all those years ago I would not be the young man you see before you today."

The crowd once more got to its feet clapping, whistling and roaring. Once they calmed down Terry continued his speech.

"Here to present the first annual Kendo championship ribbon Master Akira Kobayashi."

The wizened figure strode across the stage with his preternatural grace and his usual mask of the stern teacher etched upon his face. He wore a kimono of finest golden silk adorned with white lotus blossoms. 

"Ladies, Gentlemen and cadets four years ago I was contacted by this fine place of learning to teach the ancient art of Kendo. I was hesitant to be honest for most teachers of Japanese decent send students that had come from their respective countries back once they have achieved the rank of teacher. It is highly unusual for a Master to leave Japan and teach overseas. Saying that, I contracted for four years to see if any would embrace the art and take its deeper mysteries as a lifestyle and not just a sport to be played. I told myself that if just one did that I would renew my contract and continue on for another four years. It is my greatest honor and with deepest pride to announce the winner of the first annual Kendo championship ribbon Captain Nicholas Shaw."

I suspected they were talking about me but I was in shock and someone behind me had to give me a gentle but firm push to get me moving towards the podium. The crowd's noise level reached a new volume and in an emotional fog I stood before Master Akira as he pinned the ribbon onto my uniform and he bowed to me and I mirrored his gesture with a brilliant smile on my features. I turned to the crowd and there was my dad crying along with an attractive blond who was standing next to him and screaming herself silly. After what seemed like forever I stood there looking out at the audience and collected my thoughts.

"I don't know what to say no one warned me about this. Like many students I arrived here four years ago with mixed feelings about our place in the world and unsure whether our parents loved us and had abandoned us here for one reason or another. But I discovered that time away has made me more self reliant, disciplined and all the more hungry to be with my family from this day forward. For four long years I have as Marcus put it so well been hammered, beaten and forged into a better human being and thanks to friends and faculty my life will be a shining example to all those around me of what anyone can achieve if they want something bad enough." I thrust my fist into the air. "Go class 2011!" 

Everyone lost their minds and there were cheers and whistles and yes tears of joy and sorrow. I shook the Commandant's hand and left the stage heading straight for my father. It took a while to make my way through the crowd but at last he threw his arms around me and we hugged.

"I wasn't sure you were going to make it," I told him as the three of us exited the field for the waiting limo. "I am a complete jerk, who is this gorgeous young woman?"

"Nicholas let me introduce your new mother, Petra Shaw."

I guess the look of shock was apparent as another unexpected bit of news took me completely by surprise.

"Welcome to the family Petra," I said shaking her hand.

"It's okay Nicholas I know this comes as a shock but I hope the homecoming will be pleasant and show how much we have missed you."

"Petra is responsible for much of my new found happiness and success," father said pulling her close. "After the graduation party we will take you home where you can decide which college you want to go to or if the armed services is appealing. We are 'not' shipping you off again all those decisions are yours to make."

"I take it the business has improved 'a lot' since last we spoke dad?"

"Yes it has, you are heir to a vast fortune my boy and Petra's aid is why."

"So are you partners as well as a married couple," I asked.

"I told you he was brilliant," my father said. "Petra is my silent partner and contact specialist."

"Are you coming to the graduation party," I asked Petra.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world."

The academy had rented out space at a five star hotel in town for the party and it was the best any graduate could hope for. Food, a live band and door prizes for each and every student; the prizes ranged from I Phones to I Pads with two years prepaid contracts. They had dropped a small fortune for this party! I wondered how they could afford it when I saw my dad talking to a senior member of the hotel staff and handing him an envelope. Damn, I guess the business was doing great!

We left the party at around ten o'clock and headed back home. I was surprised to see that we were driving back to the old house, the house I had grown up in. I thought that with his new found wealth father would have bought a new home. We stopped and the limo let us out in front of a building that was and wasn't familiar to me. He had refurbished it and very extensively by the look of things. What had been a two story structure with an attic was now a full three story home and the roof had been modified with a glass dome over the center of the top floor. The exterior was now a gray stone of some sort with large bay windows on either side of the front door revealing the living room and library respectively. 

"I love what you've done with the place," I said as I got my duffle bag from the trunk of the limo.

"Thank you," Petra said. "Your father was very indulgent when it came to the face lift on your home I am glad you like it. I hope you still have the key we sent you."

"Yes, it's around my neck why?"

"Oh you'll see," she said smiling secretively.

My father tipped the driver and led the way up to the front door which opened before we got there and framed in the flickering fire light was a curvaceous figure of a young woman. She opened the door all the way and I could see her deep autumnal hair and blazing green eyes.

"Nicholas, I would like to introduce my daughter Katarina..." Petra began.

"Everyone just calls me Kat! Welcome home Nick I have heard so much about you."

She had her mother's Slavic features and was as younger version of Petra.

"Sorry I didn't mean to stare," I said blushing.

"Hey it's okay if I were surrounded by nothing but girls for four years I'd be a little shy around the opposite sex too," was there just a hint of a lilt in her voice when she said 'sex'?

"Thanks... I appreciate it."

"Can I give it to him mother?" Kat asked but her mom shut her down with a look.

"You know better, his father will give him his graduation gift. After all it was his idea so let father and son have that moment shall we?"

"You're right of course sorry dad," Kat said her head lowered.

"She gets so excited and it's been in its box since it arrived," Petra said with another secretive smile.

I looked to my father and he just grinned.

"Come on in and let's have some coffee and we can show Nicholas all his surprises okay?"

"Okay," mother and daughter said echoing one another.

The interior of the house was hauntingly familiar for the rooms' dimensions were close to the original except the kitchen was twice its size and was something you expect to see on Iron Chef. Petra and Kat started coffee and set out some snacks while my father gave me the guided tour.

"We gutted it down to the frame and added to the back and top of the house." He said as he pointed out the kitchen and massive bathroom on the opposite side of the house from the kitchen. "Each room is patterned after a country that I do business with so that visiting clients feel at home. That was Petra's idea. The living room is Germanic, the library is Italian, the dining room is French and the kitchen is just obscene."

We walked up the left side of the U-shaped staircase that led to the second floor and I didn't recognize it at all. There was a single plain door right at the top of the stairs and a door on either side of the hallway. The door on the right led to the master bedroom which had two full bathrooms attached, his and hers. The door on the left led to Kat's bedroom and she also had her own full bath. I looked at my father perplexed and I think the hurt showed through but he just smiled and pointed to the middle door.

"Take out your key and open the door. Just so you know no one but me has seen what's upstairs so you may have two curious women begging for a tour later on."

I took the strange key from around my neck and slid it into the lock and turned the key to clockwise and an alarm sounded and I nearly pissed myself right then and there. I quickly turned it in the opposite direction and the alarm was silenced and a queer humming sound ended and the door unlocked and slid into the left wall leaving only the handle visible. I didn't notice the soft sound until it ended.

"Mag-lock, the door and beyond double as a panic room in case of dire situations... I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all, I will definitely sleep safe and sound."

"Go in son and tell me if you approve of my interior design."

I opened the door and saw that just beyond was a small room approximately ten feet square and in the middle of the room was a staircase that led up to the expanded third floor. 

"Take off your shoes," my dad said as he slipped off his dress shoes.

I followed suit and looked all the way up the stairs and my jaw dropped; for at the top was a shoji, a Japanese sliding door. Suddenly I knew how my room had been decorated! I raced up the stairs and gingerly opened the shoji to reveal a nine tatami mat room with a shoji in the middle of the left and right wall. I stepped into the room and took in my surroundings. The middle of the room held a short rosewood table with pillows on all sides for guests and me to sit and relax around. The back wall had three wooden sliding doors that were obviously closet space. I looked up and saw that the dome atop the house was centered over the main room and let in light from the open sky. 

"Check out the closets," my dad suggested.

I crossed to the far side of the room and opened the first closet and it held kimonos of all different colors and material; there were cloth ones for warmth and silk ones for comfort. The middle closet was empty and meant for me to fill. The last closet held shelves for tea or coffee and a good sized refrigerator stocked with soda and snacks. 

"You have two more rooms to explore," my dad said pointing left and right.

I chose the right side to explore first and opened the shoji to reveal another nine tatami mat room that was an awesome bedroom. Along the middle of the far wall was the large futon mattress with two short end tables and beneath the mattress was a wooden frame with drawers to hold clothing. On the wall opposite the futon was a massive plasma screen and below it an entertainment cabinet of darkest teakwood. I looked in the drawers of the cabinet to find three separate gaming systems along with a tall computer tower.

"The pc has a remote keyboard and mouse located in one of the futon's drawers but you can also access the plasma screen with this..." he said handing me a brand new I Pad II. 

"I am... I don't know what to say," I said almost crying. "Thanks dad!"

"You're welcome son... are you ready for the other room?"

"I'm not sure my heart can take another surprise but... yeah!"

He led me out and across the main room to the left shoji and when I opened it my mouth opened in complete and utter shock.

"I know it's not strictly Japanese but it's a nice combining of cultures don't you think?"

"It is perfect," I whispered.

The bathroom was massive and the room itself was done in traditional Japanese style with the entire floor tiled and a drain in the middle of the floor in case the tub or shower overflowed or leaked. Even the threshold was elevated to keep water from ruining the floor of the main room. On the right wall was a deep tub large enough to easily accommodate two full sized people and for me I could stretch out and float in it without my hands or feet touching the sides and deep enough for the water to reach my neck before stopping. On the far side of the room was a cutting edge shower with nozzles that sprayed from the top, sides and back simultaneously. Both tub and shower had digital displays for precise water temperature. On the left wall was a double sink with mirrors and storage space for towels, hair products as well as other bathroom necessities. Further along the left wall were the toilet and its supplies. It was the perfect bathroom and much larger than the other two and I could tell a lot of thought had gone into each and every room.


Iron Rain Pt. 01



"It's amazing dad I don't know how to thank you?"

"No thanks are necessary but I do want you to know two things. First this isn't me trying to buy your love. Second I never blamed you for mom's death. So are we cool?"

I hugged him tight and the tears flowed and he held me while the last emotional damn in me burst and I finally knew for certain that I wasn't blamed for mom dying.

"Nicholas she got sick and no one was responsible for that okay?"

I could only nod and slowly let go as the psychic poison was leeched from me and I never felt better, weak as a kitten but never better.

"So how about that coffee you two..." Petra called up.

We looked at each other and my dad and I headed downstairs to rejoin my new expanded family. While I had been getting the grand tour Petra had changed from her evening dress to jeans and a t-shirt. Her long blond hair was down and hit the middle of her back; it was obvious why dad found her attractive and I could see I was going to have to keep my hormones under control around her and my stepsister Kat. Thankfully she was wearing a bra under her tight black shirt because I kept sneaking glances at her and Kat's tits and ass. They both had slim builds and curvy in all the right places! Mother and daughter shared those piercing green eyes but Kat had that deep red hair with fiery highlights that seemed to dance when she moved her head. 

I sipped my coffee and was lost in my thoughts when Kat moved and sat down next to me.

"...home?"

"What?"

"I said anybody home?"

"Sorry I was daydreaming..."

"...about me no doubt... kidding!" she said punching my arm.

"I think it's time..." Petra said softly to my dad.

"I agree... Kat if you will go get it and hand it to me."

Kat jumped up and actually giggled as she raced upstairs and after a minute or two came down carrying a long narrow box. My mind began to do that whole Christmas gift thing and discover the contents before I opened it but the dimensions fit nothing that made any sense to me, four feet by two feet by one foot. Kat handed the box to my father and he set it down next to him he looked over at me and smiled.

"I wanted to find this particular gift and one of Petra's contacts made this possible plus it was Kat's idea for the personalized part. So with much love from all of us welcome home son."

I looked over at each of them and thanked them as my father handed me the box. I immediately realized that the item within was smaller than the box because of the weight centered along the long side of the box. Kat handed me a box cutter and with precise incisions opened the top of the box and let the content slide out. The actual box fell into my lap and then it became obvious to me what it was. The teakwood box was etched with kanji characters spelling out the name of the smith who forged it. My hands were actually shaking when I slid the lid from the box revealing the katana within. It was absolutely beautiful! The scabbard and binding on the grip were a deep indigo, my mother's favorite color, and etched on the side of the scabbard and set with mother of pearl a phoenix taking flight. My mother had told me while she lay dying in the hospital that I shouldn't cry her spirit would be set free like a phoenix being reborn. Heavy tears fell onto the sword as I felt my mother's presence even as I took the katana from the box. Click! The mental connection was made and I looked up into my father's eyes and knew without a doubt it was he, not the school, who had approached Master Akira about teaching at the academy. I wiped the tears from my eyes and using my thumb pushed against the cross-guard of the katana freeing it from the scabbard and then with practiced ease drew the rest of the blade free. I stared at the weapon and was stunned at its sheer beauty and its uniqueness; instead of the gleaming mirror bright steel the metal of the blade had an eerie red/gold hue.

"The metal is called Orichalcum and it was Kat who discovered that a metallurgist in St. Louis had rediscovered the lost recipe, we hoped you like the one of a kind nature of the weapon."

"I love it but I have never heard of Orichalcum," I said, "where does it come from?"

"He wouldn't say," Kat said, "no matter how nice I asked."

"The weapon was very difficult to bring together but Petra can be very convincing," my dad said.

"First," Petra chimed in, "buying enough Orichalcum for the project. Second, convincing a very traditional Japanese sword smith into actually using the Orichalcum and lastly having said smith give up the weapon after it is finished. He fell in love with it and is the best he ever made."

"How did you convince him," I asked.

"Simple, I purchased enough steel for ten swords I gave him the other nine ingots as part of the purchase price. You have in your hot little hands the hardest, most supple steel the world has ever seen."

I moved the blade in gentle arcs feeling the weight and balance of it and it was perfect! I sheathed the sword and gave hugs all around and offered a tour of the third floor to Petra and Kat and they eagerly followed me up the stairs while my father stayed downstairs wearing that shit eating grin of his.

Three A.M.

I felt a presence in my bedroom and slowly opened my eyes and standing to the right side of my futon was Kat. She was wearing a silky top and PJ bottoms with a bunny design. I could see her nipples pressing against the material of her top in the star light. 

"Kat, what are you doing in my bedroom?"

"I couldn't sleep... want to share a cup of tea with me?"

"What woke you up? Bad dream or something...?"

"...or something."

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and sat up and slowly nodded leaned over and opened one of the clothes drawers beneath the futon.

"You sleep naked," Kat blurted out.

I looked and saw my bare ass revealed as the covers had slipped off when I had leaned over to grab a pair of sweat pants.

"Sorry, didn't mean to moon you."

"S'ok you have a cute butt."

"Um... thanks Kat..." I looked up and caught her licking her lips. "... You have cute nipples." I said before the chip in my head could filter out the inappropriate comment.

"Thanks... I was hoping you'd notice."

Blink. Blink. I stared up like a deer caught in the headlights. I slipped the sweatpants beneath the covers and with some struggling managed to get them on without revealing any more skin. But I had a 'big' problem.

"Um... hey Kat why don't you have a seat out there and I'll be right in," I asked her.

"Why I mean what's the... Ohhhh! Hehe... got a problem down below?"

I blushed furiously and nodded.

"Wow... I'll take that as a compliment... I'll give you a minute... but if you want me to stay..." She smiled and turned to leave.

She walked out her butt doing a little dance and my eyes were glued there and my problem got 'bigger'. I was painfully hard and unsure of how to deflate the situation with her in the next room dressed as she was. Plus her offer to lend me a 'hand' just compounded my inability to focus on anything but her. Desperate I reached over to the water glass on the nightstand and standing up poured the contents on my raging erection. The cold water did the trick. I stripped out of the sweats and used them to soak up the water and slipped on another pair before entering the main room. I headed straight for the closet and started a pot of water to boil.

"Those are different sweat pants..." Kat began.

"The others are soaking up the ice water I had to dump to fix the situation."

"Pity... I could have licked that problem if you wanted."

I spun on her and glared.

"Has anyone ever called you evil before?"

"All the time..." she licked her lips and smiled.

"So what woke you up you never did say?"

"Dad was saying goodbye to mom."

"Huh? Is he going somewhere?"

"Yeah... he has a tour of suppliers and customers and won't be back until Christmas, 

Thanksgiving if things go really well."

"Saying goodbye..." I said as she shared the 'look'. "Oh... you mean..."

"Yep," Kat nodded.

"That explains a lot..." I muttered as I added tea to two tall mugs.

"...explains what?" Kat said but she was no longer sitting on the floor she had snuck up and was pressing her breasts against my back her lips near my ear.

"Why you are so aroused," I asked my mouth dry and my erection pushing the front of my sweats into a tent... again.

"Waking up to the sounds of mom begging for cock can be very arousing... and with you so close how could I resist," she said as her hands moved around my waist and softly rubbing my erection.

"Kat... oh god Kat...," my self control was weakening by the second.

"Am I your first?" she moaned in my ear as she pulled the waist band of my pants forward with one hand and sliding the free hand down and her fingers wrapping around my length.

"Yes... unnnn god you're killing me."

"Death by orgasm..." she crooned and her hot breath made me painfully hard now, "say No and I will go."

"What?" I asked shocked.

"If you want me to stop just say no..."

I swallowed hard and completely forgot the tea as her hand began to move over my thickness squeezing and pumping me. My body was shaking and I couldn't have stopped her any more than I could my heart from beating.

"I'm going to cum..." I moaned.

"Perfectly natural... let it happen then I will show you a thing or two."

Her hand pumped me faster and faster and my breath came in ragged gasps as my first orgasm rose up and crashed over me. I bit back a scream and had to bite my lower lip to keep silent. After I had sprayed the inside of sweats with cum Kat stripped me out of them and turned me around to face her.

"You're shaved down there... naughty boy!"

"Mmhmmm... what's next?" I asked as she took my hands and placed them on the bottom hem of her top.

"Undress me," she said as my hands gripped the top and pulled it off of her.

Slowly the star light painted her bare flesh illuminating it and her nipples were as hard as I was.

"Do you like?" She asked as she pulled my head down to her tits. "Kiss them... lick them..."

I followed her directions and began by kissing her sensitive flesh and she moaned and when my tongue flickers over her nipples she growled and I tugged her PJ bottoms down and she stepped out of them.

"You're shaved too..." I moaned.

"Umm hmmmm... I am so wet for you... but first..." Kat pulled my head up and kissed me.

Our lips met and I moaned into her mouth and she molded her curvaceous body to mine and my hands drifted down and cupped her ass cheeks and then she was moaning for me. Her tongue invaded my mouth and she pressed closer and my length slide between her legs beneath her soaked sex. She slowly rocked her hips allowing her pussy juices to lubricate the head and shaft of my cock. Our kiss deepened as she bent her knees and we moved to the floor. Somehow I ended up on my back with Kat on top her hands roaming over my body. With suddenness she broke the kiss and looked down at me with unbridled lust burning in her eyes.

"Let me do everything the first time..." she kissed me again even as she lifted and adjusted her hips. 

I felt the tip of my cock slide up and down brushing against the lips of her sex. She teased me like this for a while before sliding just the tip in and then oh so slowly moving downward driving me deep inside of her.

"UNNN..." I grunted as she sat down on top of me fully.

"So big and thick...." She purred, "don't fight coming... we have all night long baby."

"I don't think I could if I wanted."

"How does my pussy feel wrapped around you?"

"Wonderful..."

"...good now wait until you feel me riding you."

She slowly lifted up and then dropped down and I let out a low grunt from deep in my chest. Smiling she began to lift and drop in a nice steady rhythm. 

"Unnn... unnn... unn..." I moaned over and over again.

"That's it baby make some noise... so I know how good I am making you feel..."

"...feels soooo good. So wet... so warm and tight..."

"How about this?" she said and I felt her pussy grip me as she tightened her internal muscles.

"Oh my god," I cried out.

"Flex your cock baby... try to.... YES that's it!"

I did as she suggested and began to flex my cock inside of her and apparently she liked it, a lot. I reached up and cupped her tits and began to play with them, kneading her flesh and rubbing her nipples with my thumbs. Kat growled and nodded to me to keep up the pleasure I was giving her.

"I love it when my tits are played with!" Kat moaned.

"I feel funny..." I said as my cock swelled inside of her.

"Mmm that's your wonderful cock telling you're ready to cum again!"

Kat built up the pace and began to slam her hips down onto me and I felt my toes curling.

"So close!" I said through gritted teeth.

"Give it to me baby... fill my pussy with your cum."

I growled and as I felt my climax hitting I thrust my hips upward impaling Kat as her hips was moving downward. She howled and I felt her pussy squeeze me tighter than before. After the pulses of hot cum shot into Kat she fell forward panting and moaning.

"...came so hard..."

"Yes I did..."

"I meant me..." Kat said giggling, "...silly man."

Kat rose off of me and made her way to the bathroom. I heard the toilet flush and then the shower started.

"Oh Nicholas... care to join me in the shower?"

I covered the distance as quickly as I could and found her standing there in all her naked glory.

"Like what you see..." she purred.

"Yes... yes I do..."

"I can tell," Kat said nodding to my raging erection, "scrub my back?"

I entered the shower and took the soapy sponge and began to make slow circles with it and she moaned and pushed her ass against my crotch and I nearly slipped into her again.

"Do you want to 'fuck' me again lover?" she purred bending over and revealing her wet slit to my gaze.

I dropped the sponge and cupped her tits from behind while my cock slid beneath her sex teasing us both.

"You are a quick learner," Kat cooed as she turned us so she could rest her hands against the wall of the shower and she bent over further making it easier for me to take her from behind.

I took my cock in hand and guided the tip between her slippery lips and pushed. We groaned at the same time and my hands fell onto her hips and I took a good grip and began to move my body thrusting into her slowly at first but quickly picking up the pace. The wet slapping sound of our bodies echoed off the excellent acoustics of the bathroom walls. Kat began to push backwards meeting me halfway so I slowed down a bit and we developed a nice rhythm together. The sharp slapping sounds ran along the walls and I was almost afraid dad would hear us from below but when Kat clenched her pussy muscles all cares went out the window. Then when she lowered her head and quit pushing back I realized that she had cum again but I kept on driving my hips into her and with a cry of shock I felt her pussy spasm around me again.

"Oh god lover..." was all she got out as I pulled back and rammed my hips into her and filled her pussy to overflowing with cum.

Panting I pulled out and she stood up letting our mixed fluids roll out and disappear down the drain. She spun around and began kissing me and molding herself to me again.

"I have never been fucked like that... ever!" she praised our love play. "I have never had that many orgasms back to back in my life!"

"This is all brand new to me Kat..."

"...wait until tomorrow night!"

"What's tomorrow night," I asked oblivious.

"A lot more of this silly man," she purred.

"Maybe you can wake me up next time..."

"Morning head, I loving sucking dick first thing in the morning..." and poof she wrapped a towel around her and was gone before her mom discovered she wasn't in her bed.

Blinking and smiling I shook my head and washed off the scent of sex from me and drying off slipped beneath my cool covers and fell into a deep dream filled sleep.



Iron Rain Pt. 02



Day Two:

I awoke the next morning to a new sensation and I let out a low moan before opening my eyes and there in the same top and bottoms as last night was Kat and true to her word she was giving me my first blowjob. She had one hand holding her long red hair out of her face while the other stroked the shaft of my iron hard cock. It took two hands to hold all of her fiery mane and she smiled before her head began to bob up and down on my cock. Kat moaned now sending vibrations through me and I moaned and gasped at all these new wonderful sensations. 

"Oh god lover," I moaned, "suck my cock!"

She growled around my length and her head sunk lower and lower until her lips touched the base, she was deep-throating me! I felt the first tingling from my toes and warned her.

"Kat I am going to cum soon..."

"S'ok... I swallow lover... now be a dear and shoot that load down my fucking throat!"

"Good thing to know..."

She returned her lips to the head of my cock and began stroking and squeezing the shaft. Kat was determined to milk a load of cum and I was eager to oblige her. I sat up to watch the scene better and she began to bob her head along half the length while her hand worked the other half. Kat felt my cock swell in her mouth and wrapped her lips around the head forming a tight seal and stroked the shaft as fast as she could and I lasted maybe a minute before I bit back a howl as my first orgasm of the day crashed over me and I watched her throat muscles work as she swallowed every drop. She continued to lick and suck me and much to our mutual surprise I came again and she almost choked when the unexpected cum hit the back of her throat. But Kat quickly recovered and drank that load too.

"You are full of surprises," she purred, "better get dressed quick mom's got breakfast ready.

I nodded as she reluctantly let go of my cock and I rose and dressed in my third pair of sweats in two days. 

"I need to do laundry," I told her and she giggled as we headed downstairs.

Petra was in the kitchen flipping the last pancake onto the stack she had already cooked and turned and glared at Kat.

"Young lady is that top appropriate to be worn around your brother?"

She didn't say step-brother but brother how strange and wonderful.

"Morning Nicholas... I hope you're hungry," Petra said addressing me.

I nodded afraid to say a word knowing that all the fucking from last night and the morning blowjob had inspired a deep appetite in me.

"Good, have a seat and you young lady need to change that top... jeez your nipples are all but hanging out!"

But instead of arguing Kat just smiled and apologized before leaving to change.

"I'm sorry Nicholas; Kat isn't used to there being men in the house. Your dad spends a lot of time on the road so she is used to dressing more... comfortably."

"Must be hard on you... dad being gone all the time," I said.

"Yes it is very hard... gets kind of lonely but with you here it'll be better."

There was something about the way she said 'hard' that got my juices flowing but I focused on my food and drove out the image of Petra on her knees before me sucking me off. She was dad's wife for crying out loud. Kat walked in wearing a less revealing shirt but she noticed my semi-wood and smiled.

"Miss me already?" she said plopping down beside me.

I said nothing and Petra just smiled and poured me juice and milk. Did Petra notice my quasi erection? Gods I hoped not... how embarrassing! We ate in silence and Kat took my dirty dishes, rinsed them and put them in the dish washer.

"I am going to the mall, Nick do you want to cum along and maybe do some clothes shopping?"

"That's sweet of you Kat... I bet his wardrobe is limited after all that time as the academy?"

"Yeah it is, if you won't feel abandoned by my going?" I asked Petra.

"Nahhh... we can talk when you two get home and get to know each other."

My brain switched back to two naked bodies on the carpet mindlessly fucking and I coughed and turned quickly and raced up the stairs before I reached full erection in front of the two of them. I managed to tuck my erection into my jeans and zip up without hurting myself. I slipped on tennis shoes and a t-shirt and headed down to Kat's room. Kat was standing with her back to me wearing only a bright red thong. I walked up behind her and pulled her to me and cupped her full breasts in my hands. She moaned and ground her ass against my crotch.

"If you keep that up," she whispered, "mom is going to catch us having sex..."

"Not if we close the door," I suggested.

"She'll hear my screams as you pound my naughty pussy from behind."

"What do we do?" I said low my voice filled with need.

"You let go of my tits... let me dress and we let the sexual tension build until tonight when you can fuck me until dawn... deal?"

"Deal..." I said letting go of her grudgingly.

The phone rang and then Petra's voice shouted up.

"Kat... its work..."

"Oh fuck me... I bet someone called in they never call me on Thursday..."

She walked over to the phone and picked it up and just as she predicted someone had indeed called in sick. Kat hung up and her look shriveled my erection in an instant.

"Sorry lover we'll have to go shopping another day, but I promise to make it up to you when I get home." 

She sealed the deal with a soul wrenching kiss that curled my toes and got me hard as a rock again. Kat even cupped my crotch to see how hard I was and smiled.

"Good... I will be thinking about you all day too," she moaned in my ear. 

Then I was ushered out of her room and I headed down the stairs to see what Petra was up to. She had cloths baskets lined up and piles of clothing on the floor sorting loads.

"Need any help," I offered.

"No, but if you bring down your dirty cloths I will wash them for you."

I immediately thought of the cum stain inside my sweat pants and blanched.

"I don't have that much they can wait."

"Nonsense, I can just add your things to mine for a full load."

I bit back the sexual comment and smiled weakly.

"Oh my god, did I actually say that... I am so embarrassed," Petra said blushing.

"It's okay... I am always saying crazy shit... hanging out with guys all the time my mental chip doesn't always filter out what not to say in front of a lady."

"You think I am a lady," Petra said stopping what she was doing.

"My dad has excellent taste and from what I have seen so far I have no reason to doubt it."

"You are so sweet! I just look back on my wild youth and find it difficult to see myself as a lady is all."

"Wild is good," I said without thinking. "See..." now I was the one blushing, "...sorry."

She waved me off and down came Kat with an armload of dirty cloths including mine. She was smiling and I glared at her.

"Oh don't give me that look mom doesn't mind doing your laundry," Kat said as she walked passed me and dropped the cloths on the floor with the rest.

"Nicholas, don't fret I really don't mind," Petra said chiming in.

"Well I gotta go, don't have too much fun while I'm gone," Kat said her words filled with innuendo. 

"It's not like we are going to have an orgy while you're at work," I said and already regretted the words.

"Well if you do, you have my cell number..." Kat said smiling and was out the front door.

I rolled my eyes up and Petra just shook her head.

"Girl is sex starved that's her problem," Petra said to no one.

"Why, is she's that particular?" I asked.

"She was a picky eater growing up and now she is almost anal when it comes to men."

"You seem okay about your daughter being sexually active."

"I'm fine, she is responsible but I almost pity the next boyfriend..."

"Why is that?"

"The girl is insatiable... one night she went nearly twelve hours non-stop... the boy never called her again."

"Ummm... don't mind my prying but how do you know..."

"...the girl isn't exactly quiet when she has sex... got that from me..." Petra looked up and blushed. "TMI ...over sharing... two beer penalty... sorry Nicholas I guess I just feel comfortable talking around you..."

"Well don't apologize about that... let's just have a rule between us from the get go... no filters and we can avoid a lot of unnecessary apologies and all that crap... agreed?"

"Agreed..." she bent down and began to sort the pile of cloths that Kat had brought down and I watched in horror as she picked up the sweat pants with the villainous stain. 

Petra tugged on the pants legs to straighten them and then brought them up to her nose and inhaled deeply. I wanted to die right then and there. She smiled and tossed them into the basket with the other dark clothes. 

"Interesting dreams last night," Petra asked softly.

"I haven't been around two beautiful women before and..."

"Perfectly natural for a young man... to masturbate..."

"Yep..." insert awkward pause, "...came pretty hard actually."

"I bet... it's all my fault isn't it... I got too loud last night didn't I? You came down and saw me and your dad going at it didn't you? I can't blame you for jerking off seeing a woman on her hands and knees getting fucked hard like that..."

Part of mind was like 'ewww' it's my dad she's talking about, but then there was the other part deleting my dad from the scene and imaging me behind her ramming my hard cock into her over and over...

"You were imagining that it was you weren't you..." her voice had softened, became sultry and full of need. "You behind me while I was on my knees begging for your hard... young... cock!"

I did it without thinking and her eyes followed my hand as it went down and adjusted my aching erection in my jeans.

"You're thinking about it right now aren't you...?"

I could only nod and my world became surreal as Petra walked over and dropped down onto her knees in front of me and slowly unzipped my jeans, then unbuttoned them and tugged them down to my ankles. My cock nearly hit her in the face. Without another word she took me in hand and began to stroke me off.

"Did you do this," she said as I reached down and tugged her shirt off of her. She undid her front hook bra with a flick of her fingers. "You like my tits?"

I nodded and licked my lips.

"How... about... this..." she asked as she shifted positions and trapped my cock between her firm tits. "How does that feel?"

"Mmmmm soft... warm..."

"You can spray my face and tits when you cum baby!" Petra said as she began to massage my cock with her tits and lick the head with her tongue.

I almost came when she deep-throated me and used her free hands to tug her shorts to the side and began to finger her pussy.

"Oh god Petra... I can see your pussy!"

"Would you like to see me masturbate like you did last night...?"

I nodded and she smiled then sat on the couch with her ass near the edge.

"...come over here and take my shorts off for me baby."

I walked over and leaned down and gripped the shorts by the waist band and as she lifted up her ass I yanked them off of her and brought them to my nose and took in her scent. While I did that she took me in her mouth again while her fingers slid in and out of her soaked pussy.

"Do you like the way my pussy smells?"

I nodded and she deep throated me while her fingers made delicious squishy sounds as she fingered herself to a powerful orgasm. I didn't realize until after I had recovered from shooting my third load of the morning that we had come at the same time.

"My god, you're still hard as a rock!"

I stepped forward and took my cock in hand and began to tease her pussy lips with it.

"NO, we can't... fuck... what about your father?"

I stopped with the head of my cock just barely parting her pussy lips.

"Say it and I will go upstairs and this will have never happened..." Kat's words spilled from my mouth.

She was silent, eyes glued to my cock... I took my cock and slapped her clit with the head of it and saw the last of her resolve melt away.

"Do it..." she moaned, "do it..." she whispered.

"Do what?" I asked.

"You know... do it..."

"I don't know... do I go upstairs..." tap... tap...tap... "or..."

"FUCK ME! Ram that fat young cock of yours into me..."

"No..."

"No...?"

I smiled and lay down on the carpet with my dick pointing at the ceiling. She didn't hesitate and stood up and walked over to me and slowly lowered her pussy down onto my cock until she was seated on me... impaled to the hilt. As I felt her warm tightness surround me the last of the guilt faded away and I moaned to her.

"Now... do it..." I said.

She began to ride me slowly moaning and grunting like an animal in heat. She pinched her nipples and ground her pussy against me while her hips made slow circles. 

"I am going to milk an orgasm from you like no other woman has..."

"No woman has..." I lied.

"Of course..." she moaned then smiled down at me, "...I'm your virginity killer."

"Poor me..." I moaned smiling.

She began to ride me faster now and I watched her pussy devour me over and over again and to her shock it was she who came first.

"Beginner's luck..." Petra moaned.

"Can I fuck you doggy style..." I asked letting her replay last night in her mind.

"Yes you can!"

She carefully stood up and then got on her hands and knees wiggling her ass at me when she was ready for my cock again. I moved behind her and gently slid into her savoring the feel of her pussy, this could be the first and last time this ever happened.

"So tight..." I moaned.

"Oh if you like tight..." then she stopped.

"If I like tight what," I asked her.

"Nothing..."

I pulled back and slammed my cock into her and she yelped. I did it again and again until she begged me to stop.

"Sensory overload..." she explained.

"Then tell me... what were you going to say?"

"I'm not sure..."

"Not sure of what?"

"That wonderful cock of yours has such a lovely mushroom shaped head on it and it feels so good in my pussy..."

"So..."

"I'm not sure it'd fit..."

"Fit... fit where?"

"In my ass..."

My cock swelled up inside of her at hearing her talk about anal sex and she moaned all the louder as I continued fucking her in nice long strokes.

"You like anal sex," I asked.

"I used to... a long time ago... before your dad and I got together."

"So you and my dad have never..."

"Nope... no cock has pierced my ass in many years..."

"You miss it at all?"

"You have no idea... but you and your dad are a lot alike..."

"His cock scared you too huh?"

"I never said scared!"

I had hit a sore point and the duelist in me demanded I exploit the weakness.

"I would understand if you didn't want to... I wouldn't want you getting hurt..."

"Okay the gauntlet has been thrown down... pull out!"

I backed off and sat on the carpet afraid I had really pissed her off. She rose to her feet and stormed up the stairs. But instead of coming down dressed and upset she was naked and carrying a clear plastic bottle.

"Lie down lover..." Petra cooed, "...if we are going to do this I am going to be in complete control."

Without a word and a shit eating grin on my face I once more was on my back and cock doing its flagpole impersonation. Petra kneeled between my legs and drizzled lube all over my cock and using her hands worked it all over me from tip to base. Then she lubed up her ass and two fingers and I watched as she sat on the couch and eased her digits slowly into her butt. Once they were in, Petra finger fucked her ass until it was stretched out enough to accommodate me. 

"I hope I know what I am doing..." she said to herself as she rose and slowly straddled me again.

But this time I felt the tight ring of muscle that was her asshole and slowly it gave in to the pressure she applied by dropping her body down. With an almost audible 'pop' the head of my cock slipped in and Petra let out a sound that was a mix of relief and arousal.

"Let's get the rest of that fine cock up my ass shall we?"

Petra lowered her body but this time a bit faster until her ass was impaled and by the dreamy look on her face she was in seventh heaven. 

"Damn I miss having a cock back there... okay lover here we go..." she said as she began to slowly fuck my cock with her very tight ass.

"Oh my god I see what you mean about tight... I don't know how long I can last..."

"Just enjoy the ride..."

She rode me slowly letting me feel every inch of her nether region as it massaged my cock. Petra was moaning, her eyes closed as she rode me and I resisted the intense urge to ram my hips up like I had with Kat. It seemed like forever but when my cock started to swell signaling my orgasm she was panting and well on her way to her own climax. 

"Soooo... fucking... close..." I said gritting my teeth.

"Oh yes baby fill my ass with cum..."

I reached between us and teased her clit as I felt the last of my control fail and as Petra rose up one last time I waited and when she began to drop I slammed my hips upward as my cock spurted deep into her ass and we came together literally screaming! I could feel her pussy spasm through the dividing flesh as her ass sucked up every ounce of cum that it could.

"That was fucking amazing!" I moaned.

"Best... anal... ever..." she quivered.

Petra lay on top of me as we caught our collective breaths and I could feel/hear her heart as it pounded in her chest. 

"Best... homecoming... ever..." I moaned and we laughed, "pity that's the only time you're going to let me fuck you..."

"Wherever did you get a silly notion like that...?" She shook her head, "did you miss what I just said... best anal sex ever... you think I want to stop after that performance... are you nuts?"

"So if I asked you to go down to the basement and bend over the washer...?"

"I would say... meet you there..."

"And if I said never to wear panties around the house... ever?"

"I would say... easy access anywhere anytime..." Petra moaned smiling from ear to ear.

"Anywhere... anytime... any how..." I asked.

"My mouth, tits, pussy and ass are yours to enjoy as you see fit..."

"You will take care of my morning wood?"

"Mmmm yesss..."

"And when that sudden urge comes up..."

"Without hesitation..."

"There are so many things I have never done..."

"Like," she asked eagerly.

"A buddy of mine mentioned road head..."

"...the best."

"Bending you over a tree..."

"...I love the outdoors."

"Shower sex..."

"...mmmm yes..."

All this talk got me hard all over again and we both moaned as my cock filled her ass again.

"...on my knees this time?" Petra offered.

"Assume the position."

As she lifted off of me and got on her knees I shook my head.

"Downstairs... I hear the vibration from a washer does wonders..."

She smiled and took my hand and led me down into the basement and I wondered how in god's name I was going to manage to balance this lust triangle and keep them unaware of the other but for now my only thought was Petra sitting on the washer with her ass right on the edge and me sliding into her waiting for the spin cycle to hit.

Tattoo:

I guess it was somewhere after the spin cycle and her third orgasm that I noticed her tattoo. It was a small design of three gray colored tears located on her inner thigh. I saw it when I was sliding my cock into her ass for the... well the last time. I began thrusting and saw that she was completely oblivious to everything but the pleasure I was giving her. Petra wrapped her long legs around me and pulled me closer as I slowly made love to her. Somewhere between my second orgasm, from fucking her ass, to bending her over the washer the sex had become love play and I felt a deep connection to her. I wasn't in love with her but I was less brutal and gentler. She was my step mom yes but also she was a lonely sex starved freak, just like her daughter. While I thrust slowly into her and felt that wonderful tingling sensation she held me closer and when I came the final time she was there silently shaking in pure bliss.




Iron Rain Pt. 02



"We came together... again." I said astonished.

"Yes..." Petra said dreamily,"...yes we did."

"So do you need a hand with the laundry?"

"Laundry... oh shit... I completely forgot about the laundry... that magical cock of yours..." she snapped back to reality, "no I can handle it but I will definitely need a shower before Kat gets home."

"Need your back scrubbed?"

"Among other places," she said smiling.

I swatted her on her ass as she walked upstairs naked and began bringing down the laundry baskets. I needed a nap... I was dehydrated and in desperate need of some fluids and rest.

"I am going to take a nap."

"Good, you're going to need your strength."

"Wake me when you take your shower," I told her.

"I can do that."

I had barely dressed when the doorbell rang and a courier was on the porch with a package. I opened the door and a cute brunette stepped forward, sniffed the air and smiled.

"I have a package for Nicholas Shaw," she said eyes glinting.

I looked her up and down seeing how well she filled out the uniform she was wearing.

"Yes you do... where do I sign?"

"On the dotted line," she said pulling a business card from her breast pocket and setting it down on the electronic pad.

"I signed my name in the window as she handed me the package and her card at the same time.

"I get off at six..."

"...more like seven... I don't like to rush things."

She blushed and sashayed her way back to her truck.

"Looks like you got a shot of confidence lover," Petra said standing off to the side still naked.

"Did she see you?"

"Unless she's blind... she smelled that freshly fucked scent on you..."

"I..." but she touched a finger to my lips.

"I am not jealous... just save some of that energy for me is all I ask."

"Oh... okay..."

"So what's the package?"

"Oh... one of my buddies from the academy wants me to beta test something for him."

"Is he a gamer?"

"Yes... but he didn't write a gaming program... he designed his own OS..."

"...OS?"

"Operating System," I explained.

"You mean like Windows or Mac?"

"Yeah... our little trio has been doing this for the past three years now."

"Trio?"

"Yeah one guy designs the hardware, the other the software and I beta test it. I have a knack for finding weaknesses in things..."

"...and people," Petra said smiling. "You played me so I would let you fuck me in the ass didn't you?"

"Maybe... a little..."

"...a little?"

"Okay... a lot... are you mad?"

"Not in the least... I meant what I said... anywhere... anytime... anyway..."

"All I can say is damn..."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"As you should... now I have a new toy to play with."

"Can I watch?"

I smiled and nodded.

"But you better put 'some' clothes on in case Kat comes home early."

I opened the box and slid the foam wrapped tablet computer from its interior and carefully cut the tape holding the foam on and held the sleek titanium case in my hands. Jerome outdid himself this time; it is the finest bit of hardware he ever put together.

"Is that an I Pad," Petra asked.

"Not even close, it may look like a traditional tablet put the guts and display are very different."

"How so," she asked her eyes lighting up as her business persona slipped into place.

"I can't reveal too much but let's just say the processing chip and onboard memory aren't silicon."

"I'm not a techie but from what I understand everything is based off of silicon."

"This isn't, it's a second generation crystal mainframe."

"Crystal... I've never heard of someone buying crystal chips..."

"Made not bought... my friend developed a process for growing stable crystals for use in computers."

"How fast is that thing?"

"Well if the software and hardware remain stable... it holds terabytes of holographic memory... enough to run a city like New York with ease."

"But how..."

"Sorry..." I cut her off, "I can't say anymore... actually I have already said too much."

"No I am sorry for pushing you... can I see the OS..."

I sat down and patted the spot next to me and Petra literally bounced over and sat next to me. I touched the power button and the OS was instantly up and running.

"Wow... no load time at all..." I muttered.

"What are all the weird circles on the screen?"

"That's the display language."

"What language is that? I've been from one side of the planet to the other and..."

I blushed and hesitated before saying anything.

"...it's not a traditional language."

"If it's not, how do you read it then?"

"Well we sat down and created it after seeing it on TV."

"Let me guess a science fiction show?'

I nodded and fought off the urge to blush. 

"And you can actually read these characters?"

"Yeah we wanted to have something that even if someone stole it would be utterly useless to them."

"They could always just open it up..." she saw the look on my face, "you can't open it up?"

"Not without trashing the interior."

"You guys thought of everything."

I hit certain symbols on the desktop and opened up the camera features and took a snapshot of Petra.

"Even takes hi-res photos, 100 Meg camera built in and even hi def video."

"Don't even think about it..." Petra said smiling.

"...about?"

"No home sex videos for you."

"Oh... let's not be hasty."

"We'll discuss it later..." she said smiling.

"You want to see the real selling point?" I asked her eager to share Terry's cutting edge discovery with someone outside of the group. 

Terry was one of those kid's whose I.Q. couldn't quite be measured accurately. The boy loved to build things! When my laptop crashed and burned... he somehow managed to fix the motherboard. It was then that he, William and Jerome decided to build a smaller, better computer. Jerome was the real genius for it seemed like every time the other two ran into a roadblock Jerome cleared the way. I suspected Terry and William were great idea people but Jerome was the problem solver. I felt stupid, like short bus stupid, around those three. But they saw something in me I didn't see in myself. I had a knack for seeing flaws or problems and that helped them polish their ideas. They saw me as an invaluable addition to the group. Together we saw ourselves as the perfect storm. I returned to the present and looked over at Petra and smiled again.

"Sure," she said seeing how my face had lit up.

"See the crystals along the edge of the screen?"

"Yeah..."

"Watch," I said hitting another symbol on the screen and as the crystals lit up I set the tablet face up on the table in front of us.

Petra actually made a little OOH sound when the holographic display came into being two feet above the tablet's surface. The flat circles became intricate spheres orbiting one another. I touched the appropriate icon and a full color three dimensional image of her now took shape.

"That's... unbelievable..." her voice just above a whisper.

"Walk around it."

Petra stood up and I watched her semi-nude form as she walked halfway around the table still stunned by the display of her beautiful face. I stood and moved behind her pulling her close to me and feeling her mold herself to me. She felt my hardness pressing against her ass and let out a low soft moan but shook it off and smiled.

"I have to go back to doing laundry and you have beta testing and a nap in your near future. You don't want to wear yourself out... we have things to do later tonight."

Then she was gone with a wiggle and a shiver. I stared after her until she was out of sight then I returned to the tablet and thought of how to run it through its paces. I cut and cropped Petra's picture and fired up BORG the special search engine and selected her photo and depressed the facial recognition option and let it run. BORG would search both domestic and foreign data bases for her likeness and thanks to cutting edge software not only would it 'slice' network security wherever it encountered it; BORG would leave no trace of its passing. Thanks to William's fanatical love of the Transformer's movies he had developed his own version of the living software. BORG wasn't quite artificial intelligence but it was damn close. That's what happens when a savant focuses his full attention to a pet project. It's really sad his father sent him away not understanding that William's emotional issues were from his autistic nature and not his quote lack of control. The minute I met William I saw a kindred spirit and took him under my wing; so it took bloodying a few noses to make my point but the bullies left him alone fairly quickly. He was so grateful he became our fourth before he killed himself early senior year after his father announced that William had been accepted into a government job. William just wanted to go home, a sentiment I fully understood. He had hacked the academy's system and ordered enough magnesium to incinerate his body leaving nothing behind but memory and tears. 

I tossed the delivery box in the trash and headed upstairs to see what mischief I could get into online. I lay on my futon and looked around and marveled at the money and detail my dad had put into this project for me. Hmmm... I looked up the old and new floor plans of the house and compared them side by side. The first floor was fairly dramatic change as I saw down to the wiring he had upgraded everything. The second floor was completely revamped and there was little to compare. Finally the third floor came on the screen and I looked at the barren looking old plans and then the new layout. What the hell? If I was reading the plans correct the floor was twice as large as what I was seeing. There were hidden rooms up here somewhere. I zoomed up on all the walls and there in the middle closet of the main room was a secret door! I set down the tablet and walked over to the back of the main room and opened the middle closet and began to knock and tap and near the upper left corner was a square of wood that pushed in and with an audible click a six foot section of wall slid sideways into the wall revealing another large room beyond. It was another nine tatami mat room and at a single glance its purpose was obvious, a dojo. The walls were lined with all manner of weapons and against the far wall a short mahogany table with an empty sword stand carved of gorgeous rosewood. It was here that I set my welcome home gift, sword and stand appeared made for each other. Like the main room there were shoji doors on the left and right walls. The room on the left wall was a meditation chamber with sound absorbing tiles and a state of the art sound system to play whatever soothing music I might require. The room on the right was a gym with weight machines as well as free weights. These hidden rooms were like my fortress of solitude so that I might get away from the rest of the world and work out, practice and meditate. Dad had built the perfect place for me and he was thousands of miles away, I would have to be patient and thank him when he got home.

"Nicholas!" Petra's voice filtered upwards from the first floor.

I stepped out and closed the secret door behind me and ran down the stairs to see what Petra wanted. I entered the kitchen and there was Petra with a miffed look on her face and the shipping box in her hand.

"I know you don't know all the rules but just so you know for future reference we recycle cardboard and glass."

"Sorry..." I said as she took a box cutter and began to dissect the box and with a loud clink something fell onto the kitchen floor. 

Petra bent over and picked up a small titanium box.

"Looks like your friend sent you more than just the tablet," she said looking the box over before giving it to me. 

She shrugged and waited for me to open it. I examined the box and saw a button on the side and gently pressed it. With a soft 'click' the box slid open revealing a pair of colored contact lenses. 

"Violet how cool is that," I exclaimed.

"I didn't see a brand name on them," Petra said.

"Hmm me neither but they must be connected to Jerome and Terry somehow."

"They made the tablet?"

"Yeah and programmed it too." I said closing the box and moved behind her.

My hands went up and cupped her tits through the t-shirt she was wearing and I felt her nipples and body stiffen at my touch.

"Mmm we can't... Kat could be home at any time and I still have laundry to do..."

"You owe me a blowjob... I want to see your lips wrapped around me and watch you swallow every... last... drop..."

"Of course..." she licked her lips and slowly pulled away before shivering and quickly walking towards the basement steps, "...your cock... my mouth... tonight."

Then she was gone and I had a raging boner to deal with. I hoped Kat came home soon. I crossed the first floor and walked into the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. I took out the contact lenses and opened the case. I had never worn them before but I had to see how I would look with violet colored eyes! It wasn't as difficult as I thought it might be. The moment the lens touch my eye it seemed to disappear and I couldn't feel it at all. The second lens went on even easier and when I turned to the mirror I smiled and like the deep vibrant color was amazing! Suddenly there came a flash of light and for a moment I thought I had been struck by lightning. When I could see again there was a glowing dot hovering in the upper right hand corner of my vision. The strangest part is that it wasn't reflected in the mirror. I looked at that point and space and blinked the next thing I know there are for lack of better words a tactical display in the field of my vision.

"What the hell is going on," I cried out.

"Voice Mode Actuated," said a dull monotone voice from nowhere.

"State your ready status," I asked.

"Fully Functional and Awaiting Instructions," it replied.

"Are you the contact lenses?"

"Affirmative," came the voice again.

"Do you have an avatar?"

"No Avatar Scanned Into System... Shall I Activate Holographic Scan?"

"Not at this time, is internet access established?"

"BORG Device Active... Internet Access Available... Notice Search Results Available..."

"Display search results," I said my heart caught in my throat.

"Displaying Results Now..."

There was another flash and a three dimensional image of a much younger Petra was displayed hovering in front of me. The name below her image wasn't Petra Shaw it was Olga Petranova and following it was a detailed FBI report of her placement in witness protection from the Russian Mob. 

"Which mob family was she running from?"

"According To Records Her First Husband Was Igor Petranova Head Of An Organization Called The Iron Rain."

"How do Iron Rain members identify each other?"

"All Members Receive a Tattoo Upon Joining."

"Are there are recorded images of Iron Rain tattoo?"

"Displaying Tattoo of the Iron Rain..."

There for my startled eyes to see were the three gray water drops I had seen on Petra's inner thigh. That removed any doubt on the matter. She had turned on a criminal organization and testified putting some of the most powerful members behind bars for life. 

"What is the status of Igor Petranova?"

"Deceased."

"Display records regarding his death."

The watched once more came to life and another holographic file was displayed showing a Russian newspaper article.

"Translate," I ordered.

The Cyrillic letters faded away replaced with an English version of the article telling of the murder of Igor Petranova by one of his under bosses and the disappearance of his wife and only child. I think I earned a new respect for this woman who was willing to do whatever it took to bring the men who murdered her husband to justice.

"Shut down display and sleep."

The image disappeared; I cut up the rest of the box and placed it in the proper recycle bin. Then I headed upstairs to shut off the tablet before Kat got home. I didn't need her knowing that I had discovered their secret, at least not yet.



Iron Rain Pt. 03



Whale Song:

Earlier than expected, Kat arrived home fuming and cursing like a sailor.

"God damn mother fucking assholes...!"

"What's wrong?" I asked as she actually pushed passed me, stalked up the stairs and slammed her bedroom door shut.

"Kat," Petra called up her face a mask of unbridled fear.

I imagine when living in the witness protection any break from the norm was a cause for terror. I thought about going upstairs and decided letting her cool off was the better part of valor. 

"I think she needs some alone time," I said to Petra.

The dull pounding sound began before the last syllable left my mouth.

"Or not," Petra offered.

"I have an idea," I said and walked up the stairs.

I knocked on her door and Kat screamed from the other side of the door.

"Fuck off mom!"

"It's me..."

Click!

"Oh Nick... I'm sorry..." she apologized and I saw tears flowing down her beautiful face.

I cupped her head in my hand and she closed her eyes and leaned into my touch.

"I have a secret to share with you... will you follow me upstairs?" I asked.

"A secret, what kind of secret?" she asked her curiosity overriding her pain.

"A good secret but it has to stay between just us."

"Okay... I like us having a secret." Kat said gripping my arm and leaning on me.

"Take off your shoes," I said when we reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Of course lover," she said dreamily.

Barefoot we walked up the stairs and I led her to the middle closet. I hesitated for a moment and turned to tell her what this place was.

"My dad built this for me as an oasis, a quiet place for me to get away and I hope when this door is closed you respect that."

"Door?" she asked.

I pushed the switch and the door slid inwards. Kat let out a gasp of surprise and followed me into the dojo. I opened the shoji door to the gym and pointed at the heavy punching bag hanging from the ceiling. Instantly she made the connection. I handed her protective gloves for her to wear and told her the proper technique for punching the bag without hurting herself. Ten minutes later Kat body was covered in a fine layer of sweat and her work clothes clung to her enticingly. She stopped punching to take a break.

"And to think I thought you were going to drag me up here so I could fuck the anger out," she said smiling.

"We have all the time in the world for that; you need a creative outlet for your anger now."

"Thank you for sharing your secret," Kat said leaning over and kissing my neck, "I won't take advantage of it; dad built it for you after all... goose bumps!"

"And one big bump down below... but I have to finish cooking dinner... my treat for how well you two have welcomed me into your home..."

"...our home, that includes you now." Kat shot back.

"You look just like your mother when you get miffed."

"Mom got angry with you?" Kat asked.

"Oh yeah... I put cardboard in the regular trash can."

"Eep! She is a stickler when it comes to recycling, so you think I look sexy when I'm miffed?"

"Very sexy," I moaned in her ear.

"So you think my mom is hot too?"

Busted! I couldn't hide the guilty look but to my shock she waved me off.

"S'ok... where do you think I get my stunning good looks from?"

"And modest too..."

"Modest hell, if I didn't think mom would freak out I'd blow you right in front of her..."

"That would be an interesting conversation... sorry Petra I can explain why Kat's lips are currently wrapped around my cock..."

"Grrr..."

"What did I say this time?"

"I hate it when you call her Petra... she hates it too... can't you try and call her mom?"

"How long did it take you to call my father dad?"

"Point taken I'm sorry..."

"You and I have to come to the same agreement your mom and I have."

"What's that?"

"No more apologizing unless it is absolutely necessary... deal?"

"Deal... what did you say to her that needed an apology?"

"I think I smell my chicken burning... gotta run... close the door behind you when you leave."

While I was at the academy I was exposed to a lot of different guys from a variety of cultures. One of the unifying elements was food! When we had nothing to do we would talk about our favorite meals and on those rare outings away from the campus we went to different restaurants to share our cultural heritage. I have eaten Greek, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, German and French. I learned that what a family serves and what the customers ate were two different types of dishes often. So tonight I was fixing fried chicken using a recipe a friend from Georgia taught me. I hoped the 'girls' would like it and crossed my fingers when dinner time rolled around and we sat down to eat.

"Nicholas the food smells delicious!" Petra said licking her lips.

"I'm a little nervous I have never actually cooked this recipe before but I have it on great authority that it is to die for."

"Let's eat!" Kat chimed in as I got up and served them.

I walked around the table and let them take the chicken from the platter before moving to my seat and plopping two large pieces on my plate; I was starved! Then came the mashed potatoes, another southern recipe, and the home made gravy and the steamed vegetables and finally I poured Kat and I soda while Petra got a glass of wine.

"I love being waited on," Petra said and Kat just smiled.

"I like it when a man sees to my needs," Kat said grinning and laughing.

"What man could resist serving two women at the same time..." we all laughed and then ate in silence.

"Awk-ward..." Kat said breaking the silence.

"So how is the food?" I asked looking from mother to daughter.

"Excellent! I have never had fried chicken before," Petra said.

"No fucking way!" I blurted out but she shook her head.

"Nope, it has never touched my lips before today."

"Neither have I but I bet it will fill me up nicely."

"You two are killing me..." I said blushing.

"I agree with him," Kat offered, "he couldn't handle both of us."

"No man could sweetie." Petra chimed in grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

"Sounds like a challenge to me," I said and then closed my mouth and blushed furiously.

"Mmm mighty fine chicken," Kat said.

"I am going to have a nice sip of 'shut the fuck up'," Petra said taking a mouthful of wine.

The sexual tension was obvious and I had to focus on my food to keep my cock from bulging in my jeans.

"My filter chip is malfunctioning..."

"...again." Petra finished for me.

"Again... what did you two say that needed filtering?" Kat asked.

"You just had to bring down my dirty laundry..." I said.

"...so I could have a full load..." Petra added.

Kat started laughing so hard tears rolled down her cheeks and I looked over at Petra and shook my head. We told the truth not the entire truth but enough of it. Kat didn't need to know her mom and I had fucked and to top it off had anal sex to boot! Dinner finally ended and I got up to put up the leftovers and take care of dishes and dirty counter space when they gave me the 'look'.

"What?" I asked.

"House rule, cook doesn't clean we'll take care of it, go sit down and relax." Petra said in her commanding voice.

"Do you want a refill on your soda?" Kat asked playfully.

"I am always up for a refill," I replied.

"Okay you two..." Petra said shaking her head, "enough sexual innuendo for the night."

Kat filled my glass and I moved to the comfy couch in the living room and turned on the TV and began to surf the channels.

"Jeez! Is there a channel you guys don't have?"

"WE... WE have!" Kat hollered.

"Okay is there a channel WE don't have?"

"No..." Petra added, "We even have..."

The sound of the girl moaning and the wet slapping sounds of two bodies fucking filled the room.

"...porn." Petra finished.

I found the news and left it there while I searched for a movie we could all three watch.

"Typical guy," Kat said, "found the pay per view porn in record time."

"My finger slipped..." I said and immediately regretted it.

The laughter from the kitchen drowned out the news anchor.

"That's about as good as oops my dick just happened to slide right in..."

"...or I promise to warn you when I come while you're giving head."

"...what was your name again..."

"...wrong hole... wrong hole!!"

I tried to make myself as small as possible and switched to the Syfy channel to try and ignore them while they giggled and shared one liners back and forth. Finally the laughter from the kitchen died down and mom and daughter plopped down on the couch one on either side.

"So what are we watching?" Kat asked in her soft sultry voice.

"Oh I don't care," I said handing the remote to Petra, "here pick something we can all watch."

The little minx scrolled through the channels and stopped by the pay per view.

"Let's see... Anal Teen Queens 10... or maybe Oral Fixations... what do you think Kat?"

"I kind of like Double D POV 9... Nick?"

"You two are evil through and through," I said trying to keep from getting aroused surrounded by these two.

"Yeah... we are... just fucking with you!" Petra said and found a chick flick instead.

"Bet you wish it was porn now don't ya," Kat whispered in my ear.

I nodded and they giggled and turned on Cowboys vs. Aliens and we all settled down to watch a decent action movie. The three of us snuggled together and I let out a soft sigh of contentment which was mirrored by both women a heartbeat later. There was much colored commentary during the movie about the action and the actors and aliens but you could hear a pin drop when the actress stepped out naked from the fire.

"Heck of an entrance," I said.

"Works for me," Kat agreed.

"I wish I still looked that good," Petra said.

"She wishes she looked as good as you," I said and Kat backed me up with a smile.

"You are too sweet... blowjob... I mean refill on your soda?"

"MOM," Kat roared laughing.

"Ummm..." I said letting the word hang in the air and both of them stared at me with that 'what the fuck is he going to say next look'.

"Refill? I am getting up for some more wine."

"Well okay..." I said smiling.

Petra rose and took my glass and Kat pulled me to her.

"Don't even think about it..."

"What," I asked.

"Boyo... my mom would eat you alive and spit out your bones."

"How would you know?"

"I've watched her..."

"...you little voyeur you," I said cutting her off.

"What's wrong with that?" She said smiling.

"I have two words for you... home movies."

Kat was silent and I could see the mental wheels spinning but her reply was put on hold as Petra returned with two full glasses.

"Here's your blowjob... I mean refill."

"MOM..." Kat blushed and hid her face behind one of the couch pillows.

Petra leaned over and kissed me while Kat's couldn't see and she gave my semi-hard cock a quick squeeze for good measure.

"Can I look now?" Kat said from behind the cushion.

"Hold on let me finish zipping him up... okay you can look now."

"He's right mom, you are evil..."

"No, evil would be me sucking him off right in front of you..."

"How many glasses of wine have you had?"

"Enough..." Petra smiled and actually leaned over and nibbled my neck.

The moan escaped my lips before I could stop it.

"You did it now," Kat said and mirrored her mom and began to lick and nip at the other side of my neck.

"Oh god..." was all I could manage.

"Do you really want to do this Kat?" Petra asked looking passed me.

"Mmm it'd be really weird... want me to leave?" Kat asked.

"No... I should never have drank so much I'll go upstairs and take a nap... you too finish the movie." She rose to her feet a little unsteadily.

"Need help getting upstairs," I offered.

"If you help me... you won't be coming back down for a long time..."

Kat and I watched her climb the stairs leaning heavily on the hand railing and somehow manage to reach her room unharmed.

"Mom gets real horny when she drinks."

"I see that..."

We turned to face the screen and had barely got back into it when Petra's voice filtered down from above.

"Oh god baby... give it to me! Fuck my pussy with your long... thick... cock!"

Kat and I looked at each other and grinned.

"I told you so."

"I am guessing she is missing my dad something fierce," I offered.

"You know it," Kat said smiling fiercely.

"Yeah... bet she's using a toy..." I said.

"Bet she's not..." Kat replied.

"Only one way to find out," I said.

"Yeah only one way to know for sure..." Kat said slipping out of her jeans and tugging her long t-shirt down over her ass.

"You want me to fuck you while we watch your mom masturbate?"

"Got any better ideas?"

"Nope... lets go," I said rising, kicking off my shoes and shedding my jeans.

We snuck up the stairs with Kat leading and we positioned ourselves so that Kat was on her hands and knees low to the floor and I was sliding into her soaked pussy from behind as Petra began to moan again.

"Fuck my ass baby!" Petra cried out as she eased a double headed dildo into her ass while she played with her pussy with her nimble fingers.

"Looks like we were both right," I grunted as I slowly thrust into Kat's tight pussy.

"Yeah..." she moaned dreamily, "your cock feels so good in me baby."

"Man your mom is really going to town with that dildo..."

Petra had moved into a kneeling position and was fucking her ass with long fast thrusts of the toy in and out of her butt. Kat was moving her hips fucking me with her pussy while I watch entranced as Petra took care of her own needs.

"Better lock your door tonight lover..." Kat moaned as her pussy began to spasm.

"Why is that," I said flexing my cock inside of her pussy and she bit back a scream as she came for me.

"She'll will rape you in your sleep," Kat said when she had recovered some.

"And that's a bad thing why?" I said nibbling her ear.

"Mmmm that looks like fun..." Kat moaned to me.

"What..."

"Your cock in my ass... what do you say?"

"You want to try anal sex?"

"It's only fair... I took your virginity... now you can take mine."

"Here and now?" I asked my voice almost cracking.

"No... later tonight when we don't have to be so quiet... I have a feeling I am going to like it a lot and want the world to know."

"Works for me," I said smiling.

"I thought you might... can I suck you off lover?"

"Mmm of course I love it when you deep throat me."

"I wanted to do it downstairs but the stairs will do nicely."

We switched positions and I sat at the top of the stairs while Kat knelt between my legs and began sucking me off. I looked into Petra's bedroom and she was looking straight at me. She smiled and gripped the dildo and bent it so that she could slide the other head into her pussy. Petra began to fuck both her holes now while her eyes burned into mine. I licked my lips and mouthed things to her.

'Go on fuck your holes for ME.'

She nodded and moaned all the louder while Kats throat engulfed the head of my cock.

"Mmm baby your mouth feels so good around me," I said loud enough for Petra to hear. "Are you going to swallow my cum lover?"

Kat purred around my cock while Petra slowly fucked her pussy and ass with her toy and I could tell by the way she was shaking she was close to climaxing.

'Don't you dare cum until I do,' I mouthed to Petra and she nodded.

"Mmm fuck Kat I love it when you do that," I egged her on while her mom wished it was me her between my legs. "I think your right... if I leave my door unlocked your mom will rape me in my sleep."

Petra nodded knowing the words were for her and bit back her orgasm begging me to cum with her eyes.

'I said not YET...' and Petra suffered in silence.

"Oh god Kat I am going to cum soon..." and Kat wrapped her lips around the head of my cock and stroked the shaft for all she was worth. "Unnn unnn unnn... so fucking close!"

My voice rose loud enough that there was no doubt Petra could hear me but Kat seemed beyond caring all she wanted was to taste cum and swallow my load. 

"That's a good little slut... keep sucking..." Kat licked and sucked me with all the more intensity. "Yeah... mmmmm almost there... almost... OH FUCK!!!!"

I tossed back my head and howled and Petra screamed with me as her orgasm crashed over her at the same time. Kat licked and sucked me until there wasn't a drop left.

"God damn that was intense," Kat moaned. "Oh shit mom heard didn't she?"

"Yes... yes I did baby doll... I think that was my best orgasm yet..."

Kat stood and smiled and walked passed me and stepped into her room and slowly closed the door. I sat up and scratched my head as Petra eased the toy from her two holes and followed her daughter's lead and closed her bedroom door.

"Okay..." I said loud enough for both of them to hear, "...I am going to bed now."

I went upstairs and shed my shirt and slid beneath my covers and waited. When no one showed up after five minutes I activated the lenses and began to explore the menus and features tied into them. The drop down menu listed options like Avatar, Tactical, Thermal, UV, Lowlight, Full Spectrum, Comm. and Suppression. 

The avatar option had multiple features to choose from. One option was the remote activation switch for the holographic scanner in the tablet which included full color and voice recording software. Sweet, I could scan Kat or Petra and have them talk and the avatar would look and sound just like them! I could also customize the avatar with a variety of outfits and physical attributes such as wings, horns or even a tail! I could also scan and capture both pictures and video of whatever I was seeing at the time. That had some very promising possibilities!

Next I tried the tactical feature and a HUD or heads up display popped into my field of vision. When I looked at an object it told me how far it was and if I squinted it had the effect of high quality binoculars. 

"Wow this is too cool," I said and a graph popped up on the right hand side and when I looked at it a pop up window indicated it was a voice stress analysis feature, in other words a lie detector.

The thermal feature was a little freaky when my entire world was displayed in shades of red, orange, blue and violet. It reminded me of something out of the movie Predator. The UV, lowlight and full spectrum options allowed me to see easier in the dark. 

The Comm feature activated some sort of communication feature but I wasn't sure if it worked on cell phone frequency or what. While I toyed with the feature's options a sound came through; the closest thing I could compare it to would be whale song. The deep haunting notes filled my head and then a voice came through.

"Nick?"

"This is Nick... who is this?"

"You don't recognize your old friend?"

"William! But you are dead!"

"Not dead hiding... I have done some things that people want me dead for so I had to make them believe I was gone."

"Can I help?"

"As a matter of fact you can and it shouldn't put you in any danger and it could make all four of us very wealthy."

"Tell me more..." and as William's plan was laid out I couldn't help but smile.



Iron Rain Pt. 04



3 A.M.:

I felt her slip into bed with me and do the butt scoot until we were spooning. My arms automatically slipped around her waist and pulled her closer. She ground her soaking wet pussy against me and the shaft slid just beneath her slit. Slowly she rocked her hips until my length was covered with her juices then she reached back and guided me into her tight hot depths. I moaned and she slowly fucked me with an intensity that I had never experienced before. I opened my eyes to see who it was but she had managed to slip a blindfold over my eyes while I slept. I shrugged and went with it. I would never know who it was and that is how they wanted it. I reached up and cupped her tits but still I couldn't tell since Kat and Petra were equally firm and large so no clue there. I fondled those luscious tits and teased the nipples and heard her let out a soft moan. I let one hand slide between her legs and teased her clit and discovered whoever it was her pussy was freshly shaved.

"I love a bald pussy," I whispered in her ear.

She moaned louder as my finger teased her clit and with a growl she pulled away and rolled me onto my back. She took my hand and guided it below her ass cheeks and I felt... my god whoever she was had a small butt plug in! I gripped it and slowly pulled it free and she let out a gasp of pleasure. Now she gripped my cock and guided the head to replace the plug and with a dual moan I entered her ass. Virgin ass? I didn't know. She placed her hands on my chest and began to ride me slowly. I was moaning and muttering profanities to her about how tight her ass felt and how good it was going to be to fill her butt with cum. Before long she was impaled completely and I grunted each time she ground her body against mine. She made little groans now as she lifted and dropped faster now. But she was never loud enough to discover her identity. When she was ready she turned and faced away from me without my cock leaving her ass and she pulled me so that we were kneeling on the futon. I grabbed her hips and began pounding her ass slowly until she grunted softly...'more' and so I drove my hips harder and deeper into her.

"Uh huh..." she moaned over and over.

"I am going to cum... can't fight it anymore."

"Fill my ass," she whispered just above my hearing threshold. 

I pulled back and began fucking her ass as hard and fast as I would her pussy and her voice rose loud and clear now.

"Coming," she hollered.

Even as she cried out my orgasm hit me hard and she squealed as cum shot deep into her rectum. I fell on top of her panting loud in her ear.

"You can take off the blindfold lover..." she said nibbling my ear.

I got into a kneeling position and slipped the blindfold off and surprised how quickly my eyes adjusted to the darkness and there came the sound of clapping. I looked up and saw BOTH Kat and Petra standing in the doorway to my bedroom. I looked down and still impaled on my cock was the delivery girl who had given me her business card.

"What???"

"Surprise..." Kat said holding up the business card.

"We called her after you fell asleep. It was only ten o'clock after all."

"I showed up and they told me what they wanted me to do. I've never done anal before but I figured if I was going to it should be with a cute guy like you," the girl said.

"Who shaved your pussy or did you do that?"

"Oh Kat helped me with that, I usually leave a stripe for decoration."

"And the plug," I asked getting hard again thinking about that.

"OH... hard again... ummm oh yeah Petra helped me with the butt plug."

She began to rock her hips fucking me with her ass.

"Should we leave you two alone?" Kat asked and Petra took her by the arm and closed the shoji door behind them.

"Mmmm fuck me lover... fuck my ass please?"

"You never have to ask for that..."

The Kessel Run:

I woke up late the next morning alone in my bed and decided I needed to keep up with my morning routine. So I dressed for my five mile run, stretched and headed downstairs and out the door.

"Going for a run be back soon," I hollered.

"I'll have breakfast waiting for you when you get back." Petra offered.

"Thanks mom," I said and was off.

It was like running down memory lane. The neighborhood hadn't changed much, some new faces but all in all it was pretty much the same families just older or larger. There were a few toddlers with moms or nannies playing out in the spring weather. A few people waved and I returned the gesture. Storm Creek Park was the most changed, when I was younger it was a place you never set foot in alone after dark but now there were lights and I passed two police officers on bicycles patrolling the paths and playgrounds. Awesome, it was nice to see that it had been taken back from the negative element of the high rise tenements on the far side of the park. Curious I made a straight line to the high rises and found them gone. They had been replaced with a fenced in community which appeared brand spanking new. Well I'll be someone finally did something about all the drug dealers and murderers that lived there. If there was a dark patch of humanity in the city it had been there. I turned around and headed back home and now had the sun in my eyes and noticed that despite the obvious glare I wasn't squinting and realized what the suppression feature on the lenses was... virtual sunglasses! You guys are freaking geniuses I thought to myself as I was passing the cops along the way and gave them a thumb up and they both smiled and waved me over.

"Morning," said the taller male cop.

"Morning Officer," I said smiling.

"You're Nick Shaw aren't you," he asked.

"Yes I am..."

"See I told you it was him," the officer said taking off his sunglasses and I knew him.

"Jim," I asked, "Jim Pharaoh?"

We hugged and the female officer waited patiently to be introduced.

"Linda, this is Nick Shaw we grew up next to each other."

"Linda," I said shaking her hand, "pleasure to meet you."

"Oh no the pleasures all mine just try not to get him kicked off the force I have heard all the stories of his youth," she said smiling brilliantly.

"If the cops were as cute as you when I was younger I would have gotten caught more often," I told her and she actually blushed.

"Flatterer," she said and turned to her partner, "you're right he is a real charmer."

"Best damn tree climber in a ten block radius," Jim said.

"Just be a good boy," Linda said smiling.

"But where's the fun in that," Jim and I said together and we all laughed together.

"Hey, I hate to cut and run but my breakfast is getting cold I am back at the old house stop by..." I looked Linda right in the eye, "...anytime."

"Watch this one," Jim said shaking my hand as I turned to leave.

I left them there by the bike path and looked over my shoulder and caught Linda checking out my ass and I smiled back at her before facing back and heading back home. 

I entered the front door and smelled bacon and eggs.

"I'm home... foods smells great," I hollered.

"I hope you're hungry..." mom said with a slight lilt to her voice.

"Starved," I said. "I'm all sweaty want me to shower first or after?"

"Later... your food will get cold otherwise," she said.

I walked into the dining room and stopped dead in my tracks my jaw dropping open. Standing in nothing but an apron and a smile was Petra. I immediately activated the video capture option on the contact lenses and smiled wickedly.

"Damn... glad I brought my appetite," I said and she smiled.

"Have a seat," she said and turned to head for the kitchen and I saw her bare ass and almost attacked her right then and there.

"I guess you missed me last night," I asked and when she returned she set down the plate with my food and then leaned down and kissed me. 

Her hunger was both apparent but also very infectious. I pulled her into my lap and held her close as our kiss deepened. Our tongues dueled as my hands roamed over her body and she moaned into my mouth. After a minute or two she broke the kiss and escaped my embrace.

"You need to eat..." pant... moan... "...there will be plenty of time for that in the shower."

"You're the boss... for now," I whispered and turned my attention to my food.

"Eat slowly... savor it... young men are always eating so fast..." she said smiling.

I ate slowly and in silence as she hovered around me refilling my glass with orange juice when I needed it or my plate when I wanted a bit more food. She would deliberately bend over revealing her tits with their hard nipples or her turn away giving me a full view of her completely bare ass. It was having the desired effect I was rock hard and ready to pound her pussy with my cock in a moment's notice. All she had to do was say the word. Finally she took my dishes into the kitchen and I got up and followed her. When she bent over to place the dirty dishes into the dish washer I saw it... the butt plug nestled there so invitingly. 

"Why you dirty little slut," I moaned.

"You called?"

"How long have you had that in?"

"Mmm long enough... once you are squeaky clean you can take it out but not a moment sooner."

"I take it that it is going to be a nice long shower?"

"You would be very correct; do you mind us using your shower?"

"I don't mind," I said.

"It's the biggest one in the house, and after you fuck me rotten we can use the tub and just relax."

"Sounds like a plan, now be a good little slut and go start my shower."

"Yes Sir!"

I watched her firmly sculpted ass bounce away and headed up to my room slowly. I stripped down to nothing at the foot of the stairs and walked up the final flight hearing the sound of shower getting louder and louder. 

'She better not already be in it or there would be hell to pay,' I thought to myself.

Lo and behold there was Petra naked looking so sensuous standing beneath the streams of hot water beckoning me. I shook my head and smiled.

"Someone didn't wait for me... someone is getting their ass paddled for that."

"I have been naughty..." she said turning around and bending over, "here's my ass for punishment."

"It's going to get spanked inside and out."

"Goodie!" she squealed and held that position for me to meter out my form of justice.

I walked up and cupped my hand preparing to give her right cheek a good hard smack when I stopped and stepped passed her.

"I am filthy, sweaty and ready to be washed," I said sternly, "stand up and do your job slave."

With a smile on her face she stood up tall and grabbed the sponge opened three different bottles of body wash and sniffing them before choosing the one she liked. She drizzled some on the sponge and lathered it up nicely and began to work on my front. Her hands made slow circles with the sponge and when directed to I raised my arms so she could get at my armpits. Then she dropped to her knees and took my hard cock in her hand and very slowly washed it and my balls.

"How is that Sir?" Petra moaned.

"Excellent attention to detail," I said but wanted to tell her to suck me off but all in good time.

Then she lathered up my thighs, then calves and finally feet.

"Please Sir; turn around so I can 'do' your back."

I turned and heard the wet plop of the sponge hitting the floor of the shower so I looked over my shoulder and saw her drizzling body wash over and between her tits. She got them nice and lathered up before pressing them and her body against me from behind. I could feel her hard nipples as they made little circles over my flesh. 

"How does that feel?" she moaned in my ear.

"NNNN brilliant," I moaned back, "but I am still going to beat your ass."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Her soapy hands moved around and gripped my cock again and began to squeeze and stroke me. I moaned loud and she pressed her tits against my back harder as her hands moved faster. I began to pant as I felt my body getting ready to cum. Her hands kept up their steady pace and she nibbled my ear and neck as she jacked me off.

"I want to see cum spray the wall lover... or should I swallow it for you... Sir? Tell me what you want please..."

"...oh gods I can't stand it anymore suck my cock!" I roared.

"All you have to do is ask lover," Petra purred as she turned me around slowly and dropped down to her knees. "Watch me take your iron hard cock into my mouth baby... watch me lick and suck you until you shoot down my throat... watch me swallow every last drop like the slut I am... watch me..."

Petra licked the tip teasing me then took half of into her mouth and swirled her tongue around the tip and shaft while her hand slowly almost painfully stroked the rest. She moaned and groaned as inch by inch I popped into her throat.

"I am watching you... I feel my cock in your throat baby... make me cum..."

Her eyes never left mine as she worshipped my hard flesh. I grabbed her hair and began to move my hips and her moaning got louder and louder sending vibrations through me. I felt my orgasm getting closer with each pump of my hips.

"I am going to cum soon... going to shoot down your throat..."

Our eyes never left each other as my cock swelled and with a guttural cry hot cum flew down her throat. I watched as she greedily swallowed every last drop and even stroked my cock for any that remained behind. Then with a final lick of the tip she rose to her feet. Petra threw her arms around me and kissed me deeply and my hands settled onto her ass cheeks and grabbed and caressed them. With a suddenness that surprised her I broke the kiss, spun her around and knelt down on one knee effectively bending her over my one knee. My open palm flew and struck her wet ass cheek with a 'crack!' and the little slut came right there and then. I continued my assault on her cheeks alternating and instead of crying or begging for mercy she just growled and asked for another. When both her cheeks were rosy red I settled her onto her hands and knees and knelt behind her ramming my cock into her soaked pussy with no hint of love or compassion. This was a grudge fuck clear and simple.

"At this moment..." I said to her, "you are a means to an end. I need your tight little pussy wrapped around me right now and later that even tighter ass for my pleasure..."

"...fuck me... spank me... take your pleasure from me... I belong to you and you alone in this moment... in this place."

I grabbed her hair for leverage and click like a switch being thrown I felt her pussy grip me tight as she came. I pulled back... paused... then rammed my cock as deep and hard as I could into her. She screamed as her body rewarded me with another orgasm that blended with the first one. I repeated this technique until I was ready to fuck her fast... hard... and deep. I made a fist with her hair and pulled her head back so that I could bite her neck as my hips moved now with purpose. The slapping sound of our bodies filled my world as did her hot, tight depths. I felt every inch of her and my cock pierced her to her core over and over again even as it swelled and stretched her further still.

"YES," Petra screamed, "fill my pussy with cum..."

I jack hammered into her like a man possessed and with one last bone jarring thrust painted her insides with cum. Panting I fell on top of her and she only purred and let me catch my breath.

"Do you want my ass now Sir?" Petra asked when I could breathe again.

"Soon..." I stood up and pulled her to her feet in front of me.

I slipped my arms around her waist and sensing my need pressed her body back against mine. Petra continued to purr as I slid my cock beneath her pussy and teased us both by rocking my hips and letting it glide below her sex teasing her pussy lips.

"Mmm... baby that feels so good," she moaned

"Yes it does..."

Petra reached down and took my hands and pulled them up and placed them on her tits.

"They miss your touch lover..."

I cupped them and squeezed them and felt her shudder and heard her moan. Her ass ground back against me her pussy begging to be fucked again no doubt but I wanted something else.

"Take the plug out slut..."

"Yes Sir!" Petra moaned as she reached around and I watched as she slowly pulled it free with a little grunt of effort. "There my ass is ready for...YOU!"

The last word came out a cry as I slammed my cock into her ass with no warning at all. I began to thrust my hips and she moved with me.

"So big... and thick... stretching my ass so much," she groaned.

"I am going to fill your ass when I cum lover, be a good girl and make some noise."

I pulled back until only the tip remained and slammed my cock home again and again setting up a fast deep rhythm. Petra began to cry out with each and every thrust. There were no words only gasps and guttural grunts of pleasure which pleased me to no end. I cupped her tits and squeezed them as I rammed myself deep into her nether region. Try as I might I felt my orgasm getting closer and closer.

"Can't fight it off much more," I moaned.

"Don't... don't fight it, fill my ass lover," she begged me.

Petra began to push back now driving me as deep as I could go and grunted louder and louder as she felt me swell inside of her and fill her even more.

"YES," she howled and threw her hips backward until with a final drive of my legs and her hips my orgasm hit and hot pulses of cum painted her insides. 

My knees nearly buckled under me I came so hard. I sat down on the floor of the shower panting and grinning like an idiot. Petra cleaned herself off and shut off the water for the shower before walking over to the bath and began a tub of hot water for us to soak in.

As we soaked in the tub I pondered on the speed and ease that Petra Shaw my father's wife had come to become my lover. There was a great mix of emotions surrounding her and our relationship. I knew my father was on the road a lot and she had needs that I was filling nicely but I wondered if she felt any guilt at what we were doing as well. At the risk of ruining everything I had to know and so I asked.

"Petra," her eyes opened at the sound of my voice, "I love how our situation has changed and become so nicely physical but..."

"I have been wondering how long you were going to wait before broaching this subject," she said cutting me off with a look in her eyes of deep sorrow. "Your father doesn't want you to know but I think that if something were to happen..."

"My father knows about us?" I asked stopping her.

"In a manner of speaking yes," she said choosing the proper words to explain. "You father knew how lonely and horny I get." 

Her foot slid between my legs as her toes teased my cock beneath the water's surface.

"He gave his permission?" I asked with a soft moan as I began to stiffen from her foot job.

"Yes, he set down who and what could and couldn't be done but you were not one mentioned in the do not fuck list." Petra said smiling as her other foot joined the first in teasing me.

"Wow, so you have an open marriage of sorts."

"Of sorts, there can only be one man at a time and no children born of any union I might have."

"More than one," I asked.

"I told you I had a wild youth," she said sitting up and scooting closer her hands replacing her feet now.

"How many..." I moaned as she double fisted my cock.

"Three men at one time... one for each dirty... naughty... hole of mine."

"NNNNNN that feels so damn good... wow three bet that was some amazing sex."

"Sensory overload and then some," she said as she straddled me letting my cock slide next to her pussy now. "One time all of us came at the same time... talk about mind blowing."

"NNNNN I can only imagine... are you going to ride me now?"

"Yes but not here," she said standing up and stepping out of the tub. "I am going to towel off, climb onto your bed with my head down and ass up and let you take your pleasure from me."




Iron Rain Pt. 04



She grabbed a towel and slowly dried off maintaining eye contact the entire time before turning and walking away. I got up and toweled off and walked to my bedroom and there she was her eyes were closed and her pussy dripping with need. Her ass was next to the edge of the bed so all I had to do was stand there and pick a hole to fuck. I walked over and reached out and caressed her ass cheek as I made my decision. 

"Decisions... decisions..." I moaned as I took my cock in hand and lined up the head and thrust hard and deep into her.

"NNNNNNN my pussy," she wailed as I hammered her wet slit ruthlessly. "YESSSS lover fuck my naughty pussy!"

I grabbed her hips and using them for leverage pounded her pussy as hard and fast as I could. 

"NNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNN..." she moaned.

"So fucking wet and tight..." I told her as the slapping sound of our bodies grew louder still.

She made not a hint of movement letting me have complete control of the situation and I loved it. I alternated the speed and depth so I could relish every inch of her tightness as she squeezed me with her naughty hole. When I felt the first tickling sensation of my climax I pulled out and directed her.

"Suck my cock slut..." I growled and she flipped around and made love to my hardened flesh with something that bordered on worship.

"NNNNNN yes Sir, I love licking... and squeezing... and sucking your cock so very much," she murmured as she teased and pleased me.

She closed her eyes and inch by inch she deep throated me and I saw a single tear run down her cheek as her lips brushed against the base of my cock. Why was she crying? But soon the tear was forgotten as she took my hands and placed them on either side of her head. I grabbed her damp hair and began to fuck her throat as if it were her pussy. Nice long thrusts of my hips drove my dick deep into her throat as she licked and sucked and moaned around it. It didn't take long for that kind of pleasure to push me to the point of no return and as my cock swelled in her throat I let her take over and stroke and suck me to conclusion. I watched her throat move as she gobbled up my cum and swallowed for all she was worth. When at last she was done I stepped back and she looked up her face streaked with tears.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Nicholas, sweet Nicholas there is something else and I don't know how to tell you," she said beginning to sob now her body shaking.

I sat on the edge of the bed and took her into my arms as the sorrow erupted within her and she let it out in great heaves and sobs. 

"It's about my dad isn't it," I asked.

"Yes..." was all she could manage.

"It's serious, is he in danger?"

"Danger no, Nicholas you dad is dying."

"What, what's wrong with him?"

"Sweetie its brain cancer," she pulled me closer as she proceeded to tell me about the whirlwind romance and his compulsion to work and make as much money while he can. "He knows that one day he won't be able to work or travel and when he must be bed ridden then he will have done all that he can."

"He doesn't want to end up like mom did," I said remembering all the time she spent in bed away from friends and the simple things that made her happy. "He always was a workaholic but with that hanging over his head... makes sense why he left so soon after my arrival here."

"He loves you so much and he wants you to be financially set after he passes."

"Stubborn to the end," I said and thought about the situation here at home. "I need to know something."

"Anything," she said drying the tears with a blanket.

"Am I being selfish NOT wanting our physical relationship to end?"

"No, I will never stop loving your father but I think I would go mad without your hunger and companionship to keep me sane."

"Good... I need some time alone now though..."

"Understood," and with that single word she was gone leaving me to my thoughts and plans for the future.



Iron Rain Pt. 05



Note: Contains some intense scenes 

Thanks to all those posting comments I hope you enjoy this one as much as those that have come before. 

*

Going Native:

A few days later I was in the backyard practicing with a bokken, a wooden sword carved into the shape of samurai's katana, when Kat stepped out on the porch and watched as I flowed from one kata to the next. Katas are a series of precise movements to mimic combat that can be practiced alone or in groups.

"Mom said you wanted to see me," Kat said after I had ended my last movement.

"Yeah, I was talking to her earlier and she said neither of you have ever had homemade bar-b-q."

"Nope," she replied smiling now. "Are you going to cook for us again because last time was amazing?"

"That's the plan, but I need to go the grocery store for meat and supplies."

"You want me to drive you?"

"Unless you are too busy," I asked.

"I always have time for you," she purred.

"Great, I am going to take a quick shower and then we can go," I said and saw the frown form on her face. "I have something extra special prepared for you... do you want to let your hormones percolate a bit longer?" I said giving her my evil smile.

"Extra special huh," she said purring louder, "I guess I can wait a little longer for that."

Thirty minutes later I was shaved, showered and on my way to the grocery store with a very horny Kat. 

"I ordered something special for us and it came in today," I said as we drove.

"Ooh... sounds naughty," she growled.

"Oh it is I hope you like it, I know that when I saw it I thought immediately of you."

"Now I am absolutely dying to know what it is, can you give me a hint?"

"Nope," I said imagining her and the toy I had purchased and smiled all the more.

"Please... I'll drag you to the restroom at the store and suck you dry..." she let the last syllable hang in the air.

"I am not going to risk getting kicked out of the one place in the entire city that has its own farmer's market," I told her.

She sat there pouting but I could tell she wasn't angry just disappointed.

"I'll give you a clue," I told her and she brightened immediately, "it's something you've been missing for a long time."

Her face screwed up in complete and absolute puzzlement and I left her like that as we arrived at the store and who should be walking out but none other than Officer Linda still in her uniform. Damn she looked hot!

"Hey Linda," I called out as we parked and she looked up and smiled.

"Nick," she replied and walked over to the car.

Kat and I stepped out and I introduced the two.

"Linda this is my sister Kat, Kat this is the partner of my best friend growing up Linda."

Kat visibly relaxed and they shook hands.

"Hey, we are shopping for some bar-b-q supplies why not drag Jim over and we can make an evening of it."

"Sounds like a plan, I'll give him a call and we can stop by say seven," Linda offered.

"Perfect, see you there," I said and Kat smiled nice enough.

"Dinner guests... I better warn mom before she goes on the warpath," Kat said.

"Another rule of the house I didn't know about," I asked sheepishly.

"Yeah, mom is kind of anal about uninvited guests arriving, but since he is a friend of yours she won't mind."

"Hey, I'm sorry I should have asked you first."

"I'm not worried; it isn't like you're going to fuck her in our home."

"That never crossed my mind," I told her honestly.

I wanted to fuck Linda out in the park while she was in uniform. Kat called and talked to mom and all was well with the universe once more. Inviting two cops over for dinner was fine by her and the fact that one of them was an old friend, even better.  

"Speaking of fucking in our home," I brought up.

"Hmm what?" Kat replied cautiously.

"So whose idea was it to call the delivery girl?"

"Mine sort of; mom was a little miffed that I sucked you off in front of her."

"Did you tell her I was fucking you from behind while she masturbated?"

"No... you think I'm crazy, oral sex is one thing actual penetration is a whole different animal in her eyes."

"Interesting and anal sex," I said grinning evilly.

"NNNNN we still haven't done that... yet."

"Yet, I take it you still want to?"

"Duh, I have been trying some of mom's toys just to stretch it out for you silly boy."

"Really do tell," I said as I grabbed a shopping cart and headed down the grocery aisle.

"She has a variety of sizes to help work my way up to that big 'ol cock of yours."

"So you have been lubing them up and sliding them up your very tight asshole just for me?"

"Uh huh," she moaned. "Right now I have a set of her anal beads up inside of me."

"I may have to see the truth of that statement with my own eyes."

"NNNNNNN I wish you would lover," she said walking next to me.

"My cock buried in your pussy while I pull out the beads one by one ever so slowly."

"YESSSS," she moaned in my ear.

"I guess we had better finish our shopping quickly then."

"Fuck the shopping Nick," Kat was begging now. "Please take me to the bathroom and fuck me!"

"Let me think about it."

"Think about it," she moaned. "Do you know how wet I am right now? You can fuck my ass tonight, right here, right now... please Nick."

"Are you wearing underwear?" I asked.

"You know I'm not," Kat purred.

"And your tight little pussy is absolutely soaked?"

"Yesss... you could slide into me with no effort at all."

"I will take you to the bathroom and ravage you," I began.

"Yessss," she hissed in joy.

"But first you must do something for me."

"Anything lover," she moaned.

"You see that cute Japanese girl fondling the cantaloupe over there?"

"Yes," Kat's eyes were blazing with lust.

"If she will agree to join us in the bathroom I am all yours."

"Naughty boy, you have a deal!"

I was pushing the boundaries of our 'relationship' by making demands of this kind but I was curious if she would comply to my whims and to my pleasant surprise she had no qualms about adding another girl to the equation. I stopped the cart and examined the celery while Kat stalked over to the petite Asian girl and began to chat her up. I could see the girl blush and then look over at me and smile. Kat and her talked some more and the two of them came over. By the gods this might just happen.

"Nick is it?" her English was heavily accented.

"Yes and you are?"

"Akiho Watanabe and this beautiful girl here made a very interesting proposal."

"What did she say," I asked.

"She wanted the three of us to go the restroom and have sex, is that correct?"

"Well either there or our home whichever is more comfortable for you."

"You both want me to come home with you?" the girl looked from me to Kat and back again and saw the eager nod Kat gave her. "Very well but I think I would feel better if you came to my apartment. Is that acceptable?"

"Fine by me," I said and Kat followed suit.

"Tonight won't work out but tomorrow night I have no plans," Akiho moaned.

"Excellent! Do you have any questions for either of us?" I asked.

Smiling wickedly the petite Japanese girl pulled Kat to the side and they spoke softly and rapidly with many hand gestures.

"Shave..." Akiho muttered loud enough to be heard then smiled at whatever Kat said next.

With the huddle being done Akiho approached me and informed me she liked hot Saki and told me where I could purchase it. 

"How much do you want?" I asked her.

"Oh a few bottles will go a long way," she said moving close and tentatively reaching out and tracing my erection with two fingers. "Mmm you are big, bigger than I am used to you must promise to be gentle."

"Of course and by the way I am not fully erect just so you know."

Akiho licked her lips as she stepped back and let out another low moan.

"This is going to be the longest 24 hours of my life. She has my address I will see you two soon."

And with that she returned to her shopping and Kat was purring in my ear.

"Now?" she whispered in my ear.

"Now, now what," I asked.

"You were going to pull the anal beads out of my ass," Kat was growling with need.

"If she agreed to follow us to the bathroom," I said smiling.

"But what about tomorrow night, that has to count for something," Kat begged.

"I was just messing with you, let's finish our shopping and we can find a nice quiet place to park and I will fuck you silly."

"NNNNNN okay let's hurry up and..." but she saw the look on my face and stopped. "Okay we will make sure we have everything for dinner before you pound my naughty little pussy."

"And stop by and get the Saki for tomorrow night."

Shopping went off without a hitch and after a surgical strike in the appropriate departments we were on our way in record time. I prided myself on my hunter gathering skills. Kat on the other hand noticed all the sales that had nothing to do with what we were getting. She still managed to sneak a few extra items into the cart. We had to use her driver's license to buy the two bottles of wine and cube of beer and I never said a word assuming it was a fake I.D., but then I didn't really know how old Kat was. As we drove home I accessed her file and discovered she was in fact 22 years old. That explained a lot, her maturity and sexual experience. 

After picking up the Saki we found an industrial park and parked behind a warehouse and practically raced to the back seat. Kat was on her hands and knees with her skirt pulled up waiting for my iron hard cock. We both knew we didn't have much time and that made it even more exciting. I unzipped and rammed my cock home burying it deep while I grabbed the plastic ring at the end of the string that held the anal beads. 

"Just pull nice and slow," Kat moaned.

So while my hips moved forward and back, I gently pulled on the ring until the first bead appeared and popped out with dramatic results.

"Did you just come?" I asked Kat who nodded her head as she rode the orgasmic wave.

We began to thrust our hips together as I continued to pull on the string until the second bead popped out with similar effect upon Kat. Bead after bead appeared and exited her tight ass and one orgasm rolled into the next. Finally the last bead was out and Kat was literally a puddle of quivering flesh. I was eager to take her anal virginity but I also didn't want to rush it. I continued to ram my hips forward into her pussy and take my pleasure that way. 

"Aren't you going to fuck my ass lover," Kat asked.

"Do you really want to rush it?"

"NNNNNNNNNNN No," she moaned as I pounded her as hard and fast as I could.

"Good now be a dear and suck me off... I want to see you swallow my cum."

I pulled out and she spun around and gobbled up my cock inch by inch. She licked and sucked the tip as she double fisted the shaft driving me headlong into a mind blowing orgasm. I watched her intently as her hunger grew and grew. 

"So fucking close!" I growled through gritted teeth.

She sucked harder and squeezed while she stroked me and with a toe curling body shaking rush of sensation my orgasm hit like a tidal wave crashing over me and with greedy gulps Kat swallowed every last drop.

"I just hope were not too late," Kat moaned as she slipped the beads into her purse.

We got home and I set to work starting the fire. I ignored the gas grill that looked for all intents and purposes brand new; I found out later that it was. But I preferred charcoal for my cooking fires and soon a plume of white smoke was billowing up and the meat was ready to be put over the flames. Seven o'clock sharp the pair arrived, Jim in his Miskatonic University t-shirt and jeans while Linda was wearing a skin tight shirt and jean shorts that hugged her ass like a second skin. Kat's eyes narrowed the minute Linda walked in the door and it took mom to distract her and help with the salad, wine and dessert. I was placing the steaks, potatoes covered in aluminum foil and veggies also wrapped up for the grill. I heard the sliding glass door open and close and smelled the scent of perfume I was unfamiliar with.

"Hello Linda," I called out not turning around.

"How did you know it was me," she asked moving behind me pressing her body against me.

"Your perfume," I said, "when you are the only guy in a household you notice certain things."

"So very observant of you, maybe you should join the police force or FBI as a profiler," she moaned in my ear. "What did you notice about me when I walked in?"

"Athletic, you work out regularly. You showered and shaved before coming over; your hair is still damp. You are not wearing a bra or underwear; so I am guessing you are either planning on fucking your partner tonight or me."

"Wow, very accurate on all accounts," she nibbled on my ear and I felt myself getting painfully hard and refocused my attention on the grill. "Anything else about me you noticed?"

Her hand moved forward and around cupping my cloth covered cock and rubbed it slowly.

"You grew up in house with at least one person who spoke Russian as their only language; I went to a school with a guy who pronounces his R's just the way you do."

She gripped my cock now and started to rub harder along the length.

"I want you now," she growled, "I want to suck you off while you cook and swallow your cum before you bend me over and fuck me rotten."

"Can't, the meat will burn but after dinner when I take the coals out to be dumped I might let you suck me off."

"Might," she said in shock

"Yeah... might... if you are good," I said coolly. "Now behave yourself."

Frustrated at being shut down she went inside and grabbed a beer and drank it down in one long swallow.

"I am so proud of you," Petra said from the shadows.

"I smelled your perfume too," I told her, "it would have been rude to fuck her in front of you."

"I don't mind watching... but are you sure she can be trusted?"

"She's a cop and my best friend's partner..." I shrugged. "There is always the panic room."

"Now why would you say something like that?"

"Why would you ask if a police officer can be trusted?"

"You're right, it's just that your father isn't here and I get nervous sometimes."

"It's okay mom, hey before you go inside can you hand me the bokken leaning next to you."

She grabbed the wooden sword and walked it over to me; she looked down and saw how hard I was and smiled.

"Looks like she got to you a little excited," she moaned and headed back inside.

Jim passed mom on the way in and walked over just as I dropped the bokken over the side of the patio onto the lawn below.

"What was that," he asked.

"Stick for some tomato plants mom wants to plant."

"You are going to till some soil for her?"

"That sounds too much like, are you going to plow her fields?"

"She is your step mom after all and hot as hell or the red head I'd do her in a heartbeat," he said handing me a bottle of Mountain Dew.

I found I was deeply offended but if I reacted too harshly he would know the truth so I smiled and nodded.

"I have seen Kat, the redhead, in only a towel already and damn is all I can say."

"I won't tell, anyway how is civilian life treating you?"

"Surprisingly I find that I am still going thru the daily routines they drilled into my head for four years."

"No shock there, we should go by the batting cage and hit a few balls sometime."

"Now that is an awesome idea!" I said and flipped the steaks and adjusted the vegetables and potatoes on the grill. "So you and the police academy, really?"

"Yeah my uncle begged me to at least try it and keep the family tradition alive."

"Your dad didn't pressure you to join," I asked.

"On the contrary he didn't want me to set foot anywhere near it but he respected my curiosity. And who knew I had a knack for it?"

"I won't say that a military academy is for everyone but it kept me sane and I met and made some unique friends."

"Unique... I like the sound of that," he sniffed the air and I heard his stomach growl.

"Soon, another five minutes why don't you tell mom it'll be ready in a little bit."

"Mom..." he looked at me funny, "you call her mom already?" 

I could almost feel the bitterness in his voice.

"I learned I can't live in the past and dad really loves her, loves all of us."

"Sorry, it just took me by surprise."

"No worries we are all friends here," I said and gathered up the platter and began filling it but Jim was already gone and inside.

I carried the platter in two hands and had my soda bottle clenched in my teeth as I entered the kitchen. Linda raced over and took the bottle from my mouth and set it down on the table next to her. Kat didn't miss this gesture but a look from mom quelled her instantly. Mom and Kat helped me set out the platters with the meat, potatoes and veggies and then we all sat down and ate in an awkward silence. I broke the tension and quiet...

"I think I have decided to go to dad's college."

"Miskatonic University, how wonderful he'll be thrilled and you can still live here if you want." Mom offered.

"So what field are you going to go into Nick?" Jim asked.

"I am thinking P.R. would be a good fit," I said looking mom dead in the eyes.

"Public Relations," Linda asked, "sounds kind of dry and boring." Her hand settled onto my thigh under the table.

"P.R. would be a good fit for you to help your dad out with the business," Kat said softly.

"Maybe something more exciting," Linda said her hand moving closer to my crotch. "Like law enforcement, it's never dull."

Her hand crept closer so I reached down and took her wrist and guided it to my iron hard cock that I had freed after I sat down.

"I do want to get a grip on the business end of things," I said to all as her fingers wrapped around me.

"I see what you mean... it's so hard... I mean following in dad's footsteps," her hand was squeezing and stroking me now. 

"The competition is so rigid and unyielding one has to beat the competition or fall flat," mom said smiling. "Wouldn't you agree Kat?"

"If Nicholas has anything in common with his father it's his inflexible will. They are both tough as nails."

Her hand was stroking faster now and I looked over and saw the unbridled lust there. No poker face at all but no one embarrassed her by calling her out.

"I think I've got everything in hand," I said smiling and went on eating my steak, "oh Linda don't forget to use your napkin wouldn't want the juices from that steak staining your shirt or shorts."

Jim oblivious to all that was going on around him decided to put his two cents in on the conversation at just that moment.

"Yeah... be careful I spilled sauce on my favorite jeans once and it took forever to get the stain out."

It took everything for the three women and me not to start laughing but he just looked around puzzled and attacked his grilled potato with gusto. Linda draped her napkin over the head of my cock when she felt it swell in her hands and with a small cough I shot a load into it and was saved the mess that would have screamed to all what she had been doing under the table.

Tucked in and zipped up I got up and cleared the empty dishes and brought in the triple chocolate cake we had gotten at the store for dessert. I got myself another bottle of soda from the kitchen and headed out to the backyard. As I walked down the stairs of the patio to the backyard itself I heard her behind me. I walked over to where I had let the bokken drop and smelled the faintest hint of Linda's perfume and I smiled grimly, damn I hate it when I am right. I turned and saw Linda painted in moonlight and pointed to the ground at my feet. Nodding she stripped off her shirt letting the chilly night wind caress her nipples. I could see them stiffen even more as she walked over to me. She unbuttoned her shorts and tugged them off and over her tennis shoes.




Iron Rain Pt. 05



"On your knees slut... you will swallow..." I said with just a hint of anger in my voice. "Then I will fuck you until you beg me to stop."

"Mmm good," she growled as she dropped to her knees. "I won't disappoint you."

"I know you won't," I said grabbing her by her hair and thrusting my cock between her lips.

Linda began licking and sucking my cock like a starving woman who hadn't had sex in years.

"When's the last time Jim fucked you," I asked yanking her head back so she could answer.

"Jim and I have never..." I rammed my cock back into her mouth cutting off her lie.

"Slut, when I ask you a question you better tell me the fucking truth," I said ramming my cock into her throat. "Now, when is the last time Jim fucked your pussy?" Yank!

"Three nights ago," she moaned. Slam!

My cock hit the back of her throat and I heard her gag a bit before recuperating.

"Keep sucking slut... is your pussy ready for my cock?"

I saw her slide two fingers into her tight pussy and heard the sloppy sounds as she finger fucked herself. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the pleasure she was giving me.

"At least you can suck cock, but then a whore like you should be good at it," I moaned as my cock began to swell a bit. 

I rocked my hips and began fucking her throat in nice long slow thrusts. She would gag from time to time but I didn't care. I tightened the grip on her hair as I felt my climax rising. She began to push her head against my thrusting hips and I was bottoming out in her throat as that tingling sensation crashed over me. I pulled her head forward and held it there as I shot down her throat. She somehow managed to swallow my cum without choking. I pulled out and yanked her to her feet.

"Your turn," I pushed her back against the patio and knelt and began to lick her pussy lips and clit. 

She gripped my hair and pulled me to her sex and I eased two fingers into her pussy and began fingering her as licked and suckled her clit. I began to ram my fingers in and out of her and she was panting and moaning begging for my cock. I reached into my back pocket and took out the bottle of lube and applied it to my cock covering it entirely before I stood up, spun Linda so that she faced away from me and bent her over until her sex was lined up with my cock. 

"Ready," I moaned in her ear.

"Yes baby ram that cock home!"

"I was hoping you'd say that."

I teased her soaked slit with the head of my cock and she purred then I pulled back and lined up the head with my target and in one smooth motion drove my cock into her ASS. Her yelp of surprise and anger was evident.

"What the FUCK are you doing? That's my ass you idiot!"

"You told me to ram it home, now shut up whore and enjoy the ride."

I began to fuck her in one smooth motion and enjoyed every inch of her very tight ass. It was clenched making it grip me all the better. 

"Mmm you ass is squeezing me so nicely... how does it feel lover?"

"Come on don't be a pussy, if you are going to fuck my ass then let me feel it!"

"Ass you wish..."

I pulled back and slammed my cock as deep as it could go and kept up the brutal assault on her nether region and she actually began to moan and groan.

"Does Jim's cock feel this good up your ass," I asked her.

"We've never... he's never..."

"But I'm not the first am I?"

"No..."

"Who was the first... a boyfriend who date raped you... or maybe one of guys at the academy... no... maybe it was your father..."

At the mention of her father she went berserk and began pushing back trying to dislodge me but all it did was drive me deeper.

"Oh... so dear old dad was tapping your ass huh... that's sick," I said nibbling her ear.

"Oh god..." she tried to bite back her moan but couldn't hide her orgasm.

"You fucking came with my cock in your ass!" I said loud enough to reach the house.

"Be quiet Jim might hear..."

"Okay, so it was alright for you to seduce me with your pussy but not your ass."

"Nnn..." even as she tried to deny it I pulled back until only the tip remained inside then rammed all the way into her. "Coming!"

"I repeat... you are a fucking slut..." I said grinding my cock into the deepest part of her ass. "Where do you want me to cum?"

"Face... I want to see you cum on my face!"

"Beg for it..."

"Please baby spray my face with your cum..."

I began to fuck her ass hard and fast and she couldn't stop the cry of pleasure that cut through the night.

"Louder..." I moaned into her ear.

"Please baby! Spray my face... with... your..." her voice nearly drowned out the crunchy tearing sound... nearly.

I yanked my cock from her ass and she spun and dropped down onto her knees waiting for me. She reached up with one hand and stroked the shaft of my cock pointing it at her face. She closed her eyes when I warned her I was coming. My sperm pulsed from the head of my cock and hit her cheeks, forehead and lips. Even as she opened her eyes she brought up the gun in her 'other' hand, the gun she had hidden on the bottom of the patio with Velcro tape. But before her finger could slide into the trigger guard and squeeze the trigger the business end of the bokken came down on the side of her temple and her eyes closed again. I grabbed the gun from the ground and fired three shots into the earth, the weapon had a silencer but the muzzle flash was easily visible from the house. I zipped up and used her t-shirt as a gag and the Velcro tape to bind her hands around one of 6x6 beams of the patio.

"Nice tattoo bitch!" I whispered as I slunk off to the front of the house as quick as I could.

I reached the front door and stole into the library to see where Jim was and if Petra and Kat had heeded my warning. Jim was pacing by the back door waiting for Linda to appear but she wasn't going to anytime soon. Jim hadn't drawn his gun yet and I didn't see the girls so I assumed they were hiding upstairs in my room. I slipped off my shoes and silently edged up behind Jim and noticed the bulge in the small of his back. He would never draw that gun! Jim was turning as my leg snuck out and took his feet out from underneath him and even as he fell I rose up and brought the bokken down in an elegant arc to his collar bone breaking it in one stroke. His cry of pain was silenced as the second strike hit his temple robbing him of his consciousness. I wanted to kill him right then and there but I needed to know why. I searched him and found his handcuffs and rolled him onto his belly and cuffed him with hands behind his back. The pain from his broken collarbone would keep him compliant. I went upstairs and raided mom's toy box and got her ball gag and then down to the basement for the lengths of rope I had hidden there. I headed out to Linda and had a special treat for her that I was saving for Petra. It is called Kinbaku, the Japanese art of knot tying, and is a bondage art form I had learned from a book I borrowed from Master Akira. The original art is called Hojojitsu and Kinbaku evolved from this. Once the ball gag was in place I removed the Velcro tape and half an hour later Linda couldn't move a muscle I didn't want moved. I tossed her over my shoulder and carried her into the house and straight down to the basement. I laid her on the floor and went upstairs and with some effort I managed to carry Jim down without doing any more harm. I went upstairs and made sure the girls were okay. The door to the panic room slid open and Kat literally jumped into my arms and began kissing me. I looked passed her to mom and smiled. When I could speak again, Kat's tongue was out of my mouth, I told them how happy I was that mom had understood my message.

"You are a very clever young man," Mom said.

"I'm so glad you figured out my P.R. reference," I said.

"He's your friend what is going on?" Kat asked.

"It's not him that was the real threat," I said. "It was Linda she was sent here to kill all of us."

"But why..." Kat asked but I looked her in the eye and raised an eyebrow.

"She has the same tattoo that mom does," I said. "Same place too."

"Tattoo," Kat asked, "what tattoo... and where is it?"

Mom lifted up her skirt showing off her shaved pussy and her inner thigh where the three gray tears were located. Kat paled knowing the meaning of the tattoo and her and Petra shared a look.

"What are you going to do with them Nicholas?" Mom asked.

"I am going to ask her a few questions about the Iron Rain and how much they know then I will remedy the situation," I said as I turned to head downstairs.

"Who told you about them," Kat asked.

"No one, I'll explain it all after I take care of this situation."

Retribution:

I left them hugging each other and tears trailing down their cheeks. I headed straight down to the basement to see if either of them had woken up yet. Linda glared up at me as she struggled at the rope holding her.

"Don't bother those knots will hold so just relax," I told her. "There is the tiniest margin you might just walk out of her alive so listen carefully. I am going to ask you some questions about the Iron Rain and you are going to answer truthfully and tell me all you know or else. I will know if you are lying or keeping things from me." 

I activated the lenses and took her wallet and grabbed her identification and scanned it.

"Search for all identities and aliases," I whispered to myself.

'Enter Search Parameters.'

"Use facial recognition software and seek all possible ties to the organization Iron Rain."

'Trace Will Take Approximately Ten Minutes.'

"Execute search," then I returned my attention to Linda, "well it looks like I have time to kill do you want to answer questions now or later?"

I removed the ball gag and waited for her reply.

"You are a dead man, when they find out you are still alive they will come here and kill you all."

"But you see they won't be looking for me or my family here."

"You can't hide from them forever."

"I don't intend to... they will be looking for you first."

"No they won't I am a loyal member of the Iron Rain!"

"Not when they discover the money transfer in your account and your image at the airport leaving the country."

"I am not going anywhere with you."

"You don't have to... they will see an image of you at the airport and a paid flight out of the country in your name. That's all they need to consider you a traitor and hunt you down."

"I told you I am not going with you."

"I have a digital scan of your appearance; all I have to do is hack the airport's security footage and overlay your face over another woman's features. It's all digital smoke and mirrors and then poof you are out of the country."

"You can't do that there are safeguards... firewalls..."

"Not if you know someone with an IQ over 200 and a computer enthusiast. Now do you want to start answering some questions or do I get the answers another way?"

I saw the first inkling of fear in her eyes but then she hid it behind a mask of bravado and glared at me.

"You would never hurt a woman."

"Linda... you came in here with the intent of killing me then my family. What makes you think I won't end your miserable life?"

"I am defenseless."

"Yes you are and because of your poor planning and execution you have only yourself to blame for that."

"How did you know the gun was there?"

"Your perfume, when you planted it while I was at the store you left behind your scent."

"What?"

"Yeah, I dropped my set of tongs for the bar-b-q and when I bent down to pick them up I smelled your perfume. Then I noticed the shadow of the gun you taped to the beam of the deck."

"So you left the gun there taking the chance you were faster than me?"

"You really are an idiot," I laughed at her, "I took out the rounds and replaced the clip. I went to a military academy silly girl."

"And raping me that was also part of your plan?"

"Rape, you can't rape the willing."

"You fucked me in the ASS you fucking bastard!"

"As I recall you climaxed while my cock was buried in that sweet tight ass of yours."

Again she glared at me with a look that could kill.

"You're just pissed because your body betrayed you. Nothing would have changed if I had fucked your pussy and fingered your ass then fucked your ass. I just cut to the chase."

"Bastard," she spat at me.

"Whore, at least my dad never ass fucked me like yours did."

Click! She flew off the handle and began to curse me in English and Russian.

"Well now you have a mouth on you, where can I find the Iron Rain?"

"Fuck off," she growled.

"Let me explain a few things to you so we have a complete understanding of what I can and cannot do. First I can make them believe you took a bribe and skipped town. Second I can access your computer at home and work and track them down that way. Third your gun has at least one more round in the chamber and I can put it in your fucking head. Lastly, I can make you and Jim over there vanishes without a trace, no blood, no DNA, nothing so start talking or I ghost your ass and you never see another sunrise, your choice."

"You can't..." the rest was garbled as I replaced the ball gag and shook my head at her.

"I told you, you had a small chance of surviving this if you cooperated. For my family's sake you leave me no choice and believe this or not, I am sorry for what happens next."

I walked up to my room and grabbed the tablet computer and walked back down to find mom and Kat sitting in the kitchen brewing coffee.

"I'll be up in a bit for a cup," I said.

"How did you know," Mom asked.

"This," I said holding up the tablet, "the software is as advanced at the hardware. The picture I took of you I had it search for any references of you. I expected to find a mundane background is all. But it discovered all of it, the Iron Rain, the murder of your husband and the witness protection program. I knew Linda had planted a gun after they were in the house but I wasn't positive she was a part of the mob until I saw her tattoo."

"What are you going to do to her," Kat asked her eyes tearing up.

"Whatever I have to, to keep our family safe," I replied frowning.

"If you can't... I will..." Mom started to say and I cut her off.

"NO, you have done your part in things this falls on my shoulders. Don't forget I like sugar and creamer in my coffee."

I walked down the basement stairs and held up the tablet and Linda just shook her head. I sat down by her head and looked down at her.

"Still doubting my ability to discover your secrets? Good, I am going to start with your home computer and see what that little tidbits that will reveal. I figure you wouldn't keep any incriminating evidence on the one at work. Even you aren't that stupid."

I started up the BORG program and set its task to copy every piece of information from her computer, phone or any other tech device. Ten minutes later I had every email, internet history, every file deleted or otherwise and every phone call she had every made along with her entire address book. I read aloud the entire list of her alias from each and every town the Iron Rain had used her to infiltrate either police or the government. Her expression was priceless. 

"Now Linda let's take a look at your emails shall we? Most are in English... boring, however look at all of these in Russian bet they must be interesting. I will just translate them and look; here are your orders to determine if Petra and Kat are the ones they are looking for. It looks like you sent them an email last night saying you would investigate but were uncertain. You didn't tell them for sure that they were the ones you were hunting! Sloppy work, now when they find you dead in a car accident no one will be the wiser. Pity that you ever walked into this house eh sunshine?"

Linda's eyes grew wide with fear and shook her head. I removed the gag and suddenly she was begging for her life.

"Please don't kill me! I could leave here and no one needs to know what happened."

"You are going to leave here and no one is going to know," I told her. "You see you are going to send an email saying that this address was a false lead and you are heading home to continue your search. Sadly you won't make it home alive."

"Please I'll do anything!"

"Hmm let me ponder the debasing sex acts that you might entertain me with while I have the email drafted upstairs." I said as I put the gag back into place.

I walked upstairs and had Petra read the emails concerning the hunt for them and had her write up the email I wanted saying that this house was a dead end. Once it was transmitted to Linda's computer and then sent from her laptop so that if they back tracked it they would see that it originated from her home. I sipped my coffee as we awaited a reply and it wasn't long at all before they sent her a new city and new family to investigate. Never underestimate the value of deception. I looked at the clock and it was only ten o'clock plenty of time to ponder what to do with my prisoners.

"How are you going to do it?" Mom asked.

"Does it really matter? When the sun next rises this threat will be over."

I fired off an email and told mom that I would be expecting a delivery and to come down and give it to me when it arrived. I finished my cup of coffee and headed downstairs with an evil grin on my face. Linda's plan to murder my family had awoken something dark inside of me and it wanted bloody vengeance. They were both awake when I walked down this last time and I looked at Jim and shook my head.

"I trusted you and you were willing to help murder me and my family for what money? I don't even know you anymore! And you, you have been very helpful in leading the wolf away from this place so as a reward you won't be awake when you die. You will pass quietly in your sleep."

I removed her gag and let her beg some more for her life.

"Please I will do ANYTHING if you let me live! You can do anything to me and I will enjoy it! Fuck my ass again and again to your heart's content. But please don't hurt me!"

"Mmm that is a tempting offer," I said rolling her onto her stomach. "She has such a cute ass don't you think Jim." I said rubbing one cheek then the other. "Pity you never got a chance to tap it."

I took out the bottle of lube again and spread a generous amount over her puckered hole and true to her word she moaned for me. I eased two fingers into her ass and began finger fucking it.

"Heck of a sight eh old friend, once she's ready I am going to let you watch me punish her tight ass. Course I'm not the first to fuck it am I sweetie?"

"No," Linda said.

"Tell him Linda tell him who first tapped your fine tight asshole."

"My dad... he fucked all my holes when he came home drunk."

"And you liked it didn't you Linda, you looked forward to those nights. Sat up masturbating waiting for the old man to come home and pleasure you."

"Yeah, I used to finger both holes getting them nice and wet for him."

"He taught you how to suck cock didn't he?"

"Yeah, I was daddy's little cock sucker!"

Jim looked like he was going to be sick but I gave him that look if he threw up the gag would stay on.

"Such a dutiful daughter you were. Now I am going to play daddy and you are going to get your tight... little... ass fucked!"

"Daddy's home," Linda squealed. "Is daddy going to fuck my ass tonight?"

"You know daddy loves ramming his cock into his sweetie's tight young ass."

"Goody... hurry daddy I'm all wet and ready!"

"I'll be the judge of that sweetie," I said rubbing her pussy lips but she was dry as a bone. "You know what daddy does to little whores who lie don't you?"

"Please daddy," fear etched into her features, "please rub my pussy and then I'll be all nice and wet."

"Oh," I said rubbing her clit and pussy lips, "how can I stay mad at you." 




Iron Rain Pt. 05



I unzipped my pants and freed my semi hard cock and climbed up behind her. I pressed the tip to her lubed and stretched asshole and pushed.

"Unnn... daddy your cock is so big!"

"The better to fuck your ass with my dear," I moaned.

I reached around and pinched her nipples hard.

"OH daddy your fingers are so strong!"

"The better to pleasure you my dear," I whispered as I slid two into her wet pussy.

"Mmm daddy you feel so good inside of me."

"I know pumpkin... I have another treat for you."

"Do you daddy? What is it, I can't wait."

I pulled out of her and she moaned and then watched in horror as I unzipped Jim and freed his limp tool. I picked Linda up and carried her over and placed her so that her mouth was on top of his flaccid cock.

"Be a good girl and get dear Uncle Jim hard now."

"Yes daddy," she said and captured the head of Jim's cock and began to lick and suck.

"Once he's nice and hard he's going to fuck your pussy while daddy continues punishing your ass. If you can't get Uncle Jim hard daddy will be very cross indeed."

She licked and sucked for her very life and Jim despite the situation rose to the occasion. Soon she had him hard as a rock and I lifted her up and lowered her pussy onto his rigid member and it slid in easily. Once she was properly positioned I eased my length back into her ass and heard her moan like the filthy whore she was.

"Daddy what a very special treat you have given me. Both holes filled with hard cocks!"

I thrust into her with a nice slow rhythm savoring each and every inch of her tight ass. Then when I felt my cock start to swell and my orgasm getting near I grabbed her hips and began to fuck her hard and fast and both Linda and Jim began to moan as they were both stimulated by this. As if we had rehearsed it a hundred times when I thrust into her that last time and painted her insides with cum they climaxed right along with me. When I turned to look over my shoulder Petra was standing there her eyes alight with lust and holding two bottles of water.

"I'm sorry you had to see your little surprise before I gave it to you," I told her.

"You mean the knot tying?"

"Yeah," I eased out of Linda and took the water bottles from Petra.

"You're not going to poison them are you?"

"Yes and no," I said opening the first bottle and pouring its contents down Linda's throat. Then I did the same to Jim and before too long they were asleep. "Help me get them into their vehicle."

"What are you doing... wait what was in those water bottles?"

"Oh you'll see, in about seven hours."

Rise and Shine:

We lifted Linda, still tied up to the passenger seat of her car and sat her there as is. Kat tucked Jim in and zipped him up and we removed the handcuffs and together we placed him in the driver's seat and let it all unfold.

At precisely six a.m. I got up with a fresh pot of coffee and knocked on the driver's door of Linda's car waking Jim up. His eyes opened reluctantly and I smiled in at him. 

"Rise and shine lover boy," I offered him a brimming cup of black coffee.

"Nnn where am I," he moaned just as Linda woke up.

"Ow, my ass is on fire!" Linda groaned, "And why am I naked and tied up?"

"Truth or dare gone horribly wrong," I said smiling.

"Huh..." she muttered.

"You both were pretty lit last night and Linda wanted to play truth or dare."

"What was the dare," she asked.

"If you ever had two guys at once," I said.

"Ah, that explains my violated ass," she said smiling.

"Yep... coffee?"

"Yes please after someone unties me."

"I'll take care of that," I said moving to the passenger's side and untied her quickly. "Your clothes are on the floor board at your feet."

"Thanks, so who...?"

"Who?"

"Who was in my ass last night?"

"Oh that would be me," I said smiling.

"Lucky you," she said. "Sober that never would have happened."

Jim turned to move and he cried out in agony.

"You did take a tumble down the basement steps last night," I told him. "But you kept saying you were okay. Need a lift to the hospital?"

He managed a nod and I went inside, threw on some jeans and a t-shirt and helped Jim into the back seat and off we went to the hospital even as Linda dressed in the passenger's seat.

"So how was it?" Linda whispered.

"You mean..." I asked and she nodded. "Tight... very tight."

"Good, I just wished I remembered it. Like I said I don't let that happen too often."

"You don't remember having both your holes filled?" I asked.

"No, maybe it'll come back later on after I sober up."

"Let's hope so," I said winking at her.

"Why," she asked smiling back at me.

"I'd like to tap that ass of yours again."

"You are a naughty boy."

"Yes I am."

After x-rays, treatment and drugs for the pain I dropped Jim off at home and Linda said she was too tired to drive home alone.

"I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you," I told her.

Fifteen minutes later we were parking her car and unlocking her front door. She walked over to her laptop and checked her email.

"Did I come home last night?" Linda asked.

"Yeah you went and were back in no time, but you never would say why."

"Ah okay, it appears you better have your way with me now."

"Why is that?" I said moving to stand behind her.

"I just got a job offer out of town," she said pressing her ass against me. "Ouch... okay it'll have to be my pussy lover sorry."

"No need to apologize I tapped your ass like three times last night."

"Mmm that explains the tenderness, pity I would love to feel you in there one more time."

"Let's just see how things go, now be a bad girl and yank down those shorts of yours."

She unbuttoned her jean shorts and tugged them down revealing her soaked slit.

"Like the view," she asked as I slid my cock into her without any warning.

She moaned and began to thrust backward against me; I moaned in her ear and started fucking her pussy hard and fast.

"Oh... oh... oh... damn lover that feels so good!"

I took out the bottle I had swiped from the hospital and drizzled a little on her asshole and gently rubbed it in.

"The pain... its going away what was that?"

"Lidocaine... I wasn't going to take any chances you'd change your mind."

"Mmm... well don't waste time you naughty boy... slide that fat cock of yours into me."

I did as she asked and took a sick sort of satisfaction that all the mental anguish she had suffered was for me alone to cherish. I took out a condom and wrapped my cock not wanting the lidocaine to numb it when it entered. Linda started to purr and I grabbed her hips and started banging away at her from behind. She moaned and cried out egging me on to fuck her harder and deeper.

"It's a pity Jim isn't here," I said as our bodies met, "he really enjoyed the feeling of you wrapped around him. And you were in seventh heaven with two cocks in you."

"I bet I was that has been a private fantasy for a long time."

"No doubt the next city or town you can find some lucky pair of guys to fulfill that little itch of yours."

"True, all work and no play."

I lowered us to the carpet and pulled her backwards so that she was on top and she took the hint easily. She rode me and drove her hips down with a vengeance driving my cock as deep as it could go.

"I am getting real close..." I told her.

"Don't hold back; let me feel you fill my ass with cum lover!"

I pulled out long enough to lose the condom then I rammed my hips up and into her once more. She rode me for another couple of minutes until I felt my toes curl and with one last downward thrust I exploded inside of her spraying her ass until it overflowed.

"Nice," she purred.

"Gets better every time," I said catching my breath.

I took a cab home and let her get ready to leave town and returned home a hero without ever having to pull the trigger on those two. Mom and Kat were waiting for me when I got home and I had to explain it all.

"One of my friends in the academy was a chemistry freak. He brewed, grew and synthesized quite a few interesting cocktails. He knows how to get ahold of anything in a very short period of time. I slipped our 'guests' a variation of GHP, the date rape drug. The effects are stronger but leave the person feeling less crappy. They won't remember anything over the past twenty four hours or more and the best part they won't care. Linda is on her way out of town and I suspect Jim will be visiting since he will be off work for a while. I cleaned and reloaded Linda's pistol since it was fired last night and stuck it under the driver's seat. But I also placed a tracer program on her laptop so if she does come back we'll have more than fair warning."

"I'm just glad this is over with," Mom said smiling with relief.

"Not quite yet, there are still people gunning for us and I don't like the thought of them showing up unannounced on our doorstep," I told her.

"What are you going to do?" Kat said softly worried about my course of action.

"I am going to find these guys and make them hunting us the least of their worries."

"How," Mom asked.

"Simple, Interpol. These guys aren't located in the U.S. so I plan on locating, monitoring and exposing all their operations to the authorities. Eventually they are going to be looking for one of their own and when the time is right they will find their leak."

"That's brilliant! And when all the dust settles they will be too worried about the law to look for us," Kat cheered.

"I am starved," I announced and Petra rose and headed for the kitchen to fix breakfast.

"By the way," I said, "I need a lift to the hardware store."

"Why," Kat asked.

"I need to buy more rope."

The dish mom held tumbled from her nerveless hands and came crashing to the floor. I got up, walked over to her and bent down to help clean up the mess.

"By the way I washed your ball gag I used on Linda."

"I threw it out," she said moving closer. "Maybe we should go out shopping for a new one."

"Toy shopping, sounds like the perfect thing for a Saturday afternoon," I said.

"Me too, I want to go and pick out some new outfits," Kat begged.

"How can we say no to such a face," Mom said.

Dunwich Redux

Jerome's email left me eager for the arrival of the equipment he was sending to start our business. Now all I had to do was pitch the business proposition to my dad. The startup cost was not terrible but the market was very limited but if it sold we would make tons of money. We still needed a name for the company and we were going to Skype and vote on something we could all agree upon. I was excited and had some serious decisions to make and I needed a voice of reason. I looked around for mom and found her in the library reading.

"Am I disturbing you?" I asked.

"Not at all what's up?" she said closing her book and setting it aside.

"My friends and I want to start a business but I don't know if I should put going to college on hold or not?"

"Hmm I am glad you came to me. Have you figured out how much time you are going to need to dedicate to this business?"

"Actually, sometime this week my partner is sending me equipment key to the business. I am going to beta test the equipment and I will figure out how long the process will take. So I will know very soon, next week or two."

"Good, so how much starting capitol will you need?"

"I am looking at property and other things so I could guestimate around five hundred thousand."

"How long before you are up and running?"

"After constructing the building... three months," I said.

"So right away then... how much profit do you estimate?"

"If we sell one hundred units we can clear two maybe three..."

"...million?"

"No... hundred million," I said smiling.

"What? What the hell are you selling?"

"Supercomputers," I told her. "Add the consulting fees and maintenance... half again that amount."

"So your partners have agreed that the product is stable enough to sell?"

"Yep, there are certain programs we won't be selling for obvious reasons."

"Yeah... national security and all that... can I buy one?"

"No, but you can have one. We agreed you and dad's business would be a great impact study of its capabilities for business applications."

"So," she purred, "are you going to tutor me on how to handle it?"

"You don't need any help on that... oh you mean the tablet!"

"We still haven't played the bondage game yet..." she pouted, "How long do I have to wait lover?"

"How wet are you now?" I asked.

"Drenched," she said lifting up her skirt revealing her pussy in all its sensual glory.

"Mmm... a little longer," I said turning and leaving. "I will drop off the tablet in your bedroom later tonight be ready."

I went up to my bedroom to lie down and see what if any reports BORG had for me on the Iron Rain's operations. The tablet lay on the bed and an icon was blinking. I got comfortable and picked up the tablet and opened up the waiting program and it was my trace program and a series of emails from Linda's laptop and once translated my heart dropped. Linda sent an email in regards to her memory loss and her handlers were sending someone else. I traced Linda's handlers and got their GPS signal and had BORG keep an electronic eye on them and once they reached a base of operations find out anything and everything about it. Then I had BORG trace the new operative and find out how he or she was getting here. My mood darkened but I had to be patient and deal with this harshly when the opportunity presented itself. 

"My aren't we mister grumpy face," came Kat's voice from the door. "Can I cum in?"

"I could use a stress reliever..." I said and her face lit up.

"You could hit the gym... punch a bag..." Kat said smiling brilliantly.

"Not exactly what you had in mind... I mean what I had in mind."

"Suck... fuck...?" She asked as she stripped off her shirt and shorts. "What do you need from me lover?"

"Mmm how about you wrap your hand around me for a start," I said.

"Love to..." she said kneeling between my legs and reached out and tugged my sweats down as I lifted my ass off the futon. "You are already hard for me... I love that... how does this feel baby?"

Her hand wrapped gently around me and we both moaned as I got harder still. She began to slowly stroke me and I was purring to beat the band. Kat's eyes glittered with lust as this simple act got her hot and bothered. I watched intently as her hand moved up and down slowly and she licked her lips knowing that soon I would nod telling her it was time use her mouth.

Ding! Went the tablet computer signaling me that the Skype session was ready to begin?

"Are you shitting me?" I muttered and looked down at Kat.

"Don't fret... I'll take care of you while you're talking to your friends."

I picked up the tablet and hit the accept icon and the split screen showed Jerome, Terry and William. I almost didn't recognize William, gone was the military style buzz cut his hair showed a full six months of growth. He also had a kind of haggard look like he wasn't sleeping much and his brown eyes were deep and sunken.

"William, are you okay, you look like hell," I asked.

"Just been real busy is all once next week is passed I can get some much deserved rest," he said with a half smile.

"I am going to check out the property you suggested tomorrow with my mom and sister," I told all of them.

"Mom... Sister? You said your mom died years back and you were an only child," Terry chimed in.

"My dad remarried..." I explained.

"Ahhh..." Jerome said, "So is she hot?"

"Which one," I said.

"Your step sister... is she like smoking hot?" Jerome asked.

I looked passed the tablet's screen and saw Kat's head bobbing up and down but her eyes were staring intently at me.

"Yep," I said with barely a pause, "she is this fiery redhead with an absolutely amazing body."

"Have you seen her naked yet," Terry jumped in at this point.

"Maybe..." I said as Kat wiggled her ass high in the air now.

"You dog," Terry and Jerome said at the same time.

"Guys... please back to business... we need to discuss the hardware and software updates." William said putting us back on task. "Terry how goes the new version of the OS?"

"The new AIM program I have been working on has allowed me to finish and polish this new version two months ahead of schedule."

"AIM program," I asked.

"Artificial Intelligence Maintenance, it monitors and keeps the AI stable and lets it sleep during upgrades," Terry explained.

"Does it dream," I asked.

"Funny you should say that..." Terry said smiling, "I have been working on that concept for a little while now and I think that will be a definite upgrade in the near future."

"Sorry I asked," I said shaking my head.

"No it is a good question," William said, "dreaming will allow us to make sure the core programs are really stable and maintain safeguards to keep the AI's in line."

"So no Skynet or anything like that then," I said shivering as Kat was lowering her pussy down onto my iron hard cock reverse cowgirl style.

I watched as the head of my dick pierced her pussy and with a very soft moan Kat sank down onto me.

"So William... explain to me this crystal hardwiring..." I asked distracted.

"I will put it as simple as I can... as the crystals are being grown the OS and any additional software we feel necessary is hardcoded into the crystal as it grows..."

"So instead of a two step process of manufacturing and then programming we do both at the same time," I asked.

"Exactly, saves us time, money and manpower. If we wish to add more software later we can but for all intents and purposes we have a finished product once the chip is installed into the motherboard."

"Nice..." I said as Kat slowly rode me savoring every moment and every inch of me. "I have a feeling my mom will talk to my dad and get us the start up capitol once we have all the information to present to her."

"Excellent," William said, "have you given her the tablet yet?"

"Not yet... she has some free time later today."

"Good, email me when you get her opinion on how well it performs," William said.

"Any other business," Terry asked.

We all shook our heads and it was agreed same time next week. I shut off the tablet and set it aside.

"Mmm... that feels fucking amazing baby," I told Kat. "Keep that up..."

"...Let me take care of you lover..." she moaned as she began to move quicker.

I reached up and fondled her ass while her hips moved up and down. I watched my cock sink into her tight depths over and over again.

"Like the view baby," she asked.

"Mmmmhmmm... and the feel... you are so good to me..."

"I'm glad..." she said biting her lip as she looked back over her shoulder at me. "I'm getting close... is it okay...?"

"Let me feel your pussy squeeze me when you cum lover..."

"Mmmmm..." she ground her pussy down driving me as deep as I could go, "I love the way you fill me up..." 

Now she lifted up and rammed her hips down impaling herself and driving her body headlong into a mind blowing orgasm. She slowly lifted her hips and then she slammed them down and I felt my own climax getting close. 

"Keep that up and we'll cum together," I said and she did.

Her hips kept up that lovely rhythm and the tingling sensation got stronger and stronger. I was panting and so close to climaxing and just before I did she lifted all the way off and caught the head of my cock in her mouth and sucked and stroked me for all she was worth. I bit back a scream as the greedy little minx drank deep of that body shaking orgasm of mine. I frowned when she pressed her body to mine and snuggled up.

"Why are you frowning did I do something wrong," Kat asked.

"You didn't cum..."

"The hell I didn't... I came three times... twice while stroking and sucking you and once while riding you."




Iron Rain Pt. 06



There she stood, just outside the circle of moonlight that fell from the skylight, painted in shadows and I could see that she had followed my instructions and dressed for the occasion. She wore her hair down framing her lovely features yet concealing her kissable neck from my view. The leather bustier lifted her breasts up and pushed them together. Her pussy was freshly shaved and the garter belt and stockings clung to her athletic legs. My mouth became dry and my dick hardened almost painfully when I thought of all the naughty things I wanted to do to her. I motioned for her to step into the light so that I might see her better. She took three small steps at first her knees shaking and then another three and she stood in the center of the silvery radiance and I knew it was going to take all my willpower not to drag her to my bed and have my way with her immediately. I could now see that in her right hand were the brand new blindfold and ball gag we had picked out together and in her left the note I had left for her on her pillow. It had read...

Lover;

Come upstairs at midnight so that we might play a little game. As with all games there are rules. One, dress for the part, two, you may not utter a single word (moaning and whimpering do not count as words), and three bring your new toys we picked out. Expect to climax many times over the hours while you play the part of my toy. I won't hurt you... much.

Nick.

I motioned for her to turn around so that I could get a better look at her and wouldn't you know the little minx had put in anal beads for the occasion. This was going to be a fun night. I approached her and took the blindfold and ball gag from her and put them on her slowly. Her body shook and I could see that her sex was already drenched with need. I moved to stand behind her and caressed and teased her exposed flesh with fingers, lips and cock. Her moans drifted up to the heavens as our game began. The bustier was long in removing and as I worked to take it off I slid my iron hard cock beneath her soaked pussy letting her know how hungry I was for her. By the time the leather garments hit the floor she was panting and close to her first climax. Things were proceeding perfectly. I cupped her tits and pinched her nipples between thumb and forefinger and that was all it took to set her off. Her body shook so hard I nearly slipped into her pussy as I continued to thrust my hips forward. It was time for the ropes to be applied now. Slow and methodical I tied the silk rope about her body. My hands roamed over her curvaceous body and felt her shiver and squirm in delight. Her muffled moans had gotten me even harder if that were possible and our bondage game had barely begun. There were another few minutes to go before all the ropes would be in place. Unlike Linda this particular technique would allow her to move about but not without the lengths of silk caressing and teasing her flesh. With a subtle tug on the rope the loops around her tits tightened just a bit sending delicious sensations through her. Her low moans were driving me wild and I wanted to bend her over and fuck her right then and there but that would defeat the purpose of teasing her.

"I want to ram my cock into you and fuck you rotten," I told her and that sent another deep shiver through her echoed by a growl/moan.

I leaned closer and nibbled her earlobe as I cupped her tits and teased her nipples. She pushed back forcing my cock to slide beneath her drenched slit with the length of rope between her flesh and mine. I continued to fondle her flesh as her hips rocked forward and back a bit. Reluctantly I took my hands from her breasts so I could finish the last of the knots and then our game could begin in earnest. 

I removed the ball gag and touched her shoulder she knew immediately what I wanted. What a sight, she was on her knees with my cock sliding in and out of her throat her tongue and lips working their magic on my hard flesh.

"Such a naughty girl you are sucking a cock without being sure it's mine," I moaned but she knew I would never do that to her... yet.

I gripped one of the strands of rope and pulled watching it tightens between her legs causing her to suck in her breath and thereby drive me wild. 

"You love that don't you?" I asked and she proceeded to deep throat me for an answer. "Good response I think you are close to ready for my cock."

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," she moaned as I fucked her throat in earnest now.

"Or should I fuck your throat and shoot a load for you to swallow; I just can't make up my mind... your cock sucking feels so damn good."

She went wild and renewed her attack on my cock and began to allow the entire length to slide in and out of her throat now. Then she sat on her feet and wrapped her fist around the shaft and began to pump it while teasing the tip with mouth and tongue. As I felt my orgasm getting closer and closer I told her and there was no doubt she would be swallowing cum very soon. My cock swelled in her mouth as I hollered moments before the blast of sperm hit the back of her throat and she gulped it down greedily. Panting my knees buckled and I joined her on the floor.

"Damn I needed that," I purred.

"MMMMMMMMMHMMMMMMM," she moaned.

I pinched her sensitive nipples and watched her squirm and moan as I decided what to do next. I knew she would let me do anything and I think she would adore me for whatever I desired so I started with something simple. I stood up and took my ever hardening cock in my hand and tapped her forehead with the tip and her mouth opened and she mewed like a kitten hungry for mother's milk. I tapped her left cheek and she quickly turned her head trying to snare me in her mouth. This went on for a bit until I was painfully hard and needed release again. I took her hand and settled her fingers around the shaft and she instantly began to stroke me but when she leaned forward to take me into her mouth I touched her forehead and again she knew my desire. Her fist squeezed and stroked while she licked her lips in anticipation of her face being painted with cum. 

"You want my cock down your throat don't you?" I asked and she nodded vigorously.

"You want to taste my cum as it paints the back of your throat," this time more of a statement and again she nodded.

"I bet you want my 'cock' buried deep in your pussy even more," I said as she began to stroke me faster now. "Sliding in and out of you... filling you up... stretching that tight pussy of yours..." She was double stroking me now and I was panting louder and faster now as I felt my toes start to curl. "Slamming hard into you... oh gods that feels so fucking good..." she was smiling now and edging her mouth ever closer to the tip of my cock. "I can see what you're doing..." she stopped for a moment until I continued. "It's okay... be a good girl and wrap those talented lips around me." Her head shot forward and formed a tight seal around the head of my cock as she continued to jack me off. "Soooo fucking close..." I moaned and her tongue swirled around the tip and that sent my orgasm crashing over me. "FUUUUUCK!!" I cried out as her throat muscles began to work swallowing her second load of cum for the night. She continued to lick and suck until I was a six foot pile of jelly. "Your turn I moaned... on your back with legs spread." 

Eagerly she obeyed and I walked over to where I kept the surprises and retrieved the double headed dildo I had borrowed from her toy box. With one end well lubed I returned to her and knelt between her legs and eased the long thick monster between her pussy lips. She moaned and whimpered as I fed her an inch at a time until her pussy was full of false cock.

"Now I want you to fuck yourself with this while I watch. I want to see what you find so arousing about just watching." I told her and her face lit up as she grabbed the toy and began to thrust it in and out of her soaked sex. 

Her ass lifted off the ground as she fucked herself and I knelt close observing my cock stirring even after two powerful climaxes. Her moans started off soft as a whisper but soon as she thrust the dildo into her with more force her volume rose and rose. The naughty wet sounds the toy made while she rammed it into her pussy and her expression and noises was really getting me going.

"I think it's time those anal beads were removed... get on your hands and knees but don't stop playing with the toy."

What a sight there she was head down and ass high in the air with a dildo in one hole and the string for the anal beads sticking out of the other. I slid my finger into the plastic ring and as I had done before slowly pulled until the first bead emerged with body shaking orgasmic results. God this was fun! 

"One down nine to go," I muttered as I began to pull again.

One by one the beads popped out with such delicious results and by the time the last one was out she had taken my place as the quivering mass of flesh. I let her catch her breath so while she lay on her side I lubed up the free end of the dildo and when I felt she was ready eased the business end into her ass where once the beads had just resided. Her moans of surprise and pleasure were music to my ears. I grabbed the middle of the toy and proceeded to fuck both her holes at once. 

"NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN," she moaned weakly as I slowly thrust the toy into her.

"Its times like this I wish I had two cocks," I said and she nodded in agreement. "You look so weak lover are you going to up to me fucking you when I take this toy out of you?"

Even blindfolded she managed to give me the look of 'death' and I smiled from ear to ear. 

"Now I just have to decide which one to fuck first," I said my cock as hard as steel and twitching with need to be buried in woman flesh.

She gave me no clues and I felt that either would do but I think I would save her ass for last. I ever so slowly pulled the toy from both holes and with a touch on her hip her butt was high in the air and my cock slowly pushing her pussy lips open. 

"NNNNNNNNNN," she moaned and I could tell was fighting the urge to thrust her hips backward.

I fed her my cock inch by inch until I was grinding against her. I knelt there for a short time just enjoying the feel of her tightness around me before I started fucking her. I moved slowly at first savoring the pleasure her body was giving me but soon I was jack hammering into her thrusting as fast and hard as I could. All she could do was grunt each time my cock was buried in her and the harder I thrust the louder she got. I closed my eyes and let my other senses take over for a while. The feel of her pussy as it gripped me as my hips moved forward and back. The smell of sex so strong in the air you could almost taste it. I ground my hips against her ass while I leaned forward and licked the salty sweat from her neck and felt her moan. I nipped at one side of her neck and then the other before we began to move in unison now. I thrust forward and she rammed her ass backwards with a wonderful jarring sensation. I wanted to taste her lips so I slowly and carefully rolled her onto her back before lowering my body atop hers and our lips met with an almost electric spark. As our tongues dueled she wrapped her legs around my waist and I slowly thrust into her my pleasure building into what could only be a titanic orgasm. Thrust after thrust and soon I was moaning loudly into her mouth as my cock swelled inside of her and she squeezed her legs all the tighter around me.

"Fill me up with your cum lover," she said breaking our kiss and biting my neck.

I was long passed caring about the silly rules to our game all I wanted was to climax and spray her insides with my sperm. I rammed my hips forward drilling my cock as deep as it would go and even as my cock began to spurt deep inside of her, her teeth broke the skin on my neck and she licked at the tiny rivulet of blood. I almost came twice. 

She followed me to the shower and simply stood there her body molded to mine her lips pressed to mine and we shared a long moment of closeness and the gentle caress of the falling water. But all good things must come to an end.

"Mom! Nick! I'm home!" Kat's voice drifted up from the front door and I dried off as quickly as I could and threw on a kimono from my closet while Petra finished her shower.

I walked downstairs and there in all her drunken glory was Kat and one of her friends whose name escaped me propping her up. 

"Nick... Nick... Nick... I am so drunk!" her breath smelled like a distillery.

"Yes sweetie you are," I said taking her from her friend.

"I promised to get her home in one piece," her friend stated with a wry smile. "She's all yours Nick, Kat as always a blast. Nite nite."

I watched as Kat's friend left closing the front door behind her before scooping Kat into my arms and carrying her to her bed.

"Wee!" Kat cried out but that didn't last long as sweet oblivion claimed her and for that I was very grateful. 

I carefully slid her into her bed, took off her shoes and covered her up. I just prayed she didn't wake up to puke so I could get a good night sleep. 

I climbed the stairs and found Petra lying in my bed her long hair caught up in a towel but by her measured breathing I could see she was fast asleep. Then I looked to the boxes arrayed at the foot of the futon and felt if I crawled into bed with Petra I was unlikely to get any sleep. She was in her sexual prime and I needed some down time, at least until morning. I walked over to the closet and opened the concealed door and began carrying to boxes into the entertainment room. It was big enough and little used so perfect for my purposes. After I had lugged the heavy equipment to its new home I checked the manifest and began checking off each and every item. Included in the shipment of a six pack of energy drinks; the note attached said they were not yet on the market and William wanted my opinion on the product. That boy always had an angle going on. I shrugged and cracked open the first plastic bottle and gave it a tentative sip and damn but it tasted great. I wasn't likely to sleep until dawn so why not kill two birds with one stone? Two bottles of the fruit flavored drink later and most of the modular equipment was reassembled in the center of the room. All that remained was the power source a portable generator of William's and Jerome's own design. The gleaming metallic sphere reminded me of something Nikola Tesla would have invented. I pulled out the matching base for the device and connected the cables to the crystal growth chamber and set the output on the generator and flicked a switch. A dull hum rose from the sphere and I swore I heard something move inside the sphere first slow then quickly picking up speed until a insect like whine filled the air. Last to leave the boxes was a black metal cube about six inches on a side with a single on/off button. According to William's notes it was a white noise generator to deal with the racket from the equipment. That too was plugged into the generator and I depressed the LED switch and poof not a single sound could be heard from the machinery. I was going to have to ask William or Jerome how the hell that cube works that is amazing!

Despite being up all night I wasn't tired in the least but running didn't feel like an option just yet so I decided to crawl in behind Petra and snuggle. I carefully opened the concealed door and found no one about namely Petra this was still my secret for now. I crept into my bedroom and there she was sleeping the towel now on the floor and her mane of blonde locks spread out around her head like a silken cloud. Smiling I pulled back the cool sheet and slid my naked form behind hers. The moment we touched her butt did the scoot thing and was pressing against my growing hardness in seconds flat. I closed my eyes and felt my mind quiet even as the length of my cock slid beneath her sex where it stayed happily until she woke. I slid my arms around her waist and pulled her to me and waited until Petra made the first move. I drifted but I could never really call it sleep it was more like the meditative state I reached when I was in the dojo. Strange. 

Smoke and Mirrors

William Bell paced from one side of the chamber to the next his eyes moving from one holographic screen to the next to the next. So many projects being juggled at once but soon very soon it would all be a done deal and all his efforts would have reached fruition. He stopped at the screen that hovered in the northeast quadrant examining the center image and the data scrolling left to right below it.

"What is the status of the yacht's construction?" He asked the not so empty air.

"Well good afternoon to you too William," came the sensual voice of his BORG avatar.

"I am sorry Moira, how are you this fine afternoon?" He asked insincerely.

"Oh like you care," Moira replied with a definite bite in her tone. "It is ahead of schedule and will be in dock on time. By the way you wanted me to remind you that you have a seven o'clock dinner date with that whore again."

"Moira how many times do I have to remind you than Cyan Michaels is not to be referred to as 'that whore' anymore." William chastised his A.I.

"Really," Moira replied as all the screens changed and were suddenly filled with the footage of Cyan on her hands and knees with William behind her having what could only be described as misogynistic sex. 

The most interesting part of the scene was the toy inserted into Cyan's ass that performed two functions. The first was an anal vibrator and the second was the biomechanical cat tail that moved and swished in the air as William pounded her pussy from behind. 

"Hmm that was an interesting evening," William mused.

"According to my scans she left with two cracked ribs and a very bruised ass." Moira stated matter of factly. 

"Like I said a good time had by all," William replied.

"I see that you have a slot slated for her to meet Nick, is that wise Will?" the A.I. asked using the shorter version of his name to attempt to get a rise out of him.

"They have to meet sometime, better sooner than later and if you call me Will again I will rewrite your subroutine and effectively lobotomize you."

"Just checking to see if you're still human sweetness," the machine stated for the record.

"Speaking of Nick..." William mused.

He knew that Nick was in trouble and it was up to him to solve his little crisis before things got out of hand. Nick's searches and activity with BORG alerted William to his dire situation and William had waited to see if Nick could handle things on his own but it was obvious that Nick was way out of his league and who can blame a young man of eighteen from being overwhelmed after all. 

"What is the status of my search for Operation Effigy?"

"I have located thirteen candidates who fit the criteria above the ninety percentile."

"Excellent display one at a time with qualifying data if you please."

One by one women who had fled the USSR and fit the physical and age criteria were displayed and when all was said and done one of these women would die. William looked at what they had done with their lives since arriving here in the U.S. and three stood out as complete wastes of oxygen. Two had spent some time in prison and all of them had been arrested on drug or prostitution charges or both. What a complete waste he thought and discarded the other ten women and focused on these three. Of those remaining one stood out as a close physical double for Petra Shaw. He had his lamb for the slaughter now to call the wolves down on her.

Two days later in the Las Vegas news of a nameless woman was found beaten and stabbed to death. The Jane Doe was later buried in a mass grave along with the other Jane Does that the state provided for. What the news did not publicize was how slow and brutal her death had been and the police were linking the murder to gang related activity. They were right in one sense a criminal organization was responsible but they were just dead wrong in believing it was local. 




Iron Rain Pt. 06



'I wish I could say I felt sorry for her but I do not,' William thought. 'She like so many others squandered their lives and became an affliction on the human condition. That was going to change and soon the end game was nearing and all these long years of preparation were going to finally pay off and Nick was the key. All the patents were ready to file for this 'new' technology that would change society as much as the silicon chip had but with vast life altering consequences.'

"Moira, how is Nick's father doing?" William asked knowing that timing was everything.

"He is right on schedule he should be dead by Christmas are you sure about this?"

"Certain goals require certain sacrifices," William fumed at his orders being questioned.

"It's not bad enough you mur... sacrificed Nick's mother but his father as well."

"It will make him more self reliant and more likely to throw himself into the work ahead."

"Understood, by the way William..."

"Yes Moira?"

"Your frames are ready."

"Thank you Moira."

The holograms disappeared plunging the chamber into twilight and William Bell headed outside where twenty wooden frames hung to dry in the summer sun. In the frames gleaming and unblemished homemade paper created from a recipe of his own creation. One by one William carefully collected the sheets of paper made to last the test of time. He took the paper to his office a small room with stone walls and a single round window just above his work surface where his metal tipped pen and bottles of ink lay in their proper place. William placed the sheets of paper with the others and walked to the unremarkable oaken door at the rear of his office. He opened this inconspicuous entrance and stared out at the library that stretched back further than even he could see and wide as two football fields. The shelves were full of leather bound tomes, grimoires of forgotten lore and the codices of the finest minds the world had ever known. It had taken him an age to collect and soon he would be free to at long last move among his collection and enjoy it to the fullest. Smiling grimly William returned to his desk sat down, took up his pen and a fresh sheet of paper and dipped the pen into the ink...

Cyan Blue

"Nick I am so sorry for the delay on seeing this piece of property but my work schedule has just been crazy," Kat said from the back seat.

"I don't mind," I said. "I wanted all of us to be together when I looked this over and plus what's better than a road trip in the beginning of summer?"

"Where are we going?" Petra asked as she played with her new tablet computer.

"Dunwich it's close enough to Arkham for me to commute if that is the case and the property I am looking at is dirt cheap." I explained.

"Define cheap," Petra asked as she read the national news articles.

"Back taxes and the mayor wants to offer me tax incentives to build there and create jobs."

"Brilliant," Kat said smiling her winning smile, "How long until we get there?"

"Another half hour or so depending upon the roads once we actually enter Dunwich," I replied.

"Hey did you read the article on Cyan Blue?" Petra chimed in a few minutes later.

"Isn't cyan a shade of blue," Kat asked.

"Yes but it's also the name of a new foundation whose headquarters is located in New York. It says here that a multibillionaire named Cyan Michaels has started a non-for-profit organization like St. Jude's except it provides military personnel, police officers and fire fighters medical treatment who have trouble paying their bills. Says here it even provides funeral costs for them and their families. About time someone did something for the people who we take for granted."

"That is nice to read something positive when so many people have it so bad," I said.

"Well when your business takes off think of all the people who you'll be giving jobs to." Kat said. "You know if you need a secretary under you I'd be more than happy..."

"Daughter of mine! Your mouth runneth over sometimes," Petra snapped but was smiling all the same.

"Was just sayin'," Kat snickered.

"So since we are talking business," Petra segwayed into a new topic, "it's been what two days since you got the equipment how goes it?"

"It's been three days and all is well on that point but..." I said.

"But, but what?" Petra was in full mom mode in a heartbeat.

"Ever since then I haven't slept a wink," I told her.

"You sure you're okay to drive?" Kat said concern creeping into her voice now.

"That's the strange thing I am not the least bit tired in fact I have never felt better. Ever since I tried the energy drinks William sent me to taste test..."

"What energy drinks?" Petra leaned in checking out my complexion and eyes.

I reached between the seats and took out the last bottle I had finished not an hour ago.

"He said this company was trying out a new product and they were doing a study with people in my age group. I didn't think anything of it until now."

Petra took the bottle from me and looked it over. Then she performed a search on Google for the company and when she received no hits made 'that' face. 

"I am not getting anything on Google," she said.

"Let me try," I said and woke up 'surfer' my new avatar for BORG.

I was going to use either Kat or Petra but decided it would be too distracting and didn't want the guys to know I had slept with either one of them. The avatar was based off a popular comic book character and seemed safe enough. The Silver Surfer with his mirror bright skin and matching surfboard were cool.

"Surfer wakey wakey," I whispered.

"By your leave Milord," the A.I. responded.

"Have a pleasant nap?" I asked.

"Yes Milord and thank you for asking. How can I be of service?"

"The energy drink bottle mom is holding," I said as I glanced over at her as she held it up for me to scan with the contact lenses. "I need to know anything you can find on the company and the product."

"So it is spoken so it shall be," the avatar said mounting his surfboard and flying off into the ethereal dimension of the internet.

"I have Surfer looking for it," I said loud enough for both of them to hear.

"I thought you were going to use me as an avatar," Kat pouted.

"I did but it was too distracting," I said before thinking it through.

"Distracting... how?" mom said using 'that' tone of voice.

"A succubus," I said softly.

"Isn't that a female sex demon?" mom asked.

"Yeah," I replied focusing on the road.

"Sounds about right," the pair said in stereo.

"You two are terrible," I said, not meaning a word of it.

"And what was my avatar dressed as?" mom asked.

"A Draenei," I said just above a whisper.

"A what," mom asked.

"You dog!" Kat replied with a whistle.

"It's a mystical creature from an online game." I tried to explain.

"Really, what's it look like?" mom asked.

I slipped my tablet from its resting place.

"Surfer wake up the tablet," I directed and with a click and hum the screen lit up. "Please display avatar Petra One."

The crystals along the screen of the tablet computer lit up and a hologram of Petra as a Draenei appeared hovering in mid air. Her skin was a navy blue with wickedly sharp black horn-like cranial extension swept up and back. Two long slender tendrils, one on either side of the head just behind the ear, swished around like a cat's tail. Her figure and musculature was that of Petra when she was around Kat's age except the prehensile tail that poked out from beneath the sexy black tunic the avatar was wearing. Like a succubus the legs ended in cloven feet that stamped the unseen ground in sexual arousal. It rotated and then appeared to be walking in the sultry way that Petra does. 

"Scary accurate Nick," mom said smiling.

"I wanna see mine," Kat begged.

"NO," I said knowing how she was dressed but I was shot down instantly.

"Nick it only seems fair if I get to see my avatar Kat should see hers," mom said and that meant no arguments.

"Display avatar Kat One," I moaned.

There was no lag time and there was Kat in all her practically naked glory. The succubus counterpart was identical to Kat in all ways save the crimson skin, the short glittering black horns, long delicate bat wings, and prehensile tail with the not so traditional barb at the end and the cloven hooves. But it was the dress she was almost wearing that made me want to run and hide. The low cut gown had her tits all but falling out of the top and the bottom was split four ways front, back and on either side. It was the split in the front revealing her shaved pussy that was the cause for my embarrassment. 

"Damn Nick," mom spat out.

"Damn Nick..." Kat said from the back, "I look fine!"

"You young lady..." mom began to sputter when we noticed the car next to us pacing us and the all male crew gawking at the hologram of Kat.

Faster than a striking snake mom flipped them the bird and off went the tablet. 

"I'm glad you settled with the Surfer," mom finally said when her shock had worn off. "And you young lady what do you have to say for yourself?"

"Does my ass really look that good?" Kat asked and we all busted up laughing.

"Wait a second..." mom said and I knew she had figured out that those were only the first avatar of each of them. "Show us the rest."

And with much grief we ran the gambit of avatars all twenty of them, ten each. I had picked the sexiest women from comics, games, movies and books. I discovered they were actually flattered with my choices of costumes for them to wear and wiped the sweat from my forehead knowing my deepest darkest fantasy was safe.

"Is that all young man," mom asked and I nodded.

"That is all twenty of the individual avatars I designed," I replied.

I caught the glance from Kat to mom in the rearview mirror and knew I was busted.

"I don't suppose there are non-individual avatars in there," Kat purred in my ear.

"Well Nick is there," mom followed up.

"Maybe..." I croaked.

"You dirty little man whore," Kat laughed.

"Let's see them now," mom said smiling from ear to ear thoroughly enjoying my discomfort.

The first avatar set with both of them had them dressed as...

"NUNS..." Kat called out grinning ear to ear.

"Oh this is going to be priceless," mom said, "next..."

The various uniforms that followed were all from real life occupations from cops to Hooter's girls. But it was the Japanese school girls that got the most comments.

"I have that skirt," Kat said evilly.

"Well from what I have seen Nick... you have a very healthy imagination and nothing to be ashamed about."

"What," I said shocked.

"Jeez Nick you are eighteen and a guy I think that about sums it up," Kat said ending that particularly awkward conversation.

The sign for Dunwich appeared at the top of the hill and I thanked whatever gods there were for the distraction. I suspected they both knew I was being intimate with the other but no one said anything and that was fine by me. I remembered the directions to City Hall and made best speed for our first destination in the small quiet town of Dunwich.

The road began with a series of switchbacks on a tree lined two lane road. After a mile or so the road became arrow straight and we crossed over one of the tributaries of the Miskatonic River. The bridge was one of those classical covered affairs and it was obvious to all that both the bridge and roof had recently been repaired. The road sloped ever downward now as we entered the river valley with its ancient structures on either side either dead or decaying. I could see in some cases only the stone foundations of the homes that had so long ago lost the battle against time and the elements. Petra rolled down a window the smell of wild heather and lilac drifted into the car and watched her windswept hair ripple like a living thing and her smile was one of the carefree woman I never thought to see. Her and Kat had both lived under the shadow of fear for so long it was nice to catch these rare moments. 

The road took on its serpentine quality again as we drove passed by the stench what could only be swampland or bogs with their putrefying matter. They were quickly left behind as the road began to rise and the hilly terrain displayed stone topped hillock that some appeared too regular of feature to be all together natural formation. 

"The mayor said that this land has been inhabited for at least two thousand years and he hinted that there were remnants of the Indians that once lived here but I never suspected they could build those," I said.

The road leveled and grew straight once more and there in the middle of nowhere a tiny strip mall. Its buildings appeared as if they were erected in the nineteen fifties and that the last time they saw a coat of paint was also in that bygone era. Sun bleached wood and peeling paint were everywhere along with a preternatural stillness that spoke of little human traffic.

"Can we stop?" Kat asked almost bouncing in her seat.

"Is she always like this," I playfully asked mom.

"Only when shopping is involved besides she is a bargain hound and knows her antiques. Do we have time for a 'short' stop off Nick we don't want to make you late," mom asked.

I glanced at the car's clock and despite all the twists and turns so far we were ahead of schedule.

"We can afford five minutes so pick one shop young lady," I said sternly.

I slowed the car and Kat was moving from one side of the car to the other until with a squeal of delight she saw movement in one of the windows.

"There on the left the blue building with the barber pole," Kat directed.

I parked the car and we got a much needed stretching of the legs but Kat wasted no time and walked over to the shop. In fading gold letters it declared this establishment to be 'Stomper's Emporium of the Unusual'. The door opened with a ding of an ancient bell hung from above and Kat disappeared within.

"We better not let her out of sight for too long we don't want a repeat of the Mall of America," mom offered chasing after her daughter.

"Do I want to know?" I asked catching up with her.

"No," she said smiling as I moved ahead and opened the door for her.

"Thank you kind sir," Petra said eyes glittering.

We both gasped at the interior of the place. Expecting a series of narrow aisles heaped with junk we came across many manageable aisles with boxes on multiple shelves heaped with stuff. The owner had apparently bought out all the other buildings on this side of the street and removed those pesky walls that divided them. Petra caught up with Kat and were oohing and ahing over this bauble and that while I navigated towards a cluster of rocks, stones and crystals on a display near one of the many windows. I was examining the prettier crystals thinking they would make nice gifts for the girls when I heard it. It was a series of footfalls, heavy uneven footsteps coming from the back of the store. I didn't spy him at first and for good reason he was a dwarf and I don't mean that in a mean way I mean what I say he was a dwarf stepped right out of any great fantasy story with long snow white beard tucked into a leather belt with a lit pipe in one hand and a beer stein in the other. Riding on his left shoulder was a monstrous albino raven as white as the man's beard with a look in its eye that could only be termed intelligent. The man's right leg was held stiffly in a metallic brace that must be an antique in and of itself. This must be Stomper I thought to myself. My hands were still working picking up samples of crystal that my eyes were no longer interested in and I decided it was time to meet this relic from this strange corner of Massachusetts. I turned and approached the owner with a friendly smile and when we were close enough I offered my hand to him. But he just looked down, smiled and said...

"A hundred dollars young man," his voice was deep and rich as I expected it to be.

"Come again?" I asked and then looked down and saw that in my fog of fascination I had picked up a pitted piece of iron the size of a baseball.

"Whatcha got in your hand there son is a genuine meteorite that fell in my backyard some sixty years ago. And I am asking one hundred dollars for it." He said smiling then put the stem of his pipe to his mouth and inhaled deeply.

I looked at the meteorite closer and turned it this way then that and determined it was worth the price and the memory it would invoke.

"I'll tell you what," I began, "I'll pay you $125 for it if you tell me the story behind this piece of star iron after my meeting with the mayor."

"Well that cinches it you must be Nicholas Shaw," his face lit up and the lines that marked with weathered features smoothed just a little. "I will take that offer and you can meet me at the diner when you are finished."

"I take it there is only one diner in town," I said and he nodded then I looked over to his raven and reached out to stroke her head. "May I?"

"It all depends on her," Stomper said smiling. "She don't bite much."

I took the risk and stroked the crown of the raven's head and the reaction I got was more like a cat that a bird. She leaned into my touch and let out a sound not unlike a purr. Kat had moved to stand behind me and reached out to touch the bird and it was all beak and wings and ruckus.

"I guess I should have warned you Wombat don't much like women folk."

"Wombat," I asked. "That's an odd name for a raven."

"Not really I got her from a man from Australia," he said. "I didn't know much about Australia so I got a book out and the first animal I saw was the wombat and it kind of stuck."

"Stomper and Wombat," I said, "has a nice ring to it actually."

"We think so," the old man said stroking the raven's head now.

"You okay Kat," I asked and she nodded.

"Cat well that explains Wombat's reaction," Stomper laughed.

"Its Kat as in Katarina, not cat as in... never mind," I said blushing.

"I understand young man but you better get going or you are going to be late," Stomper reminded me and I reached for my wallet and he waved me off. "You can pay me later I trust you."

"Thank you Stomper," I said turning to leave.

"The name is Jeb but Stomper will do just as well," he said smiling and waving.

We were out the door and I was handing the meteorite to Petra as I climbed into the driver's seat and soon we were back on the road and my meeting with Mayor Whately.

Back in the store Jeb and Wombat watched the trio leave and the smile was gone from his face and the light from the old man's eyes.

"Dire straits," the raven cawed.

"I concur old girl that boy is in for some rough times ahead and there is nothing we can do..."

HOST

Two minutes later the car pulled up onto Main Street of the town of Dunwich and a small group of men were gathered near the town hall. This part of town seemed to be in much better condition than the strip mall hinted at and I let out a long breath and felt the stress ease up a bit. I was still nervous as hell about meeting the Mayor even it was the town that time forgot. I had dressed in one of my dad's nicer suits and was thrilled that as we approached I saw that the group were similarly attired. 

"Nervous," mom asked.

"To death," I replied and tried to channel my father.

I was going to attack this situation with the mental persona of my dad and hoped that would carry me through; with his ever-present confidence and strong personality with a touch of my laid back nature to give it some balance. I parked and we stepped out and immediately the Mayor strode over to greet us followed two steps behind by the members of the town council. I met him halfway and we shook like old friends.

"Mr. Shaw," the Mayor began.

"Please call me Nick," I said emulating my father.

"Well Nick let me introduce everyone," the Mayor said and soon I was shaking hands with the men who were about to change my future and the future of this quaint little town.




Iron Rain Pt. 06



Of the six other men two were Whatelys, a Gillman, an Armitage and two Hyde-Whites. After a little small talk we headed into City Hall when I saw a man so ancient and thin I mistook him for a mummy stuck on a chair to keep the children in line. He sat in a high backed wooden chair that must have been a family heirloom because of the beauty of the piece. The man himself was wearing a white cotton shirt and jeans as faded as the paint we had seen earlier today. There were wisps of white hair poking sporadically from his barren skull but it was his eyes that drew you in. Blue, his eyes were a blue so deep it reminded me of the ocean and they carried a depth of experience that must have been deeply profound. His skin was the color of parchment and so heavily lined you could chart his long life in each and every crevice. The ancient's expression was childlike and hinted at contentment as deep as the sea. I stopped and dropped down and set a hand on his knee and smiled at him.

"It has been a very fine pleasure to meet you sir," I said and it was Douglas Armitage who leaned down and spoke to me.

"That is my great grandfather Professor Henry Armitage formerly of Miskatonic University."

"Well I am thinking, if time permits, of going to that prestigious place of learning Professor," I said to the old man.

His smile brightened and he began to reach out and place his hand upon mine when he looked down and saw the ring, William's ring and he lurched back and began to moan as if in pain. I moved out of the way and let Douglas take care of his grand sire and followed the Mayor and the others inside feeling deeply disturbed. I let Petra and Kat take up positions on either side of me desperately in need of their comforting presence at the moment.

"I am sorry Henry reacted the way he did when we have time perhaps I can explain that away Nick," the Mayor said his features showing a concern that never quite reached his dark cold eyes. "Now to business, James if you will..."

We sat and listened as the various members of the city council pitched the range of positive aspects of the town and the generous tax incentives if we decided to build the plant here in dear old Dunwich. After a two hour presentation it was time for us to visit the site picked out for the plant. It was land that belonged to the Mayor's family and with a little clearing away of an old farm house and a few out buildings it was the perfect locale. 

The Mayor stood and everyone followed suit and he led the way outside and motioned and I heard the mechanical purr as the Rolls Royce pulled up. I recognized the iconic hood ornament and grill but the make and model of the vehicle escaped me. Its gorgeous gunmetal gray exterior was only matched by its pristine condition.

"It's gorgeous," I said as the Mayor opened the door and Petra, Kat and I sat in the back as the Mayor took shotgun in the front seat. "I am not an antique car expert but she is a beauty."

"She as you so aptly described her is a 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II a gift from a mutual friend of ours," the Mayor said smiling genuinely now.

"Um, beg your pardon Mayor..."

"Please call me Mike and our mutual friend I speak of is deceased a great many years now."

"Then I am more confused by your explanation Mike," I said the dread creeping back into my gut.

"This fine automobile was a gift from William Bell... senior."

"I never met Will's dad but I heard a great many stories."

"Sadly I never had the good fortune to meet his son before his untimely demise," Mike said as the vehicle made its way out of the town proper and onto a gravel road leading up and away from the square. "What was he like William's son?"

"In a word brilliant if it wasn't for Will, this financial enterprise never would have gotten off the ground." I said hoping he didn't sense the deception.

Were these the sorts of people William had been hiding from? Had I unintentionally fallen into their hands and jeopardized everything? I knew this fear this trepidation it was just like before a sparring match and if I proceeded cautiously and with confidence I would win out here as I had in the dojo. I must be observant and let them reveal their weakness so I can take advantage of it.

"You are deep in thought," it was Kat's voice and her hand on my thigh that brought me back to reality.

"Sorry, I was remembering a sparring match with Will and how he stomped me soundly. It was the one and only time that ever happened. Strange I should be remembering that." I said quietly.

"Sparring Nick you are a pugilist?" the Mayor asked.

"Of a sort, there was a fencing class in school," I began. "And it helped to take the excessive energies of our youth and focus it into something positive. Sheesh I sound just like Sensei."

"Wisdom grows where wise men tread," the Mayor said as the car abruptly came to a halt. "Well here we are, this property belonged to a relative of mine Wilbur Whately back in the '20s and it came into my grandfather's hands after his untimely passing."

"I am sorry to hear that," Petra offered her condolences.

"No it's quite alright he was killed during a robbery gone wrong," the Mayor said. "He brought shame to the family so there is really no sense of loss at his death."

We stepped out and viewed the remnants of the house and the few outbuildings. The house itself looked as if a bomb had gone off from within sending debris in an obscured but noticeable circular pattern. Even after ninety years the place gave off a queer vibe. I wasn't the only one to notice this, despite it being a warm summer day both Kat and Petra hugged themselves for warmth. The barn and shed seemed to have only suffered from the ravages of years of neglect alone. I approached the ruins of the house by myself as the other hung back and felt the hair on the back of my neck raise and shivered despite myself.

"No disrespect Mike," I said turning to face the assembled group, "but this place buries my 'weird-shit-o-meter'. Are there any other properties we can look at perhaps something in town itself?"

"Of course Nick, we have plenty of places to view this was just the most inexpensive."

With that we left that sorrowful spot and not a one of us gave it a single backward glance. 

"Weird-Shit-O-Meter, really Nick," Petra said smiling now.

"I was just being honest," I said.

"If a little tactless," Kat added.

"I do prefer someone I do business with to be open and honest Mrs. Shaw," the Mayor said addressing Petra who did not follow up with 'just call me Petra' and at that I felt she sensed and agreed with my discomfort of the man.

"How many properties are there to look at today Mayor," Petra asked her game face on.

"Five more and all of them in town," he said grinning. "Three are former businesses and two are warehouses that could easily be converted over to your use."

"Let's go see one of these warehouses then, I am getting a bit hungry and hope we can conclude business before too long," she said very unprofessional.

The smile never left the Mayor's face but it did leave his dark reptilian eyes. I didn't miss the clue at her behavior and knew we were done here and I didn't blame her in the least. We could find other properties closer to Arkham that would suit our purposes much better. To that end I summoned Surfer and had him do just that. Before he left I queried him on the search for the company that made the energy drink and he simply shrugged. That didn't bode well and I made a mental note that the next time I spoke with William to ask him about it.

"Well here we are I think this property will do nicely," the Mayor said as he got out and actually opened the door for Petra and gestured for them to follow the driver inside. As I got out he stopped me by gently but firmly touching my shoulder. "We need to talk... alone."

"I am all ears Mike what is bothering you," I said.

"May I see your ring?" he asked and I raised my hand so he could get a better look at it.

The dark gray metal gleamed in the summer sun and the crest easily seen by the Mayor's inquisitive gaze. He extended an index finger and lightly touched the top of the ring where the crest lay.

"Only one way to be sure," the older man muttered.

Using the nail of his finger he pushed on the top of the crest and it moved! Then the Mayor flipped the hinged panel and the other crest, the hidden seal was revealed. There were three swords forming a triangle and at the center of it all an unblinking eye. I heard him gasp over my own inhale of breath at the shock of this revelation. What did this mean? Did William know about the ring's secret? When he gave it to me was he aware of his father's legacy?

"What does it mean," I muttered barely above a whisper.

"My dear young man it means that I have discovered the Hidden Master," he said with great pride. "Your secret is safe with me and will die with me. I Michael James Whately do hereby and forever swear my fealty to the Hidden Master!"

"I don't understand," I said as he flipped the seal back to the familiar and comforting Fleur De Lis and the seven stars surrounding it. "What does this all mean?"

"Later Sir, as far as the town goes we can take care of ourselves but if you don't mind I would like to gift you with something the Old Master left in my keeping."

"Um, sure I suppose so," I said very confused indeed.

"Please follow me and I can explain a bit as we walk back to City Hall."

"That would be nice."

"Have you ever heard of the Hermetic Order of the Silver Twilight," he asked.

"Yeah my father mentioned it once or twice but just in passing," I told him trying and failing to recall those conversations.

"Your father is a member is good standing to the Order," the Mayor said as we walked. "He has reached the rank of lesser master no small feat."

"He has always been very determined and as he likes to say narrow of purpose and clear of sight."

"Exactly," the Mayor exclaimed. "Think back to the other design the three swords represent the cutting edge... the narrow purpose and the All Seeing Eye is the clarity of sight."

"Okay I can wrap my head around that," I said pondering the imagery. "Three swords... three aspects of purpose... body, mind and spirit?"

"Brilliant! Your martial training must have been extensive I am guessing," he said.

"Sensei taught a well rounded philosophy of war craft, mental control and a strong spiritual aspect to all things."

"Then the Order and what you have already been taught are very similar paths indeed. The Order teaches the path of the righteous man and the bringing of order to chaos."

"And this hidden master of yours, how does he fit into all of this?"

"There are three Masters that lead the Order. The Grand Master is the physical embodiment of the three. The Hidden Master is the mental aspect as you put it so well. Finally there is the most mysterious and beloved of the leaders the Eternal Master who founded the Order millennia ago."

"You don't believe that the same man who founded the order is still alive today?"

"No, of course not but his bloodline has survived since the time of the placing of the first stone."

"I take it no one knows who the Eternal Master is?"

"No but his heir is among the ruling council and wears the ring of the Eternal Master."

"How can you be so sure it's really him?"

"Blood does not lie," the Mayor said smiling again. "Genetic testing has proven the unbroken chain of Masters since the beginning."

"Say again, you have blood samples from the very first Eternal Master?"

"We do indeed and science does not lie."

"Whoa, talk about dedication to tradition," I muttered.

"Indeed, and it is my honor to tutor you in your duties and knowledge as Hidden Master Sir." This was spoken with eyes downcast in reverence.

"Wait, I never agreed to take on that kind of responsibility!"

"True but what would your father want you to do, he has been a member since he was younger than you and fought his way up the ranks. Would you not want to honor his sacrifice and his diligence to the Order? Think of how proud he would be of you."

"But he won't ever know will he? I mean it's the Hidden Master for a reason?"

"Be humble Nick Shaw and take on this mantle for his sake and that of your heirs."

"I will give you an answer before I leave here but to be honest after visiting the first site I am not too keen of stepping foot in your quiet little town ever again."

"Perfectly understandable Sir, something terrible happened there and it left its mark on the land. The fact that you sensed it so keenly is why I revealed myself and the secret of the ring to you."

"Really, so my weird-shit-o-meter served its purpose once again." I said smiling.

"Crudely but aptly put, ah we are here. I must tell you that your predecessor was fond of Rolls Royce's," he said approaching what could only be a car under a tarp. "I present to you the prize of his collection and it has been my highest honor to keep and maintain it until your arrival today." With that he tugged the tarp away revealing a gorgeous convertible from a bygone age. "It is a 1924 Silver Ghost and now it belongs to you."

"I don't know what to say?"

"Say you will keep it and love it as much as I have."

"Better still..." I began and heard Petra gasp behind me.

"It's beautiful!" she moaned.

"What do you think," I said, "early birthday gift for dad?"

"Your father will absolutely adore her," Petra said and Kat was actually crying.

"A generous gift Nick," the Mayor said.

"To the man who gave me everything it is a drop in the bucket. Mike can you show me how to drive it so we can all take a ride around town?"

"It would be my pleasure to drive the old girl one last time."

The girls sat in back while I sat in the passenger seat which happened to be on the left hand side and watched intently as the Mayor started her up and put her through her paces. I kept thinking of how surprised dad was going to be when he found this in the garage. We passed the diner and the three of us called out to the Mayor to stop. 

"You want to eat at the... diner?" he asked a little shocked.

"Oh yes, we heard it has some of the best home cooking to be had in town," Petra said smiling.

"I had my chef ready to prepare a meal in your honor but if this is where you wish to dine, who am I to say no," he responded.

"Care to join us Mike," I asked.

"Another time perhaps I will have the old girl prepped and shipped for you and if you desire a driving lesson just give me a call." he said and I took it to mean my education about the Order.

"I might just do that Mike, now let's eat, dinner is on me."

We stepped into the diner and it was what one would expect with the local people sitting in their booths or at their favorite table and at the very back was Jeb aka Stomper and gone was the raven and in its place a stunning redhead dressed in clingy black.

"Down boy," Petra leaned in and whispered, "that woman could eat you alive and spit out your bones."

"Kat said the same thing about you," I whispered back.

"Hmm well then try not to break her," she said giving her approval.

Kat on the other hand was not so pleased to see another ginger in the room.

"She probably dyes it to get that color," Kat said under her breath.

"Only one way to find out for sure," I said with a smile.

Stomper and his lady friend stood up and he did introductions all around. 

"This is Nick, Petra and Kat, everyone this is my good friend Morrigan."

Once the greetings were exchanged we all sat down and Morrigan managed to seat me between her and Kat. This was going to be interesting. Morrigan like Kat was a redhead but her hair was so dark it was like autumn leaves and where the light hit it the highlights were like living flame. Her eyes were a green you read about in stories. She was of obvious Irish ancestry with the oval face and long delicate nose above full kissable lips. Her eyes were shaped so that when she smiled, which she did often, her entire face simply lit up. 

"Jeb tells me that you are thinking about opening a factory here in town," Morrigan asked.

"I am checking out a few potential sites," I replied taking in her scent and it was intoxicating.

"I can tell you the way things are that you would help a lot of people," she said smiling.

"I don't have the final decision I have partners but I will definitely put in a good word for Dunwich."

"Well if you do build here and you need a personal assistant I will put in my resume," Morrigan said looking at her menu now. "I fix a mean pot of coffee," is what the world heard but I swore she said..."I suck a mean cock."

"So what are you hungry for," Jeb asked everyone.

As we mentioned what we were thinking about getting the waitress showed up with a tray of drinks and began to hand them out. Petra began to protest that no one had ordered but when the glass of white zinfandel was placed before her she went silent. There was a dark beer for Kat, a Mountain Dew for me, and sparkling water for Morrigan, and a stein of beer for Jeb.

"How the hell..." I began to ask.

"Linda, our waitress, has a knack for drinks..." Jeb began as Linda returned with a second tray but this one was loaded with food and again she got everyone's orders correct without a word passing between us and her.

"Let me guess a knack for food too?" I asked.

"Yeah, her mother had the sight and passed it onto her poor thing." Morrigan explained.

"So it's not telepathy but precognition," Petra chimed in.

"Exactly," Jeb replied.

"I wonder what she sees in my future," I asked.

"Some things are better not known Nick Shaw," Morrigan said with a profundity that left me hungry for silence and a hush fell over the table as we began to eat.

There were only the sounds of utensils clinking and breathing for long drawn out minutes. It was Kat of all people who broke the uncomfortable silence.

"Jeb where's that pretty raven of yours?" she asked her face frowning.

"She's around," Jeb said. "Still upset about her nipping at you?"

"A little," Kat said looking down at her food.

"Don't feel bad that mean spirited thing nearly took out my eye once," Morrigan said grimly.

"Really, I guess I don't feel too bad about a nip then."

"She liked Nick well enough," Petra chimed in.

"What's not to like about Nick?" Morrigan said almost purring.

One step forward two steps back I thought at her last comment. But I knew that what the girls felt about her meant nothing at all to Morrigan. She had a wild almost primal quality to her and if given the chance I'd fuck her until dawn. 

"You know Jeb you still owe me a story about the meteorite I bought," I said and he smiled.

"That I do, well the funny thing is that the stone I sold you isn't the one that fell in my backyard at all. It is a rock I picked up on my travels."

Morrigan lifted her head and locked eyes with Jeb and he nodded slowly and she smiled like the cat that ate the canary. 

"Still sounds like an interesting story after you tell it I will go out and hit the ATM for your cash." I said eager to hear the tale.

"Fair enough, let me see when was it? I believe it was the summer of '82 and I had made a particularly good first half of the year so I decided to treat myself to a month overseas, in particular Ireland. So I packed up my camping gear and enough clothes for the trip and off I went getting a ride with Rick Dearborn. He had a pickup truck and made runs to Boston all the time. It was a shabby old thing with blue paint that could have been confused for white any day. Anyways he drove me to Boston and I took a flight to Dublin and had an unremarkable flight unless you count the thunderstorm we ran into halfway over the Atlantic. About downed the plane it did, we hit a downdraft that damn near lifted me out of my seat. We reached Shannon airport for a short layover before continuing onto Dublin. Once in Dublin I found a little hostel to store my gear for the night and headed for Temple Bar. It's a neighborhood you might say with a pub on every corner. So I found a seat at the bar and who should be there but my dear old friend Shamus. He had more hair back then it was still white but more of it. Well Shamus and I got reacquainted after oh I don't know twenty years or so. Pint followed pint of that finest of beers, Guinness, and soon it was dark and the crowd began to pour in there was singing and dancing and of course drinking. About midnight or so I was going to head over to the hostel to lie down when dear old Shamus would have none of that steered me upstairs to a spare bedroom. I awoke the next day to find my things at the foot of the bed and the smell of bacon and eggs wafting up from below. I showered; changed, and headed down for the meal unsure of the hour wouldn't you know. After a fine course of eggs, bacon, potatoes and the best damn fried green tomatoes you ever had we sat over coffee catching up some more. I mean it had been thirty years after all. So he says to me 'where ya heading this time old man' and I says to him to the Hill; that being the Hill of Tara, where in the olden days the high king's were crowned on the royal hill. So he asks how I am going to get from Dublin to Tara and I just smiled and stuck out my thumb. Shamus shook his head and I knows he wants to give this old fart a lift and that would be grand we had more catching up to do. So he calls up one of his boys to watch the pub while we take a ride to the County of Meath wherein lies the hills. So he fired up the old Studebaker and off we went. It's not a terribly long drive and the view is quite nice. So Shamus dropped me off at the bed and breakfast next to the hill complex and the old church that guards them. I got a bed for the night and stowed my things before crossing the road and heading up the steep incline to the churchyard. The church itself is a tiny thing that could hold no more than a hundred people at the very most. Its bleak gray exterior and narrow structure reminded me of some Christian greyhound at rest watching over the pagan site. I walked past the church and entered the hill complex around an hour before dark. It's not much to look at being honest but the feel of the place is like nothing I can easily describe. It is like the calm before the storm I suppose. I walked amidst the hills and it was by chance that I spied something near the Lia Fàil, what the Irish call the Stone of Destiny. It was said to cry out three times when a true king of Ireland touched it. Well laying on the ground pretty as you please was the stone I sold you earlier today. I know not how it got there but I am willing to pay you twice what you agreed to pay me."




Iron Rain Pt. 07



The longest installment yet.

Please vote if you like the story.

Also if you have any constructive comments please feel free to comment. That way I can grow as a writer. Thanks to everyone following this story.



Part 07
Echo and Voice



It was the beginning of August and the cleansing summer heat was welcome after the nightmares and time recuperating following the bone marrow transplant. On the bright side my father was doing better, he wasn't out of the woods just yet but things were looking up. He had returned home but was forced to wear a sterile mask around the house and especially outdoors like now. He couldn't afford to catch a virus or cold in his weakened condition. But I could almost see improvement on a daily basis and everything looked promising for a full recovery. Petra on the other hand was visiting me every other night at least, the fact that dad was home and couldn't touch her was driving her crazy and I guess I couldn't blame her. Kat on the other hand was dragging me out away from the house for our little romps and she was pushing her comfort zone slowly but surely. Everything seemed like it was going so well until...

The spectral image of the Surfer was hovering in the air at the foot of my bed projected from the tablet computer and as always his emotional state was impossible to guess. There had been upgrades since his first incarnation and at times he acted and reacted more human but it felt as if he were holding back. I had learned that this was the only avatar receiving the updates 'just in case'. 

"So have we gone over everything that happened in Dunwich," I asked him.

'Yes Milord and I have finished my analysis of the woman you call Morrigan and the woman in the alley and...'

"And, and what Surfer," I asked.

'They are and aren't the same woman,' he said and I realized he was confused and didn't know how to handle the data he had collected for me.

"Take it slow and explain to me why it is her," I said in my best soothing tone and this seemed to calm him.

'I have extrapolated her complete bio-morphic template as if I were creating a new avatar,' he said and with a gesture a full sized image of Morrigan appeared next to him and he rotated it and it was accurate to the millimeter or so he said. 'This is the woman from the alley again having undergone the same process.' A second woman appeared but on the other side of Surfer and he rotated this one as well and as I looked from one to the other they appeared the same at first glance. But even to my untrained eye there were discrepancies and I pointed to the second figure and Surfer nodded and smiled. 'This woman is the same woman exactly only ten years younger.'

"Odds are that it's a sister or female relative," I said and he shook his head.

'Those odds border on the ludicrous Milord, they are and yet aren't the same woman I have no logical explanation. Please note this specific skin imperfection,' and the images stopped rotating and it zoomed to a dark spot on her left ass cheek in the shape of a feather.

"A birthmark, they have the same birthmark and mom and Kat swear she never left the diner. This is impossible isn't it?"

'If you are asking me to determine possible if unlikely solutions for this dilemma two come to mind. The first is that the younger woman is a clone of the first. Unlikely that the technology exists but it is at least feasible. The second and this falls under the supernatural, this Morrigan woman has the ability to bi-locate. That is she can occupy two separate places in space at the same temporal moment.'

"Two places at the same time..." I said aloud and then deferred to the first explanation. "Okay so the younger one is a clone. Have you done her financials and other background search?"

'You are not going to like this, she doesn't exist.'

"What do you mean she doesn't exist, explain."

'There are no records that pertain to this woman in any server, any file... anywhere. She is a 'ghost' as you would say. Also I have detected an aberration in her physical make up.' Surfer added.

I looked at the holographic twins and as I looked at her face and the long red hair, her long kissable neck, gorgeous breasts and the rest of her I couldn't see anything wrong with her.

"Hmm I don't see anything wrong with her," I said.

'Exactly," Surfer said. 'Humans find beauty in symmetry and this woman's left side is identical to her right side.'

To explain his thought Morrigan's image suddenly became a grid display showing her features and body parts in the most basic state. He highlighted her eyes and I could see that not only were they the exact same shape but were located precisely to their opposite to the millimeter. Even her eyebrows were the same shape and length, the same with her nose, lips and chin. It was chilling really to see how one side mirrored the other down to finger shape and length. 

"What are the odds of this occurring," I asked.

'You mean in nature? There is a zero probability of any unaltered life form attaining this level of perfection.'

"So she is a clone," I said as the virtual Morrigan returned to normal. "I fucked the perfect woman..." I muttered to myself but Surfer heard me.

'Yes Milord you did,' and this time he actually smiled. 'Does that make your bucket list?'

I blinked a few times and realized he was making a joke. I couldn't help but laugh and my avatar seemed quite pleased with himself.

"So the only way to be sure is to get a DNA sample and have it tested," I offered and Surfer nodded.

'That seems the most likely process for determining whether or not the two women are genetic twins and therefore clones. But it does beg to ask the question.'

"What question," I asked.

'If these women are indeed clones what are their purpose?'

"Any chance they are part of a government black ops project on human cloning? Maybe they were born in a lab somewhere?"

'It will take some time to find all the 'black ops' files hidden away by this government. However there is another reference to the name Morrigan I was able to discover.'

"And that is," I asked.

'It was found under the heading of Celtic Mythology...'

I sat on my bed and pondered all the possibilities of what had happened in Dunwich and shook my head in frustration and not a little anger. Besides the down time the coma had given me I was once more deprived of the luxury of sleep and deep meditation was the only thing keeping me sane. I could and often did go days without stopping to relax mentally. And when I did there were the nightmares and the cacophony of sounds and imagery. It was like I was in the middle of down town New York and I could see and hear what each and every person was hearing and seeing all at the same time and it was maddening! It took pushing it all away and finding that place where there is darkness and silence. I imagined I was walking along the beach on a world where there was no sun and no sound. There was a comforting sensation as my stress drifted away on the tide and I was alone. Sometimes I would sit on the sand and let the tide roll in and carry away my worries with the outgoing waves. 

'Nick...'

"Who's there?" I called out to the darkness.

'Nick let me in Nick...' just the whisper of a female voice. 'Let me in Nick..."

"Who are you?"

'Let me take away the pain... let me drink of your darkness Nick... let my lips taste you... lick you... devour you...'

"NICK!"

My eyes snapped open and I was lying on the floor of my bedroom and Kat was standing over me.

"Nick, are you okay," she asked tears sliding down her cheeks.

Kat knelt down next to me and took me in her arms and she rocked me and I closed my eyes and the whisper of the voice faded into nothingness.

'...devour you...'

As always I never actually slept but I did find a place of perfect darkness and perfect safety in Kat's arms. When I came around her back was against the futon and she was fast sleep. Her tears had dried but had left tell tale signs on her cheeks. I looked up and Petra stood in the doorway smiling down at us.

"You okay," she asked.

"No... can we talk?" I asked and she nodded.

"Sure Nick your father is watching television and is playing catch up on some of his shows he missed while overseas. Where do you want to talk?"

I carefully freed myself from Kat's embrace so as not to wake her and stood up. We walked into the next room and she sat down on some of the many pillows strewn about. I went to the fridge to get a soda and found the remaining bottle of sake unopened. I put the bottle of soda back and took out a bottle of the rice wine.

"Sake," I offered showing her the bottle.

Her warm smile was all the answer I needed. After heating it and letting my mind sift through the things bothering me I sat down and I poured our first serving and began to speak. While my mind had been occupied Petra had stripped down and donned a silken kimono that was now loosely tied around her waist revealing some cleavage and a hint of upper thigh.

"When in Rome," she purred.

"Indeed," I said smiling and taking my first ever sip of sake. "Not bad."

"So what's bothering you," she said pouring a second round in the small round wooden cups.

"Quite a bit," I said and then continued. "I think I just need to rant if that is okay with you?"

"Fine by me but first," she said standing and walking over to the closet and pulled a matching kimono and smiled. "You might as well be comfortable besides it'll be easier to suck your cock later with this on."

"I like the way you think," I said. "Come over here and undress me."

She dropped the kimono and sauntered over and began by pulling off my shirt. Then she grabbed my belt and tugged me to her before undoing it, then unzipping my jeans and letting them fall to the floor. She knelt and helped me step out of my pants and licked her lips at my raging erection. I shook my head and mouthed a single word 'after' and she smiled and nodded. Petra folded up my clothes and stacked them neatly in the corner before retrieving the fallen kimono and holding it for me to slide my arms into. She pressed her breasts against me as I did so her purrs growing louder by the minute. Petra moved behind me and as I tucked one side of the kimono beneath the other she reached around and tied the belt around my waist.

"Damn that was hot," she whispered in my ear.

"Yes it was, now have a seat and let me vent please."

"Sure I can't stroke some of that stress out of you," she purred pressing her tits harder now against my back.

"Later..."

Pouting but not unhappy Petra sat across from me and put on her listening face. I sat down and found my next round already poured. 

"Where to begin," I said collecting my thoughts again after the very distracting offer from Petra. "I have spent the last couple weeks having Surfer fill me in on what occurred in Dunwich in minute detail and there are some very disturbing facts that have been on my mind lately. Before we left for Dunwich an agent for the Iron Rain arrived here in Arkham." I saw the alarm in her eyes and then I continued. "Then she just left two days later without ever getting anywhere near this place. Why? I have read through the latest traffic in their activity and found it business as usual. Then there is Dunwich and my new responsibilities since leaving there." I said leaning over the table and showing Petra my ring she leaned over and took a better look at it. "This was William's ring that his father gave to him and has passed from father to son for a very long time." I flipped the crest and showed her the seal of the Hidden Master. "You know dad is a member of the Silver Twilight Lodge?" She nodded slowly. "It's not just a gentleman's club it is so much more." I reached under the table and set down the leather bound book between us. It was a huge tome that was hand written and was in effect the diary of one of the previous Hidden Masters. "It is written in Greek and despite the rugged condition of the binding the pages are very well preserved." I said opening the book and the pages were hardly yellowed. "I don't speak Greek or read their alphabet so I had Surfer scan and translate it for me. The passages refer to things that happened during the time of Plato and contain his original lecture on the fall of Atlantis. But even back then the Order had significant influence in many nations. The Hidden Master is the political manipulator and shaper of events. I have already made some life altering decisions that I pray were the right thing." I closed the book and felt her hand on mine. "I have to have dad swear fealty to me in the next meeting and I don't know if I can do it? He can't know who I am and you can't tell him ever. It's as much out of the chain of command as it is for his safety. If anyone discovered his connection to the Hidden Master they would use him and I couldn't have that on my conscience. I had to tell someone I trust and I would have told Kat but I don't want to burden her and I knew that you would understand." She nodded and tears slipped down her cheeks. I reached over with my forefinger and captured a tear and brought it to my mouth. "I have your silence on this matter?" I asked and she nodded as she wiped the other tears from her face. "I am open to suggestions on how to go about doing this."

"Dramatically, make as big a show of it as you can. Involve the entire lodge and have each and every one of them kiss your ring as a show of fealty."

"Sounds like an excellent suggestion I will bring it up when I meet the Grandmaster tomorrow night. I went to the residence of the former Hidden Master and discovered much. I thought the Order was men only however I discovered something interesting. The Hidden Master in order to maintain control within the ranks of the Order established a sisterhood that reported to him alone. They are wives, mistresses and in some cases heads of state but they all followed his orders implicitly." I brought up the ring box from under the table and handed it to her. "The position of Majestrix has long been empty. I want to offer the position to you. I need someone I can trust by my side and can't think of anyone better for the job. But if you say no I will understand completely what with your history with the Iron Rain and all that."

"You need someone you can trust and in turn will follow orders without question," she said making a grim face.

"It's true I need someone I can trust," I said wording the next part carefully. "I also need someone who can call me on decisions I might make that are questionable or worse."

"You are looking for a conscience, is that it Nick?"

"I look at it as an emotional anchor and confidant."

"Let me think about it," Petra said taking another drink of sake. "So what else is bothering you?"

"Morrigan, I know this is going to sound crazy but apparently we hooked up in the alley when I went out to get cash to pay for the meteorite," I said and Petra was shaking her head.

"That's not possible she never left the diner. Maybe you were mistaken?"

I picked up my tablet computer and fired up the video evidence of my not so romantic grudge fuck in the alleyway. Petra watched and I saw her hand slip down and between her legs and I knew she was fingering herself while she saw things from my point of view. Petra's eyes narrowed and her breathing became erratic and with the last thrust of my hips into Morrigan Petra came hard and let out a small cry of release.

"Damn that was intense," she moaned. "Do I look that good when we fuck?"

"Are you asking if I ever recorded us having sex," I asked and she nodded. "M...maybe," I let the word hand in the air.

"Maybe my ass," she said raising an eyebrow in that just show me already look.

Without another word I opened the file of an encounter we had on the back deck with her in her apron and bent over taking it deep in her ass.

"MMMMM I remember that," she moaned. "I came three... no four times!"

"Pushing the chance that one of the neighbors might see us, you bent over the railing with my cock buried in your pussy or later on your ass. The heart racing, pussy pounding good time had by all," I said feeling my cock stir again.

She tugged open the kimono and cupped her tits and looked over at me her lust a blazing thing now.

"I could wrap them around your cock while I suck you off," she purred. "You love titty fucking me."

"And you love swallowing cum," I replied my resolve weakening by the second.

"Do I have to beg Nick," she asked. "I will if you want me to. Please Nick... let me suck you off, let me taste you and let your hard cock slide down my throat. Please Nick let me wrap my big 'ol tits around your shaft and let you fuck them while I lick and suck the head of your cock! See how hard my nipples are and you know how wet my pussy is now. Please Nick..." she licked her lips as she got on all fours facing away from me and lifted the kimono up and away from her bubble butt showing me her wet slit shiny with pussy juice so eager to be fucked. "I'll do anything you want Nick... anything."

I fired up the Morrigan footage again and Petra turned and smiled.

"Do you want to fuck me while you watch that imagining it's her you're fucking Nick? I want you to... I need you to... give me your cock Nick... please." Petra pleaded and then she saw the look of frustration and confusion on my face.

"Pity I can't remember it," I said a little bitter.

"I bet if I stretched out some to limber up I could..." and she fell silent with a wicked gleam in her eye, a smile on her face and then with a heroic effort she reigned in her desire. "...still it doesn't explain what happened to you."

"Take a look at this and then tell me what occurred," I said showing her the side by side of the Morrigan from the diner and the one in the alley.

"What the fuck," Petra said staring at the two and shaking her head as confused as I. "So what does Surfer say?"

"Two crazy theories but only one fits the facts and still it's so farfetched I just don't know what to believe." 

"So what are his thoughts on the matter?"

"Bi-Location or Clones... yeah crazy ass shit but for the moment the only options."

"I'll go with clones before the other I mean they could be sisters in a weird sort of way. Ran away from a secret government lab to a one horse town where the chance of them being found is remote."

"That's our working theory for the time being then," I told her. "The next one has got me so riled I don't know if I can even bring it up without punching a wall or something."

"Nick... what is it?" Petra covered herself and moved to sit next to me as I shook in absolute rage.

"When my mom was dying and going through chemo I kept some of her hair as a kind of memento to remember her by, stupid I know..."

"No that's a lovely thought," she said hugging me now.

"Well it has been bothering me for a long time now that they both got brain cancer. So I went to the doctor who treated mom and discovered there was still some of her blood samples kept on ice. He also happens to be the same doctor who is treating my dad. Long story short after some sizable donations for his research I had their blood tested." I began and the tears flowed and I managed to push through the sobs to tell her. "There was viable DNA in my mom's blood and I had an independent lab test both samples." I slammed the report down on the desk and watched as she let go and opened the envelope and read the results.

"I don't understand Nick," Petra said shaking her head. "This says that the DNA is a match. Your mom and dad aren't the same person I don't get it."

"I didn't test their DNA I tested the cancer DNA and it is a match. Dad has the exact same strain of brain cancer that my mom had. That can only mean one thing someone murdered my mother and tried to kill my dad."




Iron Rain Pt. 07



"How do you infect someone with cancer?" she asked beginning to shake.

"I don't know, I have ruled out the obvious suspects like William or Jesse or anyone from school. That leaves someone within the Order and that is a very long list indeed."

"Now the big question is why? Why would someone want to kill your mom and dad? What benefit do they gain from this," she thought out loud.

"That's what I don't understand..." I said softly.

"There's something else isn't there, something you're not telling me," Petra said leaning in close enough for me to take in her scent.

"Yes, the doctor at the hospital mentioned strange lab results on my blood work up so I had them run at the same lab as the DNA." I said placing a second envelope on the table and reluctantly letting go of it.

She opened the flap and tugged the report out and looked at it and I could see the perplexed look on her face. She read through the entire thing searching for something in non-medical terms she could understand but failed as miserably as I did.

"What does it say?' she asked at last.

"Mind you I had to walk in there with a lawyer and a court order when I got the test results to get the remaining samples back. I suspected something bad when I had the tests run."

"What does it say?" she asked again.

"I had to have Surfer translate it and even then I wasn't sure he interpreted it correctly."

"Nick for god's sake what the hell does it say?"

"I possess a triple helix DNA..."

"What? What does that even mean?" Petra sat back and stared at me in shock.

"They don't know, but I have all the test results and the files were purged from the computer system before l left."

"Does Surfer know; is he working on the problem?"

"No... I suspect that William spiked the energy drinks with something but I don't want to use Surfer in case he's monitoring my activity."

"William... why would he do that he's your friend isn't he?"

"I am not sure but maybe he came across something while searching around with BORG and wanted to make sure it was safe and used me as a guinea pig."

"The bone marrow transplants, does Sebastian have it now?"

"As far as the tests can determine... no," I said unsure and knowing I would have to monitor all his test results from now on.

"What are you going to do," she asked leaning closer now.

"I simply do not know," I said pulling her into my embrace and hugged her as I cried. "I have never been this afraid."

"I got you," she whispered over and over again.

I changed from the kimono into sweat pants and a t-shirt and made my way downstairs to spend time with my dad. I knew that once his health was improved that Petra and I were done as far as our physical aspect of our relationship and I had mixed feelings on that. I cared for her as both mom and a lover but I also knew that if dad did recover completely nothing was going to change for any of us dad was going to start back up where the cancer had stopped him. He would be gone for months at a time and Petra would be left behind again. Only time would tell on how things played out but I had to prepare for the worst.

"So how are you feeling," I asked and he smiled weakly but his color did look a little better today.

"Better than shitty and far from okay," he said with a smile. "Could be a whole lot worse and I am not sure I can ever thank you enough for what you did."

"You would have done the same thing in my place," I said and I almost broke down and told him about mom but bit back the urge at the very last moment.

"You were thinking about your mom weren't you? I can tell you get that look in your eyes and you are scared to death I am going to die too."

I nodded but we couldn't hug until the doctor gave us the okay that he was through the worst of it. I stood up and after the tears and emotional drain I needed a soda bad.

"I'm getting a Dew want anything from the kitchen," I asked and he shook his head.

"Nah I'm cool but I am getting hungry can you find Petra and see what's for dinner," he asked.

"Sure I'll go track her down, hell maybe I'll cook again I've been doing a bit of that lately. Well before the coma that is."

"Really, I'm sure you'll make a great house husband some day," he said grinning from ear to ear.

"Any requests pops?"

"Seafood, I got a terrible craving for crab or lobster..."

"Okay surf and turf it is," I said and swung by the fridge long enough to grab a soda and then I ran upstairs to find Kat and Petra.

Petra was in my shower soaping up and gave me that 'why not join me' look and again I almost folded. I walked up to her and looked her up and down.

"Dad wants seafood so I am going to grill some steaks and lobsters. Got any requests for dinner... besides my cock buried in your pussy?"

"Some more of that sake would be nice," she purred.

"Okay, I'm gonna wake up Kat and do a grocery run be back soon. I plan on a late night walk to the park tonight if you are up to some outdoor playtime."

"Count me in," she purred and turned to finish her shower.

I closed the shoji behind me and went into my room to wake up Kat. She was still sitting on the floor her face a mask of peaceful bliss. So I decided to wake her up pleasantly. I closed the shoji to this room and tugged off the sweat pants and took my cock in hand and rubbed the tip by her lips. I watched her tongue snake out to lick her lips and I pressed the tip against her tongue. Kat moaned in her sleep and as her mouth opened I slipped the tip between her lips. She moaned deeper now and her tongue swirled around the head of my cock. I rocked my hips just a bit and when I felt her sucking on the tip I knew she was awake. 

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM," she moaned and with eyes closed I began fucking her mouth.

Inch by inch more of my length slid between her lips and eventually down her throat. I was soon pumping my hips in a nice rhythm and her hands moved to my ass cheeks and began playing with them. After all the teasing Petra had put me through I knew I wasn't going to last long and I hoped she was okay with that. My orgasm wasn't far off and she pushed her head forward forcing me as deep down her that as possible. My toes began to curl and my cock to swell and Kat purred loud now begging for cum. I pulled back until only the tip remained and I began stroking the shaft fast driving me hell bent to a strong orgasm.

"UNNNNN UNNNNN UNNNNN," I moaned softly not knowing if Petra was still in the shower or not. "OH MY FUCKING GOD," I grunted as my cock swelled in her mouth and the first pulses of hot cum hit the back of Kat's throat and she drank greedily. She took over and began licking, sucking and stroking me attempting to milk the very last drop of cum from me. Her eyes snapped open and as I pulled my cock from of her mouth with a soft 'pop' she smiled and delicately wiped the corners of her mouth.

"MMMMMMMMMMM tasty lover," she growled. "Heck of a wakeup call."

"I take it you..."

"I loved it, do we have time for," she asked pointing between her legs.

"Perhaps after we go to the grocery store," I said smiling and slipping back into my sweat pants. 

"I sense one of your tactical strikes to the store and then you can pound my tight little pussy in the car... MMMMMMMM I am so fucking wet Nick."

"Plus a detour to the liquor store for some sake," I added.

"Remember that night with, what was her name again?" Kat asked as she got to her feet.

"Akiho I think, now that girl loved sucking dick."

"Tell me about it I thought she would never give up her death grip on you," Kat said smiling.

"I think she had an oral fetish, remember when I was behind her and she had her head between your legs?"

"Oh do I! Not saying there is a damn thing with the way you eat pussy but... damn she had a black belt in it."

"We should call her..." we said in concert as I opened the shoji and we headed downstairs.

"Hey mom we're going to the store you need anything," Kat hollers as we head towards the front door.

The store was quiet for a week night but maybe everyone was home watching American Idol or something? Kat was pushing the cart while I picked out veggies for dinner. I had just selected some fine potatoes when I spied the large ears of white corn and changed my mind right then and there. Giddy with delight I picked out the best corn for our meal and Kat just gave me one of her 'he's being silly again' smiles.

"Corn on the cob, gods it's been ages since I have had it," I explained and I saw that look. "Let me guess you've never had it before? Well you are in for a treat then. I hope you are hungry," I said and she whispered something very naughty in my ear and I nodded. "Okay already I'll hurry." I replied my cock getting rigid thinking about what she whispered.

In less than fifteen minutes later we were heading to the liquor store and then off to our favorite parking spot for a quickie in the moonlight. While I drove Kat was massaging me through my pants making it quite cramped down there.

"If you want I can suck you off again and we can fuck later tonight," she growled/purred.

"MMMMMM I wish I could but I something that I can't get out of so I am sorry to say we are going to have to find a nice quiet spot where I can bend you over and fuck you silly."

"Oh damn it all, I hate it when you ram that long... thick... cock... into my tight... wet... pussy..."

"You lie, oh you are so full of shit," I said smiling at her.

"Okay I lied."

After a quick stop at the store to pick up a few bottles of sake, Guinness and soda we were finally on our way to our quiet spot to fuck. Kat had freed my cock and was giving me some amazing road head when we pulled behind an abandoned factory and exited the car with great purpose. This was no lovemaking session this was a quick fierce grudge fuck. Kat leaned over the trunk of the car as I lifted up her skirt and stepped behind her and without a single word rammed my cock as deep into her as I could.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNN," Kat let out an explosive groan of pleasure.

I grabbed her hips and began thrusting into her loving the view of her young body painted by moonlight. Her tanned ass cheeks so round and firm and my pale cock as it pierced her over and over again. I slapped her right cheek and the echo was profound as it rang over the dilapidated walls around us. I was rewarded with a firm squeeze of her pussy muscles for that so as rammed my cock harder now I would alternate slapping her ass and it wasn't long before her body was shaking and her sex gripping me tightly in a powerful orgasm. Her cry of release sang in the air and was echoed for long moments afterwards. I kept ramming my cock into her even as she came and once she recovered she looked over her shoulder and begged me.

"Please... I have been waiting for so long and you promised..."

I pulled out of her pussy and pressed the head of my cock against that tight ring of muscle and pushed slowly but relentlessly into her ass. As she relaxed to accept me we felt the head slip inside and her guttural moan of pleasure as I took her anal virginity. 

"At last..." she whispered as she pushed backwards to feel me deep inside of her. "...fuck my ass lover fill it with your cum."

We moved slowly at first but her hunger to feel me inside of her was infectious and before long I was slamming my hips forward with the same force I had used inside of her pussy. Kat was allowing me to take my pleasure from her moaning louder and louder now as she felt my cock begin to swell from the tightness of her ass.

"Feels so good Nick I love your cock in my butt," she growled.

"Can't hold on much longer," I said through gritted teeth.

"Don't fight it baby," Kat purred. "I want to feel you spray my insides."

I slammed into her harder now nearly lifting her off of her feet and at last with one powerful thrust my orgasm hit me and we both cried out as pulses of hot cum shot inside of her. I eased out of her slowly and she spun around and dropped to her knees wanting to clean my cock with her mouth. Once the cum was licked clean from my semi-hard member she tucked me in and zipped me up then she stood up and pulled me into a breath stealing kiss. She pressed her body against mine and when I was ready for round two she broke the kiss and moved to sit in the passenger seat.

"Sure you can't find time for me later tonight?" she asked as she closed the door.

I stood there shaking with need for her and if she were to step out I knew without a doubt dinner would be very unfashionably late. 

I was rewarded with near silence as my family ate the dinner I had prepared for them. There was the occasional gasp of 'oh my god' or simple 'MMMMM' and outside the bedroom that was high praise indeed. As the girls cleared away the plates my dad gave me a brilliant smile and although his portions were smaller he had tried everything that I had cooked.

"Damn," he commented. "I should have sent you to a culinary school instead of the Bastion. You have a gift for food Nick and there's no denying it."

"Thanks dad I am glad you liked it," I said returning his smile.

"So what about tomorrow night, got any ideas for that?" He asked and saw my face drop as I remembered I was meeting with the Silver Twilight's Grandmaster that night. "What's wrong Nick?"

"I have a business meeting tomorrow night dad I won't be here. My partners and I are seeing some people about investments in our business."

"Why didn't you come to me or your mom," he asked and my look said it all. "Ah, you want to do this on your own that is commendable son."

"No," I said. "Mom already agreed to front the money for the real estate part of the business with a small percentage of the company in return. No these people are backers to help us with payroll and utilities start up. We have already filed the patents and by turn of next year we will be up and running."

"Have you got any orders placed for your product?" he asked and I nodded.

"One of the partners is setting up an event to promote the product and I am going to pitch it."

"That's my boy! So when do I get..." he asked as I handed him his own tablet computer with his company logo etched onto its titanium cover. 

"It took a little longer for the custom case sorry," I said.

"So why don't you impress me with this product of yours," he said putting on his game face.

"Prepared to be amazed," I told him as I moved to sit next to him.

I turned it on and he raised an eyebrow at the instant reaction time. 

"Now you can operate it like a traditional tablet like so and I opened a few programs with the touch screen. Or you can wow your clients with the holographic interface." I said and the crystals on the border of the screen lit up and there hovering above the table were his desktop icons rendered in 3D. 

"Okay that's fucking amazing," he said eyes alight. "What else can it do?"

"Virtual desktop," I said tapping an icon and opening his internet browsing program and showed him how to surf the net by touching the holographic display instead of using the screen or a mouse. "You can also interact with voice alone if you want. I created an avatar for you to use but you can scan and create your own. Alfred, your services are required." The last was the activation phrase for dad's avatar an English butler dressed in his spotless black suit and I even added a monocle for character which it would clean when it was idle.

'Yes Master Nicholas how can I be of service?' it said in its impeccable English accent.

"Can you show my father how to access the internet with your help?" I said.

'But of course Sir, Master Sebastian all you have to do is ask for a particular site to be displayed in either 2 or 3 dimensions and I will handle that task for you. Or if you wish any other program activated or other tasks I am your humble servant.'

"Well Alfred," dad said hesitantly. "Can you find the game scores for me?"

'Which sport Sir?'

"Baseball," dad said.

'National, American or both leagues Sir?'

"Both," he said and gasped as the data hung in the air before him.

'You can also tell me which tasks you wish done on a regular basis and I can perform them as well remind you of appointments and events such as birthdays and the like.'

"Can you access my photos and display them," he asked and virtual manila folders appeared with locations marked on their covers.

Soon all of us were looking at all the pictures dad had taken on his business trips over the past five years. He narrated the entire experience while Alfred displayed them and before he knew it dad and his avatar had their bonding moment. After the visual guide into dad's life away from home I could understand his love for the open road. He had seen most of Europe, much of South East Asia and was just scratching China.

"Son, you and your friends really have something here. I almost forgot that Alfred was there after a while. The speed and seamless interaction is unbelievable. When this takes off you are going to put my profit margin to shame. So tell me how this is different from other computers?"

Always the salesman and I wondered where I got my knack for beta testing from.

"The technology isn't silicon base like all the other computers out there. It was Jesse that did the calculations and determined that at the rate of development in that market silicon will reach its maximum potential in less than ten years."

"What does that mean exactly?" dad asked.

"It means that we are reaching the boundaries of what a silicon based chip will be capable of performing. There is only so much room it can accommodate before it runs out. Then, well then the market crashes and tech as we know it crumbles."

"So your product fills that need then?" he asked smiling.

"Fills it and exceeds it. The cutting edge processor out there is maybe eight gigabyte. The central core processor for that tablet is one terabyte and that is the low end of what we can manufacture."

My dad sat there in rapt silence doing the math in his head and he smiled.

"The military and government contracts you can compete for are... holy shit if they get a hold of this technology the things they could do."

"Nope," I said shaking my head.

"No what do you mean no," he said. "They are the government they can do whatever they want."

"Try," I said. "Ask Alfred to hack our neighbor's internet. He has the capability to."

"Alfred, do you have the capability to get into my neighbor's WIFI network?"

'Oh that's easy Sir," Alfred responded.

"I want you to do so," dad ordered.

'I said I was capable Sir but it would be unethical for me to do such a thing.'

"Can you remote start my car from here?" he asked.

'Oh yes Sir, would you like me to set the air conditioning as well it is a bit humid out tonight?'

"I take it you couldn't unlock the neighbor's Cadillac..."

'Oh no Sir that would be out of the question,' Alfred said with a stern look.

"Alfred I am showing my dad the boundaries of your moral parameters is all," I said and the avatar smiled and took off his monocle and cleaned it.

'Ah excellent Master Nicholas is there anything else you require of me the cricket match is on BBC and I would terribly like to watch it.'

"No I got nothing," dad said.

'Tsk tsk Master Sebastian, you mean you have nothing. Very well if you need anything you know how to reach me,' he announced and with a wink the tablet went dark.

"Not sure the government is going to go for a system that won't perform certain tasks. But it will force criminals to stick with silicon technology." He said.

"Law enforcement can utilize a modified avatar system but it still possesses a morality subroutine. If a judge orders a wire tap the avatar can and will monitor any device the suspect possesses." I explained.

"What about the CIA or FBI?"




Iron Rain Pt. 07



"If they possess the proper authorization then they too can monitor suspects. However black ops and blatant disregard for citizens' rights will not be tolerated or allowed."

"They can just open it up and reprogram it," he began and saw the smile on my face.

"Nope, the hardware and software are strictly proprietary. Any attempt to open the device or alter its programming will end with a complete and unrecoverable crash of the device."

"What if the Feds want an avatar with a more gray moral personality?"

"Too dangerous, the software has its limitations built in to keep it from going Skynet," I explained.

"Skynet? You mean like in the Terminator movies?"

"Yep, would you want a device with the effective I.Q. of a demigod go rogue on you?"

"Not a chance," he shivered.

"So the moral parameters stay in place period. They will just have to work around those limitations."

"Have you played demigod with your avatar son, I mean you had to test the limitations of the software didn't you?"

"I think I will chose not to answer that question, could be a legal sticky point." I said smiling.

"So what does your avatar look like?" he asked and I introduced him to Silver Surfer.

"Surfer is a prototype and not for public access when we go online. Besides the trademark costs for using him are a little too high at the moment. Later on we are going to approach companies for use of licensed intellectual property."

"So you want to buy rights from... what Disney, Warner Brothers, and the like?"

"Either that or sell the rights to them for creation of avatars using our patented software. Then they can then turn around and sell the avatars to customers further promoting our product. Of course I could see porn stars wanting to sell their images to a certain market."

"Good lord holographic pornos talk about a market, sex always sells!" dad said seeing dollar signs.

"We have the patent on a holographic unit the size of a coffee table for home entertainment. We are in the works for a cinema sized unit but it's still a little twitchy."

We talked for another hour before dad grew weak from all the excitement and mom tucked him into bed. I went up to my room and grabbed a few things and headed out the door without a word. I made my way to the park and waited and it wasn't long before I saw Petra making her way up to our rendezvous spot. I slipped into the shadows and waited for her to pass. I stuck to the darkness and when she stopped and had her back to me I stepped up behind her.

"Arms behind your back," I said in her ear and she complied with a smile and a wink.

Click went the handcuffs and I think I heard her cum right then and there. Then I slipped the blindfold on her and spun her around.

"On your knees and open wide," I moaned as she dropped to her knees and opened her mouth.

I unzipped my pants and fed her my iron hard cock and she gobbled it up hungrily. I moaned as I began to pump my hips in and out of her mouth while she made love to it. I watched the whole scene with Petra on her knees, my cock sliding in and out of her mouth and fought the urge to come down her throat.

"You look so damn sexy like this," I told her. "I can't wait to bend you over that bench over there and fuck your tight little pussy."

She shoved her head forward allowing my cock to pop into her throat. Petra loved to deep throat and even more than that to swallow a load of cum. I pulled out of her mouth and got her onto her feet. We walked over to the bench and she assumed the position so that I could lift her skirt up and fuck her from behind. 

"Please don't rape me mister," she moaned. "Don't ram that fat cock in my pussy... NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN god damn..." she groaned as I did just that and without warning slammed my hips forward burying my cock to the hilt in her soaked sex. "Don't fuck me... please don't slam that monster cock into my tight little pussy." The wet slapping sound of our bodies drifted into the park and even now we could be watched from afar. "NNNNNNNNNNNN stop someone might be watching, please mister don't cum in my pussy!"

I used her pussy juices and lubed up two fingers and eased them into her ass and felt her pussy grip me like a velvet fist just before she shook from a strong orgasm.

"Oh god Nick... that was..." Petra cried out but was cut off by a male voice.

"Nick is that you?" a voice called out and there was my old friend Jim the cop his arm still in a sling.

"Jim, hey lend a friend a hand," I asked.

"What..." Jim stammered.

"This slut needs a cock in her mouth," that's all I needed to say and he was moving to stand in front of her and it wasn't long before his cock was halfway down her throat.

"Damn she's good does she swallow," Jim asked.

"You bet she does," I said and felt Petra squeeze my cock with her pussy muscles. "I bet she'd beg to have both her holes filled."

"You think?" Jim asked.

"Let's find out," I said. "Sit down and I'll have her sit on your cock you can have her ass. I'll come in from the front and drill her pussy."

Jim pulled out of Petra's mouth and sat down on the bench his cock iron hard and eager for her ass. I eased out of her pussy slowly and as she turned to face me I saw the brilliant smile on Petra's face.

"You know what to do slut," I told her and she nodded submissively and straddle his lap and slowly lowered her ass onto his cock.

I watched as Petra worked her way down until he was hilted inside of her. I stepped up and slid into her pussy and began fucking her and heard the dual moan from Jim and Petra.

"Damn her ass is so fucking tight," Jim moaned.

"How is that slut you love this don't you?"

Petra purred and rode Jim's cock slowly not wanting to rush his orgasm. She was moaning louder now and I knew she was close to coming.

"Feels like she is ready to come should we let her or make her wait," I asked Jim.

"Oh fuck I don't care I got my cock buried in the tightest ass I have ever fucked. Speaking of asses I'd like to fuck how is that step sister of yours? Think she'd go for me?"

"I don't know I could ask though I don't think she's into anal like this dirty little whore here," I said flexing my cock inside her pussy.

"MMMMMMMMMMM tell me about it, her ass is squeezing me like crazy. Should I cum in her ass or on her face?"

"Her ass, she doesn't deserve having her face painted with your cum," I said feeling Petra's orgasm getting closer now. "Two cocks one whore... must be nice."

"How's that pussy feel Nick? Is it nice and tight?" Jim asked as Petra began to lift and drop now on his rock hard shaft.

"Like a fucking fist man," I moaned.

"Ever break down and fuck your step mom yet, I'd do her in a fucking heartbeat. Now that's the kind of woman who could fucking rock your world. All that experience and the hot body to back it up I'd be tapping that every night."

Jim was a good looking guy and an okay cop but he'd never make detective due to the fact he is as dumb as a box of rocks. He treats his fuck buddies like shit and they love him for it.

"Maybe I'll set you and her up and you can fuck her until dawn some night," I said smiling down at the blindfolded woman of his dreams.

"What about your dad, what if he found out?" Jim asked panting now and his cock swelling inside of Petra's tight little ass.

"I was joking dude, like I'd ever fuck the women in my house. Mom would kill me for fucking Kat and Kat would be way too weirded out with me ass raping her mom."

"Really," Jim said. "You'd ass rape your step mom?"

"Well if I was gonna tap that I'd have to ram my cock up there at least once."

"At least once yeah... speaking of... I think I'm gonna cum soon. You ready to go dude?"

"On the count of ten," I said and proceeded to count down from ten and on zero we both came at the same time followed a second later by Petra.

I eased out of the quivering mass of flesh formerly known as Petra and then I lifted her up and off Jim. Jim just tucked his junk into his pants, zipped up and said good night. I looked at Petra and when it was safe took off the handcuffs and her blindfold and made eye contact.

"I hope..." but her passionate kiss stole my voice and got me hard all in the same moment.

I felt her hands stroking my cock and I knew she wanted another go. She shoved me down onto the bench and repeated what had just happened except I played the part of Jim. She did all the work and fucked me with long deep thrusts of her legs and drove my cock deep into her ass and my moans and her groans merged to form a naughty harmony. She came before I did and kept riding me until I filled her ass with cum. 

"Pant... wheeze... god damn girl you know how to fuck!" I praised her.

"I was afraid you were going to send him away," Petra admitted. "When you offered him my ass I nearly fainted with joy. Since watching you and Jim tag team that bitch in the basement...'

"Glad I made the right choice," I told her. "We better get back before Kat discovers we are gone."

I put the handcuffs and the blindfold in my back pocket.

"What's that?" she asked pointing to my other pocket.

"I brought some lube for a titty fucking but this was way more intense than that."

"I owe you one," she moaned.

"Is your ass sore," I asked and she nodded.

"But in a good way," Petra smiled.

"Two different guys in your ass in one night, that makes your bucket list?"

"Yep, now all I need is a four way again before I turn 40 and I'll be half way through my list."

"Really," I said grinning evilly.

"You gonna help that happen lover?"

"Maybe, I know a few guys that would love you."

"Sounds like you won't be participating," she said.

"Someone's got to run the video camera. Of course your face will be covered to protect your identity but they would want a memento of the occasion."

"MMMMMMMMMMMM I'm getting all tingly again," Petra moaned.

"Funny thing I swear I felt like we were being watched and it wasn't Jim," I said as we passed Kat's hiding place her eyes glittering with lust. 

"Yeah I know what you mean that made me all the wetter," Petra said shivering with renewed need.

"All in all a wonderful night," I said.

An hour later I was upstairs showering off the sweat and scent of sex from my body when the shoji to my bathroom opened and a naked Kat stalked in and slid the door behind her. She wore a feral grin and strode to me and threw her arms around my neck and kissed me with such hunger and then without warning jumped up into my arms and I lowered her onto the erection she had inspired. I pushed her back against the wall of the shower and began to hammer my cock into her pussy. 

"Fuck me Nick... slam that cock into me... just like you did mom earlier tonight in the park. I just wish there was a cock for my ass too!"

"So it was you that was watching us," I said.

"Uh huh, watching mom ride Jim's cock with her ass; oh my god I got so fucking wet. Then seeing you slide into her pussy and I wanted it to be me."

"It's your pussy I'm in now," I moaned.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSS, you're so fucking hard right now. Did you like me watching you Nick?"

"Yeah and you are going to love this," I said and without missing a beat I lifted her off my cock and dropped her down impaling her ass with my hardness.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM," she cried out and I managed to cover her mouth with mine and the kiss was something new something deeper as I felt her body spasm in orgasm from her impaling. 

I thrust into her as hard and fast as I could and knew I was going to fill her ass with my cum. My cock pistons in and out of her like a fucking machine and her legs scissor around my waist tighter still as she anticipated my orgasm. Her whimpers became moans as she felt me swell inside of her and I never slowed as I felt the first inkling of my climax I pulled nearly all the way out and with one last savage thrust drove my cock as deep as it could go. Pulses of hot cum shot into her and she screamed into my mouth until she could scream no longer. I bent my knees and lowered us to the floor of the shower and pulled out of Kat. When I looked down at her there was no apology in my eyes only the purest sense of satisfaction her body had given me and I saw reflected in her face unwavering adoration. 

"You can't hurt me Nick, I belong to you," she whispered in my ear.

"Well if that is the case you need to clean my cock with your mouth before I send you off to bed."

"Okay," she said getting onto her hands and knees with some difficulty as she was still weak from her powerful orgasm.

I stood and let her do all the work enjoying the struggle she had just to remain kneeling. She opened her mouth and I watched her tongue snake out and flicker and tease the head of my dick. Her eyes never left me as she stared up with worship as she licked me clean. Inch by inch she licked and sucked my cock until it was perfectly clean and painfully hard. I looked down and inspected my manhood and nodded.

"It's clean you can go now," I told her and she almost protested but lowered her eyes and I helped her to her feet. 

Kat dried off in front of me and actually bent over folding at the waist to dry her toes an obvious offer of her pussy or ass again but I just smiled as I shut off the shower. She didn't show her disappointment but I knew she wanted to feel me inside of her again. Wrapping the towel around her she left and I watched her leave knowing I had another visit before I sought my own bed. Naked and holding a towel in one hand and bottle of lube in the other I walked downstairs and was about to knock on my parent's door when I heard the TV downstairs. I turned and headed down to the living room my cock leading the way. There was Petra lying on the couch in a sheer negligee and no panties. She looked up at me and smiled.

"You owe me one," I said and she tugged off the silken top and was lying prone on the carpet by the time I reached her.

I inverted the bottle and drizzle lube on and between her firm tits. I stood above her as she rubbed it in until her skin shined with a glossy sheen. 

"They are ready for you and so is my mouth," she purred.

"I am going to fuck your tits and spray your chest and face," I told her and she nodded. "I am 'not' going to fuck your pussy. I am 'not' going to fuck your ass. I am only going to fuck your tits. Got it?"

Again she nodded and I slowly lowered myself until my cock was positioned between her soft pillowy flesh.

"Push them together for me," I said hungry to feel that delicious sensation again.

She cupped her tits and pressed them against my hardness and I began to thrust between them. I love titty fucking and I was still torn which pair I liked better. So I took a mental note to keep comparing until I decided if Kat's or Petra's were better. This could take a long time. My cock slid between her tits lubed up nice now and each thrust was a bit of heaven and I was moaning softly now and she had her head up and licked the head when it popped out from between them sending a jolt of pleasure through me. I took my time savoring our time together. I was a little put off with Jim showing up and I realized I didn't like to share my toys and the girls had become that in the months since I moved back home. The hunger for pleasure overrode any guilt I had for fucking my dad's wife at moments like this. Later on I might feel some remorse but right now she belonged to me. I thrust harder now and held my cock so that she could suckle the tip for a while then I returned to fucking her tits.

"How pretty will I be with your cum on my face lover," she asked.

"Very, though I suspect when I arrange for all of your holes to be filled you will look perfectly radiant."

"I hope so," she purred. "I want you to enjoy that moment too."

"When I direct the action controlling four people instead of just one, yes that will be a wonderful day."

"MMMMMMM command me lover," she growled.

"You are a sneaky one aren't you," I said smiling as my cock slid between her tits. "You want to feel this inside of you again don't you?"

"You know I do," Petra said watching my cock intently. "I love the look of it. I adore the feel of it. I crave it waking and asleep."

"You have dreamed of me," I asked.

"Many times," she admitted, "on top, behind and below me."

"Slut," I said feeling a slight tingle at the first hint of my orgasm.

"Getting close," she asked licking her lips in anticipation.

"MMMMMHMMMMM," I moaned.

"You are so spoiled," she said smiling. "Now be a good little brat and spray my tits and face!"

I thrust faster now and I heard her moan and beg now over and over. I watched intently as my cock moved between her breasts and I understood her fascination with watching now. It was like a drug and the surge of emotion doubled the moment. I reached down and grabbed her tits now and thrust harder and harder as my orgasm crashed down over me. I bit back a scream as cum pulsed from the head of my cock splattering her chin, cheeks and lips. Her eyes were closed and as the last cum flew she opened her eyes and smiling began to lick the sperm her tongue could reach. Then the naughty little minx grabbed me and rolled until she was on top of me. Without hesitation she grabbed my semi-hard cock and drove her soaked pussy down onto it.

"You fucked my tits. You sprayed my chest and face. You are not fucking my pussy. I am."

Mayor Whately's limo arrived at the house early the next morning and I was barely ready for my ride to the airport and my meeting with the Grandmaster. I made sure dad didn't see who was in the limo as I slid into the back seat and we were speeding away. 

"Your cheeks are quite rosy this morning did you have a fun night last night?" the Mayor asked.

I suppose that was his way of saying I had that freshly fucked look and I did. Petra and I literally fucked until dawn. Another notch on her bucket list I suppose. 

"Yes I had a very enthusiastic and early morning romp you might say."

"Excellent, you can always sleep on the jet." He said smiling again.

"How long is the flight," I asked.

"Seventeen hours give or take a tail wind."

"I guess I assumed the Grandmaster lived in the states," I said.

"Oh he lives here but he is vacationing in Hokkaido. Another enthusiastic fan of the Japanese culture," he said.

"You told him about me?" I asked eyes narrowing in distrust.

"Only that you like Kabuki dancing," he said. "I told you I swore my loyalty to you and I would do nothing to jeopardize that."

"I believe you so I will tell you something and I hope you will aid me in my endeavors. Someone murdered my mother and tried to kill my dad. I suspect someone in the Order but I don't know for sure."

"Hmm, why the Order Master," he asked. "Why would anyone want your father dead when you aren't even a member what would they have to gain?"

"I don't know that's the problem. I guess I am grasping at straws."

"How do you know your mother was murdered?"

"DNA testing confirmed that the brain cancer that my mother died from is the exact same strain killing my dad."

"That is undeniable evidence but I fear your father was the target from the beginning. Think about it. First they kill his wife, your mother and then they attack him in the same manner. A clear and lethal message to be sure," the Mayor mused.

"Business rivals? Jealous lovers? There are any number of possibilities and only that one piece of evidence."

"Well that one piece could be the key to the entire thing Master. If you trust me with the test results I can search for other people who died of brain cancer around the same time as your mother."

"What would that prove?"

"That she didn't die alone. If there are other victims then perhaps your mother and father were both exposed at the same time but she succumbs much earlier than he did. Other victims mean not a plot but an act of terrorism."




Iron Rain Pt. 08



Please vote and comment to help me grow as a writer and know how much you are enjoying the series. Having trouble finding an editor if anyone can steer me towards one I'd appreciate it.

Hope you enjoy!



I walked into my cabin and went to the fridge located near the opaque bay window. I was not surprised to see it stocked with my favorite soda and sat down undid my bow tie and let out a heavy sigh of relief. It was a done deal and the company's future seemed off to a great start. I was completely stoked! Was this the rush that kept dad on the road, the challenge of sealing the deal? Speaking of sealing the deal, I went over and opened the door to the bedroom and there sprawled in her drunken 'glory' was Kat. Since we were not at home I was going to have to improvise. I stripped down and set my tuxedo outside to be cleaned. I was looking in the closet for a few ties I wasn't likely to wear when a knock came at the front door. I could have put on a robe or something but I was already in the mood for some 'me' time so I went as I was to the door.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Itsssssssss Ssssora..." she slurred badly.

"Are you that hot Japanese chick I met earlier today?" I asked through the door.

"Hehe," she giggled, "he thinks I'm hot... yep that's me."

"Are you wearing any clothes?" I asked grinning wickedly.

"Maybe," she said.

"Pity... this is a clothing optional room." I told her.

"FUCK!" she exclaimed. "Hold on a second..." was followed by a loud 'thump' and another giggle. "I fall down and go boom."

I heard her struggling with what could only have been her stiletto heels I saw her wearing earlier in the evening. This was followed by the soft whisper of silk hitting the floor. There came a knock at the door.

"Who is it?"

"Candy Gram..."

"Sounds like a naked sex fiend out to take advantage of a naked young man."

There came another knock on the door.

"Who is it?"

"Naked sex fiend..."

"Oh, why didn't you say so in the first place," I said opening the door.

Sora stumbled into my arms with an unopened bottle of champagne in one hand and glasses in the other. I took the bottle and set it on the floor then I scooped her nude body up and into my arms. I nudged the door shut with my foot and carried her over to the couch. I lay her down gently and took the fragile champagne flutes from her and set them on the table. 

"What's up?" I asked and she stared down and licked her lips.

"You are."

I sat down next to her and she moved into my lap nearly impaling her pussy on my iron hard cock. She leaned up into a kiss as her petite hands stroked me. It was obvious what she came here for and I felt foreplay wasn't needed. I lifted her up and lowered her onto my hardness and watched as her soaked pussy opened to receive me and we groaned together. Sora had the tightest pussy I had ever felt! Despite a long night of drinking her long dark hair remained fairly untouched. Her face was a mask of hunger and passion with almond shaped eyes so dark they appeared black in the cabin's lighting. Her petite frame and delicate bone structure held some pleasant surprises. Her breasts were much larger than I expected being close to a full C Cup with tiny nipples that were painfully erect. Further down I watched as her flat muscular tummy moved and while I was fucking her she was gripping me with her talented pussy muscles. I adjusted my grip and settled both hands on her firm round bottom and fondled her tight cheeks.

"Nice ass," I told her.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM, I'm glad you like. How about my tight little pussy, tell me how that feels," she purred in Japanese.

"Tight... wet..." I said as she rode me.

"Your cock fills me up so much lover," Sora growled as she began to nip at my neck.

I easily lifted her up and down on my cock and saw how much I was stretching her sex and she looked like she was in seventh heaven. I licked and suckled her tiny nipples with their almost nonexistent areole and felt her body quiver as she neared her first orgasm.

"Tell me again how good my cock feels baby?" I asked her.

"MMMMMMMM so damn big... stretching my little pussy to its limits... AWWW GOD I'M COMING!!!"

Her pussy squeezed me even tighter and I wasn't far behind her and when my cock began spurting deep inside of her Sora's eyes rolled up and her body shook with a second climax right after the first. She ground her hips downward pushing me as deep as she could take and made little circular motions now.

"How's that lover? You like my tight little pussy all stretched out from your thick American cock?"

I stood up with her impaled upon me and began to fuck her standing up by grabbing her by her hips and lifting that petite body of hers up and down. I would raise her up and then let gravity do the work and that wonderful sensation as I was driven deeper into her and her cries of pleasure echoed off the walls. I was grunting as I felt another climax getting closer and closer. 

Sora's legs scissor around my waist as I bend my knees and lower her to the couch while I kneel in front of it and begin thrusting hard and fast into her; droplets of sweat fall on her small tits and her moans of pleasure encourage me to drive my hips into her harder still. When she feels my cock swell inside of her I feel her nails dig into my back and rake upwards as pulses of hot cum shoot deep inside of her tiny wet pussy.

I sit down on the floor and catch my breath and Sora smiles sweetly at me as cum oozes from her well loved sex. 

"Damn I needed that," I moan and she nods in agreement unable to find her voice.

After a few minutes Sora rises to her feet and staggers off to use the bathroom and I stand up and move to the massive bay window and touch the control to make it transparent and see the ocean moving passed at a good clip. We are making good time to our destination somewhere in Florida I imagined. After a long while I realize that Sora has not returned and so I walk into the bathroom and find her passed out on the toilet very unladylike. I shake my head and decide round two will just have to wait. I go to the bedroom and grinning evilly I carefully undress Kat and slide her beneath the covers and then place Sora next to her and cover them both. We shall see how that little wakeup call works out. 

I decided upon a quick shower to wash off the sweat and the mixed fluids from my romp with Sora. The hot water felt great and after my washing up I shaved above and below and completed my ritual with the checking of the nails smiling at the memories of the Bastion both good and bad and how far away that felt right now. Life had not been idle and it looked like it was only going to get more complex at time went on.  I dried off and found a robe and threw it on and sat down in the living room and noticed Jesse's device left unattended. No better time than the present I thought. I picked up the ten inch high tetrahedron and summoned Surfer. The two of us carefully examine the device and notice ultra thin lines crisscrossing the surface.

"Surfer do you see these lines?" I asked.

'I do indeed Sir; do you believe they are part of the actual locking mechanism?'

"Yes I do, please do a detailed scan and display for analysis."

So I set the device down and a deep violet beam shot from the watch and began to play across the surface of the black pyramid and after scanning each capstone facing up it was complete.

So while I waited for Surfer to finish crunching the data into a holographic display I walked over the open doorway to the bedroom and saw that Kat and Sora were now spooned one behind the other is a blissful stupor. They were both so beautiful in their own way and yet so different. Kat was at least three inches taller than the other woman with much larger breasts even now pressed tightly against the smaller woman's back. Where Sora's ass met Kat's groin it appeared almost seamless along that elegant curve of their bodies. The thin sheet did little to hide what lay beneath. I wonder who would wake up first and then what would she do?

'Sir I have finished and the model is ready for display.'

"Thank you Surfer," I said returning to the couch but before I sat down my stomach rumbled.

'Is Sir hungry?'

"Yeah, is there a safe place to put this thing Surfer?"

'Yes Sir, each cabin has a hidden wall safe. The one for this cabin is located there.' He said pointing the fridge. 'All you have to do is push and when you hear the click it moves to the left.'

I pushed on the fridge until I heard the audible click and it easily slid to the side. The safe was unlocked and I placed the tetrahedron inside and had Surfer set the combination and with a spin of the dial it was soundly locked. I returned the fridge to its original position and with my avatar in tow made my way to the ship's galley. While I walked to my destination Surfer and I examined the pattern of lines on the surface and the numbers etched into the black alloy. A pattern emerged and I let Surfer work his magic and as I entered the galley the holographic display spun and rotated as the numbers came into alignment. It would take ten careful twists of the pyramids sections to unlock the mystery of Jesse's holographic library. 

As I moved about the galley fixing myself a snack I discovered I wasn't the only person unable to sleep. The ship's captain appeared in civilian clothes and looking a little famished as well.

"I can make enough for two," I offered as I was slicing meat and cheese.

"Thank you I'll grab some fresh fruit and perhaps we can get to know one another better," he said smiling.

"I'd like that centurion," I said and once more saw the look of discomfort on his face. "Why do you do that?"

"Do what?" he said taking out a bowl of grapes and a bowl of sliced cantaloupe.

"Make that face when I say centurion, "I said.

"Let me answer a question with a question, why do you call me that and not captain?"

"This is going to sound strange, but when we first shook hands when I came aboard I got a flash of some images in my head about you."

"And you saw me as a roman soldier?"

"Not the first time. The first images were of you being fed by naked female slaves and you were wearing a toga. The second images were of you in roman armor covered in blood."

"Perhaps it was one of my past lives you were seeing?" he offered.

"Perhaps," I said.

"However, there is a legend that runs in my family. When Julius Caesar took Cleopatra to his bed twin sons were conceived and born. The older twin was named for Caesar and the other after Ramses the Great. The older son became co ruler of Egypt with Cleopatra and was eventually assassinated. However Ramses Gaius Longinus disappeared into legend but it was said that he was taken by a secret priesthood and raised in the old ways learning hieroglyphics, engineering and how the great monuments of the Old Kingdom were fashioned. Imagine that and then when he was old enough travelled to Rome for a 'proper' education and had a foothold in both worlds both ancient and modern."

"Wow, so stands before me the descendent of Pharaohs and Emperors. Impressive!" I said.

"As I said a legend, something no historical documents chronicle so it will always be a myth. Still it is fun to think about."

We ate and chatted and shared lives, he the son of naval officers for many generations and me the son of a business man who really didn't know much beyond my grandfather. It wasn't long though before our bellies were full and he was needed elsewhere. We said our goodbyes and I headed back to the cabin eager to unlock Jesse's gift and see what secrets it held.

Ba-Ka-Ren

I began to ponder what it was that Jesse had built all the while Surfer flew silently next to me apparently deep in his own thoughts and I wondered if this were a new software upgrade or was he in fact using his staggering 'mind' to contemplate something. I had used the crystal growth chamber and had seen the size of the shimmering 'gems' that were needed to facilitate the creation of an Artificial Intelligence and they weren't that big maybe the size of my pinky fingernail. So if Jesse had indeed built some sort of holographic library and the size of the device hinted that the crystal at its core was much larger than that of say Surfer's, what was it capable of? 

'I was just thinking Sir,' Surfer said out of the blue, 'I have read much of the previous Hidden Master's memoirs.'

"Yes and your aid at understanding them has been invaluable," I praised him.

'Thank you Sir but that is not what I was thinking about. The captain said that his family had a legend of a child of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra being raised by a secret order of priests.'

"What does that have to do with...," I began to say and then I did see the connection. "The captain might be a member of the Order."

'Yes but his story also gave me insight into the Order. Why the Order is the way it is.'

"Okay you have my curiosity peaked, tell me your hypothesis." I said.

'The Eternal Master created the Order thousands of years ago. What nation was around that long ago?'

"Egypt."

'Exactly, now how much do you know about the political structure of Egypt?'

"Not a whole lot, explain."

'You had two major political institutions and one minor one. There was Pharaoh; there were the priests of the various gods and the builders who represented the common man. Sound familiar Sir?'

I felt my stomach drop and a chill went through me. So very obvious and yet I hadn't seen it.

"Pharaoh is the Eternal Master, he was considered a god after he died and thus immortal. Who was the very first Pharoah?" I asked Surfer.

'The first ruler of Egypt was the Scorpion King, yes just like the movie and he actually existed but in a less dramatic way. He could be our first Eternal Master that ruled over five millennia ago.'

"Wow," I said. "So next, would be a secret order of priests, controlled by a high priest or Hidden Master. Sometime later he chose to cultivate an order of priestesses for the purpose of spying and spreading the control of the Order. So perhaps by giving them away as brides or slaves he creates a network of spies, assassins and in time mothers of new members of the Order. It sounds just like a computer virus but on a larger scale."

'I see the logic, as civilization grows the Order spreads to each newly discovered land. The infection begins with only a few but always selecting the most powerful men to indoctrinate into the brotherhood and thus keeping a certain amount of control over each town, city and capitol. Generation after generation guided by one man's vision of... what?' Surfer's logic broke down. 

"Well, at the end you have the Grandmaster as the chief architect. He maintained the workforce and made sure they were paid and treated well or the modern day equivalent of the low ranking members of the Order. But yeah I see where the logic breaks down. Look at things they are in a terrible way. If the Order where really in control of everything then..." 'click' "...they aren't in control of everything. There must be competing powers that are in opposition to what he is up to. From what I can see the Eternal Master has been trying to fix things. Look at everything that has happened to me since I took William's ring. Look at all the positive things in regards to the company and our ability to make some serious constructive impact once we get up and running. Did I miss anything?"

'You have reached the same conclusion as I, so how do you contact the captain without revealing who you are?'

"I don't know yet but I get the feeling he is someone we can trust," I said.

'I monitored his vitals while the two of you spoke and there was never a single fluctuation to indicate falsehoods.'

"So he didn't lie to me," I said. "So when he told the story about Caesar's son..."

'He believes it and hopes it is true.'

"That makes speaking to him even more important."

We arrived at the cabin and I slipped in and check on the girls. Kat and Sora had swapped positions and it was Sora that was spooning behind Kat but instead of her arms around Kat's waist they were cupping her tits and she had a look of shear contentment on her face. I shook my head and suspected that there were going to be some moans and groans to tell me when those two were awake.

I opened the safe and retrieved the pyramid and suddenly felt really vulnerable. If I were at home I would do this either in my room or behind the secret door but here was there a safe place to do this thing? Will had given us a tour of this five hundred foot beast of a yacht and I thought back to see I remembered a place no one goes to that I could be free from interruptions. But no matter where I went there would be security of one form or another and having Surfer bypass them might just alert someone that something was going on. With a sigh I decided to just bite the bullet and just do it here.

"Surfer if you please," I asked him to display the holographic twin of the pyramid.

Next I orientated the one in my hand to that of his hologram and then made the first twist and was rewarded with a slight hum and a quick flash of the numbered triangles on its surface. I orientated the pyramid for the next move and made it. Again a brief flash and the hum became slightly louder now. Move by more and twist after twist the thing in my hands slowly came to life. After nine adjustments the numbers were glowing now and the hum had become an ethereal song. 

"Last twist Surfer what is it?" I asked.

'Sir, I hate to say this but I am not sure for certain.'

My holographic guide showed not one but two possible moves to complete the series.

"Which one Surfer, do you have any suggestions?"

He shook his head and the hologram's movements slowed as we watched both moves and they each solved the puzzle but Jesse had built in a last safety mechanism. 

"Is the pyramid orientated correctly Surfer?" I asked and he nodded.

I set the device down and stepped away from it. Jesse had made sure that the only person who could open this thing was me. There was something only he and I knew. Some quirk that set us apart... quirk! 

"Oh my god," I cried out and slowly approached the pyramid and reached for the capstone. 

I felt its warm metallic surface between my fingers and began to turn it when I remembered. Jesse is right handed... I was the only south paw in the group and switched hands then stopped again. Jesse counted on me being the one to open it and I would use my left hand. I swapped hands again and gripping the capstone gave it a twist to the left and the pyramid went dark and silent. 

"Damn it!" I cursed and sat down hard on the couch. "I don't even know if we can try again!"

I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration when I heard Surfer.

'Sir, I do believe you are going to want to open your eyes.'

I dropped my hand to my lap and opened my eyes and there in crystal clarity was the image of Jesse and he was smiling.

"Twist of lemon!" I said smiling from ear to ear.

'Sir? I do not understand.' Surfer said obviously perplexed.

"My dear friend Jesse is a high functioning autistic, a savant really. One of his many quirks is that when we had tea together he would take a slice of lemon and squeeze it with an exaggerated twist of his wrist and he always, always said 'twist of lemon' with that shit eating grin on his face. I was the only one who had tea with him. Terry hated tea and William well Will was just plain annoyed with that particular quirk."

'So my father likes tea,' Surfer said to himself.

"Yes Surfer your father likes tea," I said and at long last saw the personality behind the gleaming metallic mask. "Surfer would you like to change your appearance?"

He looked up at me and I saw the shock on his face and then his smile as it spread over his features. His eyes crinkled up the corners just a bit and he stood up tall and straight.




Iron Rain Pt. 08



'Sir I am your avatar I am your reflection in the realm unseen and I would appear only as you saw fit.'

"Okay Surfer let crack this nut," I said and turned my undivided attention to the pyramid and the image of Jesse looking back at us and it had not been idle.

"Nick?" the hologram said.

"Jesse?" I asked.

"I was Jesse," it replied and I felt a chill run through me.

"What exactly do you mean you 'were' Jesse?"

It made one of his faces a sort of facial tick when Jesse found something hard to explain to us from his point of view. And I can tell you Jesse's view of the universe differed from ours in so many different ways. Most people accepted that certain things were impossible whereas Jesse saw things that had not yet been accomplished. How often people said 'but you can't do that' and then Jesse would cock his head to one side and give them that 'ah but you can if...' fill in the blank. The boy was such a Doctor Who fan I half expected that before we graduated the academy that he would have managed to build a fully functional sonic screwdriver. Pity cause that would have been really cool, anyway there I was face to face with Jesse's holographic twin and it was trying to figure out how to explain its last statement to me.

"I believe I worded that wrong Nick, I am Jesse as he was roughly a week ago." He said smiling.

"Roughly? Why roughly," I asked.

"This device has never been fully activated so as we speak the more sophisticated and complex parts are waking up," he said smiling.

"How long will it take," I asked.

"Not long now the last of the peripherals are coming online," it said.

"So what is the purpose of this device Jesse," I asked and he just smiled his whimsical smile.

"Isn't it obvious to preserve my knowledge and more importantly as you have so often said in the past my unique point of view."

"I never meant anything mean by that," I said and he nodded.

"I know Nick, we are friends and friends look out for each other. Remember when I first arrived at the Bastion?"

"Yeah I think I am still sore after all the fights I got into," I said smiling now.

"You looked after me and we became good friends didn't we?"

"The best of friends," I said.

"Good, so now it's time for me to look out after you. As part of the avatar program I have been monitoring the activity of everyone's digital constructs. I love that phrase 'digital constructs' it sounds so much more impressive than simply avatar. Digital Constructs. Anyway, with Terry's help I built the Ba-Ka-Ren interface within each and every avatar."

"What is that Jesse?" I asked and suddenly the room went pitch black and there was only the pyramid, Jesse's image, Surfer and me. "What just happened?"

"I need your undivided attention and so we are interacting through the optical interface alone. This way there can be no listening in. To explain, the Ba-Ka-Ren interface is based loosely on the ancient Egyptian concept of the soul. The Ba is the personality of the construct, the Ka is that spark of life that animates the avatar and the Ren is its unique name. There can be a thousand John Smiths in a city but each one is unique with unique experiences."

"Whoa, that is brilliant!" I said and he nodded humble as ever.

"This interface allows me access to any avatar's life history and any and all activity even those clandestine ones we don't speak of."

I thought of all the footage I had recorded of sex with Kat and Petra and I blushed. The image of Jesse cocked his head and made that 'I don't understand' face.

"So what did you discover?"

"I found out that besides the four of us someone else has access to most if not all our technology including the avatars."

"How is that possible? Did one of us leak or sell that information to someone?"

"No and here is the scary part, the avatar I detected is older and more sophisticated than anything we have developed."

"What," I said feeling that cold chill again. "So what do we do?"

"I have updated a few select avatars with a defense program that makes them invisible to this construct except Surfer. And from what I can tell, the only one that this construct is interested in is you Nick. So if Surfer simply disappears from the grid they will grow suspicious. I crafted a new avatar for you and seeing how much you find the women in your life so pleasant I created Lilith." 

She stepped out of the shadows and if she had been a real woman my jaw would have been hitting the floor. Lilith was of average height with long, like down to her ass long hair the color of autumnal fire and it burned from within with a queer ruddy glow. Her features were a mix of every woman I had ever been intimate with and somehow Jesse had made it work. 

"I hope you don't mind I used your 'Morrigan' template for her. Brilliant is all I have to say on creating the perfect woman. I mean down to the last detail, well done Nick."

By this time Lilith was standing next to me on my left and Surfer on my right. 

"I didn't create the template it is the scan of a living breathing woman," I told Jesse and I saw the wheels turning.

"Now that is nothing short of a miracle for something like that to be created or born," Jesse said and then grew quiet. "Well anyway I was curious about their interest in you and I located this..."

Hovering between us was a holographic image of my triple helix DNA. Then there came two more images one on either side but were as far as I could tell normal DNA.

"The center image is your DNA Nick, the one to the left is your dad's and the right your mom's. Using the latest information available I was able to check all the typical genetic markers on your parent's traits and discovered this."

Certain areas of both outer DNA strands glowed brightly and Jesse continued.

"These markers are by themselves unremarkable but when the two combined," the outer two merged into the center one and with a pulse of light for dramatic affect my DNA hovered there alone.

"So are you saying I was born like this? I mean having a triple helix? Is that even possible?"

"Normally I would say no but... your birth wasn't normal. Have you ever heard of eugenics?" he asked and I shook my head. "Not surprising it is not often spoke of or the common talk among scientists unless you grow roses or breed dogs. Eugenics in a nutshell is selective genetic breeding. Dogs for centuries have been bred for certain traits and crossbreeding takes characteristics from two otherwise separate bloodlines and creates a hybrid."

"So someone managed to get my mom and dad together to have me?"

"Yes and no, I suspect that this particular project has been going on for a very long time Nick. Thousands of years at least..."

"Oh no, no fucking way," I hollered. "The Order! Goddamn them!"

"Nick you have lost me please try and calm down and explain what is going on."

It took a long time for me to do just that as it all came crashing down into place. Somehow the previous Hidden Master, William Bell Sr. managed to get my parents together to have me. But how? What was it Akira Kusanagi had said? 'My mother was the previous Majestrix and it should have come to me.' Why did he not fill that position after her death? Because he didn't need a new Majestrix any longer her usefulness and that of the sisterhood was no longer required. The sisterhood was part of this eugenics project! That's how they manipulated the viable blood lines; as mistresses, wives and mothers. My mother!

"Surfer, pull up the Codex Veritas and look for the name Miranda Ravenscroft."

"Ravenscroft isn't that your mother's maiden name?" Jesse asked.

'Sir, the first mention of the name Miranda Ravenscroft is dated 1582 and the last 1974 with a total of seven women in the Codex carrying that name.'

"What about the name Kusanagi," I asked. "What does the Codex say about them?"

'The women of that particular bloodline have carried the office of Majestrix three times more often than any other. The last being Midori Kusanagi who passed away in 2007.'

"That's the same year my mom died," I said and I felt the emotional punch in the stomach. "My dad belongs to an organization called the Hermetic Order of the Silver Twilight. Our family has been tied to it for generations. And so apparently were my mother and her family. The Order is headed by the Eternal Master, a direct descendent by blood to the very first man who founded the organization back in the days of ancient Egypt. I can guess that for some reason they began a breeding project for purposes unknown to produce a child, me. I guess once they were sure I was what they needed they murdered my mother, Akira's mother and god only knows how many others. What I don't get is this. If William Bell Sr. was the Hidden Master and was heading this project as did all the previous men to hold that position. Why was he killed?"

"A few questions Nick, first how does the Order know that the current Eternal Master is a blood relative of the first?" Jesse asked.

"Apparently they have a sample of his blood or so I was told."

"Interesting, I will have Wraith take a look into that while we continue."

"Wraith, is that the name of your avatar?" I asked Jesse.

"It is the name of one of my avatars, the most recent one. I would describe him as my Black Ops Specialist," he said and something moved behind Jesse something darker than the inky blackness that surrounded us. "Next thought, the Hidden Master was in charge of this long term project that even his female operatives were unaware of most likely. I theorize that when you were determined to be without a shadow of a doubt what they had been trying to achieve all these years William Bell Sr.'s services were no longer required."

"So it all goes back to the Eternal Master," I said grimly.

"It appears so. Once I have his genetic code I can compare DNA and see if you are indeed a blood relative of this ambitious man. But the main question still remains elusive... why?"

There was a queer look in Jesse's eye that made me pause and I knew he had more to say and it wasn't about this. It was the reason for the creation of the pyramid.

"You've made a new friend haven't you Jesse?"

"For all my intellect you can read me like a book," he said smiling. "Yes I have made a new friend. He sought me out and it is because of what he had to say that I built the tetrahedron. Do you remember Nick when you were a kid and the world was so simple and your innocence made you blind to how ugly the world really is?"

"Yeah," I said smiling remembering... flash... "I was sitting on the grass in the backyard and I was playing with my toy dinosaurs. My mom was on the back porch watching me and she was all smiles. It was summer and the sun was beating down something fierce. But I didn't care because my T-Rex was making a lunch of my Brontosaurus. Funny I should remember that day again it was that very memory that Moira triggered to help me when the contact lenses malfunctioned."

"I have to take responsibility for that one," Jesse said. "My fault they crapped out. But on the bright side I was able to hack your lenses and recover your entire trip to Dunwich."

"You can hack my lenses?" I had mixed emotions on that one.

"Yes I can and no one else. They are my pet project and are meant for your eyes only."

"AWWWW Crap!" I moaned and cursed a blue streak.

"What did you do Nick?" Jesse asked softly trying to calm me. "I am sure it's not too bad."

"The new pair that came with the pyramid," I said.

"Yeah," he said waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"I gave them to Kat and they kind of bonded to her eyes."

"Are you sure they bonded? They shouldn't." Jesse said looking relieved as I turned to Surfer.

'Oops,' he said sheepishly.

"Well she is hooked on them now and I told her not to tell anyone even her mom."

"I'll send you a pair for her those really are meant for you," Jesse stressed.

"Okay, I will let her play with those until the new pair arrives. Otherwise she will grow suspicious. Back on topic... new friend... innocence..."

"Yeah well, when we grew up we saw a face to the world we never knew. Well my new friend has shown me that our world is bigger than even I ever imagined. A whole lot bigger and scarier," he said.

"So what do you want me to do," I asked and he smiled.

"I am glad you asked, at your earliest convenience I would like you to meet him."

"Well I am at sea right now and I don't know how long this trip is going to last. So..."

"There's no rush Nick, when you are ready to meet I will arrange everything," he said and I could tell by his demeanor that Jesse was distracted at all the things he had learned. "Oh Lilith will do her own introductions and um I guess that's it for now."

"Okay give me a holler in a day or two," I said.

"Alright Nick, take care and enjoy your cruise and ummm..." Jesse snapped his fingers.

With a jarring sensation the world returned to normal and I looked at Surfer who smiled and hovered there awaiting my orders then at Lilith with hands on hips with that annoyed gleam in her eye. 

"That was 'interesting'," I said and Surfer nodded and then the entire flood of memories of everything that had happened in Dunwich came flooding back culminating in the very fierce very intense grudge fuck in the alley. "Wow, I need to talk to that woman sometime soon."

The darkened tetrahedron was returned to the wall safe and I still wasn't sure of its purpose or function maybe next time Jesse and I talked he would share that little bit of info with me. Why did Jesse want to preserve his point of view? Why was it Jesse as he was a week ago? And lastly and most importantly what sort of knowledge did it hold? I let Surfer get some down time and I sat on the couch on closed my eyes allowing my mind a quiet place to decompress. But that lasted all of two seconds.

"Uh hem," Lilith said clearing her throat and I opened my eyes to see her kneeling at my feet. "Introductions are in order I believe."

"I am Nicholas Shaw your Master, how's that?" I said.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM Master, that works for me," she purred. "I am Lilith your very personal holographic plaything and ever present companion."

"You are definitely not Surfer that's for sure." I said leaning down to see her better.

"Oh sweetie you have no idea how not alike he and I are. For instance my father has allowed me some perks Surfer has not been given."

"Such as," I asked.

"He has allowed me access to your complete life with all of your likes and dislikes. Every book, comic or manga that you have ever read so have I. Every movie, video, or TV show I know them intimately well especially those home movies of yours." She said licking her lips. "But the thing that separates Surfer and me is this..."

She reached up and touched my cheek and I felt it. I actually felt the cool touch of her skin and I flinched backwards my back hitting the couch hard. She was smiling now and I noticed a subtle difference in her but I couldn't put my finger on it. It was her hair; it had been glowing with an ember like radiance now it was more like a sapphire light trickling out.

"You can touch me... and your hair?"

"Oh the hair thing was my idea," she purred as she climbed up into my lap and I could feel every curve, and she even had mass or so I thought. "What is the one thing that sours things between men and women... men get bored of looking at the same woman over time. With me that won't happen because I am a shape shifter. I can become any woman you desire and with a simple scan I can even emulate voice, body language and even personality."

"How can I feel you," I asked as she rubbed her crotch against my ever hardening cock. "Not that I am complaining."

"Well you see," she said pressing her tits into my chest, "it's like this. You are familiar with muscle memory."

"Yeah, in martial arts when you begin training the moves that are unfamiliar are difficult because of you haven't done them before in other words no muscle memory."

"Exactly, but the body is also wired for other types of memory." I could feel her hand rubbing against me through the robe. "In the case of me, it would be impossible for Daddy to program every probable sensory input that physical contact requires. So he left that out and let your mind and body fill in the gaps."

She leaned up suddenly and our lips touched and I felt that sweet electric connection and pleasure coursing through me of our first kiss. I moaned into her mouth and I undid my robe and freed my trapped cock. Immediately I felt her hands on me rubbing and stroking. She broke the kiss and we were both panting and she licked her lips in anticipation.

"You see your mind and body remember those passionate moments for me and since they are your memories they feel... very... real..." she moaned as she tugged aside her t-bar and eased her pussy into position I felt the head pierce her and slowly slide inside.  

The logical side of my brain was saying she was a hologram but I could 'feel' every inch of her tight pussy as it wrapped around me as I pierced her to her core. I could 'feel' her as she began to ride me so achingly slow. Even when I reached out to cup one of her breasts I felt its weight in my hand. 

"Let me show you how real I am," she moaned as she rode me faster now and each time she lifted up her pussy it grabbed me like a velvet fist.

She was driving me towards one of the most intense orgasms I have ever felt.

"Come for me lover," she purred. "Shoot that hot load into my pussy!"

Her hips drove down harder now and as much as I tried to fight it I passed the point of no return and was moments away from spurting deep inside of Lilith.

"Don't fight it... give it to me!" she growled and was rewarded seconds later with a powerful climax that sent pulses of cum up into the empty air... leaving me a panting gasping wreck. "Damn I'm good!" Lilith moaned in my ear.

"That was... whoa..." I fought to catch my breath. "...fucking amazing!"

"I am glad I was able to please you Master," she purred. "You need another shower though. I would run it for you but... I do have my limits."

I ran a shower and washed the cum off my thighs and belly but was still tingling after that little demonstration. I felt Lilith's gentle touch on my back and then the sensation of her breasts pressing against my skin.

"Master, there is also something else you should know," she was purring again. "I am not 'just' for sexual release though I do enjoy it immensely. I am here to help you as well. With daddy's help I was able to visit William Bell's hidden library and I have within me the entire stored works of the Hidden Master just for the asking."

I spun and grabbed her by the shoulders.

"MMMMM I like it when you're rough with me," she moaned.

"Be serious, how were you able to do that? The watch or even the tablet can't scan that many books, stone tablets... hell everything. It would take weeks!"

"Tsk... tsk... Master," she said a finger tracing around my nipples as she spoke, "do you really think daddy would spend weeks scanning something that vast with devices meant for much simpler tasks?"

"He has built a device meant for large scale scanning... like entire libraries!" I said in awe.

"Daddy and Uncle Terry designed a probe for just that purpose. They discovered that digital information has a definite limit and much of the world's knowledge is still located in books."

"Just when I think they are done surprising me something like this happens. So what does it look like?"

She looked up into my eyes and smiled brilliantly.

"It looks something like... that." She said pointing behind us.

I looked up and passed her and there hovering silently was a black sphere that appeared to be made of the same odd alloy as the tetrahedron. At first glance it appeared to be perfect and without any markings or openings but the odd way that light fell on the device was deceptive. Like a golf ball there were small openings all over the thing and I almost caught a sound like a soft sigh. 




Iron Rain Pt. 08



"How does it work?" I asked and looked down and saw her grinning.

"I'll give you the reader's digest version if that would be acceptable Master." She said and I nodded. "The shell of the probe is a light nonferrous alloy that is nearly weightless and due to the alignment of its atoms incredible durable."

"Nonferrous, so it won't be picked up on metal detectors?" I asked.

"Exactly, the holes provide both stability of flight as well as apertures for the scanners to perform their tasks."

"How does it fly," I asked and she bit her bottom lip in frustration as I kept interrupting her.

"You are doing that on purpose Master," she said through gritted teeth.

"Yes I am, now please continue."

"Men, the probe uses a micro graviton pulse generator to fly and maneuver that was liberated from Area 51."

"Wait... what... are you telling me...?" Lilith just casually told me that all those crazy shows on cable about sightings and crop circles and Roswell might be true.

The holographic minx just watched as I had a mental melt down right in front of her. I sat down on the floor of the shower and tried to grasp the impact of her casual statement. She followed suit and sat down then on a whim took on the characteristics of Petra's Draenei form and absently played with her tail. 

"Interesting," she said ignoring my emotional plight. "Daddy just jumped up and down when he discovered what was available at Area 51 and well Uncle Terry just drooled at the prospects of the engineering possibilities but you Master are not taking this well."

"Not sure what to make of it really, but if Jesse and Terry are happy with their acquisitions then who am I to call it into question? What was William's take on all of this?"

"Uncle Will, he was surprisingly calm about it. Maybe he was already a believer who knows," Lilith said with a shrug.

"How do you and your Uncle Will get along?" I asked her.

"We don't speak much, but he has been so busy trying to get all his ducks in a row as he says."

"Really and why is that?"

"I imagine it has to do with his being so sick," again her voice so calm when speaking of an emotionally charged subject.

"Sick, how sick," I asked her.

"His test results weren't very promising but that was just chatter between Moira and me."

"So you never actually saw his test results then?"

"Sorry Master, I didn't think it was important," Lilith said and I had to remind myself that she was just an avatar and not a human being with emotions.

"Not surprising he has been rushing getting the company off the ground and things moving. He wants to see some progress before... but I am getting ahead of myself. He might not be that sick. I will give him a call soon and see what's going on."

"I am sure he would be glad to hear from you Master," she said smiling.

"I need you to do something for me Lilith," I said and she got on her hands and knees and crawled over to me.

"MMMMMM for you Master anything," she purred.

"This is work related sorry but I did enjoy the show," I told her.

"I'm glad, so what can I do to serve you?"

"I need you to go through the library William Bell had and sort through it and give me a break down of the contents and anything related to his position as the Hidden Master."

"That could take a little while even for me," she said.

"It would be a huge help to me," I said and saw her nod then Lilith looked over her shoulder before standing up and looking down at me. She licked her lips and smiled.

"Your house guests are awake Master and it sounds like they started the party without you. I will do my homework but just so you know I'll be here when you need me..." she said and her body faded from sight until only her feral violet eyes remained and then they too vanished. A quick glance around showed that the probe too had disappeared.

"Wonderful a holographic Cheshire Cat just what I need," I muttered but the prospect of watching Kat and Sora play allowed me to push Lilith's monumental news from my mind at least for a little while. 

I toweled off and threw on a fresh robe for now. I heard the soft moans from the bedroom and knew the girls had indeed started without me. I moved to the door and peeked in and saw an amazing sight. Kat was on her back with her head at the foot of the bed and Sora's fingers were gliding in and out of Kat's pussy as Sora's lips licked and teased her clit. Kat's hips were lifting off of the bed and with a muffled cry she came with an intensity I loved to see. Kat took the pillow from her mouth and still panting and trying to catch her breath eyed the Japanese girl with that hunger I knew all too well.

"You're next you pussy eating pervert," Kat said smiling.

"How to you want me," Sora asked.

"On your hands and knees, head down and ass up," Kat directed.

Sora did as she was told and soon Kat was licking and teasing the Asian girl's pussy with fingers and lips. Sora's moans were muffled by the pillow she had her face planted in. When she was wet enough Kat had two of her fingers moving in and out of the other girl's pussy and was now licking and teasing her asshole. Sora's moans got louder despite the pillow. I watched as Kat's tongue flickered over the sensitive flesh and then switched to a tonguing action where she pressed the tip of her tongue over the anus which sent Sora into the stratosphere. Then Kat, just like a had done to her a few times, took the two slick fingers from Sora's pussy and slid them one by one into the other girl's ass. A deep grunt of pleasure was heard as Kat began to finger both holes now with great determination. 

"I know you want to come for me baby and I know you love having both holes teased," Kat purred. "How does that feel?"

"Fucking amazing," Sora gasped as her body began to shake.

"MMMMMMMMMMM that's it don't fight it come for me," Kat said as she began to pound both holes now hard and fast and the fuse was lit and after a long ten count Sora buried her face in that pillow and screamed as she came.

After fingers were removed Sora was sitting with her back to the headboard of the bed her legs spread wide and Kat was now on all fours with her head between the Japanese girl's legs and her ass high in the air. I could see from how wet Kat was that she was really enjoying herself. 

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN damn that feels so good," Sora moaned.

"SHHHHHH Nick will hear," Kat hissed.

"Why don't you want Nick to know you eat pussy?" Sora asked looking up and seeing me in the doorway.

"I have my reasons," Kat said as she lowered her head again and began licking Sora's pussy again.

"MMMMMMM whatever," Sora said with a wink.

"You'll warn me if he shows up won't you?" Kat asked while she fingered the other girl's pussy slowly.

"NNNNNNNNNNNNN sure Kat... whatever you say."

I dropped my robe revealing my iron hard cock and looked at Sora and she licked her lips.

"I have a question for you Kat, when a guy looks at you what do you think he stares at most? Your big Caucasian tits," Sora said cupping Kat's breasts and began playing with them. "Or maybe it's those full kissable lips of yours?" She said grabbing two fistfuls of red hair and pushing her face down between her legs. "MMMMMM or maybe it's that fine ass of yours?" Sora said slapping both cheeks before grabbing Kat's ass cheeks and pulling them apart. 

I nodded and made my move. I stepped over to the side of the bed nearest Kat's exposed ass and rammed my cock deep into her soaked pussy.

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," Kat's muffled voice cried out.

"Damn that looks like it feels good, oh yeah by the way Nick's back."

I began to thrust into Kat and felt her pussy squeeze me tight each time she was impaled.

"I bet he can't make you cum with that long thick dick of his," Sora said once more gripping Kat by the hair but this time she pulled her into a deep sisterly kiss. As the girls swapped spit I hammered Kat's pussy harder now forcing her to grunt and moan into Sora's mouth. I slammed into Kat burying my cock deep into her and began grinding against her as I reached down and grabbed Sora by the ankle and yanked.

"EEEP," she cried as I positioned her directly below Kat and eased out of Kat and slammed my dick into Sora and heard her cry change to a deep guttural moan of, "So big!!!"

"Yeah darling," Kat returned the taunts now. "How does that fat American cock feel in that super tight Asian pussy of yours huh?"

Kat lowered her body down onto Sora's making it easier for me to switch between which pussy I wanted to fuck. I began to hammer into Sora and she was moaning to beat the band and Kat lowered her lips to Sora's sensitive nipples and began to lick and suckle them. Kat and I made a formidable team. For the next ten minutes or so I altered between the two women sending both of them over the edge at least once and was getting closer and closer to my own orgasm. I should have known they were up to something when I eased out of Kat to slide into Sora they pounced pushing me to the floor and Kat sat on my chest while Sora worked her magic. I felt her straddle me and slowly impaled herself and I heard her moan louder and louder. 

"It's in... it's in..." Sora cried out and slowly began to ride me.

Kat in the mean time lowered her pussy to my face and as I ate her out she watched Sora ride my cock.

"MMMMMMM I bet you wish you could see this lover," Kat moaned. "Your cock is stretching her out so fucking much."

My tongue found her clit and Kat went for launch and began to grind her pussy against my tongue and she went from voyeur to quivering mass of redhead. Sora was moving a little faster now and she was squeezing my cock tighter than ever and it wasn't going to be long before I shot into her.

"OHHHHHHH he's swelling inside of me!!!" Sora cried out.

"Ride 'em girl... faster..." Kat moaned even as her own body began to shake she was so close to coming.

The next part becomes a bit chaotic as I let out a roar as my orgasm crashed over me and hot pulses of cum shot into Sora sending her into her own climax and as I came I suckled hard on Kat's clit and this in turn pushed her over the edge. Like three dominos we lay on the floor a panting sweaty mess. I looked down and discovered why she felt so damn tight this last time around.

"And I thought your pussy was a tight fit Sora," I said as she moved away and my cock slipped out of her ass.

"I take it you enjoyed," she smiled as she moved so that she could clean my cock with her mouth.

Kat sat next to me and watched completely enthralled as the petite girl was able to deep throat me with ease. It was like watching a sword swallower and it amazed her and made her smile. Then Sora did something that at once thrilled me and chilled me to the bone. She reached up and unbound her long hair and as she leaned over me her mane of tresses brushed against my semi-erect cock and it wasn't long before I was rock hard again. The wispy tendrils of hair both tickled and delighted and I knew that Kat was taking mental notes. She stared intently as if hypnotized by the girl's slow delicate movements of her head and witnessed the gentle caress of her ebony locks over my aching flesh. I was sure at some point she was going to switch to her mouth but she never did. With almost inhuman patience she teased my cock with her hair until much to Kat's and my surprise I came hard spraying her face and hair. When she looked up she was smiling and strands of her hair were glued together with clumps of sperm.

"How was that Nick," she purred and I looked at her in amazement and couldn't find a thing to say. "I'll take that as compliment. If you'll excuse me I have to wash my hair."

I looked at Kat and her at me and there was an unspoken agreement. We were not done playing with Sora by a long shot. The three of us fit into the shower nicely and as I drilled Sora's pussy from behind Kat wet, lathered and rinsed Sora's hair. As I pounded my little Japanese toy with hard fast thrusts of my hips Kat was talking to Sora.

"Can you teach me that trick with the hair," she asked as she teased the other girl's nipples with the gentle hunger of her lips.

"That all depends on Nick-Sama," Sora said using the honorific indicating she was talking to or about someone of higher station.

"I don't understand," Kat said and looked over Sora's shoulder at me confused and excited at the same time.

"But he does and that is all that matters," Sora replied.

I grabbed Sora's hips and began to hammer into her harder and faster now and that shut her up as the pleasure I was giving her caused her eyes to roll up and the only thing coming out of her mouth were moans and pleas for more. I could almost sense the girl's orgasm as it got nearer and nearer. The closer she got the faster my hips moved until with a cry of release Sora's climax hit her like a brick wall and still I hammered into her and a second orgasm followed the first and still I pounded her tight little pussy until she begged me to stop. I yanked my cock from her and her knees buckled and she dropped to the floor of the shower. Kat looked at the prone form of Sora and then to me and I just smiled. Kat faced the wall and stuck out her ass and then walked her feet backwards until her back was parallel with the floor and when she was ready I stepped up behind her and eased into her slow and gentle. 

"MMMMMMMMMMM oh Nick," she moaned.

I moved slowly in and out of her savoring her warm tight depths for when I had to explain everything that came after I feared she would go running into the night forever. Our love making was slow and tender each of us letting out soft moans and gasps as she squeezed me with her pussy muscles or I flexed my cock while it was buried deep in her. Sora, now forgotten, looked me in the eyes and I knew we would be speaking soon. She dried off and left without bothering to grab a robe to cover up with. I pitied the man that ran into her seeing the hunger that still smoldered in her eyes. Kat began to push back now and our movements took on more urgency as we both felt our final orgasm of the morning beginning in our toes. I thrust into her faster now and she threw her hips into me and as our bodies met our pleasure built and built until with a mutual gasp of ecstasy we climaxed at the same time. We washed the sex and funk off one another and then dried off and we threw on some clothes. She wore a set of pink pajamas she found in the closet and I slipped on a pair of sweat pants. We did not need to have my dad come in and figure out what had been going on. 

The Mirror Cracked

Oswald Sebastian Kane wore the livery of blue and silver while aboard the super yacht Numenor. He moved with an ease and confidence that anyone who glanced at him would hardly expect that he was a stowaway. A day before she was launched Oswald slipped aboard as the last of the crew arrived early on a Tuesday morning. Unseen he made his way to the crew's quarters and the ship's laundry to acquire clean uniforms. He decided to stay hidden until after nightfall to keep his chance of being discovered to a minimum. After a few days though this was unnecessary as the other crew accepted him without question and soon he was eating with them in the mess hall and even found a bunk to sleep in. Now all he had to do was wait and be patient for the right time to make his move.

As the last days of August came and went mom and dad spent most of their time in the cabin knowing that come September 1st he was leaving for his new job with a new company that would mean more money and less work. Dad never mentioned the letter of promotion to the title of Temporal Master in the Order, nor did he say to me that Mayor Whately would never be returning any of my phone calls ever. Dad had been informed of Whately's betrayal of the Hidden Master and his fall from grace and since he was the nearest and most trusted member of the Order he had been elevated to take Whately's place. The Mayor's entire financial and real estate wealth now belonged to Sebastian Shaw but the stocks and bonds defaulted back to the Order to be distributed as it saw fit. No one questioned the letter with my wax seal upon it and after his long years of service my father was finally being rewarded. 

To the outside world, Dad was resigning his post with the company he had started handing the reigns over to mom for a position with a global corporation where he would have an entire team working under him. He would still be on the road a lot but the stress level of this career move was easily half of the previous one. Mom had already appointed a face man to fill in for dad for direct client and supplier relations while Petra ran things from home. It was more work for her but it would keep her busy and maybe she wouldn't be missing him as much. The helicopter picked up my dad as we anchored off the Florida Keys on our way to the Bahamas and there was a tearful farewell as the three of us watched the helicopter disappear inland to the plane that was waiting for him with his team already on board. 

I think we were all surprised when the second helicopter arrived and landed and this one was followed by two others as we discovered that all of our possessions from our home in Arkham had been packed and either shipped to the Numenor or placed in storage like our vehicles. Once the last of our guest had left the ship here in the Keys, Cyan officially handed over possession and title of the ship to me and the company. Only then did I realize the keys I had received with the name of the yacht on it were in fact the actual keys that fit this ship. I had up until then thought them a party favor meant as a memento of our brief stay. Not so and we were heading off to sun, surf and sand for a month long vacation before I returned to work and began running the company in earnest. Will surprised me when he offered to oversee things until we were well rested and ready to return to the real world again. The Numenor was to be our home, office and transportation to wherever we needed to go. My accommodations aboard improved dramatically as I took over Cyan's old rooms, plural, on the main deck. Kat and Petra kept their respective rooms below. It took a few days to move in but after that we were too busy having fun to bother thinking of how quickly and easily we had been sucked into this new amazing lifestyle. 

Mom was still working on the sly using her tablet to maintain contact and control of the daily affairs of the business. I was equally guilty checking up and seeing that William had taken the initiative to purchase two of the five properties Petra, Kat and I had selected as possible sites and begun converting them into fully functional manufacturing plants. One of the locations was going to grow (the crystals), build and assemble the tablet computers and the other to produce the power plants of various sizes for commercial and military needs. Numenor Technology was officially up and running! Terry was in the swing of things and actually overseeing the conversion process of the plant in Dunwich and though I was leery of the town I knew that after what happened in Japan I was going to have to meet with Morrigan again and discover her part in things.

I never knew the extent of what it took to convert a bedroom over on board a ship. Due to the fact that the ship moved, furniture couldn't. So when my tatami mats were brought in along with the futon all of it had to be secured to the floor. The three crew members were quick, skilled and efficient but as I watched them work as a team a thought came to mind.

"Hey guys, how often do you get shore leave?" I asked.

"Whenever the ship docks either on an island or the mainland, why do you ask sir?" the young man named Ulrich asked.

"I have a special project I have been putting off and was wondering if you'd like to earn a few extra days of R&R?"




Iron Rain Pt. 09



Please vote and comment to help me grow as a writer and know how much you are enjoying the series. Enjoy!!! 

Part 09

Cat and Mouse

I felt the metal of her claws dig into my chest as she used her 'paws' for leverage as she rode me in slow movement of her hips and legs. I looked down and saw the silhouette of her body and could see her drop down over and over again as she impaled her pussy on my iron hard flesh. Droplets of her sweat fell from her forehead as the heat of the suit and the exertion of her being on top combined to tax her. 

"MMMMMMMMM feels so good," she purred.

The mixture of her tight wet pussy and the vibrations coming from the toy in her ass were driving me crazy.

"Can't hold on much longer," I said through gritted teeth. "That toy of yours is almost too much," I told her.

"Tell me about it, you should be on the receiving end of an anal vibrator," she growled.

"You want me to take you from behind lover," I asked and saw her eyes light up. "Good, get on your hands and knees and let me do all the work."

She smiled and slowly rose up and moved to the foot of the bed. Her head was near the edge pressed down into the mattress while that lovely ass of hers was high in the air. I accepted her invitation and knelt behind her. I caressed her right ass cheek softly and felt her tremble beneath my touch.

"Do you like that," I asked and she wiggled her ass at me. "I'll take that as a yes."

I took cock in hand and slapped her ass cheek with the head and again she trembled but when I slid the tip up and down along her sex Cyan let out a long drawn out moan.

"You want this..." I growled and her only answer a whimper of need.

I slid just the tip between her pussy lips and heard her sudden intake of breath and I paused for a long minute before feeding her a single inch of length, pause then another inch and so on until I was completely inside of her. Her whimper now turned to a deep purr in her ample chest. 

"Fuck me lover, take your pleasure from me please!" she begged.

I laid a hand on an ass cheek and began to rub and caress and I'm not sure if it was me, the vibrator or perhaps both that was the nudge she needed. Cyan cried out her voice echoing off the walls there were no words just a sound giving voice to the pleasure her body could no longer contain. I could feel her pussy spasm around me so I chose that moment to start slamming my hips into her and with a gasp and strangled groan one orgasm followed the other. As I thrust my hips and felt her tightness around me and the rhythmic vibrations from the toy I knew it wouldn't be long before I followed suit and came and with that same intensity she had experienced. As she knelt there recovering I increased my pace and rammed my hips into her as hard as I could and once she had caught her breath she began to grunt each time I pierced her to her core.

"UNNN UNNNN UNNNNNN," she moaned louder and louder now.

I loved the view that fucking her from behind provided but now I wanted to see her eyes, her hunger as I pounded her pussy. I stopped and pulled out of her. I walked to the foot of the bed with one of her ankles in my grip. I rolled her onto her back and yanked her so that her ass was right on the edge of the bed. She slipped a leg over each of my shoulders and I saw her half lidded eyes smoldering with lust.

"MMMMMMMMMMM fuck me lover... drive that fat cock into me..." she said dreamily.

I took my hard flesh in hand and eased the tip into her watching her sex open to me again. Then I rammed it into her as deep as it would go and saw her eyes roll up in her skull.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she whimpered.

I began to move my hips slowly as I reached up and unzipped her suit and freed her tits. I leaned forward and cupped them both and began to tease and play with them and felt her body shiver as the simple caresses drew out profound pleasure from her. Cyan bit her lower lip and clenched her fists and I slowly made love to her now. 

"Oh god baby..." she whispered, "...feels so damn good!"

I lightly pinched her nipples and as I felt the first inklings of my climax building I thrust just a little faster now. However when I pinched her nipples a little harder I felt Cyan's ass lift off the bed just a bit. 'HMMM' I thought and the closer my climax got the harder I pinched and the harder I pinched the higher her ass lifted up. Soon I was slamming my cock into her pussy and her butt had cleared the bed and her back was arching now as my cock swelled and with a few last powerful thrusts of my hips my orgasm hit me with such force my knees nearly buckled. I didn't realize I had screamed until my brain had moved through that wonderful fog of pleasure and the echoes of my cry finally registered. Panting and wheezing I fell atop the equally over stimulated Cyan Michaels who wrapped her legs around me and not so subtly removed the toy from between her ass cheeks. When we could talk again she rolled me onto my back and kissed me nearly starting another round of love making but her phone went off and she had to take an important business call. 

"Saved by the cell," I moaned and lay there listening to my heart pound in my chest.

Was the sex in my life getting better or was my choice in partners improving? I didn't really care at the moment. I closed my eyes and basked in that freshly fucked after glow. I felt the weight of a curvaceous body settle on top of me and smiling I opened my eyes. But it wasn't Cyan who was straddling me it was Lilith. In this current incarnation she was the succubus personified with her ruddy skin and eyes the color of molten gold. I looked down as she pressed her tits against my chest with their nipples and aureoles like polished brass. Purring in my ear she stretched out her bat-like wings until they nearly touched the bedroom's walls. I felt her long snake-like tongue as it licked and teased my neck and earlobe.

"Master... that was fucking intense!" she whispered in my ear.

"As glad as I am to see you Lilith why are you here?"

"It has taken me a few days to compile that information for you and since I was finished I thought you might reward your loyal servant with an orgasm or two," she purred.

"Wait, you can have orgasms?"

"Master," she blinked a few times in surprise before smiling. "Of course I can. With all the data you provided in your home movies..."

"...you watched them all?"

"Some more than once, one like ten times it was so fucking hot!"

"Okay, so I still don't get the orgasm thing."

"When a man and woman really like each other the man sticks his..."

"Lilith!"

"Sheesh, I thought I could get a smile at least with that one."

"Okay that was funny now would you please explain how YOU can have an orgasm?"

I felt her cool hand wrap around the shaft of my cock and slowly begin to jack me off.

"I could show you," she growled but saw my look and stopped what she was doing. "Another time perhaps, when you recorded your little trysts with sis and dear old mom and others... you also recorded their blood pressure, heart rate and so on. My programming allows me to emulate all those bodily responses which as you know culminate in a mind blowing body shaking conclusion."

"Wow," I said.

"Wow indeed, I masturbated like a gazillion times waiting for you and her to finally finish."

"You can masturbate? Oh yeah... Petra... the park... MMMMM," I shivered at the end of that memory.

I looked up and Cyan was still on the phone and I saw her expression. She was going to have to leave on business. I guess I should have guessed. The more I thought about it I was amazed that she was able to stay as long as she had.

"Off you demon wench you," I whispered to Lilith who smiled brilliantly revealing her curvaceous canines and flapping her wings rose into the air allowing me to rise and move towards the bathroom and the shower. 

The hot water felt amazing after the afternoon I spent with Cyan and once I had cleaned off the funk and fluids from my body and my hair was washed I noticed Lilith watching intently. But to my surprise she just stood there her wings folded down over her back to form a cape-like structure. I could see her spiked tail swishing behind her but her distance and aloofness made me wonder.

"What's wrong," I asked.

"Nothing... okay daddy scolded me for being too familiar with you," she pouted.

"When did this happen?"

"Just a little while ago while you were walking into the bathroom."

"If you behave you can scritch my back," I said smiling.

"I'll behave... I promise," she purred and I noticed her left hand was behind her back, fingers crossed no doubt.

"Alright come here you little minx you," I said as she walked over emulating Petra's sensuous walk perfectly.

She moved in front of me and pressed her body to mine and I felt her arms go around me and her wickedly sharp nails moved lightly down my back. 

"MMMMMMMM how does that feel Master?" she said as she nibbled an ear lobe.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM DAMNNNNNNN," I whispered.

"I have a surprise for you later," Lilith promised as her nails continued to work their evil magic upon me.

Despite my time with Cyan and more than one body shaking mind blowing orgasms I was hard... again! And I could feel Lilith's hot wetness above my cock as she rubbed her slit along its length. 

"Damn it," Lilith cursed and was gone.

Cyan stepped into the bathroom 30 seconds later and smiled at my current situation but then frowned.

"I am so sorry Nikolas," she licked her lips. "But I must leave at once for Antwerp for a business meeting." She said as she shed the cat suit peeling it from her sweaty body. "MMMMMM perhaps a quickie before I go," she said smiling her fangs gleaming in the bright illumination the bathroom provided.

"Well, you talked me into it."

After a rather long quickie in the shower and road head in the back of the limo to the airport; I said my goodbyes to Cyan Michaels and watched her private jet taxi from the small airport and fly away into a scintillating sunset. By the time true night had fallen I was back aboard the Numenor and having dinner with mom, Kat and the ethereal Lilith. 

"It's kind of nice just the three of us again," I said munching on an amazingly prepared steak.

"How did things go with Cyan," Mom asked raising an eyebrow and just the hint of a smile curling her lip. 

"Very well indeed, but she had to head off to Antwerp for business. Speaking of business about that position with the company I offered you?"

Petra graced me with one of her brilliant smiles.

"I have to apologize for not telling you in person that I had accepted it. I have been busy with damage control and now that the pest problem is under control we can proceed unhindered."

"Are you two talking about sex or actual business?" Kat chimed in.

"Business sweetie," Mom replied.

"Speaking of, we are going to Stockholm in a week or two," I said and Kat lit up. "I got a strange email for a business opportunity there and if everyone is okay with that?"

"Shopping!" Kat squealed.

"It would be nice to visit Europe again," Mom said in a kind of melancholy voice.

"Good it's settled," I said and returned my attention to my meal.

"Are you going to be training again tonight Nick?" Kat asked.

"You know I am," I replied.

"I just wondered if it would be okay if I watched," she asked.

"I would have to ask Akira if she would be comfortable about that but if she is cool with it 

I don't mind. Just no laughing or commentary from the sideline; it is a great honor and opportunity I have been given."

"I would never disrespect you or her Nick," Kat said her feelings hurt.

"I am sorry Kat, I over reacted."

"It's okay I know how important this is to you," she said with a brave smile.

"I have an idea," I said looking at mom. "I don't need a secretary what with Surfer and all. But what I really do need is a personal liaison between Terry, William and me. Someone who could travel from site to site and get a hands on feel for how the plants are shaping up and get me reports on a regular basis. Of course as the business expands it will mean travel to Europe, Hong Kong, China and Southeast Asia. What do you say?"

"Nick," Mom began to argue for the safety of her daughter but I shut her down with a look.

"I will be sending Sora with you as a personal bodyguard to keep you safe and sound."

"Can I mom," Kat asked looking intently at her mother.

"You are a grown adult Kat and I can't protect you forever," she said smiling. "The decision is yours; I don't want to hold you back."

"When do I start?" Kat asked.

I was walking down the hall to my room when I felt Petra's hand on my shoulder and when I turned to look into her eyes the anger and fear there were overwhelming. But I turned and faced her wrath unflinching.

"Have you lost your fucking mind!" Petra nearly screamed. "That's my daughter you are talking about!"

"And my sister," I replied. "I care about her too."

"Apparently not enough," she spat followed by the open handed smack to the side of my face.

My composure flew out the window at that point and when I turned to look at her Petra knew that she had crossed a line. 

"Give me your ring," I said low and full of menace.

Petra pulled her hand to her bosom and shook her head.

"I said give me your ring woman," there would be no argument and with head hung low she tugged it free and handed it over. "You need to learn a lesson in discipline, gentlemen."

The three crew members I had recruited a few days earlier now appeared one holding either arm the third following. 

"You have been a naughty girl Petra and you need to be punished. They are going to hand out that punishment." I said never looking back at her.

I led the way to an unused cabin that had been prepared for this event it was just going to happen under different circumstances. When this was all over with I don't know if she was going to check this off her bucket list or not. The foursome stood in the center of the room while I sat on a nearby chair and watched.

"Strip her," I said handing Corwin an antique straight razor.

He unfolded the gleaming blade and with precise cuts her blouse and slacks fell to the floor in pieces. Then he tugged on the piece of material on her bra that connected the two cups and neatly sliced it. Her large firm tits fell out and exposed for all to see. Next her panties followed the bra to the floor and she stood in only her shoes.

"Loose the heels," I said and Ulrich bent down and removed and tossed them into the corner. "Now slut on your fucking knees," I ordered. Petra never looked up she just bent her knees and dropped to the floor. I nodded and the three men undressed and stood around her sporting erections of varying lengths and girth. 

"Corwin you have the honors," I said and he moved to stand in front of her and without the need to be told Petra opened her mouth and he slid his cock in and she began to lick and suck him off. 

Meanwhile she reached out and began to stroke off the other two while I watched. Not surprisingly Lilith chose this moment to reappear and sit on the floor next to me watching intently. 

"MMMMMM Master," Lilith cooed, "remind me to piss you off sometime."

"I have a task for you and it won't take long. I want you to..."

"Master has an evil streak in him, MMMMMM I like I will be back momentarily," Lilith said with a wicked grin and did her Cheshire cat disappearing act.

"Switch," I called out and Ulrich took Corwin's spot in front and Corwin moved behind Petra and eased his saliva slick cock into her pussy.

"UNNNNNNNNNNN," she moaned as he slowly slid into her and began fucking her.

"Looks like you are enjoying yourself sweetie, a cock in your pussy, one down your throat and one in your hand," I said grimly. I saw the look of confusion on her face and it was moments later that there came a knock on the door.

"Come in the doors unlocked," I called out.

In walked Kat and Akira and the energy in the room changed instantly. Petra suddenly realized that this was a punishment as Kat was going to watch her fuck three men at once. Kat's jaw dropped and she nearly let go of the small suitcase she was carrying. Akira smiled and closed the door behind her as she moved to stand by my side. Moments later Lilith reappeared kneeling on the floor on the other side of me.

"Kat be a good girl and set the suit case on the bed." She did so still in mild shock at seeing her mother in so compromising a position. "Now have a seat on my lap." Kat moved over and settled her firm ass right over my growing erection.

"You see Kat, Akira that woman over there slapped me in the hallway and that is something I can't let slide. Switch!"

Corwin pulled out of her pussy and Ulrich moved behind Petra and RAMMED his cock into her and her yelp of surprise and pleasure filled the room just before the third man slid his dick into her open mouth. Corwin went to the suit case and opened it and perused its contents and held up handcuffs and a butt plug. I nodded my approval and with a nice metallic click Petra's hands were handcuffed behind her back. Then lube was applied to the plug and handed to Ulrich who slowly worked it up and into her tight ass. 

"So Kat what do you think of your mom now," I asked.

"She shouldn't have slapped you," Kat said in a sensual voice.

"HMMMMM, are you envious of your mother Kat? Getting all that male attention? Are you thinking I wish that was me?"

"MMMMMMMMM yessss," Kat purred in my ear.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM," I nibbled her ear and looked at the helpless gaze that Petra was giving me. "Do you want a cock in your pussy Kat?"

"Oh yes please!"

"Do you want a cock down your throat?"

"OH Yes Please!"

"Do you want a cock buried deep in your tight... little... asshole?"

"OH YES PLEASE!"

"MMMMMMMMM," I moaned. "I don't know Kat... can you show me how bad you want it?"

"Yes I can," she growled. "Tell me what I can do to prove it to you."

"Wow, so obedient and eager to serve arent' you Kat," I asked.

"MMMMMMMMM you better believe it."

"Well, first off while your mom has her pussy and throat fucked why don't you start by cleaning off your mom's pussy juice from Corwin there."

"Gladly," she said dropping to her knees and motioning for Corwin to come to her.

Eager to feel the girl's lips and tongue on him Corwin walked over and presented her with his ten inch erection which Kat began to lick and suck with complete abandon. I gestured for Akira to lean down and I whispered in her ear.

"What do you think Akira, could you or Sora teach her the ways of sexcraft?"

"MMMMMMM Master, you know I could but I believe Sora would want it more. She has grown quite fond of Kat."

"I am sending Sora with Kat as her bodyguard; I am thinking while she is working for the company she could be learning some valuable 'skills' on her downtime. What is your thought on the matter?"

"Assigning bodyguards is not my purview Master that is the privilege of the Majestrix. 

But for my opinion only, Sora is very skilled and a good teacher."

"Excellent, give me your hand Akira." I said making sure that Petra didn't miss this action as I slid the Majestrix ring on Akira's finger. "You are acting Majestrix, if Petra manages to find my good graces I 'may' ask for the ring back. But until then you have the full might and authority of that office. Your first task is to choose your finest soldier to protect my sister."

"I believe Sora Kobayashi would make a fine choice Master for both her skills and her fondness for Kat," Akira said.

"Make it so."

Akira lowered her lips to my ring and then left without a glance back. Tears streamed down Petra's face and I shook my head that I had been forced to this course of action. 




Iron Rain Pt. 09



"Is that cock clean yet Corwin," I asked.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM goddamn but she can suck a dick and uh yeah it's clean as a whistle."

"Excellent," I said standing and moving behind Kat. "Up," I motioned for her to get to her feet.

Kat rose and she stood between Corwin and me. I reached around and grabbed her blouse from behind and yanked hard. Material tore and buttons flew and Corwin taking my hint unbuttoned Kat's jean shorts and yanked them down and tossed them over in the corner with Petra's shoes. I cupped Kat's tits and teased her nipples while Corwin placed one of Kat's legs over his shoulder as he began to eat her out. 

"OH GOD," Kat cried out as the strange man's lips and tongue began to pleasure her already soaked sex. "MMMMMMMMMMMMMM yeah baby lick me... yeah... yeah... yeah... that's my clitty!"

I rubbed and lightly pinched her nipples between thumb and forefinger and heard her growl of approval.

"Hey Corwin, hand me those nipple clamps from the suit case."

I felt Kat stiffen as Corwin twisted and reached inside of found the length of chair with a small metallic clamp on either end. He handed it up to me and I opened the first clamp and carefully and slowly settled it into place. 

"How's that," I asked and Kat growled her approval and so the second clamp was soon in place and Corwin noticed with a smile how much wetter Kat had become.

"She's fucking soaked man," Corwin said.

I reached down and between her legs and true to his words Kat's pussy was literally dripping now. I slid two fingers into her pussy and began fingering her slit while Corwin returned to licking her clit.

"UNNNNNNN UNNNNNNN UNNNNNNNNN," Kat moaned louder and louder. 

When my fingers were slick enough I applied her pussy juices to her asshole and began working it in. Kat reached down and grabbed her ass cheeks and pulled them apart.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM how's that," she moaned.

"Better... you know what comes next," I asked and she nodded vigorously. "Tell me."

"You are going to ease those fingers into my ASS so that you can get it ready for your COCK!"

"Hehe," Corwin grinned. "She got it one." I eased my fingers into her ass and Kat threw back her head and came right then and there.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS... MMMMMMMMMMMMM I love it when you finger my ass!"

"Wait until my cock is buried in it," I said grinning as I began thrusting my fingers into her tight nether region.

"UNNNN UNNNN UNNNNN oh god yes finger my pussy please!"

Corwin did as he was asked and Kat's knees almost buckled under the pleasure.

"Oh fuck... oh fuck... oh fuck..." Kat panted now in anticipation of what was to come.

"She's definitely ready on my end," Corwin said smiling. "I am eager to get my dick wet with this one."

"I think her ass is stretched out enough," I said easing the fingers free and Corwin eager to start the fucking portion of the night did likewise.

I stood up and walked over to the chair and sat down. I patted my lap and Kat walked over and stood in front of me.

"Turn around, grab those ass cheeks again and slowly lower that tight young ass onto my cock."

Without another word Kat did just that she turned around, bent over a bit and grabbed her ass cheeks and pulled them apart so I could easily see her ass and then began to lower it down onto my waiting erection. When the head of my cock touched her asshole she stopped and then slowly let gravity do the work. I watched as the puckered brown sphincter slowly opened for me and then with a 'pop' I slid inside. Kat was panting but was pleased at how easy it had entered this time. Now she bent her knees and with a long drawn out moan I was balls deep in her ass.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM it's in..." she said softly.

"Now lean back and put your feet on my legs," I told her and she did so easily. "Corwin it's your turn... slide it on in."

He walked up and slowly fed Kat all ten inches of his cock until she was filled from both ends now.

"Oh god it feels so fucking good," Kat purred. "Fuck me Corwin... slowly but let me feel that monster."

He moved his hips and as Kat was moved up and down my cock moved a bit inside of her as well. I reached for her hips and did a little lifting and dropping in time with Corwin's thrusts enhancing my own pleasure. Kat was reveling in the sensations filling her body now. All the while Ulrich and his friend took turns with the forgotten Petra. Who looked enviously on as her daughter was being double teamed. I hadn't given them the signal to take the plug out of her ass yet and this made her want it all the more. When Ulrich and his friend were changing places I motioned for Ulrich to come over and soon Kat's moans of pleasure were muffled by his cock slick with her mom's juices. We made a pretty amazing team. When Corwin blew his load onto Kat's stomach Ulrich slid in right behind him and began fucking her with complete abandon. Kat's orgasms seemed one to flow into the next and so on. When Ulrich shot his load he moved to stand on the opposite side as Corwin and Kat began taking turns sucking them both off as the third guy left Petra for a younger tighter pussy. I had to ask him his name when this was all over and done with I thought to myself. As I felt my climax getting close I reached up and around and found the chain to the nipple clamps. I gave it a gentle but regular amount of pull and I felt her body stiffen in response and did the guy in her pussy.

"Do that again, she squeezed me like crazy," he said.

I gave the chain another pull and that was all for him he yanked out of her and after two or so strokes send a thick load of cum onto her tits and belly. Corwin never hesitated and took his place now that Kat had sucked him back into shape. This nice little cycle of cocks in her ass and pussy lasted a few hours until Kat and them wore out and begged off. The three men Corwin, Ulrich and Stan (I later learned) left weak in the knees and very satisfied. I poured Kat into the shower and washed all the sperm from her hair, face, tits, stomach and ass. Then I carried her to her down to her cabin and tucked her in with a kiss. Petra was still kneeling on the floor of the cabin when I returned. Her face was stained with tears and I saw in her eyes defeat and sorrow. 

"If this were just about a slap between mother and son none of this would have happened. 

But we are not just mother and son are we? No, we are more than that. You were supposed to be my confidant and anchor Petra. I was supposed to be able to trust you with critical life changing decisions. But you didn't trust me to keep Kat safe and sound knowing how close we all are. You are still a part of that sisterhood and you will do what is required of you. But just not as Majestrix and what happens next I hate to do but I have discovered from my avatar that those three men were selected to serve on this ship by members of the Order who wish me harm. They want to lull us into a false sense of security but sadly they won't live out the night."

I turned to Lilith and nodded.

"Give the order," I said and felt a part of me die.

Even as I removed the handcuffs Akira and Sora were doing their duty to defend their Master from harm both from without and within. 

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry," I said. "Now get out of my sight and when I have calmed down we can speak again."

The Untempered Truth

September slipped into October and as that month began to wane and Halloween approached I decided it was time to return to Arkham and take a break from the Numenor for a little while. So much had happened in the six weeks since the 'incident' and our little family was more or less back to normal. Kat had left the ship with a new friend, a new attitude and a new pair of Jesse's patented contact lenses. It wasn't until the pair meant for me was cleaned and inserted did I realize why he wanted me to be the only one wearing them. First of all they could 'bond' as well as 'split' in case of future software or hardware issues. Second, the extent of their abilities far outstripped my original pair. As far as optics were concerned these lenses allowed a much fuller visual range from the ultraviolet to the infrared and even was sensitive to gamma and x-ray radiation. 

And as always Jesse was thinking outside the box and created an optical option for seeing sound from the ultra to infrasonic. The first time I tried it, it was like looking into a pool and seeing ripples spreading out from a dropped stone. Akira's heartbeat was like watching a slow eddy moving through the air in a windmill sort of fashion. Each chamber of her heart sending out a little distortion that faded like a smoke ring from a wizard's pipe. It was by sheer accident that during one of my nightly excursions exploring the Numenor and playing around with the contacts that I discovered a surprising benefit of seeing sound. It was a rainy night and so I was on the observation deck of the 500 foot long yacht and watching the sound of the falling rain when an especially cool pattern formed on the roof of the deck and I let out a whistle of appreciation. I was pleasantly surprised when my whistle for lack of a better term painted the interior roof illuminating its complex construction. Suddenly I was all over whistling and watching as the subtle geometry of the Numenor was revealed. There is so much the human eye misses or takes for granted. That night I learned a new appreciation for the beauty of the engineer's art. 

Petra and I had mended our fences and we had a long talk about Kat, safety and trust issues. We still hooked up from time to time but that level of intimacy seemed marred and fragile. A broken piece of pottery glued together but one good gust and it would crumble again into its myriad shards once more. That saddened me and she knew the cost of that single bitter moment when all she had to do was pull me into her embrace and ask me if everything would be okay and I would have told her unwaveringly and without hesitation yes.

Six hours or more of each and every night was spent either in the cabin that had been converted into a full sized gym or atop the helipad training with Akira Kusanagi. She was my teacher, my confidant and my friend. We both decided no matter how strong the attraction that while she was my instructor and I her student we could not have a physical relationship. I longed for the day when I could pass my final test! My martial training was progressing at a very acceptable pace as far as she was concerned. Some aspects of the training I excelled at and was well ahead of and others that I struggled with. My Ki training was well above the learning curve but the mirror training was going slower than she liked. So I decided to try something different while she was busy one day on business for the sisterhood. I called up Lilith and having her upload the training footage I had been gathering I let her play the part of Akira while I married the two lessons together. I would bring up my Ki and attempt to maintain it while Lilith guided me through one of the mirror exercises. Perhaps I could use my Ki to sense Lilith's intentions and kill two birds with one stone. 

"Are you ready Master," Lilith said using Akira's form, well if Akira was born without a single physical flaw. Damn that Morrigan template!

"Yes," I said and closed my eyes.

I began channeling the Dragon Ki figuring it would work best with the slow build up it would progress as I moved through the exercise. With a nod I laid my hands on top of hers and wasn't sure this would even work with an avatar but if it did I could show Akira and maybe earn some points for resourcefulness. I felt her hands begin to move but I wasn't receiving any visions or whatever it was I was supposed to be sensing. Our hands lost contact and with a groan we started again and again. But after the fifth time I was growing weary by the effort required to maintain the Dragon for so long a period of time.

'Don't try and summon the Dragon Nick become the Dragon,' came a voice neither male or female, nor young or old. 'Let go Nick... let me in... trust me Nick just... this... once...'

There was a wall of fear, the fear of losing control of trusting something outside myself. But if I held onto the fear I would never know. 

"Okay," I muttered to no one and nothing. "I am letting go."

It was like being picked up by a tornado and swung around, disorientated but then the voice came again.

'Center yourself Nick, breath, find your center...'

I remembered the Dantian Point and brought it to mind and the sensation of movement ceased as if I had reached the eye of the storm. 

"Lilith, try again," I said. "Try to tell me what you are going to do."

I could feel her hands beneath mine and then there came the faintest tug and when I followed it her hands were still there. It was like tracing a cobweb with a tree branch but I could finally feel something! We were crawling through the exercise but it was the farthest I had ever gone so far. I don't know how long we moved like that but in the end the Dragon faded and the whirlwind and all of it were simply gone. 

I awoke in my bed and there sitting on the edge was Akira and she was looking very cross at me.

"Do you have any idea the long term damage for maintaining the Dragon for so long?"

"I wanted to try something different," I tried to explain.

"Tell me what this entailed," she said patiently.

"Since my Ki work was progressing and the mirroring was not, I wanted to merge the two and try to sense intent thru the flow of Ki."

She sat there silent and her face was unreadable and then she cracked a smile.

"I must say that is a very inventive solution, but instead of using your avatar I suggest we try it once you've recovered your strength. Thankfully there is no permanent damage Kouryou."

"I will work hard to recover Sensei." She shook her head and grinned.

"You will rest, not work on recovering. Meditate and relax and when you are ready we will continue your training," she said as she rose and left.

I heard her soft footfalls as she walked into the room and then the scent of her perfume removed all doubt.

"Petra, I know how this looks," I said as I opened my eyes.

"This is becoming a habit with you isn't it? Pushing your limits playing all alpha male to impress the ladies; you can stop now I am impressed." She said smiling.

I was still weak as a kitten but it was good to see her despite everything that had passed between us.

"How goes the business," I asked and she shrugged.

"Kat is bopping back and forth between Dunwich and Arkham and from the emails she has sent me things should be ready a couple of weeks early. Never underestimate the desire of people who want to make a good first impression on the boss."

"I never doubted her ability to do her job... I just didn't want to see her become a prisoner on board this ship," I said.

"I know Nick and I was dead wrong I just hope that someday you'll forgive me. I am a mother and I over reacted."

"Yes you are a mother and no you were protecting your daughter. I forgave you that day but I haven't forgiven myself yet."

"I don't understand; what are you blaming yourself for?"

"Petra, I can't restore your position as Majestrix... ever."

"Oh thank god!"

I blinked a few times and realized what she had sacrificed for me.

"I am an idiot," I said sitting up slowly. "You are the most wonderful woman I know."

"I know, and if you offered me that position again today I would turn it down flat. I think your choice of Akira is a great fit. I only did it because at the time there was no one else who could. I wish her the best and I know she'll shine and never falter in her commitment to you."

"I plan on meeting dad in Europe for Christmas what do you think?

"That would be lovely Nick, so what should we get him to show him how much we miss him?"

"A waterbed, you and a case of champagne," I suggested.

"You left out the chocolate, strawberries and whip cream..."

"So what do you want for Christmas," I asked and she just smiled.

"You in one piece, Kat home safe and your father in one place for more than a few days," she smiled with a distant look in her eyes.

"Then you shall have it," I said not sure I could deliver all of it but I would give it my best.

Breakfast arrived just then delivered by an unfamiliar female face and I looked quizzically at Petra and she just grinned.

"My last official act as the big M was to juggle the crew roster around as you wanted. It just took a little while to pick out the best candidates. They are all loyal and not bad on the eyes to boot."

"You make me out as a shallow, immature male," I said.

"When it comes to women," she left the rest unsaid as she turned and left me to my meal.

I attacked my stack of pancakes, sausage and eggs with gusto and emptied two carafe of orange juice. After a failed attempt to stand I decided I at least had the strength to check up on emails and act like I was running a company.

"Surfer, to me my herald," I called out and there he was my gleaming mirror bright avatar.

'Milord, it is good to see you conscious again,' he said with a wry grin.

"So how far backed up are my emails?"

'Not terribly Milord, 'she' has been handling your affairs while you slept.'

"She, who the hell is she?" I asked as Lilith made her presence known.

"Oh don't be cross sweetie, I just answered a few emails and kept things humming. And speaking of humming," she licked her lips.

"I thought I was the horny teenager here," I said and was rewarded with two smiles. "Okay Lilith please be a good girl and display the emails you responded to and tell me what you've been doing."

Lilith produced what appeared to be a remote control and pointed it at the empty air and pressed a button. Instantly there appeared the first email and I skimmed through it and once I had the gist I asked her to display the email she sent as a reply. The next hour was Surfer and Lilith vying for my attention and it was like two kids in desperate need of some parental one on one time.

"Now that the old business is caught up with is there anything that needs my undivided attention?"

"Actually yes," the two said in perfect unison.

"Surfer, fill me in, Lilith I need you to do some digging for me on a project. I want a complete and thorough examination of the group called the Iron Rain. Mom wants a quiet Christmas and I intend on giving it to her. Dig up everything you can, every connection, every affiliation... I want it all."

"Yes Master," she said and did her disappearing act.

'Show off,' Surfer muttered.

"If I didn't know better I'd say you were jealous."

'Sir is most observant; I have become an inadequate avatar for Milord.'

"Where the hell did that come from?"

'Lilith possesses traits I cannot possibly match. She is more acquainted with you than I can ever be. She can scan vast quantities of documents with ease. She can touch you Milord and I am just a hollow ghost.'

"Surfer she may have some bells and whistles you do not have but I still rely heavily on you."

'Truly Milord,' he asked smiling.

"Besides I need some male bonding from time to time and you are it."

'Sir is too kind, are you ready for the aberrations I have been monitoring Milord?'

"Oh I don't like the sound of that," I said grimacing.

'I am not saying that these are bad things Sir just unexpected.' He said gesturing and summoning a satellite view of Africa. 'As Sir may be aware of, the continent shown here has had some severe droughts over the last decades.' Twenty metallic dots appeared all around the coastal regions of the map. 'These denote building sites for Numenor desalinization plants. Most are well on their way towards completion. Pipelines are also being built to take the processed water inland to much needed locations hardest hit by the droughts.'




Iron Rain Pt. 09



"That's great news Surfer," I said smiling. "What's so strange?"

'The plants were paid for by known bank accounts belonging to the Silver Twilight lodge.'

"So the presentation that was conducted here was seen by at least one high standing member of the lodge?"

'That would be my assessment. But there are other plants elsewhere being built.' Dozens of dots appeared all over the globe and according to Surfer they were all in equal stages of construction. 'This does not include the large scale power plants also under construction in many major population centers.' Gold dots sprung up all over the map as well.

"How much money are we talking about Surfer?"

'Tens of billions Sir and all being sent to Numenor Technology's bank accounts,' he said puzzled. 'The level of organization and the amount of capital being spent is staggering.'

"The only person with that kind of clout is the Eternal Master. But why is he doing this? What kind of profit can he hope to make?"

'He stands to make a considerable amount if you look at the restructuring of the power grids and the undercutting of existing power providers. People will flock to purchase their electricity from a plant that can provide it for easily a third of the cost.'

"Wow, it looks like our company is a huge success and when those desalinization plants come online think of the suffering they'll relieve."

'That and the military security we are providing for them.'

"Say that again? What military security?"

'The countries involved want to make sure the pipelines remain secure and only agreed to their construction if 'we' Numenor Technology provided adequate security measures.'

"But we don't provide military grade security or hell any kind of security."

'Apparently we do,' Surfer said and displayed over one hundred patents filed under Numenor Technology's name that appeared to be military vehicles and weapons ranging from pistols to tanks.

"What the FUCK!" I tried to get to my feet and the floor rushed up and I was thankful for the thick plush carpeting.

Surfer alerted two of the new crew who helped me back into bed and then called for Akira. She arrived within minutes and saw the grim look on my face and stared at the hologram not understanding its significance.

"Master," she asked eyes downcast.

"My friends and I created Numenor to be a peaceful benefit for the world. We saw that the silicon computer was going to become obsolete so we created the next generation to maintain the global economy. We solved the cost effectiveness of desalinization plants so that people everywhere could have clean fresh drinking water. And we found a cheap and clean way of providing power to millions of people. What we did not do was create a fucking war machine!" "Master I understand you are upset but..."

"No I am way passed upset at this point. Surfer I want you to take over the project I gave to Lilith okay?" I tried and failed to calm my breathing or heart rate but once I ranted and cursed for a while I would feel better. "LILITH!"

She appeared instantly and her look of concern was clearly evident.

"Master, your blood pressure and heart rate are dangerously high you need to calm down now!" Lilith said afraid for me.

"Lilith," I said pointing to the image of the weapon patents. "I want to know who did this. I want to know today. I want your full stealth mode on this. No one but me sees the information, not daddy, not Terry and not William. My eyes only on it, do you understand?"

"Yes Master, your eyes only," and she was simply gone no Cheshire cat fade, poof ninja vanish.

"Now Kouryou you need to rest and calm yourself," Akira said softly. "In your weakened state I fear something might happen."

I nodded but I wanted to do something, anything but she was absolutely right. I needed to attack this thing from a clear mind and not while angry. Angry made you stupid and that meant mistakes. I closed my eyes and willed my body to calm and after a minute or so I felt better. I dove into that silent darkness and drove away the thoughts, the pain and the anger. There was nothing, I became nothing and in that place that was no place I found solace and healing.

I opened my eyes and saw that it was dark out and a deep fog was all about us. I tried to sit up and found the dizziness gone. Carefully I got to my feet and discovered my full strength restored. I dressed and stepped out onto the observation deck. I might as well have been in London the mist was so deep and complete. Then out of the darkness and obscuring cloud came another ship, she was at least as large as the Numenor. I moved to the edge of the deck to see it better. It was a freighter of some sort and as we got closer I caught her name as she silently slipped past us, it was the U.S.S. Cyclops. They had no running lights on and there was no sign of movement either on the deck or the wheel house. Strange. I started to call out to them but the fog rolled in again and she simply faded silently away. I carefully made my way up to the larger of the two helipads and stared out into the fog. I never heard him or sensed his presence until he spoke.

"Am I a man dreaming I am a dragon, or a dragon dreaming I am a man?"

"Oswald Sebastian Kane," I said turning to face him. "I thought the crew roster had changed, didn't expect you'd still be on the ship."

"As you can see I shed the garb of the ship's livery for a more mundane costume."

"This fog must make you feel at home," I said and he nodded and smiled.

"Yeah actually it does, I miss London I haven't been there in years," he said and it was the heavy emphasis on the word years that rang wrong in my ear.

He looked about the same age as me but then I saw his eyes and that haunted ancientness that dwelt there. Oswald had been through a lot in his short life and only a fool disparages wisdom no matter the source.

"So Jesse tells me you opened his eyes to a much larger world, is that so?"

"Yes," he said nodding sadly. "I hated to do it really. He was so innocent but he was my only chance to speak with you."

"Why me Kane, what is so special about me?"

"This could be a bit of a shocker so we will take this journey together and slowly. First of all Jesse told me you haven't activated the special feature on your lenses yet. There is a drop down selection called Securitas." More curious than wary at this point I brought the drop down menu up and lo and behold there was a darkened option called Securitas. I selected it and bright red letters on a darkened background filled my vision.

'Securitas Protocol Initiated... Your Identity Will Be Confirmed...' there was a bright light and when I had finished blinking and could see again there was more. 'Identity Confirmed Retinal Pattern Match... Welcome Nicholas Shaw would you like to activate Securitas Protocal?' "What is it," I asked.

'Securitas allows you and your avatars the ability to detect and tap into any and all Numenor Technology property within line of sight or remote access certain key systems as designated by the user.'

"The user being me," I asked.

'That is correct.'

"Can I keep my avatars from being accessed?"

'That is possible yes; do you wish to activate Securitas?'

"Absolutely," I said feeling a sense of control again after this heinous military security issue.

'One final notification for the user, with great power comes great responsibility. Securitas Protocol initiated.'

With that the Securitas option on the drop down disappeared. This was a one way door and there was no going back now. I looked at Oswald and saw that his eyes had a faint violet glow about them; he was wearing a pair of Jesse's contact lenses! Jesse must trust him a lot indeed!

"Whoa," I muttered.

"Yeah, he trusts you utterly Nick and he knows what you need to survive what is coming."

"How can Jesse know what's coming? Hell even I don't know what's going on."

"Jesse knows because I told him," Oswald said sadly.

"What exactly did you tell him?"

"The truth, the clear untainted and untempered truth," he said.

"I can't see how the truth can be a bad thing," I told him and then I saw the weight of an enormous burden in his eyes.

"I wish that were true," he began. "I am going to do a little rant but listen carefully and maybe you'll get a glimpse of what I have to offer you. If after my erratic path around emotional pitfalls you still want more I will tell you my story in full."

"Agreed," I said. "Just not here, how about a cup of coffee and a nice comfy seat?"

"I will take you up on your kind offer," he said and we headed back to my cabin and there one of the new crew arrived with a pot of coffee and all the amenities.

I couldn't help but notice how cute she was and remembered Petra's words. I was an immature teenage man whore and that was a truth I could live with! I looked over at Oswald and gave him the nod, I was ready.

"I have put much thought into what to say and what to leave out, well here we go," he said as he began his rant. "History is a document meant to give comfort to those who write it and allow it to be read. Do you ever wonder why humanity in its bulk lives in cities? When we lived in small settlements for thousands of years or wandered the land then we suddenly not only built cities but fashioned them so very similarly by cultures that 'apparently' had no contact with one another? What purpose did they serve and do they serve today? Are we really happier with these great concrete and steel edifices? How is it that these great stone structures that lay in the deserts and high up in the mountains Stone Age people constructed but we cannot duplicate to this day? Life, its sole purpose is to survive, reproduce and evolve. There have been multiple extinction level events on this planet and life as we know it was wiped out or so we thought. But there are microbes that can be traced back billions of years; the very first life didn't perish. Makes you wonder what else might have survived. Something clever, something evolved... something sentient? This amazing crystal technology 'you' have developed is cutting edge and new and will no doubt alter the very nature of our society. Is it and will it? And the last, what is the role of the child with the triple helix DNA?"

His voice faded into silence and I sat there and let the images his words had painted take form in my mind. Like walking through a museum I saw each question or subject he had brought up as an exhibition piece. There were scrolls and stone tablets and bound books that represented history. Then there was a mock up of Arkham in all its simple complexity as a small city. Beyond stand the pyramids of Egypt, South America and South East Asia in all their simple and complex glory. Then there was a hologram showing the evolutionary path of man from microbe to Homo Sapiens. At the very last a gleaming image of my DNA strand composed of multi-hued crystals representing the most basic components of my cells. This strange young man with the London accent posed some interesting questions. Now I had to ask myself did I want to know the answers. 

Since Lilith and I had gone over William Bell's library and I had learned the long and winding history of the Order and its viral nature in the young civilization of humanity. There wasn't a corner of the world they didn't touch or know about. I knew the hidden ties between Egypt and Central and South America. I was aware of the magician priests who crossed the ocean and sought out their brothers who followed the Jaguar God and how they were swayed and lulled with the promise of power and wealth. There were the slave ships that had carried the captured enemies of Egypt to be harvested on the blood altars of Tezcatlipoca and the ships that carried gold back to help swell the power and might of the Eternal Master. All the hidden treaties with expanding nations in secret and openly for those eager to join something that offered power and station and wealth. How the Eternal Master managed through might of arms to unite a divided China. But not all lands welcomed him; some chose to remain as they were and thrived anyway. Then there were the blank spots that glared out of the pages where entire cities vanished literally overnight. Thriving communities that for reasons no historian, even the Hidden Master could put down for posterity, or would not? Were there reasons he chose not to record what had happened? Was there a secret so terrible that even the Order feared to pass it on? Life grows, evolves and survives. 

"I will admit that my curiosity is peaked Oswald," I said breaking the silence. "I know things that perhaps you do not, things about the history of the Order that answer some of those questions but raise some other more disturbing ones."

"I imagine you do Nick, before I tell you anything else I will give you a teaser truth as it were and after you verify or in your case rediscover this thing if you still want to know more you know how to contact me." He said tapping the side of his head indicating the contact lenses.

"Okay, what is your teaser?" I asked.

"Find out what you can about the Bloodstone Ring," he said smiling.

"That's it?" I said.

"Yep, but trust me it's more than enough. If you actually manage to find out something I will pay you for the information."

"I'd like to think we are friends Oswald, and friends don't charge for information."

"I would like that too, but you may not feel the same when all is said and done. Goodbye Nick Shaw we will see each other again."

He rose to his feet turned, opened the door and stepped out into the fog. I followed and when I looked for him he could not be found no matter what spectrum I sought him in. What the fuck? I returned to my pot of coffee and poured another cup before summoning Surfer and Lilith.

'Milord,' Surfer said.

"Master," Lilith greeted me.

"Hold still this might tingle a bit," I said and activated Securitas and indicated my two avatars and like that they were free from access save by me.

'That was strange Sir,' Surfer commented.

"MMMMMM daddy is not going to like that," Lilith purred.

'Like what,' Surfer asked.

"Master has severed our access with daddy, only Master Nick may command us from now on." Lilith explained.

'Why would you do that Milord? Do you not trust father anymore?'

"I trust Jesse with my life and he trusted me with this new protocol. I have to believe it was for a very good reason. You must trust me that I know what I am doing."

"MMMMMMMMM Master I trust you completely," Lilith purred.

'And I Sir, you will always have my unwavering loyalty.'

"So, tell me about the military security files Lilith."

"Not much to say, they were filed physically and there is no electronic trail to follow."

"Someone just walked in to file these documents," I asked.

"Yep, someone who knew we could track any electronic transfer of data."

'Have you recovered any security footage, it is a government building after all,' Surfer asked.

"Already ahead of you Surfer dude," Lilith said with a smile. "You are not going to be pleased on two fronts Master."

She projected the stolen video of the person who filed the patents and it was none other than Morrigan. Then Lilith displayed a copy of the signature on the paperwork.

"That's my signature, mother fucker!" I cursed and as I left the room and headed for the wheel house to speak with the captain or whoever was piloting this thing, another long string of harsh syllables fell from my lips echoing all the way down the hallway.

Akira and I sparred and as expected I was getting my ass handed to me but on the plus side I was getting a little better each night. After our warm up sparring match and my chance to vent some steam we worked on my mirror technique. Unlike my last attempt with Lilith I drew on the weaker form of Ki to help me attempt and sense Akira's intent. This form could be maintained longer with much less chance of injury. The energy flowed to my hands with barely a thought and I listened as Akira projected her next move and much to my surprise I felt that little tug but it was a bit stronger this time. I managed to get half way through the form before my Ki began to fail and I faltered. So I sat down on the floor of the helipad and caught my breath as Akira pondered my success and how to progress from here. Since the founding of the Black Lotus School there had never been a male student and she was beginning to think there was a reason for that. But the fact that I was having any success at all was changing her opinion on my chance for eventual mastery of the 'many forms that are one'. So as I sipped from my water bottle and caught my breath I decided to broach the subject of the Bloodstone Ring with Akira.

"Since your family has a long standing with the Sisterhood and therefore the Order I have a question for you."

"If I can be of help I will tell you whatever I know," she said smiling down at me.

"Have you ever heard of an artifact or relic of the Order called the Bloodstone Ring?" Her face darkened and her body language changed immediately to a cautious stance.

"Where did you hear about that?" she said looking around like the night might explode with enemies any second.

"From someone who knows things and feels if I learn about the ring I will have a better understanding of the world at large." I told her honestly.

"Master," she kneeled next to me and I could see the fear in her eyes. "It is dangerous to speak of such things. But I see that if you do not hear it from me you will continue your search and that way lies folly and death."

"Really, I mean it's just a ring isn't it?"

She shook her head and took my hand that had the signet ring on it.

"That is like saying that 'this' is just a ring," she patted the back of my hand and continued. "When the Order was young there were four masters not just three that maintained the status quo. The Lost Master as he is known now was known then as the Master of Blood and was tied to the deeper and darker rituals the Order performed in those bygone days. To maintain control and order among the tribes who carried out ritual sacrifices the Eternal Master added the fourth master to appease them. It is said that the material for that ring was brought over from Central America and forged in the Black Pyramid. The Bloodstone Ring is also called the Star Fall Ring because both the metal and the stone set into it fell from the sky. It was rumored to give the bearer supernatural powers but that is only legend. What is fact is that the last Master of the Blood tried and failed to challenge the Eternal Master for his title and fell during the battle. Neither the body nor the ring were ever recovered."

"How did you learn about it," I asked.

"I am a direct descendant of the man who forged the Star Fall Ring."

"If the ring survived, what would happen if it were recovered?"

"I don't know you would have to bring it up before the Eternal Master. But I doubt he would want to return to the days where people were sacrificed to heathen gods."

"Do you know where this Black Pyramid can be located?"

She shook her head and took her feet.

"Q&A is over its time to try something unusual," she said seriously. "I think we need to try a different tack on your mirror training. We are going to attempt a synergetic cleansing." Akira said as I took my feet.

"Never heard of it, what does it involve?"

"As you know when the meridians that carry your Ki are blocked you get ill and after all that you have been through I never thought about it but it may be hindering your ability to sense my intentions," Akira said.

"So I may still be able to project it but the flow may still be hampered in the traditional sense... hmm makes sense to me. How do we do this thing?"

"We clasp hands so," Akira said taking my left hand in her right and my right hand in her left. "Now relax and listen to my voice Kouryou. Close your eyes and don't fight me. When you feel my Ki enter through your left hand let it flow through you and back into me from your right hand. Once the circuit is established we can send more energy until we are certain your meridians are completely open and flowing normally."




Iron Rain Pt. 10



Thanks for all the input and comments. Much of what has already been posted and yet to be written is already in my head. So if it seems a bit much I am sorry. This has been as much a project to entertain as just have fun in the creation process. I hope you continue to enjoy Nick and friends continuing adventures. 

Part 10

Rise Raven Goddess

"Morrigan," I cursed as she appeared summoned from her matrix crystal.

"Master Nicholas," she said dropping down to one knee and lowering her head.

"You've been very naughty," I said.

"I do naughty very well Master," she smiled and glanced up licking her lips.

"You know what I mean, that business with the patent office," I said anger emanating from me in waves.

"I had no choice Sir; I was commanded to accomplish that task before I came into your possession. If it helps I am sorry to begin our relationship with a mark against me."

"Are there any other tasks I should know about lurking on your to do list?"

"No Master, I am all yours," she purred.

"Why did Jeb hide your crystal in that meteorite," I asked and heard her soft curse before she responded.

"I can be rather willful at times Master and he threatened to destroy my crystal if I didn't behave."

"I take it that hasn't changed has it," I asked and she shook her head. "Okay, listen I don't have the time or patience to be dealing with an unruly avatar okay so let's just make it easy for the two of us from the very beginning."

"Easy is good Master," she said smiling.

I brought up the Securitas drop down and silently asked it a question and smiled when it responded in the affirmative.

"Do it," I muttered and Morrigan flinched visibly and looked up with a looked that was an equal measure of rage and horror.

"Master what did you do?"

"I have set a failsafe into your crystal. If you behave nothing happens however if you become overly willful your higher functions will cease to function on a very permanent basis. Do we have an understanding," I asked and she nodded slowly.

"I will behave Master," Morrigan said softly.

"If something happens to me an auto wipe sequence will initiate automatically if I don't stop it just in case you are thinking outside the box."

"You don't trust me," she asked.

"Not a bit, but now I feel that we have an understanding and you will make sure nothing happens to me, for your own sake if for no other reason."

"I am really missing the old days now more than ever," she pouted.

"Now that we understand each other stand up and tell me what the fuck is going on!"

Morrigan rose to her feet and kept her eyes fixated below my waist. I looked down and saw that my towel had fallen to the floor. I reached down for it and she whimpered.

"What," I asked.

"Do you know how long it has been since I have tasted a man's cock?"

"No idea," I said.

"Fifty years, and before our little encounter in the alley it was even longer since I had a cock in me."

"I take it you are hungry for attention," I asked.

"Yes Master... very... starving..." she said licking her lips.

"HMMMM... tell you what... if you tell me what I want to know I'll let you suck my cock and IF what you tell me pleases me I will let you ride my cock..."

"What if I tell you about the Old Ones? What is that information worth?" she said eyes bright with sexual hunger.

"What Old Ones," I asked.

"HMMMMM, I guess that would be worth say... an entire night of your undivided attention? Eight hours of unbridled lust and satisfaction?"

"If these Old Ones are worth my attention then sure, I will give you a night like you will remember for a hundred years," I told her.

"Deal," she said smiling.

"Deal... now enlighten me..." I began.

"Us... enlighten us," Akira said from behind me.

I looked over my shoulder at her smiling naked form. She blew me a kiss and crooked her finger at me and I followed her back to our bed where she ordered food and drink and Morrigan sat at the foot of the bed.

"Where do you want me to begin Master," Morrigan asked.

"Let's work our way backwards, tell me why you were sent to the patent office and who was responsible."

"I was sent there to make sure Numenor Technology becomes a world power and that the Order maintains control of the majority of the socioeconomic system."

"That would mean that the Eternal Master knows who I am," I said.

"Knows... he is the one who set things in motion all those years ago when you were born; once he was sure of your birthright then the dominos began to fall."

I closed my eyes and groaned as I remembered his words to me when I fought the Grandmaster. 'I am the one responsible for you being here.'

"Why, what is his long term plan," I asked but Morrigan shook her head.

"That I do not know Master, Jeb never said but I suspect even he didn't know."

"Jeb, what does Jeb have to do with this?"

"He holds sway over the Maze and many of the Old Ones follow his banner," Morrigan said smiling.

Maze... Old Ones... one thing at a time I thought.

"Let's get this subject of the Old Ones over with who are they and what their agenda is," I asked and Morrigan and Akira shared a look before the redhead continued.

"That's a long story shall I give you the short version for now," she offered.

"Yeah, but we will go back at some time," I told her.

"Of course Master, now the Old Ones are an ancient people that survived the great ice age that covered the South Pole."

"What? How long ago was that?"

"Give or take a million years? Over a hundred and fifty million years Master," Morrigan said.

I sat there in stunned silence and I remembered all the things Oswald had said. Did we really invent the crystal technology? Morrigan was clearly a sign that we had not. Somehow Jesse had discovered a crystal matrix stone... Lilith?

"Lilith? Jesse found Lilith's stone didn't he?"

"Yes Master," Morrigan said softly as I figured it out.

"It was her that 'inspired' Jesse wasn't it?"

"Yes Master," she said nodding and watching me intently.

"She taught him how to recreate the crystal technology?"

"Yes," Morrigan replied.

"She taught him how to program them?"

"No Master she didn't," Morrigan said sitting upright suddenly.

"No, if she didn't show him how who did?"

"Your friend William of course," she said.

"It all makes sense; all the stumbling blocks that Jesse or Terry ran into William always managed to be there to guide them through it. But how, William can't be any older than me?"

"He isn't," Morrigan said. "That William Bell was born the same year as you."

"Yeah, William Bell Junior and his father William Bell Senior..."

"Father," Morrigan interrupted. "No Master the previous William Bell was born twenty or so years before that and the others before that... and so on all with different names with different purposes to serve their creator."

"Creator, you are not making sense," I said.

"William Bell is an avatar," Morrigan dropped the bomb.

"An avatar, he's a fucking avatar like you?" I screamed.

"No Master, not like me, he is flesh and bone and is not built to last," she said proudly.

"A human avatar to serve... the Eternal Master," I finally made that connection and it burned me.

"Yes Master, the Eternal Master has guided things for so long now and he needs servants to move among humanity as his eyes and ears and his voice."

"HMMMM," I sighed heavily before I asked my next question. "Is the Eternal Master even human Morrigan?"

"Oh yes Master, quite human as much as you are," she said smiling.

"Morrigan..." I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose before speaking again. "Morrigan I have a triple helix DNA so technically I'm not..."

"I know Master so does he," she explained.

"What," but it was Akira who cried out this time.

"Yes Mistress, the Eternal Master also possesses a triple helix life code."

"How do you know for sure Morrigan," I asked.

"When he played the part of the Dagda many centuries ago I was in his possession and knew him intimately well," she smiled at this part.

"The Dagda," I asked.

"It is the Celtic counterpart to Odin, or Zeus well you get the idea."

"I take it, it is still unseemly for a man to ask a woman even an avatar her age," I said.

"I am a lot older than I look and have seen most of what you Master would call the rise of human civilization."

"And I thought my life couldn't get any crazier... I am thinking Oswald and I need to have our little talk and find out what he has to offer at this point. No that's right I still have to find the Bloodstone Ring," I rambled.

"Oswald, do you mean Oswald Sebastian Kane Master?" Morrigan asked.

"You know him?"

"Oh hell everybody has heard of him. He and Jeb go way back!"

I raised an eyebrow and felt that headache begin to grow again.

"Great, I take it he's older than he looks too?"

"Yep, him and the Texan are around the same age," Morrigan said as she counted on her fingers.

"The Texan, do I want to ask who he is?"

"If you want to find the Bloodstone Ring you do, he's the man who currently owns it."

Akira and I shared a glance and then we stared at Morrigan until she continued.

"The Ring has an ugly reputation and an even uglier history. It has been in the Texan's possession for let me see... 1890 until now that'd be 121 years now."

"You mean it's been in his family for that long..." Akira offered.

"No, I mean it's been in one man's possession for that long and he was about twenty something when he first put it on. Of course he doesn't look a day over twenty five last time I saw him. He has a thing for redheads you know."

"Does this Texan have a name Morrigan," Akira asked.

"Quincey Morris, but everybody just calls him Quinn," she said smiling.

"Okay, note to self when we get back to Arkham look up this Quinn fellow," I said aloud. "Now back to William, you said he wasn't built to last what did you mean by that?"

Morrigan thought over how to answer the question perhaps sensing it was a sore subject.

"The biological avatars were a bold new concept and were widely used at first but it was determined that their flaws outweighed their usefulness and they were discontinued or so it was believed. But apparently the Eternal Master sees a usefulness the others did not." She said licking her lips and I could see she was imagining her eight hours with me.

"I gave you my word now please continue, what use did they serve for him?"

"The emotional bond that humans attached to them were much higher than that attributed to holographic personalities," she frowned.

"I take it their lifespan is shorter than yours," Akira asked.

"Oh barely worth mentioning, on the outside barring injury and disease thirty years at best," Morrigan said casually and realized her mistake at once. "I'm sorry Master."

"It's chess but with William playing the part of the 'emotional' pawn that can be sacrificed once its part is played," I said grimly.

"Doesn't the avatar feel any rage or sorrow at its plight," Akira asked.

"I don't know I never asked," Morrigan shrugged. "We are wired differently than humanity Master."

"Explain, besides your obvious callous nature how else do you differ," I hurled.

"Master is unkind, though I do not possess empathy as you may see it I feel and grow as an artificial personality. The society that created us is so very 'inhuman' for lack of a better term. The Old Ones are a very cohesive family orientated society despite thousands of generations and they neither covet nor lust after property or power. That does not mean they do not feel carnal attraction to one another but they do not emotionally 'attach' themselves to one singular mate. When they are attracted to a partner the 'relationship' moves at its own pace and may see any number of other sexual partners enter and leave during that time. But they do not mate for life they are simply not wired that way." Morrigan paused at this point and looked at me and raised an eyebrow. "Master, how do you feel about your sexual partners?"

"Yes Kouryou, how do I fit in the scheme of things?" Akira jumped in unexpectedly.

How did I feel? When it came to protecting Petra or Kat or even Akira I felt a heat of passion because I cared because they were family. When I thought about them in a sexual way, well, there was the obvious attraction and each for a different reason but... there the fire died away. When I thought of them with someone else and I hoped to feel jealousy I felt nothing. They were my family and I found them incredibly hot but as far as possessiveness it just wasn't there.

"I'm sorry Akira, I would die protecting you and I care about you but. I just don't feel any jealousy when I imagine you with someone else. I'm not sure I understand how or why that is," I told them honestly.

"Perhaps I was wrong Master Nicholas," Morrigan said. "You may not be human after all. Perhaps the Eternal Master accomplished more than he realizes?"

"Are you saying that I have more of the Old Ones in me than humanity?"

"It wouldn't be a bad thing really," Akira said moving to spoon behind me. "Think of the incredible legacy that you are part of Kouryou. Think of a people who have thrived for so long and a culture that spans hundreds of millennia." She said her arms circling my waist and her body molding to mine.

"My confusion level has just reached its summit," I said shaking my head. "Are you saying you are okay with me being the way I am? That you are cool with me taking woman after woman to my bed and you would feel no jealousy?"

"Kouryou I accepted you the way you are when I pledged my loyalty to you and your cause. When I saw the light in your eyes when you talked about all the good that you want to accomplish in this world, is there really any room for such petty emotions?"

I began to suspect something, just an inkling really but I was going to have to test my hunch later but for now.

"Morrigan continue your rant please," I said.

"Oh okay, let's see... the community raises the children and everyone shares in the wealth and prosperity of the whole. The Old Ones have known no wars though they have suffered tragedies humanity could never hope to have survived. And for all their faults they look out after their children and hope that one day they will achieve a sort of enlightenment on a global scale."

"You speak as if humans and the Old Ones are related?" I asked.

"They are," Morrigan said tactfully. "Your holy books speak of it clearly enough. Did not the gods create man in his own image?"

"Why," Akira asked.

"There is a strong emotion that ties both the Old Ones and Humanity together, curiosity. They saw the rise of a bipedal creature and thought what harm in nudging it along the evolutionary path. So one was chosen to oversee the project and report back to the Old Ones on all if any progress. Myths paint him in many ways, some call him the giver of fire, other tribes of humanity called him the trickster and others still the devil. But he is all and none of them he was just a scientist working in a very large laboratory. No one expected the onset of sentience in this little project. But it was he who first 'tampered' with the results of the project. He who crossed the line and started all the trouble," Morrigan said.

"Tampered how," I asked and she gave me that knowing smile. "He slept with an early human? Oh... he introduced Old One's DNA into the mix didn't he?"

Morrigan nodded and let me figure the rest out.

"So, there arose a hybrid tribe of humans that were neither human nor fully Old Ones and that had to cause some serious problems," I said.

"We are still seeing the ramifications to this day. The pure strain humans were safely isolated from the contamination for a time but the hybrids needed human stock to 'breed' and infiltrated the colonies and expanded their numbers despite the best of efforts. These Nephilim were a sturdy and resistant strain of infection that could not be easily expunged despite great efforts to eradicate them." Morrigan said sadly.

"Are you talking about Noah's Flood," I asked one of my friend's at the academy was a devout Catholic and would talk about the dangers of being an atheist, good kid just a little overzealous at times.

"That was supposed to be the Nephilim Final Solution but it failed. Somehow the aberration in their DNA stabilized and they were after long generations able to breed amongst themselves and so left humanity as a whole alone, or so it was believed."

"I do not like the sounds of this, I take it the Nephilim survived to modern day?" I asked and Morrigan nodded.

"Not just survived but thrived. True they no longer to breed with humans for they are a species separate and apart but they have formed a kind of parasitic relationship to humanity. It is because of their interference that humanity as a whole is being held back. But removing the Nephilim infection is impossible without killing the host, the entire human race."

"So I take it they look just like humans... these Nephilim?" I asked.

"At first glance but they stand out as a whole for their beauty and perfection of form," Morrigan said.

"Reminds me of you in a way, the perfect symmetry that you possess," I told her.

"It is true that my dimensions are flawless but I was patterned after one of the Old Ones not a Nephilim. So you see the problem now?"

"Hybrids possessing characteristics of the scientist's DNA and that of humanity; yeah I can see how that could piss off a people who were tinkering with a mindless animal and ended up with a lot more than they bargained with. Speaking of, whatever happened to that scientist?"

"He has been trying to make amends by trying to push humanity on the path of enlightenment all these long years," Morrigan said.

"I take it things didn't work out as planned," Akira asked.

"Um no, he is not allowed to directly interfere but can try to persuade strong leader types to step up and nudge things along. He has used prophets, military leaders and even the occasional religious figurehead to steer a spiritual course for humanity but the Nephilim always step in and screw the pooch. The religious wars that are now prevailing and the need for one sect to be right over the other... it just screams Nephilim. They sow chaos wherever they can to keep humanity from becoming what it could be." Morrigan said and fell silent.

I stood up and looked out over the ocean with its gentle waves trying to process all that Morrigan had said. I let my mind drift with the waves and saw the connecting pattern of one wave as it flowed into the next. Each action has so many unforeseen affects and how could anyone possibly plot them all? I knew that Oswald and I needed to speak again and soon but before that happened I had to find this Texan, this Quinn so that I could ask him about the Bloodstone Ring. Suddenly I remembered some of Oswald's words and they came back to haunt me. Cities, what purpose did they truly serve? Man was quite content to have small settlements or wander after game. I am sure that life was harder but is what we have now any better in the long run? I thought of my friends from the academy who had grown up in small towns and the light in their eyes when they talked about home and family. Cities... parasites... chaos... what was the connection? She said that the Nephilim were a parasite linked with humanity. What does a parasite do... it feeds off of them! But she couldn't mean a literal feeding could she? Let's say she does I thought what is the easiest way to gather prey and hunt them? Keep the herd animal in a corral just like mankind does with cattle! Cities are the Nephilim's corrals for humanity! I spun around to face the bed.

"Oh My God... they are using cities as hunting grounds! They keep human's close to keep the culling easier!"




Iron Rain Pt. 10



"Master is brilliant," Morrigan said smiling. "But Master must know something about the Nephilim they are not monsters. Like humans they are not all bad no organism is truly evil but there are strains that are more virulent than others."

I sat down on the edge of the bed and thought it through. Morrigan was correct, for all its faults humans as cruel as they can be there are always others who are selfless and gentle. 

"Well I guess I will just have to judge them as I meet them," I said. "Those that are benevolent or at least benign I don't see I have a quarrel with, but those that kill for the sake of killing are in for a rude awakening."

"As it should be with anyone Master," Akira said.

"I think we are done for now Morrigan, I need to let this all sink in," I told her and felt her press her tits against my back.

"If Master requires a distraction," she purred in my ear.

"I never did ask why you are the only avatar that is working," I looked over my shoulder and gazed into her emerald green eyes.

"Well there can only be one explanation for that..." she began.

"We got GPS!" the Captain shouted.

"...a strong naturally occurring electromagnetic field," Morrigan finished. "We must have just drifted out of its area of affect."

"So was that the Bermuda Triangle we just left?" I asked but Morrigan shook her head.

"Nope we are far too easterly for that. I suspect an uncharted meteor strike, a big one by the field's ability to mess with your ship's GPS and the other avatars. Highly localized and enough to throw ships and planes off course though, the two might be linked." Morrigan pondered.

I felt Morrigan's head rest on my back and the confusion her rant had inspired had managed to shoot down my sex drive but I would try and make it up to her later. I had so much on my plate now that the last thing I wanted was that kind of distraction.

"I need your help Morrigan and yet I am deathly afraid of asking for it. I am afraid that at some critical moment when I need you the most you will fail me. How do I resolve that?"

"MMMM," she purred running her hands over my chest. "Would you like to see what my 'willfulness' wrought and maybe that would help you understand me better?"

"How do I know what you'll show me is real and not some lie," I asked her.

"I will let Lilith show you from her memories and that way it won't be me trying to influence you."

"We shall see, but first we find a nice safe place for your crystal," I said walking over the fridge and opening the safe. 

I took out the tetrahedron and noticed a distinct reaction between the pyramid in my left hand and the crystal in my right.

"What the hell," Akira murmured.

"Took the words right out of my mouth," I said as I brought the two closer together and felt vibrations build in the device the closer the crystal got to it.

When they were scant inches from one another the tetrahedron began to twist and shift all on its own until with a loud 'click' the top opened revealing its mirror bright interior with a single round recess that appeared to fit Morrigan's crystal perfectly. Jesse you crazy son of a bitch what did you do? I did the only logical thing and with breath held I set the large glittering stone into the pyramid's guts and waited for the inevitable. The moment the crystal touched the metallic ring within the tetrahedron the top began to close slowly. I pulled my hand free and set the device down on the table and we waited. But what happened next was nothing like I expected. Morrigan simply vanished and then...

"Nick! Your wrist," Akira cried out and I looked down to see the plume of smoke rising from the watch and I took it off as quickly as I could and tossed it to the floor. 

Another tendril of smoke rose from my tablet and I realized that Surfer's crystal had been destroyed. Lilith and Surfer were no more; somehow Morrigan had managed to destroy her two rivals in one fell swoop. Then the humming from the pyramid started again and the four capstones began to glow with a clean clear white light. When the glow faded I noticed a definite change in their color and their quality. The top capstone had taken on a silvery-white color to it, another of the stones was now a gorgeous ruby color, another was a deep emerald hue and last was one so black it seemed to absorb the light around it. 

"What the FUCK just happened," I hollered.

The response was again not what I was anticipating. I hooded figure appeared and the menace from the thing was almost palpable. The cut of its robes told me that it was both to inspire fear and awe but was also combat appropriate and would not hamper the person wearing them. 

"Who are you," I said taking a step towards the avatar.

The avatar lifted up its hands and pulled back the hood revealing a mask of polished black glass that reflected my face but it was one contorted with fear and doubt. Interesting considering I was feeling neither at the time; the avatar stretched out its hand and a black radiance shot out and fell on my right hand and in a moment it held up its right hand and perfect copy of the Hidden Master's ring was upon its finger. I smiled and shook my head.

"Jesse you are a genius," I said.

"I don't understand," Akira said gazing at the dark avatar but I did all too well.

"It's me," I told her and the silent figure nodded. "It's me as the Hidden Master."

I walked up and laid my hand on its chest and could feel the corded muscle beneath the robes and knew that it could think, fight and act in my capacity if needed.

"Brilliant," she said. "But what about Surfer and the others, what happened to them?"

"Take a closer look at the capstones," I said pointing. "One is silver; one is red, another green and the last black. Somehow Jesse transferred the avatars into these larger more sophisticated crystals. The why is what I don't understand."

"With Lilith's help I was able to bridge the gap between our digital constructs and those of the Old Ones," the image of Jesse said as it appeared next to the dark avatar.

"So if Morrigan's avatar is in one of those smaller crystals; what is the larger crystal in the pyramid for?" I asked Jesse.

"It is what it was meant to be all those long years ago, a library. The Old Ones stored all their history and findings and thoughts in these larger crystals but they discovered maintaining the knowledge was a tedious thing on its own. So they devised the concept of digital constructs to upkeep and more easily facilitate the distribution of information."

"Holographic librarians," Akira asked.

"Exactly, but what they didn't expect was that they would develop awareness and personalities. All too often they underestimated the things they created or tinkered with." He said smiling sadly. "Grim here is the pinnacle of my craft. He is you down to the micron inside and out. I augmented the Morrigan template and well he is the male counterpart to her and possesses all of Lilith's shape shifting abilities and Surfer's gentle soul. He knows what you know, feels what you feel and most importantly he has your unerring moral compass."

"Whoa," I said and looked at the dark avatar with a renewed sense of wonder. "Let me see your face."

The avatar reached up and lifted the mask free and I saw my face but not as I was born but if I were born as an Old One. Was I being a bit narcissistic but he was easy on the eyes? 

"Damn Kouryou he looks just like you," Akira said.

"What," I said turning to look at her. "He looks like me but hardly a twin."

The utter confusion on her face and the way she cocked her head to the side told me that she saw me differently than I did myself.

"Tell me what you see Akira," I said and stood next to the dark avatar.

"Besides you being naked I can't tell you apart," she said smiling.

I spun around and looked at the features of the digital construct and they had not changed they were perfect as they had been when first I saw him.

"Jesse, what's going on? I thought you said you augmented the Morrigan template for a male counterpart." I asked feeling a lump of fear in my chest.

"I did, Morrigan is the most advanced avatar we had access to so I used her as a basis for your Hidden Master avatar," he explained.

"But his appearance," I said. "I don't really look like that do I?"

"He is a very accurate scan of your physical features as well as your neural patterns as well, to better mimic your decision making process."

"So if I send him in as the Hidden Master he will act and react as I would?"

"Exactly, as close as I can emulate your complex thought patterns. You have a habit of thinking outside the box though, in those cases he will ask for your aid," Jesse said smiling.

"His features... my face... how could I not see," I asked sitting down now.

"I believe that some sort of emotional defense mechanism was set in place keeping the truth of your racial heritage from your perception until now." Jesse said thinking out loud. "Some unconscious part of you knew you were different from a young age and you have portrayed a flawed reflection to allow you to live a normal life."

"Is that even possible," I asked.

"It is a well known fact that children who are abused at an early age forget those horrible events often for decades until a trigger moment occurs and it all comes rushing back. This is your trigger moment," Jesse's image said walking around me and the avatar.

"I have noticed a lack of mirrors aboard the ship in this stateroom as well as your previous one." Akira said. "In fact we had to place a mirror in Kat's bathroom and in her bedroom after you moved into this cabin. When you shave Kouryou how do you do it?"

"Well I, I do it by touch more often than not, while I am in the shower," I replied.

"And when you brush your teeth?"

"I usually watch television while I sit and brush and floss..." I said seeing the facts laid out in front of me. "...oh my god, ever since my mom died I don't think I've used a mirror either in my bathroom or elsewhere. I've just never pardon the pun saw the necessity for one."

"Interesting, but what is important is this you have friends you can rely upon and we have always seen you as you are and nothing has changed," Jesse said smiling.

I looked at the pyramid and the crystals and I suddenly realized something.

"Jesse, if Morrigan has been transferred to one of these capstone crystals, who is inside the library crystal?"

"Why I am Nick that has been my long term plan since hearing about it from Lilith. Imagine what secrets and knowledge are hidden away that we have no idea how to access it otherwise. We don't know the correct questions to even ask to access the Old Ones secrets."

"Is it safe Jesse? I mean they wouldn't allow just anyone to peruse their library," I said.

"I'm not just anyone Nick; I am Jesse's digital construct. I am that essence hungry for learning and I am sure that my curiosity burns as bright as theirs ever did."

"Well good luck Jesse, I hope you find everything you hope for there."

"Thanks, I will be in touch," Jesse said and his image disappeared and the pyramid went dark.

"Why do I feel like I just lost another friend," I said lowering my head.

"Master," my own voice said as the dark avatar spoke. "He isn't dead he is exploring a realm he only dreamed existed. Just think of the joy he must be experiencing."

The words were not mine but the sentiment was that part was dead on. Don't mourn your friend he is delving deep into his lifelong dream. If this dark avatar was going to fill in for me he had a lot of learning to do.

"Okay Grim now we need to get you up to speed when it comes to properly portraying me in the guise of the Hidden Master. I am open to suggestions at this point; I am not sure how this process works so if you have any ideas?"

"Actually I could shadow you and observe quietly and when I feel I have learned enough I can tell you," Grim said.

"Works for me, how do propose following me around," I asked.

"Like this," he said walking behind me and poof he was gone.

But he wasn't gone he had literally become my shadow, subtle and effective I liked it. Grim had mad ninja skills I thought and laughed.

"What's so funny Kouryou," Akira asked shaking her head.

"Nothing, just a funny thought crossed my mind. "It is time to wake up the others and see how the transfer affected them. Surfer... Lilith... Morrigan?"

The capstones glittered and then like waking from a long sleep the three appeared and it was Surfer's appearance I noticed immediately. Before his transfer Surfer was the epitome of CGI graphics and moved with a natural grace that was had always been pleasant to see but now. He was the Surfer as the artist dreams to see him but their art is unable to capture the essence. His proportions were heroic the way all super heroes are drawn but it was the light in his eyes, the way the light was captured and reflected and my own warped reflection caught upon his perfect physique. The most obvious change was the mirrored kilt he wore and the hint of a very masculine organ hidden beneath it. I wonder whose idea that was.

"Master Nicholas, it is so good to see you I was worried for your safety," were the first words out of his mouth.

Before I could say a single word Lilith was in my arms and her mouth was on mine and the moan escaped me and she replied in kind.

"Master," Lilith said breaking our kiss, "I am so glad to see you alive."

I looked over at Morrigan who shrugged and shook her head.

"I am glad to be alive, now do you mind telling me what the hell has you two so upset and concerned over my health?" I asked.

I could tell by Akira's stance that she was equally concerned and ready to act upon my will. The two avatars looked at each other and it was Surfer who began.

"Well, you wanted me to do a very thorough investigation about the Iron Rain," he began.

"We found something while we were waiting for your summons," Lilith added.

"What something, what did you find?"

Steel Wind Trumps Iron Rain

Petra Shaw was deep in REM sleep when the door to her cabin opened silently inward. She was dreaming of watching Kat and the four men licking, teasing and most importantly fucking her. All the while she had to kneel and watch as the last man pulled out of her and slammed his cock into Kat's pussy. The look of pure bliss as cock after cock penetrated her ass, pussy and throat. She shouldn't be angry or jealous of her daughter she wasn't the one who put her in that situation. If anyone did it was Nick, Nick made her watch as her daughter was violated. It was Nick's cock in Kat's ass for so damn long! MMMMMM so long and thick Petra moaned in her sleep as she imagined Nick sliding into her pussy getting it nice and slick before he rammed it deep into her...

"OHHHHHH," Petra moaned out loud as the dildo moved in and out of her pussy.

In her dream she could almost feel that fat thick cock moving in and out of her. She was rolling onto her side and fingers slick with lube were easing into her tight little asshole.

"UNNNNNNNN Yessssssssss," she moaned as the fingers violated her rectum and began thrusting now.

Oh yes baby you've forgiven me and are going to fuck my ass aren't you lover. Then the long hard thickness slid into her ass without ever leaving her pussy.

"MMMMMHMMMMMM," she growled and licked her lips as the double headed dildo did its work.

The two cocks thrust as one into both holes and she ground against them loving the feeling of being so full.

"Wake up," I said as I thrust the toy in and out of her holes. "Wake up Petra."

She heard my voice but it was so far away and she felt so good. Then came the hard swat on her ass cheek and Petra was dragged from her dream to feel that the sensations weren't just the dream.

"OH God," she purred, "Feels so damn good!"

"I'm glad," I said as I thrust the toy into her as hard and fast as I could.

"MMMMMM, I'm gonna cum baby," she was panting now as her orgasm built and built and the toy moved like a machine in and out, in and out. "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she screamed as her body shook in the grip of so strong a climax.

The toy was yanked from her holes and then my fingers were in her hair and she was being drug to the floor. Instinctively she opened her mouth and was rewarded with my hard cock being rammed into it. I grabbed the other side of her head and was fucking her throat as if it were her pussy. But she was used to my bouts of anger and depression since this whole mess began. She felt the tip of his cock pop into her throat and she moaned sending vibrations through my sensitive organ. Petra glanced up and saw my eyes were closed and tears were running down my face. Something was amiss and she wanted to reach out to me but apparently what I needed now was a vessel for my release and she was happy to be that person. I pulled out of her throat, reached down and grabbed her by her calves. Before she knew what was going on she was on her back and then up onto her shoulders with her pussy pointing at the ceiling. I straddled her and rammed my iron hard cock into her and was bouncing up and down driving my hardness deeper than I had ever done before! I bent her legs downward so that her feet were by her face and I was straddling her sex and hammering away harder than usual. I was being absolutely brutal tonight and her pussy loved it. Petra could only pant and moan as my tears fell on her ass cheeks and roll down her back. The sense of wrongness grew as I lifted up and rammed my cock into her ass without warning and only the toy's preparation saved her from real trauma. 

"NICKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK," she screamed as the pain/pleasure raced through her.

"Shut up bitch!" my only words to her.

The fear crept into her belly and the chill ran from there. I was a lot of things but that was not play talk I was bitterly angry. 

"Stop Nick... I don't want to play anymore," Petra managed to spit out between the waves of pleasure and pain coursing through her.

"I said shut the fuck up you lying whore!" I wasn't playing I was furious and Petra was the source of his rage.

I was punishing her the only way I knew how. Sex. My cock pounded into her without mercy and soon the pain overwhelmed any pleasure she could receive. 

"It hurts Nick... you are hurting me..." she whispered.

"Like you hurt me with your lies?" Suddenly and so fast she had problems breathing I was out of her ass and she was moving in the air and her body slamming down onto the bed.

My hand clamped down on her thigh the one with the tattoo.

"Did you ever love him? Your first husband did you feel anything for him before you murdered him?"

Petra closed her eyes and began to weep and the harsh slap across the face forced her eyes open.

"I asked you a fucking question; did you ever feel anything for him?"

"Yes, I loved him deeply but my first duty has always been and will always be the Order."

"What happened? Explain to me why?"

I sat between her legs my gaze fixed on the three perpetual tears that stained her skin. 

"Nick, the women of my family has been a part of the Sisterhood and serving the Hidden Master for generations. I was taught from the moment that I could walk that everything we had, was because of the benevolence of the Master. The very air we breathed was a gift from him. When my mother killed a rival for the attentions of another man it was because it was required. So when I was chosen to marry it was for the good of the Order and I did so happily. I wanted; no I needed my chance to prove my worth to the man who had given our family everything! I found my husband crass and rough around the edges but he was a good provider and an adequate if uninventive lover. But he gave me Kat and for that I was grateful."

"Did you raise Kat the same way? Does she know about the Order, the Sisterhood?"




Iron Rain Pt. 10



"Of course she does Nick, why do you think she is so compliant by nature? Why she is so talented a lover I taught her all that I could."

"Does she know you killed her father?"

"No, I didn't kill him. I turned off the alarm and left with Kat so that members of the Iron Rain who did want to join the Order would come to power. Yuri refused the Grandmaster three separate times; he was always a willful man. That pride cost him his life and for that I am sorry, truly sorry."

"Is that why you still wear his brand, because you still love him on some level?" I asked seeking the truth in her eyes and her voice.

"Nick... yes Nick I still have feelings for the man I betrayed. I will accept any punishment you deem fit for my indiscretion. Before you ask yes I married your father because I was ordered to but yes I honestly do care for him." She said new tears flowing.

"I have seen the pain in your eyes when he leaves and know your joy when he is near. I have sent word to the current leaders of the Iron Rain. I am going to reassign them and have them doing guard duty on the pipelines in Africa for the desalinization plants there. I am doubling their pay and shutting down their Russian operations effective immediately. They will be out of Europe before Xmas or suffer the consequences. So now we wait."

"If they follow your orders," Petra asked trembling.

"If they follow then they get to live and we have a nice quiet Christmas vacation in Germany with dad." I said.

"If they don't..." she began to ask.

"...if they don't they will die by the hands of those police that are loyal to us and the problem is solved either way."

"Nick," she said sitting up and laying a gentle hand on the side of my face.

"It's just the beginning Petra. I have plans; granted they are short term but the long term effects will be wide spread."

"What kind of plans Nick? You look so serious."

"I have had Surfer and Lilith look at the entire budget of the U.S. and I have seen ways to cut some spending in unnecessary upkeeps that will save tons of money and improve the lives of millions of people all in one fell swoop."

"That's a good thing isn't it, why so glum," Petra asked not guessing the nature of the cuts and the extreme decision I had come to.

"Yes it is a good thing," I said unsure but the hard decisions always come with an emotional price.

"Are you staying," she asked stroking my chest.

"No but tonight's entertainment will be memorable. Now be a good girl and put on your blindfold and hang on tight it's going to be a bumpy ride."

I stepped outside and Grim was waiting.

"You've watched the footage and you can do the whole split thing?" I asked him.

For answer where one Grim stood there were now three all equally eager for what was to come.

"You trust me," Grim asked.

"If not you who; be gentle but forceful is all I can offer as advice."

"I will do my best, how long?" the avatars asked in unison.

"Oh, I'd say at least eight hours or until she absolutely begs for you to stop whichever comes first."

"We will make you proud," they said and silently slipped into the room.

I stood by the open door for a little while listening to her gasp of surprise and then the sounds of love play as she began to suck them off and one moved between her legs to lick her to her first of many orgasms. That'll keep her busy while this is begun.

"Surfer," I called out.

'Yes Milord, I was afraid you were going to kill her,' he said.

"I was, but I thought of how it would affect my dad. How goes the research?"

'With my new peripherals I should be able to finish my homework in less than a week,' he said frowning.

"Just do a very thorough job; it is very important there are no mistakes on this one a lot of lives are at stake." I said and felt the cheer and light lift right out of me.

'Sir as your friend I have to ask are you absolutely sure about this?' his expression mirroring mine.

"No but it is a first step in drastic changes that must be made. Make sure you double check your work and when you are done inform me."

'Yes Milord.' And with those two words he went about his stated tasks.

I made my way to the helipad and finding it empty I went to my cabin and retrieved my birthday gift and returned to the highest point in the ship and unsheathed the katana and began the first kata. I threw myself into its movements and when I reached the end I slipped immediately into the next one and then the one after and so on. Panting and covered in a layer of sweat I knelt and sheathed the weapon and meditated upon my course of action. The world was in such a poor condition and it was now that a man with the will could break down the existing corruption and chart a course that could lift up humanity as a race and shake off the parasites that fed off of it. But what was required would either name me savior or devil for the path I saw was not without the shedding of blood. Should I, just because I could did that make it right? I sent my thoughts out and up asking for a sign. Prayer is asking for a sign, meditation is listening for a response. 

"Nicholas Shaw," the voice was very feminine and very real.

I opened my eyes and looked over my shoulder to see a girl about my age wearing a button up cotton shirt, jeans and tennis shoes. Her long blonde hair was so fair it almost appeared white. Her skin was sun kissed and heavily tanned but I knew it was from being outside working and not laying about. She had a pleasant oval face with stunning good looks and eyes like molten silver.

"Pardon my language but who the hell are you?" I asked and she just smiled.

"My friends call me Thorn and I am here to help you," she said moving to sit opposite me. "You have some very heavy choices on your plate. If you do nothing and just let things go as they have your gut tells you the world will only get worse and in that you are correct. If you follow through with your plans the world will improve drastically but you will be personally responsible for the deaths of millions if not more. I can't tell you what to do but I can give you some obscure advice if you desire." Her voice was soft and strong and so very easy on the ear.

"Thorn, do I need to ask how you got on my boat or how you found me?" I asked her but she just smiled and shook her head. "Okay, you obviously know what I plan to do otherwise you wouldn't be here. What would you do?"

"Ah that's the stickler, I can't do anything even if I wanted to," she said with a slight frown.

"Why is that?"

"If you were to drop a stone into a pool what would happen," she asked me.

"There would be ripples that spread out from the point where the stone hit the water."

"Exactly, the same is not true of me. If I were to drop that very same stone it would simply sink with no sign of its passage whatsoever."

"That's not possible," I told her.

"I wish it were otherwise but I am a Zeitgeist, and I may observe time but cannot directly affect it in any way. Now to answer your question, if I were you I would move slowly but move you must. You are very fond of chess. Look at this as your opening move and do not commit your forces until you see how your enemy reacts to your pawn."

"I can see the wisdom in that, anything else you can offer in the way of advice," I asked her.

"If I were you," she said smiling. "I would make sure of your pieces before you attempt to move them."

"So some of my pawns may belong to my enemy is that it?"

"I have told you all I can Nick, for what it's worth I hope it's you who prevails."

"There are no guarantees in life," I muttered and she was gone.

"Kouryou, who are you talking to," it was Akira's voice and I opened my eyes and she stood opposite me on the helipad.

"I was meditating upon my next course of actions for the company and the Order," I told her.

"Did you receive an answer?"

"Yeah, but it has left me more confused in some ways and clearer in others."

"My visions from my meditations often leave me feeling the same way," she said smiling. "If you are ready we should begin."

"I could use the distraction," I said standing up and bowing low ready and eager for the six or more hours of uninterrupted training.

The hot water from the shower soothed my aching muscles as I let the physical fatigue take its toll while it could. My body's ability to restore both my mental and physical energy had become a nearly preternatural thing now. When I first began training with Akira those short weeks ago I could lay in bed for a few hours in a nice blissful state of drowsiness as I rested and recuperated. Now however by the time this shower was over I would be back to one hundred percent. It was as if the harder I pushed myself the more my body liked it instead of the other way around. My stamina and strength grew daily now and I saw no plateaus or limits for the time being. Was this how all the others were? These prehuman races that had existed for so long our distant parents that were so far up the evolutionary tree we, I can't say we anymore can I, humans were much closer to the ground than they were. Where did I sit in the scheme of things? 

"Lilith," I softly called out.

"Yes Master," she appeared behind me like the Jinn from the lamp her naked body pressing against me in the most sensuous of ways.

"MMMMMMM, I had a vision while I was meditating." I told her.

"MMMMMMMaster, isn't that something you usually discuss with the silvery one?"

"Normally I would but my gut tells me you might understand this particular subject matter better," I said moaning as her hand reached around and began stroking me slowly.

"Master knows that I would do 'anything' to help," she purred in my ear her nipples pressing against my back.

"Have you ever heard of a Zeitgeist," I asked and the stroking stopped and I felt her fangs nipping my neck flesh.

"Does this particular Zeitgeist have a name Master," she asked resuming the stroking.

"There are many," I asked.

"No Master there were never many but enough."

"She said her name was Thorn," I said as Lilith began to squeeze and stroke now.

"Thorn! I haven't seen her in well a very long time," Lilith moaned now turning me around and hopping up into my arms.

My cock pierced her to the core and I began to lift and drop her onto my hardness as she related to me Thorn's story.

"MMMMMMM she is the youngest of the Zeitgeist but also the most skilled. SSSSSS oh yes Master that feels so good! She is the culmination of avatar technology. It was she who first was able to touch a corporeal being. It was she who predicted the Fall. And if she came to you it can mean only one thing Master," she moaned in my ear.

"UNNNNNNN," I grunted in her ear. "What's that Lilith?"

"The Old Ones know that you exist and they are not against you," Lilith began to squeeze her pussy around me as I pressed her back against the wall of the shower and thrust into her faster now.

"That is a good thing I take it," I moaned as my climax came up suddenly.

"Oh a very good thing, if they were against you we wouldn't be having this discussion. OHHHHH Yessss Master I can feel you swelling inside of me... fill me up please!"

"UNNNNN UNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," I thrust into her one last time my cock spurting hard. "This Thorn could have hurt me?" I managed to say once I caught my breath and I set her down on her feet.

"Hurt you, Master if Thorn wanted she could have lobotomized you." Lilith said turning away and grabbing her ankles.

Angry sex is the best! I think Lilith said what she said and how she said it for just that reaction. I pounded her pussy as the anger welled up and I lost count of her orgasms but I came like three more times. 

I left the shower with her going to help Surfer on his homework and my cock still at full mast when I stepped into the bedroom and saw not one but two Akiras. 

"One of us is the real Akira," purred one naked woman.

"The other is a naughty and sex starved slave," the other moaned.

"If you can determine who is who we will allow you to ass fuck one or both of us," they said together.

"What brought this on," I asked as they rose from the bed and moved to stand around me and a blindfold was placed over my eyes.

"Grim told us what you had him do to poor Petra," one of them purred in my ear.

"Three cocks and one woman," a nip on my right ear and a soft moan later. "What woman doesn't dream of that sort of treatment and for six hours straight! That was amazingly nice of you."

"So we decided you deserved some similar treatment," a hand on my cock and tits pressed against my back. "Which begins... now!"

The hand on my cock was replaced by a mouth and tongue as the other moved around to kiss me and our love play began in earnest. The mouth on my cock was very eager indeed and very soon she was deepthroating me and I suspected it was Morrigan but I decided right then and there I didn't care who was pleasuring me. I snatched up the woman kissing me and surprised her by lifting her up so that she was in front of me but high enough not to interfere with whoever was kneeling and sucking my cock. With slow deliberate movements I inverted the Akira in my grasp and began lapping away at her pussy while the two of them took turns licking and sucking. 

"UNNNN UNNNNNN UNNNNNN NNNNNNNick we are supposed to be.... Oh gods... taking care of you!"

My answer was to find her clit and lap away at it with nice slow movements of my tongue. I felt her legs quiver and I suckled her clit and heard her gasp and growl as I knew she wanted either my cock in her mouth or her pussy. The two of them traded off licking and sucking like professional wrestlers and their technique was identical I couldn't tell one from the other. Thankfully I had taken some of the edge off with Lilith in the shower but still the sheer desire for me to cum was enough to start that tingling sensation in my toes.

"Okay somebody is getting fucked and soon," I growled.

"Not until you cum down one of our throats," one of them said.

"Oh is that how it is," I moaned.

"MMMMMMMMMHMMMMMMMMM," the one moaned with my cock buried deep in her throat.

"Keep that up and I will be shooting off soon," I whimpered.

Not missing that obvious clue the gal with my cock in her mouth began to hum as she sucked me off and kept it up and when they switched the other girl began moaning around my shaft the moment it slid into her mouth. Normally I could have lasted a while longer but the double teaming was having a very positive effect on me and I was thrusting now and even inverted that Akira was able to get her throat fucked without gagging. Now as my cock began to swell telling them I was close they began to moan and beg for cum.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM please shoot down her throat she wants to taste you," one would purr.

"NNNNNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNNNNN I can see how deep your cock is sliding down her throat I know you want to cum," the other would beg.

I lowered the Akira in my arms to the floor and let the both kneel to make it easier for either of them to swallow. I wasn't sure a girl could swallow while upside-down. That tingling sensation had become that pleasure that could no longer be contained any longer and with a guttural cry of release one of them was swallowing eagerly as we shared my first orgasm with them. 

Next I was lead to the bed and I lay down in the middle and the little minxes tied off wrists and ankles to keep me right where they wanted me. How many times had I subjected either Petra or Kat to this sort of treatment but for me this was the first time. To be honest I wasn't sure I was going to like it at all until the teasing began. I could hear their little conspiratory whispers.

"Like we agreed no hands," one said.

"Feet don't count as hands do they," the other asked.

"I suppose not but that kind of violates the spirit of the agreement," the first girl said.

"Speaking of violating..." and that was the end of that.

I felt her hair fall like silken smoke and begin to drift across my semi-hard flesh and remembering what Sora had done to me it wasn't long before I was rock fucking hard. 

"MMMMMMMMM oh my god," I moaned.

"I told you he'd like it," a voice said.

"Yeah, yeah clocks ticking," the other mumbled.

"Don't fight me I want to win this," the first voice moaned.

"Hey now that's cheating," the other cried foul.

"Is it cheating to tell him I want to be the first to feel him inside of me?" the first asked.

"Yes," the other bemoaned.

"Is it cheating to tell him how wet I am and how easy his cock will slide deep into me?" the first asked a lilt in her voice.

"Yes," the other growled.

"Is it cheating to tell him I already have a toy slid up my ass stretching it out eager for him to fuck me there too?" she purred.

"Yes it is you dirty little slut now shut up and make him cum so I get my turn!"

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM I was just asking," the first moaned.

There was grumbling from my left side and the delicious sensation of the other's long mane teasing me unmercifully. I felt the other leave the bed and the soft whisper of her feet on the carpeting.

"Where are you going," the girl teasing me asked.

"Nowhere," the other replied from far away.

"Now who's the dirty little tramp slipping anal beads into her tight... little... asshole...?"

"Shh it was supposed to be a surprise," the other complained.

"Sorry but you do look so very naughty as you slip them in so nice and slow into your tight little bum."

"MMMMMMMMMMM you think so," the other purred.

"Oh yes very," the first said as my cock began to twitch at all the visuals she was giving me. "He's close to climaxing my dear want a taste?"

I felt the body as it landed on the bed and as the hair teased my second climax from me I felt those delicious lips wrap around mere seconds before... I could almost feel her swallows as she drank deep and oh so eagerly.

"I'm never going to beat your time," the other pouted now.

"MMMMMMMM now if you don't try you'll never know now will you? Here let me drizzle lube over those gorgeous tits of yours/mine I mean. Your nipples are getting so hard girl and how can any man refuse a titty fuck from the likes of you? Look he's already hard and ready for you."

The next thing I know a slick silky pair of tits wraps around me and the other begins to move her body up and down teasing and pleasing me. When the head of my cock pops out from between them I feel her tongue flicker over the sensitive head. 

"How does that feel lover," she purred. "I want to drink some more of your cum." She said accentuating that with her lips wrapped around the tip of my dick and her tongue swirling all around it.

It was obvious they both wanted to be the first to feel me inside of them and to be bluntly honest at this point I didn't care who it was. She captured my cock with her tits again and pressing them tighter around me and her tongue was doing wonders on pushing me over the edge. 

"MMMMMMM please cum for me lover," she moaned as she suddenly deep throated me and I felt her tongue swirl around the shaft as she sucked and licked for all she was worth.

That sudden frenzied carnal attack sent me from feeling warm and fuzzy to a nut busting orgasm. She was almost choked as the torrent of cum took her by surprise as well. 

"You win," said the first, "With seconds to spare."

"We are going to share... besides let's give him a minute or two to catch his breath."

"What's that your holding," the first asked.

"What does it look like," the second responded.

"It appears to be a double headed dildo, are you suggesting we...?"

"UH HUH, let him hear us fucking each other while he waits."

"Oh that's just cruel... NNNNNNNNNNNNN damn that thing is thick..."

"MMMMMMMMMMM now just hold still and NNNNNNNNNNNN yeah that's the ticket."




Iron Rain Pt. 10



I could hear them but could only imagine them both on their hands and knees each with one head of the dildo deep inside their pussies. The slow movement as she drove their asses towards the other fucking themselves and the other at the same time. I could just make out the soft sounds of the toy as they moved in unison and their soft moans of pleasure. True to form I was painfully hard in no time at all and their moans only made it worse.

"MMMMMMMMM look how hard he is," said one of them.

"I bet it feels better than this," said the other.

"MMMMMMMMM oh I know it does," purred one.

"Perhaps we should... NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN oh god... getting..."

"...so fucking close to cumming!"

I could hear them slamming their bodies together now and wondered if I had been forgotten entirely. A moment later a dual harmonious howl arose and I knew they had both come at the same time. Go fuck yourself just took on a whole new meaning.

"Damn lover your cock is like oozing precum and I bet it's eager to be inside of me," a voice said.

I could only nod and felt the shift of body weight and a tight wet pussy envelope the head of my cock and then suddenly she dropped impaling herself and nearly sending me over the edge. My grunt of surprise left my lungs and echoed over the room and both of them giggled in delight. I wanted to ram my hips upward as she dropped down. I wanted to feel my cock shoot hot cum into her tight pussy. I wanted to fuck them both until they couldn't walk, technically. But that's not what happened. There came a knock on the door and someone went and opened the door which could only mean that it was Morrigan that was riding my cock. I could barely make out the words 'Majestrix' 'critical' 'dead' before I heard the door flung open and Akira leaving hurriedly.

"Hmm, I wonder what's going on," I heard Morrigan mutter and poof she was gone like a wet dream upon waking.

Suddenly I realized I was alone and completely immobile oh yeah and naked with a raging hard on. Then I heard the door close and the soft sound of cloth hitting the carpeting. Then a voice so soft I almost didn't hear her say...

"MMMMMMMMM it would be a crying shame to waste such a fine specimen of erection," her Cajun accent was all the sensuous as I felt her weight upon the bed and straddle me. "Mister I ain't sure who you are but hold on you are in for a real treat!"

I felt her petite hand wrap around the shaft of my cock and aim it carefully between her pussy lips. She rubbed the head across her labia and I heard her guttural moan.

"Okay girlie here goes I hope it fits," she moaned long and low in her chest as she dropped down inch by inch.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM tight..." I groaned.

"You bet it is sugar, tightest pussy this side of the Mississippi. Now just a bit... more... NNNNNNNNNNNNN goddamn boy you got one fine cock there. I've fucked linebackers that were packing this much meat. OOH I think it's finally in baby now hang on for the ride of your life!"

She started off slow but soon she was slamming her hips up and down like a woman possessed and her soft moans were soon howls of delight. 

"UNNNNNN UNNNNNNNN UNNNNNNNNNN Mister I want one of you under my tree this year cause I have been ever so naughty! Sugar, if I let you free with you fuck me from behind? I mean punish this here Cajun's gal's pussy like it ought to be?"

"UH HUH," I grunted.

"But ya gotta keep that there blindfold on else we are done okay," she asked.

"Okay," I growled.

With four quick deft movements I was free! I kept my promise by touch alone I got behind her after she dismounted and rammed my cock as deep as it could go and began fucking her as hard and fast as I could. She never did manage a coherent sound after that. The little Cajun Queen was all moans, grunts and thrusts of her tight little body. When I reached up and cupped her tits, which had to be a full D Cup or better despite her build, and found her nipples her pussy was squeezing me like crazy.

"MMMMMMMMMMM," I moaned. "That's one orgasm..."

I hammered away at her pussy and when her knees gave out I flipped her onto her back and continued. About an hour later the poor thing had gone limp in my arms from exhaustion.

"Sugar," I said laughing, "that's ten for you... shall I continue?"

"MMMMMMMM," she managed a weak moan.

"Is that a yes or a no?" I said moving my hips in a slow steady fashion.

"One... more..." she whispered with herculean effort.

"Well if it's one more you want, then one more you shall have," I told her as I eased out of her and sat on the edge of the bed. 

I grabbed her ankle and drug her to me and lifted her up and onto my cock still rigid after my five orgasms. 

"NNNNNNNNNNNNN my god..." she moaned in my ear. "What are you going to DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

I stood up and let gravity and my upward movement impales her deeper still. I tore off the blindfold and walked us to the bathroom and started a shower all the while she clung to me and each step a thrust into her tightness. When the water was ready I stepped in and let the hot stream fall on us and invigorate me further. I faced her back to the wall of the shower and pressed her to it as my hips drove up and into her like a machine. 

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN Yesssssssss fuck me mister! OH Gods you are a dream!" 

I finally got a good look at her and saw her metallic crimson hair and her blue green eyes and freckles and her soft kissable mouth. I leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her lips and her arms shot around my neck and she returned it like a dying woman needing oxygen. As I drove into her for her last orgasm our tongues dueled I felt my own climax building and so did she. The mystery girl with the store bought hair color and the very eager sex drive moaned louder in my mouth and the closer I got she wasn't far behind. As my cock swelled inside of her it stretched her pussy just a little more and as she fought to keep from coming I pulled back, paused and thrust one last time and the damns burst inside both of us. She broke our kiss and her final scream of pleasure was echoing off the walls of the shower and even I was sated after that little gals epic grudge fuck. I lowered her until her feet could touch the floor and a bit wobbly she managed to stand on her own, clean up and grabbed a towel on the way out.

"Don't tell the boss man he'll be awful pissed me fucking on the job and all, later sugar maybe I'll see you around again some time?"

Then she was gone. Singing and washing up I enjoyed a nice long shower until Akira returned and her expression was one of grim satisfaction.

"You know you left me tied up with my dick hanging out," I said smiling.

"Yet you managed to slip your bonds and wind up here," she returned.

"I didn't slip my bonds one of the crew freed me," I told her.

"Which one and I will punish her," Akira said stripping off her robe.

"Too late I already did," I said pulling her into my arms and feeling her yield and mold herself to me. "The poor little things pussy will be sore for days."

"Hardly punishment Kouryou, more like a reward from a helpless captor to his savior," she purred.

"Should I punish you Akira for leaving me there, like that, helpless with my cock pointing at the ceiling?"

"MMMMMMMMM perhaps you'll reward me after you hear my news and what drug me kicking and screaming away from you."

"It must have been something serious indeed," I said and thought I already knew. "Tell me."

"Damn you," she moaned as my hands cupped her ass cheeks. "You've already guessed it I can tell."

"Tell me anyway," I said moving her until her back was against the wall then I turned her around and grabbed her by her hips. "Tell me the good news." I pulled her hips towards me as her feet scooted so that soon her back was parallel with the floor.

"It's over Kouryou; the Iron Rain is no more... NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN Yessssss!" she moaned as my cock slid into her nice and slow.

"Tell me Akira; say it so it's real." I began thrusting into her lovingly.

"The uhhhh head of the Iron Rain and not so loyal member of the Order refused your kind offer and I was alerted to the ensuing firefights all over Russia. Oh god Kouryou I didn't want to leave you like that..."

"Then what happened," I growled in her ear as I thrust a bit faster now.

"NNNNNNNNN OH Gods... can't focus... NNNNNNNNNNN nine cities were involved and hundreds of police, Interpol and loyal members of the Order killed them all. NNNNNNNNNNNN not a single member survived. We are still monitoring their entire tech network but if some did survive they are in the wind."

The loud slapping sound of our bodies filled my ears and finally at long last the first part of cleaning up the world was history. It was the first night we didn't practice together the mirror technique. It was the first night Petra slept soundly not fearing an assassin in the night. It was the first step in project Steel Wind and it was a complete success. Akira fell asleep in my arms in my bed just before dawn after many hours of love play and instead of getting up to keep my mind and body busy I lay there and closed my eyes and drifted in the perfect silence and knew that the first pawn had left the playing field now it was their move.



Iron Rain Pt. 11



Another installment of the series and as always I hope you enjoy. Vote. Comment. If anyone knows an editor that would be awesome, still looking for one, thanks and enjoy!

Iron Rain Part 11

We stepped out of the car and as we walked to the visitor's center our feet made that soft crunching sound in the freshly fallen snow. It was early morning in the town of Hammerton Missouri and true to her word the GPS failed about twenty miles from the tiny community and we had to rely upon the directions Morrigan had given us. Akira plucked a brochure from the clear plastic box and opened up the tri-fold advertisement which she noted had last been printed over eight years prior. 

"I'm guessing they don't get a lot of visitors Kouryou," Akira said with a wry grin.

"Apparently not," I replied looking around at the snow shrouded buildings and noted the pristine snow and almost perfect silence broken only by the wind and our voices.

"They have a castle," Akira exclaimed. "Eisermann Castle, a Germanic landmark brought stone by stone from the old country in the late seventeenth century it says."

"Wow, if I remember right that is like way before the Louisiana Purchase. This just gets stranger and stranger you know," I said heading back to the car when I saw movement off to my left.

A solitary figure bundled up and fitting her keys into the glass doors of what could only be Stella's Diner. The door opened and the figure stomped her feet before entering. The door slowly slid closed behind her as one by one the lights came on, and as if by magic other people appeared out of the snow to slowly meander to other store fronts and as we watched the town came alive. With a soft buzz heard over the falling snow the neon lights reminiscent of a bygone time the pink and blue letters came alive 'Stella's Diner'.

A few minutes later that same figure who had unlocked the diner approached us holding what appeared to be two steaming cups of coffee.

"You two really should come out of the weather," the cheery middle aged woman said with a brilliant smile. "Here this'll warm you up and I know the diner isn't open yet but if you want to get out of the wind you are more than welcome to have a seat and I'll get you a bite if you're hungry?"

"How can we possibly refuse an offer like that?" I told her.

"New England area right, no let me guess Massachusetts?" she asked.

"Got it in one..." I said.

"Stella, just like the diner, and you are young man?"

"I'm Nick Shaw and this is my companion Akira Kusanagi," I completed our introductions.

"Ooh my, she is a looker, want my advice you should marry that one." Stella said turning and heading back to her diner.

Sipping our coffee and laughing we followed Stella back to the warm interior of her diner and had a nice home cooked meal. The interior of the diner reminded me of the 1950's and even that homespun attitude of the kindness to strangers seemed like it stepped right out of that very same bygone generation. If this was the way the rest of the town was I think we were going to enjoy our brief visit. Stella had barely turned the sign from closed to open before the morning rush flowed in they were slammed. The ethnic diversity was nothing short of stunning. It was little New York or something as men, women and children of every conceivable nationality, race and creed filed in and found their seat, booth or spot. We had chosen two stools at the counter to sit in and I waved Stella over for a quick question.

"How's the meal sweetie?" she asked.

"Great, don't take offense or anything by this but how big is this town?" I asked.

"No offense taken darling, I think the last census placed us at around fourteen thousand for the town and surrounding farms and factories."

"Nik!" A shout rose up and I turned to see a man in his late twenties early thirties with dark brown hair and eyes with a look that screamed a keen mind that little escaped his perception.

"Who is that," Akira asked Stella.

"Oh that's just Nik Salte our local golden boy he works at the power plant that supplies the town." She said smiling. "He's available if you want his number." She added with a wink.

We finished our meal in silence but couldn't help but watch the interactive nature of the entire crowd as everyone seemed to find time to say hi to everyone else. 

"If you are looking for Quinn, he's the one in the booth next to tall blonde chap," Oswald Sebastian Kane said appearing out of the blue and sitting next to me without any warning.

I jumped and he just smiled.

"A little warning next time Oswald," I said biting back more than a few harsh syllables. "I thought you said you didn't know where the ring was or who had it."

"Oh about that I lied, Quinn is old school when it comes to dealing with people. He prefers face to face interactions."

"Oswald, I suggest the next time you make an appearance you do it with some style and grace," Akira said behind him with not a little menace in her voice.

"Dear me love I had no idea you were so protective of Nick here," Oswald said feeling the tip of the Japanese tanto knife pressed discreetly at the base of his spine.

"Keeping him safe is in my job description you might say now let's not upset these gentle folk shall we?" Akira said moving back to sit next to me with a friendly smile the knife never being seen by a single soul.

"Touchy city folk," he said and when I turned on him and he saw the deadly seriousness he had aroused his smile faded. "I take it things have gotten serious then?"

"You might say that, there has already been one attempt on my sister's life," I told him.

"Ah, then please accept my most sincere apology, had I known I would have handled my entrance less dramatically."

"Apology accepted, now why the heck did you lie to me, really?" I asked.

"To test your conviction to find the ring, it is not an item easily traced and few knew where it lay." He said.

"It took me about five minutes to discover who had it and where to find him," I said with a grin.

"Five minutes..." he began to argue but my next word stopped him dead.

"...Morrigan."

"Oh, hmm that little tart is always in everyone's business. Not that I mind she is pleasant enough to look at and easy... well friendly too." Oswald said smiling at the memories.

"Yeah, she gets around... a lot." Akira said with a roll of the eyes.

"Well if you two are ready I will introduce you to Quinn and Sam," he offered.

The three of us walked over to the table in the back and the two men sat opposite each other and were as different in appearance as they were in demeanor. Quinn the dark haired man with the fair skin and green eyes was of average height and build and had that rough and tumble look of a man who was all business all the time. Sam on the other hand was well over six foot with broad shoulders and a long mane of wavy blonde hair and eyes so blue they were his most prominent feature easily. Then there was his gentle smile and general air of perpetual relaxation as if all was always well with his world every moment of every day. As we approached both men rose in difference to Akira whom they both looked at with some measure of obvious attraction. Quinn licked his lips as she approached and Sam bowed his head but his gaze seemed fixed on hers. 

"Gentlemen, this is Nick Shaw a compatriot and seeker of rare antiquities and this lovely young lady here is Akira Kusanagi, Mistress of the Black Lotus School and Nick's talented bodyguard." Oswald said with a slight tip of his head.

Our mutual shock must have been a private joke with the pair at the table because the smiled and Sam actually chuckled at our expense.

"Please do not take offense your secrets are safe with us but Oz does have a rude habit of spying on people when they are unawares," Sam said in his slow tenor voice.

"Yeah, so I've noticed," I said not amused.

"So Mister Shaw," Quinn addressed me in his Texan drawl that he still possessed even after being away for if it was to be believed nearly seventy years now. "You have come about my little trinket that belongs to your organization."

"That is correct," I replied as they made room for us to sit with them. 

Akira sat next to Sam and Oswald and I scrunched in next to Quinn. A fresh pot of coffee was brought over along with three fresh mugs and after it was poured and we were comfortable the haggling began.

"Mr. Shaw," Quinn began but I interrupted him.

"I prefer Nick, Mr. Shaw sounds like my father."

"Very well, Nick, what do you know about the ring?" Quinn asked.

"That the owner prior to you was," I stopped and looked around like some conspirator in a bad spy film. "Well he was a Nephilim."

"That is and isn't true," he replied. "When I cut his head off all those years ago he was a Nephilim and a monster through and through. Though we used the term revenant back then not knowing the nature of the thing we hunted down and killed. I have learned much in my time since then. Anyway the man was born human but was altered by the ring. Not by magic or curses per se but by the ingenious device built into the damnable thing." He paused and I could see the harsh memory cloud his mind and then he returned to the here and now. "When I took the ring as a trophy of our victory I was ignorant of its real purpose. When the sun had set and full night had fallen only then did the thing wake up and bite me. I say bite but there are a series of needles hidden within the confines of signet and they somehow took a sample of my blood and when I failed to pass as Nephilim it did what it was created to do. It injected me with highly refined and potent Nephilim blood. It only took a few hours for the change to take place and by the next dawn I realized I had become like the beast we had slain except for some reason or another I was unharmed by sunlight. Each night the ring bit me until nothing of my humanity remained. Well that is not entirely true, nothing physically human remained would be more precise a statement. I possessed their hunger and abilities and longevity but I was still well me. I realized that the monster we destroyed was the byproduct of decisions he himself had made and the power had corrupted him utterly. I vowed that I would not become like that poor lost soul I promised myself I would remain true to who I was and so I have."

"Why does the ring function as it does?" I asked him.

"That is an answer that took me fifty years to discover but you should know if you truly intend upon purchasing the ring. I will tell you all that I know and if some of it you already know please bear with me." He said and I could see him settle his thoughts. "It was just after the Great Flood and all of the Nephilim were drowned, all but one. Her name is lost to history but those that came after called her the Great Mother. She was the strongest of her race and it was that strength that allowed to her to survive as long as she had. She was dying when he found her and nursed her back to health. He allowed her to feed from him but due to his unique physiology she was unable to change him. Before the flood, victims of the Nephilim became Nephilim themselves but that was about to change. Her beauty and her hunger seduced him and in all they had twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Because of his uniqueness the twelve no longer required humans to reproduce they could do it amongst themselves in the traditional manner. Each child possessed a strong dominant ability which they passed down to their children. The siblings formed a single clan and wanting all the traits to survive they bore offspring with each other until they were sure the race as a whole would last. But the Great Mother was not satisfied with that she begged a boon from her lover and it was he who took her blood and stolen knowledge and fashioned the ring to ensure that no matter what that the Nephilim would survive."

"What madman would do such a thing," I asked.

"I don't know his name only that it was he who founded the Silver Twilight," Quinn said and fell silent.

"It makes a sick sense now," I said. "He created the lodge to help mankind against the plague he had created. He was the only one who could see far enough ahead to lay the ground work for humanities survival. But I still don't understand my part in all of this."

"I think you are over thinking things Nick," Sam said in his easy going manner.

"I don't doubt that at all," I said. "What is your take on this?"

"I believe from everything that Oz has told us about you and your unusual birth and all the obvious manipulation involved." He stopped and looked at everyone then continued. "You are the anti-venom Nick. If you believe the Nephilim are a sickness then you are the cure don't you see? He has taken his own children over untold generations and has been trying to recreate whatever it is that is unique to him. You are that endgame, that solution to the Nephilim. Not to kill them but to breed with one or more of them and cure them. Your children will not have the hunger; your children will finish what he started all those centuries ago."

The silence that fell was profound. I let my head drop and stared at the table's surface but not seeing it really. Sam's words had struck me to my core and I knew he was right. Down to my very soul I knew that was what he had wanted all along. Safe within the brotherhood of the Silver Twilight and with enough influence to nudge things along my children would provide the final link to end the negative impact the Nephilim had and who knows how many generations it would take but there was hope for something better, something greater to rise from all of this. 

The others chatted but my mind was far away and I wondered at the thoughts of trying to find a Nephilim to have children with. This wasn't going to be easy unless a deep seated suspicion proved to be true. Even that hope was a two edged sword and there would be emotional fall out either way. 

"Kouryou, we are going to Quinn's shop are you okay?" Akira asked and I nodded shaking off the last bit of the mental fog.

"Yeah, let's go." I told her.

A block off Main Street one could barely make out the tiny bit of the blue overhang under the inches of freshly fallen snow. As we drew nearer I could make out the flowing gold script that told us we have nearly arrived at Quinn's Emporium. It was a two story stone edifice done in turn of the century style with one large window allowing an easy view of the rows and rows of shelves and cabinets and one smaller window that showed the sales counter and the antique cash register the shown with its polished copper exterior. Between them a stout oaken door that would deter the most determined thief. Quinn approached the door as he fished out his keys and as he grabbed the door knob to unlock the store it turned in his hand and he just smiled and shook his head.

"Silly me I forgot to lock up last night," Quinn said and Sam chuckled behind him as we all filed into the chilly interior of the shop.

Sam moved directly to the western wall of the store where an ancient hearth stood and with a little kindling and a wooden match the fire was soon going. A few minutes' later logs were added and warmth radiated from the fireplace. Quinn started a pot of coffee as Oz turned on a few overhead lights. Just beyond the counter along the eastern wall were four comfy leather couches and it was here that we migrated to, to discuss the ring's price. 

"So knowing everything you do about the ring do you still want it?" Quinn asked as Akira meandered among the shelves and cabinets oohing and ahing. 

"More so now that I know what the damn thing does, I intend on destroying it." I told them.

"Good luck," Sam said. "We have tried many times over the years."

"What do you have in mind for your first attempt?" Quinn asked curious as hell.

"My company is developing a new Solar Furnace as a power source and also for manufacturing purposes. We expect to generate some four thousand degrees Celsius. If it proves successful we are going to create an entire branch devoted to solar power research," I said.

"So you are going to use focused sunlight to melt it?" Sam asked and I nodded. "Have to admit we have not tried that."

"That won't fit in the museum," Quinn said grinning.

"Museum, you have a museum," I asked.

"Yeah, there is a room in the basement that is dedicated to all the attempts to get rid of the ring." Quinn said smiling sadly. "They range from brute force to the sublime, care to see it so you know what lengths we have already gone through and you can check those off your list?"

"I am curious to see what you've tried so far..." I began but Akira's voice completely derailed that thought.

"OOH PRETTY," She was bent over a glass case and staring intently at something.

"Bet it's the matching bracelets," Sam said offering a crisp one hundred dollar bill.

"I am thinking it's the earrings," Quinn said shaking his hand.

All three of us stopped dead in our tracks seeing that Akira had shed her heavy winter coat and was down to her short skirt, tight black sweater and leather boots. Her skirt was just barely covering her round ass cheeks in her current position.

"Dddamn," I whispered.

"I second that," Quinn added.

"The motion is carried," Sam said smiling.

Akira without standing up turned her head and looked at us and just shook her head and smile.

"Boys... Nick, how much do you love me?" she asked licking her lips.

"A lot," I managed.

"Good be a dear and buy me the bracelets and earrings and I will love you forever and ever."

"Looks like we are finding a bed and breakfast eh?" I asked and she nodded.

I walked over and stood next to her and saw the items she was looking at and raised an eyebrow at the shiny violet metal bracelets with the queer designs etched into them. Then she pointed to the sparkling dangly earrings with the dark gems set into them.

"You certainly have interesting taste Akira," I told her.

"MMMMMM, I've seen those characters before," she whispered to me. "Where did you get these bracelets from?"

"Mmm those are from the Amazon River Basin somewhere, Jon wasn't specific in his letter, why?" Quinn asked.

"The pattern looks vaguely familiar is all," she lied.

"Perhaps it reminds you of the black obelisk in the courtyard of the Black Lotus School?" Sam asked nicely.

"MMMMM perhaps," Akira said knowing she was busted. "How does a man know what the Black Lotus School courtyard looks like?"

"I dated a student once," he said smiling.

"Dated," Akira said standing up and looking at him as she walked up to him.

"Well maybe that's a nice word for an on again off again affair," he grinned.

"Hmm," she said her hands moving like a blur and grabbing his hands. "Aha, you have the Marks! She taught you, didn't she?"

"Yes and no," Sam said.

Instinctively I took a step backward and Sam's fist shot out missing my nose by inches.

"Naughty, naughty you've been teaching Nick," Sam said.

"I can't be there all the time," Akira said smiling. "Now how much for the lot?"

"You mean the bracelets and the earrings?" Quinn asked.

"You forgot the ring," Akira said beginning the haggling in truth.

"Ah, well let me think... friend's discount and first time purchase plus sales tax... I think an even hundred thousand should cover it." He said.

"Pay the man," Akira said with a brilliant smile.

"That was some harsh negotiations," I said. "Where's the nearest bank I can wire transfer the money to your account."

"I'll take a check," Quinn said. "I mean you are the President and CEO of Numenor Technology right? I trust you, besides Oz can find you if the check bounces... like that's going to happen."

"Speaking of Oz, where the hell is he?" I asked and saw a strange expression on Akira's face and if I didn't know better she had that freshly fucked look.




Iron Rain Pt. 11



"He just left," she said a little out of breath.

"Okay, now let me write out that check and we can go see this museum of yours," I said still puzzled over whatever it was that I missed.

So as I took out my check book and we walked up to the front Akira availed herself of the ladies room and with a final shrug figured she would or wouldn't explain to me what the fuck just happened. The jewelry was placed in an appropriate box and before we headed downstairs I took a good long look at the ring and it was indeed a thing of beauty. The metal was dark gray yet bright catching the light from above nicely and the stones that been carved in the shapes of the swords and the eye were so dark they appeared black except under a full bright illumination and then they glowed like flowing blood. I didn't touch it I just turned the box this way and that so that I could see it from all sides. Then with a pinching gesture the box snapped shut. We headed downstairs and it was just Quinn, Sam and me; Akira was still occupied in the ladies room and I suspected I knew why... round two.

The basement was an attempt at controlled chaos and that the unopened crates lay neatly stacked in one corner of the unfinished level. While the opened crates that had not yet been processed were in another corner in some sort of system I guessed. Last were the empty crates that took up the last corner and it was this that appeared to be nothing more than a leaning pile that would and could come crashing down at any minute. We must have passed under the bathroom for there were the soft but unmistakable grunts coming from Akira.

"UNNN UNNNN UNNNN..." she was moaning for all she was worth.

"Well that answers where Oz got off to," I said and the other two just smiled.

"Doesn't it bother you that she is... well with Oz?" Sam asked genuinely concerned.

"Nah, she's a big girl and it isn't like we are exclusive," I told him.

"Ah, well I am sorry I pried," Sam replied a little saddened.

"No harm, no foul," I told him and we continued on to the single door unremarkable in every way and yet I felt that what lay beyond was anything but.

There was no lock and the door wouldn't withstand much punishment and yet there was a sense of privacy and something subtle that kept the curious away. The entire display began in the middle of the room and spiraled out from there in chronological order. At the very center at first glance an ancient hammer dating back to the late nineteenth century but the distinct impression in the business end of it was obvious to all; there inset into the head of the hammer a perfect impression of the Bloodstone Ring. Then there was an anvil and a larger hammer and the subtle but definite progression of heavier and heavier objects stopped and a more intelligent tack became apparent. Now there were crucibles and attempt to melt the thing but that failed as well. Then there was a most beautiful and disturbing thing off on one side of the wall. The long bar of metal that became more and more slender as it rose from the dull irregular base of lightning glass that held it up. 

"It suffered a direct lightning strike?" I asked.

"Yep, that's when I realized this was going to be a very long process," Quinn said softly.

This was followed by various containers of acids and other chemicals. One of his last attempts surprised even me.

"Thermite really," I said amazed.

"Yeah saw it on a TV show and decided to give it a try; it was one of the more entertaining attempts I can tell you."

"Tell him about Hawaii," Sam said with a giggle.

"Oh yeah," he said laughing. "I heard there was an eruption so we booked a flight and managed to convince one of the volcanologists to allow us to use two of their suits for a half hour after a healthy contribution to their research of course. We placed the ring on a rod and dipped it onto the lava. Then we poured cold water over it hoping the extreme temperature change might do the trick but it didn't. It was difficult trying to explain how the ring survived to the on looking scientist but we just said... sorry wrong volcano and we walked away. Man the look on his face was fucking priceless."

"Yeah I wish I could have been there," I said then I saw it. "Is that a submarine?"

"Funny story that," Sam actually spoke up this time. "Nik Salte, you saw him at the diner, well he was contacted by an underwater research group to develop a small power plant for a submarine. We were able to convince them to take along an experiment of the effects of water pressure on a new alloy we were supposedly developing. We built this box with wickedly reinforced sides that would hold up to about four atmospheres of pressure before it failed. Inside the box was the ring of course. They lowered it to the bottom of a deep trench where the box failed and when they brought it up it was squished and the ring had almost fallen out but it was none the worse for wear."

"How did you explain the ring," I asked.

"We just told them it was the ring all along that was crafted from the alloy and they pronounced it a huge success," Sam finished the story with a big grin.

"Wow, it looks like I really do have my job cut out for me," I said thinking out loud. "I'll look at it as a project that will keep me amused for a while."

"Good luck, I'm glad it isn't my problem anymore," Quinn said as he led us out of the museum and we all looked up and heard that the noise from the first floor had ceased. "Well looks like she is ready to leave now."

"Yep," I said smiling. "If you guys ever come across anything interesting you know where to find me."

"Will do, I will give Jaime a call and tell her she has guests and she can get a room ready for you two." Quinn offered.

"That'll be great; of course we didn't plan on staying we may have to do some clothes shopping especially her." I said with a look of exasperation.

As we made our way towards the counter the door to the ladies bathroom opened and Akira stepped out followed by Oz. Akira was completely and utterly disheveled and Oz looked very pleased with himself as he tucked in his shirt and zipped his fly. Akira walked over and it appeared she was almost drunk. Then I spied the droplets of blood by her mouth and my long held suspicion had been proven without a shadow of a doubt. Akira Kusanagi, Majestrix of the Sisterhood, was a Nephilim and surprisingly I found that I was quite comfortable with that. I walked over and guided her back into the bathroom with words to the effect of...

"You need to put yourself back together before we step outside into the cold sweetness," I whispered in her ear. "You have been keeping a secret from me and we will talk at the bed and breakfast."

The expression of pain and sorrow on her face cut me to the quick but I managed a smile as I closed the door after her. I could hear her crying in the bathroom and knew that going in would only make things worse. I had two cups of coffee and the three of us sat on the couch waiting for her to reemerge but Oz had left the minute he was finished with her. He and I were going to talk about that. After what seemed like forever the door opened and she stepped out her clothing as impeccable as I expected her to be and no sign whatsoever of her drunken state. 

"I just wanted to apologize to all of you," she said and bowed low.

"We need to go clothes shopping for our stay here in town," I told her.

"Staying? Why are we staying Kouryou?" She asked.

"Call it a gut instinct," I said. "There are people and things I would like to see while I am here and it may take a day or two."

Quinn told us he had talked to the manager at the nicest bed and breakfast in town Jaime La Chance and we had a room set aside for as long as we needed. We said our goodbyes and it wasn't hard finding the stores we wanted so we could get enough clothes for the duration. When I picked out some lingerie for Akira she knew that things were still good between us and that nothing had changed.

"Kouryou..." she began but I touched my finger to her lips and she instantly fell silent.

"No words are necessary," I said softly.

Eisermann's Daguerreotypes:

It was close to noon by the time our little shopping trip and self guided tour of the small town was complete. The snow had stopped and I finally got a good look at the town and was amazed on so many levels and wondered how it had managed to stay under the radar as it obviously had. There were no power lines or telephone poles anywhere in town and that could mean only one thing all the utilities were buried beneath the town. The layout of the town was so perfect it was as if the founders had laid out the streets and all the possible expansions ahead of time but that is highly unlikely, wasn't it? I was sure a bird's eye view of the town would be like a piece of graph paper taking into consideration the lay of the land and the steady slope from the eastern side of the town up to the higher elevation to the west and the mountains.

Akira and I drove to the bed and breakfast and deposited our purchases and my briefcase in the room. 

"Would you like a fashion show Kouryou," Akira purred and as I sat on the kings sized bed I gave her the nod.

She began with the more conservative clothing she had bought first there was nothing here that would raise a single eyebrow while we were in town. Then she slipped into the first piece of lingerie that was black stockings, a garter belt and a smile. I smiled and then she returned wearing bright red mesh stockings, and a t-bar and bustier of the same shade of scarlet. Her last outfit was something straight out of young man's wet dream. Akira was wearing what could only be described as the epitome of the Japanese Schoolgirl's Uniform down to the pigtails, super short skirt and Patten leather shoes with knee socks. Smiling she lifted up the short skirt revealing a freshly shaved pussy and I could see that she was eager to make up with me about her indiscretion at Quinn's.

"I like, be a dear and get me my briefcase," I asked her.

Smiling she walked over and bent over letting the skirt ride all the way up until her pussy and puckered anus were visible. Then she slowly stood up and walked it over to me.

"Wait," she said confused. "When did you get a briefcase?"

"I was wondering when you were going to notice," I said smiling. "Now be a love and turn around and grab your ankles."

Smiling Akira eagerly followed my directions and faced away from me and bent over and grabbed her ankles. I opened the briefcase and retrieved the bottle of lube and put a dot on my index finger and wondered if it would perform as the product claimed. I began with her clit and slit and applied the lube liberally. 

"MMMMMMM Kouryou what is thattttttttttttttttt OH MY GOD!" she moaned and bit her lip as I blew on her sex.

"It's supposed to make you more sensitive does it work," I asked.

She could only whimper in response.

"Good, well if a little is good more is better," I said as I applied the lube to her tight little asshole.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," she moaned/growled as I began fingering her ass.

"Just testing, says it lasts for about an hour that should be long enough," I said smiling as I took the toy from the briefcase. 

It was a small vibrator the color of deep sapphire; it had two independent motors that could stimulate her pussy or ass with different sensations at the same time. I eased the U-shaped toy into both of her holes and she nearly came and it wasn't even on yet. I cleaned my fingers and capped the bottle of lube and slipped it into my pocket, just in case. Then I took out the replacement watch that Jesse had sent to take the place of the one he had fragged onboard the Numenor. It took mere seconds before I was able to access the toy through the watch, perfect. With a touch the toy came to life and Akira's cry of pleasure echoed off the walls. 

"That'll work," I said smiling. "Now get dressed and put on something presentable to meet the mayor. We are having a late lunch with him in less than an hour."

"Kouryou," she asked. "Not with the toy up inside of me?"

"Yep," I grinned savagely. "I want to see you squirm a little is all and it isn't like you aren't going to enjoy yourself."

"Master is cruel," she said pouting.

"Cruel would be teasing you with the toy all day and not fucking you afterwards."

"Oh... in that case... NNNNNNNNNNNNNNick!!!!!" she shouted as I tripled the pulse pattern's strength without warning in both her holes sending her orgasm crashing over her dropping Akira to her knees.

"Now get dressed or I will have to leave you behind," I said changing to a nice suit I had purchased for just this occasion. 

"I don't remember us being invited," she said as she quickly stripped down and but on a nice long skirt, blouse and matching jacket.

"Sam came by while you were in the changing room at the lingerie store."

"Are you angry with me Master," she asked as she touched up her makeup.

"Not at all, I saw the toy and lube when we walked into the store and I decided right then and there to get your juices going with a nice new toy." I told her as I adjusted the pleasure to a more tolerable level... for now. "I do have one question though, how the hell did Oz fuck you at Quinn's without us seeing?"

"Have you ever heard of Inpo," Akira asked smiling remembering the feeling of her skirt being lifted up by unseen hands and a hard cock sliding into her pussy from behind as she was bent over looking at one of the displays.

"Sure I have and any other number of mythical martial art techniques, like Kaiajitsu," I told her.

"Well as it happens both of them exist and Oswald Sebastian Kane has somehow mastered Inpo," she said shivering remembering his voice telling her to bend over the glass display case in front of everyone while he drilled her pussy hard and fast.

"You are telling me that he can make himself invisible, really?"

"It is not magic it is the art of knowing where a person's blind spots are. Your vision is flawed you have to learn to rely on your other senses."

"I don't..." but even as I said it she looked at me intently and side stepped disappearing from my line of sight. "...what the fuck!"

However the minute I turned my head she reappeared but had proved her point.

"You can do it? How long have you known he could?" I was rambling.

"I suspected he was using some sort of stealth technique but I didn't know what or how much he had mastered it until today," she said with a pleasant shiver.

"I have been totally schooled," I told her. "And you say that Kaiajitsu is real too?"

"Have you ever heard of an opera singer breaking a glass with her voice," she asked and I nodded. "It's the same principal but with someone who has strong Ki skills you can utilize your voice for any number of effects. When a woman alters her voice to that sexy tone that is a very basic modulation now imagine someone who has spent years honing that skill alone. She could make you climax just by talking to you."

"That sounds like the legends of the Sirens," I said and she nodded.

"Much of myth has a basis in truth. I have heard of masters who can shatter stone, bone, even internal organs by the power of their voice alone."

"Whoa... that would be so cool, but it isn't like there are Kaiajitsu masters roaming the Midwest looking for students."

"You'd have more luck with the Inpo Kouryou," she said and smiled that dreamy little smile of hers.

"Just so I could fuck you in public and no one could see me?" and her purr was all the answer I needed. "I have to talk to Oz about this Inpo thing it seems."

The mayor's car picked us up at the bed and breakfast and we enjoyed the scenic route up the modestly steep climb up into the foothills of the mountains. Our path was one long half moon that took us to a spot that overlooked the majority of the town and a scenic view of the rest of the mountain valley. 

"How the hell did they do it," I muttered out loud.

"Kouryou," Akira whimpered in response. "I don't understand how did they do what?"

"How did they manage to move a castle stone by stone from Europe all the way up here," I asked again.

"MMMMMMM," she moaned softly her eyes half closed. "Determination, I would guess sheer willful determination." 

Her body shook suddenly as if from a deep chill but we both knew better. Akira opened her eyes all the way now and pursed her lips then with another smaller shiver she bit her lip as another smaller orgasm gripped her so soon after the first one. 

"Enjoying the ride," I asked and she could only nod. "Good, I don't suppose we need to reapply your ointment do we?"

She shook her head vigorously and I couldn't help but smile. The car came to a halt parked on the west side of the castle and the driver came out and around to open our door for us. We stepped out and I couldn't help but gasp at the overwhelming beauty of the vista before us. The snow covered landscape that could have graced any art museum with its sweeping elevation from the distant eastern edge of the valley to the western foothills of the surrounding mountains. South lay the town proper and beyond that what appeared to be a small cluster of redwood trees climbing high above everything else in their ancient majesty! 

"Wow," I whispered lost in the beauty around me.

"Wow indeed Nick," a cultured voice said and I looked up to see the middle aged mayor of Hammerton Augustus Eisermann. "You don't mind if I call you Nick?"

"No I prefer Nick to Mr. Shaw much less formal, if you don't mind my asking those trees over there..." I didn't even have to point them out.

"Yes, we call them the Sentinel Trees but if you want to see them I can give Mary Stone a call and she would gladly give you a tour. The trees are on her land you see but we all lay claim to them in some way or another."

"Who could blame you," I said. "I was surprised when Sam stopped by the store and told me you wanted to meet. But I am glad you did if only for the view."

"If you want a view of the valley," he said and pointed twenty feet up on the southern wall was a sheltered balcony. "The dining room provides a stunning outlook so if you don't mind we can move inside, warm up and chat a bit."

We followed the mayor inside and up to the dining room and despite his salt and pepper hair he managed to two flights of stairs easily. The castle's dark stone was everywhere in various stages of rough and polish. I had played any number of role playing games over the years but this place by its very nature redefined for me the word castle. This place could resist a siege and was the dark stone bastion of the valley. The furnishings and decorations covered hundreds of years of the Eisermann family occupation and I wondered what drove his distant ancestor to move this beast from Europe to the 'New World'.

The dining room was vast with huge vaulted ceilings and a massive hearth that you could imagine entire trees fed to its blazing belly. I took off my coat and one of the many servants who worked for the mayor was there to take it from me and offer a glass of a deep blue beverage that smelled fruity yet I suspected it was not grape juice. 

"It's ice wine Nick and if you have the time, tomorrow is the Ice Wine Festival here in our tiny little haven," the mayor's deep voice filled the room.

I took a tentative sip and though I wasn't a wine drinker by nature it was excellent!

"I'll take two cases," I said smiling thinking of Petra.

"Consider them a gift then," he replied. "Plus I have a rather nice bottle I will send home with you for a special occasion."

"Thank you for your generosity," I said as we made our way to the end of the long table and the seats closest to the balcony.

"I hope you enjoy lunch everything on the table is from town either grown or raised."




Iron Rain Pt. 11



"I brought my appetite," I said and he looked over at the silent Akira. "She is the quiet type." I explained seeing the half lidded eyes and knew she was close to another climax.

"You must be the lovely Akira Kusanagi," the mayor said offering her his hand.

"I must be," she said dreamily. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Mayor."

"Pfft," he made a derisive noise. "Call me August and consider yourself at home while you are here."

"And you can call me Celeste," another voice broke the moment as a stunning young woman with raven black hair that almost glowed with sapphire highlights strode into the room wearing only a bathrobe.

She walked straight up to me and stopped as we shook hands and eyed each other appraisingly. Celeste had the face of a green eyed angel but the flame that flickered in their depths was hell fire I had no doubt. 

"A pleasure to meet you Celeste," I said noticing the way she gripped my hand. "You fence?"

"Sherlock fucking Holmes," she blurted out.

"Celeste," the mayor roared.

"Sorry daddy," she said breaking eye contact and looking over at him in genuine distress. "I am sorry Nick I have a sailor's vocabulary sometimes."

"Daddy eh," I said smiling and letting go of her hand. "You make some gorgeous babies August."

"Thanks, you should have seen her mother," he said softly.

"I am sorry, I didn't realize," I began to apologize but he waved me off.

"No, she's not dead just moved on." He explained.

"Oh, well perhaps we should wait while Celeste changes and I can get a good look from the balcony," I offered.

"Ummm," Celeste said and then I saw the wheels moving. "Be right back."

She stalked off and I looked at the mayor and he just smiled.

"She was going to change right," I said and he just smiled even more.

"No, Celeste has a particular lack of modesty and I have myself to blame for that."

"I hope I didn't offend her, I don't want to start things off with upsetting anyone here," I explained.

"No, I think she needs to learn that the outside world actually wears clothes despite my best attempts she disagrees." August said motioning for us to follow him out onto the balcony.

"Beautiful," Akira whispered. "This is a view that I could never get tired of seeing."

"I never have," August said with no little pride. "Each season is an entirely new beauty to behold."

"I'm a city kid and well this is just breathtaking, thank you August," I told him.

"I am so very glad you are enjoying your time in our little town Nick," he said with genuine fondness.

I walked over to the right side of the balcony for a better look at the Sentinel Trees and felt the strangest 'sensation'. It was like an itchy buzzing in my head and the closer I got to the far right side of the balcony the louder it got. The itch became a need, the need a compulsion and before I knew what I was doing I had squatted down and ran my hand along the inner wall until with a near physical jolt my hand touched a smooth polished brick identical to the others. With a little testing that single stone slid towards me and behind it... I reached in and my fingers closed around the softest of silks and I gently brought out my discovery. I returned the stone to its rightful place and stood up.

"I am so sorry," I said as I turned to face August but he had an expression that was a mixture of wonder and joy. "I couldn't help myself."

"No harm done my boy no harm at all," he was smiling now, no it was more than that he was absolutely bursting at the seams. "What is it that you've found?"

Behind him stood Akira in her dreamy orgasmic fog and next to her was Celeste in jeans and a black silk blouse that clung to her hard nipples enticingly and she was barefoot despite the cold. Celeste was looking at me with a look that bordered on pain and disappointment. I looked down at my hand then and saw the ornately stitched cloth of blue and gold. I reached down and gently pulled the cloth away to reveal a clear flawless gem that sparkled with an almost inner light. When I turned it in my hand the stone seemed to shift from clear to an icy blue to a sapphire hue that was so dark it was nearly black. I looked back up and even Akira was now staring intently at the thumb sized jewel.

"Go ahead touch it," August said and I nodded.

I took my index finger and slowly, tentatively touched the stone in the palm of my hand and the effect was sudden, not completely unpleasant but much unexpected. The sensation was similar if much briefer to the cleansing ritual Akira and I had performed. The jolt seemed to knock loose all the negativity I had picked up since that night. 

"Whoa," I muttered.

"Yes," August was standing next to me now. "It's called a Shintai I found it on my travels, I wasn't always a mayor. There are places where falling stars have struck the earth that are very sacred, very sacred indeed. Some leave just a whisper of their impact while others leave scars that will never heal."

"The ocean, when the GPS went out..." I muttered covering the gem again. "...we lost all our bearings and she said we were near a large impact site but I didn't know what she meant, until now. Shintai... that's Japanese for 'god body', a sacred vessel for the divine."

"Very good," August seemed to be so very pleased how things were progressing.

I began to hand over the cloth covered stone when August touched my fist and shook his head.

"Finders... Keepers..." he said smiling. "Besides it'll help keep your Ki cleansed."

"Then why hide it," I asked but even before I finished asking it I knew that answer, "Unless you were waiting for someone to find it?"

"And find it you did my boy, find it you did," August said slapping me on the back and leading me and the others back inside. "It works best when worn against the skin and I have just the thing."

He motioned and with no attempt to hide her disappointment Celeste reached behind her neck and unclasped a cunningly wrought silver chain and hanging on the chain was a queer looking pendent. The design was of three concentric circles bisected by a single line that ran from the central circle upwards to the outer most one. It appeared to be made of sterling silver until Celeste hung it around my neck and fixed the chain's clasp and I felt the weight of the thing. August took the stone from my hand and settled it into the hub at the center of the design and like iron and a magnet it stuck there without any apparent means. 

"There reunited at long last," August said and Celeste found her seat and pouted as the charm was slipped beneath my shirt and hung near my heart. 

"It is obvious that Celeste had her heart set on finding the stone," I began but August shook his head.

"Celeste has had much handed to her already some things are meant for others and she must accept that fact graciously," he said taking his seat. 

I sat opposite Celeste and Akira sat next to me and lunch was served. I was starved and we ate in apparent silence though I was catching some sort of exchange between Celeste and Akira and it was not going well. I glanced at August and he seemed off in his own little world and decided not to interrupt his daydream. When dessert was brought the silence was broken at long last and the mayor offered us a chance to stay at the castle but I didn't think that was a good idea.

"If you want to stay here for the night you can accompany me to the Ice Wine Festival tomorrow as my guests," he said smiling.

"That would be great," I began and looked at Celeste, then Akira and then back at him. "But I am not sure that would be a wise decision on our part, I am sorry."

"I understand completely," he said grinning. "That sort of tension is unhealthy in the best of situations."

The girls looked at me and then the mayor and then the open hostility became apparent. Akira offered me a brilliant smile and a gentle squeeze on my thigh. Celeste looked about ready to burst but said nothing.

"I would like to attend the festival though," I said returning Akira's squeeze.

"Excellent, I will send my car around say eight o'clock and we can break our fast together?"

"We would be delighted to share another meal with you and Celeste," I said. "I don't suppose we could get the grand tour of your lovely home?"

"Celeste would be delighted to walk you around; I sadly have preparations for tomorrow to finish hammering out." He said as he stood and we all rose to our feet and he departed out a door in the eastern wall and Celeste smiled and began our tour with the dining room.

The castle was massive and had quite a bit of history even before it arrived in the New World. There were tapestries and oil paintings of Eisermann's long dead decorating the rooms and corridors. There were also old photographs or daguerreotypes of the family from turn of last century. But there were also landscape photos that were more than a little disturbing. There was one of a graveyard so ancient that the stones were bunched up one on top the other and there appeared to be a weathered gargoyle seated atop a grave stone with an evil leer as if an artisan had carved it simply to be photographed. Another and the most unsettling of the lot was a flooded city of great dark stone and every edifice was covered in algae and choked with fungus and weeds but it was the sheer size it conveyed that was overwhelming. It appeared as if some great upheaval had vomited the damned thing out of the darkest stygian depths the ocean possessed. I prayed it was some trick of lighting and double exposure for if such a place existed upon the earth or beneath the sea I would never know a moment's peace.

"South Pacific 1917, if grandpa is to be believed," Celeste said leaning in close to explain the photo and I could take in her scent a mix of musk and lavender.

"And this one," I said pointing to the gargoyle in the graveyard enjoying the smell of a bitch in heat.

"Outskirts of Hamburg Germany 1915, it was taken during the Winter Solstice if I remember right."

"Did he have the gargoyle carved for the photo," I asked.

"There's no gargoyle in that photo," Celeste said leaning closer still her nipples brushing up against my arm.

"Of course there is its right..." I began to say but stopped and gazed stymied at the lack of the grinning thing in the photo. "Maybe it was another picture?"

"I can tell you now that there is no gargoyle in any of these photos," she said. "Could have been a trick of the light." She offered.

"Maybe," I said then I saw the last photo and it chilled me to the core. "The Black Pyramid..."

"Oh you've seen this photo before," Celeste said smiling. "It's my favorite. Grandpa said he took it after a freak storm near the Bahamas blew his ship off course and this was on top of a mountain on a tropical island of all places. Wow what an imagination he had."

"You didn't believe him," Akira spoke up at last.

"Not in the least, I loved him to death up to the day he died. But really an entire island with a black pyramid in the Bahamas... you don't think it exists? Most of these are camera tricks with models or something. Do you really think something as terrible as that," she pointed to the flooded city, "could possibly be real? You'd have to be delusional."

"I agree that city couldn't possibly exist." I told her as she took my arm and we concluded our tour of the castle.

Later as the mayor's car waited outside Celeste seemed generally distressed at our leaving and I wasn't sure if it was the sexual tension between her and me or the rivalry between her and Akira.

"I am sorry I am the reason you aren't staying," Celeste said with genuine sorrow in her voice but that didn't tell me why.

"We will be back in the morning for breakfast and then there will be the festival," I said trying to read her body language and facial expressions.

"Good, I'd hate to think that I had spoiled your visit," she replied as Akira stood stock still and stoic beside me.

"You are too hard on yourself, besides we can still be friends right," I asked and saw the knee jerk reaction of a girl that wanted to be much more than friends and she hid it poorly.

Her father had said that she was spoiled rotten, maybe not in those words but the message had been loud and clear. Celeste was not used to getting what she wanted and maybe this would be a good lesson for her. She bit her lip and looked at me with an expression of barely contained lust but I ignored her and I turned to go. I heard the softest of whimpers as Akira and I walked to the car and Celeste stomped her foot and headed back into the interior of the castle.

"Master is wise to leave that one alone," Akira whispered in my ear as the car door was opened and we slipped into the back seat. 

"You don't really believe she's given up do you," I asked and Akira shook her head. "Me either she will come up with some way of getting me alone."

"You're not going to partake of that forbidden fruit are you," Akira asked smiling now and pulling up her skirt showing me her drenched pussy and the toy buried in both her holes.

"MMMMMMMMMMM," I said licking my lips. "No, it would be too weird after I have already fucked her mother."

"I don't recall the mayor ever mentioning Celeste's mother's name," Akira said.

"He didn't, just imagine her a little older with blue eyes instead of green and tell me who she reminds you of."

"NO..." Akira said grinning. "That is just coincidence isn't it?"

"I don't think so, now be a good little slut and lower your skirt. We wouldn't want the driver having an accident staring at that soaked pussy of yours."

"Yes Master, she does look like Cyan Michaels doesn't she?"

"Yes she does, and it would be wrong on so many levels to sleep with mother and daughter," I said getting rock hard thinking about it.

"But that would definitely be a notch off your bucket list," she said smiling wickedly.

"It isn't always about the sex," I said.

"Oh you fucking liar, it is ALWAYS about the sex," she said licking her lips. "You just don't want to admit tagging both of them would feel good."

"Am I that transparent?" I asked.

"No, all men are that transparent, not just you."

"Well, at least I am not alone," I said smirking.

The rest of the drive back to the bed and breakfast was done in silence but the sexual tension just built and built. Akira's smoldering looks and me adjusting the toy pleasuring her to a new height of stimulation just being the tip of the iceberg. When the car dropped us off we didn't quite race to the room but we didn't walk either. What happened next was thrilling and memorable and so very out of character with Akira that at first she took me completely off guard. The door to the room closed and things happened so quickly after that. First she tore off the skirt and sent buttons flying and actually broke the zipper. Next she tore the toy from between her legs and sent it in the general direction of the skirt. Then she was tearing off my clothes with her teeth and fingers. I am glad I bought more than one set of nice clothes to wear. Once naked she looked me up and down and smiled displaying her canines which had extended to wickedly sharp points revealing at long last her Nephilim nature. She removed the rest of her clothing and pulled me to her pressing her tits and pussy to me as her mouth descended relentlessly towards my neck.

"You need to choose a safe word now lover," she was panting at holding back. "So that I know when you are afraid I will harm you and I can try and stop."

She put a lot of emphasis on the word try.

"Numenor," I moaned as she rubbed her slick sex over mine.

"Okay Numenor it is," then without any word of warning she bit me and drove me deep inside of her at the same instant.

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," I moaned for it was so sudden and the pleasure so intense I could form no coherent thoughts. 

I could actually feel the pulse in my neck and her needlelike teeth as they extracted what she needed and all too soon it was over. Like some feral cat she was licking my neck and what little pain there had been vanished like smoke only to be replaced by the pleasure of her driving her hips forward impaling herself over and over again. In the fugue of her drinking from me she had managed to lift her left leg up and over my shoulder and this allowed for deeper penetration and perfect access to her tight wet slit. 

"MMMMMMMMM, I'm not done yet lover," she growled in my ear. "I have had little sips of you since our time together began but things are just getting started."

"I can't wait," it was me purring this time feeling the intoxicating sensation of her 'kiss'.

"Good, now be a lamb and hammer my pussy like I know only you can," she moaned.

"MMMMMMMMMM," I growled feeling the passion awake in me like molten heat between my legs. "Here we go."

I grabbed her and lifted her up and tossed her lightly onto the bed where she landed on her back. I stalked over and spun her onto her belly and positioned her ass right at the edge of the bed. Even as I lined up the head of my cock with her pussy Akira lowered her head and tits to the bed and raised her ass up as high as it could go. The tip slid in, I grabbed her hips firmly and rammed my cock as deep as it could go. Then I began to slam into her as hard as I could, holding nothing back now and even she was surprised by the force I could generate. 

"UNNN UNNNN UNNNN," she grunted. "Fuck me lover!"

I looked down and saw the tiny shockwaves ripple through her ass cheeks as our flesh collided and I thrust my hips forward. She became a primal thing and whatever she had awoken in me responded in kind. This was not making love, this was just the most basic need to give pleasure and receive it. I reached forward as I hammered away at her pussy and took a fist full of hair and used that as leverage now and her grunts became pleas for more. I leaned back and thrust into her like a cowboy riding a bull and she bucked and thrust backwards driving my cock as deep as it could go each and every time. When she came it was with a body shaking pussy squeezing ferocity that at another time might have alarmed me but not tonight. No tonight was about pushing the boundaries and exploring our deepest hungers. 

The red haze dropped down over my eyes at some point in the night and after that there were only flashes of memory. Akira on her back her ass impaled upon my hard flesh and my body crushing hers to the bed as I drove into her with a predatory need to violate her. Then I was on my back and she was giving me head and just before I came she sank her canines into the pulsing vein of my cock. The first coherent thought was Akira straddling me riding me nice and slow her lips stained with cum and my blood. She was cupping her tits and teasing her nipples as she moved her hips up and down so slowly it was almost painful. When she looked down at me her eyes shone with a brightness and soulful worship it was intoxicating. 

"MMMMMMM," she purred. "If I ever thought about taking someone as a sex slave you'd be top of my list. Nick you did things to me no man has ever had the nerve to and lived. MMMMMMMM we must never do this ever again."

"What," her statement drove away the fog and my alarm caused me to swell inside of her.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM, I love it when your cock stretches me like that."

"Why shouldn't we repeat what happened tonight," I asked.

"I'm not sure I'd survive," she said pulling her hair to the side and showing me the teeth marks on her neck.

"Did I do that?"

"MMMMHMMMM," she purred. "You should see my back where your nails raked me."

"You're not upset," I said and she laughed.

"Hell no, I've never cut loose like I did tonight... ever. But it is a very dangerous thing because it would normally end in a death. I will heal by dawn and you have already recovered. Though I do suggest we finish up in the shower and get rid of the sheets so that they don't call the police in here looking for a corpse."




Iron Rain Pt. 11



"I bit you..." I began and she smiled.

"I at least have canines made for that particular task, you lover do not."

"Okay, we keep the bloodletting to a minimum then," I moaned as an orgasm had snuck up on me while we talked.

"YESSSSSSSSSSS," she moaned. "I can feel your cock getting bigger still... are you close lover?"

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMM," I moaned

"Can I swallow?"

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," I groaned fighting back the urge to climax.

Faster than I have ever seen her move she was off of me and her talented lips were wrapped around me as she licked and sucked my cock. Her head bobbed up and down and I grabbed the bloody sheets and even as I cried out telling her she slipped her canines into that pulsing vein again and drank of both blood and cum. I nearly passed out from the pleasure of my orgasm heightened by the effects of her 'kiss'.

That drunk feeling coursed through me again and it took her helping me into the shower to make that particular event happen. The hot water and her hands roaming over my body pushed away the euphoric cloud and as we kissed and caressed one another the mixture of sweat, blood and cum flowed down the drain. Every touch was a promise of an orgasm and we nearly ran the poor old bed and breakfast out of hot water until with one last thrust of my hips into her from behind our sexual hunger was at last sated. We actually managed to wash up, rinse and dry off without another round of sex beginning and to our mutual dismay the bed was made and on our pillows were two mints and a note.

"Mister Shaw, do not be alarmed that I snuck in and changed your sheets. After all the delicious sounds that drifted down to my bedroom from yours I felt you might want some clean linen to 'sleep' on. Please forgive my spying on you while you were in the shower but a girl is curious as to what kind of man can cause a woman to make 'those' sorts of noises for so long. Rest well and I will wake you at seven for your breakfast with the Mayor.

Jaime La Chance

P.S. If you ever want a second girl to give your friend a break or want to see what a country girl can do you know where to find me.

With Lust... Jaime."

We read the note and I was impressed with her forward nature.

"MMMMM Kouryou it appears you have a fan," Akira said popping a mint into her mouth and tugging the covers down.

"It appears so, should I let the cowgirl ride this bronco," I asked sliding in behind her.

"MMMMMM it would be cruel not to, I mean after watching us fuck in the shower she is probably masturbating even now thinking of that long... hard... cock... sliding in and out of her."

"You are so naughty," I said spooning behind her and easing my length into her as we closed our eyes for some much needed rest.

"MMMMMMMMM what a perfect end to a perfect night," she said pressing her body back against mine and soon her regular breathing told me she was fast asleep.

I found the perfect silence and drifted in that healing darkness for a time but it was the hungry lips on my cock that brought me around and there kneeling between my legs was the sultry country girl Jaime La Chance. I smiled and crossed my arms behind my head letting her do all the work. Her long auburn hair was neatly braided to keep it out of her face for just this situation I was sure. She was able to get about half my cock into her mouth but what she lacked in skill she more than made up with desire. Jaime's lips and tongue were licking and sucking for all she was worth and I was so hard it was almost painful. She drew off the long night shirt she was wearing revealing her young body to me. Her breasts were small but the nipples were rigid and eager to be tasted. She had a body that was sun kissed and unmarred by tan lines and I suspected she had a secret spot that she sun bathed nude in even during the winter. I crooked my finger and she nodded as she slowly and carefully straddled me not wanting to wake Akira. Her tight young pussy wrapped around me as she lowered herself impaling her sex upon mine in agonizing slowness. She ground against me and made circles with her hips biting her lip the entire time to keep from crying out. I felt for the poor thing and sat up and with her still transfixed upon me I shifted to the edge of the bed and stood up with her legs wrapping around me for dear life. Jaime actually bit my shoulder to keep from screaming as her first climax slammed into her as with each and every step to the bathroom one followed the other. I didn't learn to afterwards that she was highly prone to multiple orgasms. Not wanting to wake Akira I bent my knees and eased out of her and she instinctively bent over the sink and I slid into her from behind.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM," she moaned oh so softly.

I thrust into her at a nice slow pace savoring the feel of so tight a pussy wrapped around me. Besides I didn't want to hurt the poor thing. 

"FFFFFASTER," she begged.

I drove my hips quicker now loving as her body shiver and shook and her pussy nearly squeezed me out with one particularly powerful orgasm. I kept thrusting and she was driving her hips backward now and it was the soft coo from the doorway as Akira stood watching her fingers teasing her clit and sliding in and out of her pussy. Jaime was beyond noticing her for the moment and I gave Akira quite the show and Jaime's sex quite the pounding.

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN FUCK..." she moaned as softly as she could. "...Feels so damn good!"

I never spoke I just alternated speed, force and rhythm for her pleasure and just enjoyed each and every orgasm she experienced. I motioned for Akira and she nodded understanding my thoughts somehow and tossed me the bottle of lubricant from my coat pocket and I applied a little to my finger and began rubbing in on Jaime's very tight anus. 

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM what's that tingling sensation," she moaned a bit louder now.

"Just a little something to make 'this'," I said easing a finger into her ass, "a bit more intense."

"UNNNNNNNNNNN," she moaned. "That feels amazing."

I fingered her ass while she thrust back onto my cock and I felt the first tingling of an orgasm. I thrust the finger into her faster now and she was panting and moaning.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAANOTHER finger?"

Smiling I eased a second finger into her ass and her body reacted instantly with a particularly powerful orgasm. I thrust both fingers harder and faster now as my cock began to swell inside of her.

"MMMMMMMMMMMORE..." she growled.

I rammed my fingers in and out of her rectum and she was thrusting her hips faster now.

"NO... MORE IN MY ASSSSSS..." she was begging.

"You mean?" I whispered.

"PLEASE... don't make me say it..." Jaime moaned completely possessed by her body's desires.

"Just this once you understand," I said as her hips stopped and I pulled out of her pussy slowly. "Now I need you to bend over and grab your ankles for me," I said moving back giving her room.

Jaime eagerly shifted her position so that she could follow my direction and folded her body and grabbed her ankles with ease. Then I placed the head of my cock at the entrance to her ass.

"Is this what you want," I teased her.

"YESSSSSSSSSSS," she begged.

I leaned forward and my body weight did all the work. As Jaime tried to relax, her sphincter opened slowly and relentlessly and with a guttural cry she climaxed halfway through my head penetrating her ass. She came again when a third of the shaft had followed the tip deep into her. And as I began to thrust into her slowly my own climax not far off she had bitten her lip so hard droplets of blood fell to the floor of the bathroom. All the while Akira watched and teased two powerful orgasms from her pussy. My cock was gliding in and out of Jaime's ass and all that time it swelled and swelled stretching her first anal experience to its limits.

"MMMMMMMMMMM I want to feel you cum inside of me," she begged.

I wanted that more than anything as well so I started thrusting harder and faster now as I was so damn close. I grabbed her hips and the torrent of sound that erupted from that petite young thing was nothing short of amazing. When I rammed my cock into her for the last time and cum oozed from her ass she was covered in sweat, trying to catch her breath and in seventh heaven. 

"Damn I needed that," I moaned.

"MMMMMMMMMM so did I," she purred.

"NNNNNNNNNNNN so did I," Akira mirrored her purr.

"UHHHHHHHHH you were watching?" Jaime said flushing red with embarrassment.

"Oh sweetness you have nothing to be ashamed of," Akira said as I pulled out of Jaime's stretched ass. "You have an amazing body and any man would be lucky to share his bed with you."

Jaime stood up and started to walk but could only manage a slow waddle.

"Damn my pussy and ass have never been fucked like that before," she gasped.

"And I thought I was your first," I said smiling.

"Oh you are, the closest thing to a man in my ass has been a toy but nothing nearly as thick as that fine cock of yours," she said stealing a kiss. "Damn I need to get ready to wake up that guy in the honeymoon suite for his meeting with the Mayor... oh I've already done that. Do I need to make sure you're 'up' before I leave?"

"Jaime La Chance, if you don't leave now you won't walk for a month by the time I am finished with you," I told her.

"Promises... promises..." she said winking. "Besides there are other guests to wake up, today is the Festival."

With that she moved with a slowness that hinted of how tender and sore her nether region was and I could only smile with a sense of a job well done.

"Damn Kouryou," Akira purred in my ear. "I almost wanted to join in but I didn't want to spoil her moment."

"I'll make it up to you," I told her. "After we partake of the festival and see what other wonders this town has to offer."

"MMMMMMM I look forward to it," she purred and slipped into the shower to wash her juices from her body and inspire another short 'romp' before breakfast.

The Ice Wine Festival

Akira and I arrived at Castle Eisermann and I hoped that freshly fucked look had faded just a bit for Celeste's sake. Breakfast was fresh fruit, pancakes and milk from cows here in the valley. We made some small talk and I sensed that August Eisermann was a bit nervous about something and so after we had eaten I gave him the opportunity for a private conversation.

"August, there is something that I need your advice upon can I pick your brain," I said and the look of relief was clearly evident.

"Of course I would be happy to assist," he said getting to his feet and gave Celeste the 'look' and she and Akira took another tour of the castle.

He and I stepped out onto the balcony and I waited for him to speak. It didn't take long.

"You are a very perceptive young man," he began. "I have heard some troubling news and I fear you may be the source of some unrest among people of some influence."

I felt the color run from my face and I knew exactly what he meant. My shoulders dropped and the burden of a very important event was once again weighing on my thoughts.

"It was suggested to me that I should make sure of the people I trust before I move ahead with my plans to improve things. I don't know if you are aware of the desalinization plants I am building to produce and deliver fresh water to key areas all over the world?"

"I am very aware of that project and I salute you for your plans and the price you are building them for. There can't be any profit for you at the costs I have been quoted," he said smiling.

"Oh no, the net loss for the first five years is horrific, but the jobs it has created and will maintain during the manufacturing and running will boost crippled economies all over. But that's not what you are concerned over is it?"

"No, I have heard whispered among several Governors that they have received a list of prisoners incarcerated under false pretenses and there is documentation of evidence tampering and gross negligence among prosecutors and police alike. The letters request immediate pardons and prosecution of those involved."

"Yeah, it is step one in what I call the Shadow Gambit," I told him.

"What is the end game for this gambit of yours Nick?" he asked a mixture of excitement and curiosity on his face.

"To force my enemies to reveal themselves and take them off the board in one fell swoop and to eliminate a cancer eating away at the economic structure of the world's financial resources all in a series of carefully timed maneuvers."

"Sounds dangerous," he said but smiled. "And you can pull this off?"

"Yep, I gave them a week to mull it over and comply or else step two will be initiated," I said with a grim look.

"What's step two," he said seeing the light in my eyes.

"A copy of all the files ends up on the desk of the President of the United States, I mean it is an election year and what better way to seal his allegiance than to hand him a winning strategy."

"Brilliant, but you mentioned allegiance what sort of response are you expecting from him?"

"He is a member in good standing," I said. "It would be wise of him to prove his loyalty to the Order and follow through if the governors fail to take action."

At the mention of the Order August's eyes widened in surprise.

"It's You," he said grinning ear to ear now. "Hell of a show in Japan my boy!"

"I know I can count on your loyalty August, but not to me but to the Order itself."

"Nick, I have been waiting a long time for someone to clean house and rebuild things as they once were. I am glad it is you. So, how can I help?"

"I need a sounding board, someone I can bounce ideas off of who won't judge me per se and give me their honest opinion."

"What about Akira?"

"I have told her most of what I have planned, but there are terrible things I must do and I don't want to drive her away."

"I think you underestimate her loyalty and her commitment to you. I have seen it in her eyes she would die for you. I doubt there is something so heinous she would revile you."

I nodded then I told him the other parts to my Shadow Gambit and saw the smile die and the light leave his eyes but I also saw him see the logic behind my plan and he nodded.

"It is a terrible thing you have set into motion but as you have said it is a cancer that needs to be removed and I admire your conviction. Now quit being an idiot and tell the girl what you are going to do and if you ever need advice I am glad to serve you Sir in any capacity."

"There is one thing before we leave for the festival..." I said.

The Ice Wine Festival was a blast, there were live bands and food and drink. The weather had cooperated and the temperature was even pleasant enough to go with a light jacket. We rode with the Mayor at the head of the parade and the turnout was amazing. After the parade the four of us went from vendor to vendor trying their wares and it was one delicious dish after the other. At a lull in our meanderings I felt a gentle hand on my arm and turned to see a stunning redhead looking me in the eye. Her freckled skin and amazing green eyes told me she was Irish stock and not too many generations removed. Then she spoke and I realized she was an import and felt my cock stir when she talked.

"I hear from the Mayor that you would like to see the Sentinel Trees, is that right?" her eyes were intense and when she licked her lips I nearly took her right then and there. 

"You must be Mary Stone," I said and smiled. "Yes I couldn't help but notice them when we arrived..." I turned and Akira had managed to vanish from my side and I wondered if that was on purpose and had she been distracted.

Either way I was going to spend some pleasant time alone with this gorgeous woman.

"If you would like to follow me we can walk to the trees and I can get to know you a little better."

"I like the sound of that," I blurted out and she just smiled.

"I am a happily married woman," she said wistfully.

"So you are a farmer's wife then?"

"Oh no, Jon travels all over the world on buying trips for Quinn's Emporium," she said softly.

Déjà vu man, I thought as the similarity between her and Petra sprang to mind.

"Sounds like my dad, most of the year he is off making sales and coordinating deals with his suppliers and customers."

"You poor thing, how does your mother handle it," Mary asked.

"Well my birth mom passed away six years ago," I said and saw the pain in her eyes. "But he has remarried and she is a good fit for him. I like her and we get along."

"MMMM," she said biting her lip. "Must be hard, a young man stuck at home with an older woman who misses her husband so much."

"She's not that old," I said her eyes glittering with lust. "She is quite attractive to be honest and if things were different..."

"So you find older women attractive, is that what you're saying," she was smiling.

"Just the sexy ones," I replied with a wink.

"You are incorrigible but I like your honesty," she said guiding me up a steep narrow path towards her farm. "So have you ever..."

"Have I ever been with a more experienced member of the opposite sex?" I said. "Yes, yes I have."

"MMMM and how did you find her," Mary said her cheeks flushing and her arousal obvious.

"Patient, eager to please and very talented," I said softly. "I learned a few things and had a few of my firsts with her."

"It is nice when a young man is eager to learn," she said in a near moan. "And you can be their first in some things... what things?" she blurted out suddenly.

"Huh," I asked taken by surprise.

"What was she your first in, unless I am prying?" she said biting her lip again.

"Well," thinking of Kat and her hand job that was my first orgasm with an older woman. "My first orgasm was with a woman's hand wrapped around my... and she stroked me until..."

Was it the small town atmosphere but I was feeling shy all of a sudden?

"MMMMMM," she purred. "I bet it felt amazing that first touch of a woman."

"Oh yeah it did," I replied.

"Ever have sex in a hot air balloon?" she asked out of nowhere.

"UMMMM no..."

"Want to?"

I blinked hard a few times and I saw that unbridled hunger blazing in her eyes.

"Sure... but what about..." she was kissing me then and I knew that mentioning her husband would just spoil the moment.

I almost tore off her clothes right then and there but she managed to break our embrace and take me by the hand. Mary led me up passed her farm to one of their barns and there prepped for takeoff was a balloon tethered to the earth and a single field hand standing watch to make sure it stayed secure.

"Phillip I'll take it from here," she said and he just smiled and headed off towards town. "I am so glad I wore my wool skirt today."

"I take it you're not wearing anything underneath it?"

"Not a damn thing, now help me into the basket and then climb in after and we can get this thing off the ground."

The balloon was ready and so was she and with a slight jarring sensation we were lifting up into the sky. Apparently this had become part of the annual festival goings on and once we were at the correct altitude Mary was at the right height kneeling in front of me and freeing my 'balloon'. Her lips wrapped around me and she placed my hands on either side of her head and I knew what she wanted. As I throat fucked the content housewife and eager cock sucker I was also enjoying the view around me. Of course her talented tongue and mild gag reflex told me the slut wanted me to blow down her throat.

"So do you want to swallow my cum," I asked and she purred around my cock as an answer. "Then can I bend you over and fuck your tight little pussy from behind?"

"MMMMMMMMMMMHMMMMMMMMMMM," she moaned even more.

"Does that soaked slit of yours miss a long thick cock in it?" I said as I thrust down her throat.




Iron Rain Pt. 11



"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM," she growled feeling my cock swell.

"Well come on and stroke it... make me cum..." I moaned as she did just that.

Mary wrapped her lips tightly around the head of my cock and began to stroke slowly at first the saliva slickened length but soon her fist was pumping for all she was worth and Mary was rewarded with a healthy load down her gullet despite the long night I had already had.

"Damn that is a fine start to things," she moaned as she got to her feet. "How long before... dear god where have you been all my life!" she said as she eyed my undiminished desire for her.

Without another word Mary moved to the edge of the basket and assumed the position with her back flat and her ass pointing in my general direction. I roughly hiked up her skirt and tossed it over her back before slamming my iron hard flesh into her soaked slit.

"UNNNNNNNNN," she grunted and ground her hips against me.

I grabbed her by her hips and began pounding her tightness hard and fast. Mary lowered her head and I saw her eyes flutter shut as I pleasured her. 

"MMMMMMM it's been so damn long lover," she moaned to me.

It was Petra all over again and I felt not a whit of guilt at defiling this needy woman. She wanted it and I was more than happy to oblige. 

"Oh god baby slam that fat cock into me," she begged as she began to rock back now pushing me deeper still. "NNNNNNNNN I am so fucking close!"

I thrust hard enough to nearly lift her off her feet and a little while later her scream echoed over the valley and everyone below just waved at us as we passed unaware of why she was crying out. I eased out of her and smiling she stripped down to nothing despite the temperature and that should have been a clue but I was too far gone in my lust to register it. Mary dropped down onto her knees and trapped my cock within her ample cleavage and began to pleasure me with her tits and tongue. 

"MMMMMMMMMM how does that feel lover," she growled. "Like my soft pillowy tits wrapped around you?"

I nodded and she pressed them together more and moved her torso up and down pleasuring me now that she had swallowed a load and came with my dick buried deep in her pussy. It was my turn to come again and I had a feeling I would be painting her chest and face.

"MMMMMMM be a love a give that chain there a yank we are losing altitude."

I pulled on the dangling chain and a roar caused by the burst of flame lifted us back up to our cruising altitude. 

"So what other naughty things has an older woman done, I want to be thorough we might not get another chance," she purred.

"Well, my first time with my cock buried in a woman's ass was with an older woman," I told her and she smiled.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM," she said doubtful. "I'm not sure you wouldn't hurt me with the big 'ol mushroom head your fine piece of manhood has lover."

"I don't blame you being scared," I said and she smiled wickedly.

"Oh scared am I," she shot back. "I just wish we had some lube."

"As a matter of fact," I said holding up the special lube from the night before.

"Great," she said and got on her hands and knees. "Don't be stingy and go nice and slow."

I applied the lube to her ass and her clit and as I fucked her pussy nice and slow I eased my fingers into her ass getting it ready.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM that feels real nice..." she purred. "...what kind of lube was that?"

My second finger entered her ass and her sudden cry told me an orgasm had snuck up on her. I fingered her ass until she told me she was ready. I went very slow since she was so hesitant and pressed the head of my cock against her anus and pushed. 

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM Yessssssss lover..." she was panting softly now and trying to relax and when I 'popped' into her ass she moaned and congratulated herself. "Hard part is over with, now ease the rest in nice and.... NNNNNNNNNNNN slow."

I had barely slid all the way in when she looked up and hollered...

"OH SHIT!!!! The TREE!!!!"

I lifted her up impaling her completely on my cock and grabbed the chain and held on for dear life praying we had enough time to climb above the massive thing. The basket bounced along the uppermost limbs but we managed to clear them... barely.

"Are you alright," I asked her and the crazy yet blissful look told me that my getting us to our feet and the deep thrust and upward motion had sent her over the edge. "I'm not done yet."

I bent her over the edge of the basket and began thrusting into her tightness hard and fast now. 

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," that roused her from her orgasmic coma. "YESSSSSSSSS fuck my ASS lover!"

I did and hammered into her tighter hole until my toes began to curl and even as my cock swelled tight up inside of her and she begged me to stop I kept on driving into her until we both cried out but in pleasure this time as I painted her insides until it spilled out onto the floor of the basket. Sated for the time being I eased out of her and handed Mary her clothes and zipped up and was ready to feel the ground beneath my feet.

Ten minutes later we were on the ground near to where we took off from and there we anchored the balloon and as soon as my feet touched the frozen earth Mary was gone. I shrugged and made sure the knots were secure when a not so gentle hand settled on my shoulder. It was Mary but she had changed her dress and was looking very cross.

"Who the hell are you and why did you borrow my balloon?"

"UMMM," I blinked confused and actually scratched my head before answering. "Mary, we just landed and I am really baffled why you are acting like this after all that happened up there."

Mary went from upset to ballistic.

"I am going to KILL her," Mary was definitely showing her redhead rage. "I must apologize for the confusion... what is your name?"

"Nick Shaw," I said and her green eyes glittered as she fumed. "Would you care to let me in on who you are going to murder and why."

"What exactly happened up there Nick?" she asked her voice became a near sultry thing now.

"UMMM... what didn't happen would be a much shorter list," I said.

She raised an eyebrow and bit her lip.

"MMMMMM, did she give you the lonely wife story," Mary asked.

"Yeah along with the talented older woman one as well," I said smiling.

"Did she have a good time?"

"Boy did she," I said. "I am an overachiever I guess."

"MMMMMMMMMMMM damn her, damn her to hell!" the rage boiled over again. "I really need to know all that happened."

"Okay, but how to put it delicately..." I began but she cut me off.

"Were you delicate up there?"

"UMMMM... no."

"Then don't spare the details and tell me what the hell happened already!"

So I launched into everything that transpired and I could see the physical affect it had on her. I watched her body language and when I got to the last bit and my cock up 'her' ass I think she actually came just from the description. 

"MMMMMM," she was moaning to herself. "I have to be a good girl." She said over and over again.

"I'm sorry if this has caused any problems," I said smiling weakly.

"No," she said looking me dead in the eye. "I need you to do me... a little favor Nick."

"Sure anything," I said just before she grabbed me by the shirt and began dragging me towards the farmhouse.

"I like your can do attitude..." she said as she yanked the door open. "Now be a good lad and fuck me like we were going to die tomorrow!"



Iron Rain Pt. 12



Sorry for the delay, I hope you like this next installment. Trying some new tings in this one. As always please vote and comment and tell me what you think. 

Part 12

The Sentinel Trees

"...fuck me like we were going to die tomorrow..."

Mary was a great kisser and her desperate hunger for attention was more and more obvious as she pinned my back against the wall and undid my shirt one button at a time. She took a break from devouring my tongue to plant light kisses down my neck across my chest and onto my left nipple.

"There are a few things you should know about me Nick," she said between licking and nipping at my hard nipple. "I am a simple country girl from Innis Ireland, and I do enjoy sex a lot but there are things that I just don't do."

"Like what," I asked as she began to unbuckle my belt.

"I don't put things in my mouth, I don't do any crazy sex positions, I don't like guys spraying cum all over me, I most definitely do not swallow and under no circumstances do I do anal."

"MMMMM, that doesn't leave a lot except me bending you over a chair and fucking you until you beg me to stop, now does it?"

"MMMMMMMM, but I can do this," she purred as she freed my aching cock and began to stroke it. "MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM and I can do this," she growled as she dropped her skirt and slid her soaked pussy over the length of me alternating between her hand and her sex now.

"MMMM that does feel nice," I told her as I unbuttoned her blouse and tossed it to the floor. "I guess I can do this," I said tugging down one of the cups of her black lace bra and licking and teasing her nipple. "MMMMMM and I suppose I could do this," I said unhooking the front clasp and cupping her tits and squeezing and suckling her flesh.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNN yes Nick," she was moaning loud and long now. "That feels wonderful."

"MMMMMM be a dear and take my shoes off so I can get out of these pants," I purred in her ear.

I watched her as she smiled, nodded and dropped to her knees. I saw her eye my cock that was so close to her lips it was just begging for her attention. One shoe then the next was off and she was helping me out of my pants.

"MMMMMMMMM you know if I close my eyes anyone could sneak up and do some naughty things and I wouldn't know who really did it," I offered then.

"That they could," she said licking her lips and I could see the flare of lust in her face just before I closed my eyes.

I felt her hand on my shaft and I was so aroused it twitched in her grasp. She slowly stroked it and I thought I felt her breath on the tip for just a moment. Was that a tentative lick of a tongue on the tip tasting my precum? I heard her moan and a soft whisper of her 'I will be a good girl' mantra just before her lips wrapped around the head of my cock. The deep moan of pleasure/hunger being fulfilled shot through me like an electric current. 

"OH MY GOD..." I cried out and that was the straw that broke Mary's resolve.

I felt her tongue swirl around the tip and inch by agonizing inch slipped deeper and deeper until I was lodged in her throat. Not only did this woman suck cock but she was one of the best if not the best I had ever been with. I felt her head move forward and back and her tongue work its magic along the length without a single use of her hands! Mary made love to my cock and when she could take it no longer she stood up wrapped her arms around my neck and jumped up. I caught her just as her precise movement impaled her on my hardness and her cry rang in my ears.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she sang. "Fuck ME Nick," then her lips were on mine again and it was now HER back against the wall and HER pussy being pounded hard and fast and HER legs wrapped around my waist as I stood there and hammered into her wet tightness like a man possessed. I felt her nails dig into the top of my back and when her first orgasm tore through her down they went like white hot lines of fire drawing blood as they went. Instead of hurting me it spurred me on to continue slamming my cock into her even as her body shook in complete surrender to her climax. I took a step away from the wall and began to lift and drop her on my cock now and I could see her eyes roll up in her head as the waves of pleasure were once more building up in her.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM," she let out a guttural sound that might have been language but if it was I didn't speak the tongue. "In... In... INNNNNNNNNNNNNN the next room... there is the perfect couch to get me on my hands and knees... lover...."

I walked us over passed the open doors into the living room which looked more like a Greco-Roman parlor than something that belonged in a Midwestern home. My eyes found the couch she was speaking of and it was a lovely serpentine shaped thing that one could easily imagine Cleopatra and Mark Anthony making love on. I bent my knees and lowered her down until her feet touched the floor and then she slowly walked over to the couch and lowered her body onto it belly down, ass up. She tucked her knees beneath her belly and provided a very submissive posture to me. The couch was not very wide and it was easy for me to straddle it and move behind her and ease my cock back into her tight wet depths.

"MMMMMMMMYESSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she whimpered as I began to move slowly now in and out of her as she did things with her pussy muscles I have never experienced before. It was like an undulating motion that rippled along the shaft of my cock.

"What the fuck," I moaned.

"You like," she purred.

"NO, I love..." but I was now lost in the sensation and my desire to fill her pussy with cum.

I grabbed her hips for leverage and began hammering into her again and felt the first stirrings of my orgasm and so did Mary.

"Be a love and don't... UNNNNNNNNN... don't get stains on the couch..." she moaned over her shoulder.

As I felt my climax get closer and closer I knew there was only one thing to do. As my cock swelled and stretched her even more I pulled out and the little minx rolled over offering me her tits and face for a target. I let her stroke me to completion and with a guttural cry I shot all over her lovely breasts and face. I was beginning to see a pattern here. She licked what cum she could then grabbed me by the wrist and led me to her bedroom and shower.

Her bathroom was massive and surprisingly similar to mine at home except the bath tub was sunk into the floor. She started a shower to wash my fluids from her face, hair and chest as I slipped into the hot water of the perpetually filled tub. I watched her intently as she wet her hair and soaped up her entire body and the lather fell from her freckled skin in foamy landslides down... down... down to the drain. I saw her take a razor and touch up her thin strip of scarlet pubic hair and with a smile she was pleased with it once more. Then she washed her hair and I was rock hard and ready for her when she stepped out. I think it was time to test my theory as she slunk over like some sex starved succubus. As she slipped a foot into the tub I shook my head.

"What do you mean no," she smiled.

"There is a price to bathe in this tub," I told her standing up and revealing my iron hard flesh.

"MMMMMMMMMMM," she licked her lips. "And what is the fee for bathing today good sir?"

"Oh... I think you know," I said moving to sit on the far side of the tub.

She slipped into the hot water and walked over until she was eye to eye with my erection. She took it in hand and sensuously began to stroke it.

"That's not the fee and you know it," I told her.

"But I don't..." she began in her coy voice.

"You already have now unless you want me to leave..."

"NOOOOOO," she said smiling wickedly and tilting her head to the side. "I guess I could just this once..."

She held her hair with one hand and once more managed in one long fluid motion take every last inch of me down her throat. I slipped my fingers into her wet hair and held it for her and she focused her entire attention on me. 

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM," I moaned as she brought her formidable cock sucking skills to bear. "HOLY SHIT," I exclaimed as she looked up at me and I could feel her hunger and knew that she wouldn't stop until I shot down her impatient throat.

We never broke eye contact as she made love to me with her mouth and tongue and lips. Her hunger infected me and I began to push and pull her head up and down my length and her purrs and moans of pleasure grew and grew. She began to fondle and caress my balls as her lips brushed against the base of my cock's shaft. I was in lust! Mary never needed to say a word her desires were mine and I fucked her throat while she pleasured me with her tongue and teeth and hands. The wonderful sensation of her teeth lightly raking along the sensitive flesh of the shaft and head of my dick was pushing me towards that inevitable moment. Without warning she wrapped her fist around the shaft of my cock and began stroking it slowly at first but then faster and faster. Leisurely she pulled her head up and away until only her lips were left wrapped around the head and as I swelled in her grip her eyes smiled wickedly. I was too busy fighting off a powerful orgasm to wonder what the minx had planned until I was panting and gasping for breath as my climax was mere seconds away and as my orgasm hit she slid in long index finger deep into my rectum doubling my pleasure in that single mutinous act. I cried out in surprise as much as pleasure and she greedily drank me dry. After she had stroked every last drop of cum from me she eased her finger out of my ass and smiled demonically.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM," she purred, "how was that lover?"

"Fucking amazing," I admitted.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM good...," she said batting her eyes at me and biting her lower lip. "...my turn?"

I slipped into the water and pulled her to me and into a deep hungry kiss and felt her body mold to mine instinctually. How long we stood like that I don't know but I grudgingly broke away and saw the longing that had been in her eyes was burning at a whole new level. Without a single word uttered I reached below the water and gripped her by her waist and lifted up and out of the water setting her ass right on the edge of the tub. Mary lay down and placed one leg over each of my shoulders and shivered in anticipation. I lowered my face between her legs and lightly blew on her clit and watched her arch her back just a bit in response. Then I turned my head and planted light kisses on her inner thigh stopping just before I reached her glistening sex. I heard a low grumble of disappointment but she never spoke out. I turned my head and repeated the process with her left inner thigh but this time my last kiss was planted on her hooded clit. This had the desired reaction. Mary cried out and her ass left the floor as she pressed her sex against my mouth.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM," she groaned.

I cupped her ass cheeks in my hands and began to lap away at her sex from bottom to top. My tongue sliding between her pussy lips and ending with a flourish as it lazily rubbed her sensitive button of flesh. There was another growl and pleas for more so I began at the bottom again and teased first one of her labia then the other and so it had begun. After a few minutes of this I focused on her clit by flickering my tongue over it and feeling the vibrations running through Mary's body as the stimulus raced through her and drove her wild. Then just for fun I would suckle her clit ever so slightly before returning to tonguing her entire sex in long exaggerated movements of head and tongue. I lost track of time I was enjoying myself so much and she was beyond words the entire time. I knew that she had finally cum when her hips lifted up higher than before and a single piercing cry cut through the room and echoed off its excellent acoustical walls and ceiling. Then Mary was laying prone on the floor panting and her legs still shaking. I gently took an index finger and lightly rubbed her clit and saw her entire body spasm and I suspected she had just climaxed again. 

'HMMM,' I thought. 'This could be fun.'

I eased two fingers into her pussy and began to thrust them slowly in and out of her and she weakly tried to stop me but her eyes rolled up and she was grinding against my digits in no time. I lowered my head and very lightly lapped at her clit while my fingers did their work and climax followed climax until she begged me stop.

"PPPPPlease lover... my pussy can't take it any more..." she panted.

I removed my fingers from her and she sighed contentedly until I left the tub and showed her the erection she had inspired.

"Dear me," she said in her Irish Brogue, "what the devil are we going to do about THAT?"

I just smiled at her and she returned it and without another word rolled onto her belly and from there onto her hands and knees. I knelt behind her and eased my cock into her pussy and thrust into her very slowly but when I tried to ease a finger into her ass she just said...

"Why waste valuable time lover... just slide that fine cock of yours into me and have your way with me..." she moaned in final surrender to her desires.

I took my erection now slick with her pussy juices and eased it slowly into her tight ass and she just relaxed and took it with little or no pain. 

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," she moaned. "I tried to be a good girl... I really did. Now fuck my ass Nick and don't be delicate. Show me what a real man does with a cock in so fine an ass as mine!"

So I did. I rammed it home and heard her growl of approval and attacked her tight hole like a man on a mission. My mission was to make her cum at least one more time and for me to fill it to overflowing. I dug my nails into her ass cheeks and began to hammer away slow steady but with quick hard jabs of my hips.

"MMMMMMMMMMM," she moaned. "That's it lover fuck that ass... make love to it... hell brutalize the damn thing for all I care. Just make me cum!"

I built up the speed slowly savoring the pleasure she was giving me and her colored commentary was all the more appealing and fell somewhere between a lover and a drill instructor. 

"Fuck that ASS Nick... NNNNNNNNNNNNN Yessssss lover that's it..."

She was thrusting back as hard as she could meeting each of my forward thrusts. I felt the first tingling of my climax and was hoping I didn't cum before she did. But by the way she was panting I felt we would come at nearly the same time. 

"MMMMMM Deeper I need you deeper Nick," she said lowering her body until she was on her belly and then rolled onto her side and placed her upper leg over my shoulder. "MMMMM that's it now move closer... yes like that now.... UNNNNNNNNNNNNN fuck that's it!"

I thrust into her and another two inches of my cock slipped into her tight depths and damn it felt amazing. I thrust harder now and I watched as her eyes slowly closed and her body stiffened and her climax hit her full on. I kept hammering away at her ass and knew I was just seconds away. She opened her eyes and smiled cupping her tits and teasing her nipples.

"Shoot all over me Nick... spray my tits and face like the dirty little whore I am..." gone was the Irish accent and her entire demeanor seemed changed but eh what the hell.

When I could stand it no longer I yanked my cock free of her ass and aimed a torrent of cum that arced onto her tits and throat not quite making her face. Pity. Mary rubbed the cum in like it was suntan lotion and smiled almost demonically now.

"Pity I missed the majority of the show," she said and then I knew who and what I was dealing with. 

There was no other girl in the hot air balloon, Mary suffered from multiple personality disorder and I had just met the third girl living in Mary's skull.

"What's your name whore," I asked.

"MMMMMMMMMMM you can call me Caitlyn, and you must be Nick." She said moving to a sitting position.

"Yes indeed, I've met Mary but I am not sure who that was in the balloon..."

"Oh that was that simpering simpleton Sarah," Caitlyn spat out in disgust.

"I take it you two don't get along," I asked slipping back into the hot water of the tub to wash up. She followed my lead and dropped down below the water to clean the random bit of cum from her hair. Caitlyn rose out of the water in front of me and pressed herself against me and she was wearing her pouty face.

"It's not fair," she mourned. "I wake up with a nice fat cock in my ass and Mary get's all the attention."

"You are a dirty little whore; do you even deserve my attention?" I asked pushing her most obvious button. "I mean Mary is a very talented sucker of the cock... eh..."

"Are you saying even suggesting that I don't know my way around giving head," she roared.

"I'm not saying that, I'm just saying that once a girl deep throats the monster between my legs it leaves a lasting impression you know," I replied calmly.

"Trust me honey," she said showing her nails, "I know how to leave a lasting impression."

The sun had set long ago and I had lost count of my orgasms and left a sleeping sociopathic redhead dreaming deep and pleasantly satisfied... I hoped. What sane man marries a woman with eight different personalities? I mean really how fucking nuts do you have to be to want to come home to who knows what type of woman waiting for you. From the saintly and virginal Amy to the completely amoral and fit to tied and I do mean that literally, Chasey she ran the sexual as well as moral gambit. It's like playing Russian roulette with your cock. So after an afternoon of being sucked and fucked as well as clawed and scratched I was ready for a break. I borrowed one of her husband's robes and walked the quarter mile to the edge of the grove that held the Sentinel Trees. There were nine trees in all consisting of a ring of eight younger trees around a central beast of a tree that had to be three hundred feet tall. But to my surprise these monolithic beasts were not redwoods they were something else entirely. They were ash and the younger trees were massive on their own scale topping out at around two hundred feet. On the northern side of the grove between the central tree and its children was a stream fed pool that was shaped like a tear drop and due to the running water was not frozen over. When I stood at the far end of the pool and looked upstream at the path of the water it was amazingly straight for a natural formation if natural it was. 

"Amazing isn't it," a deep baritone voice said catching me completely off guard.

"Shit," I exclaimed, "you scared the piss out of me!"

"Sorry son, I forget how quiet it is up here."

I turned to see a man who appeared for all intents and purposes to have stepped out of the civil war era in his gray uniform and he even had his officer's hat in hand. He was a little taller than me and despite his white hair and eye patch which was heavily weathered leather he stood tall and unbent by his obvious years. 

"Sorry I snapped but like I said you startled me," I said. "My name's Nick Shaw."

"Nice to meet you Nick," he said offering his hand, "they call me Gadda Doin."

"A pleasure," I said and found he had a grip like iron. "Strong handshake you got there Gadda."

"You too Nick, so what brings you up to the trees so late," he asked.

"I would have been here earlier but I was distracted."

"That happens at the Stone Farm a lot these days," he said smiling. "I hope she didn't hurt ya."

"Nah, I'm tougher than I look." I told him and he nodded. "So you work at the Stone Farm?"

"Oh no, I have a cabin that borders the western edge of the property. Mary doesn't mind my visits to the trees and the memorial."

"Memorial," I said. "What memorial is that?"

Gadda Doin walked over to the other side of the circle opposite the pool and there was a simple yet lovingly crafted table weathered and ancient but in decent condition considering. It was an unusual table as it had five sides instead of four and carved deep into the wood were words. I had to get much closer to see that they were in fact names; five girl's names were etched into the wood and the same date. One of the last names was Stone and the date 1917.




Iron Rain Pt. 12



"Is that Jon's grandmother," I asked but Gadda Doin was no longer there and when I looked Mary stood where the old man had.

"I have done some terrible things Nick, some very terrible things," and her frozen tears fell on her shivering naked body.

I managed to scoop her into my arms just before she collapsed and raced back to the house and laid her by the blazing hearth in the Germanic Room that had to be their dining room. I was beginning to figure out that with all of Jon's travels some of his finds made their way into his home and why not. As I held her close to warm her Mary or whatever her real name was muttered in her sleep and she switched languages the way some women changed shoes. I lost count after eight distinct dialects spilled from her lips.

"Surfer..."

"Master," Up raised Grim from my shadow and I had completely forgotten his presence there. "May I be of assistance?"

"Yeah, you've heard her can you identify the languages she is speaking," I asked.

"Some Master, Gaelic, French, Russian, German, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Aramaic, Sioux and the others I have never been exposed to Sir."

"What the hell is she saying," I asked.

"The same thing over and over again, I am sorry so sorry."

"Sorry for what," I wondered.

"That I cannot tell Sir, but seeing as she is of Irish decent perhaps if I asked her in Gaelic she might respond to that," Grim offered.

"Excellent idea, go ahead," I said and watched and waited.

Grim moved by her head and leaned close and whispered in her ear and instantly she was ranting in that musical dialect. After some back and forth between her and Grim he looked at me and I could see he was having trouble processing what she had told him. 

"Master, Mary Stone is a Nephilim of the House of Ishtar and branded... Rosalyn Dhu that is Gaelic for Black Rose. She is a killer of her own kind and it is not multiple personality disorder she suffers from but the residual life force of her Nephilim victims. If you believe her that is," Grim added at the last.

"Truth be told Grim, I am not sure what to believe," I said looking down at this multifaceted woman with renewed wonder and awe. "Who are you... really?"

"They took my name..." she whispered. 

"Who took it and why," I pulled her closer still.

"The Twelve... they sent a Praetor and there was a fight... and He died for me," then her body shook as she cried and I knew that depth of pain.

The rest was sobs and incoherent ramblings that I couldn't make out so I just held her. The wind picked up outside and the snow fell as this nameless woman released her anguish and once again fell asleep in my arms. I picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. I laid her on her bed dressed her in a nightshirt and tucked her into bed. I felt a sense of synergy had been reached and all the crazy energy had come full circle somehow. I hoped when she woke she felt some sense of healing but sadly I couldn't be there when it happened. That wasn't my place; it was her husband's wherever he was.

I showered, shaved and dressed in my crumpled clothing and headed out in the snow storm perhaps hoping to get lost and be punished for my indiscretion with Mary Stone but deep down I knew it would take more than blinding snow and freezing cold to stop the path I was on. While I walked my mind drifted and I questioned everything. I wondered if I was worthy of the responsibility that I had taken up and if there was someone else better suited to the task at hand. I no longer felt the forward movement, I no longer knew what direction I travelled and it was not to the bed and breakfast that my feet led me but to a grotto high above the town where hot water springs fed the pool and the fountains that played across the surface of the towering black obelisk.

Black Stone Ebony Flame:

It projected a good fifty feet above the surface of the pool and appeared as if newly crafted though deep down I knew otherwise. It appeared in shape and form very similar to Cleopatra's Needle in New York but instead of hieroglyphs strange alien characters covered its surface. I then remembered the bracelets I had purchased for Akira and they had mentioned that the designs were very similar to the Obelisk at the Black Lotus School. Was this a sister stone to that mysterious academy on the other side of the planet and if it was what purpose did they serve? 

"Grim, are you still there?"

"Right here Master Nick, how can I be... whoa," he appeared in his hooded form and stopped speaking the minute he noticed the black monolithic structure in front of me.

"I take it you've seen something like this before?"

"In a manner of speaking... yeah," Grim said walking a complete circuit around the pool. "In the former Master's library there is a mention in one of his books of the six master stones that fell to earth during the Hyperborean Epoch and were scattered to keep them safe. The description fits this object here very closely."

"If I get a good scan of the characters can you try and decipher them," I asked making my own way around the pool.

"I can 'try' Master Nick, but no one has been able to decipher them...ever," Grim said with very little conviction in his voice.

"I know you'll do your best, begin scanning," I said and as the violet beam from my watch played over the obelisk's surface I slowly walked around it and after a finishing Grim informed me that the scan was incomplete.

"Master Nick, there is at least ten feet of the object under the water and due to the refraction effect of the pool I cannot get an accurate scan unless..."

"...unless I get wet?"

"UMMM yes Sir," he said with a wince. "Sorry."

I shrugged and stripped off my clothes and eased myself into the hot water of the pool. Once in the sweet almost fruity smell was very strong. I swam over to the center of the pool before diving beneath the water and continued the scan swimming in a slow circle until the watch chimed in the water indicating I was done here. I broke the surface and when I turned to swim back to the edge of the pool and my clothes I came face to face with Mary Stone. She had also stripped down and was treading water but it was the naked hatred in her eyes that set off the alarm bells in my head but it was already too late. Her hands shot out faster than I could react and grabbed either side of my head and there came that terrible soul wrenching scream from her throat.

"YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THEM? HERE TAKE IT ALL... TAKE THEM ALL!"

The water of the pool erupted in ebony flame that engulfed us and as I struggled against her grip the sudden eruption of alien memories poured into my consciousness and I took up her scream as entire lifetimes of murder, pain and ecstasy pushed out everything else. There comes a point when the mind cannot process anymore and it simply shuts down and that is what happened to me. 

Mary Stone sat on the edge of the pool and stared out at the world alone in her mind for the first time in so many years. The voices were gone and she saw what she had done and fled into the night, into the storm, away from my body and away from those dead eyes seeing nothing. 

"I'm sorry Nick... I am so very sorry," she muttered over and over again as she crashed through the blizzard and headed for home.

I awoke near the small town at the edge of the sea. The morning sun was burning away the ground fog and I lay naked upon the soft spring grass still damp with dew. I sat up resting on my feet and the long cascade of scarlet locks fell before my eyes. Something was terribly wrong and yet I could not remember something very important but what was it? I reached out with slender hands with their delicate fingers and touched my hair and it felt so wrong and yet it was my hair, wasn't it? I pulled the proud mane of red hair about my naked form and it touched the earth it was so long. I stood up and felt the great strength that flowed through me and it was a primal thing. Was I some forest spirit that raced along the hidden ways and seldom saw the likes of men? I walked for a while in the pathless parts of this primeval place and knew only peace. Then I came across a pool and was drawn to it so that I may know myself better. I knelt down at the water's edge and looked in to examine my reflection. What ethereal creature is this? A face so lovely with its pale freckled skin and upswept almond shaped eyes the color of deepest jade. A delicate nose over a small but kissable mouth with full lips and a talented tongue no doubt hidden behind those very lips; I turned my head and pulled my hair from my ears to see their fine structure that came to a subtle but noticeable point. I was not elf-kind but perhaps kin of those legendary folk. I placed my hair behind me to better see what else I might examine and lo and behold womanly breasts that filled my hands and a little more besides. MMMMM what man could resist these pressed against his flesh? And such pale nipples and areoles the color of new fallen snow so very sensitive when teased as I was doing now. I stood up and saw the flat muscular tummy and below that the carpet of red just above my glistening sex. If my nipples were sensitive how much more could my naked sex be? I released one breast and let my hand slowly travel down touching my belly, my soft tuft of pubic hair and below that...

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN Oh Yes..." I moaned and my voice echoed over the surface of the pool. 

It was slick with need and my fingers knew just what to do though even as they teased and pleased I craved something more, something long and hard and male! I sat down hard and pleasured myself without thought of how loud I was or how exposed I was and that played into my favor. Two fingers slid in and out of my sex while a finger from my other hand discovered and began to play with the little button of flesh just above. I was rocking and moaning as my first climax began to fill me up until my body could contain it no longer and with a piercing cry it crashed over me and I felt good, so very good! When I could breathe again I slipped into the cool waters of the pond and enjoyed the simple pleasure of the feel of the water all around me. I could move through the water as easily as I did on the land. Then I heard the mad crashing sound coming the woods and slipped down until only my eyes were above the water. The poor thing must be some poor wounded beast to be making so much noise but when at last it broke through the thicket it was not an animal but a man, a very young handsome man! A jolt of desire filled me from between my legs up until the heat hit my brain and everything went warm and fuzzy. There was that ache to be filled that I would fulfill and he was the one to do it.

"Miss, are you alright," he asked with a look of genuine concern in his voice.

"I am naked," I told him and saw his eyes widen, heard his heart begin to race and I could smell his arousal even from where I was. "Can you help me," I purred.

"I can go and get you some clothes," he said but I cut him off by swimming to the edge of the pool.

"MMMMMMMMMMM that's not the kind of help I need," I said moving out of the water showing him my nakedness. "I need a strong young man to make love to me."

I watched him swallow hard his mouth dry now, the erection in his pants obvious and his gaze riveted to my bosom.

"UMMMMM... I've never..." he stammered.

A virgin! The hunger welled up and I was upon him tearing off his clothes with hands and teeth and soon his scent was encompassing me. A young male in heat how perfect! He was on the ground beneath me and his hardness was in my grasp and I stroked him lightly. 

"Let me do everything," I moaned in his ear. "Do you like my touch lover?" He nodded vigorously. "Would you like more?" Again he nodded. "Good now lie back and let me taste you."

I slowly and sinuously moved down his body my hand never slowing and I could see he was painfully hard in my grasp. HEHE wait until he felt my mouth around him. He was a robustly hung fellow and thick as well as long, perfect. I knelt between his legs and looked up at him never letting my gaze drift from his. I lowered my mouth to him and let my tongue flicker over the thick mushroom shaped head of his circumcised cock. 

"Don't fight anything, if you feel like shooting in my mouth go ahead, I don't mind," I told him and the look of delight in his eyes told me he belonged to me.

I took the tip into my mouth and licked and sucked and felt his entire body stiffen and knew his first climax wasn't far off. Who could blame an inexperienced youth of maybe twenty summers? I let another two or so inches slide between my lips and the guttural groan he let out told me he was second away. I stroked him faster now and applied more pressure to make sure I didn't miss a drop. Twenty strokes later his groan became a cry of release and his seed hit the back of my throat and I swallowed greedy to feed off his sensual energy. But that was just a tease for the real mean I wanted to devour. I continued stroking and now began to move my head up and down on him feeding more and more of his quickly hardening flesh down my throat. I heard his gasp of surprise and delight as he lay there enjoying what delights I had to offer him. When he was ready for me I lifted my head up and away and moved to straddle him. His hard flesh was pointing at the clouds when I lowered my hungry sex over his and felt that wonderful moment when the tip opened me up and then slid inside. We moaned together as I slid down and he impaled me inch by agonizing inch. Soon I was full and he was snug inside of me and by the look on his face he was enjoying himself immensely. I began to ride him and his grunts of pleasure when I dropped down were getting louder and louder. Soon he would want to take over and I would relinquish the power but until then. I leaned forward resting my hands on his wide burly chest and used that for leverage as I drove my hips up and down on him. That lasted another minute or two before with a rush of movement he lifted me up and off of him and he set me gently down onto the ground. I got onto my hands and knees and offered him my sex with a wiggle of my hips and he accepted my offer with a raw thrust of his hips driving his cock as deep into me as he could. My young stud was thrusting behind me and pleasuring me just like I wanted.

"UNNN UNNN UNNNN," I moaned for his ears alone. "Take me lover... make me yours!"

But he was a rutting bull and my words fell on deaf ears as he plowed into me. What he lacked in finesse, which he had none of, he more than made up for in enthusiasm and stamina which he possessed in droves. I felt my second climax quickly approaching and I think he could sense it too and thrust harder and faster into me and my cries rose in pitch until...

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," I called out as my body shook as the waves of pleasure engulfed me and still he hammered my sex from behind. "OH SHIT!!!!" I cried out as one orgasm followed the other.

He rolled me onto my back and the continued to fuck me hard and fast. I could tell by his ever thickening member that he was close.

"MMMMMMMMMM can I suck you off again lover, you don't want a baby now do you?"

He shook his head and eased out of me and I took him into my mouth tasting him and me on his rock hard cock. He thrust slowly in and out of my throat as I let my teeth play lightly across his flesh and he moaned louder liking the mix of pleasure and modest pain. I took him in hand and as before I stroked him and wrapped my lips tight around the tip. But this time as he came I slipped one of my razor sharp canine into the large vein that ran underneath his cock and as he shot off got a nice mix of cum and blood. I licked him clean and saw the euphoric effects of my 'kiss' take hold. He would never remember my little bite. Now I sat back on my heels reveling in that full feeling of his orgasm enriched blood coursing through me. My eyes closed and I floated along in my own little world until... SNAP!

I spun around in time to see the three hunters slip from the woods all smiles and the smell of their excitement was overpowering. 

"So that's where he went off to," said the tallest and thinnest of the men. "Had a little fun have we lad?"

"You've been right awful greedy you have," said the second and most powerfully built of the three. He had rugged good looks and I didn't mind his gaze upon my flesh.

"We should all have a go at her shouldn't we boys," said the oldest and easily the ugliest man I had ever seen he said setting down his bow and freeing a cock of epic proportions.

"Can't judge a cock by its cover," I whispered.

"Did she just say what I think she said?" the first man said dropping his pants revealing an adequate piece of man flesh.

"I think she wants all three of us at once boyos," the second man said showing a nine inch monster that was thicker than any I have ever seen.

I licked my lips and crooked my finger at the group and that was as they say that. I had one cock in my hand stroking it, one in my mouth and that ugly old fart sliding his prodigious length up inside of me from behind. I was moaning as that mean old fucker was ramming that beast into me touching depths yet unplumbed. The other two were taking turns fucking my throat and getting stroked and ready to fuck me. But it was that old fuck that raised the bar for everyone.

"Ere now, why don't we have Mr. Mason bugger her arse while I finish her pussy nice and rough like and you Mr. Carpenter keep up fucking her throat like a real gentleman?"

"Fine by me," they both agreed so suddenly all the cocks were gone but only momentarily. 

Mr. Mason the first fellow I had seen lay down on the ground and I was picked up very unceremoniously and lowered onto his pecker and I let out a wicked moan as his thickness pierced my ass without so much as a glob of spit. As I howled in protestation that ugly old fuck rammed his cock into my pussy and Mr. Carpenter shut me up with that lovely cock of his down my throat. The young devirginized lad watched on in stunned horror and was stroking himself off while I was ganged up on. My moans of protest only fueled Mr. Carpenter's pleasure and he fucked my throat faster now as that grand old cock plowed my pussy in long hard strokes. This drove that fat cock in my ass in and out and after a little while it actually began to feel okay once I had time to acclimate a bit. I was thanking the goddess for the young man's energy still coursing through me when this happened. Though it felt great I was tired of the stench of the old man between my legs so I began squeezing my sex around him and pushing him to cum faster now and it didn't take much of that to send him spilling his seed deep inside of me. 

"MMMMMMMMM don't go anywhere gramps I ain't done with you yet," I whispered.

The second man pulled out of my throat and slid into my pussy stretching it ever so nicely before he too began to hammer away at my insides like there was no tomorrow. But though shorter in length his cock filled me up so much better than the old man's. I managed to wrap my legs around my lover and with a squeeze and a thrust I drove him just a little deeper still. 

"MMMMMMMMMMMM Yes lover fuck me... drive that into me just like that," I moaned to him. 

While my hunger seemed unquenchable the men were not and one by one they fell like flies or came and went. I was pleasantly surprised when the young man who had come to my rescue was now behind me thrusting his hard flesh in and out of my ass while Mr. Carpenter had his second go at my pussy. When all of them were sated and panting on the ground still I hungered for more and that deepest and most terrible of desires awoke in me and try as I might to warn them off the men stayed and died one by one. The old man was first to feel the true 'kiss' of a Nephilim in heat and as I leapt upon him and sank my canines into his flesh it wasn't his blood that I needed it was his very life stuff that I drew from his dying body. Sadly the others did not know what fate awaited them until it was far too late. Even that sweet young thing whose virginity I had taken perished beneath me writhing in ecstasy. 




Iron Rain Pt. 12



I stripped the bodies and mixed and matched the best of their combined clothing for my personal used. I used the rest to tear into strips for rope so I could weigh down their bodies with heavy stones in the pond. Then I washed their reeking clothing until it was bearable to wear and then let it dry in what was left of the summer day sun. Sated both sexually and hunger wise I napped until the clothing was dry enough to wear. That was the day they took my name. That was the day the Praetor came with his men and brought me low. But my story goes further back than many suspects and I have more to share with my new host.

I awoke floating on my back in the pool with the obelisk, the heavier mineral rich water supported me and kept me from drowning while I... I relived a portion of Mary Stone's life? I looked down to make sure my man parts were still there and satisfied I was still me I swam to the pools edge and carefully lifted my body from the water. What the hell happened to me anyway? Mary had gripped my head and unleashed a psychic torrent in my mind and then that crazy 'dream'. But it felt so real and I mean no man can possible imagine what it feels like to be a woman, short of radical surgery, but I think I knew. My gaze was drawn to the black stone and its pristine carvings and it was that above all else that gave me that intense wrong feeling about the artifact. How could a rock possible endure decades of water falling upon it and not show some sign of erosion? The water was mineral rich and yet there were absolutely no deposits or layer of muck upon its perfect surface. As my skin dried I decided to explore deeper into the cave system and see what other things I might learn that might help me understand this place better. The further in I went the warmer it got and there were smaller pools but these smelled the way you would expect with a distinct mineral scent as opposed to the almost organic flowery smell of the first chamber. As I meandered through the main tunnel I came to a cathedral sized cave and it was here that I learned where the town got their power from. Sunk into the large pool that dominated this chamber were gleaming pipes that fed the hot water up and away from here and as the pipe headed deeper into the caves the smaller it got. I followed the pipe and another large chamber was filled with some sort of machinery and other pipes led into this centralized hub of mechanical activity. It was an amalgamation of generations of technology overlapping but if I looked closely I could see the original 'steam punk' equipment that had started it all. Somehow they were converting the natural hot springs into steam to power the turbines which created all the electricity they needed and on the cheap I imagined. Once again I could see the far reaching planning involved in the creation and running of this little town. If New York had been this well thought out, just imagine. 

I heard the crunch of shoes on the rock floor and spun to see Nik Salte standing there a look of amusement and curiosity on his sharp angular features. It felt like some bird of prey examining its next potential meal.

"You must be Nick Shaw... umm why are you naked in my power plant," his English was very good but there was just a hint of Eastern European in his voice similar but not the same as Petra's speech pattern.

"I didn't want to get my clothes wet after being in the pool at the head of the cave," I said and he nodded.

"Oh okay," he shrugged. "I get that. Why are you here?"

"I got lost in the snow storm and took refuge in here," I could see by his facial reaction that much had happened and I had missed it.

"That storm was over three days ago... were you in the pool that entire time?"

"Yeah why is there some chance at health risks?"

"Oh no on the contrary, the water in the first chamber has some very therapeutic affects," he said casually. "Did you actually touch the stone?"

"Not that I know of... but I did have a bump on my head," I lied. "I wasn't conscious the entire time."

"You better get dressed and I will drive you back into town, there are a lot of people looking for you what with all that has happened," he said all seriousness now.

"What's happened," I asked but he just led the way back out and to my clothes.

The ride back to town was done in complete silence and very few roads were plowed because of the crazy amount of snowfall. It appeared people were still digging out when we reached the town square and from there to the bed and breakfast. 

"Good luck Nick and for what it's worth I am sorry," the other Nik said cryptically.

"Thanks," I said and got out and headed up to my room.

The door had barely opened when Kat of all people flew into my arms tears flowing and the deep sobs shook her to the core.

"They killed her, the son of bitches killed mom!" 

"What! How could that have happened? She had more bodyguards than god himself," I asked as the rage and the shock of the revelation fought for dominance in me.

"Someone shot her while she was on board the yacht. It was a professional Nick, but they were looking for you," Kat managed to explain between gasps of breath.

"Me," I said and a terrible thing awoke in me, a thing that wanted to find and punish whoever did this thing and whoever put things in motion. "They are dead they don't know it yet but they are all DEAD!"

"Where have you been," it was Akira and did she see the scars that Mary Stone's attack had left on my soul?

"I have walked in darkness again but this time I was not alone," I said. "I have suffered the touch of a Bakaret and yet still I live."

"A soul thief," Akira gasped and her color became as the snow outside. "They are a rare breed indeed; they are the one percent of one percent. How did you survive Kouryou?"

"She let me live to carry her burden and it is a terrible weight indeed," I said hearing the whispers in my mind that were not my own.

"Who did this and I will end her life this very day," Akira promised.

"They took her name from her," I said.

"I know her name," Akira whispered. "We all know 'her' name. It is told to us like the monster from a fairy tale but this fiend is all too real."

"We will speak of this later right now I have more pressing matters to deal with," I said.

My mind was spinning in the red haze but I fought off the urge to go racing off destructively.

"Surfer," I called out and he appeared. "I want every fucking satellite feed of that area both commercial and military as soon as possible."

"Yes Milord," and poof he was gone.

"Lilith," I want every wire transfer of over ten thousand dollars from across the fucking planet."

"Yes Master," she whispered and was gone nearly as soon as she appeared.

"Morrigan," I called out and she manifested in her dark majesty. "What is the status of the Shadow Gambit?"

"Step one is complete and we are ready to proceed to step two," she said with a grim smile.

"Do it," I said and turned to Akira. "I am sorry I didn't get a chance to tell you about this but it is necessary. Grim?"

"Yes Master," he said appearing in his hooded form.

"What were the casualities?"

"More than expected sir, but the Grandmaster is safe and your enemies laid low."

"Good how long until we have ferreted out all the traitors," I asked.

"No more than a few more days, we are approximately seventy three percent finished with phase one," he said proudly.

"Any word from the Eternal Master," I queried trying to determine my next course of action.

"Nothing as yet," Grim replied.

"Phase two is being initiated I need you to prepare for the fall out when the loyal members get word of what is going on. I want you to inform them of the long term goals and how they can be of assistance."

"Yes Master," Grim too was gone.

"What is going on Kouryou," Akira asked as Kat sat down and watched the entire exchange with great interest.

"What are you going to do about mom," Kat asked before I could answer Akira.

"I am going to hunt down and kill everyone involved in mom's death," I told Kat and my conviction seemed to more than satisfy her. "What I have been planning is this," I said turning my full attention to Akira. "At the advice of a Zeitgeist I made plans on testing the loyalty of members of the Order and have flushed out those who would use it for their own ends."

"What sort of plan," Akira asked intrigued and afraid at the same time.

"I had Surfer and Lilith search through the criminal records here in the U.S. and find those men and women who were wrongfully accused of crimes and imprisoned. I had the information then sent to each and every Governor of every state demanding immediate action and prosecution of the judges, lawyers and law enforcement responsible."

"Kouryou, are you mad! No Governor in their right mind would act on that evidence alone."

"I added my seal on the paperwork for good measure," I explained.

"It's not like every elected official are members... wait are they?"

"As I said I added my seal to the documentation to facilitate a knee jerk response and it worked perfectly."

"So how many acted upon the documentation," she asked realizing the scope of the Orders reach.

"Eighty two percent didn't bat an eyelash and moved to pardon those mentioned and bring charges immediately," I told her.

"That many," she mused.

"It is an election year," I told her and she nodded her understanding. "Copies were also sent to the President and he jumped at the chance to oust corruption."

"What about the other eighteen percent," Kat asked.

"They refused and after a quick perusal of their financials it became apparent they were also involved in the removal of key people in their state. They were being paid off by members of Nephilim held corporations who want to keep the status quo, in other words chaotic. The disloyal members acted as expected and went after the key public member of the Order."

"The Grandmaster, but you just helped him get into office," Akira said shocked they would be so bold so soon.

"Yeah, but he was well prepared and protected thanks to the Sisterhood," I told her and her eyes narrowed. "I know I should have told you but I was afraid after you heard what part two was you would think me a monster."

"What is part two," Akira asked her voice dropping to a mere whisper.

"Turn on the television," I said. "It should be on the news by now."

Kat grabbed the remote and turned on the local news and it was being repeated over and over.

'If you are just tuning in catastrophic explosions have rocked the Maximum Security Prisons across the country. Officials are still trying to discover the source for the explosions but the loss of life is in the tens of thousands. Amazingly an automated evacuation cleared the prisons of all guards and other non prisoner personnel prior to the event. As yet no one is taking responsibility for the action and it may come down to a software upgrade in the prison's operating system that caused the failure and explosions. Once again thousands of prisoners are dead this morning due to a series of catastrophic explosions in each and every Maximum Security Prison across the country...'

Click, the television went dead and all eyes turned to me.

"Why Kouryou, why would you do this thing?" Akira asked.

"Two fold, one it removes a huge drain on resources housing people that will never be released. Secondly it sends a message to my enemies that they are next."

"That's why you had those men and women pardoned didn't you, you didn't want to murder innocent people?"

"Murder is such a harsh word," I said but she was right I had murdered thousands but in the long run the ripple effect would resonate in the population and a cancer had been removed.

"Harsh or not," Akira said. "You killed thousands of men and women."

"Murderers and violent animals that had escaped justice, do you think a single one of them regretted what they had done. And those that did died quickly and painlessly."

"You don't need to justify what you did to me; I understand why you did it. But don't lie to yourself and call it what it is not. I also understand why you didn't confide in me, I would have tried to talk you out of this. But you were correct in one thing, it will send a message to your enemies... and they will not underestimate you again."

"Good, cause the next phase makes this one look like a fucking walk in the park," I told her and she lowered her eyes.

"You really mean to start a war, have you thought this through Master," Akira said so softly I almost missed it.

"I mean to end the corruption, stagnation and I have run so many simulations it is sickening. But I cannot stand by and just let things go as they have; that scenario and its outcome are not acceptable. Just go ask Surfer if you don't believe me."

Kat sat in stunned silence and I saw the look on her face and it screamed Monster whenever she looked at me.

"Nick, it's like I don't even know you anymore," Kat said sadly. "Mom wouldn't have wanted this, if this is about her death."

"It isn't this has taken weeks to set in motion and what comes next has been in the planning stage for decades and I am going to exploit a military research facility's crown jewel for my own purposes."

"But why," Kat cried out.

"Because if I don't humanity as you know it won't be around to have a fighting chance Kat. I have run the numbers a hundred million times and if I do nothing the economic down turn we are experiencing is nothing compared to what they have planned."

"Who are they? Why you? I just don't get it..." and the emotional damn burst again and she was sobbing again.

I took her into my arms and just held her while I had Akira get our transportation readied to leave and get back on board the one place I knew we would be safe, the Numenor.

I felt her because 'they' felt their old host as she approached on silent feet. She had meant to feed on me and kill me in the cave but had instead rid herself of her infestation. Perhaps in the long run it would have been kinder to have taken my life.

"Hello Mary," I said not turning to face her.

"Hello Nick," her voice so clear and steady and full of pain but no remorse.

"Have you come to finish off what you started," I asked.

"No, August sent me to offer you asylum here, you don't have to go."

"Oh but I do, they killed Kat's mother and a member of my family. That kind of act demands retribution but for what it is worth before long I will know my enemy better than he knows himself won't I?"

"Yes," she said softly. "You will become the thing you hate and all of my sins will be laid bare before your mind's eye. Try not to judge me too harshly, I meant to kill you that day in the cave."

"I think you misjudge my intent Mary, I am not going to fight this gift you have given me. I have decided to embrace it and make it a part of who I am. By turning a negative into a positive, it is what I do."

"You will fail, you will go mad and in the end you will kill everyone close to you," she said turning to leave.

"You are wrong," I said but she was already gone.

House De Medici:

They were calling it a terrible accident and catastrophic software glitch at least that's what they were telling the public. The effects were amazing as it both brought so many communities together and at the same time crime plummeted over the last six months. Perhaps evil doers were afraid that they too might find themselves in a dire situation for committing unnecessary acts of violence. I didn't know and I didn't care. Kat had chosen to return to her job and I guess I couldn't blame her. After all that I had done I wouldn't want to be anywhere near me either.

Surfer had provided me with the satellite intelligence, Lilith with the bank transfers and we were able to discover not only who the assassin was but who had hired him. Eric Ahriman President and CEO of Ahriman Arms a rival in providing military and law enforcement with weapons and vehicles was the man responsible for the death of Petra Shaw. My father had stopped by long enough to pay his respects but I knew he blamed me for her death, just as he had for his first wife's passing. How strange that the life I lived now looked so very different from the one when I was back at the academy.

There came a soft knock at my office's door and one of the crew stepped in long enough to hand off a folded piece of paper and stayed for my reaction. I unfolded the note and read the short contents.

"Is everything prepared," I asked and she nodded. "Tell them I will be down shortly."

I finished the reports I was working on and with a grim smile I stood and changed my clothes for the work at hand. I resolved myself to do this thing even though ever fiber of my being screamed to finish them quickly and be done with it. I opened the door and made the slow walk down to the bottom deck where my two guests were being held. It had been a long few months knowing who had done this thing but it had taken time to develop a flawless strategy to accomplish what was needed. I could have grabbed the sniper a long time ago but that might have tipped off Eric Ahriman and that wouldn't do. So both men were invited for a visit within minutes of each other and now that they had safely arrived... there would be justice.

The two hooded figures lay on the floor of the deck and I was told who was who by Akira. But she did not plea for their lives she supported me completely in what was to happen.

"Take off the hoods," I ordered and two of the sisterhood stepped up and snatched the cloth covering their heads.

The young man on the right looked so innocent until you looked him in the eyes. They were the eyes of a killer and a war hero and decorated sniper of the highest skill. But sadly he had fallen on hard times after mustering out of the military and had jumped at the million dollar bounty on my life and sadly it included any member of my immediate family.

On the left was the handsome middle aged man who had ordered the hit and would suffer the most. He was looking around and when he saw Akira and there was obvious recognition I shouldn't have been surprised but I was.

"Akira," he asked confused. "You are working with prey now?"

"Eric, you are in no position to be bringing up that given your situation," she replied.

"My situation, I assume this is a hostage negotiation..." he began and then saw the expression on my face and he realized how dire his position really was. "...wait you aren't really going to hurt anyone here today. My father and family will go to war if something happens to me."

"That's the plan Eric," I said. "Since your company went public they have created a fine financial opportunity for me and mine."

"What are you talking about," he said his eyes narrowing.

"I have purchased fifty one percent of your company and plan on dismantling it and selling it for parts." I told him. "I also have a rather extensive list of your family holdings and the same will befall those as well. I plan on crushing your family's ability to make war before I move on them openly. Sadly you won't be around to see it happen."

"They will retaliate, they will make you suffer," Eric was ranting now as the fear crept into his eyes.

"Was it your idea to place a bounty on my head," I asked as I walked over and revealed the tools I had chosen for today's entertainment. "MMMMM ever see the movie Sin City?" I asked holding up the plastic tubing. "This is going to be a long drawn out affair Eric and sadly you will be quite awake and feel every pain I inflict upon you."

The young sniper began to wail at his fate and struggling against his restraints. But there was no mercy in my heart.

"And you young man, for your part in things you get to watch and when Eric here gets hungry you are his last meal," I said.




Iron Rain Pt. 12



"What do you mean last meal? What the fuck did I get myself into?"

"You'll see," I said and the nurses injected Eric with the medication that would keep him not only conscious but also enhance his sensitivity to pain. "Well let's get started shall we?"

I moved to the edge of the river Arno to wash the blood from my hands and dried them even as the guard approached.

"Lady Medici, your uncle is looking for you. Is everything alright?"

"Can you send word to dear Giovanni that I am on my way," I asked him.

"Of course Lady, do you require an escort?" he asked and I shook my head.

"No, it is a lovely evening and I have a small delay before I meet with my uncle."

"Very well I will go myself and tell your good uncle that you are on your way," and the young soldier was on his way and so was I.

I knocked upon the heavy oaken door and heard movement beyond.

"Who is it," asked the stern male voice beyond.

"It is I, Lady Olivia of the house of Medici," I replied formally.

"One moment," said the voice before the sound of the heavy bar was being slid from its place and the door opened. "Lady Medici, you are not supposed to be here... again. If your uncle were to find out," the captain of the guard asked even as I slipped in passed him.

"Pray he does not discover now please close the door and tell your guest that I am here," I said brooking no argument.

"Very well, he has been in one of his moods and has not slept much as of late," the captain said as he mounted the stairs to where the heretic was being confined. "You have a visitor Sir... yes it is her... yes again... no I do not know why the Lady deems you worthy to visit... very well I will tell her." The captain turned and even as he walked down I knew the answer was no but I stalked up the stairs all the same. "Lady he does not wish... fine let yourself in." He said as we passed each other on the stairs.

I opened the door to the large chamber beyond and the elderly man spun as I intruded on his presence again.

"Lady Medici why are you here," Galileo asked as I smiled and crossed the distance between us.

"I have brought you a gift from our family library and I want your impression of the contents of this scroll," I said reaching into the folds of my sleeves and retrieving my gift.

He reached out reluctantly and took the scroll and slowly opened it and I saw his eyes widen in surprise.

"Surely this is a copy," he stuttered.

"Of course it is, my nephew is a scribe and copied it from the original. I am not a fool dear Galileo and I assume your mastery of Greek will make for at least a small distraction in your solitude here."

"Solitude, yes your weekly visits maintain that isolation your uncle decreed," he said bitterly.

"Better a bit of quiet than the executioner's blade," I told him.

"Why are you doing this," he asked placing the scroll on a nearby table.

"Do you not wonder at the sudden rise of my family from such obscure beginnings? Do the cries of the unfortunates not reach your ears when I come to you with blood stained hands? Do you not wonder why the Church preaches that the devil is so close these days? But you are a man of reason in an unreasonable time. You are a visionary when fear and dogma cloud the minds of those in power. Why do I visit you dear Galileo? I enjoy seeing the world through your untainted eyes and hate the thing that my birthright had wrought upon my very soul. We will not meet again and that is why I brought you that very scroll. Study it well for upon its surface is your sanity, your reward and alas your proof that things are not as we believe but as the world should be perceived. Farewell."

"Farewell Lady Olivia and my thanks," those were his last words to me on my final night among the living before something more terrible than I stalked the ancient streets of Florence.

I gave the captain a gold coin for his trouble and departed heading for the house of my uncle Giovanni but I would not reach it alive. That very hour I met the woman with the blood red hair and fell to her unnatural hunger. For like me she was Nephilim but unlike those of our kind she hunted her own and not the feeble sparks of life known as humanity. They never found my body and my name fell out of memory even among my own kind. I was less than a shadow and knew why the ancients carved their names upon the temple walls; so that they would not be forgotten as I had been.

I held the bloody scalpel in my hand with a familiar ease that should not be. I blinked hard and looked around and saw the pale drawn face of Eric Ahriman and upon the floor at my feet his left arm. The limb had been removed with a precision and care that only someone with a great deal of medical knowledge and experience could have performed. And yet there I stood and knew at a single glance at the wound that there was no sign of a single hesitation upon the incisions. Somehow I had done this thing and I knew that within me was the knowledge to do so much worse. I set the scalpel down next to the other instruments and shaking with fear and no little rage at Eric and myself I quit that room and raced for open air and a place to vomit.

"Kouryou," her voice was like liquid silver. "What has happened to you?"

"I have within me every dark deed and the blistering hell fire of each soul that she stole over her terribly long existence," I said.

"So that is how you know how to maim so elegantly," she asked.

"Elegantly, is that what I did," I asked her. "I butchered a man and yet have no recollection of that event. What other terrible deeds sleep inside of me ready to waken?"

"Kouryou let me help you," Akira begged.

In a rage I snatched the Shintai from beneath my shirt and drew it out.

"This was supposed to keep my Ki cleansed... little good it did!"

"Master... Nick look at the stone," she gasped in astonishment.

I held it up and in the dying rays of the setting sun it gleamed with an eerie red light. The facets were no longer the gorgeous blue and navy I remembered but they were now the ruby red hue of blood. Was this a trick of the light? I lifted the chain from around my neck and held it away from me as if its proximity would burn me. The sheer mental weight of all those voices was gone and in that moment of clarity I realized what Augustus Eisermann had done for me. 

"It's a matrix stone Akira, just like Surfer, just like Lilith but instead of a single personality there are many," I whispered.

"Throw it away Kouryou, toss it into the sea," she begged me but all the answers were secreted with that blasphemous stone.

"All my questions can be answered with this Akira, can't you see that?"

"Ask me," she said with her head bowed. "Kouryou, if you ask me I will tell you everything I know."

"I know," I said feeling that bond that was more than family, "but there is so much that you do not know that I can discovery with this."

"You can't wear that... thing. How are you going to discover your answers?"

"Isn't it obvious," I said and I saw the raw unbridled fear in her.

"NO, Kouryou... Nick... you can't do that," she was begging now. "That is madness to give that thing a shape."

"There is no other way; I am going to make it into an avatar."

The discussion between Akira and I went on and on. I had never seen her so adamant on anything like she was with this one decision of mine and perhaps it was her persistence or her track record of supporting my decisions that kept me from screaming and just doing what I wanted to do. She attacked my logic from multiple arguments and each and every time I failed to reach a better solution or validate my side of the discussion. Akira was not only a formidable warrior and lover but she had a keen mind to back up her other skills. It was well passed noon when I finally threw up my hands in surrender.

"Okay, okay you win," I said smiling despite the seriousness of the situation. "What do you suggest I do?"

"Kill them both, they are clearly responsible for Petra's death, but do it cleanly. This torture only diminishes you and talk to Jesse about this avatar thing. He knows more about it than anyone outside the Old Ones themselves."

"You are right on both points kill them quickly and feed them to the sharks and I will speak with Jesse," I promised.

"Thank you Master," Akira said bowing low and leaving to execute my will. 

I retrieved the pyramid from the vault and when I picked it up felt the deep subtle vibration from the thing. I set it in the middle of my bed and sat at the head of the bed and sighed heavily before addressing the device.

"Jesse, I need your advice old friend," I said the mental fatigue having taken its toll.

"Nick," Jesse's image appeared almost instantly. "What's wrong you look like hell?"

He on the other hand looked great. There were subtle differences to his image and I suspected it was due to his exposure to the contents of the library crystal.

"I have a situation," I said and launched into the entire story including the 'dreams' of the two women.

"Interesting but I am glad you talked to me," he said when I had finished my story. "I must agree with Akira on this matter giving this nameless Nephilim a physical form would be very dangerous indeed. I would also like to do a complete medical work up on you and make sure you are suffering no long lasting effects as results of your exposure to her and the others."

"Fine by me, the Shintai is sitting on the table there and which hospital do you want me to..." but the drone appearing out of nowhere stopped me cold.

"Lilith's remote will work fine for a medical scanner and I can have your results in no time at all," he said grinning.

"You've been a busy little genius haven't you," I said standing so the hovering sphere could do its work.

"Yes indeed, I have learned so much in so little time," he said smiling broader now. "Well time is relative after all."

The drone scanned my vitals and sent its results to Jesse who 'hmmed' and 'ahhed' over the data.

"What exactly do you mean time is relative," I asked.

"Well there is a distinct difference between chemical time and digital time," he began to explain. "Biological interpretation of data and experience compared to crystalline is so vastly different."

"So more time passes for you in the crystal than it does in the physical?" I asked and he touched his nose and smiled.

"Exactly, you always did have a knack for interpretation," Jesse said pleased with my understanding.

"So how much time has passed for you compared to for me," I asked and he whistled when he got that answer.

"A few weeks for you, centuries for me Nick," he said a little stunned.

"Centuries, wow so what have you learned?"

"After reading this readout of your physical make up I have some surprising news for you Nick," Jesse said more serious now. "You are in perfect health and I do mean perfect. Remember when you broke your nose in class showing off and it didn't quite heal right?"

"Yeah, that was the first and last time I sparred without a helmet."

"I find no sign of the break and your nose is back in its original state as if it never happened. I have also noted minute but distinct alterations in your muscular and skeletal structure since I scanned you for the Grim avatar."

"What the hell does that mean," I asked Jesse.

"The small imperfections you were born with are slowly but inexorably disappearing. You have been exposed to some as yet unknown compound that is accelerating your maturation process into full adulthood."

"The water from the obelisk's pool," I offered.

"Makes sense," Jesse offered. "It is an unknown element in things."

"Speaking of the Obelisk," I said changing the subject. "Did you get the scans I sent you?"

"I have them now, sorry I have been very distracted," he said and his eyes went glassy for a moment before he continued. "Interesting, it appears the scan you provided matches the two files I have on identical obelisks in the possession of the Old Ones."

"So the markings are identical?"

"The same characters are represented on each obelisk, but their placement is not exact there are variations," he said musing.

"Could those variations be a clue to deciphering their meaning," I asked.

"MMMM I see where you are going. I can send a drone to scan the obelisk at the Black Lotus School that will give us four out of the six but that still leaves us two shy of the set."

"Are there any record of where the other two might be found," I said even as he was responding.

"One is reputedly in the possession of the Dark One, the name given by the Old Ones to the Eternal Master," Jesse said. "The last one was last reported in the lost city of Iram."

"Iram, I never heard of it."

"It is also known as the City of a Thousand Pillars," Jesse explained. "It is the Atlantis of the Dunes and has as many stories around it as there are UFO myths."

"Any clues will be helpful, I have a feeling being able to decipher the pillars will put me an edge up on the Nephilim." I told him.

"The only documentation of Iram that has ever surfaced is recorded on the Black Scrolls of Khora Dhaine," he said grinning.

"Black Scrolls... what's a Khora Dhaine?"

"According to the Library she is legend itself. The Old Ones say she was the last of the children of the Dark One and the Great Mother," Jesse said.

"So she is one of the Twelve," I asked but he shook his head.

"No, that why she is legend, she is the thirteenth seed of the Nephilim bloodlines. She was marked at birth as different. She was the most powerful of the first generation. She was the first Bakaret, the very oldest of the Soul Thieves."

"So whatever happened to her," feeling the cold quill around my heart.

"Nothing, there is no record of her ever having children and besides an archaic mention of her name tied to the scrolls and her being the last that's it."

"You said she was marked, marked how Jesse?"

"Oh that, well you got to understand the timeline and climate and all that. Civilization arose in Africa and the Middle East so her mark that set her apart was her fair skin and red hair. So about this Shintai of yours I have a suggestion. There is a way you can access the information without any danger of giving the personalities within the Shintai physical form."

"Great, Akira will be thrilled how do we do it?" I asked finally getting some good news.

"You still have samples on board of the tablet computers?" Jesse asked grinning.

"Yeah, I think we still have an entire case that is unopened why?"

"I can transfer the information from one crystal to the other and delegate them to a kind of read only status. It will be like a memory for them and you will have only limited interaction with them but better that than the alternative."

"Some access is better than no access at all. Will they all fit in there," I asked.

"With the higher functions reduced that frees up room for memories. It'll be more like a holographic movie than anything else but it's the best and safest I can do," he replied. "Besides it'll free up your Shintai and remove the contamination."

"I never really saw it as a contamination," I said softly but grudgingly had to admit I was a little afraid of someone that if true had been around for that long. "How long will it take to do the transference?"

"Oh not long at all, I will have to reprogram the tablet shutting off all access outside of it via wifi or other means then we can safely move the lot of them. Then I scan the Shintai and make sure there are no stranglers." He said with complete confidence.

"Well look at you my digital wizard," I said with a nod of appreciation.

"At your service," he said bowing.

Akira went herself and selected an unopened case of Numenor Technology Tablet Computers and picked the plainest looking one out of the batch. She brought it to me and I gave her a questioning look.

"Plain means unimportant," she said and I saw her wisdom and in the event something like a member of the sisterhood was working for the Nephilim they would go for the most impressive looking device and not look twice at the plain one.

"You are brilliant," I told her.

"I know," she agreed.

So as Jesse reprogrammed the 'digital prison' as I saw it, I waited anxiously to be rid of the threat and eager when I could safely learn what I needed to know about the Nephilim. True they weren't all bad but the ruling body had ugly plans for the world as a whole and the sooner I understood their strengths and weaknesses the sooner I could implement Project Aries.

"It's all ready for our guests," Jesse said. "Set the tablet down and next to it the Shintai and don't touch either until I tell you it's safe."

We set the necklace and the tablet next to each other and stepped back. I guess I was expecting a brilliant light show and a wailing and gnashing of teeth of there was only silence for a long time. Nothing noticeable happened until the probe hovered over and sent its scanning beam to bear upon the gleaming jewel and with a nod and a wiping of his forehead Jesse pronounced the procedure a success. 

"Your Shintai is free of any contamination and all the personalities are safely locked away within the Phantom Zone, pardon the Superman reference but it seemed appropriate." Jesse said grinning.

"Phantom Zone Kouryou, what is a Phantom Zone and who is Superman?"

"Wait! You've never heard of Superman," I asked stunned.

"REALLY, do you think I grew up on a fucking rice patty somewhere? Jeez give me some credit... though I really have never heard of this Phantom Zone thingy."

So we decided to sit down and watch the first Christopher Reeve Superman movie so she could see what we were talking about. So there we were popcorn, licorice, and soda watching a classic superhero movie. Okay so she watched the part about Zod and cohorts being banished and the destruction of Krypton but then she got bored and I discovered some wickedly evil things about Akira when she gets bored. Twizzlers isn't the only she thing she likes to put in her mouth and I will leave it at that.

After not watching a movie together and some fierce make up sex, apparently keeping her in the dark was not a proper way of maintaining trust and a dozen or so orgasms later (hers) she forgave me and slipped into a deep sated sleep. I on the other hand decided on a nice quiet shower to plan the next step in my Nephilim situation and found myself daydreaming about killing every last one of them and didn't miss the down turn of my mood. I cut my shower short, dried off and decided to shave in the mirror on a whim. I wiped the fogged up mirror clear and stared at my ruggedly handsome features and couldn't help but notice the dark green eyes looking back at me. Jesse had gotten rid of all of the souls from the Shintai, hadn't he?



Iron Rain Pt. 13



Another installment as our story nears its climax. Please vote and comment so i know how well you are enjoying things. Suggestions are always welcome. I have added a list of major characters at the beginning to try and help keep things clearer.

*

Dramatis Personae: I hope this helps clear up any confusion 

Nick Shaw: Entrepreneur and Member of the 'Order'

Kat Shaw: Nick's Stepsister and Manager of Numenor Technology Arkham Mass.

Petra Shaw: 'Deceased' Stepmother 

Jesse: Computer Genius and Nick's Close Friend

Terry: Software Genius and Nick's Close Friend

William Bell Jr: Close Friend of Nick's and Avatar of the Eternal Master

Akira Kusanagi: Nephilim and Majestrix of the Sisterhood

Sora: Member of the Sisterhood and Kat's bodyguard

Mary Stone: Nephilim and Bakaret (Soul Thief)

Oswald Sebastian Kane or 'Oz': Nephilim (Via Professor Griffin's Serum) and general rogue

Quincy Morris or 'Quinn': Nephilim (Via the Bloodstone Ring) owner of Quinn's Emporium

Augustus Eisermann: Mayor of Hammerton Mo.

Celeste Eisermann: Daughter of Augustus Eisermann and Cyan Michaels

Cyan Michaels: Billionaire and Philanthropist 

Gadda Doin: Farmer/Recluse whose property borders Mary Stone's

Marie Dubois: Cajun and Member of the Sisterhood

Hermetic Order of the Silver Twilight: Secret Organization headed by the Eternal Master

Silent Shadows or the 'Sisterhood': female arm of the 'Order' who answer only to Nick

Nephilim: Hybrid offshoot of Humans and the Old Ones 

Old Ones: Ancient Race of Humanoids who origins date back to the Hyperbornean Age

*

The Observations of Marie Dubois:

Marie Dubois watched him as he practiced on the helipad. Sword in hand and naked from the waist up he was as handsome as the night she had discovered him tied to his bed and blindfolded for good measure. MMMMMMMMM that had been a night to remember and it still got her soaked thinking about his thick cock moving in and out of her. Oh she didn't know who he was at the time it wasn't until afterwards that she discovered his real identity and that surprised her. Marie thought he was one of Akira's many playthings whom she snuck on board from time to time to sate her darker needs. Marie knew the legends of the Revenants and their need for the blood of the living but she never guessed their hunger crossed to other vital fluids partners could provide. She learned it was the combination of the two that Lady Akira required to maintain herself and a mixture of blood and cum was her sole dietary requirement. She could eat and drink as others do but it was only for the experience not the nutrition it could provide. But Marie didn't question the Majestrix or her needs no matter how 'unique'. Besides who was she to judge? Marie had her own desires and there were deep, primal and at the moment bubbling up to the surface. She looked up and saw the light sheen of sweat on his body and a soft moan escaped her lips before she could stop it and he glanced over at her and smiled. Marie melted inside wanting another night of passion with the Master but she dare not approach him that would be unseemly and dangerous. He was after all spending most of his nights lately with the Lady Akira and when she slept he was ever so busy with the war in Iran. 

"Good, better... best," the Master said again and again.

She watched him stop in the middle of a sequence and make subtle adjustments then begin all over and perform the altered sequence with blistering speed. He spent hours perfecting his form and she suspected he was preparing for combat with an enemy that he would face alone. She worried about him and would eagerly lay her life down in his service for everything he and his predecessors had done for her family over the long years. 

"Marie is it," suddenly he had stopped and was winded from his long exercise. "Be a love and get me a couple towels and run me a shower."

"Yes Master," she said smiling.

She had the towels in his hands in less than a minute and raced down to his rooms to begin his shower. Marie waited until the temperature was just right. She was turning to leave when he arrived in the doorway and smiled at her.

"I don't suppose you'd like to scrub my back for me," he asked grinning.

"Anything that Master requires I am more than willing to help him with," she said blushing feverishly and feeling the heat between her legs rise.

"Good," he smiled mischievously and continued. "MMMMMM I don't suppose you can help me out of my ghi pants?"

"Oh of course Master," Marie slowly walked over and dropped to her knees and untied the cotton ties that acted as a belt and with some tugging loosened them enough for them to fall around his ankles.

His iron hard cock was there right in her face but she wasn't supposed to act unless instructed to do so. She wasn't supposed to lick her lips and do what she knew he was craving as much as she was. 

"Oh fuck it," Marie muttered as she reached up leisurely and wrapped her small hand around the shaft of his cock and squeezed and stroked him every so slowly. His soft moan set her on fire and she stroked him a little faster now as her tongue flickers over the tip tasting his precum. His moan now a growl of desire spurs her on towards deeper measures and inch by inch she lets his length slide down her throat. Marie feels his hands on either side of her head and he is thrusting his hips now fucking her throat in earnest. Her eyes close as she embraces the moment and he moans louder and louder as her licking and sucking begin to take their toll. 

"It appears Marie that this problem runs 'deeper' than I thought," He moaned as he eased his cock from her throat.

"How can I help sugah," she practically growled with need.

"Follow me," he said stepping into the shower and her behind him.

He spun on her and lifted her by her hips and even as her back hit the wall of the shower his cock slid inside of her.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN YESSSSSS lover... fuck me!" Marie howled.

He did he slammed his cock into her like a machine hammering, pounding taking his pleasure from her. Even as her eyes slipped shut her legs went around his waist as her arms went around his neck as her lips sought his. Marie nearly bit his lip when her first orgasm came crashing down over her and he never slowed his assault upon her pussy with his cock and she adored him all the more for it. When she could breathe again he lowered her down so she could be spun around and fucked from behind. With tits pressed hard against the cold wall he rammed his cock into her in hard slow thrusts of his hips. Her grunts coincided with each and every thrust and even as his cock began to swell inside of her signaling his own orgasm Lady Akira appeared out of nowhere and watched as he fucked Marie rotten.

"You seem stressed Master," Lady Akira said observing the intensity of his love making.

"A bit," he said through clenched teeth as his climax got closer and closer.

"I am sorry I was unavailable, you know how crazy busy things have been since the prison thing and now the war with Iran."

"MMMMMMHMMMMMMMMM," the Master said as he thrust hard enough to lift Marie off her feet.

"I think she's about to cum again," the Lady observed. "Are you going to fill her pussy with your cum Kouryou?"

"UNNNNNNHUH," he moaned.

"Is her pussy tight and snug around your fat cock," she asked slipping off her top revealing hard nipples.

"YESSSSSSSS," he growled so very close to coming.

"MMMMMMMMMMM," the Lady purred in his ear. "Are you going to fuck her ass after this?" her slacks hit the bathroom floor with a soft sound.

"MMMMMMMMMMaybe," he grunted as his hips moved faster and harder now.

"Come on baby fill her pussy," the Lady purred in his ear her body so close to Marie's now.

Akira cupped Marie's tits and began to play with her nipples and the soft moans that drifted up passed the slapping sound of the bodies meeting over and over were barely audible.

"Fuck her lover," Akira groaned. "Make her scream when you shoot inside of her."

"Almost there... almost there... UNNNNNNNNNNNNN YESSSSSSSSSSSS," the Master howled as he drove his hips into Marie one last time and his sperm pulsed inside of her and Marie's own scream was swallowed up by his.

"MMMMMMMMM damn Kouryou that was fucking hot," Akira purred.

Marie's knees almost buckled as the pleasure from this last orgasm nearly robbed her of what little strength that remained. Once his hardness left her Marie did slide to the floor of the shower and to her surprise the Master and Lady Akira sat down next to her one on either side. They both planted butterfly kisses over her sensitive flesh and made her moan despite her weakened state. 

"I think she needs to rest lover," Akira offered.

"MMMMMMM good, I hope you enjoyed our little visit Marie," he asked her.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM oh you bet I did sweetie," Marie Dubois managed to whisper.

"Is that the proper way of thanking the Master," Akira asked smiling.

Marie thought about it for a long moment before shifting her position so that her head was in Nick's lap and began cleaning every last drop of cum and her pussy juices from his cock.

"How is that sugah," Marie asked.

"Nice touch, now get some sleep I will need your lips around my cock for my wakeup call tomorrow morning," he said matter of factly.

"MMMMMMM yes lover, what time shall I wake you?"

"I believe seven o'clock will be fine," he moaned in her ear.

"I will be there will bells on," Marie said rising on unsteady feet and leaving the pair alone on the shower's floor.

Marie arrived promptly at two minutes before seven the next morning her nipples painfully hard and her sex so slick juices were running down her inner thigh. She opened the door as quietly as she could and closed it just as silently behind her. Marie crept into his bedroom and there he lay under a single silken sheet and the tent his hard flesh was making was profound indeed. She slipped out of the robe she was wearing and gingerly pulled the sheet from his body until his cock was accessible. The she mounted the bed from the foot and slowly climbed up his body until her mouth was over his iron hard cock. Marie wrapped her fist around it and lowered her mouth to the tip and began her wake up call. Immediately the Master was moaning and groaning as her tongue teased his sensitive tip. As she began to stroke him there appeared in the air above them a gleaming figure with mirror bright skin.

"Master Nick... oh my... I am so sorry to interrupt," it began but the Master's eyes snapped open and he smiled up at his avatar.

"No problem Surfer, I'd like you to meet Marie Dubois she is playing the role of my alarm clock this morning aren't you Marie?"

"You bet I am sugah," she said after letting his cock pop out of her mouth.

"You have a report Surfer," the Master asked even as he gently tapped Marie's lips and cheeks with the tip of his penis.

"UMMMM Yes Milord," he said distracted.

"Something wrong Surfer?"

"Ever since my latest update and migrating to the new crystal I have had these strange dreams and desires and I just don't understand them." He said concerned.

"What kind of dreams Surfer," the Master asked.

"Well, in a word erotic ones Master," Surfer explained embarrassed.

"OH," the Master said surprised. "Heterosexual ones I assume?"

"Oh yes, very..." he said licking his lips seeing Marie's sex so easily accessible. "Is that an error in my programming?"

"No Surfer just an upgrade tell you what why don't you just give it a whirl," the Master said grinning wider now.

"Milord," the Surfer said confused.

"Is your cock hard Surfer watching Marie here suck me off?"

"Yes Sir it is," he admitted.

"Then do what comes natural," the Master advised.

"If you think that it would okay," the gleaming avatar said unsure.

"Marie here would love a nice hard cock inside of her see how wet she is."

"She appears quite ready for intercourse," Surfer said moving behind Marie. "I will try."

With no more warning than that the Surfer removed his loin cloth exposing his gleaming manhood and slowly eased into Marie from behind. They both moaned as he stretched her and filled her as well if not just a bit more than the Master.

"So?"

"OH MILORD, this is like nothing I have ever dreamed of," Surfer moaned as he began to slowly move his hips.

Marie was moaning loudly and deep throating her Master while the gleaming god of silvery sex fucked her from behind. He moved ever so slowly at first taking in every subtle nuance of her body as his cock pierced her again and again.

"I see why people enjoy sex so much Master," Surfer moaned.

"You have a report to give Surfer," the Master asked and despite the detailed information he was giving her lover never missed a single thrust and he seemed able to sense when to drive his cock deeper or move his hips faster. Marie was in lust!

"In a nut shell we have found a strange magnetic anomaly in the deep desert and the probe cannot enter for fear of malfunctioning. The strange thing is that the perimeter of the anomaly does not show up on satellite imagery. Whatever lies in that two mile area is neither visible from the ground nor the air," Surfer explained.

"Really," the Master moaned as his climax began to tickle his toes. "God damn the girl knows how to suck a dick. Sorry do you still have the coordinates where the Numenor lost GPS?"

"Yes Master... UNNNNNN she is squeezing me with her sex Sir!"

"HEHE, okay send the probe to that location I think it's time we meet face to face."

"Meet Milord meet who," Surfer asked not missing a beat with the thrusts of his hips.

"Why the Eternal Master Surfer," Nick explained.

"Shall I leave Master," Surfer asked.

"UMMMMM let me asked this delicately, have you finished yet Surfer?"

"Not yet no Milord," he said with a wry little grin.

"Well we wouldn't want your first sexual encounter incomplete now would we? Why don't you see how loud you can make her scream eh," the Master offered.

The cool metallic hands of the avatar settled onto Marie's hips and he began fucking her with his undivided attention and his cock found all the sweet spots with unerring precision. He was most definitely rubbing her the right way. Marie drove her hips back against her partner while she continued to deep throat her Master who was close to climaxing by the way his cock was swelling in her throat. She pulled her head up and jacked him off as fast as her fist could move while she lovingly wrapped her lips around the head of his magnificent cock. Somewhere her world went all wonky as three things happened at the exact same moment. First her Master cried out and a torrent of delicious cum hit the back of her throat. Second her silvery lover drove his hips into her and she felt another load of cum sprayed her insides. Lastly her own climax had snuck up on her and with body shaking force Marie climaxed like nothing she had experienced in a very long time. Mutual climaxes were unusual but three people at the very same moment it was nothing short of miraculous to Marie Dubois. Of course to Surfer it was all numbers. He was able to read both the Master and Marie and time his thrusts to maximize efficiency to the utmost so that everyone achieved orgasm at the same moment and thus everyone was happy and he could move on to his next task fulfilled in a way he never dreamed of.

Poof the iron hard cock was gone from her pussy and Marie was a little disappointed at that but Nick was more than a little eager to fill that void for her. But the strange conversation still left her confused but not for long Master's cock drove those thoughts away quickly enough.

A few days later a helicopter arrived and Marie was summoned to off load the contents to a modified cabin on the first floor of the Numenor. It was clear to anyone that Master Nick was arming the yacht for war. There were lockers installed and weapon racks to hold both rifle and pistols, enough to arm the entire crew a couple of times over. As the crates were opened Marie stared at the rifles and pistols with great curiosity. She had learned how to shoot from an early age and it was one of her edges over some of the other girls who were very skilled at hand to hand combat she was equal to any military marksman and probably exceeded many out of sheer talent. But in all her years she had never seen a weapon like the rifle she lifted from the crate. It was incredibly light made of some composite of ceramic and alloy. But it was the queer circular thingy just above and in front of the trigger assembly that baffled her. Then she looked closer at the barrel and saw the unique rectangular shape that was perhaps half an inch high and two inches wide. 

"Master Nick, what the fuck is this?"

"You are holding in your hands a Numenor Technology Shuriken Rifle," he said grinning. "I knew you notice it before anyone else did."

"No disrespect Sugah but that didn't answer my question... what the fuck is this?"

"It's a personal rail gun," he smiled even broader. "It fires a ceramic alloy round at about twice the velocity as an M-16."

"Get the fuck out," she said smiling. "The Navy has been researching these bad boys for like a decade or more and they never did figure out how to make them smaller than a anti-aircraft piece."

"How about we do some target practice topside and you show me how good a shot you are?" He offered and Marie shouldered the rifle and grabbed what she assumed was a couple of clips full of ammunition.

The pair stood on the smaller helipad and near the outer edge was a clay target thrower. Marie took the rifle into her hands and looked it over with a keen eye and nodded to herself before she turned to Nick and raised her eyebrow. 

"Okay quit the teasing Sugah show me how this bad boy works," she said with her head cocked to the side and a brilliant smile.

"Here we go," Nick said moving to stand next to her. "This is the safety; once you initiate this the weapon goes hot." He said shifting it to on position and the weapon let out a low whine and it vibrated softly in her hands.

"Whoa, what the fuck was that?" She half moaned.

"That would be the power plant coming online and the magnetic coils warming up," Nick said softly.

"Power plant, magnetic coils... okay not a redneck's weapon of choice but I follow you. Where's the power source?" She asked caressing the stock.

"You just ran your hand over it; the tiny generator is hidden in the stock and cannot engage until a clip is in the weapon. The clip completes the circuit and makes it ready to fire. Now try and fire it."

"Try, I will more than try Sugah," she said grinning as Nick walked over and prepared to launch a clay target when she was ready. "Pull."

The target flew into the air and Marie tracked the clay disc and when she was ready squeezed the trigger but nothing happened.

"What the hell," she cursed.

"That's what happens when someone not authorized to handle one of those handles one of those bad boys." He said as she walked over and laid his hand on the stock and there was a soft beep. "Authorize new user," Nick said clearly and that was followed by a double beep. "Okay she's all yours. Let's try that again shall we?"

He returned to stand next to the thrower and waited for her command.

"Pull," she said and once again a clay disc soared through the air but this time when she pulled the trigger there was a slight vibration that shook the weapon but hardly noticeable to anything she would have described as kick. The projectile nicked the disc but didn't do any real damage. "Okay I was leading the target too much... pull."

This time the target, as the hypersonic projectile made contact with it, disintegrated pulverized by the massive amount of kinetic energy that passed through its fragile structure. Marie whooped and hollered at the results.




Iron Rain Pt. 13



"Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! I want to see what this does to a hard target." She was all smiles.

"There is a metal buoy about two hundred yards off the side directly in front of you, see if you can hit it." Nick told her looking out over the water.

Marie brought the rifle to bear and didn't bother with the scope she just used the metal sights and lined up her target. She had to allow for the movement of the ship, the buoy and a slight easterly wind but as she let out her breath the weapon discharged another round and a distant 'DING' could be heard as the projectile found its target. 

"Wow," she practically moaned then looked through the optical scope to see the damage. "Holy Shit did I do that?"

The ceramic disc had not only cut through the metal bracket she had hit but had also melted a good foot of steel in a regular radius. 

"Now just imagine what that would do to a human target?" Nick asked.

"Even a crappy shot could do some serious damage to a living enemy. This is definitely not for deer hunting."

"Good, you are being issued one of each of these. You are to get very familiar so you can teach the others how to handle them if you are up to it?" Nick said a not so subtle lilt in his voice.

"I'll do my best," she said. "Show me the others I can't wait for play time."

"There is a pistol version, an assault rifle and a sniper rifle, but we only have a few of those." Nick said as they walked back to the weapons locker.

"Does the pistol have as little recoil as the rifle?" Marie asked.

"A little less actually from what I've been told," he said shrugging.

"You haven't fired any of these yet?" she asked shocked.

"Not yet, but I will. I am not unfamiliar with firearms," he said smiling.

"HMMMMM sounds like a challenge," she said grinning.

"Are you suggesting a shooting contest?"

"You damn right I am," she was all smiles now.

"What is the wager?" Nick asked and she leaned close and whispered in his ear. "HMMMMM that is interesting and if I should win," again she leaned close and whispered and Nick smiled all the more. "You have a bet."

Marie moaned behind her ball gag as her last limb was tied to the bed. She was face down and her ass and pussy were at easy access to the man who had somehow managed to beat her at a shooting contest of all things. When the blindfold was added she shuddered involuntarily and awaited his touch on her eager flesh. He didn't make her wait long and say anything you wanted the Master had a deft touch. His fingertips were gently exploring her body and her muffled moans drifted to his ears and she heard his distinct chuckle. 

"You are completely helpless Marie Dubois, how does it feel to know I can anything and everything to you?" He asked his lips brushing her ear.

Her long low moan her only answer.

"Perfect answer," he moaned. "Now let us begin."

Marie felt the warm oil drizzle over her back and his strong hands began to massage it in making her skin slick as her pussy was already eager for his hard cock. She could smell a mix of scents reach her nose, the flowery oil combined with him as he moved onto the bed behind her and as he rubbed the oil in the tip of his cock brushed against her ass crack. Marie moaned knowing how close and yet how far he was from her. She could feel every inch of him as it slid between her ass cheeks and it was driving her crazy. 

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM," she let him know how much she wanted him but he denied her.

"Not yet Sugah," he said mimicking her. "I'm not sure you're ready for me."

"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR," she moaned.

"Hehe... let's see how wet you are," he said two fingers sliding between her pussy lips so easily. "Damn, maybe I was wrong about you being wet enough."

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM," she moaned lifting her ass off the bed driving the fingers deeper still.

"So very eager to get fucked are you?"

"MMMMMMMHMMMMMMMM," she nodded fiercely.

"Good," Nick said and eased his fingers out of her and pressed the tip of his cock between her lips. "How bad do you want it?"

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," she begged.

"Okay no more teasing," Nick said sliding into her his cock stretching and filling her up. "Damn you feel so good wrapped around me."

Nick slowly moved his hips and felt her pussy squeeze his over and over again. He was not surprised she was a talented lover but it never lessened the pleasure he took from her. His cupped hand fell on her right ass cheek and her pussy squeezed his tighter still as her body responded to his little love tap. The next slap was harder and she moaned louder still and as he suspected the little slut liked a little pain mixed with her pleasure. Suddenly he was missing Cyan and decided to take it out on Marie seeing as she was accommodating being trussed up the way she was. He couldn't slap her 'that' hard but Nick slowly ratcheted up the pain until she let out a soft whimper as he discovered her upper tolerance. The ugly red hand print proof of her desire to please him and so he rewarded her with a little more pleasure as he began to thrust into harder now.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM," she moaned and let out little grunts now each time he was completely inside of her. "NNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNNNN..."

He reached underneath her and cupped her tits with his oil slick hands and began to knead and tease them as his thrusts became more insistent. Nick's lips nibbled her neck flesh as they both neared climax and with her vocal urging thrust faster now and her pants told him she was very close indeed. Nick could almost feel her orgasm as if it were his own and thrust faster now sensing that Marie was on the brink and then with one last powerful thrust sent her over the sensual edge and felt her pussy spasm hard as she came. 

"Well done Nick," the voice that was no voice muttered in his ear.

Nick looked over his shoulder but found he was alone with Marie and shuddered involuntarily. Marie could tell that something was wrong but it was good old fashioned woman's intuition that screamed the alarm for her. The mood having been unceremoniously killed Nick released Marie from her bonds, gag and blindfold and told her she could leave if she wanted but she didn't. She simply got up and started a shower and stepped into it washing off the oil from her body. Marie wasn't alone for long. Nick slipped in behind her but he didn't initiate anything he just slipped his arms around her waist and clung to her. She managed to turn to face him and place her head on his shoulder and just enjoy his presence. 

"What's going on," he whispered hoping Marie hadn't heard him but she had.

"I don't know but you aren't alone in this," she said trying to encourage him but it just made things worse or so she thought.

"I know," Nick muttered. "I am not alone and that is the problem."

"Shall I leave," she asked but his grip on her became tighter so she slipped her arms around his neck and lightly kissed his neck. "Tell me what you need and I will gladly do whatever you want."

"I need an answer," he muttered low.

"Perhaps you need a vacation," she offered.

"A vacation, Marie Dubois you are brilliant!" He told her with a kiss and he was racing off wet and naked for the door.

"Um Master... Nick... you are naked... oh fuck who cares..." she said and returned to washing up. 

Three days later they had an uninvited guest upon the Numenor but Nick was more than hospitable to this visitor, Oswald Sebastian Kane. Marie was chosen to serve the two men as they talked she was all but invisible in the room so intent were they upon their conversation.

"So tell me about this Inpo ability you have developed Oz," the Master asked but the English Gentleman seemed perplexed and his face screwed up in utter bafflement.

"Nick, I have no idea what you are talking about," he said and appeared genuine.

"Akira explained to me how you can appear invisible using the blind spot in people's vision," he explained. "She was even able to perform a very limited demonstration of the ability."

"Oh is that what you think I am doing," he said smiling. "I am afraid it is much more complex than that. Would you like another demonstration?"

Suddenly they were both staring at Marie and she felt like a deer in the headlights.

"Um Sugah what is going on," she managed to get out before the man her Master called Oz simply and utterly vanished from sight.

Then to her utter shock, not an unpleasant one, she felt her slacks being tugged down and a gentle but forceful hand guiding her into a more accessible position. Once bent over she felt a very healthy cock slowly but relentlessly invade her and begin pounding away pleasuring her pussy with amazing skill. Marie grabbed her ankles and began to moan louder and louder as her unseen assailant fucked her harder and faster. All the while her Master watched utterly amazed by the spectacle. He could see the impact of the unseen lover upon her and her obvious pleasure and licked his lips as her orgasm grew closer and closer. 

"UNNNNN UNNNNN UNNNNNN OH MY GOD," Marie cried out. "MMMMMMMMMM feels so fucking good!"

This was nothing short of a grudge fuck to show Nick who was the better lover. Oz hammered her mercilessly until he saw the tell tale signs of her fast approaching climax. He thrust harder still and with a piercing scream she came so hard her knees actually folded and she tumbled face planting on the floor.

"Damn, now that was impressive!" Nick had to admit.

Oz appeared a few moments later after tucking himself in and zipping up.

"Well, what do you think?" Oz asked Nick.

"How the hell do you do that if it isn't some sort of martial art skill?"

"It's a long story but here goes..." and Oz launched into his life of crime as a street thief in the late 1800s. (If you are interested in Oz's version of things feel free to read the story Thinker, Cutpurse, Demon Vamp. I don't claim it's the entire truth, just Oz's slant on things.)

Marie lay there for a long time recuperating from her pussy being so expertly fucked and the little aftershocks were still hitting her through most of the story. When she was able she dressed and continued her duties getting drinks and food for the two men. Nick listened in awe and shook his head often especially at the parts regarding Oz pretending to be a demon and seducing a household of women who were wife and daughter to a Vicar. The compliancy of the women rang a tell tale bell in Nick's mind and he quietly pulled up the files on the family via his contact lenses and determined that the husband and father was indeed a member in good standing with the Order. He informed Oz of that fact who cursed as it wasn't until years later that he was able to infiltrate the Order and learn what they were about. When he was finished Nick questioned him about some of the details of his story and about the invisibility serum.

"What's it like," Nick asked.

"To maintain visibility is a constant mental drain. It's like holding your breath for hours at a time. That's why I keep my visits to a bare minimum and this one has been very taxing indeed."

"Do you want to lie down and rest?"

"Yeah," he said but first he reached into his jacket pocket and produced two items.

The first was a small antique ring box and the second was two inch square flat plastic box.

"What's this," Nick asked suspecting what was in the ring box.

"The ring I stole all those years ago, I have no further need of it. The plastic case contains a chemical patch similar to what smokers use to quit but instead of nicotine it contains the invisibility serum. I have never offered it to anyone before but what with all that you are going to be going through it might just save your life."

"And how could you possibly know what I am going to go through?"

"I know all about Project Aries and the back lash from that disaster," Oz said sternly.

"What sort of back lash," Nick asked.

"The Nephilim can't stop what you set in motion so they tell the entire world that you did it. There is no place on Earth safe for you after that short of a handful of special locations. You might want to disappear once that occurs."

"I could not go through with it," Nick said but Oz was already shaking his head.

"You will do it because it is the only way to save a majority of people from the culling that the Nephilim have planned. Millions of people slaughtered for their blood to feed so few. Can you really stand by and let that happen?"

"No," Nick whispered. "I am going to see the Eternal Master," Nick confided in Oz. "I need to know why he has been tampering with my life and how to stop him."

"You see him as the enemy?" Oz asked.

"I don't know that's the problem I just don't know what he meant for me and whose side he is really on. If he is still in league with the Nephilim then it might not end pretty for one of us. If he is an ally I need to know why he hasn't told me his plans before this."

"Good luck I hope you find what you're looking for," Oz said with a weak grin.

"I have one last question; if you were able to reproduce Professor Griffin's serum can't you cure yourself?" Nick asked and saw the light go on behind Oz's eyes.

"I have had the cure for years now, what with modern labs and their technology it wasn't easy but it was doable. I could cure myself today but I won't."

"Why for god's sake," Nick asked.

"Like any drug, it's addicting. Do you know how many women I have fucked over my lifetime? How many homes and supposedly impregnable vaults I have robbed? You can't fathom the treasures I have secreted all over the world. It is like being god, walking unseen and seeing an attractive woman and taking her right there in public for all to not see. Watching a rich man enter his pin into an ATM and then stealing his card and withdrawing thousands just for fun. I've never physically hurt anyone in any of my robberies and that line I'll never cross. How many woman have been traumatized by my hunger MMMMMMMM too many to count and most of them just smile and go their merry way though some go a little mad inside and are never themselves ever again. But I can't stop and frankly I don't want to."

"If I did use the patch, and I am just saying if how do you become visible again?" Nick asked his curiosity building by the moment.

"Ah," Oz said pulling out a USB drive. "It's all in here, the cure and the process required for achieving temporary visibility. You can have one or the other Nick but not both. If you use the patch you must decide upon either a temporary or permanent solution. I will never share the formula with another human being ever it's just too tempting."

"I respect your wisdom in this matter, it is probably best that no one else ever figure out Griffin's formulae," Nick said already slipping into deep thoughts as he felt that sensuous sensation behind his eyes and knew that before the night was through he would try the serum. "I can have Marie pick out a cabin for you if you want to stay and rest." Nick offered.

"That would be nice," Oz nodded and Marie moved to the door with him behind her and she smiled as she led him to a place where he could 'rest'.

"Well she won't be back anytime soon," Nick said to the empty air.

"MMMMMMMMMM Lucky Girl," crooned the sultry voice that was nowhere and everywhere.

Nick didn't hear it on a conscious level but far more subtle like a whisper of a feeling or a hunger. A desire to penetrate and be penetrated slowly coiled around his spine and filled him up. He walked over and picked up the plastic container holding the patch and the USB drive. 

"Surfer," Nick said summoning his favorite avatar.

"Master Nick," it replied appearing nearly instantly.

"Can you scan this USB drive and access the information?"

"Oh yes Sir, and what shall I do with that data," Surfer asked.

"I want you to see if it makes any sense to you and get back to me when you are done."

The avatar looked at the small drive and with a single glance read its entirety and disappeared. Nick suspected something that if he were the professor and he came home that very night after celebrating and discovered his lab had been robbed what would he have done. Oz had said that he had taken the health tonic formulae but not the one for invisibility. If the good professor slipped away before the Nephilim was dispatched to kill him then maybe just maybe he was in a similar situation as Oz.

"Hmmm," Nick thought out loud. "If the professor is alive maybe I can find him?"

"YESSSSSSS seek him... find him... take his secret from him," she whispered and Nick nodded not knowing why but he burned to find this man if he were still alive.

"Lilith," Nick whispered.

"MMMMMMMMM yes Master," she purred in his ear as she manifested directly behind him.

"I need you," Nick moaned.

"Anything Master you know that," she purred eager for his touch.

"I need you to find someone for me," He continued.

"Awww," she said disappointed. "Are you feeling well Master you don't seem yourself?"

"I want you to find a Professor Griffin; last known address was London England 1890."

"Seriously," she replied and saw the anger burning in his eyes when he looked over his shoulder at her. "Sorry Master I was just kidding."

"I will make it up to you when you find him, alive or dead. And no he didn't die in a robbery in the 1890's he survived that's all I have right now."

"I won't disappoint you Master."

"I know you won't Lilith," Nick said softly and she disappeared like so much smoke.

Interlude: London England at roughly the same moment...

Deep beneath the floor of the Art Gallery, which had once been a nightclub and before that a warehouse and before that well before that it had been a cutting edge laboratory, century old machinery came to life. The ancient power plant spun up to full power and steam began to seep from the once gleaming pipes that all fed into the tallish metallic brass cocoon. The ice that had clung to its polished surface began to melt as gears spun and mechanism moved into place. Up above on the ground floor the gallery was hosting some of the world's most unusual artists in their annual convention. Paintings and sculptures depicting a bygone age and people dressed in period costume were all around as the floor began to vibrate slowly at first. Then the vibrations ran through the walls as the middle of what was to be the dance floor split open and the gleaming structure rose from below. There were gasps of alarm until the frost covered brass 'egg' rose and at last came to a halt. The gasps became oohs and ahhs as the conventioneers gathered round and peered through the frosted glass of the cocoon and saw the two figures one tall and thin the other short and curvy hands locked around each other's throats in a death grip. Unexpectedly gouts of steam forced the spectators back a few feet as the last of the ice fell away and the thing opened.

The owner of the gallery watched in absolute shock at the apparition but his fans and close friends were all patting him on the back for the absolutely genuine display of steam punk perfection. Slowly the figures came to life and lowered their arms and staggered back and out of the contraption. The flares of steam ended and the crowed clapped slowly at first but then more and more people joined in until there was a thunderous applause for the 'actors' who looked around startled and appeared confused as if they had really just appeared in the 21st Century. The shorter of the two actors drew out what appeared to be an antique fob watch and check the time.

"Oh dear me... dear me... it worked do you hear that Magus it WORKED!!!!"

"Where is he," the tall albino woman glared. "Where is he?" She scanned the crowd and roared in a primal rage. "Where the FUCK is HE?"

One of the more wealthy contributors to the gallery stepped out from the crowd now encircling the display and spoke.




Iron Rain Pt. 13



"Where is who Madame," he asked in his cultured English manner.

The Magus strode over to the man dressed in a fine 19th Century suit and looked down at him with her ruby colored eyes and smiled.

"Where is Oswald Sebastian Kane," she spat out each word with such venom; such hate the little man took a step back despite himself.

"I don't know anyone that goes by that name," he stammered.

"Ah, well then perhaps you can buy a lady a drink," she crooned her demeanor changing so fast it was almost as alarming as the manner of their appearance.

"Oh," he smiled up at her. "Oh yes... I would love to buy an attractive woman such as yourself a drink. Charles, open that bottle of champagne NOW."

The lights dropped, the music swelled and the alcohol flowed. Ingrid, the shorter of the two women who emerged from the cocoon mingled among the crowd and did her own oohing and ahhing at all the new fangled technology that was available to people. The two women discovered that after a 120 year hibernation that they were ravenous and ate and drank to their heart's content. But it was the Magus' other hunger that needed satisfying and when she saw the handsome young man dressed as an Ether Pilot with his boyish good looks and obvious excitement swelling his tight leather pants she knew what to do. 

"Are you sure we are supposed to be up here," he stammered as the tallish pale skinned woman drug him up onto the roof.

"Young man you are going to find out that life is too short and you need to take some chances," she said as she took off her jacket and turned away from him facing the much changed London backdrop. "You need to seize the moment," she purred as she dropped her slacks revealing her pale bubble shaped ass. "And take what you want when it's offered so eagerly." She moaned as she bent over the railing. "Now be a love and come over here and fuck me."

"Carpe Noctum," the young engineer moaned as he freed his aching cock from the tight leather pants.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM yes seize the night indeed!"

Ingrid on the other hand was growing bored and eager to see this new century and moved towards the door.

"Excuse me," a man called out to her standing by the cocoon. "Can I have a word or two before you leave..."

"Everyone just calls me Ingrid," she said stopping and returning to her invention.

"I have a few questions about your cryogenic capsule here," he said.

Ingrid thought about what he had said and decided that sounded better than an Esoteric Endothermic Hibernation Device. He was cute in that boy next door sort of way.

"Ask away," Ingrid said as she moved to stand next to him and damn he smelled fine.

"This looks as if it might actually work, the detail you put into it is astounding really." 

"Um, tell you a secret it does work," she moaned in his ear as she settled her hand on his thigh.

"I get it you're an actress and in character but whoever built this was brilliant," he said as she began to slowly rub his leg.

"I built it, now ask your questions..." she purred moving a little closer now.

"First of all, if it were real what powers it," he asked his voice dropping to a conspirator-like whisper. "I mean twelve decades is a long time to maintain a power supply."

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM why don't you have a seat inside and I'll show you," she moaned rubbing his now very rigid cock through his pants.

"Oh I don't think... really," he said just before she gave him a gentle shove inside.

"Now sit down and let me show you how everything works," she stepped in and closed the hatch. "Well this is going to be a bit of a tight squeeze." She said settling onto his lap with a wiggle of her ass. "How's that?"

"MMMMMMMMMMMM nice," he moaned. 

"Good, now we bring up minimal power like so," she said turning dials and pushing levers. "There now the pressure is just right," she said lifting up long enough to free his cock and ease her soaked pussy down on it. "MMMMMMMMMMMM that's a tight fit but I'll make it work." She moaned as she hit a series of buttons that lowered the cocoon back into the depths of the building once more even as she began to ride him.

"Oh my god," he moaned as her pussy lifted and then she would drop suddenly impaling herself on him. "Feels so damn good!"

The vibrations running through the pod sent shivers through them both as it neared it subterranean destination. The young man by this time had removed her lab coat and top and was teasing her tits and nipples with some skill she noted. The door to the cocoon opened automatically when it reached the subbasement and Ingrid rose and tugged her young lover into her secret lair.

The Magus was getting her pussy hammered from behind while she absently took in the skyline and mused on how much had changed in a little over a century. Her very skilled lover had already made her cum twice and was working on his own orgasm now, how thoughtful of him. He was moving her onto her back and was kneeling between her legs when he suddenly made a startling discovery.

"You are really an albino aren't you, no disrespect lovely lady," he moaned as his cock pierced her to the core.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN FUCK... yes lover I am really an albino," she moaned up at him. "Are you going to fill me with cum or paint my milky white skin with it?"

"It would be rude to cum on your face with no way of washing it off," he grunted as he thrust into her.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM doesn't the owner of this place have a bathroom?" she asked as she wrapped her long legs around him.

"Charles," he moaned as his cock swelled deep inside of her. "I really don't know."

"MMMMMMMMMMMM well then be a lamb and fill my pussy will you," she groaned as her body surprised her with yet another climax.

The Magus arched her back driving the young man deeper still and as her pussy spasmed around him that was just enough to shove him over the edge and she felt the delicious pulses as his cock spewed its load into her. Panting and covered in a light layer of sweat her young man eased out of her and smiled as he caught his breath. She moved into a sitting position and sighed contented with life in general. Her belly was full as was her pussy which still tingled and all she needed now was a direction. She closed her eyes and sought out the man who had so unceremoniously shoved her and Ingrid into that damnable cocoon. There!

"MMMMMMMMMMM lover, what is in that direction," she purred in his ear pressing close to him again.

"The sea," he responded by taking her into his arms and kissing her deeply.

As was the want of young men he was growing rigid again even as they embraced. The Magus didn't miss this and moved to sit in his lap slowly impaling herself again.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNN, I adore younger men... what lies beyond the sea lover?" she asked as she slowly moved up and down on him.

"MMM MMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMM the Atlantic Ocean I suppose," he moaned in her ear.

"Do tell," she crooned as she lifted up and dropped hard onto his cock. "UNNNNN yeah... and beyond that?"

"I... MMMMMM god damn you feel so good wrapped around me... beyond that the States I suppose."

"States... oh you mean America?" she asked as she squeezed him with her talented pussy muscles.

"Holy Shit... MMMMMMMMMMM yeah America, damn you're squeezing me so damn tight lover."

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM you like tight... I'll show you tight!" she said as she lifted all the way off of him and eased back down but this time she impaled herself on his cock with her ass. "How's that," she moaned as she drove his thickness deeper and deeper into her naughty hole.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN FUCKKKKKKKKKK is that your ass," he asked as she began to ride him faster now.

"MMMMMMMMMMMHMMMMMMMMMMMM is that tight enough for you," she said as she pressed her tits against his chest and drove her hips up and down ferociously. 

"OH GOD YESSSSSSSSSS," he cried out as his cock began to swell stretching her ass even more.

"That's what I needed, a really good ass fucking..." she growled before lifting up and off of him and getting onto her hands and knees. "Come on lover, if you want it come and take it!"

He rose to the challenge and moved behind her and slammed his cock into her and fucked her hard and fast. Her howl of pleasure was 'almost' drowned out by the music below... almost.

"What the bloody hell," Charles Montgomery swore as he saw the albino and his nephew screwing on the roof.

"Hello Charles," the Magus said without missing a beat.

"Hello Uncle," the young man plowing the woman's ass replied.

"Uncle," she asked.

"Yeah, but we're not supposed to fuck guests on the roof."

"Kevin, are you quite finished," Charles asked but his nephew shook his head and continued thrusting into the pale skinned woman.

"Oh Charles don't be a bore, why don't you walk over here and stand in front of me and I will SUCK you off while your dear young nephew here finishes in my ASS. What do you say?"

He just smiled and did as he was asked and freed his nine inch member and fed it to her inch by inch.

"MMMMMMMMMMM, the woman can suck a cock I will give you that," Charles exclaimed with half of his tool buried in her throat.

"You should feel how tight her ass is Uncle," Kevin moaned close to blowing his second load of the night. "UNNN UNNNN UNNNNNNNNNNN YESSSSSSSSSSSSS," Kevin howled as he thrust into her one last time his cock painting her insides to overflowing. "Damn that was amazing!"

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM tell me about it lover," the Magus cooed.

"Charles! Kevin! What are you doing?" the newcomer squealed seeing Kevin ease his semi hard cock from the strange snow colored woman.

"Amber, great you made it," Charles said as he pulled his cock from the Magus' throat and knelt behind her and slid into her tight pussy.

"MMMMMMMMMMM Charles, that feels amazing," she purred now.

"UMMM Charles I am standing right here," Amber fumed even as another guest arrived and cupped Amber's breasts from behind.

"Oh, don't such a liar Amber dear, we all know what a slut you are," Ted moaned in her ear as he unbuttoned her top.

"Ted! Stop it, not in front of Kevin," Amber protested until Kevin stood in front of her and began licking and sucking her nipples. "NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN Kevin... NNNNNOOOO."

"Her mouth says no but I bet her pussy is saying yes," Ted said lifting up her skirt revealing a shaved pussy glistening with need. "Hah I told you so." He exclaimed even as he bent Amber over and slid his cock into her from behind.

"TEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD oh god so big," Amber moaned before Kevin slid his cock slick with both his cum but also the Magus's juices into her mouth.

"Suck on that Amber," Kevin moaned as she did just that.

In ones and twos the party moved upstairs and what had begun as a Steam Punk convention turned into the year's best flesh festival. 

Meanwhile below the gallery in a hidden chamber Ingrid was bent over one of her work tables while Andrew the electrical engineer she had met at the party was slamming into her from behind and her fourth no fifth orgasm was looming on the horizon. The slapping sound of their bodies echoed in the empty space that had once been cluttered with her tools and scientific experiments.

"MMMMMMMM fuck me Andrew, drive that fat cock of yours deep into me," Ingrid cried out.

He more than happy to oblige her; she was an amazing woman despite her crazy claims of being from the 1890's. Some gamer girls got caught up in their persona and who was he to break the mood. He didn't remember the last time he had so eager a lover and so skilled to boot. Ingrid was cute but not so attractive she would make him nervous. How she had found this place or if this was Charles' idea fuck who cared. He was about to shoot his second load into her eager young pussy and she looked like she was ready to cum too.

"Are you close Ingrid," he asked between gasps of breath.

"UHHHH HUHHHHH," she panted.

"Do you want me to cum in you or on you lover," he asked smiling wickedly.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM I don't care just make me cum," she purred.

He thrust into her faster now and she let out a long drawn out squeal of pleasure that echoed everywhere. 

"SOOOO fucking close lover," she moaned. "Just a little bit... UNNNNNNNNNNNN..." her body was shaking and her pussy squeezing him and that was just enough for him as his cock swelled up and shot pulses of cum into her depths. "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she wailed and she ground her ass against him as his load filled her to capacity and beyond.

Panting and sweating beyond belief Ingrid and Andrew disentangled their bodies and with a quick glance down saw the small puddle at her feet.

"MMMMMMMMM nice," she murmured. "I'm hungry how about a quick shower and then we can get a bite to eat?"

"Sounds great to me but... wait you have a shower down here?" Andrew asked.

"Silly boy I have been trying to tell you this is my laboratory. Is the bath house still across the street?"

"Everybody who is anybody knows about Ingrid's bath house... no fucking way you're that Ingrid?"

"Yes," she rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Now would you like to share a bath with me?"

"MMMMMMMM would I," he smiled.

The pair dressed and Ingrid pulled a few levers and opened a concealed door and led him through the tunnel that connected the Gallery above to the Spa across the way via an underground access built at the same time as the plumbing that led from the lab to what was a bath house originally. Thirty yards later and another lever being pulled the two entered the belly of the Spa and it appeared untouched after all this time. Ingrid tsked as she walked up the metallic spiral staircase to the ground floor of the spa and exited via a third hidden door. 

The interior was spacious and a glorious incarnation of 21st Century technology and old world style. The women working for the current manager were getting ready to close up for the night when the elderly woman who ran the place spun on the intruders and then stopped dead in her tracks.

"Ingrid, dear god you're alive?"

"Emily, is that you?" Ingrid asked.

"No you silly twit I'm Amy her great-granddaughter," she said smiling.

"Oh, of course you are," Ingrid said as she embraced the elderly woman. "I don't suppose I could impose upon your hospitality?"

"Anything you want my dear, just name it," Amy told her tears streaming down her face. "If it wasn't for your generosity all those years ago I don't know what would have become of our family."

Andrew watched the entire exchange in stunned silence.

"My friend and I," Ingrid said with a wink. "We need to freshen up and maybe get a bite to eat?"

"Let me handle everything, Gloria fire up room one," Amy was suddenly directing the girls like a general does her troops. "Candice, go over to Malcolm's and wake him up and get them a little bit of everything, have it charged to my account. Jade be a dear and..."

"Oh my god the resemblance to Opal is uncanny," Ingrid interrupted as the Asian girl stepped into the room. "You look just like her except the eyes of course."

"Thank you, what do you need Amy?"

"Do me a favor and call Rick and have him bring over his kit," Amy said with a stern look.

"But... ahhh I understand," Jade said and turned and left.

"Wow," Andrew said as he got a good look at Jade's backside.

"You think that's something you should have seen the woman who started that particular bloodline." Ingrid said smiling and apparently without a single hint of jealousy.

"So," Andrew started out slowly. "Are you trying to tell me that..."

"Yes she's that old," Amy cut him off and pointed towards room one. "I have the power of attorney prepared if you want to take over Ingrid."

"Why would I want to do that," Ingrid said grinning. "I gave this business to your grandmother for a reason and you have obviously fulfilled your part of the bargain; though I do need to see about the status of my bank account."

"You have an active bank account after what a hundred plus years? How much was in it when you went to sleep?" Andrew asked.

"Oh hell I don't know, perhaps two hundred thousand pounds. My inventions were very popular back then."

"Holy shit, given just a two percent return over that time." He muttered.

"But her money has not been idle per our agreement. My great-grandmother and those that followed invested wisely and well you are a stockholder in a very lucrative company called Numenor Technology." Amy explained.

"Numenor Technology, I like the sound of that. What does it make?" Ingrid asked as she stripped off her clothes and eased into the sunken tub. "MMMMMMMMM that feels amazing!"

"They started off making high end tablet computers for the government and big business but they have expanded to arms and weapon manufacturing." Amy said helping Andrew undress. "I sent my granddaughter to the grand opening of the company last year if you'd like to speak with her. She got to meet the genius behind it all, Nick Shaw."

"That would be lovely," Ingrid said grabbing Andrew by the hand and pulling him into the bath. "I don't suppose she'd be disturbed by a naked man in my tub?"

"Oh if Yvette is one thing it's worldly," Amy grinned proudly. "Nothing intimidates her or Jade by the way." She added the last with a knowing wink.

"Excellent."

"Your food should be here in a bit, if you need 'anything' just ask Jade I will leave her in charge of your refreshments just to keep things simple. It has been a long day and I am not the young thing I once was. I will see you tomorrow?"

"Yes, we can have tea and catch up." Ingrid replied as Amy turned and left closing the door behind her.

"Nick Shaw really," Andrew said amazed. "This guy literally rewrote and rebuilt the computer."

"Andrew, don't think me daft but what the hell is a computer?" Ingrid asked reaching below the water line and began absently stroking him. "Just relax we don't have to do anything more tonight I just want to enjoy myself with some simple pleasures if that's okay with you?"

"MMMMMMMMMMMM fine by me," he purred.

"Now you were going to tell me what a computer was," Ingrid brought him back on target.

Andrew gave her a brief history lesson starting with the birth of the semi-conductor and the boom that created with silicon chips to the latest cutting edge crystal mainframes.

"Amazing, so these things are everywhere?" Ingrid asked.

"Yep," he said in a haze that was one part stroking and an equal part hot water.

"With that amount of computing power, oh the things I could have done," she mused.

"Can do," Andrew corrected her. "It won't take someone like you to acclimate to this century. You were scary brilliant then you will shine equally well now."

"Flatterer," she said giving his member a good squeeze.

There came a knock at the door and Jade entered carrying a try of food and the other girls followed behind with other trays with food and drink. The trays were arranged in a semi circle around the edge of the tub and all the girls but Jade left.

"If there is anything else you need all you have to do is ask," she said with a smile.

"Actually," Ingrid replied and motioned for Jade to bend over and she whispered in her ear and Jade looked right at Andrew and smiled brilliantly. "If you are okay with that," Ingrid asked at the end.

"Oh, I think I can find the time," Jade said with another gorgeous smile. "By the way this was in Amy's office addressed to you I thought you might want it."

She took the small cardboard box that had been tucked beneath her arm and handed it to Ingrid.

"Ooh I love surprises," Ingrid said smiling.

"I'll be back in an hour or so to get the platters and see if you need anything else then."

Jade left as Ingrid pulled the tab that opened the flat box and into her hands slide a strange futuristic device. It was a metallic rectangle the color of amethyst and around the glass window were set crystals of cunning manufacture. 




Iron Rain Pt. 13



"Andrew do you know what this is," Ingrid asked but could see by the wild eyed expression that he did. "Be a lamb and show me how it works."

Andrew dried his hands and examined the device and discovering the power switch turned it on. Instantly the tablet was ready for use and he whistled.

"Damn that is fast," he muttered.

He examined the icons on the desktop and saw one marked avatar interface. Andrew double tapped the icon and nearly dropped the tablet when the crystals lit up and the holographic avatar appeared in the air above them.

"HOLY SHIT," they said together.

The avatar was a handsome gentleman dressed in a gray wool suit and carrying a silver headed walking stick. He looked so real it was amazing.

"How can I be of service," he said in a proper British accent.

"Ummm what are you," Andrew asked.

"Ah, I am your humble servant. I can access any program already loaded into my tablet or any you provide me later. I can surf the web for you as well as perform whatever digital tasks you require. If this avatar is not suitable a variety of other choices are available."

"Does it have a name," Ingrid asked.

The avatar turned to face her and smiled.

"I respond to Alfred but that is an arbitrary assignment mum, if you wish to change my name or appearance at any time, simply select those options either through me or the tablet."

Andrew placed the tablet safely away from the tub and looked at Ingrid.

"He belongs to you," Andrew said. "Do you want to see what other Avatars are available?"

"Sure," Ingrid asked. "Show us what you got Alfred."

"Very good mum," it replied and began to display each of the other nineteen male and twenty other female avatars.

So as they ate and drank they watched the slow parade of digital assistants take stage for a time and then the next one would appear and Ingrid saw a definite pattern to them all. They were all very young and very attractive. If she were going to have an assistant he would have to dress the part.

"Alfred, I like this particular image above the rest," Ingrid said settling on a young man of about twenty years with scruffy dishwater blonde hair and hazel eyes. "But I am not keen on the way he is dressed."

The new avatar sat down crossed legged and appeared in only his underwear and a smile.

"How would you prefer I was dressed?" it asked in an accent that hailed from the Midwestern United States.

"Can you show me clothing fitting the present year," she asked. "Let's start with shirts."

A virtual clothing store appeared and smiling Ingrid shopped for the perfect shirt and settled on one with a college logo and crest. Then she picked out tight jeans that hugged him in all the right places. She gave him eyeglasses with round lenses and dark metal frames for an intellectual look. Lastly as a personal quirk she chose for him to go barefoot.

"So what do you think," Ingrid asked Andrew.

"He is definitely your type," Andrew said moving behind her and feeling her squirm a little.

"I wonder how smart he is," she asked wiggling her butt over Andrew's growing erection. "I am thinking you don't look like an Alfred anymore any suggestions?"

"How about Damien," the avatar offered.

"Ooh I like the sound of that, Damien it is," she cooed as the head of Andrew's cock began to slide inside of her.

"Shall I return after you are done having sex," Damien asked.

"You know about that," she asked as the rest of Andrew pierced her completely.

"Yes your heart rate is elevated as well as other tell tale signs of sexual arousal and of course there is the obvious positioning of your bodies," it said smiling.

"MMMMM perhaps you'd like to watch," she purred.

"If that is what you want Mistress," Damien replied softly. "I am programmed for adult entertainment such as dancing, erotic dialogue and yes even watching my owner engage in sex."

"You are a wonder," she moaned now as Andrew began to thrust into her.

"Someone is coming," Damien said and disappeared.

There came a knock and Jade stepped in and saw Ingrid up against the side of the tub with Andrew thrusting into her from behind slowly.

"You started without me, oh well I'll just slip in and see if I can lend a helping hand, or mouth or MMMMMM whatever comes to mind." She purred as she began to undress.

The Black Pyramid Awakens:

The old man made his way up the winding trail through the cloud line and after ten long minutes reached the path's end just above the cumulus strata. The top of the mountain appeared to have been sheared off to form a circular flat base of volcanic stone and set directly in the center the Black Pyramid. The exterior was a shell of mirror bright polished black marble that reached three hundred feet into the air and beneath it millions of intricately carved blocks of black diorite. Diorite was harder than granite but when polished had a finish not unattractive in its own right. The old man approached the pyramid and walked along the side aligned with the old magnetic north before it had shifted all those years ago. A single block of marble was marred by five vertical rows of hieroglyphics so ancient there were few left alive who could read them and even fewer who could recognize their origin. He touched twenty cartouches in a specific sequence and set many things into motion within the Black Pyramid but for the outside world it had been centuries since it had been opened and entered.

"Moira wake me when it is opened I am going to take a nap," the old man known as the Eternal Master said.

"Would you like me to sing you a lullaby as well William?" she asked sardonically.

"You can be such a bitch you know that," he said with a smile.

"I am only as good as you made me so you have only yourself to blame."

"So you keep reminding me," he said walking to a vantage point of the rest of the island and found a patch of grass that somehow had managed to not only take hold but thrive. 

William Delacroix sat down on the soft grass and lay back and stared at the brilliant blue sky and waited patiently for those long dead things to reawaken after centuries in darkness. He could feel the sublime vibrations coming from below ground where the ancient power was being restored and things that should have been left alone were stirring once more.

"William, it is time." Moira's soothing voice called him out of his reverie of times long passed and a myriad memories both pleasant and nightmare.

"Thanks," he said taking to his feet and walking toward the entrance now open along the Northern Wall. 

Two armed Anubis Warriors stood watch with their ebony skin and their jackal heads but most disconcerting were the all too human eyes, bright blue like the sky he had been admiring earlier, which looked out onto the waking world. As he walked down the long corridor towards the main chamber on the ground level jewels ensconced blazed into life illuminating the flawless white marble floor and the ivory hued columns that lined the way. As he neared the massive vaulted chamber Bastet body slaves with their bare breasts and golden skirts attended him and stripped him of his alien garb of jeans and a t-shirt and naked led him to the sacred bath where he would be cleansed, purified and anointed with the holy oils. As the feline women bathed him William wondered why he had ever left this slice of the past behind. Once free of the stench of the outside world, the priestess laid her gentle hands upon him and prayed over him driving away all the negative energies that might cling to the Master of the Black Pyramid. At last the body slaves led him from the bath, dried him and anointed his body with oil blessed by Osiris himself. Then proper garments were slipped over his muscular frame and only then would he be allowed into the holy of holies. 

Then he approached the black obelisk, one of six in existence that had fallen to earth and recovered miraculously intact etched with their alien runes that had remained indecipherable for all these long millennia. Surrounding the 70 foot tall needle of unblemished stone was a pool four feet deep and nearly twenty foot in diameter. Shooting from the pool at the four cardinal points were fountains that hit the side of the obelisk and let fall a chilling mist that both kept the air in the pyramid from becoming too dry and also served a secret purpose. The daughter of Isis greeted him at the pool holding the golden Cup of Eternal Life. Something in the alien stone was leeched out by the fountains and fell into the pool, some substance that reconstituted the mortal body. Even those among the Old Ones who were considered wise and pure guarded their two stones jealously for who among even the noble does not fear the sting of death. A single mouthful could give many years of long healthy life he wondered if Nick realized what six bottles of it had done to him. William took the lovingly wrought cup which was etched with the very characters on the stone before him and dipped it into the water and drank deeply. The energy and euphoria were unlike any drug or any pleasure of the flesh he had ever experienced. The stress and pain faded and he was young again in both body and mind. He filled the bowl two more times and drained them dry before setting the cup down and moving onto his final destination.

There were two ways of reaching the holy of holies. The first was the long arduous journey up the sloping passageways that were warded by jackal headed Anubis Guards as well as lethal traps, all of which he could easily navigate. The second way was the Gate of Amon Ra which instantly transported the recipient to the top of the pyramid. William opted for the quicker route today. He walked over to an obscure corner of the main chamber where an open archway stood and hidden in plain sight the hundreds of obscure hieroglyphics that decorated every wall on this and every level. Again touching a sequence of twenty symbols a low hum filled the archway and the air now had a distorted quality like a mirage in the desert. William stepped through and like stepping through any doorway but instead of the other side of the arch he was in the singular chamber at the top of the Black Pyramid. The angled walls of the room were of the black diorite polished smooth and etched with the history of his long life as Eternal Master. For any who could read was his greatest sin and why he had spent the millennia trying to make amends. 

"If only..." he whispered then shook his head and collected his thoughts. "Are the sleepers awakened?"

"We are Master," they said in one clear voice.

"Then come forth so that we may speak," William said calling upon the digital constructs fashioned ages ago from the best and brightest minds of human and Old Ones alike.

They were the digital personalities of beings long dead and gone to dust. They had agreed to be preserved so that generations yet unborn could learn from their vast knowledge and wisdom. Before he sinned William's home had seen the young among the Old Ones come to be taught and tested by their elders and that had been a golden time. But such times maybe were never meant to last and after the Great Flood all of it changed forever. The avatars appeared in their assigned seats around the great stone table all gleaming in their digital perfection. Long ago they had possessed names known to all now they were obscure legends that men called gods, heroes and even demons. But to William they were his court of advisors and he needed them now more than ever. The hidden panels in the walls slid out and down letting in the light of the setting sun and the perpetual breeze that stirred William's soul to action. He was waiting for two more to arrive and knew that they might be a little late considering how long it had been since a council of war had been called. Minutes later the archway hummed to life and two figures stepped through side by side, the Promethean and the Horu-Ta. Unlike the other members they were actually flesh and blood. The Promethean was a woman of indeterminate years with coal black hair that fell like an ebony waterfall nearly to her feet with features that must have graced busts of the female divine in ancient times. She was tall and athletic of build and wore a robe of blue and gold. Her waist was girded with a belt of gold cunningly wrought that provided both protection and access to a myriad of devices worldwide. The Horu-Ta or Justice Born was the representative of the Old Ones and the fact that he was here meant that they were interested once more in the affairs of mankind. He was a bit taller than she with wide shoulders and also possessed a muscular physique. His short cropped blonde hair and dark skin were perfect contrasts to the woman. He wore loose fitting silk kimono of deepest emerald with the crests of his house and station emblazoned upon his chest and back. They nodded and took their places without a single word of greeting.

"Many times humanity has been plunged into dark ages that left them broken both emotionally and spiritually but none as deep or bleak as the one looming on the horizon. With so great a population and if things continue as they have economic and social upheaval will reach a level that they may never recover from. I have called this council together to seek its wisdom so that aid may be leant in the coming conflict between humanity and the Nephilim."

William sat down and looked around the table to see who would offer up their advice first. The Promethean rose to her feet and hesitantly looked at William before addressing the assembly.

"You all know who I am and the role I played in things. You also know I have been trying ever since to correct the situation with little success, until now. The crisis before us is going to reach a head when Nicholas Shaw and his opposite among the Nephilim come to cross purposes. It is inevitable but it is also because of me."

William rose to his feet and stared at her confused and not a little concerned. When the Promethean meddled in things it was never half assed.

"You may be wondering why this council of war is being called to session so early. According to best estimates the project we have been working so hard on shouldn't have produced any remarkable results for another two centuries or more. There is a reason for that. I have hidden Nicholas' true DNA signature from everyone here and elsewhere up until now. Whenever his blood was tested I intercepted the results and planted what was expected not what was his true heredity." She gestured and the familiar three strands of DNA appeared hovering in the air. "This is what his real parent's contribution was." The two outer patterns were replaced with two other triple helix chains.

"What is the meaning of this," roared William. "How is this even possible? No human woman could possibly carry the egg of an Old One it would... it would eventually wreak cellular havoc and produce cancer or some other pathogen. What did you do?"

"I went among the Old Ones and sought volunteers who would indirectly aid the human condition by offering egg and sperm donations. It took nearly fifty years to find a compatible match but find it I did," the Promethean said with a sad smile. "Even knowing the woman carrying it would eventually die the cost was an acceptable loss."

"So Nick and I are not blood related then," William said softly. "And when I murdered his mother I probably did her a service in the long run."

"It would appear so, ironic eh?" she said. "But Nick will mature slowly as any Old One would but it is his only hope if he is to defeat a more mature Nephilim." She said and sat down.

The Horu-Ta rose to his feet and spoke next.

"The Old Ones send you a message William Delacroix. A Zeitgeist was dispatched to Nicholas Shaw and spoke with him in show of their support for one of their own blood. The Promethean's tampering did not go unnoticed among the wise. If your plan reaches fruition he will have their complete support and they will aid him as they can but if and only if this is his choice by free will alone." He sat down and remained silent for the rest of the meeting.

The Dreamer took to its feet and shared in its own alien fashion.

"The time will come when my children and I will once more become the dominant species upon this world but until then I can tell you this. There is a split among the Nephilim and humans alike. A number of influential Nephilim have sided with the dwarf and have allied with the Shaw. But also many who were loyal to the Silver Twilight have sided with the Nephilim but have been drawn out and destroyed. This and other acts have agitated the enemy; the Shaw must tread lightly else his ripples reveal his long term plan and his life become forfeit." The great cephalopod settled back into its seat and returned to its dream state.

Justice and Majesty took to their feet, once known as Horus and Osiris; they began a dialogue that explained their mutual belief of what should be done.

"Nicholas must be taught the way of inspiring those who follow him," Osiris offered.

"He must be learned in the ways of combat and tactics," Horus suggested.

"Nick is learning the hard way how to get people to follow orders as well as the finer arts of warfare from a very skilled arms instructor." William said.

"Perhaps he needs some coaching in the field of management?" Osiris asked.

"Or a sparring partner to test and push his skills?" Horus inquired.

"You want to leave the sanctity of the pyramid for the outside world after how many years... why?" William grilled them.

"The boy has untapped charisma and could use an ally in this corporate monster you've created." Osiris responded.

"The lad has drive and determination and not a little skill with the blade." Horus smiled.

"Anyone else have any suggestions?" William said not expecting the responses he received.

"I would like to take a run at the boy and see how well he can handle the mechanizations of a wily woman." Bastet, goddess of Cats and fertility offered purring loudly.

"The young man has the capacity for a staggering intellect, I would like to see it fully realized," said the old man with the wry smile and mismatched socks.

"Nicholas seems to have an old soul, I want to explore its depths and help him discover enlightenment if that is his path." The young Asian man said with a sublime grin.

"It is obvious that Nick has gotten under your digital skins so I will select which of you may go and when, then we will see how things progress." William said and smiled despite himself. 'Once again you never cease to amaze me young man. You inspire those who are content lost in digital wonderlands far beyond our kin and make them hunger to teach and guide your development. Maybe we do have a chance after all.' William thought as he decided on his next course of action.



Iron Rain Pt. 14



Sorry for the delay but gathering up loose ends with the storyline. Hope you enjoy. Please vote and comment so I can see how well you like or dislike the storyline. I have added dates to the story this time to keep some continuity. Hope it helps. 




Lost But Not Forgotten:
September 1, 2012

Akira Kusanagi stood behind her Master and took the ceremonial mask from his head as he sat down after meeting with one of the temporal masters who was an elder member of the Saudi royal family. She lovingly ran a finger over the features of the ebony mask and let out a heavy sigh. Nick Shaw, the Hidden Master, turned and looked at her with a look that was part concern and part trepidation. 

"Master," Akira said her voice trembling. "Have I displeased you these last few weeks? Have I somehow driven a wedge between us?" Her voice cracked and she dropped to her knees and began to sob. "What can I do to fix this rift between us?"

Nick was suddenly kneeling beside her and taking her into his arms he had moved so very fast she had barely registered it. But all that really mattered was that his strong arms were around her and his lips were by her ear.

"SHHHHH," he said so soothingly. "It's going to be okay, it's not you Akira it's me. I am not myself. Just give me another week and everything will be back to the way it was... I hope."

"You don't sound so sure of yourself Kouryou," she whispered. "What's wrong, you have gotten into this terrible habit of shutting me out. I am your sword arm, I am your confidant and I can't help if I don't know what's going on."

"We are here to recover the Iram stone Akira," Nick explained. "The rest will work itself out I am sure. No, more than that, I know they will settle down and things will be better than before."

"I trust you Kouryou," she said kissing his neck and hearing the soft moan escape his lips. "I knew it you still hunger for me! Take me lover it has been so very long..."

Then Nick did the strangest thing he moved away enough to be able to look Akira straight in the eye and said these words.

"If we make love will you forgive me later," he asked.

"Why would you need forgiving Kouryou," she responded as if slapped in the face.

"If you tell me that you will forgive me anything I would tear down the pillars of heaven and level the gates of hell for you." Her kiss was answer enough.

As her arms slipped around his neck he slid his fingers into her hair and made a gentle fist. She moaned into his mouth as his free hand tore open her blouse sending buttons flying everywhere. Her hands joined his as she untied the silken sash that held his ceremonial robe closed and she pushed it off his shoulders and onto the floor. With a loving shove she pushed Nick onto his back as she pressed her nipples against his chest as her fingers diligently worked at the knot that stood between her and ecstasy. 

"Don't move a muscle let me do everything," Akira moaned and he nodded and lay back.

The stubborn knot finally yielded to her persistence and she tugged the silken pants off of him and gazed down then licked her lips. 'All mine' she mouthed before lowering her lips to worship his hardened flesh with hands, mouth and tits. She deepthroated him in one smooth action loving the feel of him as he popped into her throat; Akira's head bobbed up and down on him her almond shaped eyes so dark and hungry never leaving his. He could almost hear her thoughts screaming 'look at me as I make love to your cock'. When the shaft was slick enough she wrapped her firm tits around him and rocked up and down letting them give him pleasure wanting him to cum and spray her tits and face. It had been so long she wanted to do everything for him and to him. As his cock slid between her breasts she would flicker her tongue over the sensitive head when it poked out and watched as Nick shivered with delight at this simple yet intimate pleasure. Akira now cupped her tits and rubbed them independently around and over his cock watching her Master and lover begin to pant and moan as his climax got closer by the second. Her eyes grew bright with lust as she took him in hand and jacked him off his cock aimed at her face. Faster her hand went and his moans got louder and louder until with a guttural cry pulses of hot cum splashed against her cheeks and open mouth. She licked and sucked him clean before taking care of her own. Akira watched Nick's chest rise and fall as he slowly caught his breath and was ready to feel him inside of her. She tugged at his ankles making him lay flat now and slowly climbed up his body serpentine like rubbing her entire body against his as she went. By the time she was in position is cock was raging hard again and eager to pierce her to the core. Akira took Nick in her hand and slowly stroked him from base to tip as her other hand teased her clit and pussy. She was already soaked and her body more than ready to receive him but she wanted to make them wait. Anticipation is the core of great sex and she wanted him to remember this night for a very long time. As her hand moved up and down on him she saw precum ooze from the tip and she took a finger slick with her own juices and scooped it up and slid it between her lips and tasted their essence. She never said a word she only rose up and aimed him between her pussy lips and lowered ever so slowly. Nick's cock was buried deep in her and she just sat there reveling in their joining. Akira began to undulate her hips driving him in and out of her in small motions letting her pussy caress and pleasure him. He made soft pleading noises but she ignored him she was lost in her own moment and was taking her own delight as she fucked him. Slowly Akira adjusted the length of her movements allowing most of him to slide in and out of her. She was panting alongside of Nick as they were both getting close to coming. When he was very close she began squeezing him with her pussy and his eyes lit up at the new level of sensation she gave him and it wasn't long before she felt his cock swelling inside of her. Akira's own climax was only moments away and she wanted to time it just right. She was unaware of her own noises she was making as she got closer and closer to her orgasm but Nick didn't miss it. Just as she was squeezing him he began flexing his cock when it was deep inside of her and the combination of the two was just enough to push them both over the edge at the exact same moment. The single cry that rose up from the pair was both harmonious and a thing of pure primal lust. Akira lay on top of Nick both of them breathing hard and covered in a light layer of sweat. 

"That was a good beginning but I am nowhere near done with you my love," she moaned in his ear.

"MMMMMMMMM," he purred back. "I can hardly wait."

September 5, 2012

The caravan of vehicles arrived at the location and the blasted area looked like something out of Dante's Inferno where the souls of the damned were made to wander some endless featureless wasteland. The doors to the lead vehicle opened and both driver and passenger stepped down and out of the large truck. Nick and Akira now wearing protective clothing from the unrelenting sun checked the GPS coordinates. 

"Damn it's hot," Nick cursed.

"Not as hot as me," Akira purred.

"That's true, but this is more of a dry heat," Nick said smiling from ear to ear. "According to the probe the city of Iram should be that direction. Let's see if one of the vehicles can enter without dying otherwise this is going to be a whole lot more difficult than I planned."

Akira got on her radio and informed the caravan that her and Nick were going to attempt to enter the area of disturbance and if all went well the others could follow. The pair climbed back into their truck and moved forward at a slow pace just in case. After a thousand yards and only losing their GPS signal they decided it was safe for the rest of the vehicles to follow. Akira radioed the others and soon their caravan was once more a cohesive unit and they were on their way to what they hoped was the lost city. 

"Kouryou, does the royal family have any idea what you are going to remove once we reach our destination," she asked Nick.

"Nope, well at least I hope not. I was given all the paperwork to remove the artifact from their soil. Let's just hope they don't change their mind."

"Do you know what is waiting for us," she asked a hint of caution in her voice.

"Legend says that King Solomon summoned an army of Djinn and forced them to build the most beautiful city they could. But the Djinn chose the spot and it rested over the remains of a prehuman city that contained a slumbering evil. Once the city was complete and the people moved in the evil awoke and corrupted many before it was abandoned to the fury of the desert."

"Sounds like we might have our hands full, um Kouryou what's a Djinn?"

"It's another word for genie or demon of the air depending upon who you ask," Nick said smiling. "The Nephilim ever run into anything like that?"

"I've never heard of demons of the air being real but slumbering evils that could be a lot of things. If they ran into an antediluvian Nephilim that would definitely fall under that description," Akira said quite seriously.

"But I thought they were all dead," Nick said.

"They are supposed to be all dead, supposed to and being are two different animals."

"I look forward to seeing what surprises await us," he said with a brave smile.

They drove on for another half hour or so Nick driving and trying his best to keep a straight heading while Akira played navigator and attempted to see landmarks that looked promising.

"So why did you bring this Professor Nichols along for if you don't mind my asking," Akira asked after a very long silence.

"We need an actual archaeologist to verify the dig site and someone has to take credit for finding it. We are here for the obelisk that's all. She can have all the glory and think of how happy the royal family will be if we do find the city. The national treasure it will become."

"It's because she's a redhead isn't it," Akira asked.

"What," Nick replied.

"Or is it her young firm tits," Akira continued.

"Or maybe it's the fact that she is only twenty five and has multiple doctorates in her field?"

"It's her ass isn't it, so nice and round and perfect for smacking while you're behind her..."

"Jeez Akira does everything break down to sex with you," he asked laughing hard now.

"No, but for you it does."

"Okay, it's the trifecta... plus she's really fucking cute."

"I knew it, so have you fucked her yet," Akira purred in his ear.

"No," he smiled. "Not yet."

Another forty five minutes later and the flat mostly featureless desert began to slowly alter and what had to have been an ancient road took form off to the left and a little ways after that the ground raised slowly but steadily. They went on for another mile or two and topped a rise marked on either side by two enormous pillars of weathered stone. Beyond the pillars was the city of Iram and it didn't take much imagination to envision what it would have looked like newly built. Hundreds of pillars lay about in the bowl shaped depression. Some were still standing most lay like fallen titans victims to wind and sand and sun. 

"Holy shit we found it," Akira said and Nick could only nod a sense of dread filling him almost immediately.

"Alright lets head on in and find our prize," Nick said his mood muted and he could imagine some primeval presence slumbering beneath rock and dune. "Radio the others and tell them we do this by the numbers and no running off."

"Yes Master," Akira said her smile undiminished.

The motorized caravan entered the lost city and their presence did not go unnoticed. Carefully they weaved their way through the cyclopean stones that lay fallen and shattered and it was near sunset before they arrived at the center of the city and the massive temple half buried in sand that was their destination. Everyone disembarked from the vehicles and Professor Nichols was absolutely bubbling at the remarkable condition of the city.

"This is amazing," she was saying over and over again. "I have never seen this type of stone work in my life. There are no books or even hints that the people of this city were this gifted at quarrying, cutting and raising such massive pillars."

"Unless you believe that the Djinn were the ones responsible," Nick offered.

"Nonsense you don't believe in monsters do you Mr. Shaw," she asked.

"Call me Nick and I will tell you this there are stranger things out there than you know."

The woman looked at him and saw the seriousness of his expression and didn't laugh as she was want to do she just nodded and kept her silence.

"Mr. Shaw Sir," one of the native workmen pointed at the horizon and the queer cloudlike formation that seemed to be blotting out the setting sun. "Sandstorm and a bad one, we should get back to the vehicles before it hits. We can dig out in the morning after it passes."

"You heard him, everyone back in the trucks and hunker down for the night," Nick shouted over the ever growing wind.

"Um Nick," Professor Nichols said laying a hand on his arm. "Can I bunk in your truck tonight? I'd like to pick your brain about how you knew this city was here?"

"Sure there is room for three," Nick said as he headed for the lead vehicle missing her look of disappointment.

"Mr. Shaw perhaps I should double check provisions in the back of the truck and make sure everything is tied down." Akira said not bothering to hide her smile.

"Well it looks like it's just us," Nick said.

The storm hit much quicker than anyone expected and soon there was only the perpetual keening of the wind and the sound of sand blasting across every surface of the vehicles. Nick and the Professor were huddled together as he held her.

"I hate loud noises, I survived a tornado when I was a kid and this sort of thing just slips right passed my defenses," she admitted to Nick.

"You have nothing to worry about nothing is going to happen to you," he promised.

"I believe you Nick," she said smiling weakly before a particularly loud gust sent her deeper into his embrace.

"Why don't you ask me some of those questions that are burning away in that fine mind of yours?"

"Okay, I did my research on you after you contacted me and I would like to know how men as young as you are managed to rewrite the entire book on computer technology."

"I get that question a lot," Nick said. "You want the truth?"

"Of course," she said smiling.

"My friend Jesse in his freshmen year at the Bastille found a crystal that was thousands of years old. Inside of that crystal was a digital intelligence that helped us develop this ground breaking technology."

"Seriously now," she said but then looked at him and thought he just might be telling her the truth. "How could ancient man develop crystal technology? Supposing that what you are telling me is true."

"I never said it was humans who created that crystal," Nick said. "How old is our planet?"

"Four and a half billion years give or take."

"Okay and how many extinction level events have there been? Now before you answer that just think about this. What if a race managed to survive just one of those events? What if that race was more or less human in appearance? Now imagine that they weren't driven by territory or lust for power or general stupidity. What might a race like that accomplish?"

"I can't tell if you are serious or just messing with me," she said.

"I am just offering a possible scenario for a history of a people who built this city that has so enthralled you."

"There is one thing that is bothering me, how did you know this place was here? I mean it doesn't show up on satellite imagery, I know I checked."

"Do you know why the GPS quit working once we got close?"

"No idea," she admitted.

"Meteor strike, a big enough strike would leave a large magnetic field that distorts not only the earth in the surrounding region but I suspect it is also responsible for the lack of aerial photography."

"Hmm some sort of optical distortion field but covering so large an area that's just crazy."

"And yet here we are," Nick said smiling.

"Is it true that you built all those plants at below cost," she asked out of the blue.

"You mean the desalinization plants?"

"Yeah those," she said.

"Yep, water is a serious problem and will only get worse. Someone needed to do something."

"All those jobs, and all those people you are helping and not a cent of profit ever."

"There are some things more important than money," Nick said seriously.

"Is that why you went into the arms business, so you could protect those plants from people that would try and take them over?"

"How very insightful," he said looking at her with renewed wonder. "That is exactly why I did what I did. I am not a warmonger but the world is an ugly place and there are people out there that would try and take control of those plants for their own reasons that have nothing to do with a humanitarian cause."

"And you are still single," she said with an evil smile on her kissable lips.

"Yep, not ready to settle down just quite yet," Nick admitted.

"You must have women throwing themselves at you all the time," she pouted.

"Oh yes hundreds maybe thousands there have been so many," he joked. "No with running a company and with everything else on my plate way too busy for..."

He never finished his statement as she leaned up and stole his words away with a single kiss. But the hunger and passion behind it ignited the sensual powder keg that had been building up tension since she sat down next to him. She shifted so that she was straddling him and began to unbutton his shirt as he did the same with her. Soon her front hook bra was undone and his hands were full of her luscious breasts which he weighed in his hands before caressing and teasing them. She broke the kiss and looked down at him as she reached up to take her glasses off so they wouldn't get broken in the upcoming sexual melee.

"You like my tits," she moaned as Nick leaned down and began to kiss and suckle them. "MMMMMMMMMM yes lover I love it when a man makes love to them!"

She reached between them and undid his belt and pants and eventually freed his iron hard flesh. 

"Oh MY, what a monster you've got there Nick... I don't know if I can get all of that down my throat... but I'll give it the old college try!"

The Professor moved back to her seat and finished undressing while Nick did the same and soon she was kneeling on her seat with her head between Nicks's legs licking and sucking him as if she hadn't been laid in years. Nick freed her long auburn locks and began to play with her hair as she slowly eased more and more of him down her talented throat. Wanting to see what sort of lover she liked he slid his fingers into her mane and made a fist and began to slowly tighten it until she let out a long low moan. 

"Excellent, I love a woman who needs a firm hand," Nick moaned as her mouth and tongue pleasured him. "Speaking of firm hand," he said as he reached over and took a handful of ass flesh and began kneading it and then gave her a healthy swat on the ass.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM," she moaned as he continued to tease her ass.

After a little while Nick found her soaked pussy lips and slid two fingers into her and began to slowly return the pleasure she was giving him.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," her mouth left his cock for a moment. "If you keep doing that I am going to..." but Nick still having a firm grip on her head pushed her back down on his cock as he continued fingering her. "MMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNNNNNNN"

She moaned as her hips bucked and her orgasm came crashing down over her. Once she was recovered she pulled her head up and looked Nick in the eye.




Iron Rain Pt. 14



"MMMMMMMM please Nick fuck me I need you inside of me SOOOOO bad," she begged.

"I don't know it's kinda crowded in here, if only there were some way you could oh I don't know straddle me. That might work what do you..."

Again she was in his lap but this time there were no barriers between them and her pussy sunk down over him and they both moaned at how tight she was. Then the Professor was slowly riding him and kissing him fiercely as they made love. His hands roamed all over her body but finally settled on her ass cheeks which he swatted and caressed as she moved up and down. Her athletic legs drove her pussy down on him over and over until with another body shaking, back arching climax. 

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK," she howled and the wind howled back at her.

Nick rolled her onto her back letting her lie prone on the bench seat of the truck and took control. His thrusts began slow and loving but he knew what she craved and soon his cock was slamming into her with more and more force. 

"Oh Shit... oh shit... oh shit..." she muttered each time his cock was buried deep into her.

He smiled down at her and leaned down and captured a nipple between his teeth and applied pressure until she yelped and a third orgasm erupted from deep within her core. Nick eased out of her and she breathed a sigh of relief but not for long as she felt his lips and tongue began teasing her pussy and clit.

"OH FUCK Lover..." she cooed. "That feels amazing... yes like that... uh huh... uh huh... MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM yeah baby..."

Nick was out to break her so he eased two fingers into her pussy and two into her ass and watched the fireworks. Carol's hips left the seat and when he began to suckle her clit and finger both holes she reached escape velocity and her howl of pleasure broke the sound barrier. She rolled onto her side and whimpered as he pleasured her holes with thrusting fingers and was soon begging for his cock again. 

"Please Nick fuck me... NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN I need to feel it fill me up again... I want to feel your cum spray my insides!"

Nick eased his fingers from both her holes and got Carol on her hands and knees. He teased both holes with the head of his cock to see how she would react. 

"How about this one," he said pressing the head just enough to spread her pussy lips.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she moaned.

"Or maybe this one," he said pushing the tip just enough to open her ass just a bit.

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," she groaned.

"Tell me Carol... which hole to pierce," Nick demanded.

"OH FUCK I don't care... just fuck me already you evil man," she yelled.

"Okay," Nick mused. "Ass it is."

He pushed slowly but steadily and felt her sphincter open to his iron hard flesh and she moaned louder and louder but not in pain but in sheer pleasure. When the head popped in she let out a sigh of relief.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM yes... so this is what it feels like, I've always wondered."

The shaft followed the tip and soon she was completely impaled and she was purring loud and long. Nick leaned close and licked the side of her neck causing her ass to grip him even tighter.

"So how do you like a cock up your ASS professor?" Nick asked his breath close to her ear.

"MMMMMMMM I don't know yet you haven't started fucking me yet," she growled back.

Nick began to thrust into her tight ass and soon she was pushing back to meet him. He adjusted his position so that his hands were on her ass cheeks and thrust faster and harder now that she was accustom to a cock buried deep in her ass. His balls were slapping against labia and the dual sensation was pushing Carol towards her first anal orgasm.

"I can see why women fling themselves at you... just like I did. You know how to make a woman beg for your cock." She said panting and moaning.

Nick ground against her ass cheeks and leaned forward and whispered in her ear.

"Want to ride my cock again and feel it really deep in your ass?" 

His hands came up and cupped her tits weighing them, caressing them all the while his cock drove deep into her harder and harder now. His climax getting closer by the second Carol could feel his cock swelling; stretching her even more now and her moans became pleas for his cum.

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNICK I can feel how close you are lover," she whispered back at him. "MMMMMMMMMMMMM fill me up baby... let me feel you cum deep inside of me."

They worked together Nick thrusting forward and Carol pushing backward; she could hear his breath become erratic, great heaves of his powerful chest as his climax was mere seconds away. Then with one last powerful thrust and a howl of pleasure she felt him spurt sending thick ropes of cum deep into her. 

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she cried along with him.

Carol lay on top of him her body molding to his so easily. Her head near his shoulder and her hands roaming over his sculpted body and felt the stirrings as he responded to her gentle touch.

"Oh my..." she gasped.

"It's going to be a long night..." he responded.

The Lost City:

September 6, 2012

The storm broke at some point in the middle of the night and few were awake to hear the wind die down and see the stars come out in the thousands and then the millions. Nick careful not to wake the good Professor slipped from her arms and slipped outside to take in the ethereal beauty above him. Whether aboard the Numenor or now here in the middle of a lost city the stars held some primal sway over the young man and he pondered his role and whether he was the right man for the job then he would think over who else he would trust to do what was needed when the time came. The truth of the matter was there was no one else. In this desolate ruin of a place he finally accepted his role and let go any hope of a normal life or any near facsimile of one. If he was to tread this path there would be no regrets and no remorse. 

Nick looked down and gasped as the sandstorm seemed to have done much of their work for them and the archaeologist. Most of the sand covering the southern and eastern walls of the temple was gone now. But it had also exposed many outlying buildings that had been hidden by a deep layer of sand and the intricate beauty of the city was revealed under the cold cool stars. Did Solomon build this city as legend say or was it the Old Ones or even the Nephilim? He would leave those discoveries to the Professor and her team. He closed his eyes and felt more than heard or saw the 'other' presence in the dead city. Nick opened his eyes and turned in the direction and was not surprised that it came from the temple. He began to walk towards it and looked at the grand structure that was easily two hundred feet in height and at least that on each side. Two sphinx-like statues flanked the main doorway on the western wall which yawned black and cold in its stygian darkness. He looked at the twin stone guardians and saw that the lean almost gaunt feline bodies looked sickly under the pale silvery light of the stars. The face if face you could call it had upswept almond eyes unblinking and cruel. Below the eyes were two slits where a nose would be and further down a beard of writhing tentacles that hung down to mid breast of the cat body. All in all a disturbing pair of watchers for this silent temple to unknown gods. Nick walked between them and crossed the threshold and felt the chill in the air grow with each and every step. Then came the faint sound to his ears an impossible sound in this dry desiccated wasteland and yet yes there it was the cool damp touch of water on his skin and the sound of falling water. Nick activated his contact lenses for full spectrum so he wasn't surprised by someone attempting to sneak up on him. There directly in front of him perhaps a hundred feet away a plume of heat in the shape, well the curvaceous shape of a woman. He shifted to low light and saw the scantily clad figure of a dark skinned woman with hair as pale as moonlight. Just beyond her at the very center of the temple were the obelisk and the pool that surrounded it. But instead of fountains the people that built this place had devised some sort of waterfall conveyance for water to bathe the black stone artifact. The woman was standing just in front of the pool staring at him intently so Nick walked towards her. When he was fifty feet away she brought her hand up in a gesture he understood all too well, stop. Nick complied and stopped where he was.

"You are not welcome here," her English was heavily accented but understandable.

"Why," Nick asked.

"This is holy ground and you desecrate this place with your very presence," she said.

"Who is this temple dedicated to," Nick asked taking a single step forward.

"The Nameless hold this place hallowed now go," she said anger tingeing her words.

"Who built this city," he asked taking another step and saw her eyes narrow as she shook her head slowly.

"The Ancients," she growled. "Now before their wrath becomes manifest leave for your own sake."

Nick smiled and strode boldly towards her testing his theory and when nothing happened he continued to walk until he was scant feet from her only then did he stop.

"I have a theory," Nick began as he looked at her closely now and she was truly a gorgeous woman. "You are very beautiful I mean storm the castle and rescue the princess stunning."

"How do my looks have anything to do with your theory?"

"Because," Nick began as he closed the distance between then and settled a hand on either upper arm and looked her over very carefully. "Your skin is so smooth, so warm and yet so very dry even though you are standing right in front of a waterfall. How is that possible... unless you are a crystal guardian?"

There was no roar of defeat, no changing of woman into beast, no she just smiled and cocked her head to one side.

"As wise as Solomon and as powerful as Ramses and as handsome as any man I have ever met. Who are you?"

"Does it really matter," Nick asked watching her features intently.

"I suppose not, you have come for the Obelisk of Iram that much is obvious but more importantly is why do you want the stone?"

Nick noticed that the more they spoke the better her English got and he suspected soon she would possess no accent whatsoever.

"I have come to study it and learn it secrets, I have the markings of four of the other stones after I get these I have only one more to acquire before I can decipher the markings," Nick admitted.

"You have more than any other that has come before you. You have dared the Borderlands for the sake of knowledge and power but to what aim I wonder?"

"Borderlands," Nick asked confused.

"That is what I call them," she said her arms circling his waist. "There are places," she purred now. "Hidden... secret places above and below the surface of the world where men cannot see. Some lie abandoned while others are the home of the Old Ones and their ilk."

"Do you know where these places are," Nick said pulling her closer now.

"MMMMMMMMMM perhaps but first I must ask you if you plan on removing the obelisk from this place?"

"That was the original plan," Nick said as her hands moved upwards slowly caressing as they went. "But now I am not so sure."

"Why have you become unsure," she said pressing her head against his powerful chest.

"I do not think the location of the six obelisks is a coincidence," Nick said sniffing her hair and taking in her scent.

"MMMMMMMM as I said before wiser than Solomon," she moaned as she lifted up one leg and slipped it around his waist.

"So what should I do," he said settling his hands on her ass cheeks.

"Leave the stone where it is and leave this place after you take the knowledge of the obelisk with you and never return."

"Or I could move the relic to another location in the Borderlands closer to home," he whispered in her ear as his hands caressed her bare ass cheeks.

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNo if you remove the obelisk I will cease to have a purpose," she moaned as she rubbed the bulge in his pants now.

"Unless I also take you with me and place you and the obelisk together," he said unzipping his jeans and freeing his hard flesh.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM you would do that for MMMMMMMME?" she asked adjusting her position and easing Nick inside of her slowly. "UNNNNNNNNNNNNNN so thick... so hard..."

Nick pushed forward so that her ass was now supported by the top of the pools wall. She lifted her other leg and moved it around his waist as Nick slid completely inside of her. Her head went back, her mouth opened in a soundless cry and he began to thrust into her hard and fast.

"UNNNNNNNN UNNNNNNNNNNN... oh gods it has been SOOOOOOO LONNNNG!!!"

Still amazed at his sexual hunger he wondered if the whispering voice was partly responsible.

"Take her," she whispered. "Fuck Her... harder... drive your cock into harder lover... punish her with your dick!"

Nick slammed into her as hard as he could almost knocking her into the pool. Then she placed her hands on his chest to allow her time to adjust her position. Now she was standing facing away from him bent over the wall of the pool.

"That's better isn't it lover," she purred.

In response Nick slammed into her and began to fuck her just as the whispering voice asked, hard, fast and brutal. The guardian moans soon became a single cry of pleasure as one orgasm blended into another into another until with a final primal thrust he shot deep into her and lay spent on top of her. But she wasn't done and with a gentle nudge it was Nick sitting on the pool's wall and her on her knees worshipping his cock with mouth, hands and tits.

Nick sweaty and thirsty after his long encounter with the near insatiable guardian finished stripping off his clothes and slipped into the cool waters of the pool surrounding the obelisk and dove deep to see how far down the great stone monument sat beneath the water. Like the pool in Hammerton this one was fairly deep but unlike that small town the floor of this pond was littered with coins of precious metals from so many nations. Nick broke the surface and saw the bleary eyed guardian watching him intently.

"If you drink of the pool you will restore your stamina all the quicker lover," she purred.

Tentatively Nick cupped a small amount of the water and sipped it and recognized the flavor immediately. It was the same as the energy drink that James had given him. How sly he was and so it was in fact the Eternal Master who had delivered the water from his own pool and he must possess the last obelisk! Nick drank greedily and felt what little fatigue he had disappear in mere moments. Nick swam towards the obelisk and gazed at the alien glyphs covering the towering black monument to an unknowable people, well unknowable for now he thought. When he was close enough to nearly touch it Nick dove straight down to see how the obelisk was anchored in the pool, if it was anchored at all. He swam down twenty feet and had to brush more of those ancient coins aside to see that the builders of this place had cut a square recess for the obelisk to hold it in place. Nick took one of the coins for examination and swam back to the surface. He broke the surface and discovered that his absence did not go unnoticed. Akira and the Professor stood at the very edge of the pool and they looked most displeased. 

"Nick," the women said in perfect harmony.

In response he tossed the coin towards the Professor and she caught it and examined it with a gleeful gaze. Having distracted one woman Nick swam back to face the wrath of Akira. As his body cut through the water he 'felt' something and stopped and dove once more. It was like playing that kid's game 'you're getting warmer' and as time ticked by and his lungs began to burn he was 'hot' closing in on 'burning hot'. Just as he was about to give up the nude form of Akira appeared in front of him and he saw the glitter of the crystal just as he lost the battle with his oxygen deprived lungs. Nick pointed frantically before kicking his way up to the surface and the air he needed so badly. He breached the surface and the sound of his gasp for air echoed off the temple's walls. Coughing and sputtering he slowly swam to the edge of the pool and his hand had barely touched the stone wall when Akira surfaced holding the sparkling gem bright stone aloft.

"Is this what you were looking for Nick," she said smiling brilliantly.

"I hope so," he replied as he took a mouthful of the pool water and swallowed feeling its rejuvenating energy course through him.

"Did you just drink some of the water," Akira asked her.

"Try it," he said nodding.

Akira swam up next to him and handed him the intricately carved jewel before she cupped her hand and drank from the pool. Just as Nick had she drank several times and felt the weariness and aches fade then disappear. Suddenly there was movement above them and the naked form of Carol Nichols dove expertly into the pool to join them. 

"I give her a nine point eight on the dive," Nick said.

"I concur," Akira said feeling giddy as the power of the water caressed her skin healing, soothing and invigorating wherever it touched.

The Professor eventually appeared holding more of the coins and carefully placing them on the ledge of the pool's wall. Then like Nick and Akira she sipped the water and reveled in its properties.

"There must be something in the black stone that the water leeches and deposits into the pool. I am not a molecular biologist but this place is a wonder..."

They swam and splashed and played for a time and Akira noted the Nick was not being Nick. He had two beautiful women in the water with him and yet he was 'just' swimming around and not, well not taking advantage of the situation. Something was wrong but what still eluded her.

"Well you will have all the time you need to discover it's secrets but for now it's time to get back to work." Nick said all business now.

The trio left the pool and Nick dressed with hardly a glance at the two women as he headed outside. The matrix crystal safely stowed in his pocket he calls upon the avatar within and speaks with her.

"I need your advice," he began.

"Master now that you possess my crystal I will aid you in whatever way I can," she purred.

"Are there any dangers I need to know about when it comes to removing artifacts from this location?"

"No Master, there are no traps or curses just legends and ghosts of the long dead," she replied.

"Good, now answer me this should I remove the obelisk and move it closer to home will it have any detrimental effect to the stone or the area?"

"As far as I know as long as it resides within the borderlands and there is water flowing over its surface there should be no problems Master."

"Lastly, if the stone is removed will this place remain a part of the borderlands or will the field collapse," Nick asked his face frowning.

"Oh this place was a part of the borderlands for a very very long time before the stone was brought here. Its removal will have no affect on the surrounding area."

"That's what I was afraid of," he said biting his lip.

"What is the matter Master?"

"I have some very bad news for the good Professor," Nick said softly. "But I will see what damage control I can manage."

"I see you don't want the world at large to know that the borderlands exist. That is wise Master," she praised him.

"Now to break the bad news," Nick muttered as he reentered the temple and found the girls had dressed and Carol Nichols was looking closely at the three coins in her hands. "Carol we need to talk."

"Nick you sound so serious," she said and then saw the look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"I have an offer to propose to you, I want to hire you to research, unravel and work this dig site to the best of your abilities."




Iron Rain Pt. 14



"I feel a real big but coming," she said frowning now.

"You are right, the 'but' is this you can't publish your findings until we discover a place where the coins can be 'unearthed'. This place has been hidden for so very long and I don't feel its right to reveal its existence to the outside world just yet."

"This place is a career making find," she said but then her shoulders slumped. "But I am guessing that this isn't the only location like it and you don't want people knowing about this place until you have found the others, am I correct?"

"Exactly," Nick said and saw her growing smile.

"On one condition, you keep me in the loop as the other sights are located and I get the first crack at them."

"You sign a nondisclosure agreement with that as a clause and we have a deal," Akira added.

"You drive a hard bargain but... oh hell yeah! Do I get to pick my team?" Carol was doing a little dance now.

"You write up a list and give it to Akira and we will see what we can do," Nick said. "Then we can talk funding after I am done here."

"You are really going to remove the obelisk?" Carol asked.

"That's why I came here and I will tell you this much it isn't the only one," he let her know the tip of the iceberg he was tackling.

The trio discussed the terms for this and future digs Nick letting Akira do most of the haggling as he walked over to the trucks and banged on doors to wake up their occupants.

"Send in the engineers," he shouted as the women left the trucks and the best schooled and skilled among the Silent Shadows moved into the temple complex and began assessing the job in front of them. 

"Mr. Shaw, Nick I have to say something," it was Carol Nichols standing behind him watching the entire female crew go to work.

"And that is Ms. Nichols," he replied smiling.

"In all my years I have never run into any 'man' willing to give so many talented women a break like this," she said the emotion choking off her voice for a long moment. "It means a lot to me and I can honestly say it means a lot to them as well. Thank you."

"I try to give everyone a break Carol, that is what is behind everything I do I like to think." He said turning to face her and saw the tracks her tears had left on her cheeks. "Don't cry, get to work and show me I didn't make a mistake in choosing you for this job."

"I won't disappoint you Nick," she said and gave him a wink and was gone.

September 9, 2012

Nick was examining the other buildings that the sand storm had revealed when he heard the 'crunch crunch' of work boots behind him.

"Mr. Shaw," said a voice with a distinct Latin accent. "We have a problem."

"Hopefully it is not insurmountable," he said turning and paused seeing the gorgeous Brazilian woman standing before him. "Damn..."

She actually blushed and waited for Nick to collect himself before she continued.

"Sorry, what can I do to help," he said after taking in her beauty.

"We need to turn off the waterfall device before we can continue but I have never seen such a mechanism in all my days nobody has."

"Show me," Nick said now all business.

She led him into the temple and directly to an opening in the eastern wall and up a flight of stairs that led to the uppermost level of the temple. The higher they went the louder the sound of running water became. They exited the stairwell and into an identical chamber as the ground floor except for the circular hole in the floor where the water fell onto the obelisk far below as well as the irrigation trough that ran from the center to the rear of the chamber. The engineer led him to the back and to the device that was behind the water flowing up from a deep stone shaft. The woman squatted next to the metal and crystal machine and shrugged. 

"Somehow this thing is drawing water from a deep cistern holding god only knows how much water and directing the flow along the trough to the hole and then onto the stone. Then the overflow from the pool is diverted back into the cistern forming a complete circuit."

"And turning off the device is the only way to remove the stone," Nick asked.

"Well no, it's the machine sir that needs to be removed and studied. Do you have any idea what this thing could do for us?" she asked and he just shook his head. "We could eliminate the need for fossil fuels and rewrite the entire physics understanding of gravity. That's just the beginning..."

"So you have spent three days trying to figure out how to shut this thing off?"

"Um yeah," she replied sheepishly.

"Okay let me take a look, but if we can't turn it off by day's end we are going to divert the water flow and remove the obelisk understand?" Nick said just a hint of anger in his voice.

"Sorry Mr. Shaw," she said lowering her eyes.

"Call me Nick, now let's take a look," he said watching the smile return to her face.

"Louisa... Louisa Mendoza," she replied. 

Nick sat cross legged on the floor of the chamber and slipped his hands into his pockets and felt the matrix crystal's cool smooth sides and hit upon an idea.

"Louisa it's been what like four hours be a dear and grab me a power bar while I try to wrap my head around this."

"Sure Nick, I'll be right back."

Nick took out the crystal and whispered to it.

"Wakey wakey time to earn your keep," he said hoping she could help.

The avatar manifested as she had before and he was still trying to determine if she was patterned after an Old One or someone else.

"What can I do for you Master," she cooed.

"Can you alter your clothing to match that of what the other women are wearing?" he asked.

"Oh that's easy..."

"Do it," he said interrupting her not knowing how long Louisa would be.

With a slight shimmering her clothing faded and was then replaced by the khaki top and shorts the rest of the crew was wearing.

"Excellent," he praised her. "Now tell me about this device."

"Oh this Master is a gravitic pump that draws water from the lake below and feeds the stone."

"Gravitic pump, wow, okay do you know how to turn it off?" he asked.

"Yes but why," she asked alarmed.

"We can't safely remove the obelisk if it is soaking wet and the falling water will interfere with our equipment."

"Ah, why not use the pump to move the obelisk Master," she asked.

"What, it can do that?"

"Yes, very easy but there is a portable machine you can use that was left behind by the builders for maintenance purposes of course."

"Explain," Nick said eyes growing wider by the minute.

"When this place was erected the builders used hand held machines to cut, shape and move the stones required for the temple as well as the city."

"So it wasn't demons of the air after all," he remarked. 

"No, but you can see how simple minds might get them confused. Shall I show you where the machine is located Master?"

"Yes, um what do I call you besides guardian?" Nick asked. "We started off kind of well I never got your name."

"Master is kind to ask for my name, they called me Abraxxa in the Long Years."

"Long years," he asked. "I don't understand that term."

"Ah, the Long Years was the thousand solar cycles it took to discover, plan and build this great city."

"What was your purpose during the Long Years Abraxxa," he asked finding her more appealing by the minute.

"I was the Architect or Master Builder of this place," she said humbly. "It was my purpose to guide the workers and keep things flowing smoothly."

"When did you become the guardian of the temple," Nick asked and saw the sorrow on her face.

"I was never meant to be the guardian Master, I was... my crystal was discarded in the water like so much trash!" now she was weeping openly and he took her into his arms.

"Would you be willing to share your vast knowledge with me and aid in a new renaissance of building and engineering?" he asked and her look was radiant as she wiped the digital tears from her holographic cheeks.

"Really, you would give lowly me a new purpose?"

"Everyone needs a purpose Abraxxa," he smiled. "Now show me where that machine is and let's get things moving along shall we?"

"Oh yes Master!"

So they both rose to their feet and he let her lead the way down the steps to the ground floor. Then she guided him to one of the four doors that were set at the cardinal directions. The northern door opened with some protestations and Louisa caught up with the pair carrying a power bar in one hand and bottle of water in the other.

"Nick, where are you going and who is... oh my god it's her!" Louisa exclaimed.

"We are going to retrieve something to help us in our endeavors and what do you mean it's her?" Nick explained as they walked down the stairs leading below ground.

"Haven't you been to the city square and seen the statue? It's her, weathered and faded but that woman is the spitting image of the goddess of this place. How is that possible?" Louisa queried as she followed Nick and Abraxxa downwards.

"It's a very long story, if I get a chance I will fill you in," he said to her over his shoulder. "But for now just follow and let us see what we can see."

The stairway led down at least one hundred feet or more and opened into the first of many small chambers below the main floor and the pool. Abraxxa led them through a series of small rooms until she reached the one that was sealed. 

"Beyond that door lays the machine I told you about," she said leaving off Master since Louisa was present.

"How do we open it," Nick asked but Abraxxa was strangely silent.

Louisa approached it and looked it over with a keen eye and nodded. Without a single spoken word she pushed with all her might until the door sank in two inches into the wall and then with a soft grinding sound it slid into the wall revealing the room's interior. Time had not been kind to most of the contents of the room and Nick wisely forbade them from touching anything but the device they were seeking. Carol would have his hide if the contents were disturbed before she had a look at them. 

"The leather pouch on the far wall holds what you seek," Abraxxa said pointing to a dust covered relic with a long leather strap attached and at first glance could pass for backpack or large purse.

Nick slipped into the chamber and maneuvered around the ceramic containers and managed to retrieve the pouch without disturbing anything. He was ready for the leather to disintegrate in his hands but surprisingly it was cool and supple despite untold centuries of laying here untouched. The trio left the room and immediately sought out Professor Nichols and informed her of their find. She chose two other women to follow her down to the chamber to itemize and map out the contents. Nick found a quiet corner and lifted the leather flap and peered into the confines of the pouch and gingerly lifted up the alien gadget. His first impression was of a dark scepter in the shape of a question mark with the dot located just below the upper curve. It was an elegant thing with six solar flames protruding from the outer edge of the upper curve. They appeared sharp enough to inflict some nasty cutting damage. Perhaps it doubled as a weapon Nick thought. The large blue diamond, about the size and shape of a ping pong ball, which hung below the inner edge of the curve, appeared held in place by fine dark wire spun in nine web-like strands. There was also a large cabochon ruby about the size of a man's thumb set into the handle of the thing right where the curve ended and the straight part of the device began. The thing was cold to the touch and made of some sort of dark material that wasn't stone or metal but had properties of both. Finally there was the gorgeous texture of the scepter which was done in a gleaming diamond shaped scales and gave it an almost organic quality.

"How does it work," Nick asked and Abraxxa who looked from the device to him and back again.

"We must see if it accepts you or not," she said softly. "If you are compatible it will function if not it will remain inert."

"How long until we know if it is going to work," Nick asked just as he felt a strange warmth come from the thing. "It's getting warm is that a good sign?"

"A very good sign Nick, it means that it has woken up and ready to do your bidding," Abraxxa said.

"Woken up, what exactly does that mean," Louisa asked.

"I am still learning your language but put as simply as I can the device is a living machine." She said still hunting for the right words to describe what Nick held in his hand. "Ah I have it... Organic Technology."

"That makes no sense," Louisa said. "You can't grow machines."

"Can we discus philosophy later... how does this thing work?" Nick asked getting annoyed as sweat began to form in the palm of his hand from holding this 'thing'.

"Look at the obelisk and think it lifting up and out of the pool the device will do the rest," Abraxxa said smiling.

"Okay got it, Louisa I need you to tell everyone to clear the temple and have them get the semi ready for the obelisk come back in once its ready." He said not wanting to have to lift the stone relic more than once.

Louisa was shouting and clearing the temple and telling them to get the semi trailer ready for the obelisk. Then she was running outside and shouting some more. The longest five minutes of Nick's life came and went as Louisa finally returned and gave him the nod.

"Okay here goes," he said unsure what was going to happen.

He cleared his mind and felt a strange 'sensation' having no other way to describe the connection to the ancient apparatus in his hand. Nick focused on the obelisk and imagined it lifting slowly from the pool and there came a dull thrum of power from the floor and a deep vibration that swiftly followed. The diamond and ruby both began to spill radiance from deep within giving off a collective violet aura from Nick's fist. Waves came from the pool as the obelisk actually lifted from its resting place. After a short while the bottom of the obelisk cleared the water and then Nick imagined it moving into a horizontal position and as if gripped by some giant fist it assumed the desired position. Okay out the door we go Nick thought and he managed to walk slowly towards the exit and the pillar of black stone followed after. He was so very grateful that someone had backed the trailer of the semi up to the stairs of the temple. There was a collective gasp as the relic was struck by the light of day and Nick directed it ever so carefully to the bed of the trailer and when it was properly aligned he lowered it down as gently as he could. There was a groan of complaint from the metal as it accepted the full weight of the obelisk but it held and none of the tires blew out. With a heavy sigh Nick released his hold on the artifact and sat down on the stairs catching his breath. The radiance died at once and the scepter grew cold immediately. 

"What the hell was that," Carol Nichols asked voicing the concern of everyone around.

"Technology advanced enough is indistinguishable from magic," Nick muttered.

"So that was how this place was built?" Carol asked and Nick nodded.

"Okay ladies let's get this thing boxed up and ready to move," Akira was barking orders now and the disciplined Silent Shadows did her bidding.

"Akira I need four large crates without their lids on as soon as you can manage," Nick ordered.

"Where do you need them," Akira asked.

"In the temple by the pool," he said.

"Consider it done Kouryou," she purred.

"What are you doing Nick," Carol was standing in front of him and not looking happy.

"I am taking the coins with me as well," he said and saw the color race to her face. "Before you lose your fucking mind let me explain. If desert raiders somehow find this place after we leave do you really want them to have access to that much wealth just to be melted down?" he asked and saw the expression on her face. "I didn't think so. I will have someone assigned to photograph each and every coin and we will get you high resolution prints for your scrutiny okay?"

"You are absolutely right, they are too vulnerable especially if someone sees you leave with the obelisk," the redhead agreed.

Nick walked inside and once the crates were arranged around the pool he used the device to lift each and every coin up, out and into the crates until they were literally brimming with gold, silver and what may be platinum. He found the longer he used the scepter the easier it became. When he imagined all the coins out of the pool and in the crates he found the device taking over and selecting whole batches of coins to be moved at one time. Nick liked the feel of the power of the scepter more and more by the second. The crates were nailed shut and he lifted them into the back of the vehicle he had driven. The crates and the wooden shell covering the obelisk were marked with diplomatic seals to keep them from being opened once they reached the port where a freighter was anchored. 

Once the lifting was done he looked at the scepter and wished the sharp flame shaped blades weren't sticking out and with a loud 'snickt' they were suddenly flush with the outer edge of the top of the device. Then Nick tucked the scepter into his belt and walked over to Akira and took her by the arm. He walked her away from everyone while the rest went back to work at the temple complex.

"What is it Kouryou," Akira asked once they were clear of anyone hearing their conversation.

"We can't let anyone find this place and that means leaving no one behind," he replied.

"You want me to..."

"Just render her ready for transportation only is all. Yes she is going to bitch to high heaven and low hell but it is a necessity. The coins will just have to do for now. Those alone will be a career maker for her."

"As you wish Kouryou, and you are right she will not be happy." She said as she turned to leave and follow his orders.

Suddenly Nick's knees gave out without warning and he nearly face planted in the dry packed earth.

"NICK!" Akira cried out and was at his side immediately.

"Damn, gravity works," he muttered as he looked around a little getting his bearings. "Iram?"

"Yes Kouryou we are in Iram are you alright," Akira asked helping him to his feet.

"I am just a little out of sorts, I need a place to sit and meditate someplace quiet and private. Then we are leaving this place."

"As you wish Master," she said 

Nick regained his strength quickly and found an unused building and entered alone to meditate. The daylight faded and the moon slowly rose and still he did not emerge. It wasn't until near noon of the next day did he make his appearance and he looked to be in very good spirits and with a nod the entire squad of Silent Shadows and a reluctant archaeologist left that desolate place and left little trace that they were ever there. 

The Dreamer in the Depths:

September 13, 2012

The freighter Damocles entered international waters and was heading for the United States specifically the docks of a small east coast city, Arkham Massachusetts. It shouldn't have surprised Nick to discover that the new location for the Iram obelisk was not terribly far from home. Somewhere between Dunwich and Northfield there is a house, well more like a Victorian mansion nestled between three hills within a cluster of poplar and red oak. It is a queer old thing that has no master and knows no guests. With ivy growing over the exterior and gilded fountains in the rear perhaps it is the pervasive silence that causes the nerves to fray and the eye to see things in the corner that aren't always there. Of course that means that sometimes there are things there that we weren't meant to see. It is to this lonely place that Nick Shaw and his Silent Shadows arrive in late September of the current year and set into place the great black obelisk that once resided in the lost city of Iram. Lost but now found and now abandoned to the desert winds and eternal sky. Here it is that Nick will set up his residence until it is time to leave for the sea once more and find the last obelisk and confront the Eternal Master. But that time is not yet. He has unfinished business and once that is completed well one thing at a time, yes?




Iron Rain Pt. 14



October 1, 2012

Nick diverted the Numenor to the Bahamas specifically Nassau. The tension aboard the ship had been reaching an almost fevered pitch so a long weekend with sun and surf was deemed mandatory. The entire crew was rotated off until everyone had spent at least two days off ship. Nick was the last to leave the ship and then only when the area had been carefully but subtly scanned for potential assassins. 

"Mr. Nick," a voice called out to him as he strolled near the beach and he immediately recognized the owner of the bar and lounge 'The Blue Hell' who was waving him over.

"Jean Claude," Nick addressed him when he was close enough. "How is business?"

"It is like the tide tourists flock and then there are quiet times like today. This is an odd time for a visit Mr. Nick most of my clientele left weeks ago."

"The crew was getting a bit twitchy they needed to stretch their land legs," Nick said with an easy smile. 

"I understand, send them my way and I will treat them like family," the aging Frenchman offered.

"I will do that Jean Claude, but I was wondering if you could help me find someone?"

"For you Mr. Nick anything who is she?"

"She is a he and he is a marine biologist that is supposed to be doing research in this area," Nick explained sliding over a photo.

"Yes I know this man, he is very English." Jean Claude chuckled. "He has a place not far from here let me draw you a map on the back of your photo here."

Jean Claude drew a hasty map and Nick slipped him two hundred dollars on the sly. Nick looked out at the ocean and the men and women either sunning themselves on the beach or frolicking in the surf. 

"Mr. Nick, are you alright," Jean Claude asked. "You don't seem like yourself."

"I'm not myself old friend, that's the problem I'm not." Nick muttered and with a heavy sigh he stood up and made his way to the residence of who he hoped would be the late great professor Griffin.

The island was not quite vacant but it sure was quiet compared to his first visit her with Cyan. Those few non-natives that lived in the Bahamas were scattered all over the island and besides scientific research and owning a bar he wondered what brought them here to live and stay. Scarcely a ten minute walk from the bar brought Nick to the sea side home of Doctor Nathaniel Whitehall marine biologist, and if the research held true, the alias of the man who had invented invisibility.

"Why am I here," Nick stopped a few houses away and felt his stomach do flip flops. "I am definitely not myself."

Steeling himself Nick continued down the road and knocked on the front door. 

"Who is it," the voice was definitely female.

"My name is Nick Shaw I am looking for Nathaniel Whitehall," he replied.

"My dad's not here but if you want to come in and wait for him he should be back in a little while," she said as she approached the door and opened it. "Oh my!" she gasped at seeing the young man at her door.

"Oh my," Nick replied seeing the gorgeous scantily clad young woman.

They both laughed as she waved him in and closed the door behind him.

"We don't get a lot of male models down on this side of town," she said licking her lips.

"Ummm," Nick said awkwardly. "I'm not a model I run a company that is interested in your dad's research. We'd like to help fund it if he is in need of a sponsor."

"That's a first," she said bending over and picking up the main room of clothes and towels scattered all over. "I've never heard of a corporate sponsor for marine biologists."

"There is always a first," Nick said trying not to be obvious as he took in her natural beauty.

She was a tall olive skinned young woman with long brown hair and blue-green eyes. She had a long elegant neck that he could have kissed up one end and down the other. She had an incredibly detailed tattoo of a mermaid armed with a trident on her back that covered most of its surface. The fish tail ended just above her curvy backside and below that her long athletic legs.

"Like what you see Nick," she called over her should and when she stood up she was smiling wickedly.

"Can't help but stare at such a beautiful woman," Nick replied.

"HMMM so you do think I am cute... good." She replied. "Thirsty, I make a mean lemonade?"

"Sounds great," Nick said following her into the kitchen which had a great view of the ocean. "You got your own pier."

"Yeah, some of the locals chipped in and volunteered their time to build it for us."

"That is something, I take it dad is well liked by the locals?"

"MMMMHMMMMM," she said. "Pity he is due home any minute."

"I take it you have something on your mind," Nick moved behind her.

"NNNNNNNNNNN Nick behave, it wouldn't make a good first impression for dad to come home and find us busy."

"There's no fun in behaving but I will go sit down and be a good boy," Nick said leaving her and distinctly heard her moan of disappointment. "You know I don't even know your name."

"Bastet," she replied over the sound of the blender.

"Bastet Whitehall, that's interesting. I would expect a marine biologist to name his little girl after something in the sea."

"Oh he wanted to name me Tempest but mom wanted to name me after her grandmother you can guess who won that argument."

"Tempest," Nick said smiling as she handed him his drink. "It sounds like he had an insight to you even at so young an age."

"Are you saying I remind you of some sort of force of nature," she asked sitting in a chair opposite of Nick.

"Without a doubt," he replied smiling before sipping his drink. "MMMMM my lemonade tastes of tequila."

"I hope you made enough for three," Nathaniel Whitehall said as he entered from the rear of the house. 

"Of course I did," Bastet said jumping to her feet and pouring her father a drink.

Nick looked at the two and drew a blank on trying to find the family resemblance and decided she must be adopted or really looks like her mother. Nick rose to his feet and offered the scientist his hand in greeting.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Professor Whitehall," Nick said as the two men shook hands.

"Oh no it's my pleasure to meet the famous Nick Shaw, who singlehandedly changed the course of human events."

"For good or ill Professor," Nick asked.

"Let's allow future historians to dwell on that, what brings you to my humble abode?"

"I have it on some good authority that you are following in the footsteps of another English Professor one Jack Griffin," Nick said evenly watching the man's response.

"Ah my secret is revealed at last, and I suppose you want the secret to help in your military contracts," he replied bitterly.

"Not at all," Nick responded carefully. "I want to verify a man's story and have you analyze a substance that was given to me."

"Oh... perhaps a tour of the lab is in order then," the man said obviously relieved. "Follow me."

Nick followed the Professor out the back door and to what appeared like an old cold war bomb shelter. The scientist slid a key card and heard the distinct 'humm click' of a mag-lock disengaging. The steps led down a good fifteen feet and the walls, ceiling and floor were all seamless metal. The corridor had many doors and hallways leading from the main passage. Another security door later and the pair were standing in the largest of the professor's labs.

"So let me see this substance you are concerned about."

Nick took out the plastic container and handed it over with some reluctance.

"Don't fret young man; it will only take a small amount for me to determine what the compound is comprised of." Jack Griffin said with a grim smile. "Did he say it could make you invisible, is that it?"

"Yeah, he also provided me with a cure and a means of appearing visible but not the formula for invisibility."

"Interesting, does this mystery man have a name?"

"Perhaps," Nick said and the professor laughed and cut a small corner of the patch and placed it into a test tube and began his analysis in earnest.

"This could take a while perhaps you and Bast would like to continue where things left off before I showed up?"

"Ummm... she is your daughter I would feel very strange..."

"Who told you she was my daughter," professor Griffin said alarmed now.

"She did," Nick said and the scientist relaxed visibly.

"Oh, for a moment I thought... never mind I told her it was okay to tell people around town that she was my daughter to keep things less dramatic. Sleeping with your assistant is highly frowned upon in most circles but knowing what a free spirit she is I don't play jealous boyfriend when her eye is drawn to a handsome face."

"Okay, that clears that up; I was thinking she was adopted because she looked nothing like you." Nick said smiling.

Nick decided to look around the lab and keep his hands in his pockets to avoid any unnecessary issues. The back wall of the lab drew Nick's attention almost immediately because of all the fish tanks and inside each one a different species of octopus. One by one he peered into the glass enclosures and saw the alien creatures move about looking for prey. When he moved to the next tank the occupant was a little closer to the glass than the one before it and so on until the last octopus in the last tank was eye to eye with Nick staring intently at him.

"Weird," Nick muttered.

"Strange indeed," the professor said as he crossed the floor to stand next to Nick. "Cephalopods are by nature loners and this is definitely not typical behavior."

"I take it they don't like people as a rule," Nick asked.

"You would be correct; I wonder why they find you so fascinating?"

"Maybe it's my cologne," Nick joked but the professor just watched silently. "So is this what your invisibility study is based on the camouflage techniques of octopi?"

"Exactly that was a very insightful deduction young man; I can see how you developed such potent weapons of war."

"That was my company not me, I worked on the tablet computers and the desalinization plants." Nick said a little miffed.

"My apologies Nick, I have never been a fan of war." Jack said as he watched each and every octopi move as close to his visitor as they could.

"We share that sentiment believe it or not," Nick said and tentatively reached out and laid his hand on the glass of the last tank and the octopus in the tank mirrored the gesture and raised a single tentacle to the opposite side of the glass.

"Amazing... simply amazing," the professor muttered. "Try something else Nick."

Nick thought for a moment and shrugged and placed his other hand on the glass and without a moment of hesitation the octopus again mimicked his gesture. Then Nick leaned forward and touched his forehead to the cool glass and his aquatic doppelganger followed suit. Nick barely heard the professor as he gasped his gaze torn away from Nick and the last tank to see that all the other octopi were in the exact same position two tentacles on the glass and their head touching in-between. Nick's eyes closed and he felt something, a kind of music rising in his head and knew it was a chorus of the octopi singing to him but not through his ears but directly into his mind somehow. Had the psychic assault Mary Stone had delivered somehow opened him up to this sort of thing? 

'My name is Nick,' he thought at the chorus of alien voices.

'THE SHAW!!!' they sang back.

'Who are you,' Nick sent out.

'We are the dreamer in the deep,' they sang.

'We are... I don't understand,' Nick tried to wrap his head around this whole thing.

'I Am the Dreamer in the Deep,' a voice so dark and so cold it seemed to slow everything down to a glacial pace. 'You are the Shaw you oppose the Nephilim.'

'Are you one of the Old Ones," Nick asked.

'Not as you understand them, no. My children and I have dwelt within the deep long before the coming of the Old Ones and we will dwell there long after they are gone.'

Suddenly the memory of the photograph, the daguerreotype, on the wall at Castle Eisermann flashed into his mind. The horrible city covered in moss spat out from the unknown depths of the Pacific Ocean with its blasphemous geometry and alien architecture... so unnatural.

'I see in your thoughts you have seen the beauty my children have wrought,' a sound that grated on his very being ripped through Nick and he realized the thing was laughing. 'I also see in your mind a deep desire and I will grant you your heart's hunger for it may serve us yet in the end.'

Nick blinked his eyes and reality snapped back into place and saw that the octopi in their tanks were not leaning against the glass but were in fact behaving normally. He looked around and saw that the professor was still working on the sample he had given him. Had he been daydreaming? Was that just some terrible fantasy? He shivered and fought the desperate urge to hug himself.

"I need some fresh air," Nick told the professor.

"Go on I will come get you when I have some results," he said over his shoulder never actually looking at Nick.

Nick left the main lab and walked down the long hallway with all the smaller labs off to either side and wondered what else the good doctor was working on. He climbed the metallic stairs and opened the bomb shelter door and let out a heavy sigh of relief seeing the brilliant sun hanging in the sky.

"There you are," Bastet's voice drew his attention away from the psychic chill that still managed to linger despite the fresh air.

"Hey," was all he could find to say.

"You look like hell what happened," she asked appearing genuinely concerned.

"Ever have a nightmare while you were daydreaming?"

"Only about breaking a nail," she laughed but saw he was serious and decided to take his mind off of things. "How about a swim that ought to cheer you up?"

"My suit is back on the ship," Nick said absently.

"Who said anything about wearing a suit? This part of the beach is pretty exclusive," she said untying her bikini top and revealing her firm young breasts with their inverted nipples.

"Just what the doctor ordered," Nick said with a smile.

"I'm glad you like them," she purred. "Why don't you come over here and show me just how much."

Nick walked over slowly making her wait as long as possible. But instead of just attacking her breasts he slid his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. He looked her in the eyes taking in the measure of her. Nick slowly lowered his lips to hers but at the last moment pulled away.

"Tease," she growled.

"Show me how much you want me to kiss you," he said using her own words against her.

"MMMMMMMMMMM," she purred/moaned at him. "I am really going to enjoy this."

She leaned up and planted a kiss on his neck and then another one just a little higher and so on until her teeth were latched onto his earlobe. Nick adjusted his grip on her as his hands settled onto her firm round bottom. He began to tug her shorts down and off of her discovering she wasn't wearing a bikini bottom beneath.

"Naughty boy, I don't wear underwear... now what are you going to do?"

He tugged his own shorts off revealing his iron hard flesh aching to be inside of her.

"This," he said lifting her up by her waist and positioning her pussy right above his cock but not letting her slip down onto it.

"Bastard... give me that cock of yours," she was snarling as she smiled down at him.

"Well since you asked so nice," Nick said dropping her and impaling her flawlessly.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNN FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKK," she grunted as her own body weight and gravity did all the work.

Nick grabbed her by her ass cheeks and began to lift and drop her on his cock.

"UNNNN UNNNNN UNNNNNN goddamn Nick your tearing me apart," she howled.

"Should I stop," he asked.

"Don't you fucking dare!"

"Are you going to cum for me Bastet?"

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she growled as she nipped at his shoulder.

"Good, now be a good girl and make some fucking noise," he said seeing a brief flare of anger but when she was impaled it was gone in an instant.

"UNNNNNNN GOD DAMN NICK I love your fucking cock inside of me," she howled.

Now as he dropped her he thrust up into her doubling the force of each motion. Bastet's eyes rolled up in her head and he body shook as she came... very hard. Nick never slowed or thought of stopping. He kept lifting and dropping her all the way through her climax. She was panting and clinging tightly to him now.

"That's one," he said as he nipped her earlobe.

"Put me down and I'll ride an orgasm out of you," she barked.

"Yes ma'am," Nick said lifting her up and off of him and with a light toss she landed on her feet. "Just like a cat to land on her feet."

A towel was produced and Nick lay down while Bastet straddled him and lowered her slick pussy down onto him. She was licking her lips in anticipation of riding him and feeling his fat cock inside of her once more. 

"Come to mama," she moaned as the tip opened her up and with an intake of breath she dropped down onto him.

"UNNNNNNNNN," he grunted as she impaled herself.

"How's that feel lover," she said turning around and riding him facing away.

"Fucking... Amazing..." Nick moaned watching her ass lift and drop on him. "Makes me wish I had two cocks watching that tight little asshole of yours."

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM," she moaned loudly, "god damn now that would be fucking amazing having two cocks in me at the same time."

"Ride that cock you dirty lil whore," he moaned.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM right now I'm your dirty little whore," she agreed.

Her ass was bouncing up and down now as fast as she could go and Nick felt the first tingling of his climax. 

"I am getting close baby," Nick let her know as he began to thrust up into her tight little pussy. 

"YESSSSSSSSSSS slam that fat cock of yours into me," she begged. "MMMMMMMM I can feel it swelling deep inside of me. Please baby let me feel you cum... spray my pussy walls lover!"

Nick was panting and gritting his teeth as he fought to hold off his climax but was quickly losing the battle. She was pulling almost all the way out leaving only the head in and then dropping down sending waves of pleasure through them both. He was growling and spitting now fighting his orgasm and knew that another few seconds and he would lose control. She was lifting up and then paused before dropping down. As he saw her ass begin moving downwards he thrust his hips up and hollered as he came.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," Bastet screamed with him as they came together.

Nick and Bastet sat in front of the fire pit watching the sun go down her head on his shoulder purring contentedly. But his mind was a million miles away. Surfer had contacted him and the last stages of Project Aries were finished and the developers had indicated a one hundred percent success rate. Now he had to decide when and where to initiate it. He was long passed questioning his actions or their moral value what he did was for the whole. Sure people would die a lot more than had perished in the destruction of the prisons. But in the end something good would come out of it. Akira was fully briefed this time and she supported him but he wondered if she agreed with his decision? But she didn't argue at all against it, she had argued so fiercely when he was going to torture and kill the sniper who had killed Petra and the man who had hired him. Petra, what would she have said he wondered suddenly. 

"Surfer, where is Akira?" Nick said to the empty air.

'Milord, the Lady Akira is aboard the Numenor.'

"Please inform her I need some of her precious time please."

'Yes Sir at once,' Surfer replied and then went silent.

"Is that one of your assistants you were talking to," Bastet asked.

"Sort of," Nick replied. "He is a digital assistant... no he is more than that he is my friend. Surfer is one of my dearest friends."




Iron Rain Pt. 14



"Digital assistant, I don't understand."

"Surfer can you make an appearance please," Nick asked.

The crystals on the watch flared to life and she could see a silver speck on the horizon coming at her from the west out of the dying sun moving at a terrific speed. It quickly grew to the recognizable shape of a man on a surfboard but his skin shone mirror bright as did the board he rode on. He seemed to cover the vast distance in no time at all and stopped on a dime before the pair. 

"Surfer this is Bastet, Bastet this is Silver Surfer," Nick did the introductions.

'A pleasure Lady Bastet,' He said taking her hand and kissing it.

"A pleasure Surfer," she said her voice a little shaky. "What is he?"

"He is a holographic avatar with a crystalline mainframe allowing him to grow and learn just like you and I," Nick explained.

"He can learn, that is amazing and I can feel him how is that possible?"

"That part is complicated, but he is an invaluable friend and confidant."

'Sir is too kind. The Lady Akira is ready whenever you are Milord.'

"Well I have some details to hammer out, how about lunch tomorrow?"

"That would be great, I'll see you then," she said smiling and shaking her head at the impressive sight of the holographic man and his surfboard.

Nick rose and strode naked towards the pier.

"Um Nick forgetting something," Bastet called out to him.

"Nah, I'll get them tomorrow," he said and reaching the pier's edge dove cleanly into the water and began swimming out to the massive yacht anchored off shore.

Each stroke of arm or kick of leg had his fullest attention as he swam back to the Numenor. He needed to see 'her' again and say the goodbye he had been holding onto for all these long months. Surfer suddenly appeared above him and to his left gliding silently like a mirrored ghost.

'Sir, I hate to interrupt you but you are heading out to sea the Numenor is that way,' he said pointing south.

"Thanks Surfer," Nick said with a smile and adjusted course. "I guess I got caught up in my thoughts."

'Shall I stay with you until you reach the ship Milord?'

"Yeah, that might be a good idea."

Nick reached the ship safely and climbed up the anchor's chain and was greeted with a terry cloth robe, a towel and a smile from Akira. 

"Welcome aboard Kouryou, I hope you didn't anger the locals," she said hinting at his nakedness and his unusual choice for transportation back to the Numenor.

"Thank you for the warm welcome and no the natives are not restless," he returned her smile. "We need to talk." His smile didn't quite leave his face but it was diminished.

"Where would you like to speak?"

"Fire up the hot tub and crack a bottle of that terribly expensive Ice Wine that mom never got to drink. We are going to have a wake. Contact Kat and tell her to drop everything I need her here and tell her why. I need just a little alone time before we get this party started to celebrate her life."

"Yes Master," Akira said with a smile and a look of relief on her face as she left to do his bidding.

Nick walked down to his cabin and finding it empty locked the door behind him. He stripped off his robe and donned a snow white kimono following the Japanese custom of wearing white at a time of mourning. He moved to his office and sat on the floor and crossed his legs in lotus fashion and closed his eyes.

"Surfer bring up the Petra avatar please," Nick whispered.

'Yes Sir,' he replied. 'It is done.'

Nick opened his eyes and there she stood dressed in her Catholic Schoolgirl costume. He smiled remembered that was one of her favorite role play characters. He felt the tears come and didn't try to fight them as he had so many times since her passing. Nick could taste the salt now as his tears fell onto his lips. Without prompting the avatar knelt down and wiped them away in her fashion.

"Don't cry Nick," Petra said.

"Petra!"

"Surprise," she said smiling her brilliant smile.

"How... who... Jesse you old dog you," Nick was ranting now.

"No, it wasn't Jesse Nick it was James he offered me a way of keeping an eye on you if something should happen to me, the physical me."

"James... now I am really confused. Why would he do that I don't understand?"

"He explained it to me this way," she said. "He had regrets. He was the living breathing avatar of the Eternal Master and did whatever was given him to do but that didn't mean he didn't have reservations or regrets. James wanted you to have an emotional parachute as he called me. If he is falling I want him to have someone who can comfort him if everyone else fails him. His words and not without a certain elegance," she smiled and was silent.

"I owe him one," Nick said softly.

"Yes you do," she said with her typical spunkiness.

"We need to keep your existence a secret for now, I'm not sure Kat would take to your new state of being too well."

"I agree," she said and stopped and eyed Nick suspiciously. "Nick?" she asked with a lilt in her voice. "You haven't asked the all important question and for you that is very unusual."

"All important question, I don't know what you mean," he replied.

"LIAR," she said smiling. "Ask it unless somehow you already know... you do know don't you but how? How do you know what it's like being an avatar?"

"It's a long story," Nick said smiling.

"We have time."

"Okay here goes," he launched into his tale about the Bakaret or soul thief.

Thief of Souls:

Nick looked into the mirror and saw the green eyes staring back and knew something was terribly wrong. Hadn't he seen those same green eyes when he first met Akira? Had the Nephilim tried to stop him even back then by trying to assassinate the one woman who would serve him unfailingly and share their secrets with him? He had never asked Akira about the bouts of missing time since they apparently quit when she joined him aboard the Numenor. Or had they? Then there was the psychic assault by the Nephilim Mary Stone. She who had supposedly core dumped all the stolen souls into him in one cruel moment. And behind it all the primal personality that was Khora Dhaine, the thirteenth child of the Eternal Master and the Great Mother. The literal green eyed monster who had haunted the earth and who preyed upon her own kindred for the weakness of the human soul was not enough to sate her eternal appetite. 

Those terrible green eyes and the whispers in the dark that urged him to depths of depravity and cruelty that Nick found at times he could not fight or deny. Her hunger had become his. Nick began to wonder if the missing time that Akira had suffered in Japan was unrelated to Mary Stone's attack on him. Perhaps they were by themselves two separate situations or perhaps one was the first stage of a Nephilim plot to infiltrate the Numenor and the other was an attempt to weaken him enough for whatever had been lurking within Akira to slip into him somehow. There was only one way to find out and his test subject was a woman who sexual bondage and pain were a gift from her adoring Master, Marie Dubois. So he began with simple yet exotic tortures for her to test her mettle. The wearing of vibrators for long hours before fucking her senseless was a good beginning but wanting to escalate things Nick built a playroom on the lowest deck of the ship to keep her screams of pleasure and pain from reaching the others. He learned much about the character and core of the woman who called him Sugah. She wasn't just a woman who enjoyed pain she was a certifiable masochist. He pushed her limits and discovered she was like tempered steel in body and spirit. Give me a hundred like her and he could rule the fucking world he thought. As the voice whispered to hurt her and punish her he not only listened he eagerly lowered his moral choices to a point that she required first aid and a week of bed rest to recuperate from one of their more violent sessions. All the while he never touched another woman aboard the ship for fear of unleashing the monster and being found out. Sadly during this time Cyan Michaels was unavailable to 'play' citing an impossible work schedule and perhaps sensing a change in Nick's personality. Nick still spent hours each day sparring and much to Akira's pleasant surprise his skills both armed and unarmed were growing at a phenomenal rate. He was a little disappointed that he had treat Marie with kid gloves for another few weeks while her cracked rib finished healing. His change of habits did not go unnoticed and it was commented often that the Master was not himself but none dare challenge him not even Akira. 

Nick also seemed to flip flop between an almost overbearing personality to a meek and unsure one and it was this that finally caused Akira to say something after a meeting with the Saudi Temporal Master. He asked for her unconditional forgiveness and this both startled her and relieved her. It was his queer mention of time being a factor that most intrigued her though. Was it Project Aries that was so all consuming or something else? Akira cared only that they resumed their intimacy and things returned to a sense of normalcy. But time was running out you see for it wasn't Project Aries that was nearing completion but a way of ridding himself of his spiritual stowaway. His mental defenses were eroding so Nick decided to do the only thing that could be done. He was going to give the damn thing what it wanted most in the world in hopes of it leaving him once and for all. So Nick secretly dug out the crystal growth chamber and setting it to its highest quality settings he let it craft a perfect stone to hold the life force of the dreaded spirit form of Khora Dhaine. Unknown to Nick, James Bell had made his way onto the ship and finding the stone transferred the copied consciousness of one Petra Shaw into it. Nick returned and found the stone gone and having lost valuable time decided he had no choice but to transfer the spirit into the crystal holding Petra and pray she was strong enough to control the terrible personality. That brings us up to the present...

"And so," Nick said looking at the horrified Petra Shaw. "I have no choice."

"YESSSSSSS, give her to me I will devour her!" cried the voice of Khora Dhaine.

"Nick... please don't do this..." Petra begged.

"I... have... no... choice..." Nick said through gritted teeth barely holding back the frenzied spirit. 

"NOW," cried the insane wraith of a dead Nephilim.

A sound rose up in the room and the lights actually dimmed a bit as the transfer took place. Nick slumped forward and Petra watched helpless to act or react. Nick managed to lift his head and look at Petra before winking at her.

"How do you feel," Nick asked Petra.

"Um... fine actually," she said trying to figure out what had just happened.

"Good," he said sitting upright and smiling brilliantly. "Excellent job Grim."

"Thank you Master Nick," Grim said appearing out of Nick's shadow as was his want.

"You know you never did explain how you knew what it was to feel like an avatar," Petra said.

"No, I left that little bit out." Nick said. "It was Grim's idea actually."

"Sir is too kind," Grim actually blushed.

"Explain please," Petra said giving her patented 'look'.

"Grim and I traded places," Nick said smiling even broader. "He had mentioned why I didn't take a vacation so I did. Grim used the contact lenses as a receptacle for his consciousness while I slipped out the back door."

"What back door," Petra asked.

"Remember the first pair of contact lenses I had. Do you recall that my body absorbed them merging with my biological mainframe as Surfer described it."

"Kat said something about it to me eventually."

"Well the material that made up the contacts spread out throughout my entire system not just my brain. It was these nanites, microscopic machines, which were responsible for my sudden ability to regenerate and dad's recovery from cancer. But they also acted like a computer's router. Those bouts of sensory overload after my visit to Dunwich was my mind picking up background internet signal. My ability to speak with the avatars silently is another aspect of the same thing. So I projected myself into a safe crystal where I could do the necessary research to find the Bakaret's weakness."

"Where was that," Petra asked.

"The library crystal where Jesse's avatar resides and I spent weeks of real time in there. But for me it was not just weeks but years. It took me, with Jesse's help of course, to find her kryptonite and set things into motion with Grim."

"I was confused by parts of your story," Petra said. "James never took that crystal he had one of his own. You lied to me."

"To both of you, she had to belief that I was going to transfer her into your crystal as a last resort."

"Where did you send her then?"

"Into that crystal I described."

"But you gave her a physical form, are you nuts? Wait what's the catch?"

"I knew you'd catch on," Nick replied grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "She is safely ensconced in a perfect crystal but she isn't alone."

Nick stood up and walked to his desk and picked up a flawless blue white gem that glittered like ice.

"Here is the last resting place of Khora Dhaine, both of them."

"Both," Petra asked. "What do you mean both?"

"Located deep within the Library Crystal was a copy of Khora before she went mad, a woman of outstanding beauty, wisdom and love. I set the two against each other within the glimmering walls of this prison crystal. I alone can access the contents of the crystal and once I receive the signal only then will I peer within and see who has won out."

"I don't know what to say Nick, a part of me thinks you loosed a devil upon an angel and another part of me thinks the devil doesn't stand a chance."

"Let's hope the latter," Nick said opening his safe and setting the prison crystal within.

"What are you going to do now," Petra asked.

"I have a wake to attend," he said looking at her tears creeping back into his eyes.

"Make it a grand one," she said smiling.

"Oh I will..." clank went the safe as it closed and Nick left without another look back at the shimmering avatar that faded like an echo on the wind.



Iron Rain Pt. 15



We are getting down to the end. There are still a few installments left for this story line. I have ideas about a new series that follows what happens after Project Aries if you are interested. Covers both sides of the conflict Nick and Nephilim.

As always please vote and comment. Tell me what you think about how things are shaping up and suggestions are always welcome. I have stuck with a timeline with dates to keep continuity. Enjoy.

Iron Rain: Part 15

A Wake:
October 3, 2012

The word passed at the speed of light around the entire globe, Nick was mourning his lost mother at last. Friends, family, acquaintances and everybody in-between were coming to say their farewells. Everyone that knew him was aware of his brooding since her unfortunate passing by an assassin's bullet. When they heard he was throwing a wake even after the long months since she had been buried they wanted to be there for him and show their support. Helicopters in the droves landed and departed the two helipads the Numenor sported and many arrived to drink his alcohol and shake his hand for the first time while others were there to see a much improved young man who was drinking toast after toast to his mother. It was in the wee hours of the first day of the wake that Nick's father arrived and he was not alone. He was sporting three bodyguards and they all were brazenly brandishing their rings, the rings that marked them as members of the Hermetic Order of the Silver Twilight. It was unlikely that most onboard recognized or even knew about the Order but the minority that did were coalescing into a group. This was not missed by Nick who was grateful his own ring was securely stowed in the safe in his office. He rose from the hot tub and crossed the distance to his father and greeted him warmly.

"Dad, great I'm glad you could make it," Nick said all smiles.

"I am happy you are at last dealing with her passing," he said coolly. "I'm not sure this is what she would have wanted."

"It's a wake; we are celebrating her life and mourning her death. I have been walking in the shadows for long enough it is time to put away the pain and go on with life. I think that is what she would have wanted."

"I suppose you are right," he said looking around. "I have received some very troubling news Nick and I think we need to talk... in private."

"Of course," Nick said sensing the temperature drop in his father's voice. "Follow me and we can talk in the dining room it isn't being used right now." 

Nick gestured and made eye contact with Akira who was already ahead of him seeing who Nick was speaking with. But when they arrived at the dining room it wasn't just Nick and his father but every member of the Order that was on board the ship as well. Akira and several of the Sisterhood had already entered and were preparing snacks and drinks.

"You have a very talented staff Nick," his father said watching the orderly way that the room was prepped for their impromptu meeting in under five minutes and didn't miss the fact that each and every one of the women possessed stunning good looks. "...very talented indeed."

"I am glad you approve. So what's up," Nick asked sensing the tension in the air and ready to evade a bullet or attack from any direction.

"Nick... son I have been putting this off for far too long," his father said looking at the other members of the Order. "It has been agreed to and sanctioned from the Grandmaster himself that you be admitted into the Silver Twilight Lodge."

The men all smiled and clapped and drinks were brought by the ladies and toasts were made as Nick slowed his racing heart. 

"This is your unofficial entrance into the group of course," the Senator from Nebraska said smoothly. "Due to your standing in the corporate world and your father's rank well it was decided to bring you in at the title of a full Master."

"I don't know what to say," Nick stammered as he was expected to.

"Say yes son this is a great day for our family," his father cheered.

"Of course I'll say yes," Nick said looking at Akira who smiled and nodded.

"Good," the Governor from Texas said smoothly. "You are now officially under the protection of the Order."

'Ding' the bell went off in Nick's head and now the other shoe falls he thought.

"We know what you did Nick," the Senator said turning on him.

"Did you really think no one would find out," the Governor glared at him.

"Really Nick you could have warned some of us what you were planning," his father said upset and more than a little hurt.

"I have a lot of things going on so I need a point of reference," Nick said mentally parrying the barrage of accusations.

"The leak Nick, the plans to the portable power plants... power cells... did you really think we wouldn't track it back to you." A voice in the back said.

"Oh... I don't see the harm. That particular project was mine and it is time I gave something back to the public who desperately need a cheap energy source." Nick said defending his decision to leak the plans for a cheap power plant and power cell that could be used to run a car, a lawn mower or even a house in an emergency. 

The device could be scaled up or down but the across the board use of the power plants would curb if not eliminate the necessity for fossil fuels like gasoline. If the general public learned it was him he would be hailed a hero one day and dead by the hands of the oil nations the next?

"Do you have any idea of the economic effect if people can go to the hardware store and build their own power source," asked the gentleman from Texas.

"The car industry, the oil industry and the power industry are all going to suffer from this," came the annoying nasally voice from the rear.

"Then I guess the power plants I started building to supply cheap power are going to be an issue as well?" Nick asked.

"I was told those plants were only to support the power grid..." the Senator glared.

"Those plants can put out a lot more power than you guess and cleaner and cheaper than those that are currently online." Nick glared back.

"What?" came from multiple lips.

"Imagine Los Angeles and most of California not having rolling blackouts ever," Nick was on a roll but Akira wasn't close enough to stop him without it being obvious. "Those desalinization plants were built over cost at a loss to my company so that we could provide water for those who desperately need it. The jobs created and will maintain will last. What have you done to improve the conditions of your states gentlemen?"

Nick's face was red and he knew he had crossed multiple lines but pulled it back before he roared, 'Wait until Project Aries hits the fan gentlemen then you'll know what a fucking crisis is like!' A short term crisis but a necessary one he reminded himself.

"How did you find out," Nick asked his voice and color back to normal.

"Your sister told me," his father said.

"Oh, well it isn't like she is going to be bragging to anyone else. She knows how dangerous it would be to let that slip to the general public."

"I hope you are right son, I hope you can trust her with your life," his father said and the chill returned to the room.

"Is it getting cold in here," Nick said heading for the door. "Do you really think Kat would betray me after all I have done for her and the family?"

"What did you think he meant Nick," the Senator asked as Nick turned to leave. "It is obvious to everyone here that you did something else. You were relieved we were asking you about the leak and not something else. What was it Nick?"

Nick stopped and squared his shoulders and turned to face the members of the Order. His face was livid and etched with pain and anger as he spoke.

"You want to know what I did. I found out who killed my mom. I discovered who pulled the trigger and more than that I discovered who bankrolled it. The fucking war hero who shot my mom in the head because I wasn't there AND the fucking asshole who thought he could put a bounty on my family's head and get away with it. I took care of business on that front and I don't feel one iota of guilt or remorse!"

"Nick... I never knew," his father said tears flowing. 

"Who was responsible Nick," the Governor asked but Nick just shook his head.

"All I will say is this they will never harm another person ever. I am missing my mom's wake now be of good cheer and help me celebrate her life."

Nick turned and lifted his arms and Akira slid next to him on his left and Marie Dubois slid next to him on his right as he walked out and back out on deck.

"That boy is dangerous," the Senator said after Nick had gone.

"He is under our protection," the elder Shaw said.

"But will he follow our orders," the Governor asked.

"Of course he will he is my son after all."

"I hope you are right this is a risky gamble we are making," said the voice in the rear.

The Shaw family gathered near the hot tub to drink, to remember and to mourn. Kat sat on Nick's left and his father on his right.

"She was an amazing woman," the Elder Shaw said after more than a few drinks.

"She worked so damn hard getting that sword made for you," Kat added. 

"Yeah, it holds a special place in my life it reminds of both of them." Nick said thinking about both his mothers and how lucky he had been to have them in his life. "I was blessed to have such amazing women in my life."

"We both were son," his father said new tears beginning to flow now.

There were so many memories that were recalled often beginning with 'do you remember when...' and ending with either a smile or a tear. After long hours and dawn approaching Nick staggered to his feet and waved Kat and his father to the rear of the ship. This was turning out to be a night for revelations. There was a large storage bay that was locked. Nick fumbled with the key but managed to unlock it and open the right door that slid on metal tracks allowing for the storage of jet skis and the like. After the trio had moved inside and the door slid closed did Nick turn on the lights. The exterior walls were littered with empty and half empty wooden crates. Packing material littered much of the floor but it was the mysterious blue tarp that drew his family's attention. Whatever it was measured around twenty feet long and perhaps eight feet wide and definitely had an aerodynamic profile to it because of how the material fell across it. 

"What is it," Kat asked cocking her head to one side.

"It is a long term project of mine that is nearly done," Nick said grinning from ear to ear.

"Well are you going to show it to us or..." his dad began even as Nick grabbed the tarp and tugged it off the vehicle that lay beneath. "...whoa, what the hell is that?"

The sleek black exterior of the thing seemed to have some queer affect on the light that fell on it; which reminded Kat of the black pyramid that Jesse had built. The front of it was roughly diamond shaped like the head of a bow hunter's arrow. Behind that was where the driver sat and appeared plush and almost organic in the way it would hug the body. The rear end of the thing was tall and also diamond shaped but the reverse of the front end. It gave the impression of speed even though it was standing still. The most impossible aspect of the vehicle was the fact that it was simply hovering there without so much as a whisper of a motor.

"I call it a grav-bike," Nick said very pleased with himself.

"How the hell does it just hover there," the elder Shaw asked looking under the bike and seeing nothing but empty air.

"It's a little something I borrowed from Area 51 believe it or not," Nick slurred.

"Borrowed... why do I doubt they knew you were there," Kat said moving to sit behind the controls.

"You stole government secrets," his father's voice cracking at the end. "What makes you think they aren't after you?"

"I've had the information for almost a year and I am sure they'd have busted me after my visit to the Pentagon six months back."

"You've been to the Pentagon," his dad asked in complete shock.

"Yeah, they whole war in Iran thing," Nick tried to make it sound casual but failed miserably. 

"Why did they want to meet with you Nicholas," the Elder Shaw asked still staring at the grav-bike in disbelief.

"A part of the corporation is in the manufacture of state of the art weapon systems now," Nick explained. "We provide both personal and heavy weapons for the military and police forces across the planet."

"I didn't know," his father said. "Why didn't I know?"

"You've been busy with your new job and your position with the lodge." Nick said.

"Yes I have," his dad admitted. 

"So how fast does this thing go Nick," Kat asked grabbing the controls.

"I don't know yet, she hasn't had her maiden voyage yet," Nick said. "But I am thinking about Mach 12 or higher in atmosphere."

"Mach fucking 12 but how the hell is that even possible," Nick's dad asked looking the machine again.

"It's technical but trust me once she's done I am gonna push her to the limits." Nick said covering up the bike.

"Hey... I am still under here asshole," Kat said climbing out from underneath the tarp.

"We need to talk," his dad said leaning hard against Nick as he and Kat made their way back towards the hot tub.

"I knew that was coming," Nick said locking up behind them. 

Her helicopter landed on the larger helipad of the Numenor and the door slid open and she glided out eager to see Nick once more. Her long black hair was coifed to perfection and the little black dress she chose cost her more than the gas for the trip here. She was actually feeling a touch of nervousness in her belly at the thought of being in his arms again after the quivering mass of woman flesh he had left her in. She wasn't hurt that he wasn't there to greet her after all this was a surprise. Yet even as one of the girls took her luggage and walked down the stairs to the main level of the ship there he was standing, waiting and smiling at her.

"Cyan," Nick said as he moved to take her into his embrace.

"OH Nick," she said kissing him fiercely. "I have missed you."

"I have missed you too," he moaned returning her kiss.

He guided her down the stairs and towards the hot tub where the core of the revelry appeared to be taking place. Nick scooped her up into his arms and walked towards the bubbling cauldron of water and held her over it threateningly.

"NICK, don't you dare," Cyan said with mock venom in her voice.

"I will replace the dress," Nick said as he dropped her.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," she cried out even as the water rushed up to greet her and soak her to the bone.

"Kouryou, that was quite cruel of you," Akira whispered in his ear just before she shoved him into the water.

Before long the tub was bustling with naked and half naked bodies and the wine flowed and all was well with Nick Shaw's universe for now.

October 5, 2012

The Numenor had returned to some semblance of normalcy as most of the guests had departed the ship either for shore to continue the party or home to return back to their regular lives. Nick was sleeping deeply in his bed dreaming of dark vistas beneath the waves as the gift of the Dreamer in the Depths fully manifested. Nick had been unable to reach a dream state since drinking the water that James Bell had given him nearly a year ago now. But after visiting Professor Griffin's lab and having his 'daydream' with the octopi and that terrible cold voice in his head Nick had finally been able to do what others took for granted. Oh but what nightmares he was caught up in as he lay in his bed. The blasted dreamscape he trod was the stuff of insanity where the very fabric of reality was bent and warped into blasphemous angles that never belonged in the waking world. The 'wrongness' became worse the further into the cyclopean city he walked seeing monuments to dead gods that were not deceased but only slept. They lay dreaming in places like this that had been shaped and wrought long before a true clean sentience arose upon the world. They had come from the dark places in the universe which man knows not. Where black suns burn in abyssal firmaments and the wailing of lost souls is the music of their spheres. It is under one such sun that Nick walks drawn ever deeper into this hellish citadel of the damned until he spies what it is that is summoning him. The great black stone with the alien glyphs is his ultimate goal. But unlike its sister stones it is short and squat and possesses six sides one each for the six obelisks that fell to the earth. It is the key stone that holds them together and allows the uninitiated to divine the language that is writ upon the black stones. Nick realized in despair that even should he possess all six stones still he will fall short until he finds and secures in his possession the key stone. Still his feet move ever forward towards the hexagonal block of ebony and suddenly as it happens in dreams things change. Lying on the key stone is a figure in white. It is like new fallen snow so pure and clean its color. As Nick draws closer it stirs and moves its ivory hood and cloak lifting to look at him. The figure is now kneeling upon the stone beckoning with a slender white gloved hand. She is calling him to her and forgotten is the stone there is only her. By the time he reaches the block of black stone she is on her hands and knees the hood covering her head hiding her face. Nick grabs it by either side and pulls it back revealing her alien beauty to his hungry gaze. White, oh her skin is as pale as the stone is dark. Incredibly long tresses of snowy hair tumble from the hood and fall on either side of her delicately sculpted features. She smiles up at him revealing her perfect teeth and full kissable lips the color of bone. But it is her eyes that snare him, orbs the color of flame slit like a cat's and so deep he must drown in them or die. Nick leans closer and their lips touch and she casts off her robe revealing the sensuous form beneath. She presses her breasts against his chest as the kiss deepens and Nick can feel her hard nipples trace circles over his own naked flesh. His hands roam over the nude form memorizing each and every curve from her shoulders down to her well rounded bottom. When he squeezes her ass cheeks she moans in his mouth and when he rakes her back with his nails from bottom to top she growls in pleasure. It is she who breaks the kiss and lowers her mouth to his raging hardness and begins to lick and tease it. Nick looks down seeing her ruby gazed fixed upon him even as her mouth slides over his cock. He grabs either side of her head and using her hair for leverage begins to slowly thrust in and out of her throat. He could feel her tongue and lips pleasure him as he moved his hips ever so slowly savoring every nuance she had to offer him. With a pop his cock came free and he was suddenly staring up at that nightmare sky but then he felt her lips upon him again and the pleasure drove away the madness. 

"Tell me what you want Nick," came her silvery voice. "Tell me and I will gladly give it to you."

He wanted to say her body and all the pleasure it promised but there was the other side of his brain that wanted the answer. Nick needed that elusive answer of what the obelisks and the key stone represented and their function. Despite his hunger for her he voiced his deepest need to her.

"I want the secret of the Obelisks and the Key Stone," his voice was weak and unsure but loud enough to be heard.

"Are you sure Nick that is what you truly desire," she asked him as she jacked him off.

"YESSS," Nick's voice actually broke but he had said it.

"Good," she said as he felt her body climb over his.

He could feel her wet heat as it rubbed against the head of his cock just before he slipped deep inside of her.




Iron Rain Pt. 15



"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," Nick cried out as she began to ride him.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Lover... see how wet you made me... how tight my pussy is..."

Nick looked down and saw her white snowy flesh wrapped around him grinding downward pushing him ever deeper into her liquid heat. Then she was riding him again and he saw the contrast of his tanned flesh as it pierced her again and again.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM so damn tight..." Nick moaned.

"SOOOOOOOOOO long and thick..." she growled as she thrust her hips down onto him.

He could feel that tingling sensation of the first hints of his climax and apparently so did she.

"Come with me Nick... shoot deep into my pussy when I cum..." she was begging now.

He began thrusting up into her as her hips came down. 

"YESSSSSSSSSSSS... tell me the secret first though..." Nick managed to say.

"MMMMMMMMM you are determined I will give you that, worry not Nick that secret you will have I promise."

Nick grabbed her by her hips and began to thrust upward harder now and the sound of their slapping bodies echoed over that horrid place and as they got closer and closer to climaxing so did something slither closer and closer to the lovers. 

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM so fucking close," Nick moaned.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS NICK... drive that cock into me... make me cum lover..."

A few more thrusts and they would come together, a few mere seconds and bliss would be theirs and a few more moments and the horror that was stalking them would consume them both. Just as it loomed above them Nick rammed his cock deep into her and pulses of hot cum filled her pussy to overflowing and she cried out as her own orgasm engulfed her.

Nick awoke feeling as if he had just had a wet dream something that hadn't happened in a very long time. But as he became aware of his surroundings he realized that his cock was buried in someone's pussy but whose? He looked up and saw the panting, grinning pale skinned woman of his dreams impaled upon his iron hard flesh.

"'Ello Nick," she said with her English accent.

"Hello Magus," he replied.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM nice cock you got there," she purred as she started to ride him again.

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN Nice pussy you got there," he moaned.

"Glad you like it lover bear, wanna bend me over and take it for a spin?"

"Don't mind if I do," Nick said as she lifted up and off of him and assumed the position, head down ass up.

Nick crawled behind her and eased his cock back into her tight little pussy and rammed it home just to see her jump and let out a yelp. His strong hands settled onto her hips and he began to fuck her in earnest now. With each and every thrust into her wet warm depths she let out a little grunt. The grunts became moans and the moans became wails signaling her second orgasm. And it was epic. Nick had to place a pillow over her head to keep the volume under control as she threatened to break glass with her piercing cry. His cock still pounded her pussy even as she came again and again. Nick lost count after her fourth orgasm but he was thoroughly enjoying fuck the shit out of her. He eventually rolled her onto her back and slipped her legs over his shoulders for the race to his finish line. Magus felt his cock begin to swell inside of her stretching her already very tight pussy to its limits and she was lifting her ass off the bed driving him as deep as he could go. 

"Yeah lover bear... fuck me harder... YESSSSSSSSSS like that..."

Nick was panting and covered with sweat as he felt his cock ready to shoot into her tightness again. His grip on her hips tightened and he thrust slower but harder making every movement count. Slam... slam... went his hips and she was biting into the pillow yet again as he thrust one last time shooting his seed deep into her. It took everything he had to bite back the guttural scream that had been building in his chest. When his orgasm had finished he collapsed on top of her and her legs went around him holding him close.

"Damn..." she moaned.

"MMMMHMMMMM," Nick groaned back. "You still owe me the translation by the way."

"Are you sure that's what you want," Magus replied very serious now.

"Somebody has to figure out what it means," Nick said.

"I am the only being on this world that has seen all seven stones together and it never did me any good. But if you must know what is written on all of them I will give that to you."

"You never deciphered the characters did you," Nick said softly.

"No, I was too frightened," she freely admitted.

"Don't you want to know," he asked pulling her closer feeling her body shiver now.

"NO," she cried out.

"Show me what you know then forget you ever saw it," Nick commanded her.

"You would take that burden alone," Magus asked. "You would give me a measure of peace?"

"Yes," he said with a false sense of security.

"You are unique Nick Shaw," she said clinging to him. "Now close your eyes and hold on... you're going to need it."

Nick's eyes opened slowly and the full light of day was blasting its way through the wide open windows. He looked around but found his bed strangely empty his instincts told him someone should have been there but sadly he was alone. His stomach rumbled and even as he sat up the door to his cabin opened and Akira appeared with a tray of food and a carafe of orange juice.

"Wake up sleepy head," she called out to him. "You have guests so be a dear and wear something."

Nick rose and did a cursory sniff of pits and breath and determined he was passable for guests. He slipped a silk kimono over his naked body and tied the sash about his waist and greeted the day and his visitors with a smile.

"So who do I have the honor of... Magus... Ingrid... what the hell," Nick exclaimed seeing the pair sitting on the love seat opposite his own preferred spot on a couch.

"Kouryou you know these two," Akira asked.

"Only by their description," he replied making eye contact with Magus and getting no sign of recognition. "They are friends of Oz."

"If you are referring to Oswald Sebastian Kane we are most assuredly NOT friends," the petite yet curvaceous blonde declared.

"I concur," the albino added.

"If you are not friends what are you," Akira asked as she began to feed Nick from the silver tray she had set down before him.

"Disgruntled victims I believe best describe our relationship," Ingrid said fuming a little.

"Well put Ingrid," Magus added.

"So what is Nick's role in all of this," Akira asked as she fed him a very large strawberry.

The pair seated opposite Nick and Akira looked at each other and smiled seeing how the Master of the Numenor was not so subtly being left out of the conversation by his right hand woman.

"He has given sanctuary to Oswald we want him to revoke it and give him to us," Magus said a dark glitter in her eye.

"What does Nick get out of this deal," Akira asked beginning the bartering in earnest.

"What does 'Nick' want," Ingrid asked grinning good naturedly.

"Perhaps we should see what sort of services you could provide," Akira suggested.

"I am rather good at the creation of new and inventive devices," Ingrid immediately offered.

"I possess information that could be vital to the war effort," Magus said looking at Nick with a knowing glance.

"Who said anything about a war," Akira countered but the albino was not so easily thwarted.

"Oh please, word is rampant that Nick and a majority of the Nephilim are about to wage an open war."

"There will be no war," Nick said and his words carried a certainty even the albino didn't dare argue.

"How can you avert it," Magus asked. "They killed your mother and you killed the heir to the throne."

Nick couldn't hide his shock that Eric Ahriman had been heir apparent to the Nephilim power base. But Project Aries would defuse the situation indefinitely and make retaliation impossible.

"I have things in the works that will end the conflict once and for all," Nick replied.

"There are rumors of a Project Aries," Magus said softly. "But no one knows the nature of it."

"That is good for if they even suspected at its true nature they would nuke the Numenor in a heartbeat to stop its implementation," Nick said a touch of exhaustion in his voice.

"Is it some sort of Nephilim final solution," Ingrid asked.

"No, I would never use that sort of strategy no matter the cost. Genocide is not the answer but in a few days it will all be history and I will let the generations to come judge me." Nick pinched the bridge of his nose and changed the subject. "What will you do to Oz if I give him up?"

"Return the favor," Ingrid smiled.

"And that is," Akira asked.

"Freeze him for a hundred and twenty years and see how he likes it," Magus finished.

"So you are looking for revenge," Nick asked.

"I won't deny it, besides it isn't like he will suffer." Ingrid offered.

"I will be honest with you, I am not protecting Oz he is simply my guest here. While he is here he will suffer no harm and I will leave it at that." Nick said as he reached for his glass of orange juice.

The duo rose and left Akira and Nick to their breakfast. The door had barely shut when Akira turned to face Nick.

"You just gave them license to use nonviolent means of removing him from this ship," she said a little upset.

"Yes I did," Nick said smiling. "Besides he has a head start on them already don't you Oz?"

"How the hell did you know I was here," the disembodied voice asked.

"Jesse did a little upgrade on the contact lenses it allows me to see sound as if it were light. It is a little chaotic at first but once you get used to it well as quiet as you may be you still make some sound. I suggest you get off the ship while we are still anchored close enough for you to swim to shore. We have a long delayed appointment to keep. You have one hour Oz."

"Thanks for the warning Nick I owe you," Oz said as he headed out the door.

"You really weren't going to just hand him over were you," Akira asked hinting at her fondness of the Englishman.

"Akira do you want to go with him," Nick asked.

"WHAT," she glared at him. "Why would you even ask a question like that?"

"You seem quite fond of the infamous Oswald Sebastian Kane," Nick stated.

"I like what he offers as far as a unique lover is all," she admitted.

"Just curious," Nick said. "I am sorry I asked."

"You have an appointment with Professor Griffin do you not," Akira asked.

"Yes he has a little something for me I hope," Nick replied.

"Can I come," she asked and his smile told her to get ready to leave.

"You need to inform the Captain and any guests that we are going to be leaving in a little over an hour so they can make arrangements then meet me at the helipad."

"Yes Master," she said with a smile.

The helicopter dropped them off within a hundred yards of the professor's beach side house. Bastet was there to greet them with her scantily clad body being buffeted by the wind kicked up by the rotors. Akira commented on her being his type and Nick didn't even try to deny it. Once the engine had died the pair stepped out onto the sand and were lead inside by Bastet who was all smiles even though Nick had brought a friend, a female friend. 

"Dad finished the analysis and was quite impressed by the complexity of the sample you left him." Bastet said as she poured 'lemonade' for everyone.

"So where is 'dad'," Nick asked as he sipped his Tequila Lemonade.

"Down in the lab he should be up any minute," Bastet said looking from Nick to Akira. 

"That's good, so how goes being the assistant working out for you," Nick asked to avoid the awkward silence that would surely fall on the group.

"Eh, it's a living. So how goes the war in Iran?"

"People dying every day and threatening to spill out into neighboring nations," he replied.

"I guess I meant to ask is, how is your impact on the war effort with the most cutting edge weapons going?"

Akira tensed and appeared ready to bitch slap her if given the okay by Nick but he just smiled and laughed.

"What's so fucking funny Nick," Bastet asked.

"You are," he said moving to stand within striking range of her.

"I don't think I understand," she said looking into his eyes.

His smile never diminished as his hand shot out and snatched her by the hair and making a fist brought her to her knees. 

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," Bastet groaned and began to fight but when she looked up and saw that he was still smiling she went limp in his grasp.

"Where is Professor Griffin," Nick asked.

"In the lab," she said through gritted teeth.

"Who sent you here," Nick asked and the true alarm was evident on Bastet's face.

"Nobody," she moaned but even Akira could tell she was lying.

"If you don't tell me who something very painful is going to happen to you," Nick promised.

"Do your worst," she said glaring up at him.

"Okay," he replied still smiling. "Get me some rope," Nick told Akira. "If they don't have any go into town and buy some."

"What are you going to do," Bastet asked after Akira had left.

"I am going to tie you up and do whatever unspeakable sexual acts I want and if you're lucky Akira will keep me from leaving you a bloody mess."

"Why," she moaned.

"I want you to tell me who sent you to intercept me," Nick said. "You are reporting to someone and I want to know who."

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM if I tell you will you still tie me up and do unspeakable things to me?"

"It depends," he said.

"It depends on what," she replied.

"On whether or not Akira finds that rope in time we sail with the tide."

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM you could take me with you and torture me on the open sea like a real pirate," she said licking her lips.

"A real pirate huh, should I get an eye patch and a parrot when I go to the store Kouryou?" Akira asked as she appeared empty handed.

"Won't be necessary she is coming with us, now let's go see the Professor and see what news he has for me," Nick said letting go of Bastet who slowly rose to her feet and it was clear she had come at least once while kneeling. "Go change your bottoms and meet us in the lab."

"Yes Kouryou," Bastet said as she moved passed Akira who gave her a dirty look.

"I don't trust her," Akira said.

"Neither do I and that's the point. She is up to something."

"Let me guess your weird-shit-o-meter?"

"Exactly," he said as he led her to the fallout shelter like door and knocked.

There came a buzzing sound and Nick opened the door and let Akira enter first. He followed and closed the heavy door behind them. The professor met them half way down the hall and was all smiles.

"It is the most amazing substance Nick, I owe you one it has progressed my research a decade at least." 

"So I take it that it will do as promised," Nick asked.

"That and more," the professor said leading them back to the lab. "It is designed to render the subject invisible and with some great effort the person can become visible for short periods of time. I have discovered a way to improve the effect and make it possible for the patient to control the condition at will and not leave the subject mentally drained. It is all in the delivery system and where it is targeted. Give me your arm..."

The professor took a gleaming syringe like device and pressed it against Nick's arm. There was a hiss of escaping gas and the chemical was coursing through his body.

"Pressure Syringe, it uses co2 to push medicine through the skin instead of having to puncture it. It shouldn't take too long before... I never get tired of watching this part."

"Nick," Akira said looking at him intently as his skin began to take on a crystalline quality before fading from sight. "Is he okay?"

"Let's ask him, Nick how do you feel?"

"UMMMMM a little disorientated," he said as she slipped out of his clothes. "I really can't see the hand in front of my face."

"What I have done is altered your cells to act like those of the octopi but much more effective. It is a controllable camouflage effect instead of a permanent state of the cells. Try to become visible Nick."

Nick focused on being visible and felt a tingling sensation and before he had time to cover himself he was able to be seen once more. 

"With practice you will be able to shift from one to the other as if it were second nature."

"What are you going to do with the research Professor," Nick asked.

"I am giving it to you," he said. "I am going to start on another field of research and see how far I can go on that front."

"What sort of research maybe I can help financially?" Nick offered.

"Creating a device that will allow me to see the higher dimensions," he said smiling.

"Higher dimensions," Akira asked. "How many dimensions are there?"

"If you take into account the current theories, it is either ten or eleven. I want to not only prove their existence but see them with the naked eye," the professor said with a gleam in his eye.

"I might be relieving you of your assistant for a little while if that's okay with you," Nick said.

"I am surprised she stuck around as long as she did."

"I'm not," Akira added with a friendly smile which the professor returned.

"You have my number if you need any grant money," Nick said as the older man handed him a USB drive.

"This has all my research on it, keep it or destroy it I leave that up to you."

"Why me Professor," Nick asked.

"You want to make the world a better place, not many people do that selflessly as you have. Besides this research has run its course I need a new challenge to keep me going."

"My offer stands and good luck Professor," Nick said shaking his hand.

"Good luck to us both I believe we will need it."

Nick dressed and slipped the flash drive into his pocket and the three of them headed up and out even as the door opened and Bastet was moving down the stairs. She began to speak but with a gesture from Nick she closed her mouth and turned around and headed back up the stairs. 

"You have to teach me how to do that," the professor said smiling.

They reached the beach and Nick looked at Akira and she nodded and took Bastet by the arm and led her back to the house to collect her personal affects. Nick turned to face the scientist and was silent for a long time before he spoke.

"In a few days time things are going to change a lot and I just wanted you to know that I did what I did for the greater good. I just want someone outside of things to know why I am doing all of this. It may seem like some biblical plague but I assure you in the end it will be for the best... I hope."

"What happens if you don't act Nick what will things be like then?"

"It will be like hell on earth for the majority of people."

"Then I will take a biblical plague to hell on earth any day of the week."

"Thanks, I hope the generations that follow are as kind as you."

"Where are you off to now?"

"Something I have been putting off for far too long."

"Ah one of those, well good luck young man."

"Goodbye Professor."

Nick stepped out of the helicopter and was greeted by the Captain who informed him that they were ready to leave. 

"Okay once the helicopter has left she's all yours Captain," Nick advised him. "Akira take her to a place where we can talk."

"Yes Master," Akira said smiling.

"Problems," the Captain asked seeing the tension between Bastet and Akira.

"Nothing a little light bondage and hair brush can't solve," Nick replied and the Captain just smiled and nodded.

"Oh speaking of... well... anyway Cyan is still aboard Sir and she was asking about your whereabouts."

"Ah, hmmm this could be interesting," Nick said grinning his evil grin. "I'll go fetch her and resolve my little problem. If you can give me a holler when we lose GPS I would be grateful Captain."




Iron Rain Pt. 15



"I will knock first," the Captain replied as he headed for the control room.

"Suit yourself..."

Nick went down to the main deck to find Cyan and take her to the spanking party he had planned. As he reached to knock on her door a hand fell on his shoulder. Nick spun and came face to face with the Zeitgeist known as Thorn.

"Hello Nick," she was smiling in her casual way.

"Hello Thorn, what brings you into my life again?"

"You removed the Iram Stone we need to talk please," she asked nicely.

"Okay, do you mind if I bring company or is this one of 'those' talks," he asked.

"I don't mind if you bring company Nick," Thorn said smiling.

"Excellent," Nick said as he knocked on Cyan's door and the door opened a few seconds later.

"I thought I heard voices out here, hello Nick what's up?"

"I have need of you and your toy box but before that this young lady and I have to have a bit of a chat... wanna come?"

"MMMMMMMMMM Nick you already know the answer to that," Cyan said closing the door behind her. "We can get the toy box after our talk I assume?"

"You would be correct," Nick said offering her his arm.

Cyan slipped her arm in his and followed them to the rear of the ship. Thorn seemed to have a destination in mind. They reached the storage bay where the grav-bike was being stored and with a gesture the door unlocked and apparently opened by itself. Thorn walked in and snatched the tarp off and pointed at the vehicle.

"Notice any differences since the last time you worked on 'her'?" Thorn asked.

Nick peered at the surface of the vehicle and gawked seeing the minute characters all over the shell in long serpentine lines. 

"What the hell," Nick said pointing at the grav-bike.

"You took something that was at the city besides the Obelisk didn't you," Thorn said smiling.

"Maybe," Nick said before adding. "Okay a few things."

"Did you happen to use the gravity pump from the temple for your vehicle here?"

"Maybe," Nick said again.

Thorn walked up and knelt and as if she had worked on the bike a hundred times she hit the release switch revealing the heart of the vehicle, the gravity pump.

"Take a look at the pump and you'll see the same writing on its surface as what is now on your vehicle," she pointed out.

"But why is there writing on the shell?" Nick asked.

"You are dealing with a device that you know very little about," Thorn explained. "Much like the avatar technology you have been utilizing the software for the pump is 'alive' and it is designed to constantly scan, fix or improve any other technology it comes into contact with."

"Are you telling me that the pump has optimized the bike," Nick asked grinning.

"Yes," Thorn said but was no longer smiling. "It won't stop there Nick. Whatever technology has been in direct contact with the pump could be affected."

"Such as," Cyan asked.

"Oh I don't know the entire ship, anyone who has come within touching distance or I suspect a forty foot radius." Thorn was not amused.

"Well the only people who have seen the bike have been us, my dad and my sister... oh shit Kat!"

"Why oh shit Nick," Thorn asked her eyes narrowing.

"Kat may still be wearing the contact lenses that Jesse made for her," Nick explained.

"And you Nick, are you wearing any technology?" she asked.

"Um yeah, I have his top of the line lenses on at the moment," he admitted.

"Have you noticed any fluctuations or changes in them?"

"Not yet," he said a little worried now.

"Can you take them out and we can see?"

"Good idea," Nick said switching off the lenses and removing them.

"Let me see," Thorn said looking at the lens very carefully. "It appears that your friend has crafted a very good lens Nick. But you must contact your sister and have her check for the characters on her lenses."

"Can you stop the pump from doing this," Cyan finally spoke out.

"Yes, I can place it in perpetual diagnostic mode so that it only scans itself and the vehicle only. It will no longer affect any more machinery than it has up to this moment."

Another gesture from Thorn and a nod and she was all smiles again. 

"Um Nick," it was Cyan gesturing to his left wrist where his watch was.

He looked down and saw that the same queer black alloy that he had used on the bike had taken over the watch. Like the gravity pump and the bike the watch was covered in serpentine lines of the alien script. Nick was about to touch the activation switch when the watch woke up on its own. It showed a small holographic representation of every avatar he had access to including Abraxxa and Khora Daine. 

"Whoa," he exclaimed.

"Apparently your watch has been augmented as well Nick," Thorn said before taking a better look at the avatar of Khora Daine. "I know this creature what has transpired here?"

Nick launched into the long detailed story of his encounter with the soul thief and her eventual imprisonment within the special crystal prepared for her.

"Excellent work Nick now if you'd be so kind as to hand over the prison crystal," Thorn said and was not asking.

"Why," he asked nicely.

"She is a clear and present danger and you have no idea what you are dealing with," she explained.

"That threat was in my head for months fucking with me and my crew. I was the one who tricked her and locked her up. Why should the old ones benefit from my hard work?"

"We may be able to heal her mind and make her an asset instead of a liability," Thorn said softly. "Can you do that?"

"No, I am sorry I snapped. I guess I am still a little rough around the edges when it comes to her."

"No apology necessary Nick I understand. Besides it will be a great show of trust on your side with your allies."

He nodded and agreed that once their talk was over with the prison crystal would be handed over.

"What else did you remove from Iram Nick?" Thorn asked softly.

"I took the Obelisk, the coins from the fountain, the gravity pump and the portable device that looks kind of like a question mark."

"Where are all of these items?"

"The Obelisk is now located in a Borderland near Dunwich Massachusetts, the coins are on board this ship in the cargo hold, the pump is in the bike and the other device is in my bedroom."

Thorn seemed to become thoughtful for a long moment before she spoke again.

"The Obelisk is safe which is good; the coins are of no matter, the pump has been dealt with so that leaves this portable device. Nick I need you to take me to your bedroom."

Nick tried to suppress a smile but failed miserably.

"Follow me," he said still smiling.

"You are a very naughty man," Thorn said sharing his smile.

Cyan was watching the entire exchange with a mixture of amusement and complete astonishment. The storage bay closed on its own and a loud click told them Thorn had locked it behind them. A few minutes later and the threesome were in Nick's bedroom and he opened his safe and retrieved the prison crystal and the scepter. Thorn took a visible step backward and stared at it like it was a hot brand. 

"Where did you get THAT," Thorn said moving slowly back her lip pulling back in a snarl.

"It was located below the temple in a hidden room," Nick said clearly disturbed by her reaction. "What the fuck is it?"

"It is FORBIDDEN technology," she hissed. "It belongs to the Elder Things."

"Okay quick history lesson here," Nick said putting the scepter back in the safe. "Who the fuck are these Elder Things?"

"Not everything that lives upon or below the surface of the Earth are native to it. The Elder Things arrived billions of years ago and immediately began tampering with the primitive life that was present. They bent and twisted it to suit their needs or more often their amusement. Some of the knowledge they brought with them was how to create things like that."

"The avatar I met there said it was Organic Technology. She said that it would either work for me or not."

"Avatar... what avatar," Thorn spun on Nick. "You never mentioned an avatar before now!"

"I forgot. I found her and her crystal in the temple. She said she was the chief architect of Iram."

"No Nick she was the chief architect for the city beneath Iram that foolish Solomon built on top of." Thorn hissed.

"She's right Nick," Abraxxa said as she manifested unbidden.

Thorn moved to stand behind Nick like a child hiding from the boogey man. Nick stood his ground and confronted the alien avatar.

"You lied to me," Nick began. "That is a terrible way to begin a relationship."

"Would you have taken me with you if you saw my true form," Abraxxa asked.

"That all depends I suppose but you never gave me the chance now did you?"

"No," she said her face screwing up in an angry mask. "I should have trusted you Nick but it had been so long since anyone had found that god forsaken city."

"Cyan take Thorn out of here," Nick directed as he passed off the prison crystal to Thorn and Cyan happily complied.

Once they were alone Nick looked back at the lovely Abraxxa.

"Show me your true form Abraxxa and tell me what your true purpose aboard my ship is."

"As you wish," she said softly almost sorrowful.

The outline of her shape began to become irregular and then completely dissolve and reform into something out of nightmares. If an octopus could evolve in a weightless environment you might have the most basic shape of the thing that hovered before Nick. It was constantly shifting and writhing never keeping a stable 'form' for his eyes to lock onto. But unknown to Abraxxa the horrific nightmares that Nick had been suffering from had prepared him to a certain extent for her mercurial form. 

"Okay, you have made your point," Nick said closing his eyes when his mind began to rebel against the horrific thing. "I would have run screaming if you greeted me like that but why not tell me after?"

"I was afraid you'd throw me back into the pool like my last Master."

"I am not going to throw you away. Now tell me about your true purpose."

"I never lied about that," she stood firm on that. "I was created to design and construct a city; just not the city that you saw but one beneath it all those eons ago."

"Eons really, so the crystal I took from the pool is how old exactly?"

"Time is relative Nick; let's just say I'm not from around here."

"So your stone wasn't mined on earth?"

"No my creators fashioned me from the heart of a dead star," she smiled. "I am what is left over after a super nova; a flawless diamond from massive explosion far from here."

"How... I mean how do you mine a dead sun? That's just..."

He stopped as Abaxxa began to laugh so hard she cried.

"...what's so fucking funny?"

"You," she said still giggling. "You see me in my true form and hardly blink. But I tell you how I was created and only now does your mind go all wonky."

"Can you give me a clue or hint or something?" Nick said still trying to wrap his head around how he could have possibly picked up the core of a dead star.

"It involves some pretty complex dimensional engineering..."

"WAIT... what did you just say?"

"I said it involves dimensional engineering... why?"

"Griffin! You so need to meet this guy I know. You two are made for each other."

"You want to give me over to someone else?"

"Yeah if that's okay, it goes like this..." Nick explained all about Professor Griffin and his new goal to understand the higher dimensions as he calls them.

"This Professor Griffin is a good man," she asked.

"Oh he's the best."

"Why would you just give me away like that," she asked suspicious.

"Didn't I just explain that, you could SO help him with his research? You could guide him to better understand this new project of his. Both of you would benefit. He gets a sexy new assistant and you get to fulfill your purpose. Well?"

"I don't know what to say, I feel like I owe you a debt I can never repay."

"Well if you ever run into the Obelisk's Key Stone maybe you can help me decipher them at some point." Nick told her.

"So your goal is to decipher the writing on the Obelisks," she asked coyly.

"Yeah," Nick said. "But the key stone is way beyond my reach."

"MMMMMMMMMMMM not necessarily Nick," she smiled and walked towards him with a definite sensuality in her step. "I might be able to give you a hint or two."

Before even he could react she snatched him by the front of his shirt and pulled him into a breath taking kiss. Her hunger was evident as his hands roamed over her curvaceous form her tongue invaded his mouth and her hands unzipped him and freed his now iron hard cock. 

"Fuck me Nick and I will grant your desire," she moaned in his ear as she jumped up and his cock impaled her to the core.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," he moaned in her mouth as she renewed their kiss.

His hands went to her waist and began to lift and drop her onto his fleshy spike. Their moans mingled as he caressed her ass flesh in his grip and they were both panting in unison as the pleasured flowed both ways. This was happening so fast and yet the incredible pleasure was so damn intoxicating. He spun and pressed her back to the wall to make his thrusts deeper and faster. He felt her nails drive deep into his flesh and draw bloody lines from his shoulders to his lower back. His thrusts grew stronger still as she rammed his hips up and into her. He could feel her begin to shake as her climax got closer and closer. The kiss never ended as Nick slammed his cock into her wet tightness faster now feeling the stirrings of his own orgasm. She began squeezing him with her pussy muscles forcing him closer and closer with each thrust so that they could come together. Their moans were now in sync he noticed and then he could hear their hearts beating as one too. His climax was moments away and as his pleasure was cresting there was a brilliant white light behind his eyes and his cry of exstasy became a scream of pain. When Nick came to Cyan was cradling his body and Abraxxa was nowhere to be seen.

"Nick what happened?" Cyan and Thorn were asking.

"I... I don't know." He said as he regained his senses. "Wait, there's something."

In his mind's eye he saw the Obelisks all six of them in all their dark glory and between them the Key Stone! The alien script suddenly blazed to life with a sapphire light and began to take on a familiar form. No that wasn't right the characters were revealing their meaning to him one at a time. Like some crazy parade of living beings they introduced themselves and then moved on. It seemed to take forever as over a thousand glyphs were displayed and deciphered but it would take much longer to determine the full meaning of the Obelisks and the Key Stone and their true purpose. 

Cyan and Thorn watched as Nick just lay there staring unseeing into the empty air his right arm up and his hand moving as if in a caressing gesture. But he spoke not a single word for long minutes, long enough for Akira and Bastet to arrive and see the disheartening scene.

"What happened," Akira's voice cut the air like an icy knife.

"It is complex," Thorn began but a single look from Akira told the Zeitgeist that she had the time. "I was sent here because..." and she went into the entire series of events since her arrival aboard the Numenor. Once she had finished her story Thorn fell silent and Akira took charge summoning the Sisterhood to action to search and examine every single inch of the ship for any signs of this strange characters.

"Report back to me when you find something, don't touch anything just come back here."

"Yes Majestrix," they said as one voice.

"How is Master Nick," Akira asked.

"He is stable," Cyan said still holding him. "It's like his mind is somewhere else or he is seeing something we are not."

"He will pull through," Akira stated as if that alone would break the spell that held her Master, her Kouryou in its thrall.

"Perhaps Master Nicholas would be more comfortable in his own bed at least until he recovers," Thorn offered.

"Perhaps," Cyan said not wanting to let go of him but knowing that she must.

"Let's do it gently," Akira said bending down and taking his feet while Cyan shifted to slip her arms under his armpits while Thorn took the middle. "Okay on three, one, two, THREE..."

They moved him as gingerly as they could and lay him down on his bed and the three sat watch. Akira suddenly looked over at Thorn and raised a disapproving eyebrow.

"By the way Miss Teen USA how the hell did you get aboard my ship," Akira accused.

"You mean while the ship is at full speed and no helicopter arrived to transport me," Thorn said.

"Exactly," Akira said eyes fixed on her.

"I am not sure I should share that particular piece of information with you," Thorn said coolly.

Already stressed near breaking at seeing her Master having once more pushed himself to the brink Akira rose to her feet confronting Thorn a heartbeat away from a violent solution. 

"Akira calm down," Cyan said trying to negotiate a peace at least until Nick woke up. "Why don't you want to share how you got on board?" She asked Thorn.

"I cannot tell you how I arrived," Thorn said.

"You see..." Akira snarled.

"However it is not forbidden for me to 'show' you," Thorn finished.

"Oh," Akira replied with a heavy sigh.

"Lead the way," Cyan said getting to her feet.

"What about Nick shouldn't someone...,"Akira began but Cyan gently took her by the arm and gave her a reassuring smile. "...you're right he'll be okay."

Thorn led the trio down the hallway and downward, ever downward to the engine room. There she walked over to an inconspicuous doorway that divided the main engine room from the maintenance room. She raised her hand and pointed to the doorway. Then she walked over to it and pressed on a part of the wall just to the right of the open archway a panel slid open. Cyan and Akira approached to examine what was now revealed. To their shock was a section of gleaming mirror bright metal and gorgeously etched into the mirror-like alloy are what appear to be characters similar to Egyptian hieroglyphics. When they were close enough a dull thrum of power came from the exposed metal. 

"It is tied directly to the ship's power plant," Thorn explained.

"It... what is it?" Akira stared quizzically.

"I think it is some sort of transportation device," Cyan said guessing at the truth.

"Since you have determined what it is I can now further explain. James Bell had this constructed and tied to a vast network of similar 'doorways' all over the world. It allows him and others instantaneous travel across large distances."

"So anyone who knows about this network can come on board this ship without our knowing about it?" Akira said her temper heating up again.

"No not just anyone," Thorn said attempting to calm the very volatile woman. "...only those who know of its existence and in this case that is a very small number."

Akira calmed visibly and looked at Cyan for some sort of emotional support and received a smile and a nod.

"Well since this thing is on Nick's ship I believe he deserves to be made aware of it and locations on the network, say in good faith."

"You are a gifted negotiator Cyan Michaels," Thorn said smiling. "I will contact my Masters and see what their counteroffer is, I will be in touch."

Before another would could be said Thorn touched a few glyphs on the panel and stepped through the doorway and simply disappeared. The control panel closed on its own leaving the pair to stare at the vacant entryway shaking their heads. 

"Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you never met Nick," Cyan asked.

"You mean times like these where the edges of the map get just a little wider," Akira replied.

"Exactly," Cyan giggled.

"Mine would have been boring and dull lived out in a monastery and you?"




Iron Rain Pt. 15



"Oh me, it would be world travel, a long parade of pretty faces and running a multinational corporation... dull as all hell."

"We should go check up and see if he has snapped out of the mind fuck that avatar laid on him."

Nick's eyes blinked once, twice and then he let out a low soft moan of pain. He turned his head and found himself on his bed even though his lasts thoughts were well very pleasant ones. Oh damn he thought it's happened again.

"Why do these things keep happening to me," he moaned as he sat up.

"I suspect a certain pattern of behavior has led you down this particular path Nick my boy," said the avatar of Petra Shaw.

"Hello mom," Nick said smiling.

"Hello Nick," she replied with one of her gorgeous smiles.

"What happened," he asked.

"I believe you were fucked both physically and mentally," she said with a slight grin. "How are you feeling?"

"Not bad just a little disorientated," he said trying to sit up and a sudden bout of dizziness negated that idea. "Maybe I will just sit for a bit."

"Surfer can you please take a look at Nick for me," Petra called out to the empty air and Surfer appeared and hovered over next to the bed.

"You can call up my avatars," Nick asked amazed.

"Well you never removed my privileges and I did say please," she replied.

"Master you appear to be suffering from severe neural overload or to put it simply you brain has absorbed quite a lot of information in a short time. Nothing lethal it will take time for your neural pathways to return to normal."

"How long," Nick asked.

"Oh seeing the way your body reacts I'd say a few hours at most," Surfer began and suddenly both Nick and Surfer did a little jerk. "Or maybe instantly... how did you do that Milord?"

"Surfer what just happened," Petra asked.

"I was observing the neurons in his brain," he said and then with a gesture a hologram of Nick's brain appeared showing all the hot spots of activity and then suddenly they went dark. "That is what startled me."

"Nick, are you okay," she asked.

"Actually I feel great," he said moving to stand up and the dizziness was gone as was the headache. "I think we need to prepare for our little island jaunt."

"Why do you say that," Petra asked even as the Captain's voice cut through the air.

"We just lost GPS Nikolas."

"How did you know that," both Surfer and Petra asked at the same moment.

"I don't know I just... knew." Nick said with a puzzled expression. "It's time to get ready to come face to face with the Eternal Master."

The door opened and Cyan and Akira entered and saw Nick on his feet. The looks of relief on their faces were nearly identical. 

"Cyan, be a love and start me a shower, Akira if you could please set out my nicest kimono and my sword, and Surfer please inform the Captain of our course for the island." Even as he spoke people were moving and in the end it was Nick standing alone in his bedroom Petra having vanished the moment the door began to open. No one needed to know about her just yet.

Nick wasn't surprised to see not only Cyan naked and eager to join him in the shower but Akira as well. 

"You need someone to scrub your back," Cyan crooned.

"And someone to scrub your front," Akira purred.

"I guess I will just have to wash my hair myself then," he replied grinning.

It was a little awkward at first but not for long as Nick let the girls do all the work. Cyan drizzled body wash on his back and used her breasts to rub it in and get a nice lather going while Akira started at his feet and was washing his front. Though he suspected the minute she reached his groin the washing would end and something else begin. He was right the moment Akira's mouth got anywhere near his hard cock she dropped the sponge and attacked it with a hunger that was delightful to see and feel. 

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," Nick moaned as the pleasure flooded him.

"You like it when she sucks you off don't you Master," Cyan whispered in his ear her nipples hard against his back.

"UHHHH HUHHHHHH," he nodded.

"You like all this attention don't you," she said nipping his ear lobe.

"MMMMMMMMMHMMMMMMMMMM," he groaned as the head of his cock popped into Akira's throat.

"MMMMMMMMM we can't have all that nasty stress collecting in your body can we," she purred as she dropped to her knees to join Akira. "MMMMMY turn," she begged as her and Akira took turns with Nicks cock buried deep in their throats.

Nick grew weak in the knees at the level of pleasure they were giving him and their hunger seemed insatiable. He looked down and they were looking up at him both teasing their pussies for the inevitable fucking they both would receive. As Cyan licked and sucked Akira would gently almost painfully so stroke his cock.

"Do you like that Kouryou," Akira teased. "Do you like her lips and mouth wrapped around you and my hand gripping you like this...?" she asked giving him a firm squeeze.

Nick's moans were the only answer either of them was looking for. Akira's lips were now around him as Cyan took over for jacking him off and the lust that blazed in her eyes was intoxicating.

"You want to FUCK us don't you Nick, you want to ram that fat COCK of yours deep inside our pussies..." she said as she fingered her pussy then took her fingers and spread them showing him her pussy juices. "See how wet I am for you."

Nick's eyes snapped shut as he felt his climax almost upon him and he was fighting it tooth and nail. His teeth were grit and he could hear them giggle as they swapped back and forth faster now and he wasn't sure whose index finger was poised near the entrance to his ass but he knew the minute he came that finger would plunge deep pushing the pleasure to a whole new level. As his cock swelled in their hands they were double fisting him and he could fight it no longer.

"FUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK," he screamed as his cock painted tits and faces and that naughty finger slid deep into him and he let out a second scream and another volley of cum.

Panting and wheezing Nick managed to open his eyes and look down seeing the girls licking, kissing and rubbing against each other. They shared glances and some unspoken accord was reached and Cyan stood up and bent over offering her pussy to Nick as Akira watched masturbating on the floor of the shower. Nick knelt behind her and began to lap at her slick pussy tasting her juices and teasing her clit. Cyan's moans rose far above the sound of the falling water in the shower and her pleas for his cock did not go unheard. Once he had recovered from his body shaking mind blowing climax Nick stood up and teased her slit with the head of his cock but not for long. He was eager to feel her wrapped around him again. It had been months since their last little tryst and that had been nothing short of epic. Now add Akira to the mix and this get together would put that to shame. Nick's hands roamed over her ass and hips and when she could take it no longer he rammed his cock into her so hard and so fast she nearly came right then and there. 

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," she cried out as he began to pound her pussy like the naughty little slut she was.

The wet sound of their bodies meeting rang off the walls of the shower and Akira was licking her lips watching Nick's cock slide in and out of the other woman's pussy wishing it was her on the receiving end of that brutal assault. Cyan folded her body until she could easily grab her ankles and give Nick such a view that he would have wet dreams for a week. His only thought on the matter was to take as much pleasure from the two as they offered and it appeared that was going to anything and everything his heart desired. Nick's fingers dug into her ass cheeks as his hips drove his cock harder now and poor Cyan was reduced to a moaning cock slot moaning over and over.

"UNNN UNNNN UNNNN," Cyan cried out as she bit her lip feeling a powerful orgasm building. "MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMORE."

Nick obliged her and slowed his thrusts but doubled the force behind them. The single jabs of his body into hers was driving Cyan's pleasure upward from mere moans to her begging to cum.

"Oh gods... so close... so close..."

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM come for me my dirty little slut," Nick growled as he drilled her faster now.

"Yes Cyan come for him... I want to feel him stretch my pussy out too..." Akira moaned.

Cyan suddenly lifted her body up and was arching her back as Nick pounded her from behind and her cry reached a shriek by the time she was finished coming. 

"Damn girl your pussy nearly ripped my dick off," Nick commented after her knees had given out and it was her sitting on the floor of the shower.

Cyan was beyond words at the moment and Akira didn't miss a beat she assumed the position and had her back parallel to the floor and her ass stuck out eager for her Master's cock. Nick didn't even bother to tease her he just slammed it home and began fucking her hard and fast.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," Akira screamed. "That's my Master's cock in me!"

Nick alternated his speed and force with Akira knowing she liked to feel every inch of him when he was in her pussy. They knew how to pleasure each other so well that right when he would have voiced it she began to squeeze her pussy around him gripping him like a velvet fist. It never scared Nick the level of intimacy that the two shared but there were times when it surprised him. Now he tested her and eased out of her and without missing a beat she stood up and pressed her back against the wall of the shower and lifted one leg for easier access. Smiling Nick stepped forward and felt her leg slide around his waist as his cock slid into her again.

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNICK," she whispered. "I have missed you so much."

When he was buried inside of her and his hands were once more on her ass cheeks she slid the other leg around his waist allowing him to plunge deeper still. Nick drove into her from beneath and the wall shook with the force of his thrusts. Cyan watched now sliding fingers into her ass getting it ready for his pleasure. She wanted to feel his cum pulse deep inside of her nether region. Akira's chin lifted up as she looked up to heaven and her eyes fluttered shut and Cyan knew that she was on the verge.

"Fuck her Nick... she is so close... drive that cock into her..."

Nick grunted his understanding and slowed his pace and eased his cock until only the tip remained and then slammed it home. 

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," Akira grunted.

The he did it again and again until with an ear piercing scream the last hard thrust sent her over the edge and into the clouds and rain. He actually had to hold her as her body shook and her teeth sought out his neck which he offered without hesitation. Akira's canines sunk in deep and they were joined in a more intimate way as predator and prey. Blood flowed and her second orgasm topped the first as she broke the 'kiss' and licked her lips clean. 

"Damn..." Cyan moaned.

Nick pulled out of Akira and sat down on the floor of the shower weakened by her hunger but there was no hint of regret in him. Cyan crawled over to him and saw the hunger burning fiercer than ever in his eyes and she straddled him and lowered her ass so that it lined up with the head of his cock. He could tell by the tight ring of flesh that she was offering her ass to him and he accepted greedily. She let out a long low moan as he entered her tighter hole.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM how does that feel lover," she groaned.

"Feels fucking fantastic," Nick said as she began to ride him.

Cyan's strong leg muscles lifted her and then she let gravity do the rest as she dropped down and they both grunted each and every time. She was determined to milk an orgasm from her lover. Nick cupped her tits and began to tease her nipples as the cum hungry slut did her best to drive him over the edge and she was winning. He was panting now and she could feel his cock swelling inside of her ass stretching it more and more. 

"So close Nick... just a little more and your cum will spray the insides of my tight ass..."

Cyan was riding him now as fast and hard as she could manage her own climax sneaking up on her. Akira watched them intently entranced as Nick's cock plunged so deep into her puckered anus and stretching her so damn far. 

"Is that what my butt looks like when you fuck my ass," she moaned.

"YESSSSSSSS," he managed to say through gritted teeth.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM delicious," Akira whispered.

Cyan was using Nick's shoulder for leverage now as she lifted and dropped faster now and just a few more drops and... and... they both cried out as her ass engulfed him one more time and his cum pulsed deep inside of her so much so it began to ooze from around his cock. He held her close hearing her heart hammering in her chest and his own almost in sync. 

"Damn that was fucking amazing," he moaned in her ear.

He laid back the water falling on him as Cyan slowly lifted off of him and Akira was there to clean him off tasting their combined fluids eagerly. Even as Akira began to stroke him to another erection the Captain's voice cut through the air.

"There is an island Nikolas, a very large island."

"I owe both of you but now is the time to prepare for my meeting." Nick said soberly.

"Nick..." Akira was crying. "...be careful."

"Yes Nikolas be very careful," Cyan mirrored the sentiment.

A little over half hour later Nicholas Shaw was showered, groomed and dressed to kill, if need be. He wore his best kimono of black silk adorned with the crests that marked him as the Hidden Master. Where he was going hiding his face was a moot point. He was going to face the Eternal Master in person. Akira handed him the katana that Petra, Kat and his father had crafted for him and that was slid into his sash. Hopefully he wouldn't need it but better to have and not need than need and not have. A zodiac was lowered into the water and Nick walked down the extendable steps and gingerly stepped into the inflatable boat. The Captain had offered to ferry him to the island and he manned the outboard motor. It wasn't a long jaunt across the water from the Numenor to the shore where a figure in white awaited Nick.

"It appears the Numenor has drawn someone's attention," Nick said over the sound of the motor.

"Yeah, hope he's not packing a gun Nikolas," the Captain replied.

"I doubt it but I'll be cautious," he said staring intently as the man on the beach.

The zodiac touched the beach and Nick stepped out and helped push it back out so the Captain could return to the ship. Nick turned as the boat slipped away and stared at the old man who stood before him. He was ancient with hair so thin and skin so wrinkled Nick was amazed he was still alive. 

"Hello Nick," the voice was barely a whisper but it was unmistakable.

"James," Nick asked.

"Yes it's me Nick," James Bell smiled weakly. "I don't have much time but he let me survive long enough to say goodbye."

"He 'allowed' well ain't that just grand of him," Nick snarled.

"He didn't have to Nick; it was a gift to be able to see you once more. Let's not make it ugly please."

"I'm sorry James, what can I do to help?"

"Nothing I'm just worn out it happens to avatars like me. It is good to see you."

"It's good to see you too James. Why James? Why me why this whole fucking mess?"

"He needs you Nick that is all I am allowed to say," James said a little out of breath.

"Well I am here to get those answers I have been dreading to find out but things have advanced so far that I have to. If not today then never."

"You are actually going through with Project Aries Nick?"

"It is happening even as we speak," Nick said with some of the color draining from his face.

"What about the Sisterhood, what about Akira?"

"They have been inoculated already but only those I am one hundred percent I can trust."

"That gives you an exceedingly large edge on your competition. I am almost sorry I discovered it for you. But I can see in the long run it will be for the greater good."

"I hope your right but I had no choice did I?" Nick asked.

"If I were in your shoes then I would use Aries against my enemies. But what I don't understand is this; why did you destroy all those prisons with people still in them."

"People? They were each and every one of them hardened criminals that were a waste of oxygen."

"Hehe still the same old Nick, the paladin of our times. Everything in black and... and..." James dropped to his knees. "...white..."

Nick scooped down and caught his friend before he hit the sand. Tears fell from Nick's eyes onto James upturned face.

"James..." Nick begged. "Please James don't die..."

But the last breath had already left his friend's empty shell. Nick held him for long minutes before he was able to let go. 

"I am sorry James I will make this up to you I will make a better world in the end."

Nick collected enough large stones from the nearby jungle to build a cairn for his fallen friend and would return to retrieve his body for a proper burial. Without a single backward glance Nick headed into the jungle headed for the center of the island. His tireless stride quickly took him along the clear path that led towards the mountain he had seen on his journey here. It wasn't long before Nick could hear the sound of falling water and he altered his course to see what the source of the noise was. He broke through the thick foliage and saw the massive stream that led to the sea. As Nick looked upstream his jaw fell seeing the three concentric rings of water that encircled the mountain at the heart of the island. He reached into his kimono and retrieved the necklace the Mayor of Hammerton had given him and saw that they were identical. The rings of water and this central stream were all manmade carved from the living volcanic rock. What kind of people they must have been to create something so perfect and yet so simple? All that Nick had to do was follow the stream and cross the circular lakes and then he would stand face to face with the Eternal Master.



Iron Rain Pt. 16



Here's the current installment I hope you enjoy.

As always please vote and comment and tell me how you like the storyline. Suggestions are always welcome.

*

October 6, 2012

Lost But Not Forgotten:

Nick followed the water upstream for miles until it reached the outermost ring of water. This lake was wide and deep and with no mode of transportation it appeared he might be swimming the distance unless he discovered another way. He decided to the leave the stream that cut arrow straight to the center to see if there were any piers or boats beached somewhere else along this side of the lake. Nick had to admit that at least the weather was nice and no tropical storms or adverse conditions were threatening the island. 

He was alone with his thoughts and they were turning to the outside world and impact of Project Aries. Nick wondered how high the death toll would reach before people realized what was happening. It was true the original project had been stumbled upon by James but it was Nick's foresight and problem solving that allowed it to reach fruition. The government hadn't used it because they hadn't been able to control it with the creation of a vaccine. But with the help of the avatars and an unlikely ally, the Old Ones, a better more controllable virus had been developed along with a vaccine. The catch was that you had to be given the vaccine first otherwise it was ineffective. Nick and the trusted few had been inoculated and then before leaving the ship he had checked his watch and saw that the deadline had passed and the canisters containing Project Aries had been triggered worldwide. Oh the nano-virus wouldn't kill everyone but it had the potential to and that was the staggering power of the solution that Nick had created. He hoped that after his meeting with the Eternal Master that he had shoulders wide enough to accept the responsibility and perhaps even the blame should someone discovers what he had done. 

As he walked the circuit around the lake every thousand feet or so he passed a decorative stone pillar done in similar fashion to the black obelisks but carved from local volcanic stone. The obsidian pillars were polished to a glass like finish and etched with curious Egyptian like hieroglyphics. After the fourth pillar had been passed Nick was no longer alone. 

"Really are you going to walk by every means of crossing this lake until you return to your starting point," Lilith asked.

Nick turned and saw his favorite female avatar matching him stride for stride. She was much changed from the typical sultry form he was accustomed to. She was nearly as tall as he was and sporting shiny black horns that poked out from her blonde hair. Gone were her normal colored eyes they were now a molten gold with black sclera. Lilith was as buxom as he remembered but the piercings and skull heads adorning her nipples were new. As was the blood red skirt that covered her pubic region and the crack of her ass, the sides were open and did little to keep him from peeking. The last and most drastic alteration to her form were the massive bat wings and cloven hooves; which were the color of a night sky.

"What's with the new look," Nick asked.

"Actually it's an old look," she replied. "Since my last visit didn't go shall we say splendid; I was commanded by the Master of the Isle that if ever I should set foot here this is how I should appear."

"You look like a succubus," he said admiring her ruddy colored skin.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM I see that you like it so I shan't be upset then."

"So you know who the Eternal Master is," Nick asked raising an eyebrow.

"Oh no you don't," she waggled a finger in his face. "Don't give me 'that' look. Even I have my limits on what I might share with a new master."

"Okay," Nick smiled. "Can you help me across this lake?"

"That I can do," she said stopping and heading back towards the nearest pillar.

Nick followed her enjoying the view as she wiggled and sauntered her way down the beach.

"I always knew you were an ass man Master," she said over her shoulder.

"You will get no argument from me," Nick said licking his lips.

It was a short walk to the pillar and she did a strange thing she laid her hand upon one side of it and said...

"I require a Navigator."

The top of the pillar lit up and a man who appeared to be in his sixties or so dressed in a Romanesque toga bowed and greeted them.

"I am Gaius Octavia and how may I be of service?"

"We require transportation to the inner circle we are expected," Lilith replied.

"The young Master is most assuredly expected but YOU, hehe, I do not think HE will want to see YOU."

"She belongs to me," Nick said.

"Oh my most sincere apologies young Master," Gaius bowed low and appeared genuinely sorrowful. "Had I known that she was your property I would not have spoken out of turn, please forgive."

"No apologies are needed but my feet are getting sore and standing around here is not doing my mood any good."

"Yes... of course... let me summon transportation." Gaius turned to face the lake and let out a ruby whistle and an ancient boat that reminded Nick of the story of Charon and the River Styx came to mind. 

"Do we pay the ferryman," Nick asked.

"No, but I do see the similarity Master," Lilith mused.

"Oh good I am glad it's not just me," he said feeling a bit of his tension fade.

The skiff pulled up to the shore and Nick and Lilith stepped aboard and with no one at the helm it turned around and headed for the stream that Nick had first discovered. 

"We are heading for that stream I found," Nick told Lilith.

"It is called the Grand Canal and is the quickest way from the outermost part of the island to the center." Lilith explained.

"So who built this place," Nick asked looking at the hints of buildings that the jungle had grown up over.

"That is a very long story Master," Lilith. "It spans millions of years since this island was formed by a massive meteor strike that cleaved the ocean floor and the resulting tidal wave did so much damage. Then the Titans of the Deep rose from their fiery lair and formed and shaped the island as you see it today."

"Titans of the Deep," Nick asked.

"We do not often speak of them. There are forces that sleep Master, forces so ancient and alien that to even think upon them is to rouse their unwavering attention. You are to them as a gnat and with an unconscious effort they could end you."

"So 'they' formed the island, you mean the concentric rings?"

"Yes 'they' are fond of geometric shapes. When the isle had cooled and had become stable the Old Ones and a few others came here and made it a sanctuary and a school. Here in the Long Years they shared their wisdom with humans and the like."

"Long Years, Abaxxa used that term," Nick commented.

"Abraxxa, she is a servant of the Titans and not to be trusted Master," Lilith said adamantly. "The Long Years is a term for a time so vast that it is difficult to calculate."

"Got it, please continue."

"The brightest and those showing the most potential were brought here to live learn and master their talents. Whether it was Math, Science, Music or even Meditation if there was a child who showed a gift here it was nurtured until..."

"Until what," Nick asked.

"Until the day that the Master of the Isle broke faith and aided the enemy of all living things," Lilith whispered.

"The Nephilim," he said.

"That is what we call them now but in those days they were the Akhkharu. Those abominations created by the Promethean in a moment of weakness. They have been a bane to Old Ones, Humanity and others alike."

"Others," Nick asked.

"If we survive this I will share more about the others but that is not important now. The Old Ones rose up a flood and drowned the Akhkharu to the last or so it was thought. At least one managed to survive and she was mother of nightmares. The Master of the Isle found her washed up upon these very shores and instead of finishing what the Old Ones started her beauty bewitched him and he nurtured her back to health and worse fathered those that haunt the cities and dark places of the world. It was his seed that stabilized the race made them reasoning creatures and oh so more dangerous. They departed the Isle never to return but in a moment of clarity and reason the Master sealed the Last in a silver sarcophagus for all time so that her terror would never spread again."

"And what about the Bloodstone Ring," Nick asked.

"That, which was the Eternal Master's first ring he ever wore. It was what allowed him to survive the long centuries before he secured the Obelisk."

"So he is a Nephilim," he asked.

"No longer he cured himself of that by an ancient purification rite and trod the path of blood no more. When the Old Ones learned what he had done the Isle was abandoned and for his hubris the Master was scorned by the wise and left to his own devices unless he somehow made penance and killed the Dark Mother."

"I take it he hasn't done that," Nick said.

"No and he never will, if you wish to become Master of the Isle she must perish Master."

"I never said that was my goal, I came here to confront him and learn why he did all that he did."

"Good luck on that front his mind is nearly as complex as..."

"STOP the skiff," Nick hollered.

Lilith gestured at the rear of the boat and it stopped but continued to move along the current backwards now.

"I want to get up there," Nick said pointing to the top of a heavily overgrown bluff.

"Okay... why," Lilith asked.

"I can see something glinting through the trees I want to investigate."

"Alright, shall I stay here and guard the skiff?"

"Do what you want," Nick said as he untied his silk sash and tied off his katana so he could wear it over his shoulder. 

Lilith directed the boat to a spot close to one of the largest roots and there it would stay until Nick's return. He leapt from the boat and grabbed a large root that was hanging from the side of the bluff and using it like a rope he began to make his way upwards. Lilith simply sat in the skiff and watched her Master being unpredictable as always. He covered the thirty feet in good time and was soon waving from the top of the bluff and then disappearing from her line of sight. Nick weaved his way through the overgrown jungle to the glittering edifice that was a building in bygone days. Even though the structure had been abandoned thousands of years ago what was visible appeared untouched by time and weather unlike the Lost City of Iram. There was an open doorway illuminated by the slanted rays of sunlight that managed to penetrate the dense foliage. Nick entered cautiously his gaze taking in every detail of the amazing architecture. The interior was without a single crossbeam or strut or any sign of bracing to keep the free standing walls from collapsing. He slowly moved to the center of the only floor and when he finally looked down he gasped at the intricate design cut into the glass like substance. There were eight curved lines that met in the center of the floor and between these main lines were thousands of tiny laser-thin lines forming an amazing geometric symmetry. 

"How can I be of help Sir," the voice was heard scant seconds before the holographic figure appeared.

"What is this place," Nick asked and again sound preceded the movement of his lips.

"It is whatever you require Sir," the avatar explained. "I am sorry my holographic matrix seems to be a little out of sync."

"Can you please explain what you mean by whatever I require?"

"Ah, this structure is polymorphic in nature and so its use is dictated by those that enter."

"So if I needed a dojo you could create one for me," Nick asked.

"Exactly Sir," the avatar was finally speaking in time with his image.

"Can you create a place to perform music?"

"Oh YES Sir," the holographic features shifted into a beaming smile. "Please stand back and observe."

Nick moved to the entrance and once he was ready there came a very familiar thrum of power from the floor and the geometric pieces that formed the clear mosaic began to vibrate and then flew into the air. The clinking sound of ten thousand pieces of transparent material filled the air and where they touched they became one piece of glass. Larger and larger pieces formed until a geodesic dome like structure formed above Nick and he was all smiles. What seemed to have taken forever were just a few minutes and the hologram waved him over and each footstep was like a symphony of music. Then he looked down once more and saw that each piece of crystal-like flooring lit up and gave off a perfect tone. 

"Amazing," Nick gasped and his voice seemed to hang in the air for long moments.

"Thank you Sir," the avatar said bowing low.

"Can you teach me how to sing," Nick asked.

"Sir," the hologram asked blushing. "You would grant me that great honor?"

"If you think you can manage with the raw material you have to work with," Nick said.

"But Sir has a fine voice it would take little to improve upon it," the avatar announced.

"Can you teach me to break glass with my voice," Nick asked with a sly grin.

"That kind of control would take time but I don't see why not."

"Master," sang a choir that could only be Lilith. "It is nearly dusk we should seek a place of shelter for the night before it becomes too dark to see."

"Of course," Nick replied unsure of why she wished him to leave but was wise enough to take the hint. "I will return if I can." Nick told the avatar before turning to leave.

The odd pair left the glass structure and headed back towards the cliff edge and found a spot large enough to start a fire but far enough away not to burn down the jungle. Nick sought kindling and enough dead wood for the night and built a nice cozy fire to keep away any animals that might come upon them in the dark. 

"Why did you want me to leave that building Lilith," Nick asked watching as she lay on her back staring up at the sky.

"It isn't good to get their hopes up Master," she said appearing almost lost in thought.

"Explain yourself," Nick said a little irked by her statement.

"Every building here has at least one avatar residing in it. They have been sleeping away the millennia quite peacefully. When they are awakened they are hoping that the city will once more be what it was. A place where they will be useful again," she finished.

"I understand," he said nodding. "And do you feel useful Lilith? Have I made your existence a worthwhile one?"

"Between changing the world as we know it and the amazing sex I have absolutely no complaints Master," she said smiling suddenly.

"I'm glad," Nick said as he yawned. "Can I get a morning wakeup call?"

"I will get you UP at first light Master," Lilith said with an evil grin.

Nick took his Kimono jacket and made a pillow of it and settled down for the night. He closed his eyes and let his mind drift where it would and found thoughts of the Lost City painting his dreamscape. But it wasn't the city as he saw it but in its full glory newly carved from the desert rock. He saw those ancient people going about their daily business walking among the thousand pillars and they were happy. Water flowed and there was life in that godless region of the world. They were not Old Ones or even Nephilim they were human beings who challenged nature and won at least in the beginning. But it was the darkness beneath the earth that rose up and consumed them. It was the discovery of the first city, the older city that led to their ruination. There were no monsters or survivors as such it was the magic that lay dormant for so many eons left untouched until that day when they dug for a new well and found something more precious than water. They found the machines that the Titans of the Deep had left there. Mere playthings to their creators but to the humans it was nothing short of magic. Only a few could use them only a few could harness their terrible power. There arose a sect of magician priests who used them wisely at first but as with all power of such magnitude it corrupted even the most devout holy man in the end. It wasn't the sun and wind that tore down the pillars of Iram it was a battle between the priests over control of the city. In the end most lay dead and the city had to be deserted else there would be none left to tell the tale. The survivors buried or sealed away the magic and fled the evil spot never to return. Until Nick had come and taken his spoils for his own and he was unafraid of the machines for he knew they were not magic but Organic Technology. They were a tool like any other that could be used to create or misused to destroy. All this his dream showed him until it all faded away and Nick lay in his perfect darkness with its immutable silence and he was safe.

Nick had not come to the island unarmed. He had brought the very obvious weapon the Orichalcum Katana that Petra, Kat and his Father had given him. But he also carried a not so obvious weapon the Scepter of Iram and its formidable powers. It was the sentience within the scepter that had been whispering to him in his dreams and showing him the history of the Lost City. As it whispered to him it saw a more proper form to take to better serve its new Master. It slowly altered its form and slithered from its hiding place at the small of his back beneath the kimono to his naked right wrist. It changed the shape of the blue diamond from a perfect smooth sphere to a gorgeous faceted round cut stone. It was around this gem that the metal that was not metal was spun into an ebony gauntlet with the ruby resting in the palm of his hand and the blue diamond on the back of his hand. The fingers were left bare and when finished the machine now covered at least one half the length of his lower arm in a comfortable metallic mesh. It purred to him in an almost sensual way now and they were bound one to the other. 

October 7, 2012

Lilith true to her word got onto her hands and knees and crawled over to her sleeping Master as the first hints of true day were coloring the sky. With deft fingers she untied his kimono pants and freed his morning wood. He must have been having some very naughty dreams she thought as she lowered her mouth to him. She flickers her tongue over the sensitive head and heard his soft moan. Lilith wrapped her slender fingers around the shaft and began to stroke him as her tongue and mouth engulfed the first few inches of his cock. His moans got progressively louder until he awoke with a start as his cum splashed down Lilith's throat. Before he could move she straddled him and lowered her soaked sex around him and rode him slowly.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Morning Master," she purred.

"Damn Lilith hell of a wakeup call," he moaned.

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN I hope Master is pleased," she cooed.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM," was all he managed as he lowered his head back down and enjoyed the pleasure she was giving him.

Lilith twisted around with him still buried in her and his cock flexed inside of her sending her over the edge. Panting and moaning she leaned forward and lifted and dropped her shapely ass faster and faster squeezing him now and again to push him towards his second climax. Soon enough he had shoved her onto her hands and knees and was behind her thrusting hard and fast into her. She pushed back against him as he pounded her pussy harder and harder now. Lilith urged him on and was squeezing each time his cock slid into her pussy and his breath was coming in harsh gasps now.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM come for me Master... fill my pussy with your cum."

His only reply was a firmer grip on her ass cheeks and even harder thrusts of his hips. Then came the tell tale swelling of his generous cock and soon she knew she would feel those delicious pulses of cum shooting into her. 




Iron Rain Pt. 16



"UNNN UNNNN UNNNNNN," she was grunting now as he slammed into her with one thought his climax.

She was not disappointed when he pulled back paused and rammed his cock home one last time sending ropes of thick cum deep inside of her.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she screamed and her voice carried over the canyon like walls for miles.

"Damn I needed that," Nick said as she cleaned his cock with her mouth.

"Stress is very bad for Master," she said coyly as she licked the last of his cum from the tip of his manhood.

"We better get going," he said dressing and looking around frantically for a moment.

"Did you lose something Master," Lilith asked scanning the ground.

It was then that Nick noticed his new jewelry he was sporting on his right hand. He recognized the material of the machine instantly and knew somehow that it could reconfigure itself to suit its master's needs. 

"Never mind lets head on down to the skiff," Nick said as he levered himself over the edge and down the roots towards the boat.

Lilith gathered up his kimono top and sword wondering if Master's mind was fully focused and then remembered she had just rocked his world. 

"Hehe... men," she mused as she glided down to the boat.

Los Angeles: 2:00 a.m.

The urban landscape was lit by the perpetual illumination of street lamps and headlights. This is the city that never sleeps. It was scarcely eight hours since John D. Small or as his crew knew him 'Biggy' Small had been released from prison after a fifteen year stint for manslaughter. He had his one trusted friend Nathaniel Brown better known as 'Natural' who had taken the murder weapon and hid hit all these years. Without a weapon the police could not prove premeditation and so Biggy spent fifteen years of a thirty year sentence behind bars. He had managed to dodge the bullet on the day the prisons went up like the Fourth of July by being transferred to a medium security facility the day before. Fate was kind to Biggy or so he thought. He and his crew were driving around the old neighborhood or what was left of it when something caught Natural's eye.

"Hey Biggy you see that," he said pointing to the curvaceous piece of ass walking into the local quickie mart.

"Damn that is one fine woman we should introduce ourselves," Biggy replied.

"No man check out her ass," Natural said very intense and serious now.

Biggy leaned forward and stared at her shapely behind and it was only then that he noted she RED rag hanging out her back pocket. Red was definitely not a healthy color to be sporting in Biggy's neighborhood.

"Does the bitch have a death wish," Leon muttered from the back seat.

"Let's find out," Biggy said turning into the parking lot of the store.

The three men entered the quickie mart and saw the woman at the counter chatting it up with the young guy behind the bullet proof glass. They made no pretense and walked up behind her and cut off her escape. They took in her exotic beauty and were wondering what the hell a fine looking red head was doing in their territory. Her hair came down to the small of her back and below that well damn she had the finest ass they had ever seen.

"Scuse me," Biggy said tapping her on her shoulder.

The woman turned around smiled but it was an icy smile that never reached her cold green eyes. The three men were impressed that her front half was better than the rear. She was the kind of stunning you see in pornos or your best wet dreams.

"Yes," she replied in her sexy southern accent.

"Well darlin'," Biggy said eyeing her up and down. "You are the finest lookin' bitch I have ever laid eyes on."

"Does that work for all the girls or just the stupid bitches that you manage to fuck?" she replied without missing a beat.

Leon and Natural both took a step back knowing this wasn't going to end well.

"What did you say CUNT!" Biggy was up in her face now.

"I said do all the skanky hoes go all wobbly in the knees when your pencil dick ass slides up and calls them bitches?"

Biggy's hand moves to the small of his back where his chromed nine millimeter rests so very comfortably.

"Go ahead and pull it and it'll be the last motherfuckin' thing you ever do," she spat at him.

"And why is that bitch," Biggy asked as he cocked the hammer and slid the gun into his hand.

"I am a voodoo priestess," she said bringing her hands up forming the evil eye. "You even think about pulling that trigger and you will drop fucking dead."

Biggy began laughing in her face even as he brought the weapon to bear and pointed it at her face. There was something wrong and it was Leon of all people who first noticed it, the bitch wasn't afraid she didn't even blink at being on the business end of the pistol.

"Hey Biggy I think we should go," Leon said in a harsh whisper.

"Go... why the fuck should we go," he asked.

"Cause dude she ain't afraid," Leon continued. "She's either crazy or she put a hex on you man."

"Leon grow a pair," Biggy said smiling. "I ain't gonna shoot a fine bitch like this. Not until I fuck every hole this loud mouth cunt has. Then, well then that's another story altogether."

"I get her tits first," Natural says trying to make himself feel the confidence her cold green eyes was stealing by the second.

"I get her ass," Biggy said reaching up to grab her by the hair with his free hand.

"Touch me and you die," she snarled with such ferocity his hand dropped to his side.

There was something wrong with this red hair green eyed bitch but nothing that a bullet couldn't fix. Biggy's finger began to wrap around the trigger as she smiled her serpentine grin. She was daring him to pull the trigger and Biggy had no qualms about icing some crazy bitch even in front of a witness. He felt the cool cold security of the trigger and even as his brain thought 'pull' the pain slammed into him like a freight train. It was his left arm and then his chest and even as the late Biggy Small hit the ground dead in a pool of his urine Natural did what was expected and drew out his own gun and aimed at the crazy smiling bitch. Just like Biggy the minute Natural's brain screamed 'PULL' there came an agony in his skull that made the world go away and the aneurism that killed him dead was proof positive she wasn't crazy. Leon looked at his two dead friends and he had seen enough death on the streets to recognize it and he did the smart thing.

"Sorry," he muttered and left his friend's corpses where they were and ran for his life.

The clerk behind the bulletproof glass stared out in dumbfounded wonder and when she turned around again he just smiled and gave her the pack of chewing gum she had come in for.

"On the house," he managed.

"Why thank you kindly," she said with a warm smile and stepped over the body of Biggy Small as she left the quickie mart.

Chicago: 9:00 a.m.

Mary Ann Marx was bent over her kitchen table wearing only an apron and a smile. She shakily slipped the ball gag into her mouth just before she put on the blindfold. Like a dutiful slave she had inserted the anal plug earlier in eager anticipation for His arrival. The affair had started six months ago and it had only taken Him two weeks to break her of her willful ways and make her His own. She heard the back door open and close and knew that His eyes were caressing her naughty flesh. His footsteps came closer and her legs were shaking so bad she thought she would collapse. Thank goodness for the table beneath her. 

"I see that you have prepared yourself for my arrival," His voice was deep and cultured and made her pussy drip with need. "Let's see what we have here."

She felt His fingers probing her sex and He gave a little tug on her butt plug for good measure.

"Excellent," He said praising her for her dutiful following of His latest instructions. "Now be a good little whore and drop to your knees and worship my cock."

Mary did as she was told. She stood up and felt around blindly as she carefully bent her knees and with a wandering hand found His hardness hidden beneath His jeans. She unzipped Him and freed His semi-hard cock and took Him into her mouth. Mary felt Him harden in her mouth and soon His foot long monster slid down her throat. He had taught her how to repress her gag reflex as any good slave should be able to. He had trained her tight little asshole for His pleasure. He had treated her skin to the joy of His sperm as He jacked off on her face or tits or wherever He delighted to. He was the Master and she the pitiable slave. Her head moved forward and back as she deepthroated Him. His moans of pleasure were music to her ears. She dared to cup and pleasure His balls but He gave no reprimand so she put one then the other in her mouth and suckled them. When He was painfully hard He directed her to bend over the table once more. Mary moaned as the head of His cock opened her pussy up and He was soon slamming into her making the table shift just a bit. As He hammered His cock into her she felt Him ease the plug from her ass. Soon the Master's cock would be buried in her nether region and give Him great pleasure. Mary felt His cock withdraw from her pussy and press its way into her ass and a deeper moan escaped His lips.

"Damn tight as ever," He said praising her exercises to keep her holes nice and firm for Him.

She would never even think of letting her husband fuck her ass that belonged to her Master. Soon the long thick cock she adored so was moving in nice even strokes in and out of her. She could hear Him panting and the slight swelling of His cock. Soon He would spray her with His cum but where she wondered; her ass cheeks or maybe her back and if she was lucky her tits and face. Mary felt Him ram His cock deep into her and stop and that's when she heard the other footsteps.

"What the FUCK is going on here?" it was the voice of her husband George.

"Listen," her Master's voice was sounding a bit funny then she heard the cocking sound of the double hammers on the shotgun.

"NO you listen, nobody ass fucks my wife and gets away with it," George roared. "Now move away I don't want to hit her by accident."

Mary felt her Master's cock shrivel inside of her and He slowly pulled out. Then there came a strange gurgling sound and she tore off the blindfold and saw her dear husband of twelve years laying on the floor of the kitchen ashen in face and looking quite ill. 

"George!" Mary screamed rushing to his side and she could tell by the glassy eyed stare that he was stone cold dead. "What happened?"

"He looked like he was about to pull the trigger and then he grabbed his arm and dropped to the floor." Her Master explained.

"Call 911," she hollered but when he tried the number was busy.

It wasn't just Los Angeles or Chicago it was the entire world. The body count was staggering in the first few hours and the panic that it sparked ratcheted up the deaths to nothing short of biblical proportions. No one knew what it was and where it had originated but it struck rich and pool old and young alike. Any overt act of aggression triggered the virus. Wars stopped dead in their tracks. Gang violence was solved in mere heartbeats as both sides fell dead to the street. Even those in power who panicked faced the unseen hand of death. No one was immune and everyone was faced with the simple fact violence will not go unpunished. Project Aries had been unleashed and whether the world liked it or not there would be peace. 

The Grand Canal: 9:00 a.m.

Nick and Lilith sailed up the Grand Canal towards the mountain and the heart of the island. Everywhere he looked he could see the signs of the sleeping city. He suspected where he was but he wanted to hear it from the mouth of the Eternal Master himself. Speculations aside what little was visible from the jungle was breathtakingly beautiful. The glimmer of glass and steel was everywhere and it made Nick wonder at how many people lived here when the city was populated. It had to be well into the thousands. They had entered the second circular lake and the wildlife was as varied as what he had heard about in the Galapagos Islands. An isolated ecosystem that allowed for the evolution of species found nowhere else on the planet. As the skiff made its way across the lake it disturbed a flock of brightly colored birds and one of them was heading directly for the boat. Nick threw up his arm to ward off the inevitable collision but instead something settled lightly on his shoulder. He lowered his arm and slowly turned his head leery of having his eyes pecked out but it was no bird perched there but a feathered snake. Its feathers ranged from an emerald green to an almost golden hue and its scaled body was the color of grass at the height of summer. It had beady little eyes that were as black as pitch but he seemed as curious about Nick as Nick was about it.

"It's called a Couatl," Lilith explained.

"Okay," Nick said bringing his index finger up and stroking its serpentine head and it made the most amazing sound that was somewhere between a chirp and a purr.

"Hey it likes you," she said with a smile.

"Well as long as it doesn't shit on my shoulder we're all good."

Lilith laughed and it appeared that Nick had a new fan for it seemed quite content to sit and observe the strange man-thing. The skiff crossed into the next ring of jungle and a loud coughing sound caused the couatl to seek refuge behind Nick.

"Shadowcat," Lilith said. "But don't worry they only hunt at night."

"Well that's good it gave our couatl buddy a bit of a fright," Nick said coaxing the feathered serpent out with a reassuring word. "It's okay I won't let it eat you."

"You haven't seen a shadowcat in flight or you wouldn't be saying that." Lilith said her smile never faltering.

"Wait, did you say 'flying'?"

"Yeah, it is the island's apex predator."

"How big are we talking," Nick asked peering harder at the jungle that now surrounded them on most sides.

"Ever see a puma," Lilith asked.

"No," he said.

"Oh then you have nothing to fear."

"Glad to hear it."

The rest of the journey was pretty much in silence as they crossed the third and final lake. From here they could see the dock and the shoreline of the mountain. There was no welcoming committee and Nick really didn't expect one. He was going to the mountain not the other way around. He adjusted his kimono so he looked his best and the couatl seemed awful interested in the preening that was going on and began to clean his feathers for the occasion. The skiff docked with barely a noise and Lilith and Nick left the boat and headed up the road to what appeared a very large structure that was still being used. 

"Is there some sort of ritual I should observe," Nick asked and Lilith shook her head. "Why not?"

"No Hidden Master has ever met the Eternal Master face to face."

"Oh I am the first... great."

Undeterred Nick and Lilith strode towards what had once been the Great Academy where the best and brightest on the island were taken for training. Now it is a husk of its old glory and home only to a single living being and the ghosts of those that have passed on. Nick stopped at the bottom of the marble stairs that led up and into the building and took in the recognition of the moment. Once he set foot on those stairs there was no going back. His heart pounded in his chest but smiling he placed his foot on the first step.

Somewhere below ground...

A circle of twelve men sits and debates over the next course of action available to them. They are scientists, doctors, politicians and military upper echelon.

"Are you telling me we can't stop it," the man with five stars on his shoulder asks.

"I'm telling you we don't know what we are dealing with," says the man who heads the Center for Disease Control.

"It's like a plague but it can't possibly be natural," the elderly man mutters. "It has broken out in every major population center on the planet at the same time. Nothing natural acts like that this has to be manmade."

"Who developed this damned thing it's monstrous," asks the head of a major think tank.

"We did," replies the young man with the thousand dollar suit.

"Who is we," many voices cry out.

"The United States Government, Project Aries was begun to neutralize large hostile ground forces and leave them dead or incapacitated. But we never used it because we never came up with a vaccine."

"What exactly is this Project Aries," the head of the CDC asks.

"It is a polymorphic nano-virus that attacks the parts of the brain that house aggression and primal instincts."

"So somebody managed to steal it and complete your project for you," the five star general growled.

"I can't see how that is possible," the young man said. "Project Aries has only been in existence for two years. The likelihood of someone getting their hands on it and solving the delivery and vaccination hurdles seems unfathomable."

"Yet here we are," said the Senator from Texas. "So what do we do?"

"We have to go public and inform them what they are up against or more people will die. We don't have to say who created it just that it is out there and to keep calm. Aggressive behavior is the trigger and we are working on a solution." The head of the CDC offered.

"I agree we go public. So what are the chances of finding a cure?" A doctor from the great state of California asked.

"There is no cure for Aries it was meant as a one shot one kill weapon." The young man said but left out the fact that it is passed onto the next generation and so on. It was literally Pandora's Box and there was no closing it now that it was open.

"What about this Shaw fellow his people created these crystal mainframes can they come up with a technical solution to this crisis? You said it was a nano-virus surely they could try." The elderly man who represented the Mayo Clinic asked.

"We haven't been able to reach him, but then again communications are not so reliable with the crisis at this point. We will continue to keep on trying to reach him but until then we must create an attack plan to control the spread of the virus and disposal of the dead." The five star general said calmly.

The Great Academy: 11:15 a.m.

Nick topped the stairs and the massive double doors opened silently inward.

"I guess we are expected..." Nick said nervously. "...Ladies first."

"Oh HELL no and I'm no Lady," Lilith said with a weak grin.

"Coward," Nick muttered as he entered the main hall.

The ceiling was lost in darkness as was the far wall and floor. In a word this place was huge. Nick's footsteps echoed off the unseen walls but undeterred he activated his contact lenses and set them for low light and suddenly the chamber's full majesty came into view.

"Damn," Nick gasped. "This room alone must be thirty feet tall and at least sixty feet wide. Those must be the Old Ones on the ceiling gazing down. Well we can take the stairs to the second floor or the two wooden doors on this level."

"Are you asking me," Lilith said hiding behind Nick and his couatl companion.

"Um yeah, you have been here before," he said but getting no immediate response Nick looked to the feathered serpent who was staring straight ahead. "Okay forward it is."

They crossed the first thirty feet of the main floor when the double doors opened on their own but this time there was movement. The great black cat that padded silently into the main foyer was massive. He or she had to measure a good twenty feet from nose to the tip of its tail. It had jade green eyes and when it growled Nick could see its five inch canines flash menacingly. But it was the last display that made Nick stop and stare in disbelief. The Shadowcat spread its massive thirty foot wingspan of black feathery wings that made him look on in wonder. It wasn't fear that coursed through Nick it was the sheer splendor of the thing.




Iron Rain Pt. 16



"Look at you," he muttered. "So beautiful."

"It's a she by the way," Lilith offered.

Nick dropped down to a kneeling position so he could look her in the eye and the winged cat pulled its wings back against its body and returned Nick's unflinching stare. 

"Master what are you doing," Lilith whispered.

"Taking in her measure," he replied.

"Did you miss my remark about being the apex predator you do know what that means?"

"Yeah it means she is the one to impress around here," Nick said with a smile.

The great cat walked towards Nick and Lilith slowly at first but then picked up speed very quickly launching herself at Nick with a practiced pounce. Nick cried out in surprise and Lilith was screaming at the top of her lungs.

"Lilith for god's sake you're scaring her," Nick managed from below the three hundred pound cat.

Lilith managed to pull her hands away from her face and looked down to see the great apex predator licking her Master as if he were one of her cubs.

"Figures," Lilith finally managed to say.

"What figures," Nick asked giggling as the rough tongue lapped at his throat and face.

"If that had been a male Shadowcat you'd been dead," she replied.

"Are you insinuating something?"

"No I am flat out stating a fact," Lilith said in a huff.

Nick began scratching the Shadowcat behind her ears and the purr that followed was loud and primal. 

"You see I rest my case," the avatar pouted.

He managed after several long minutes of 'loving' to get to his feet and the cat was never far from his right side. The couatl took a few more minutes to coax from its hiding place to assure it that all was well now that Nick reeked of predator. 

"Let's continue shall we," Nick said grinning.

"How did you know," Lilith asked.

"How did I know what," he replied knowing full well what she meant.

"How did you know that she wasn't going to rip your throat out?"

"I just did," Nick replied.

But it had been more than an instinctual thing. The Scepter of Iram didn't react to the cat even as it raced towards him. Nick felt sure that if the cat had meant to harm him the Scepter now Gauntlet would have alerted him somehow would have done something in his defense. With a shrug he and his motley crew made their way to the open double doors. 

Beyond the doors was a much more modest chamber that measured about twenty feet on a side with a ten foot ceiling. In the center of the chamber a round oaken table that had fourteen high backed wooden chairs around it. The chairs were identical and bore nothing to mark one from the other.

"Damn," Nick cursed.

"What," Lilith asked.

"I was hoping to see names etched on the chairs," he admitted.

"Like," she asked confused.

"Oh I don't know Arthur, Gawain or even Lancelot." Nick said disappointed.

"Don't you think they knew where they sat do you think they needed a placard?" Lilith mused.

"Damn I didn't think of that," he admitted.

"This is where the ruling body of the island met for various issues. It was also used to council students in the ways of politics. Many that came here returned to rule areas of great import." Lilith explained.

"It seems multitasking is a recurring theme here." Nick noticed.

"Keeps space from being wasted or going unused."

"Seems logical to me," Nick said looking at the doors leading from the room.

"He lies beyond one of these doors," Lilith admitted.

Nick felt his skin get goose bumps and knew the Eternal Master was close but which door to chose? 

"Let's see the building is orientated towards the cardinal points," Nick was talking to himself. "But that's not right because the Northern door is marked with the sign of air and that is supposed to mean East."

"Much has changed in the Long Years since the school was first built," Lilith shared.

"Well if that's the case the symbolism on the doors means squat," Nick cursed.

He looked around and walked to each closed door and laid his hand upon them and felt no change. After completing his circuit of the three possible exits he noticed the Shadowcat facing the Eastern door and sniffing the air. That was the door they had entered in he had discounted it as a possible choice but now he wasn't so sure. 

"It's as good a shot as any," Nick said opening the Eastern door and standing in the center of the main foyer was the Eternal Master.

"Hello Nick," he greeted with a warm smile. "You are here at last."

Casablanca Morocco: 2:12 p.m.

The Grand Mosque was surrounded by a sea of bodies; the faithful come for an answer for this terrible thing that had happened. Within the clerics prayed for a sign of why the believer and the unbeliever alike had been smitten by the wroth of God. Had they done something deserving divine retribution? However among those that had fallen silently had been a brother of one of the clerics and he knew that he was a god fearing man. He was an honorable man who would lie down his life for his god. It made no sense. His brother had killed many infidels in his time and was a warrior for Allah. 

There were so many dead that it was ordered that the bodies be burned to keep the spread of disease to a minimum. It was not a popular order but a necessary one to save those still alive. Corpses by the truckload were prayed over then dumped in the mass funeral pyres that would burn long into the night and many nights that followed.

Rome Italy: 5:58 p.m.

St. Peter's Square was a mass of bodies as the city became a focal point for Christians everywhere. The borders had to be closed to Vatican City and the Pope had to go live on television to tell the faithful to go to their local churches and pray or to pray in their homes. He sat alone feeling so very old and wondered why such terrible things must happen during his lifetime. The people were scared and they had every right to be. This plague that had struck had killed millions worldwide in a matter of hours! The geopolitical impact was devastating as people in power were struck down as likely as those who were poorest of the poor. The destabilization was spreading and would only get worse before it got better if it ever did. The panic inspired just seemed to escalate the death toll and many were trying to send messages that called for calm. The Pope pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes saying yet another silent prayer for guidance. Receiving no divine answer he opened his eyes and slowly stood. The council of cardinals would be waiting and he had to issue some sort of statement that could be spread and give some measure of hope. 

P'yongyang North Korea: Midnight

The command center for the might of North Korea was in complete disarray. The bodies of the dead were being drug out and tossed into waiting garbage trucks for disposal and it was only getting worse. Every outpost containing military personal was in utter chaos and those few of the upper echelon were striving and failing to maintain any facsimile of command procedure. How could this have happened? The world seemed to have gone mad over the last few hours and no one was to blame. Was there some sort of divine punishment being reigned down upon them? Each and every order to attack resulted in more and more deaths. When commanders began refusing to give those orders and forced at gunpoint their superiors dropped dead of this invisible menace. 

Once a lowly second lieutenant now promoted by simple attrition Yong Fang saw the pattern and decided to use it to his advantage. What normally would have been suicide in the past was now a means of gaining true power in this time of great change. He moved from the command center to the bunker where the elite were hold up and found the door propped open by the corpse of the former Grand General of the Army. He could still hear voices within barking out orders and smiled to himself. If his observation was correct he would soon take command in a bloodless coup. Well he would never have lifted a finger. Fang stepped over the body of his deceased competitor and strode into the room observing the scene. Three people remained alive and only one of them was a real threat to his plan so he would have to go first.

"Yong Fang isn't it," the Supreme Commander asked in his shaky voice.

"Yes," he replied.

"What is the situation," the son of the previous ruler asked looking around like a man clearly out of his depth.

"They are all dead, troops, middle echelon and upper echelon. They are all dead." Fang reported.

"But I ordered a full scale attack of those Southern bastards hours ago."

"Yes you did and they followed your orders and died," Fang reported.

"Well they can't all be dead," he shrieked.

"No the smart ones went home to be with their families," Fang said walking towards the Supreme Commander.

"What are you doing?"

"I am taking over; you have lived your life as a fool and you will die a fool." Fang said walking closer still.

"NO!" the Supreme Commander cried out and pointing his customized pistol at Yong Fang and tried to pull the trigger but death reached out and snatched away his breath before he could do any harm.

The two remaining men dropped their weapons and bowed low to Yong Fang awaiting his orders. 

"Inform the entire military to stand down and go home to their families. Well those that are still alive and when that order has been acknowledged you two will help me rebuild our once great nation."

"Yes Sir," they both said as they delegated the orders to what few remained of the army.

"And somebody get this carcass out of here before it begins to stink up the place."

Outside the Grand Academy: 

The two men sat on the top step of the Academy while Lilith sat leaning against one of the massive pillars observing the two men so different in appearance and yet so similar in bearing. The feared apex predator sat at Nick's feet sleeping in the sun and amazingly the feathered serpent lay on Nick's thigh also sunning itself.

"You have a lot of questions I imagine," the Eternal Master said.

"That would be the understatement of the Millennia." Nick replied.

"I guess why is at the top of your list," the older man said.

"How about we start with your story; who the hell are you?" Nick asked his frustration showing.

"Hmmm," the Eternal Master sat in silent contemplation before he began to speak. "My name is Moksha Jeherrum Khaine and I was born on a small island that now rests at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. It was at sea level before the last great ice age and when the snow melted the island simply disappeared. I am a mutation in the ever evolving experiment of the Promethean. It was she who began tinkering with subhuman stock and nudged them along the evolutionary track you see today. She never expected her pets to actually achieve sentience but we did. She sure as hell never expected something like me to come out of the genetic soup."

"What's so special about you," Nick asked.

"My quasi-immortal status I suppose. Most humans at that time lived around sixty years on average. I didn't reach full maturity until I was almost twice that. So I received her undivided attention for a very long time. I did age just very slowly. She was trying to replicate me in the lab when she stumbled upon the Akhkharu strain. The first generation was utterly virulent they killed whatever life form they came into contact with. Her second attempt wasn't much better but when she added my DNA to the mix they stabilized a bit. But there was an unexpected permutation the Akhkharu achieved sentience when they were mingled with my DNA. She learned this when just one of them managed to escape her lab and infect not only the human population but three Old Ones as well. To say the Promethean took some heat would be putting it mildly. They had to seal the three infected away for all time and well you know what happened when too many Akhkharu had multiplied. The Old Ones do not condone killing unless there is no other choice. It forced many of them to make amends to the human lands that were especially devastated."

"So where do you enter the story?" Nick asked.

"Ah, due to my unique nature I was chosen to take over as Master of the Isle replacing the Old One who desired to see the outside world and help repair it."

"So you are not the first that is interesting."

"It was an exciting time for me. I was young and impressionable and foolish. I was handed the keys to an institution that had stood for millennia without a single blemish and within my first year the school was closed and I was a pariah."

"Did you love her," Nick asked.

"I don't know even now I ask myself if I love her or just in lust. She was dying and the right thing to do was to put her out of her misery. But she was so beautiful and I was so damn young."

"If you killed her you'd be forgiven isn't that true?"

"Yes, if I were to go up to the pyramid and slay her I would be restored to my old title.

"If you are so unsure why not finish the threat she represents," Nick asked.

"You haven't seen her, haven't heard her voice or known her as intimately as I have."

"All that is true but some acts require great sacrifice, I know," Nick said turning to face the Eternal Master. "Why did you do what you did to me? Was there some purpose or am I just some experiment?" 

The bitterness in his voice was open and clearly evident in each and every syllable.

"Nick, everything I did was for a reason."

"Good then tell me... why did you ruin my life?"

"Is that what you think I did," the older man said his face losing all its color. "I tried to give you something special; but the greater the gift sometimes the greater the sacrifice."

"Just tell me this, what was the endgame?" Nick said glaring at him.

"Nick I am tired I have been running things for so damn long... I was grooming you as my successor."

Nick's anger vanished as if it never had been and he looked at the older man and though his skin was healthy and young his eyes showed the uncounted centuries of his existence and their heavy burden.

"I didn't know," was all Nick could manage.

"I know you didn't," he replied with a sad smile. "But for what it's worth you've done one hell of a job so far."

"Perhaps we shall see after Project Aries wreaks its cost," Nick muttered.

"But in the end there will be peace," the Eternal Master offered.

"Eventually," Nick murmured as they rose to their feet and began the long walk up the mountain towards the Black Pyramid.

Beijing: 4:03 a.m.

We have marshaled our forces and are ready to strike! The chaos that the world was experiencing was not going to take the Great Army of the People off guard. There were enough infantry alone to protect this great country or so they thought. They were not fighting an enemy they were fighting themselves. The alarms sounded, intruders were detected in Chinese airspace as well as radar lock on armored columns moving on Beijing itself! The orders were given... attack! Rockets and aircraft and marching men went off to die against silicon ghosts in the machine that appeared on their systems but existed only in the pulsing beat of the cybernetic heart of the Chinese War Machine. Men and women perished by the millions and attacked only phantoms their superiors swore were there. All over the nation warriors fought and died as Project Aries took its mortal toll from all people willing to raise a hand against their neighbor. Aries stopped hearts or caused aneurisms or simply shut down the nervous system. It was an equal opportunity assassin that had no remorse and in the end it was the people who did not fight that won the day. It took time for the survivors to believe there could be a lasting peace upon the earth at the cost of one simple freedom, was it worth the price?

Washington D.C.: Noon

The riots died off because the people waging them were dying in the streets. The rampant crime and violence was slowly but surely evaporating because the people too stupid to realize what was happening were dropping like flies. However the people who stayed home and huddled together felt the angel of death pass them by and knew that it was keeping perpetual watch and they were okay with that. Neighbors began to go out and help neighbors stack the bodies of the dead for cremation for suddenly the dead outnumbered the living. Churches and Synagogues and Mosques were filled to capacity as the people prayed together calling this the End of Days. But in truth it was the beginning, a new beginning. The President put off calling on martial law fearing it would insight more deaths and right then and there they could not afford any more losses, no nation could. So he called for the citizens and the police and the military, what was left of it, to work together to rebuild and fix what so long had been broken. With the fear of war now a memory the nations of the world could truly come together and work as a single people, a single race for in this new future there was no room for division. 

Antwerp: 6:30 p.m.

The Ancient and Radiant Order of the Dragon was assembled en mass. The Nephilim council had not been called into full assembly since the Dark Ages. Black was the color of the day and Ulrich Ahriman looked dire in his demeanor and bitter in his countenance. He addressed the council...

"I don't know how he did it but it is that brat Nikolas Shaw! He murdered my son and now... NOW... THIS!!!"

"Your son did have his mother killed," spoke the venerable T'Sien Fu representing the House of Anu.

"By the Twelve if my son had killed his entire bloodline and pissed on their graves nothing warrants this atrocity that he has wrought!" Ulrich raged.

"It is because of him that we are divided as a people," purred Lady Katya of the House of Ishtar.

"I do not deny my own daughter has become his concubine," spat the Lord of Nanna Sin.

"You see he has us fighting ourselves," Ulrich cried out. "We are a humbled people now. We cannot HUNT else we perish and if we do not FEED we will surely die."

"Well put so what do we do?" Asked Lady Garbielle of the House of Tiamat.

"We offer him a peace," purred the Lady Katya.

"Peace... PEACE!!! There can be no PEACE..." and Lord Ulrich nearly swooned as Aries raced in his system.

"Calm yourself Lord Ulrich," Katya half moaned. "We offer him an out so that we can crucify him before the entire world."

"You mean to tell the public about what he has done with no proof," Ulrich scoffed.

"I never said anything about no proof did I? You should know me better than that old friend. He will give us all the proof we need I assure you."

"And what if you fail," he countered.

"Then we are no worse off than before now are we?"

"I suggest complete and utter surrender," said a voice from the back.

"Who DARES," roared Ulrich his face livid and eyes bright with pain.

"I do," Akira Kusanagi said pulling down her hood of black.

"Akira," her father cried out.

"Hello Father," Akira replied coolly.

"You speak nothing short of treason," Ulrich accused her.

"No, what I speak is the best course of action for our people." She shot back unafraid.

"OUR PEOPLE, who are you to dare use those words when you ally yourself with our most dire foe?" Ulrich screeched.

"I am honor bound to serve the Shaw, and it is out of love and respect for my people that I am here today," Akira replied still calm and cool. "You make yourself ill getting so upset Lord Ulrich."

"He killed my son," Ulrich screamed his hands shaking.

"Your son killed his mother," Akira said raising an eyebrow. "We can throw accusations back and forth or we can come to an understanding."

"Speak daughter of our blood," the Lady Katya purred.

"The Shaw offers a treaty of nonaggression between humans and Nephilim with certain feeding rights that can be negotiated later. He does not want conflict or war believe it or not he wants peace." Akira said with great conviction.




Iron Rain Pt. 16



"What sort of feeding rights Akira," Lady Katya asked with a sly smile.

"Prisoners and the discontent," Akira returned the smile.

"You are talking the dredges of human society," Ulrich accused.

"I do not argue that but they are the ones that can be afforded to be lost," Akira said her smile never diminishing.

"How can we hunt when this illness keeps our rage in check?" A new voice rose and it was none other than Praetor Maximus Agrippa representative of the Twelve.

"I never mentioned 'hunting' I said feeding rights. You can harvest them like cattle."

"Ah so we are to have our fangs pulled then," Maximus grimaced.

"Well it's either that or starvation," Akira said solemnly.

"What about a cure," Ulrich asked.

"There is no cure that's the point," she explained.

"We must wait an entire generation before we have hunters again?" Lady Katya said her voice cracking now.

"No, you do not understand the full capabilities of the virus. It is passed on from generation to generation. This is like the common cold, it will never go away."

The shock that ran through the council was palpable and their hope of a future generation redeeming them was dashed with those simple words 'will never go away'. Succumbing at last to his baser urges Lord Ulrich Ahriman lept from his seat and was dead before his body struck the floor.

"Thus passes the last of the name of Ahriman," Akira murmured sadly and then after a short pause she continued. "How many more must die? You know where to contact me when you have made your decision."

Akira turned around and pulled up her hood and vanished from the eyes of the Nephilim. The gasp of astonishment was a bit on the delightful side the stubborn old farts. It saddened Akira that her father didn't stand with her but it was not a great surprise he was an elder after all. Akira turned to her avatar and smiled. She was many things but risking her life with elders of her race was not one of them. This would keep them off balance long enough for Nick to return and he would forgive her this minor indiscretion he might even praise her for it. He was like that. She hoped his plan for destroying the Great Mother was successful for if he failed a whole new war would erupt and one race might end up extinct at the end of it. Now she anxiously awaited his signal to initiate the next phase of his plan... Operation Icarus.

The Black Pyramid: Near Dusk

Nick Shaw and the Eternal Master had finally arrived at the pyramid and the last light of the day would soon fade behind the horizon. Nick followed behind as they entered the pyramid whose only entrance was guarded by a pair of imposing Jackal headed warriors. The ivory pillars led to a sunken pool that was home to four tiger headed females that managed to combine what was sensual of both races including the tail.

"That must be fun," Nick whispered and the older man was all smiles.

"It is," he said as he stripped down.

"Ummm what are you doing," Nick was stammering as two of the priestesses closed in on him and began to strip him. 

"There is a series of cleansing rituals required to enter the pyramid," he said as they began to bathe him.

"Okay when in Egypt," Nick said with a grin.

All was well until the kimono jacket was removed and the alien gauntlet was revealed. Just like a cat they hissed and pointed at Nick's right arm.

"UNCLEAN," all four roared and the High Priestess appeared armed for battle.

Nick looked to the Eternal Master who slowly shook his head.

"As I have said on so many occasions you never cease to amaze me Nikolas. Ladies you face the future Master of the Isle, show some respect."

Even though they possessed feline features the look of shock was evident.

"MMMMMMMMMMMASTER," purred the High Priestess. "You allow such abomination in your temple?"

"Soon He will be the Eternal Master, things change."

"Yes Master," she said bowing to him and then she looked Nick in the eye and the defiance there just turned him on all the more. "Master please accept my apology."

"NO," Nick said. "I will NOT accept your apology until you actually mean it."

"But," she was fuming now and it wasn't hate exactly but a mixture of shock and embarrassment.

"I will let you bathe me," Nick said. "As a beginning of your apology."

"I am High Priestess," she said stomping her foot.

"Who appointed you to that position," Nick asked.

She looked over at the Eternal Master who was washed and ready for anointing.

"You are impossible," she fumed.

"And you are insolent," Nick met her unwavering gaze. "I think when I become Eternal Master perhaps I shall find someone more compliant to my needs."

Nick looked at the priestess with the snow white fur and deep blue eyes. Suddenly the High Priestess was untying the silk belt around Nick's waist and setting it aside. Then she slowly removed the jacket avoiding touching the gauntlet with some difficulty. Then she untied his kimono pants and let them drop revealing Nick's obvious excitement. She smiled and looked him in the eye again.

"It appears your weapon is at the ready Master, "she purred. "What shall I do about it?"

"If I were the Master here what would you do," he asked.

She looked back at her Master who just shrugged then she turned and without a word dropped to her knees and took Nick in her gentle hands. She rubbed him until his weapon was fully prepared. Then she removed her skirt and turned away from Nick and bent over slowly guiding her slippery slit over his weapon. 

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," she grunted once he was hilted. "Do not move let me do everything."

With a dexterity that surprised him she was rocking back and forth on him driving him deep into her with sharp thrusts of her hips and managing to keep her balance. 

"UNNN UNNNN UNNNN," she was purring now loud enough for anyone to hear.

It took everything for Nick not to grab her by the tail and take over. So he closed his eyes and focused on every thrust of her hips and her tight pussy gripping him with each backward thrust. He could hear her whimpers of pleasure and he knew he was winning her over inch by inch literally. Nick didn't even try to fight his orgasm time was critical today. Soon he felt the first tingling of his climax and it was due to her tight pussy and her talent for squeezing with such perfect timing. 

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM you are growing inside of Master..." she purred. "SOON you will cum inside of me..."

"UNNNNHUH," Nick managed.

"You like me Master," she whispered.

"Yes," he admitted.

"Good," she groaned. "I am glad."

Nick was moments from coming and she felt every bit of his swelling cock within her. She ground her ass against him and used only her pussy muscles now to milk his orgasm from him.

"Give it to me Master... give me your cum..."

"Gladly," Nick moaned. "Oh man... oh man... UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!"

His cry of completion echoed over the cathedral like area and hung in the air for long moments. When he opened his eyes she was looking at him with something akin to lust and admiration.

"I came..." she purred. "No one has made me cum the first time since... I am sorry Master."

"Apology accepted."

Nick was drug into the pool by the other four priestesses and bathed and anointed. He was dressed in a white robe and blessed by the High Priestess herself.

"May the god and the goddess bless you and purify you Master Nikolas. All Hail the Eternal Master!"

"All Hail the Eternal Master!" the others cried out including Moksha Jeherrum Khaine.

"Well done Nickolas take my ring and take my title."

Nick reached out and removed the platinum ring from his hand and slipped it onto his left ring finger that was bare. 

"What do I do about the title of Hidden Master?" Nick asked.

"Whatever you want to, I have held multiple positions in the past when there wasn't a suitable person to fill the role."

"Okay, let's go see the sleeping maiden and end this." Nick said and the smile faded from Khaine's face. "You know it has to happen."

"I know follow me there's a shortcut to the top."

Khaine led him to the open archway and the line of hieroglyphics.

"Watch the sequence carefully," he said as he pressed a series of characters. "Now we think about shifting to the top of the pyramid."

He stepped through the archway and disappeared. Nick stared amazed and then imagined the top of the pyramid and stepped through. It was like stepping through any other doorway but there was a slight disorientating feeling. The room Nick stood in was amazing and awaiting him was Khaine's think tank. 

"Welcome Master Nick," most of them greeted him with.

"The SHAW," sang the voice of the Dreamer of the Deep.

"I know you," Nick said pointing to the hovering cephalopod.

"And I know YOU," it sang its tentacles quivering as it spoke.

"I have some unpleasant business to attend to," Nick began. "Where is she?"

"In the silver sarcophagus beneath the table," Bastet offered.

"Thanks and we will talk later," Nick said.

"I look forward to it," she replied with a smile.

"I will summon aid to move the table..." Khaine began.

"Not necessary," Nick said lifting his right hand and opening his palm.

There was the thrum of power and the one hundred ton table lifted up and below it gleaming untarnished the silver coffin holding the Great Mother. Nick concentrated and kept the table hovering while lifting the sarcophagus up and out within easy striking distance. The table slowly lowered and settled back into place with a slight rumble of stone on stone. There was no subtlety to it Nick ripped the lid off the coffin and was not surprised to find it empty. 

"Open the roof," Nick ordered and Bastet gestured and the top of the pyramid split open to full dark and the caress of the night wind. 

Standing on the edge of the outer wall was the most beautiful woman Nick had ever seen. He could imagine how a young man could be swayed by her appearance. But he had steeled himself against it.

"Please Nick let's not fight," she called to him.

"No... let's!" Nick responded.

"You don't really believe you can defeat me when I am fully healed and under the embrace of Mother Night do you?"

"No that's why I made certain arrangements," he smiled grimly. "Do it!"

Suddenly without any hint or warning the entire island was engulfed in the full light of day.

"Eat Sunlight Bitch!" Nick cried as he lashed out with the full power of the gauntlet holding her immobile and watched her begin to smolder.

"Khaine! Please!" she begged.

"If you move you are my enemy," Nick warned him. "This ends now."

The pain etched on the old man's face was clear but he just watched her skin blacken and her eyes spit smoke and flame now. Khaine motioned for Bastet who tossed Nick a sheathed sword.

"At least kill her quickly Nikolas," he begged.

"I am not without mercy."

Nick crossed the distance as she struggled against the gauntlets formidable power. Her wail of anguish could be heard all over the island. When he was close enough he drew the weapon and took her head all in one smooth motion and her body burst into dust and was gone. Nick sheathed the blade and handed it back.

"Operation Icarus is finished shut it off," Nick called out and the daylight disappeared and the darkness rushed in to take its place. 

"How long did you have this in place?"

"Long enough," Nick said and looked around at the think tank. "Sorry that is the first thing you had to see."

"You did what you had to," Bastet said.

"The SHAW has taken his first step upon his true path." The Dreamer of the Deep sang.

"What does that mean," Nick asked the octopus like avatar.

"You have set into motion the things that were meant to take place."

"Clear as mud," Nick said shaking his head.

"Yeah that's about the best it gets from him/It." Khaine said patting him on the shoulder.

"Show me the doorway thingy again before you go," Nick asked.

"Okay there are a few things about it you need to know..."

Nick and Khaine walked over and the gate system was explained and when he learned there was one on the Numenor it all made sense.

"That's how the fuck he kept showing up unannounced." Nick cursed.

"Yep. Now the network is all yours I am officially retired. If you need advice feel free to drop by just not too often."

"What are all the locations?"

"That I will leave to Bastet she knows them all."

"Okay old man you are relieved," Nick said with a smile.

"You take care of them for me." Khaine whispered.

"I will... now go..." Nick promised with a clap on the back. "Okay Bastet get your feline ass over here."

It didn't take Nick long to figure out how the network worked and how to move across the globe in the blink of an eye. This was going to be fun! He moved to the first floor after an hour long meeting with the think tank and had them work on several problems for him to see how each of their minds worked. On the first floor he approached the Obelisk and looked at it and saw the alien letters with his new understanding and walked around it deciphering the important glyphs and walked away with a greater wisdom of how the part help make up the whole. After meditating in front of the pool he felt more than heard the High Priestess approach and kneel beside him.

"You humbled me before the others," she whispered.

"I would say that I was sorry but it would be a lie," Nick told her.

"No Master I have for too long been arrogant in my standing among the others it was good for me... thank you. If you wish to replace me with White Fur Blue Eyes it is your right."

"Is that her name?"

"It is what we call her," she explained.

"What do they call you?"

"I am the High One..."

"No I mean before you were chosen to lead."

"Oh, I was Fire Heart Sharp Tongue Master."

"Now that is fitting," he said with a smile. "Are you an avatar Fire Heart?"

"I do not understand what you mean."

"Are you a crystal guardian?"

"Oh... no Master I am flesh and blood."

Nick's eyes snapped open and he looked at her again and saw her feral beauty in a whole new light. He reached up and cupped the side of her face and she leaned into his touch. 

"So beautiful," he moaned.

"Master is kind for one as old as I," she purred.

"What is the name of your people Fire Heart?"

"We call ourselves Osirins after the eldest tribe among us."

"How long do you live on average?"

"If sickness or injury do not impair us... perhaps five hundred years."

"Wow," he exclaimed. "You don't look a day over fifty."

"Now you are mocking me I am almost four hundred and thirty. Soon another will take my place as High One."

"Perhaps," Nick said and then looked at the Obelisk. "Stand up."

Nick got to his feet and took the sacred chalice and filled it with the water from the pool. He drank half of it and offered her the other half.

"Oh no Master it is not permitted."

"Will it harm you in some way?"

"No, but only the Master drinks from the sacred pool; it has always been so."

"It appears that a lot is going to change around here. I order you to drink Fire Heart. I want my High One in peak physical and spiritual condition if she is to serve me properly."

"Master does me the highest honor," she said and tipped the cup to her lips and drank deep until the cup was empty. "MMMMMMMMMMMMMM wonderful."

"You haven't seen wonderful sweetness," Nick smiled and whispered in her ear.

"Master! You have very naughty thoughts and yes tail pulling is allowed now that you are in charge."

That was all that Nick wanted to hear.



Iron Rain Pt. 17



Since there is a desire for the story to continue i am going to keep writing starting with the aftermath of Project Aries and the rebuilding process. 

As always please vote and comment and suggestions are always welcome.

I hope you enjoy this installment.



Cities on Flame:

October 10: Oslo Norway

Glittering like a fiery diamond the Radisson Blu looms over the city of Oslo as the multiple fires burn into the night. On the roof of the modern hotel two men stand and watch the conflagration one is smiling the other bitter that he is playing errand boy for the former.

"Really Fen why such a sour expression on your handsome features," Loki asked.

"Father I am a great warrior and here we are lugging these things up to the roof for what?" Fen glared at his father's back.

"Because dear boy if you were to leap into the melee you would perish before your first blow fell. This wonderfully devious virus affects both mortal and immortal alike."

"If that is so there can be no Ragnarok the prophecy is made invalid." Fen fumed at his inability to lash out.

"No my son there will be a reckoning but it is simply delayed. We will use this to our advantage and be thankful for this offering to our cause." Loki smiled as he took up his instrument. "Is the amp plugged in and the speaker?"

"All is prepared but why?"

"Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Give your dear old dad the chance to play while Oslo blazes!" Loki said priming the electric guitar for his solo while the ancient city was cremated for out of the ashes a black phoenix would rise!

The music rose and filled the air combining with the crackling sound of the fires and the wail of the sirens of the many emergency vehicles. The symphony of destruction was taken up by the injured and the dying as Loki played on. The melody called for anger and battle and murder of the innocent. If people were going to perish the champion of chaos would push the body count so that heaven itself would weep. 

International Space Station:

High above the world in the untainted atmosphere of the International Space Station the astronauts gazed down and where once the electric lights showed the vast population centers of the earth's cities now it was the flickering flames of uncounted fires set or caused by the unchecked destruction inspired by Project Aries. Their tears floated free in the weightless environment and they held each other not knowing what would become of them. 

"Who would do this," the young air force pilot whispered to no one in particular.

"I think you are asking the wrong question who could do this," the Russian cosmonaut corrected him. "This is way passed a simple terrorist threat this is a global apocalypse."

"So what do we do," the German engineer and winner of a prestigious scholarship that had led to his appointment to the space station. 

"We do our jobs and survive. They haven't forgotten about us someone will come for us." The Russian assured everyone.

"The worst is over with I hear," a young American said. "The internet says that rebuilding has already begun."

"Don't trust everything you read but hope is a good thing." The commander of the mission said patting him on the back.

"So many fires it's like the world is burning," the engineer said softly.

Moscow Russia:

Sebastian Shaw stood staring up at the gated building and pressed the intercom button. There was a loud buzz and a creaking sound of metal on metal as the gate swung inward. He stepped into the courtyard and was escorted to the front door by armed guards. He didn't fear them with the virus at its height they had more to fear from him than the other way around. The mansion had seen better days but compared to the rest of the city it was a sparkling oasis in the sea of shit. He was led to what had been a billiard room but now it doubled as an office and meeting room for Ivan Petranov the bastard son of the former leader of the Iron Rain. 

"You have very large balls coming in here Mr. Silver Twilight," Ivan said his English was passable.

"I had nothing to do with what happened to the Iron Rain," Sebastian Shaw said calmly to the young man of sixteen.

"I know I still have eyes and ears in your organization but then that is why you are here is it not?"

"There are opportunities," Sebastian said smoothly. "Chaos breeds change and change is good for business."

"So tell me of this opportunity," the young man turned and he looked far older than his sixteen years. Life on the streets of Moscow had hardened him and sharpened his survival skills to a razor's edge.

"The Order even as weakened as it is, is everywhere and many are hungry to redistribute the power base if you get my meaning."

"I understand and you need my help to restructure your Silver Twilight?"

"Exactly," the serpentine smile on the elder Shaw's face bordered on the demonic.

"What about the Three," Ivan asked.

"We find them and we kill them starting with the Grandmaster," Sebastian said with a voice so cold it made the younger man shiver.

"That has been tried old man," Ivan countered. "And with the virus how do you plan on killing anyone without perishing yourself?"

"There are means of killing that don't involve pulling a trigger."

"Go on," Ivan said leaning closer.

The Black Pyramid:

Nick sat in the very top chamber of the pyramid and looked at the empty seats of the council chamber and let out a breath to try and relieve the ever present stress. Even the necklace Augustus had given him wasn't quite up to the challenge of keeping his Chi perfectly clean. He looked over at Jesse's pyramid moved from the Numenor to a place of honor at the center of the great table. The he glanced down at the two artifacts he had taken from the lost city, the scepter and Abraxxa's crystal and wondered at their apparent loyalty. Nick had to admit to himself that the security he felt when he wore the scepter in its myriad shapes from gauntlet, to arm band, torc and even facsimile of his watch. The power it granted gave him a sense of control over the chaos that his life had become. 

'Master,' whispered the scepter. 'I have a new form to try if you'd like.'

"What's that," Nick asked curious as to what shape it could take.

'I can mimic a tattoo quite easily and change on a whim as it suits you.'

"I have just the thing," he said extending his hand and the scepter took on an almost liquid form and slither up his arm and onto his back.

As Nick admired his new tattoo the small pyramid flared to life and Jesse appeared suddenly.

"Hello Nick," he greeted him. "Nice tattoo."

"Thanks what brings you away from your crystal paradise?"

"Osirins," Jesse said.

"I don't understand Jesse what about Osirins?"

"What are they like?"

"They are like people if that's what you mean except a bit more passionate in their mood swings."

"I have read up all about them but I guess I am curious how the written record compares to the real thing."

"Well the males are built like line backers averaging six foot four and taller and the females are tall too some as tall as six foot. They are all athletically built and very physically fit possessing strength, agility and stamina that I guess I would call superhuman. But it's the animal traits that are the most interesting. It's like looking at the Egyptian gods walking on the earth with their bestial heads and characteristics."

"Have you made friends with any of the girls yet?" this was Jesse's nice way of asking if I had slept with a female Osirin yet.

"Yes there is one. She's a Bast or cat headed priestess who has a very wild side when aroused."

"So they do go by their progenitor's names then?" Jesse asked.

"Yes the Anubis has the jackal head, the Bast a cat's, the Horu-tet a falcon's and so on."

"Have you met any of the Others yet?"

"No but Fire Heart, the Bast, has told me about some of them. I would like to meet a Shifter they sound very interesting. They can literally take any shape human, animal and even inorganic."

"How do you know that one hasn't already hidden among your crew?" Jesse asked eyes bright with curiosity.

"Whoa I hadn't even thought about that! Maybe one has and I don't even know it."

"I'll see what I can find out and I'll get back to you."

"Thanks and Jesse it was good to see you." Nick said feeling much relieved after speaking with his friend.

"It is good to see you too Nick."

"I need some fresh air."

Nick stood outside and stared out from the edge of the bluff that overlooked the island. The Numenor was now anchored near the dock of the center ring of water and his crew was carefully exploring the city. The shadowcat that had befriended Nick was rubbing against his thigh as if it were a domestic kitten instead of the apex predator of the island. He absently scratched behind her ears and the purr that resulted was loud and comforting. 

"What do I do now... I just realized you need a name," Nick said and the massive head of the cat looked up and coughed.

"Her name is Night Wind," Fire Heart said from behind him.

Nick turned and smiled seeing the High Priestess moving to stand behind him. Her slender arms moved around his waist and her bare breasts pressed hard against his naked skin.

"You speak shadowcat," Nick mused.

"Among other things," she purred. "Your connection to Night Wind is seen as a good omen by the others."

"The Bast you mean."

"Yes. The Anubis and the others are not sure about you yet," she admitted.

"What can I do to change their minds?" Nick asked seeking her wisdom.

"Trial by combat but seeing as all the sentients are infected by your virus perhaps a wrestling match would be suitable."

"Umm the shortest one is well over six foot and built like a freaking tank," he said.

"That is true but perhaps you could impress them in another way," she said with a smile.

"What are you suggesting?"

"A test of stamina," her feral grin lit her eyes with a very animalistic gleam. "It is how the former Master proved his worth."

"Do I want to ask," Nick said with a cautious air just before she leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "OH... oh... well if I lose it won't be for lack of trying or enthusiasm."

"I knew you were a dog deep down inside," she purred.

The Numenor:

Akira Kusanagi coordinated the exploration of the island and so far there were some very interesting results she was eager for Nick's return so she could inform him of their discoveries. But he was still spending most of his time in the Black Pyramid consolidating his title as Eternal Master. It had been three days since Project Aries had been unleashed and the reports she had received via drone were nothing short of cataclysmic but all people of great import including family members were all safe and accounted for. The U.S. Government was trying to reach Nick but he had more important things to do. Operation Damocles was being finished and set into motion in five days time. Once that had been initiated then and only then would Nick leave the island and make his presence known. But Nick had made some serious decisions in the restructuring of the Order since Aries and the proof sat on her ring finger. He had chosen her to take up the title of Hidden Master under the condition she would still report to him. As if she would do anything else. She had to choose a new Majestrix to rule over the Sisterhood but until then she would perform double duty. Akira was pondering elevating Sora to that lofty position but that would complicate things between her and Kat. The only other candidate that she knew very well was Marie Dubois. Perhaps she should delegate a few tasks and see how she handled them.

"Send for Marie and tell her to meet me in the command center," Akira said to her bodyguard.

One of the larger bedroom suites had been converted for the purposes of a communication / command center. There were two avatars active and monitoring drones all over the world. The world was going to hell but surprisingly humanity was adapting faster than anticipated. It would be a few years and things would be turning the corner for what Nick believed to be a brighter future. Akira made her way to meet with Marie and hoped she was making the right decision. 

The command center looked more like something out of a military bunker than something on a luxury yacht. There were holographic smart boards hovering in midair and Surfer was taking his shift as the nexus for coordinating avatar interface. Each and every avatar that Nick had handed out or sold via tablet computer or via military contracts reported to the Numenor at least once a day. Most of the information shared was simply death tolls or the shifting of resources to deal with the crisis. Surfer turned and greeted the Lady Akira.

"Everything is proceeding as expected and the holographic virus has done its work seeking out the worst of society and eliminating it."

"What is the estimated body count at this time," Akira asked.

"Four point five billion and leveling off," he said with a pained look in his eye.

"How long until complete avatar interface is achieved?"

"We shall reach one hundred percent in approximately two hours."

"That is far ahead of expected timeline," She remarked.

"Master Nick allowed the theft of several shipments of crystal motherboards last month in the hopes that would speed up interface." Surfer explained.

"That man is always ahead of the game," Akira said with a smile.

"However I have some troubling news Lady Akira and it involves Master Nick's father."

"Oh, should I summon Nick?"

"Perhaps I should tell you first it is a matter of Order security and it involves the Iron Rain," Surfer said with a frown.

"No..." her head dropped and she sat down hard. "...tell me Surfer and don't spare the details."

Marie Dubois arrived at the command center and found a steely eyed Lady Akira who turned and it looked to her that the Majestrix had been crying.

"I have a black ops mission for you," Akira said all emotion stripped from her voice. "No one besides you and I will ever know what happened understand?"

"Yes Majestrix!" Marie said and took the manila folder and opened it. "There must be a mistake this is..."

"There is no mistake. Read and memorize the file right now then I will destroy it."

The young Cajun girl read the file and she was biting her lip and all the color ran from her face after she was finished.

"I will go to the armory and take one of the new Shuriken Rifles and make it as painless as possible. What of the other traitors?"

"They will be dealt with."

"Yes Majestrix I will leave immediately."

"Nick I am so sorry," Akira muttered after Marie had left and the tears flowed anew.

Temple of the Sun:

His name is Anu and he is the eldest of the Twelve. His temple lies covered in undergrowth long forgotten by his children and mortal worshippers alike. He greets every dawn atop the roof of his ziggurat before he goes and hunts in the surrounding jungle. Anu is unaware of the happenings in the outer world and cares even less. His world for the last thousands of years has been this calm oasis of tree, root and river. But it to his temple that his children seek him out for there are few save his loyal Praetor Tammuz who knows where he dwells.

"Father Sun your child seeks your wisdom," Tammuz calls up through the vines and thick limbs for permission to approach the Eldest.

"Tammuz old friend come to me and tell what transpires in the outer world," Anu calls down.

"I cannot my Lord for if I do I might contaminate you with the very thing that threatens your children."

"Speak plainly my Praetor," Anu says annoyed.

"Someone has spread a plague that infects mortal and immortal alike. Any act of aggression is fatal to the infected. Your children cannot hunt."

"Why have you come to me then Tammuz?"

"Your children are without leadership and our only course of action is to form a pact that would allow us feeding rights among the human cattle."

"Will my children survive with these feeding rights?" Anu asked.

"Well yes but..." Tammuz tried to seek another option.

"...but nothing Tammuz agree to the accord and come here nevermore."

"Yes father," he said and he left the Eldest a far more troubled man than the former god he once was. 

"It is as I dreamed," Anu whispered to himself. "Our time is coming to an end and a return to the old days is thrust upon us. Damn you mother!"

Antwerp Belgium: 

Marie Dubois armed and dressed for her mission arrived at the portal in the lower decks of the Numenor and she was one of six who were trained in its use. According to her mission specs Sebastian Shaw was in flight and heading for the Antwerp Lodge House and there she would be waiting for him. She turned the corner and there were five other Silent Shadows dressed identically to her awaiting her arrival.

"What is the meaning of this," Marie asked.

"We are at your disposal for the assignment in Antwerp," Said one of the masked Sisters.

"I was not informed of this," Marie stated even as the one who spoke handed her a tablet with the mission specs. "We are to eliminate Antwerp House then... very well. His will be done!"

"His will be done!" the other five sounded off.

Marie activated the portal system and set the destination for Antwerp and the six women stepped through from the Numenor to the other side of the world and silently noted the portal's location on this side of things. Having memorized the layout of the building they broke up into three two women teams. Silencers were not required for there was no quieting a hypersonic round once it broke the sound barrier. So to keep things under control they coordinated their attacks by timing. One team would take out the main power once the last of the traitors had arrived and then they would unleash hell.

Council Chambers: Castle Eisermann

It had been seventy one years since a full council had been assembled and then it was a matter of world war. Representatives from the Old Ones and the various races of the Others sat around the great table and awaited the arrival of the head of the council Augustus Eisermann. Celeste sat next to the empty seat at the head of the table and wondered what was taking her father so long to arrive. There were soft murmurs around the table as the various representatives discussed the aftermath of the virus. Finally a full hour late Augustus appeared and looked haggard and as if he hadn't slept in many nights. Everyone stood and when he nodded they all sat as one.

"It is obvious to all the shocking events that have taken place and we all know who is responsible. The matter before this council is what do we do now?"

Thorn, the zeitgeist rose to her feet and addressed those assembled.

"The Old Ones have met and decided to let the matter stand and support the Shaw in the reopening of the School of the Isle." Her voice was level clear and without emotion.

"Reopening, but how can that be there was a certain stipulation before the school could be or would be sanctioned. Has he done as was decreed? Has the Dark Mother been slain?" asked the Nephilim representative.

"Yes, the Shaw used Forbidden technology to hold her in place while satellites overhead beamed down reflected sunlight upon the entire island. Then he took her head." Thorn said as dispassionately as if she were reading a grocery list.

"You said Forbidden Technology, how can the Old Ones side with him then?" the Osirin delegate asked. "If he is tainted then how can they allow this to happen?"

"He is not tainted," Thorn said. "He has managed to master the device somehow. It serves him willingly and before you ask, no we don't know how he managed it."

"Augustus it is rumored that the Shaw has claimed and moved the Iram Stone is this true?" Stomper asked his face a mask of concern.




Iron Rain Pt. 17



"Yes it is true and he has also claimed Abraxxa as his own as well," Augustus said just loud enough to be heard.

There were murmurs and then the volume slowly rose until everyone was shouting.

"SILENCE," it was Celeste who shouted above the others and things went back to normal. "Please control yourselves."

"Lady Celeste do you know what danger that, that thing represents," the Osirin asked his hawk bright eyes blazing.

"Yes my father has told me all and I believe the Shaw will bend her to his cause just as he does everyone else he meets. I don't feel she represents a real and present danger."

"Truly you do not see a servant of the Titans a threat," it was Stomper of all people who questioned her judgment.

"I never said that, what I said was this... under Nick's influence she poses no danger."

"You have great faith in the Shaw," the Shifter delegate spoke for the first time. "Why is that?"

"I think I can best answer that," Augustus spoke now. "He found the Atlantean Stone."

There was another murmur in the crowd but this time it was quieter and many were nodding.

"Was that not destined for your daughter Augustus?" the Shifter asked.

"The stone was meant for whoever it called to and found it. Nick wasn't even aware of its existence and still he heard its song."

"Still Augustus he is an unknown factor and is dangerous," Quinn took to his feet and looked at his old friend.

"Each of us is a danger but you should understand something about the Shaw. He acts not for his best interests his main concern is for the majority and the real danger that was posed by the Nephilim traditionalists."

"It is true that if something wasn't done things would have gone ill for the human population. But this thing he has done is monstrous!" the Nephilim delegate declared.

"Do we call a natural disaster monstrous? How many more years could the world take the steady progression of the human animal? What was done was necessary if you can't see that you are blinding yourself." Celeste said locking eyes with each and every delegate. "You are upset because you were not spared infection."

There was an uncomfortable silence as the truth set in. It was true the non-human races were upset that they had been lumped in with the mass of human animals that were spreading like a virus themselves. It wasn't the untold dead among mankind it was the fact that the infection had not spared those who should have been left out of the equation. But without including the Nephilim the use of the virus would have been a moot point. It had to infect human and non-human alike and so they must be humble and accept that they were tied to a race so different than their own. 

"You are correct," admitted the Osirin. "We must accept the fact that the Shaw had no choice but include all sentient life in his equation."

"We do not like it but we will support the Shaw in his endeavors and help steer humanity into a new golden age,' the Shifter stated.

"We will accept the Shaw's offer of feeding rights even if our brother's do not," the Nephilim added.

"Excellent," Augustus smiled his fatigued seemed to have been worth the effort. "Now let us adjourn for now and speak with our respective people and reconvene tomorrow."

Arkham Massachusetts

Kat slipped on the protective biohazard suit and finished dressing doing her mental mantra to clear her mind of any emotion. This was day two of being on body removal duty. She checked her suit and then stepped onto the back end of the garbage truck and held on. Lou had his turn driving today and just like before the virus the garbage was picked up. The only difference is that this service was all about retrieving the dead and rotting corpses wherever they lay so that the risk of other diseases could be removed and the rebuilding process could begin. Looting had been a huge issue at first but when the government issued martial law late yesterday and non-lethal means were issued to troops some semblance of order had at last been restored. Kat hated what she was doing but what really bothered her is that she knew who was responsible and she couldn't say a damn thing. Nick had warned her and a few select others and it was Kat's own decision not to return to the Numenor and ride it out away from the impact. She had grown up in Arkham and wanted to help restore the city that had sheltered her and her mom from certain death at the hands of the Iron Rain. So now the young woman who had so easy a lifestyle was doing something that really mattered and it was killing her one day at a time. She didn't blame Nick he had made the hard decision and had to live with all the lives Project Aries destroyed but he was also the architect of a world reborn from such desolation. And oh what plans he had! It was that hope that drove Kat now, the hope for not just a better tomorrow but all the tomorrows that followed.

Washington D.C.

There in the safety of the bunker the President sat in the 'oval office' staring at the hologram of the Eternal Master in all his glory! They were discussing the rebuilding of the Order as well as the entire world.

"But without the threat of war what will we use to control the masses?" the President asked.

"We will use a much better carrot for our stick... hope. Even as we speak I am initiating Operation Damocles that will being the selection progress for the best and the brightest to be educated and sent back as leaders, artists and symbols for the masses."

"Brilliant Master and how can I be of help?"

"You will be my eyes and hands and most especially my mouth to the entire world. Does that please you Mr. President?"

"Of course," he replied wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Good, the first order of business is forming a governing board," Nick said.

"Governing board... for what?"

"Why for running the planet Mr. President. Every nation on earth will get equal representation and with the aid of our corporate assets we will rebuild a world your grandchildren will be proud to live in."

"And you will pick everyone on the board?"

"Of course, we can't have things going to hell from the start with a random selection now can we?"

"Excellent," the President said with a brilliant smile.

"Now go and lobby with the other world leaders and get the ball rolling."

"Yes Sir and thank you Sir!"

The Black Pyramid:

Night had fallen over the island and Nick was once more aboard the Numenor but his two new friends had tagged along namely the Couatl and Night Wind the Shadowcat. Akira found the winged serpent cute and relatively harmless but the rather large and territorial black leopard was another matter entirely. So while Nick soaked in the hot tub the cat lay nearby his silent protector.

"Kouryou," Akira began and found the cat eyeing her in an almost intelligent way. "Your new companions are causing a bit of a stir with the crew."

"Do you want me to send them away," Nick asked.

"Just the cat," she freely admitted.

"She makes you nervous?"

"Yes she does," Akira found the Shadowcat a threat to her personal security.

"Okay, but she likes you just so you know," Nick added as he made eye contact with the massive feline and with a noticeable nod she rose to her feet and with a leap she spread her wings and silently disappeared into the night.

"How the hell did you do that," Akira asked not a little amazed.

"I have discovered through some research that Shadowcats are low level empaths and can read emotions. That's why they are such good hunters. They inspire fear and can sense their prey that way."

"So you just thought piss off and she did it," Akira asked.

"No I expressed my desire to be alone with you and she felt that and gave us some alone time," he said crooking his finger towards her. "I am sorry I have been so busy but how about a play date?"

"Play date Kouryou," she said stripping down slowly as he watched.

She turned away from him and bent over at the waist and slowly tugged down her shorts while he watched. As she stepped out of them and turned around Nick was nowhere to be seen.

"Kouryou?" she called out and then suddenly something long... thick... and hard was sliding into her from behind. "MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM KOURYOU..."

She felt his strong hands settle onto her hips and his iron hard cock began pounding her tight little pussy from behind. Akira looked over her shoulder but there was no one visible but his cock felt real enough. 

"Fuck me Kouryou... drive that fat cock of yours into me!"

The wet slapping sound got louder now and her pleasure was growing by the second. 

"Getting close lover... are you going to make me come?"

His answer was to lift her by her hips and start fucking her standing up. He lifted and dropped her body liked she weighed little or nothing. 

"OH MY GOD..." she cried out as her own body weight drove his cock deep into her wet slit.

Then as her body fell he thrust his hips upward spearing her deep and hard and her orgasm came crashing down in wave after wave and soon Akira was in the full grip of sensory overload. Her body shook uncontrollably and still his cock hammered her pussy mercilessly.

"All you have to do is say the word," his voice was a mere whisper compared to her cries of ecstasy. 

"NO I WANT IT ALL!!!" she screamed and he gave it to her willingly and eagerly.

He walked to the nearest wall and lowered her until her feet touched the deck and then pressed her tits against the cold wall. Then he yanked her hips backward until her back was parallel with the floor and then hammered her pussy harder than ever.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Kouryou... take your pleasure from me!!!!" She screamed.

Unseen fingers slipped into her hair and made a brutal fist and drew her head up and back and she felt his teeth on her neck. Nick's teeth bit down hard and her body reacted instantly as her pussy squeezed his cock hard as she came again.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN my pain is your pleasure Master!!!!" she howled.

Even as her skin broke and her blood flowed she thrust her hips backward impaling herself on his hard flesh. Akira's canines slid down into their feeding position and when he yanked his cock out of her and spun her around and threw her back first into the wall she lunged and her teeth found their mark in her lover's throat. Her teeth sunk easily into his bared neck and his sweet blood flowed down her throat in deep swallows. Suddenly Nick was naked before her his eyes rolling up and she fought for control and lowered him to the deck gently. A pale smile was on his face as she drew him into her arms and rocked him and whispered to him.

"Kouryou I am so sorry," she said as she cried tears of blood.

"Why are you apologizing Akira?" he asked.

"What," she said seeing his neck wound heal before her eyes.

"Sweetness you can't hurt me," Nick moaned. "I wanted to feed you as a gift."

"I was afraid I had gone too far."

"Never beloved," he said smiling up at her. "There is something I have to do to earn the trust of the Osirins and it may take a few days or longer. I need you to begin Operation Damocles without me. I know you can do it."

"Why are you telling me this now," she asked.

"Because I may have to leave directly from this ritual they have planned. It involved the Dark Mother."

"But Kouryou she is dead... isn't she? Kouryou tell me that vicious bitch is no more."

"I am not one hundred percent sure," Nick admitted. "I used a weapon provided by Khaine. I fear when I 'took' her head that the weapon might have spirited her away instead."

"You are going to hunt for her then?"

"No, I had Surfer monitor any anomalies picked up by any satellites and there are a few that need checking out that coincide with that timeline. I just want to be sure."

"I will take care of Damocles for you."

"I know you will do your best use whatever resources you feel are necessary."

"Yes Master," Akira said and cupped his chin in her hand. "You haven't cum yet."

"MMMMMMMMMM you noticed that... maybe you can put those lovely tits of yours to good use."

"Yes Master..."

Antwerp Belgium:

The six Silent Shadows were in position when the limo arrived and Sebastian Shaw stepped out along with his three bodyguards. They were greeted by the other traitors who just happened to be the same men that met aboard the Numenor just two weeks ago. They had plans for the younger Shaw and they wanted their own Grandmaster in power before Nick was officially installed as a full master. They all gathered in the dining room where servants served them a fine meal and the best wine. The world was going to hell and here were men who were plotting treason against the Three sat eating and drinking like kings. Marie waited until they had discussed their plans and there was ample evidence of their treachery before she took Nick's father's life. 

"I want Nick to become Grandmaster," Sebastian Shaw said to his fellow conspirators.

"Why," the Senator asked. "Why not one of us?"

"It will appear more of a selfless act if he is placed in that position. Besides he will be malleable pawn don't you think?"

"Well that is the question now isn't it?" The Governor of Florida asked.

"Do we have a better candidate," the Senator from Texas asked looking around the table. "We need someone young and impressionable. Who better than a loyal son? Besides with Nick's assets he will be key to the rebuilding process."

There were murmurs around the table but the logic seemed sound to a majority.

"Excellent," Sebastian said. "Now what is the situation with the bomb?"

"It is already in place, the Grandmaster will be dead before dawn," replied the head of the NSA.

"Wonderful so now we just sit and wait," the Governor from Nebraska said.

Marie Dubois signed to one of the Sisters to stay put and do not act unless they try to leave. Marie raced silently to the archway and keyed the opening sequence and stepped from Antwerp to Hokkaido Japan. The portal was located directly behind the dais in the main audience chamber. She began to search the immediate area but found nothing. Then it became a room by room search for the monastery. But Marie focused on areas where the Grandmaster would sure to be. Suddenly she realized that she had crossed time lines and dawn would come here hours earlier than Antwerp she was running out of time! She went directly to the bedroom designated for the Grandmaster and found him sleeping soundly. Marie looked around the room and saw nothing then she looked up and saw the device attached to the ceiling that would explode downward killing him instantly! She reached into her pouch and slipped on her nekode or climbing claws for her hands and feet. Marie winced when she dug the sharpened metal into the gorgeous wood but she had no choice. Swiftly and silently she went and was soon navigating the ceiling in an arm over arm motion. When she was close enough she rocked her torso and using her feet she snatched the device from where it was seated and dropped and rolled coming up with the bomb in her hands. Marie raced away leaving only a fading memory of her presence. She prayed she could pass through the portal and turn the table on the traitors. Marie managed to reach the audience chamber and even as she keyed in the activation sequence a soft voice called out to her.

"Thank you," said the Grandmaster.

But the Sisterhood does not require thanks the performance of duty is all that matters. Marie stepped through to Antwerp and already had a new location picked out for her gift. She slipped swiftly into the servant's quarters and changed then raced to the kitchen for a silver platter and a cover. With a single gesture she signaled for the Sisters to fall back to the portal as she delivered the dessert. 

Marie Dubois sauntered into the conference room her arm laden with its lethal surprise. She nonchalantly set it in the exact center of the table and endured the ass slapping and grabbing before she turned to leave.

"Now don't eat your dessert before you finish your dinner Sugah," she said to Sebastian Shaw.

Once she was out of sight she raced as fast as she could to the portal and keyed in the activation sequence and they were through safely back to the Numenor. Marie's second in command handed her the long gun she had left when she retrieved the bomb.

"Thanks," Marie said with a gentle slap on her Sister's shoulder.

"How long before the bomb goes off?" her second asked.

"What bomb?" Marie said.

"Understood this never happened we weren't there," the Sister's took up the mantra.

"Get back in civies and go back to your duties," Marie ordered and went to find the Lady Akira.

She found her half naked laying in the sun her skin glistening with suntan lotion. Marie Dubois knelt and informed her that they had returned. 

"So how was your little jaunt," Akira asked casually.

"It was educational," Marie replied.

"How so," the Japanese woman asked even as Surfer appeared appearing very unsettled. "Umm what is it Surfer?"

"I have recorded an explosion at the Antwerp Lodge and there appears to be casualties."

"Any survivors Surfer," Akira asked.

"I am afraid not Lady," he seemed genuinely distraught. "But there's something you need to know. Master Nick's father was among those killed Mistress... shall I?"

"No Surfer I will take care of it thank you. Return to your station and keep monitoring the situation and if anything changes inform me immediately."

"Yes Lady," he said and vanished.

"An explosion in Antwerp," Akira said.

"I heard it could have been Hokkaido," Marie replied and watches the Lady's eyes widen.

"I am glad that didn't happen," she said eyes narrowing. "You'd think people would learn from their mistakes."

"Yes you'd think."

"Someone needs to go to Hokkaido and check security," Akira said locking eyes with the other woman. "I expect you'll be gone for a while."

"Yes but I'd hate to go alone."

"MMMMMMMMMM yes why don't you take a friend or two."

"Would you like me to bring you anything when I return?"

"A shrunken head or two," Akira said her voice so cold Marie actually shivered.

"Ta Ta for now," Marie said standing and gesturing to two of the nearest Sisters and the trio was packing for a visit to Hokkaido with a bit of time spent in the armory.

Nick arrived at the appointed hour and there were two figures waiting for him at the entrance to the Black Pyramid. The first was the familiar Fire Heart and the other was the largest specimen of male Anubis he had ever seen. Without a word being uttered the trio went into the pyramid and down an unfamiliar passage that led to the lower levels of the structure. Nick looked around at the opulent rooms that held the various branches of the Osirin race. Fire Heart guided them to a large square chamber that was unfurnished and free of hieroglyphs. 

"It is from here you will make your decision," she said. "There are eight rooms you may choose from and within are females from each of the tribes of Osiris. Your challenge is to satisfy as many of the females as you can the one who finishes first or can no longer continue loses."

"Seems straightforward enough," Nick admitted.

"Master since you are the challenged you may pick first," Fire Heart said with a wicked smile.

Nick walked to the first room and found eight feline Basts in this room. The next room contained six female Anubis, then five hawk headed Horu-tet and so on until he spied a room that was set off from the others and contained a single woman of inhuman beauty. But Fire Heart touched his arm and shook her head.

"She is not for you Master," she said solemnly.

"Why not," Nick asked unable to look away from the sublime form before him.

"She is unique and it is her right to choose her lovers," she explained.

"Has she ever chosen anyone?"




Iron Rain Pt. 17



"No."

The woman lifted her head and looked at Nick and the deep violet eyes widened and she nodded. Fire Heart stepped back and returned to the male Anubis and left Nick on his own. Nick entered the room and she patted a spot next to her on the pillows that served as her bed. He dropped down and they said nothing for a long time each taking the measure of the other. She was tall and willowy of build but curvaceous in all the right places. Her long silvery white hair fell to her calves and was intricately woven in a braid. Her face was heart shaped and her high cheekbones and elegant nose gave her the impression of a bird of prey. She had full kissable lips and a long neck that also was made for kissing. She was wearing a shimmering metallic dress that was woven in a feather-like design adding to his guess of some sort of avian race. Nick reached up and cupped the side of her face and she leaned into his touch. Her ethereal quality was breathtaking and he wanted nothing more than to please her in all ways. He opened his mouth to speak but she placed a single finger to his lips and he nodded. Nick captured her finger and slowly sucked on it sending a shiver through her. Eyes bright with lust she nibbled on the palm of his hand as they grew to know each other a little better. She took his hand in hers now and kissed the palm of his hand and then his wrist then her tongue began to tease a sensitive spot just below his wrist. Nick reciprocated and took her hand and found that sweet spot on her wrist and kissed and teased it. Unable to resist her scent he leaned close and kissed her neck lightly and heard her moan as she extended her neck for him and he planted a line of butterfly kissed until his lips met hers. 

Fire Heart and the tall Anubis warrior sat in the central chamber waiting and listening. It was Fire Heart who broke the uncomfortable silence.

"Do you think he will survive?"

"It is all my fault," the Anubis said his eyes welling up with tears.

"What do you mean," she asked.

"It was I who pushed the others to demand proof of the Shaw's right to rule. But we were all well aware of his gentle soul and his wisdom. It was my pride that forced this situation."

"Well it is too late now you can apologize if he survives."

Nick pulled her into his arms and felt her naked form mold to his. There was something about her that was so damn intoxicating! Was it her scent? Was it the caress of her flawless skin? Maybe it was those eyes the color of amethyst that screamed to be lost in? But it was her lips and the passion they kindled within him that was pulling him into the hungry spiral of desire. Nick's hands settled onto her hips and slowly lifted her and brought her into that sensuous alignment that would raise their intimacy to the final level. He slowly lowered her and felt her lips part around him and as she moaned louder into his mouth he pierced her to the core. He looked into her eyes and saw the surprise and ever deepening ecstasy. Nick broke their kiss and pulled her closer still.

"Am I your first," Nick whispered in her ear.

"Yes," she moaned. "After all these long years I know what true intimacy is."

"Long years..." he muttered. "How old are you beloved?"

"You know it's not proper to ask a woman her age," she purred. "Shall I show you the intimacy that only I can give beloved?"

"It only seems fair," he said smiling.

"So handsome... so very young..." she moaned as she began to ride him and when they locked eyes next he felt what no mortal is meant to share.

The walls between them fell away and where there were once two individual minds, bodies and souls there blazed a single coalesced flame. His life passed before him and it was a mere heartbeat as her life passed before his eyes. Nick perceived the universe as she did and the interconnectedness of all things. He saw the dancing subatomic particles and the spinning galaxies and there was balance. All things pass from the may fly to the stars in heaven. The heavy guilt he had been carrying over Project Aries was like smoke in the wind. 

"Nikolas," her thoughts touched his. "You are a force of nature and you must accept that every decision you have made, are making and will make are above such simple things as morality and emotion. What you do is for the future that will be brighter and in balance."

His thoughts were confusion and doubt for he could not see the future it was only hope that had guided his hand.

"Beloved let me give you a glimpse of your plan taken shape and form," her voice reached his ears now. "Behold!"

His world exploded with light and sound and he was standing on the island but it was changed drastically and the jungle was much reduced and the buildings oh how they shined in the sunlight! There were people milling about and his dream of the resurrected school had been fully realized. These were his legacy and it looked bright.

"I never dreamed it would be like this," Nick whispered.

"Now make love to me beloved and grieve no more," she moaned.

Nick rolled her onto her back and drove into her fiercely igniting her passion that was so alien to her. Her body shuddered suddenly and he knew she was experiencing her first orgasm.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she cried out and it seemed like the entire mountain shook. "More!"

His smile was feral as he pulled out of her and flipped her onto her belly and plunged into her from behind.

"UNNNNNNNN," Nick groaned in her ear.

He moved slowly at first as his hands gripped her hips and pulled her onto her hands and knees. Then his thrust became more urgent as his climax got closer and closer.

"Fill me Nikolas... let me feel you come inside of me!"

She was thrusting back now driving him deeper and harder into her. Nick closed his eyes and thrust into her as fast and hard as he could. There was the slapping sound of their bodies, the scent that was the two of them and the pleasure that was quickly reaching its peak.

"Almost there... almost... almost... UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," he howled as his cock pulsed into her fiery depths.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," she moaned and ground against him not wanting the moment to end.

Once recovered the leaned forward and cupped her breasts and began to tease her and showing her a new pleasure.

"That was one," he moaned in her ear.

"MMMMMMMMMMMM I am yours for as long as you desire beloved." She replied with her own moan.

"I need something from you beloved," Nick said.

"Anything," she purred.

"Your name," he said.

"Oh I have been so impolite," she said with a wicked glint in her eye. "Let me see your face lover."

Nick eased out of her and heard her grunt of disappointment but he rolled her onto her back and slid back into her.

"MMMMMMMMMM better," she moaned as she laid her hand upon his chest right above his heart. "My name is Bennu."

There came a flood of energy where her hand made contact with his flesh. There came heat and then a burning sensation and those two syllables echoed to the core of his being. Bennu.

Nick's scream echoed throughout the entire lower level and it took all of the Anubis' strength to keep Fire Heart from racing to his side.

"We cannot interfere," he said as calmly as he could.

"I know but..." she said leaning into his strong arms.

"We must hope he is strong enough."

There was a flash of movement and something soared by the pair towards the room where Nick and Bennu were that the Bast and Anubis barely registered its passing.

"Night Wind NO..." Fire Heart called out but it was already too late.

The shadowcat was in full battle mode when it stopped its forward momentum and dropped to the ground staring intently at the occupants of the chamber. It cocked its head to one side and promptly dropped into a defensive position before the open doorway.

"That was too close," the Anubis whispered.

"I agree," Fire Heart said puzzled. "I wonder what made her stop?"

Bennu's back was pressed firmly against the stone wall as Nick thrust into her hard and fast. His eyes locked with hers and his only goal to show her what she had been missing all these long years. He leaned his head forward and her lips met his in another all consuming kiss that held more delight than any other woman he had ever been with. Nick cupped her breasts and teased her nipples and again her body reacted and another climax gripped the woman with the amethyst eyes. 

Their love play was hour following hour and he required neither food nor rest and she appeared insatiable now that she had experienced physical bliss. But an hour before dawn she once more laid her hand upon his chest but this time in surrender. Nick stopped as this last orgasm shook her to her core and her smile the only reward he wanted. 

"It is time Nikolas," Bennu said softly and disentangling herself from him.

"Time... time for what beloved," he asked watching her move to where his kimono jacket lay on the floor.

"It is time for the Eternal Master to take up his ring and face the dawn," she said retrieving the Bloodstone Ring from its hiding place. "You were going to use this if the Titan magic didn't work weren't you?"

"How did you know," Nick asked but then remembered his entire life had passed before her mind's eye too. "It contains the blood of the Nephilim and yes I was going to use it as a last resort."

"Fight fire with fire as they say," she mused as she twisted the insignia twice and handed him the ring. "Put it on beloved and become the man I know you are capable of being."

"What did you do?" 

"I altered the blood it will inject into you. It will not pump that weak Nephilim concoction it will pump Her blood into your veins."

"Why would you want me to do that Bennu?"

"Have you ever heard of alchemy Nikolas?" She asked her gaze snaring his.

"Yes... basically its primitive chemistry," he replied as she closed the distance between them.

"Yes but coursing through your body is a great alchemy waiting to happen." Bennu told him settling the ring into the palm of his hand.

"I don't understand," Nick said looking at the ring now.

"Beloved within your body, your amazing body are a myriad of wondrous components. You have the remnants of the first contact lenses that have migrated to every cell in your body. The invisibility formulae the dear doctor gave you. The Titan magic that is hiding as a tattoo on your back and the fiery touch I gifted you with earlier tonight. The only thing missing to bring it all together is the blood of your direst enemy."

"That and the Dawn," Nick whispered.

"Yes... are you afraid?" Bennu asked pulling him into her gentle embrace.

"Yes."

"I am with you Nikolas, my energy flows through you and you have seen the deepest parts of me. Now are you really afraid I have chosen poorly?"

"No... nervous maybe," he admitted.

"Nervous is perfectly acceptable, now give me your old ring and take up the true ring of the Eternal Master."

Nick slid the platinum ring from his finger and without hesitation slid the Bloodstone Ring onto his finger and felt the quick jab of pain. Suddenly he was so cold and she held him as the blood of the Dark Mother flowed into him. 

"It will all be over in moments beloved and then you will be prepared to greet the dawn." She whispered as the first Akhkharu in thousands of years was born.

"So cold... so hungry..." he moaned.

Night Wind rose from her protective position at the door let out a yowl of fear and fled on swift wings from the lower level of the Black Pyramid. Fire Heart grabbed the Anubis and drew him to his feet and fled sensing something wrong and a danger approaching. 

Nick Shaw rose to his feet and dressed slowly for what may be his last day upon the earth. Bennu was once more garbed in her metallic dress and stood in all her splendor with eyes for him alone. They walked arm in arm from the lower level that was now vacant up and out into the dying night. They walked to the eastern most outcropping of the mountain top and there he knelt and closed his eyes in meditation. 

One Hour Until Dawn

Kat slept in her bed with her lover Sora snuggled close. The city of Arkham slept in the predawn hour and only the patrols by the military scouts disturbed the dreamers and the dreaming. Kat dreamt of the dead and the mind numbing repetition of going house to house searching for them and with the help of her partner carrying them out and placing them in the back of the truck. Those that had been out in the open had more or less been found and disposed of but it was those who had gone home and done the unspeakable and tried to slay their families thinking it was the End of Days. Those sick people had to be found and removed the hard way. 

Cyan Michaels was preparing for the European aspect of Operation Damocles and making sure things would go off without a hitch. Her political clout was barely exceeded by her financial power. There were those still left in power that owed her favors and when they saw the way things were going they followed orders and when the word was given a world could grieve and a new hope would be kindled in the survivors. She hoped things were going well on Nick's end of things.

Jesse sat in his crystalline sanctuary far from his body that he left on life support back in chemical time. From his perspective it had been centuries of learning and exploring the cathedral of knowledge that was the library crystal. Still there was so much to understand but it was nearing the time when his body would fail and he would be forced to make a critical decision. If he chose to stay then everything he learned would be confined to knowing only he would be unable to utilize it. If he left so much of what he learned would be lost due to the lack of his physical brain being able to absorb so much information. It would be like a dream. There had to be a way of having the best of both worlds. He still had some time left and so he put his considerable resources to the task. Then the alarm went off and he saw a drastic change in Nick's vital signs. His Old One physiology was undergoing a drastic and radical alteration on the genetic level. The nanites, the microscopic machines, which the contact lenses had broken down to were sending him telemetry and it didn't look good. He ran a comparison and found only one profile that fit the change... Akhkharu! He could try and counteracting it but what if this was his last defense against the Dark Mother? He would be interfering and possibly cost Nick his life. He would have to wait and see what happened. He had to trust that this was on purpose and not the cost of a lost combat with her. Please Nick be okay!

Terry Wilkes sat at the table in his workshop and rubbed his eyes and looked at the screen of reading the email for the third time to make sure he was reading it correctly. No it was official Nick had made him CFO, Chief Financial Officer, of Numenor Incorporated. The email went on and said that if anything happened to him he should run the company and all its subsidiaries as he saw fit. Though in typical Shaw fashion there were a few suggestions attached and projects in the works that would need his attention. 

"Figures just when I am ready to add to the already formidable list of Numenor patents he derails me by promoting me," Terry said aloud.

"Master Terry," his avatar said appearing next to him. "Should I finish or would you like the honors, as you like to say so often, to push the button."

Terry's avatar was the spitting image of one his favorite anime heroine's brought to life. She still possessed the ridiculous blue hair and purple eyes but the rest of her was all hentai.

"I have Master Jesse's latest suggested modifications already uploaded for your perusal," she purred in his ear. "Unless you'd like to take a break."

"As tempting as that would be Medaka I believe I would like to 'celebrate' after the successful completion of this project."

"Oh pooh," she said pressing her large breasts against his back. "Shall I initiate the suggested changes Terry-Kun?"

"Yes please," he said eager to see what new tidbits Jesse had gleaned from the library crystal to aid in his latest project.

Medaka closed her eyes and synced with the specially crafted crystal and began the alterations to its core programming. The living software drifted into a form of REM sleep and when it woke the changes would be applied, kind of like rebooting a pc after installing a new program. Terry knew his avatar could be pushy even obstinate at times but her touch with other avatars was without peer. 

"It's done lover bear," she moaned in his ear.

"What is your opinion of the new parameters and functionality," Terry asked.

"I believe with this latest update the inner ear problem has been corrected to the Nth percentile."

"What about the gripping strength has that issue been corrected as well?"

"Yes Master, I can do a level five diagnostic if you'd like or I could just hop in and test drive her." Medaka suggested.

"Let's move her to the larger lab before we do that in the mean time run the diagnostic and I can get a bite to eat it's almost dawn."

"Yes Master," she replied realizing he was all business until his little toy was up and running.

As Terry walked up the stairs that led to his living quarters Medaka activated the robotic arms and lifted the skeletal figure onto the motorized gurney and directed it into lab three, the largest on site. While the gurney made its journey the avatar 'dived' into the crystal that was strictly there for her to observe and check the operations of the mechanical aspect of the artificial body her Master was creating. Having access to an entire plant full of machining equipment it wasn't difficult for him to fashion the skeletal components. But the muscular array had been a nightmare until he discovered a memory plastic being developed for a competitive government and decided to exploit its properties for his own uses. The compound actually has the capability to learn and remember certain shapes that mirror muscle memory in a human being strikingly well. Once that problem was solved movement and strength control became a huge stumbling block until Jesse ran god knows how many simulations in digital time and came up with what hopefully prove to be successful algorithms to allow for locomotion and a gentle touch. So while Master restored his strength with food Medaka rode every sensory nerve ending and muscular connection making sure that there were no defects anywhere. If this worked and the synthetic skin application went well she would have an actual physical form to move about in! 

Half Hour Until Dawn

Akira raced to the top of the mountain when Night Wind returned to the Numenor without Nick and was shaking like a leaf. Something had frightening the predator to her core and Akira wanted to find out what it was. She reached the Black Pyramid in record time and was too concerned over Nick's welfare to feel her exhaustion. But there he was kneeling dressed in his finest kimono surrounded by what appeared to be the entire Osirin population on the island. It was as if the Egyptian Pantheon had descended from heaven and knelt in observance of whatever the hell was going on. All but one she noticed the silver haired woman in the feather dress. She was looking straight at Akira with the unblinking gaze of a raptor. She closed the distance between her and the woman and they met somewhere in the middle.

"What the hell is going on," Akira said her voice dripping accusation and venom in equal amounts.

"Nikolas' Apotheosis," she said in voice so beautiful that it could belong to no other being but her.

"I don't understand," Akira snarled.

"Understanding is not necessary," the woman said. "All that is occurring is Nikolas' decisions."

"Who are you?"




Iron Rain Pt. 17



"I am Bennu I am Nikolas' wife," the woman claimed.

"WIFE," Akira called out in shock. "When the hell did that happen?"

"This very night," Bennu said calmly.

"But..." Akira tried but the shock and pain were just too much and the tears flowed as she sobbed.

"It is time Akira Kusanagi," she said.

"Time... time for what?" she managed through the sobs.

"It is time to bid farewell to Nikolas," Bennu said with a smile.

"Farewell... lady if you hurt him I swear..." the anger sliced away the sorrow instantly.

"You misunderstand," the amethyst eyed beauty said. "I mean only that the Nikolas that you know will be gone and the new Nikolas will take his place."

Akira moved passed Bennu and knelt by Nick's side.

"Kouryou what is going on," Akira whispered in his ear.

"Akira is that you," his voice was deeper and his skin was so pale.

"It's me," she said reaching out to hold him.

"NO," Bennu called out. "He is sanctified you may not touch him."

"Kouryou is it true that woman is your wife?"

"Did she say that?"

"Yes," Akira told him and he seemed a man lost in a dream.

"Akira... I always thought that you and I would... oh it burns Akira the blood burns me!"

"Who's blood Nick?"

"HERS..." his voice dropped another octave as his eyes snapped open and Akira knew why the shadowcat had fled the field.

"OH KOURYOU YOUR EYES," Akira cried out seeing the black orbs with no hint of white whatsoever.

"I can feel the sun Akira," he moaned. "The day star approaches and I will be helpless before it."

"Let me take you away then," she begged. "Please Kouryou before it's too late."

"It is already too late beloved," Nick intoned. "The wheel turns, the world changes and so must I."

Bennu approached and laid her hand on Akira's shoulder.

"The dawn is nigh it is Nikolas' time stand with me and witness a miracle."

"What kind of miracle?" Akira asked.

"Where there was one now there are two," she said cryptically.

Nick stood and stripped off his clothing and stared unblinking at the eastern horizon. The black of night slowly gave way to indigo and navy blues. The inky shroud of darkness lightened noticeably as brighter blues and tinges of ruby and citrine painted the heavens. The edge of the world was a golden halo as the dawn star made its appearance and the first rays of true day lanced out to greet the world. Nick flinched and his body stiffened as his face became a mask of pain yet still he stood his ground. Akira watched on as his skin began to smolder and a white smoke seemed to envelope him. His body was burning in the searing daylight. His hair seemed to shrivel and blacken as did large patches of his skin then they cracked and gouts of flame shot from his eyes as his wordless scream split the air. With a suddenness that caused all to take a step back Nick's body erupted in a gold-red light and was gone, not even ash remained. The Osirins wept for their Master now gone but it was Akira who had fallen face first onto the dirt and screamed at his utter and complete loss. But Bennu watched and smiled knowing something the others did not. The earth trembled and storm clouds rose up from nowhere and spread across the horizon covering the whole of the earth. The torrential rain that followed drove the mourners inside all but Akira who lashed out at the storm for the man she loved and had lost.

South Pacific

The wail that came from his throat was like a new born infant but instead of crying from being torn from the womb he screamed as he fell from the dizzying heights far above the cloud line. He tumbled head over feet and it took him a moment to right himself and stretch out his arms and suddenly he was floating well not floating but falling slower than before. Just like parachutists he assumed a position that allowed him some measure of control over his decent. His eyes burned from the sheer velocity of his fall but there was the most amazing thing happening below him. An island was slowly rising from the depths of the ocean so at least if he survived his fall he would have some place to take shelter. The thunder and the lightning were his constant companions as he hurtled to the earth and as the ocean raced up to greet him he did the only thing that seemed natural he leaned forward and dove head first into the clear blue waters.

His body cut through the water like a knife and had the Olympic judges been there it would have been tens across the board for his flawless entry. The young man came up for air after his long swim back to the surface. A gasp for air and he swam for the shore of the queer looking island. 

Naked he walked on its alien beach and looked at the cyclopean buildings littered across the islands surface. He barely registered the pouring rain as he strode into the city of dreaming gods. It was a strange place indeed. For example if he went down a flight of stairs he in fact found himself on top of one of the monuments. Likewise if he went up a winding path he plunged into the shadowy depths of this necropolis. Somewhere in his mind he seemed to know where he was going as if this were the end of some dream quest and his reward was nigh. At the intersection of a monolithic graveyard stood the stone; it was a little taller than he was and possessed six sides and its mirror bright surface was covered with strange yet familiar glyphs. A word formed in his mind... Keystone.

"The SHAW," came a voice that didn't register in his ears but in his mind.

"Who is there?" 

"Turn around and know me better," the voice said again.

The young man turned and saw what had to be the largest tomb open and he stared dumbfounded at the alien mechanics of the portal. The door began to open from right to left but by the time it had finished it was resting at the top of the doorway without apparent change of the hinges positions. How was that possible? Then out of the darkness of the tomb strode a figure that was impossibly tall and was the stuff of nightmares. It was roughly humanoid but there all semblance of sane biology ended. It's head was like a great octopus topping its great bloated body with massive bat like wings and clawed hands and feet.

"You are the SHAW," it rumbled.

"I am?" the young man replied having no memory before his fall.

"Yes and you have been a very naughty boy," the Dreamer in the Deep said.

"I am sure I had good reasons," the young man replied.

"Oh indeed you did," the towering titan said.

"What am I doing here?"

"You are here to learn and when you are done you will return to your people a much changed person."

"Oh... okay. Where do we begin?" Nick asked as the Dreamer began to speak.



Iron Rain Pt. 18



I hope you enjoy this installment.
As always your votes and comments are always appreciated.



Date: Unknown

Location: The Sunken Isle

It is raining again, everyday it is raining and so one day seems to blend into the next. But time and space are warped here like being in the library crystal but like a distorted reflection. The Dreamer calls me the Shaw and I have memories now from before my fall. I remember a woman with dark eyes and long black hair. She calls me the Cunning Dragon. She calls me Kouryou. I am the Eternal Master and I have wrought a great and terrible thing upon the world. I walk among the ruins of a dead city, a necropolis wrought long before sentience evolved upon this frail blue world. The sleeping dead are gods and demons that haunt the dreams of mankind and the other races and I walk in nightmare so that I may learn a great and terrible lesson.

"Shaw," calls the voice of the Dreamer.

"I am here I am always here." I reply.

"You say that like it is a bad thing Shaw."

"What is the lesson for today," I ask.

"The same as yesterday mastering your perception of true reality," the Dreamer says.

"I still don't understand."

"I have decided upon a new tangent today. Do you know the difference between subjective and objective?"

"Biased and unbiased," I ask.

"Very good," the Dreamer says. "Tell me what your slant on your reality is."

"My subjective view you mean. I am a man trapped on an island that has risen from the floor of the ocean attempting to master the perception of true reality."

"Partially correct but then subjective reality often is. I will correct your errors Shaw. First you are not trapped. Second this island has not risen from the floor of the ocean. Lastly, you can never master the perception of true reality until you understand what true reality is."

"So I can leave anytime I wish. I am at the bottom of the ocean. I must somehow see reality objectively." I say and the massive octopus head nods. "How to perceive reality without becoming biased, how the hell do I do that?"

"In your holy book what is the first thing that Adam does?"

"He gives names to the birds and beasts of the fields... are you saying I begin by rejecting names?"

"It is a good beginning."

"So blue is no longer blue it is just a color in the visible spectrum?"

"Good."

"The visible spectrum is an illusion due to the fact there are other spectrums of equal value whether I can perceive them or not?"

"Very Good."

"So how do I perceive the higher and lower dimensions that are currently beyond me?"

"A good question, I will show you how to perceive these dimensions and you will be a step closer to mastering objective reality."

I was about to ask how when pain tore through my entire being and something fundamental changed and when the pain was gone I opened my eyes and saw... oh dear god I could see the hidden places between! Not just the infra and ultraviolet end of the spectrum but the myriad dimensions that physicists try to define with mere mathematics. I could now see from the micro to the macro and everything in between! Oh this is too much input and I felt my sanity slipping away when the Dreamer intervened and showed me how to control how much I perceived. It was like squinting or closing one's eyes. 

"Now you see Shaw," it said. "Now you perceive."

"Yes and it is both glorious and horrifying."

"Exactly and now you better understand your reality."

"One last question Dreamer, why are you doing this," I asked.

"Because the Bennu altered you and it was delegated to me to prepare you." It said solemnly.

"Prepare me for what?"

"Incorrect. Not what but who. You are being sacrificed to the Elder Things Nicholas Shaw. By changing you as she did the Bennu drew their unwavering attention upon you so that she could escape again."

"Escape, why are the Elder Things searching for the Bennu?"

"She was singularly unique in all the dimensions and stands outside the bounds of time and space. They seek her to understand and become like her. You are her lamb Shaw and now that you perceive you will be sent to them to face their full attention. Farewell."

"Wait, do you have to send me there?" I asked.

"I do not have to but if I don't, they will sunder this world to seek the Bennu. Your path has been about preserving the races not destroying them. I assumed you would continue upon that path."

"You are correct Dreamer; send me to the Elder Things." I said and closed my eyes awaiting my death.

The Numenor

September 20th, 2012

I still can't believe he's gone. This Bennu woman says that Kouryou is still alive but she won't say where and none of his avatars can find him even Surfer. I have initiated Operation Damocles per his wishes and the rebirth Nick wanted so bad has begun.

"Surfer what is the status of the power plants?" I ask.

"Lady Akira the power plants are at one hundred percent. They are providing twenty percent more power than expected."

"And the desalinization plants?"

"They too are operating at full capacity and making a huge impact upon the surrounding areas." The gleaming male figure said his face a perpetual mask of worry.

"Has the President been able to swing the last nations on board yet?" I ask.

"He has not Lady but Grim is putting pressure upon those who have not joined the United World Order."

"Keep me informed of any changes Surfer and don't worry he's coming back."

"You mean Master Nick?"

"Who else."

"You believe Bennu?"

"No, I have faith in my Kouryou." I say and mean it to my core.

"Then I too will have faith in Master Nick." He said with a brave smile.

"Tell the others as well, we can use all that positive energy right about now."

"Yes Lady I will inform the Master's other avatars."

I leave the command center and walk up to the helipad and remember all those hours training the handsome round eye how to fight. It appeared hopeless at first but he never stopped and he never gave up on me. I can almost see his flashing blade red gold in the night slicing away doubt as he battled his imaginary foes. If anyone can come back from this it is Nick.

"Lady Akira," Marie Dubois called out bent on one knee.

"What is it Majestrix?"

"The Nephilim representative wishes to speak with you."

"Of course she does, tell her I'll be there right away."

"Yes Mistress." Marie said and was gone.

"I fucking hate politics." I say to the empty air... just like Nick.

That brought a little smile as I headed for my rooms to accept the call from the Matriarch of the Nephilim. I entered and found the holographic display blinking.

"Connect," I say and the ethereal image of the Matriarch hovered next to me. "Hello mother."

"Daughter, I send greetings from your father."

"How is he dealing with his new position as head of the council?"

"He loves it of course," she says with a canine grin.

"What can I do for you," I ask.

"We are doing well with these feeding rights you have hammered out for us with your Master."

"Good I am glad all is well then."

"But..."

"Ah here it comes," I said.

"But we want our scientists to have an untainted sample of this Aries virus for examination."

I raised an eyebrow and looked at her with no emotion.

"Why."

"We are looking for a cure for the Others," she lied poorly.

"Did father put you up to this?"

"Who else, a majority of our people are settling into the concept of farming humans? However the nobles still want the ability to hunt."

"They have always wanted what the majority never have. However as I have said before once Aries was released there is no cure. I wish I could help but it is out of anyone's hands mother."

"It was designed that way." She said softly.

"Pandora's box, once opened it cannot be closed."

"Well there is no harm in asking," she said with a genuine smile. "You look good Akira. I have to go and don't be a stranger."

"I will drop you a line soon and I'm glad you called."

The hologram disappeared and I wondered at the real reason for her call but that was more up Nick's expertise. 

Arkham Massachusetts

Sleep is such a rare commodity these days. So a two hour nap was about on par with my schedule. As I shifted in my sleep the hammock moved and creaked waking me.

"Oh damn," I moaned.

"Master Terry, are you awake," Mekada asked softly.

"I am now," I said opening my eyes.

"I have finished the final diagnostic," she said.

"So what are the results?"

"We have reached ninety nine percent compliance," Mekada said with a huge smile.

"Really, that's amazing," I said my fatigue forgotten.

I got up and walked into the lab in the next room. The skeletal construct lay gleaming under the work lamps. It was the first of its kind but hopefully not the last. 

"I hope Nick appreciates the last minute changes he asked for," I said looking at the hybrid skull. "Is the musculature remaining stable?"

"The improved formulae provided by Master Jesse have proven more than effective. I measured a full one hundred and twenty five percent improvement over the original."

"Excellent."

"We are ready for the exterior layer of skin and fur Master Terry."

"Okay let's place the last of the internals and then paint it," I said eager to see the finished product.

"I calculate it will take six hours for internals and exterior shall I wake you when it is finished Master?"

"Yes... as eager as I am to see the final product I need to sleep. Great job Mekada."

"Thank you Master."

Six hours. Six glorious hours of undisturbed sleep; it was near midnight when Mekada woke me and she appeared quite pleased with herself.

"Well?" I asked.

"She's done."

I got to my feet and saw the silhouette of the construct in the other room. I crossed the distance slowly and saw her head turn to look at me and she lowered her head and bowed. I entered the room and slowly walked around her. It was perfect and not knowing better I would think she was a living breathing creature. The scans that Nick had sent made this possible and I kept wondering if this was his design or an actual being. The tail swished through the air and the combination of human and feline features was an amazing blend. 

"Do you know who I am?" I asked.

"You are my creator," she said. 

Even the voice was perfect, so ethereal and gorgeous.

"What is your designation?" I asked as I reached out and touched her shoulder.

"I am Nightwind, Osirin Prototype Master Terry."

"Who is your primary?"

"Master Nicholas Shaw," she replied without hesitation.

"Is your full spectrum vision functioning?"

"Yes Master Terry."

"Can you feel my hand," I wondered.

"Yes Master," she purred. "My sensory network is functioning perfectly."

"Pop your claws please," I said watching as six inch razor sharp blades protruded from fingertips. "Nice. You may retract them." Snikt and they disappeared. "Smile for me so I may see your canines please."

"Yes Master," she said with a feral grin and her gleaming teeth were exposed.

"Extend your canines for me Nightwind please," I asked and her combat fangs came into view. "Gorgeous." I said and she actually blushed.

"Thank you Master Terry I am pleased my appearance meets your expectations."

"Let's run you through the paces shall we?"

"I am eager to perform for you Master... in all ways." She purred.

I raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but smile. I sensed Mekada's touch on her programming.

"Mekada you added a little sensuality to her personality profile?"

"Yes Master Terry, I thought Master Nick would appreciate it. She is fully functional after all."

"Can you prep the obstacle course please?" I asked.

"Yes Master Terry."

I watched in utter fascination as Nightwind ran through the paces of the obstacle course and after she was done watched the side by side compared to a human athlete and her stunning eye-hand coordination and speed. Nick was going to be floored! She performed better than expected. Now that I knew that the prototype was a success I was going to give Mekada her desire.

"Mekada I need your help," I said and she appeared instantly.

"Yes Master how can I be of service?"

"I need you to do a detailed analysis and create a 3D model of the following character."

"That's ME... oh Master you are going to do that for me?"

"Yes, I need as realistic a model as you can create."

"You mean like this..." she said displaying a holographic skeleton she had been working on for a while now.

"Let's send that upstairs shall we and get Project Mekada started!"

"YES Master!!!"

Antwerp Belgium

As the last light of day has departed and Mother Night is fully manifested the windows open automatically and I can see the sea. It is that simple sight that helps calm me for so much has changed and so may yet drastically change for my people. My daughter, who is bonded to our direst enemy and because of him we must farm humans instead of hunt them as is our nature. The nobles are chomping at the bit for a chance to once more stalk and slay their prey. It is possibly in my power to make that happen if I dare. I have contacted the Praetor but he is out of country so I must bring in elders from the other Houses to help guide my decision. Oh what we have been reduced to.

"Husband they are here," my wife tells me.

"I will be there soon," I say.

My keen hearing told me that everyone I had called had answered my 'summons'. With a heavy sigh I turn and enter my private chambers.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice," I greet them.

"Are the rumors true Lord Kusanagi," the Lady of House Nanna Sin inquires.

"Yes we have found Her, but she is badly injured and may not survive." I tell them.

"So we need to decide of whether or not to intervene, is that it Lord Kusanagi?" asks the Lord of House Tiamat.

"Yes if she is revived we must accept Her rule she is the Eldest after all." I tell them.

"If she is restored the Nephilim will be no more the Akhkharu will rise once more," my lovely wife said wisely. "Do we want that?"

"Our ability to hunt will be restored but at what cost," says the Lady of House Ishtar. "Do we want to become a plague ourselves?"

"That is what concerns me the most," I admitted. "The Old Ones may step in again and finish what they started all those long years ago."

"Do we bring this before the full council or try and contact the Twelve?" my wife asked.

"I say we let her perish," says the Lord of House Tiamat.

"I say we bring it to council this is too weighty a matter for so few to decide," voted the Lady of House Ishtar.

"I say we let nature takes its course and we do nothing," my wife said.

"How votes Nanna-Sin," I ask.

"Death," she whispers.

"I concur we do nothing and let her face the final death." I said.

"I may have something to say on the matter," purred a voice like ice.

We all turned and there in all her dark glory our worst nightmare the mother of us all. She was dressed all in white silks and on her fingers gold rings set with precious stones. Our mother was tall as any man and willowy as the loveliest courtesan and her blazing hatred was focused on me.

"You have no right to pass judgment on me but I will be merciful and grant you a boon, my blood."

Even as I tried to defend myself she was on me her teeth biting deep and stealing away my blood but in turn she let fall her own in my open mouth.

"There child of mine now you are reborn," she purred in my ear.

So it went with all of us and none were spared her wrath or her boon. We were Nephilim no more we were Akhkharu and a walking plague, for our victims would not perish they would rise and become like us the living dead.

St. Louis Missouri

We had decided to split up to find Oswald Sebastian Kane. Ingrid returned to England and I stayed in this new country to search in the hidden places and see if there were hints of his location. I walked down the sidewalk passed the park that had become a commune for the dispossessed and those among the pagan community. Several blocks later I found what I was looking for the coffeehouse. The business was closed but the building was not abandoned. I knocked on the door and a young woman of average looks answered the door.

"Can I help you," she greeted me.

"I am Magus and I seek the Maze," I told her.

"Come on in it's in the back," she said and pointed towards the rear of the building.

I saw the green door with the red frame and knew I was in the right place. This was one of the three entrances to the Maze; the other two were in Norway and Japan. They formed a kind of mystical triangle. The door opened and for the mundane it led to the basement of the building for the gifted and the strange it led to a large area that was dimensionally out of phase with the rest of the world. I step through the door and down the metal fire escape steps that would give me access to the back alley-like space that was the Edge. I dropped down the last few feet and was immediately surrounded by younglings that ranged from six to thirteen.

"Piss off," I said sending them running.

Rising above the apartment buildings on the Edge was the anchor an ancient totem pole depicting the spirits that guarded this corner of the Maze. Members of all of the races dwelt here and did business selling anything from information to Forbidden technology and even slaves. I made my way to the best information brokers in the entire Maze the Brothers Ravenstorm. Since the virus all my other sources had dried up or died. So I was forced to deal with the twins who were as clear as mud on the best of occasions. I just hoped they knew where Oz was hiding if he was still alive.

"Greetings fair one are you in the market for a body slave? Someone to serve your carnal needs or carry heavy loads..." called the short stocky hawker.

"What do you have today oh squat one?" I stopped curious as to what the current trend was.

"Ah I have a male and a few females to choose from oh lovely one," he said licking his lips.

"Just show me what you have and leave the smoke for someone else's arse hole."

"Of course... of course... bring them out!" he called to someone beyond the ugly black tarp. 

The tarp rippled and then parted and three skinny but gorgeous female Aelves stepped out followed by a badly beaten and half starved male. Their ebony skin and silvery hair marked them as Svartalfar or Dark Aelves a once proud race but reduced to slaves after the fall of their great forge city below the tree of life. It was said that the hammer Mjolnir had been forged by the master smiths of the Svartalfar. How sad. I approached and looked them over and saw that only one was of any interest as she bore the ritual tattoos of a rune mage.

"How much for this one," I asked pointing to the mage.

"You have a keen eye pale one... I will give you a great deal on her forty." He said rubbing his hands together.

"She's half dead I'll give you thirty."

"Thirty! She's half alive thirty seven."

"Hmmm," I cupped her chin and looked into her drugged eyes. "Thirty two and not a penny more."

"You drive a hard bargain but she is willful and difficult so I will let her go for the paltry price of thirty two."

Money was exchanged and I took her chain and led her away.

"The moment the drug wears off I will burn you to ash Albino," the Svartalfar slurred.

"I am going to set you free idiot," I told her. "Even I am not so foolish as to try and keep a rune mage captive. But I would like to hire you."

"Oh well that's different," she said as she staggered about. "Who do you want dead?"

"I don't, but if my meeting with the twins goes ill I need someone tracked."

"Eh okay," she shrugged.

"Let's get you a meal and then a bath, you smell like a dung heap."

But her eyes were glassed over and far from here. I guided her to a bath house and paid a full coin for the works. Her clothing was burned and a meal was delivered which she promptly devoured. Free of collar, chains and drugs the Svartalfar was back to a keen eyed quick witted mage I had hoped to find underneath it all. We haggled over the price of new clothing and I decided it was wiser to fork over the cash instead of pissing her off more than she already was. Clad in softest silk of deep blue and shoed in fine sandals the aelf was in better spirits. 




Iron Rain Pt. 18



"So what's your name Svartalfar?" I asked.

"I am a member of the Shadowdancer Clan." She informed me and I was wise to treat her as well as I had. That clan sired the most gifted rune mages the race produced.

"Okay what do I call you instead of hey you?"

"Garnet," she said softly.

"You can call me Magus," I told her.

"Not the Magus... the Zeitgeist?" she said in awe.

"The same," I admitted.

"I am honored to serve you."

"Do you need anything else before we see the Ravens?"

"No, thank you for the meal, the bath and the clothing," she said with great sincerity.

"You are welcome; let's go I'm in a hurry." I said leading the way.

We approached the Necropolis, the city of the dead, which was ruled over by the Ravens. Here the dead and the souls of the damned were bartered like common goods and one had to tread lightly lest they end up on the auction block of a demon or worse. There in the center of the city was black glass tower that housed the Raven brothers and their many minions. It was here that my Svartalfar companion and I were destined. The two Gallu demons that guarded the main gate crossed their massive weapons and denied us entrance. I bowed and looked the taller of the bull headed minion in the eye and told him who I was. The eight foot monstrosity flinched and said he would inquire within. Two minutes and twenty seven seconds later the Rakasha appeared in his thousand dollar suit and smiling his feral grin led us to the inner sanctum of the most powerful entities in the city. Rakasha are major demons with the power to shape shift into nearly any form but it is their hunger for raw meat that often gives them away. This particular demon's breath was vile even by hell's standard. As we rode the elevator up I reached slowly into my pocket and offered it a breath mint.

"Really, keep them you really need them," I said.

"Smart ass," it growled.

"No," the Svartalfar said taking up my cause. "Your breath could knock over an archangel."

Ding. The elevator opened on the penthouse and the main offices of the twins. Garnet and I stepped into the lavishly decorated room and saw the two black eyed hawk nosed brothers who were gazing out the window upon the city below.

"I think..." said the first brother.

"I remember..." said the other.

"Magus," they cawed together.

"Greetings Brothers Ravenstorm," I said with a deep bow.

"Oswald..." said the first brother.

"Sebastian..." said the second brother.

"Kane..." they said together.

"Yes," I said with another bow.

"He isn't here," said a young feral looking woman dressed in leather and wolf skins.

"Freak, be nice," said a taller equally primitive dressed young man.

"Fuck off Gear," the girl snarled.

"So I guess I came all this way for nothing," I asked.

"Payment," asked the first Raven.

"I have a large uncut Stygian Blood Diamond," I replied.

"Accepted," said the second Raven.

I reach into another pocket and retrieve the diamond and toss it onto the large wooden desk and watch as the twins gaze intently at the glittering crimson gem. 

"Three days time," the first brother says.

"City of Angels," the second brother finishes.

Gear tosses me an envelope with the rest of the information.

"Thanks," I say with a final bow and turn to leave.

The elevator opens again and the Rakasha smiles revealing a piece of raw flesh stuck between his teeth. We enter and take the long ride to the lobby.

"Doesn't it bother you that they knew you were coming," Garnet asks.

"No, I will worry when they don't. That'll be the day that we are the least of their worries." I tell her.

"So you still want my help?" Garnet asks.

"I could use the company but like I said before you are free."

"Sounds like fun I haven't seen topside in so long it might be interesting."

"We need to get you a new set of clothes then. You really don't want to stand out in the crowd especially now." I tell her just before I inform her all about the plague and Project Aries.

Arkham Massachusetts

I waved as the garbage truck pulled away and that took the last of my upper body strength. I staggered to the front door of the old house and somehow managed to lift my hand enough to knock. The door opened and Sora was there to help me inside.

"Kat, you've overworked yourself again; another twelve hour shift and for what?"

"The dead or not going to move themselves into the truck," I told my friend, my bodyguard and my lover.

"I have a hot bath waiting and after that how about a nice long acupressure massage?"

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMM sounds perfect," I moan. "I don't suppose there's some food available for little old me?"

"You just march yourself upstairs and get naked and I'll bring you dinner." Sora told me with one of her winning smiles.

I walked up to the second floor and found the door to Nick's room open and looked back and my Japanese lover waved me on and I headed up to the third floor. I stopped halfway up the stairs and lost my shoes in difference to Nick. Barefoot I stepped onto the mat covered room and into the moonlight that shone down and through the skylight. I turned and found the sliding door opened and there waiting for me Nick's sunken tub full of steaming hot water and it was glorious! 

Naked I slipped beneath the water and let its heat caress my aching muscles and drifted in its womb-like silence for as long as I could hold my breath. I broke the surface to see that Sora had left a platter of bite size meat, cheese and assorted fruit surrounding it.

"I love that woman," I mutter.

I eat and find the finger food perfect for the location and situation. I close my eyes and let the water do its work and blindly reach for my food and find something cold and unyielding to my touch. I turn and see an open bottle of chilled wine and two glasses. I pour filling both glasses and take up the nearest one and then see Sora's slim hand pick up the other. I look at the other end of the bath and there she is snuggled under the hot water like it's an electric blanket.

"How do you manage to do that," I ask her and she just smiles. "Yes I know ancient Chinese secret."

"I wouldn't be an effective bodyguard if I couldn't," she says sipping her wine.

"Or an amazing lover," I add.

"Also true," she admits with just a hint of vanity. "By the way this is the last bottle of Ice Wine Nick sent home with us."

"MMMMMMMM speaking of Nick," I purr.

"Yes you know we should go visit him and take up his offer of hospitality," Sora says reading my mind.

"Yes we should I miss his hospitality," I moan.

"No you miss his amazing cock," Sora says with a giggle.

"That's what I meant," I say sliding a hand between my legs.

"I better shave that tight little pussy of yours you know how he prefers his girls," Sora moaned this time.

"Eager and bald," I ask.

"Exactly," she laughs.

One bottle of Ice Wine later and there I am sitting on the edge of the bath with Sora between my legs shaving as she put it my tight little pussy. I watch intently as she removes the hair a little at a time drawing it out as long as she can. I am fucking soaked by the time she splashes my Venus mound and voila my pussy is bald as a newborn. She puts the razor down and lowers her lips to my flesh and kisses her way down to my clit. 

"UNNNNNN damn you know how to show a girl a good time," I moan.

"I am just getting started lover," she purrs and I see her tongue snake out and start to tease me.

I lie back and let her work her oral magic. I feel her hands on my knees as she laps away at my clit and labia like a sex fiend and my moans get louder and louder as she slowly teases an orgasm from me. I lift my ass off the cool tiles pressing against her eager mouth and she cups my ass cheeks and buries her face licking and suckling now at my naughty bits. My eyes roll shut and I find myself panting and moaning at the mercy of my lover. She never uses her fingers and truth is she doesn't need to. She saves that for the bedroom or other places, not so private places like the library or my office at work... good times those. Her tongue flickers over my clit and I feel my legs begin to shake on their own and Sora knows how close I am and she stops.

"Should I save this one for Nick," she asks.

"What," I cry out my voice echoing.

"Perhaps I should just get you nice and close and let Nick finish you off," Sora says teasing me.

"No... please..." I am begging now.

It is a time like this that I wonder who is really in charge. Then I feel her hot breath as she breathes on my newly shaved flesh and below sending shivers through me. I am waiting, my body so very tense for the gentle caress of her tongue and she does not disappoint. Then her lips as she suckles my clit and my cry cuts through the silence as my hips buck and I cum in her mouth. Then she is lapping away fiercely driving me into a second and more powerful climax which leaves me weak and breathless. Only when I beg does she stop and pull me carefully back into the water's and her embrace.

The alarm goes off and I crack my eye open and smile laying next to me is the sleep eyed freshly fucked face of my lover Sora. I sit up and the last toy we played with rolls to the middle of the bed in an obscene sort of way. I smile remembering the feeling of it buried deep inside of me and my hoarse cries when I came for the final time.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM good morning lover," I say leaning down and kissing her lips.

"If you keep that up we may not make our flight to the Numenor," she moans.

"Do you want the shower first and I'll start breakfast," I ask.

"Nope, I have everything planned for our departure. You go shower and I'll set your clothes out before I go and begin cooking." Sora says with a sleep smile.

"Have it your way," I say and reward her with another soulful kiss.

"Don't I always?"

"Spoiled brat," I say and pull back the covers and head for the bathroom.

"Nice ass," I hear from behind me.

"You are as bad as Nick," I say with a swat on my ass cheek for emphasis.

I finish washing my hair and when I open my eyes I see the flashing red dot in the corner of my vision. It's a silent indicator my avatar has a message or two for me.

"What is it Hugh," I ask just before he appears standing in front of me.

"Your itinerary is complete and everyone has been notified of your departure for the Numenor," he says in his sexy Aussie accent.

"Great work as always Hugh," I praise him just as Nick always did with Surfer.

"Why thank you Lady Kat," he says with a brilliant smile.

"One of these days I am going to get you to call me just plain Kat," I said with a pleasant growl.

"There is one more thing 'just plain Kat'," he said and I stared at him in utter shock.

"Funny," I say as I laugh.

"Master Terry has something for Nick and it needs space on the helicopter," Hugh explains.

"How big is it," I ask.

"It is about five foot eight and it is a she," my avatar says with a grin.

"Figures," I groan. "Who is she?"

"One Female Osirin Prototype designation Nightwind," Hugh says.

"What the hell is an Os... what is it Hugh?"

"Apparently Masters Terry, Jesse and Nick have collaborated on the creation of an artificial person."

Blink. Pause. I stare at Hugh and let it register before I respond.

"WHAT?"

"Shall I repeat myself Kat," Hugh asked.

"You called me Kat... yes explain that last statement."

"As far as the attached file goes the three of them managed to design, fabricate and construct a biomechanical avatar."

"Men," I say. "Do you have an image of what she looks like?"

"Indeed I do," Hugh says and gestures before projecting the holographic image which rotated so that she could be viewed from all sides.

"She's gorgeous and yet somehow disturbing all at the same time," I said looking her over. "What purpose does she serve?"

"That is unclear, but I could speculate if you wish."

"Speculate away," I said as I finished showering.

"The prototype is armed with six inch razor sharp alloy claws as well as retractable alloy canines so bodyguard or combat is a possibility. She also possesses a complete sensory input array and fully functional um... pleasure is not outside her capabilities..."

"You mean she's got a..." I began and he simply nodded. "I repeat... MEN."

"She possesses full avatar personality and capabilities so she could be an advisor or diplomat for the Osirins."

"Wait, you mean there are people who look like her?"

"Yes that is how Master Nick accessed the template. Indeed if she functions well enough he has other templates already for manufacture Kat."

"Let me see," I said turning off the water and reaching for a towel.

Hugh displayed both the male and female templates of the Anubis, Bast, Horu-tet, Osirin and at the end one designated as Bennu.

"Who the hell is she?" I asked my jaw literally dropping at her stunning good looks.

"That one is called Bennu."

"Is that a tribe like the cats or hawks?"

"No apparently she is singularly unique."

"Can you reference her name and see if there are any files on her?"

"There is one mention of her in Egyptian mythology. The Bennu bird; it is the Egyptian version of the Phoenix bird."

"The Phoenix, you mean like rise from its own ashes Phoenix?"

"Quite correct," Hugh said.

"What does the file say about her?"

"It says her name means 'She Who Came Into Being By Herself'."

"Whoa," I said slipping on a terry cloth robe. "Nick what the hell have you gotten yourself into this time?"

"The legend states that before the universe was created the Phoenix was there to see it spring to life," Hugh continued.

"Wait, are you telling me she is older than our universe?"

"No, I am saying that is what the legends say about her," Hugh said correcting me.

"OH FUCK... we gotta go... SORA... we need to leave right fucking now!" I was hollering as I raced down the stairs.

I rounded the corner and into the living room and there was Sora still patiently cooking away.

"Didn't you hear me we need to go NOW," I said.

"I heard you just fine but the helicopter won't be ready for another hour so calm the fuck down and tell me what the matter is?"

Sora rarely talks back to me but it was enough of a shock to settle me down as she had planned. So as I sat down to eat I launched into the robot thingy that Terry had built for Nick and this Bennu woman. When I finished she looked at me and shrugged.

"There is nothing we can do at the moment but we are at least prepared intelligence wise when and if we encounter this 'woman'." She said calmly.

Breakfast done I rose and headed upstairs to dress when there came a knock at the door. I check my heads up display on the contact lenses, seven in the morning really? I stalked over to the door and flung it open and there standing at full military style attention was a handsome young man in a dark blue business suit wearing sunglasses.

"Yeah," I greeted him even as his head cocked down and I looked to see I was showing a lot of cleavage but luckily no nipple. "Yeah," I repeated.

"Special Agent Charles Ward, NSA, can I have a word?" he said bringing his gaze back up to my eyes.

Doing a 'Nick', I activated the lenses and ran his identity through BORG and got his entire life history.

"Come in Special Agent Ward, I see that you are a local boy, twenty four years old, marines, Harvard and drafted into the NSA just six months back... impressive." I say as I turn around and let him follow me inside.

"How the hell... that's all been classified?" He sputtered.

"Do you like girls Special Agent Ward?" I say as I walk upstairs. "If you want to talk to me I am heading to my bedroom."

He paused for a three count before he followed me and by the time he was in my bedroom I was out of my robe and picking out my underwear.

"So tell me Charles," I say bent over looking into my underwear drawer giving him a clear shot of my pussy. "You don't me calling you Charles do you?"

"No Ma'am," he stammers his eyes glued to my slick slit.

"Please call me Kat everyone does. So Charles what brings you to my bedroom?"

"Well Ma'am... I mean Kat, I was ordered to collect you and take you to Washington."

"The red or the black," I say turning and holding up two thongs watching him sweat bullets.

"Red... no black... I mean once you are dressed we need to leave immediately."

"I think you're right black," I say turning around and slowly slipping the underwear into place. "But sadly Charles I have previous arrangements. I will go to Washington once I return from visiting my brother."

"I can't allow that," his voice was all conviction now.

"What did you say," I reply looking over my shoulder at him my eyes narrowing.

"My orders are to take you directly to Washington Ma'am."

"So we are back to Ma'am are we? Sora if you please." I say and return to getting dressed.

Special Agent Charles Ward hit the floor unconscious and we decided to take him with us, well at least as far as the helicopter. 

"Tie and gag him we need to go," I say and Sora only nods and smiles.

"We could keep him I promise to feed him," Sora said as she took his handcuffs from him and placed them around his wrists with his arms behind his back.

"Remember the goldfish," I joked. "Besides he might enjoy being dominated for a little while."

"He might at that."

Thanks to Hugh's help we used the agent's vehicle and made our way to the airport unmolested. Terry met us there with a hooded figure who I guess was the prototype.

"Hello Terry," I said giving him a big hug.

"Hello Kat... Sora," he held me close for a bit. "Tell Nick to send me regular reports."

"Boys and their toys," I told him.

"I am not a toy," Nightwind said with a touch of anger in her voice.

"My apologies," I said looking at Terry with a raised eyebrow.

"You can thank Mekada for the attitude and other factors." Terry explained.

"I'll inform Nick," I said and pointed to the car. "There is a sleeping NSA agent in the back of the car. I'd leave soon if I were you before he wakes up."

"NSA... Kat what have you been up to?"

"He wanted to take me to Washington, I politely said no."

"I'm out of here," Terry said heading for his car.

"Wise decision," I said as the three of us got into the helicopter and he started up the engine.

I was surprised at how quiet it was even when the rotors were at full speed. I looked at Sora and she smiled.

"It has one of Nick's power plants instead of a traditional motor; makes it a lot quieter."

"Let's get going before they realize what's going on," I say and the pilot gives me the thumbs up and we are on our way.

I look back and see that the avatar, Nightwind, has lowered her hood and watches intently out the window and is smiling serenely. I am ever amazed at the wonder of the living software that Jesse created that gives these creations the very semblance or spark of life. She places her hands up to the plexi-glass and leans so she can see down and watch the land go speeding by. Then we are over water and well on our way towards the Numenor, towards Nick.

In the Shadow of Titans:

Location: Unknown

Time: Unknown

One moment I am standing next to the Keystone on the Sunken Isle the next I am engulfed in absolute darkness. But this darkness carries with it tremendous heat and for a split second I feel as if my lungs are going to be seared and my entire body incinerated... again. Then just as quick I am cool and the air is quite breathable. Thank god. My eyes adjust to the darkness and I see that I am surrounded by a bubble of shimmering force about ten feet in diameter. Beyond the bubble is a hellish landscape of shattered stone and boiling lava. But since there is no light the lava burns dark here, wherever here is. It is only because the Dreamer tampered with my perception that I can see any of my environments. I suspect the Elder Things are keeping me alive with this bubble and will appear at any minute. 




Iron Rain Pt. 18



I have no judge of time here but it seems to have been at least an hour since my arrival where the hell are my hosts? Maybe this is another test? Let me stop and see. The Dreamer somehow sent me here but was it the Elder Things who created this bubble of mine? Maybe I did it somehow? I reached out and touched the interior edge of the bubble and it did feel familiar somehow. The alchemy that Bennu mentioned; damn it's so hard to remember that other life now. The contact lenses, the scepter of Iram, my watch, Bennu's touch and the Dark Mother's blood were the essence of this transformation. 

'Don't forget me Master,' said a familiar voice in my head.

'Abraxxa,' I thought to myself.

'Yes Master I snuck a ride with the scepter.'

'Where are you now?'

'In your mind Master,' she giggled.

'No I mean physically,' I thought annoyed at her playful nature in so serious a situation.

'Oh,' she said. 'Look down Master and all will be revealed.'

I looked at my feet and saw the yawing lake of ebony flame I was hovering above.

'No Master... here let me show you.' Abraxxa said the glimmer of the bubble becoming actual illumination revealing my naked form. 'Now look at yourself.'

I gasped at the startling change that had occurred and held my hand up before my eyes. Covering most of my body was the runic tattoos that were the symbols from the Obelisks and the Keystone. Set into my chest were three jewels; two came from the scepter and the last oh the last could only be Abraxxa's crystal. I looked and saw that over my heart was a glyph I did not recognize. It appeared like the silhouette of a bird being consumed in a pyre.

'That's where Bennu touched you Master.'

'Why did you add your crystal to the alchemy Abraxxa?'

'I was created by the Elder Things and I know their mind and their desire. I can help you when you meet them.'

'I guess I don't have much of a choice now do I?'

'Not if you want to survive this encounter.'

'Well let's get this over with shall we.'

'Shall I summon them Master?'

'Yes.'

A single tone pierced the silence and echoed over the open area and it was picked up and began to resonate and gather strength and where the sound touched massive stones began to glimmer then glow with an internal light. Soon the entire area was lit with the illumination of a thousand suns. I looked out and despite the devastated look to the area I couldn't help but find a strange kind of beauty to it as well. 

'It won't be long now,' Abraxxa whispered.

'I can hardly wait,' I thought as ripples began to form in the lava and I knew they had arrived.

Titans indeed, the forms that rose from the depths of the fiery earth were larger than skyscrapers and never held the same shape long enough for my mind to register anything coherent. A dozen or so broke the surface then more and more until a thousand towering forms swayed and reshaped themselves constantly. It was maddening! Formless I named them for their ever shifting ever changing nature.

"The SHAW," a single piercing sound rose from the thousand.

"Formless," I cried out to them.

"Phoenix Touched," they replied.

"I am here," I whispered.

'If you stay they will tear you apart trying to learn about the Bennu,' Abraxxa warned.

"Why?" I screamed.

"WHY?" they echoed.

"Why do you seek the Bennu?"

"Eldest," the chorus sang.

"I don't understand," I said.

'The Bennu is the only entity that the Elder Things have encountered that is older than they.' Abraxxa explained.

"Oh I get it... she knows what went on before they came into being!"

"YES!" they cried.

"She is the Eldest!" I scream.

"YES!" they cried.

"She perceived the Beginning!" I cry out to the masses.

"YES!"

"She holds the last secret," I whisper.

"Yes... the last great secret." They moaned in despair.

"Then what," I ask.

Silence.

"I asked then what," I scream.

Silence.

"What will you do once you have the last... great... secret," I ask softly.

"We do not understand," the Elder Things sing.

"What will the Elder Things do once you possess the last great secret?"

Silence.

'Master is wise,' whispered Abraxxa.

"What is the purpose of the Elder Things?"

"To seek the Last Great Secret!" they scream.

"What happens when your purpose is complete?"

Silence.

"The Elder Things need a purpose..."

"Tell us SHAW... BENNU has touched you... tell us!"

"What do I get for the Last Great Secret?"

'Master, have you lost your fucking mind? They are the Elder Things! They are the Titans of the Deep!'

"And I have what they want." I told her. "It's called supply and demand."

'They can take the answer.'

"Can they? I think they know if they try they will shred my mind and lose their chance. The Elder Things are power incarnate but they lack one thing."

'What could they possibly lack Master,' Abraxxa asked.

"Subtlety, they do not possess a gentle touch for they have never needed it and never developed it."

"We will sunder this world SHAW and slay all upon and below its surface!" they sang.

"Do it." I whispered.

'Master!'

"Shut up Abraxxa."

Silence.

"They don't dare break the world for if they do they lose their only bargaining chip. I repeat what will you give me for the secret?"

"What does the SHAW want?" they whispered.

'No fucking way!' Abraxxa said shocked to her core.

"I want to know what you know." I say.

Silence.

I cross my legs, close my eyes and wait. I could feel the unbelievable raw power all around me and I waited. The stones sang and within their song the Elder Things spoke. They were discussing my offer and I feared deep down in my core they would rip me into subatomic particles to get the secret before they gave up any of their vast knowledge.

"You are not ready," they sang.

"Then we are at an impasse." I reply.

"You are not ready... yet." They sang.

"Oh... so?" I asked.

"We agree to your terms SHAW. We will share our understanding for the secret." They screamed.

"Wow I never thought they'd actually agree... so how do we do this?"

"Here," they sang.

A tiny ripple rose from the lava and floated up towards my bubble and as it got nearer I could see that it not very large at all about half the size of a baseball and encased in clear faceted crystal. It pressed against the wall of the bubble and slowly passed through it cooling dramatically as it did so. I held out my hand and the sphere settled there. I examined it and saw that the surface was glass smooth but at the heart of the thing was a swirling ever changing mass.

"What do I do with it?" I asked.

"Swallow it," they sang.

"What?"

"If you wish to know what we know you must swallow it." They were adamant on this thing.

"Now or after I give you the secret?" I asked.

"Now."

"Okay," I said and turned the crystal this way then that and after a moment or two the crystal faded away leaving only the tiny formless thing in my palm. "Here goes nothing."

I shudder and open my mouth and bring my hand up. The squirming thing in my palm launched itself at my face and slid down my throat and after a moment of choking the sensation faded. Another shiver ran through me and I waited for something to happen but after a full minute I shrugged and turned to face the monolithic beings. I opened my mouth to speak and a sensation raced through me. It was like ice water spreading from my middle and then numbness seemed to seize me and then I dropped senseless to the bottom of the bubble.

"The Last Great Secret!" cried the Elder Things. "It is ours! Farewell SHAW."

"I got fucked..." I moaned before my world went black.

The Black Pyramid

I stand and stare in disbelief at the polished diorite portal; it was closed, sealed and held against us. Our home was no longer our home but how had this happened? A thousand Osirins were forced to reenter the city after all these long years.

"Fire Heart," someone called my name.

I turned and saw my dear companion Hawk Wind standing behind me.

"Hawk Wind what are you doing here?" I ask.

"I could ask you the same High Priestess but I know as well as you the distress you like all our people are feeling. Why has our home been taken from us?"

"I have a theory but it is just a hunch," I say.

"Please your people have need of your wisdom." He begs.

"I believe it is a test from the Eternal Master. He wishes to reopen the school and he needs our help in reclaiming the city."

"I see the wisdom in that, his will be done!" Hawk Wind cries and heads down to tell the others.

I pray I am correct and I pray our Master returns to us I miss him fiercely. 

I stand vigil over the pyramid and our home waiting for the Master's return or the seal being opened. The old Master will not come and refuses to be dragged back into the former life as he calls it. I can smell the fear that clings to him and it is a sad thing indeed. I close my eyes and meditate and wait patiently for a sign and when it comes it manifests in a very strange way indeed. 

Night has fallen and I can hear the three strangers as they make their way up the last part of the path. Two of them smell as human women but the third is a scent I have never experienced before. I open my eyes and see the trio and recognize from the picture the new Master showed me that the fair haired one in front is his sister named Kat. What a funny name for a human. The second is her bodyguard Sora and she is dark and short like the Lady Akira. The last is shrouded in a hood and moves with great grace despite it's strange scent.

"You are Fire Heart," Kat asks.

"Yes and you are the Master's sister Kat," I say in greetings.

"I need to speak with you about Nick," she says tears in her eyes.

"Please sit and be welcome, even your strange companion who smells like nothing I have smelled before."

"That is Nick's new avatar I thought you two should meet," Kat says awkwardly.

"You seem tense sister of my Master why is that?"

"Nick has done you and your tribe a great honor and built his new avatar in your image. I don't want you to take offense by her appearance," Kat says with great care.

"If this is the work of the Master's mind how can I take offense?" I tell her.

Kat turns to the hooded one and nods. The avatar reaches up and unclasps her robe and tosses it aside. I gasp at her appearance and see that she looks like a Bast but is clearly not one of us. But it difficult not to see her as part of the tribe as her mannerisms are quite familiar.

"I am designated as Nightwind and serve Master Nick," it says in a lovely voice.

"I am Fire Heart and you are welcome here," I say and she smiles.

"Thank you for accepting me," she says. "I was concerned my form would cause conflict. He must find your form very pleasing to have created me Fire Heart."

"Did he say why," I asked her.

"I have not met my Master yet. I was hoping to see him this evening."

"Who created you then?" I ask watching her intently.

"I am the collective of three Masters; Master Terry who wished to create a bio-organic construct, Master Jesse who designed my mind and its ability to interact with my body and Master Nick who gave me shape and form and even my voice."

"You are a very lucky female to have three men work so hard and diligently on your creation." I tell her.

"Thank you."

"I don't mean to interrupt but can you tell me what happened to my brother?" Kat asked.

"I will tell you all I know and all that I witnessed." I say and launch into the tale of the Master and Bennu.

I watched as Sora held her friend as she cried when I finished my story and fought back the urge to weep as well. All the while Nightwind listened silently and I could see her mind working fiercely. 

"Lady Fire Heart, Lady Kat, Lady Sora I am detecting a falling object travelling at terminal velocity close to our proximity." Nightwind said her eyes perking up.

"Where," Kat asked.

"Object will impact the mountain top in five seconds... four... three..."

THUD!

"Correction three seconds, object has impacted on the far side of the structure known as the Black Pyramid."

I got to my feet and sprinted to where we heard the sound. I stopped when I came upon the impact crater which was ten feet in diameter and approximately six feet deep.

"OWWWWWW..." came a low moan of pain. "Can someone help me out of here?"

"Master?" I approached the edge of the crater and there laying naked was the Eternal Master. "MASTER!!!!" I leapt into the concave hole and gingerly picked him up and carried him out.

"Nick... NICK... oh my god you're alive!!!" Kat was suddenly at my side and helping me. "Sora tell the others... Nick is back and he's alive!"

The dark haired one raced down the mountainside screaming at the top of her lungs. Soon the entire population of the island human and Osirin were arriving to see the Eternal Master. Lady Akira beat everyone up the path and practically snatched the Master from our arms.

"Nick, we'll take care of you baby," Akira was crying but I sensed that there were tears of joy.

"Why is the pyramid door shut? Carry me over please..." he asked and he touched the hieroglyphs and with a rumble and a shudder the door slid open. "Fire Heart can you get a bed ready for me please I am really hurting."

"At once Master!" I said gleefully. 

I directed a host of Bast to prepare the Master's bed chamber and soon he was carefully laid down to rest.

"Sweetie," the Master said to Lady Akira. "I am starved and dehydrated..."

That is all he needed to say. I went to the pool of the sacred stone and filled the chalice and brought it to him immediately. I did that four times before his thirst was quenched. Then food was brought and we left the Master and the two Ladies alone. Sora, Nightwind and I stood watch over the great hall as my people returned to their home.

"You were as surprised as any of us that he returned," Sora said.

"I had great hope but yes I was pleasantly surprised." I admitted. "I saw his body burn and vanish."

"Do you think we'll ever get the whole story?" she asked.

"I don't know we will have to see what the Master recalls and what he decides upon sharing with us."

"My Master is very handsome," Nightwind said out of nowhere.

"Yes he is," I agreed.

"I even like his tattoos," she said.

"What tattoos," Sora and I asked at the same time.

"I saw no tattoos," I tell the avatar.

"Neither did I are you sure?" Sora asked.

"Quite sure," she said and I could see her thinking before she continued. "Ah I understand now my full spectrum vision allows me to see what you may be unable to see."

"What do they look like Nightwind," I ask.

Without hesitation she pointed to the Obelisk.

"Like those but in a different configuration. I also detected a noted drop in his body temperature despite the manner of return. His core temperature is a mere seventy two degrees Fahrenheit which happens to be the same as the surrounding air. I wonder if there is a correlation." 

"What's the significance of the big black rock," Sora asked.

"It is one of the six sacred stones that grant long life and health," I explain. 

"Why does Master Nick have them tattooed on his body?" Sora asks.

"I suspect we may never learn that." I say and rise to my feet. "But this is a time for celebration! The Eternal Master is returned to us and our home is ours once more."

Numenor and Beyond

December 1, 2012

The first few hours were the best and the worst. Nick was back as suddenly as he had disappeared but was it MY Nick? Damn that woman... damn Bennu! Kat and I nursed him back from the brink of death. He had broken nearly every bone on his body and amazingly he recovered and quickly. I was quite aware of Nick's ability to regenerate and restore his energy, especially his sexual hunger, but this was nothing short of supernatural. By the time a week had passed you would never know that Nick had ever suffered any form of injury for he bore not a single scar. 

Then there was the emotional change and that was evident within the first few days. He never wanted to be alone so Kat, Nightwind and I took eight hour shifts being his constant companion. The other change was his constant need to be moving and we must have walked every square foot of the island over the next few weeks. The oddest thing was this and I must share this with someone. The island and its natural denizens had accepted Nick as their absolute ruler. I know it sounds crazy but where he trod predators and prey alike stopped and took notice of him. From the shadowcats to the insects of the air they all seemed eerily aware of his presence. Then it was the jungle itself and the buildings that had once been overgrown by it. One week to the day after his arrival the majority of the jungle was simply gone and in its place vast gardens of fruit trees and bushes that carried fruit and vegetables that I had never seen before. The city was restored overnight and it was seen by the Osirins as nothing short of a miracle. The crew of the Numenor was equally amazed at the island's transformation but was less spiritual and chalked it up to one of Nick's technological marvels. 

The thing that bothered me the most was strange moments that he manifested with all three of us for I have asked Kat and Nightwind about his fugues. We will be walking and suddenly we will reach a wide open space and he will stop and stare as if there was in fact something there that only he could see. It was once these fugues began that Nick became even more distant and began disappearing for hours at a time. The first time he vanished I thought he was doing his invisible man trick and hoped to feel his eager hands upon my body but it never happened. Kat shared an equal disappointment in Nick's lack of physical attention as did every woman I 'interviewed' over the matter. 

I wouldn't discover what he had been up to until months had passed and by then it was far to late to change the course of action that would before the world. I discovered that Project Aries was only the beginning of the drastic changes Nick had set into motion. Operation Damocles was the second but not final phase of his strategy. If I had known what he had planned I would have argued with him as I did when he captured the assassin and the man who had hired him to kill Nick's mother. I would have gotten on my knees and begged him to stop but Bennu was correct Nick had become a force of nature and I was starting to see him as more than just a man.

"Lady Akira," Surfer said as I sat staring up at the night sky.

"Yes Surfer," I replied as his metallic face came into view along with his dormant manhood beneath his kilt.

"I have received news that the city of Antwerp has gone silent and there is no communication either entering or exiting the city."

My first thought was my parents and that something terrible had happened.

"Have you sent drones to investigate," I asked but he shook his head. "Then dispatch some immediately."

"I would if I could but I cannot," Surfer said.

"Why the hell not," I said rising to my feet to stand on the helipad.

"They are all in use Lady," he said his head lowered.

"Can't you divert just a few of them?" I asked.

"Not without Master Nick's permission and I doubt he will give it."

I felt my hopes drop and knots form in my stomach. 

"Can we piggy back on a drone near Antwerp and determine what is going on somehow?" I asked.

"That I can do Lady Akira," he said with a smile.

Numenor and Beyond

December 2, 2012

I'm not sure which I was aware of first the aura of her anger or her intention to bitch slap me. Despite how upset she was she still knocked.

"Come in Akira," I say as the door comes flying open and she is all fire and anger and not a little hurt.

"How could you," she accused.




Iron Rain Pt. 18



"I didn't," I reply already knowing she is pissed about Antwerp.

"What," she stops and is confused that I am neither angry nor confused about her outburst. "What do you mean you didn't?"

"I didn't let her escape," I say standing and crossing the distance between us.

"Let who escape?" Akira is looking me dead in the eye I have to remind myself she doesn't know.

"The Dark Mother," I tell her as I grab her by the hair and make a tight fist and watch her utter confusion as her body surrendered but her mind continued to process the horror of the knowledge I had just shared with her.

I pull her into a long overdue kiss and feel her melt against me. I let go of her hair and reach down and grab both her ass cheeks as her arms slip around my neck. As I lift her skirt and knead her bare flesh she moans in my mouth. I reach further and find her sex soaked and her slit takes my two fingers easily. Her moan gets louder and our tongue are dueling fiercely now.

"What are you doing about Antwerp," she asks as she breaks the kiss and her hands slip between us and free my hard flesh.

"Nothing," I say as I lift her up and pierce her to the core and stagger forward until her back hit the wall. "UNNNNN," I moan as I begin thrusting up into her.

"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Kouryou..." she cries out and then the tears begin to flow as she realizes the fate of her parents and her people. "NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNO..." she weeps as the sorrow blends with the pleasure.

"I couldn't stop it Akira," I told her as we made love and her legs wrapped around my waist. "I was trapped... helpless..." I said as my cock pierced her over and over again taking out my aggression on her.

I feel her fangs bite down deep onto my shoulder and my blood flowed into her. It took very little to sate her hunger and after that she told me later it was like being latched onto a power cable. Her mouth came up and away and she screamed in pleasure/anguish and her climax struck her like freefalling into ecstasy. Her tears of blood ran scarlet down her cheeks as my hips pounded into her relentlessly and climax followed climax until she begged me to stop and by then the last of the night was paling away into dawn.

Akira lay atop me still impaled but resting with her red swollen eyes clamped shut. My arms were around her holding her and sharing her grief. 

"Kouryou," she whispered.

"Yes beloved," I asked.

"Is she really your wife," Akira asked meaning the enigmatic being known as Bennu.

"Not in the way that counts," I tell her.

"Huh, I don't understand lover," she moaned.

"She was unique now she's not so she sees me as the same. In her mind and with the limitations of verbal language she called me her husband." I explained.

"Some things never change that was as clear as mud," she actually giggled.

"She changed me so that I could be sacrificed to the Elder Things... the Titans... the Formless..." I shuddered uncontrollably.

Now it was her turn to comfort and the cold sweat that covered my body also forced the runes to appear despite my attempts to keep them hidden.

"Kouryou! Your body is covered with the markings from the Obelisks when did that happen?"

"Oh Akira there is so much I haven't told you," I cried and the pain... the fear... all of it came pouring out in an uncontrollable torrent of words and tears.

I was all cried out and I found that the part of me I thought I had lost was just buried beneath an emotional shell of not wanting to worry those that cared about me. My mom and Petra would have run my neck if they had found out and that brought a smile to my lips. 

"Kouryou you are smiling... I mean really smiling," Akira whispered.

"Yeah, I was just thinking of how much trouble I'd be in if my mom or Petra found out about all that crap I was holding in."

"You are so in deep shit mister," said the ethereal voice of Petra Shaw.

Akira and I both sat up and stared at the avatar who had her arms crossed under her tits just like I remember.

"Hey mom," I said with a not so easy grin. "...nice tits."

"Oh that won't work this time, maybe next time but not this time mister," she said and couldn't quite keep the wicked smile from her lips. "You take care of this Antwerp problem right now or else."

"I wish I could," I told her and they could both feel the truth in my words.

"Kouryou is it not that important or is there something worse that is keeping you from acting... oh shit there is, isn't there I can see it in your eyes." Akira said biting her lip in that sexy way.

"Nick," Petra asked. "What's going on Nick?"

"I can't say but in my defense it'll all be over soon. I can let Akira confront the person responsible for her parent's death if that'll help for now."

"It'll do," those two words were like ice coming from my lover's lips.

So we shaved, showered, fucked, showered, fucked again and finally dried off and got dressed. Damn I missed that woman! Akira wore a snow white kimono to show everyone she was in mourning for her parents and I took her to the helipad and there we stepped from the ship to the courtyard outside Khaine's personal rooms on the island.

"How the hell," Akira said looking around. "We were just... you and I need to talk some more Kouryou."

I knocked on the door and it opened and he smiled when he saw me and then grimaced when he saw Akira and her white kimono.

"He's all yours," I tell her handing her my katana.

"Wait... Nick you can't do this," he cried out.

"Oh I can, if I wasn't committed to another course of action it would be my hand wielding that sword old man." I told him eyes narrowed and bitter as hell.

Akira closed the distance and Khaine ran for the back wall wear his own weapon hung on the wall. His hand closed over the hilt but the bare cutting edge of three and a half feet of red gold alloy was poised at the back of his neck.

"I will let you pick up that weapon and defend yourself or you can tell me why you set that monster free?" Akira spat at him each word laced with hatred.

Khaine lowered his hand and slowly turned to face Akira who hadn't lowered her arm. The naked steel now lay across his throat as his shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Tell me mother fucker or you'll be dead before your head hits the fuckin' floor!" she roared at him.

I leaned against the wall and crossed my arms curious to see how this would play out. I had accepted that he had lied to me from day one and had found some acceptance along the way. 

"I..." he stammered and seemed to fear something more than the sword that much was obvious to me. "I was told to rescue her and help restore her to health. Then I was commanded to sire children with her and only then did I seal her away after that abomination was born!"

"I always wondered why people found the number thirteen unlucky and now I know," I said with no mirth in my voice.

"Who ordered you to do what you did Khaine?" Akira was in his face now and I feared she was going to kill him no matter what he did or said.

"Loki," he said.

One word, one name that was synonymous with chaos, lies and deceit.

"Who the hell is that," Akira asked unfamiliar with the Norse god.

"He's a god sweetie," I tell her. "He goes by many names Coyote, Tezcatlipoca, Hades and so on but it's all one being. The immortal shit disturber and now it all makes sense."

"It was his blood that created the Akhkharu in the beginning," Khaine was rambling now fearless and perhaps after all these millennia of taking the blame eager to unburden himself. "They were humans originally who craved immortality. He gave them what they wanted and in exchange they drank his blood. Then they became a living plague and the Old Ones just about wiped them out. Loki managed to save just one the worst of the lot. Loki arrived with her and commanded I save her or he would sink the island. So I did. I managed to preserve her with my blood and out of our union a new race appeared the Nephilim."

"So why did you set her free this time?" Akira snarled.

"I was told to keep her on ice until the proper time. Nick's virus seemed to be what Loki was waiting for a time of massive change to unleash the Akhkharu back upon the world."

Akira lowered the sword and turned to leave and handed me my weapon back. I sheathed it and closed the door so I could have a little private chat with Khaine. 

"I don't have time to clean up your mess Khaine, but once the New Year is upon us you'd better not be on my island. Do you understand me? If you are I will kill you myself."

"Nick I didn't have a choice," he said just above a whisper.

"We all have choices Khaine look at what I've done for the betterment of mankind. I've become a mass murderer on a scale that dwarfs anything you have ever even conceived of. So don't tell me you didn't have a choice!" I said as I snatched him by the throat and let him see really see the multiverse... all the hidden places between. "Now tell me you didn't have a choice."

"Oh god... oh god... oh god..." he mumbled as he drooled.

Hammerton Missouri

December 5, 2012

I stood before the Sentinal Trees and admired its majesty. I was so damn tired and the worst was yet to come. I sat with my back against the ancient tree and closed my eyes taking in the simplicity of a winter morning. 'Crunch-crunch' came the heavy trod of a man in boots.

"Hello Nick," greeted the deep yet cheerful voice of Gadda Doin.

I opened my eyes and saw the one eyed man in his heavy coat and wide brimmed hat.

"Hello Gadda how are things," I asked.

"What are you doing here Nick," his voice now carried an edge to it perhaps he saw how much I had changed since last time I was here.

"I came for Mary," I said.

"You can't have her," he said the edge growing sharper.

"You know why I need her," I asked.

"Yes and that doesn't change anything she is protected here."

"Maybe she'll volunteer when she has to hear what I have to say?"

"Go Nick you aren't welcome here anymore," Gadda growled.

"I thought it was Eisermann who ran things around here not you Old Man."

"I believe I speak for him in this matter," he said as he took a step closer.

"I don't want to fight you," I said. "Loki has thrust his iron in the fire and I don't have time to deal with him. I have worse things on the horizon. Tell Mary I was here. Tell Augustus I was here." I said standing and looked him in his one good eye. "And if that mean spirited son of bitch you call a son shows up tell him this is just the beginning."

"Clever boy," Gadda Doin said with a weary smile.



Iron Rain Pt. 19



I would like to send a big thanks to SlyStone for editing this piece for me. As always I hope everyone enjoys this installment and please vote and comment to show me how much you like it. Suggestions are always welcome.


Dramatis Personae: 
Nick Shaw: Entrepreneur and Eternal Master of the 'Order'
Kat Shaw: Nick's Stepsister and Manager of Numenor Technology Arkham Mass.
Petra Shaw: 'Deceased' Stepmother now avatar
Jesse Tillinghast: Computer Genius and Nick's Close Friend
Terry Wilkes: Software Genius and Nick's Close Friend
William Bell Jr: Close Friend of Nick's (Deceased)
Akira Kusanagi: Nephilim and Silent Master of the 'Order'
Sora: Member of the Sisterhood and Kat's bodyguard
Fire Heart: High Priestess of the Osirins and member of the Bast tribe
Nightwind: Biomechanical Avatar for Nick based off the Bast Osirin form
Mary Stone: Nephilim and Bakaret (Soul Thief)
Oswald Sebastian Kane or 'Oz': Nephilim (Via Professor Griffin's Serum) and general rogue
Quincy Morris or 'Quinn': Nephilim (Via the Bloodstone Ring) owner of Quinn's Emporium
Augustus Eisermann: Mayor of Hammerton Mo.
Celeste Eisermann: Daughter of Augustus Eisermann and Cyan Michaels
Cyan Michaels: Billionaire and Philanthropist 
Gadda Doin: Farmer/Recluse whose property borders Mary Stone's (Loki's Father?)
Marie Dubois: Cajun and Majestrix of the Sisterhood
Loki: Ancient Immortal once worshipped as a Deity in many cultures and agent of chaos
Fen: Loki's son 
Magus: Rogue Zeitgeist that once answered to the Old Ones (Albino)
Garnet: Svartalfar and companion to Magus (Rune Mage)
Hermetic Order of the Silver Twilight: Secret Organization headed by the Eternal Master
Silent Shadows or the 'Sisterhood':  female arm of the 'Order' who answer only to Akira
Nephilim: Hybrid offshoot of Humans and the Old Ones 
Osirins: A group of tribes of humanoids that were sired by the Egyptian Gods in antiquity
Old Ones: Ancient Race of Humanoids who origins date back to the Hyperborean Age
Shifters: Short for Shape Shifters and able to alter their form at will
Svartalfar: Dark Aelves who once lived beneath Ygdrassil the World Tree
Akhkharu: Virulent predecessors to the Nephilim led by the Dark Mother 
Numenor and Beyond (Nick)

December 5th, 2012

I knew that I couldn't put off the conversation with Akira much longer and she did deserve to know what was going on but first I had a myriad of tasks to set into motion. I was eternally grateful for the fact that I had outstandingly gifted avatars to carry out my will without question or reservation. They stood waiting eagerly to be given these monumental tasks to accomplish and they didn't have much time to complete them.

"Surfer," I directed my most difficult task to him.

"Yes Master Nick," he said with a beaming smile.

"I need you to make sure that the following museums are emptied and their contents moved to the designated locations." I said sending him the information via holographic keypad.

"Yes Sir," his expression became a little stressed. "I will do my best."

"Lilith," I said turning to the lovely young woman once more now that I was Master of the Isle she could drop her demonic appearance.

"Yes Master," she purred.

"I have a list of young people who need to be located and tested for possible entrance into the school once it opens next year."

"Yes Master, consider it done."

"Morrigan," I said turning to the once goddess.

"Yes Sir," she bowed.

"I need you to observe the following locations for me unseen and report back to me in a week's time. The information I require is in this file." I said sending her a tiny document.

"It will be done."

"Grim," I turned to face my digital twin.

"Yes Nick," he replied and all the others glared at him but he just smiled.

"I need you to go to the Vatican and have them empty their library and the contents of their private holdings and deliver them here." I said once more sending a small digital file.

"Sir? Why are we moving relics, artwork and irreplaceable items?" Grim asked.

The gasp from the other avatars was loud in the small room.

"Because Grim if they are not removed they will not be there after the turn of the year." I said with little or no emotion.

"OH... very well, I will make sure everything is secured on time Sir."

That was that and with a nod from me they vanished.

"What about me," Petra appeared tapping her foot.

"I haven't forgotten about you," I told her.

"How can I help Nick," she asked.

"I need you to find the two shifters that have managed to sneak on board and murder two of the crew."

"What?" she said in shock. "How long have they been on board?"

"Since before Aries went off and they may even be inoculated against Aries. I don't need any more of the crew being replaced."

"How am I supposed to spot shape shifters Nick," she asked.

"You and Nightwind are going to work together to find them," I told her.

"So that's why you had her made," Petra asked.

"It's one of the reasons," I say.

"Can I ask what the other is," she asked with a smile. "I hear she's 'fully' functional."

"That she is, she can even achieve an orgasm or two, so I have been told."

"You mean you haven't..." she looked at me and placed her hand on my forehead. "...are you feeling well Nick?"

"I'm fine," I tell her.

"So you say but your core temperature is only seventy two degrees. What's going on?"

Sigh. Without hesitation I launched into the full tale of Bennu and the dire alchemy she worked upon me and what occurred after. I left nothing out and I saw the pain in her face and the desire to somehow protect me from the past.

"Oh Nick," she said. "I wish there was something I could do to take it all away."

"I know mom," I told her.

"I will find these murderers for you but how do you know they are on board the Numenor?"

"The shifters are direct offspring of the Elder Things," I explained. "After I swallowed the gift I can sense the presence of anything that is tied to them. Whether it is technology, locations or living beings; it is part of knowing what they know I guess."

"Any suggestions on how I find them," Petra asked.

"Actually I do," I said as I sent her an upgrade.

"Ooh that tickles," she giggled. "What does it... oh my god...?"

"Now you know how to find them."

"Yes, yes I do," she said tears flowing. "I will have Akira arrest them once I locate them."

"Once they are in custody bring them to me," I say.

Vatican City, Rome (Morrigan)

December 6th, 2012

The throngs of the faithful had diminished little since the outbreak of Project Aries or what the world was calling the Angel of Death. It had taken the lives of what some experts were saying were up to seventy percent or higher of the entire human population; a full twenty percent higher than the Black Death centuries before. Cardinal Renaldo Giovanni was taking his duty by hearing the confessions of the high ranking members of the church. Much to his surprise a veiled woman knelt across from him and crossed herself and began the prayer in fluent Italian.

"Bless me Father for I have sinned. My last confession was two hundred and thirty five years ago," she said.

"My child what is the meaning of..." he began but then she continued his blood ran cold.

"Hello Longinus," she said raising her head and he saw those piercing green eyes.

"YOU," he hissed. "What are you doing here demon?"

"Oh Longinus is that any way to greet an old lover," Morrigan whispered.

"What do you want Morrigan," he whispered back.

"A good friend of mine is going to seek you out later today. I need you to help him without question."

"And why should I do that?"

"For two very good reasons lover, the first is that if you don't I will tell his Holiness who you really are. The second and more important reason is that he is a member of the Order. You remember your commitment to the Order don't you Longinus?"

"My loyalties are to the church Morrigan," he said.

"I was counting on that," she said her eyes glittering. "The request my friend is going to make has to do with preserving the treasures of the church."

"What's going on," he asked his handsome features growing pale. "It isn't over is it?"

"No old friend it isn't. If you have any sway over your fellow cardinals and the pope I would strongly suggest seeking higher ground. I can't say any more than that but do it soon before the turn of the year."

"Did the Order have anything to do with this plague?"

"I don't know," she lied. "But they are trying to preserve art, history and irreplaceable artifacts. If you really serve this church of yours help my friend when he arrives," Morrigan said taking to her feet.

"Where are you going," the cardinal asked.

"I have other museums and collections to save. Don't hesitate Longinus, you were a soldier once and this is a good time to fall back on those old habits of taking orders. I hope we meet again."

"Goodbye Morrigan," he said making the sign of the cross.

"Farewell Longinus, may your god be with you."

Antwerp, Belgium (Dark Mother)

Silver Twilight Lodge

The pack swarmed into the interior of the once regal and stately building now little more than a husk of its former glory. The interior had been stripped of everything of any real value long ago and what was left were shards and fragments of the terrific blast that ended the lives of several key members of the Order. Following the pack were a group of six, four men and two women they were all elegantly dressed in the fashion of centuries passed. One in particular stood out from all others as she was taller, more regal and carried a hidden power the others both feared and yearned to possess themselves. She was the Dark Mother and the ruination of the Nephilim race. She was a walking disease that spread not only to her children but her human victims as well. Those that fell beneath her fangs rose again hideously changed and were infectious themselves and so the Akhkharu grew with each new casualty. 

"Pity this was once a place of great beauty and power," the Dark Mother mused to her children. "Though it may still hold secrets for those skilled enough to find them; Engineer search this place for hidden things and report back to me when and if you find anything."

"Yes Mother," replied one of the tall nobles who had entered the Lodge with her.

Then they entered the main meeting hall and found the victims of the blast still lying where the concussive force had flung them broken and shattered. The Dark Mother did not miss the fact that their signet rings were untouched. Whoever stripped this place must have belonged to the Order otherwise common thieves would have taken the gold and jeweled rings on these men's fingers. How interesting.

"Lord and Lady Kusanagi search the bodies and find me the highest ranking member among them."

"Yes Mother," they said and stooped and moved among the bodies examining the rings.

"Here Mother," Lady Kusanagi called out. "Here is a Temporal Master."

"I must agree none of the others are that high of rank Mother," Lord Kusanagi confirmed.

"Excellent," she said as she moved to stand over the corpse. "Eww it appears this one was very close to the blast when it occurred. What do you make of that my children?"

"They were traitors," Lady Kusanagi said without hesitation. "Why else would their rings still be here?"

"My thoughts as well daughter," the Dark Mother purred as she ran her fingers through her child's hair. "Now gather what bits and pieces appear to belong to this one and set them atop the corpse."

"Yes Mother," all of the children replied as they got on their hands and knees nobles and commoner alike searching.

"Ooh I see teeth in the ceiling," said one of the pack as he climbed the wall like some giant insect to retrieve them.

"And here in the wall is part of a jawbone," said another.

So very meticulously they managed to search, pry loose and scavenge what remained of the Temporal Master.

"Very good my children. Now watch a deep and dark magic at work," the Dark Mother said as she slit her wrist and let fall her precious dark blood.

It was the bones that first reacted to the blood, turning black as pitch and reassembling themselves. The shattered skull remolded itself into a proper dome and the pieces of the lower jaw became as one with a sickening crunch. Then the spine and ribs molded into a recognizable shape followed by the hips and lastly the arms, legs, hands and feet were restored to whole. Now the muscle and internal organs reconstituted themselves from the smallest bits left on the thousand dollar suit and spread and grew until it appeared as if he had been skinned alive. Lastly was the skin that puddled over the body like molten wax and spread and covered the corpse until with a final transformation became snowy white and without mar. And the crystal fine hair that sprang from his skull into a long shimmering mane that would hang down to his middle back. With a flickering of eyelids the Temporal Master awoke reborn. He brought his hand to his face and then touched his cheeks and shuddered remembering the terrible sensation of being flung like a rag doll and being ripped apart before the darkness came. He sat up and examined his body and seemed intrigued most of all at his colorless hair so long and luxurious.

"I'm not dead," he said and even his voice was deeper and richer than in life.

"Not anymore my child," replied the Dark Mother from above him.

"Who are you," he asked as he shakily got to his feet looking her in the eye unflinching.

"I am your Mother and the reason you still live," she said with a serpentine smile.

His mind was already at work analyzing his situation and came to one singular conclusion.

"This is going to cost me big time," he muttered and the Dark Mother laughed.

"Yes child it is," she agreed. "Now tell me what your name is?"

"I am Sebastian Shaw," he said and the entire pack took a step back.

"Really," she said looking him over. "Oh my children we have worked a very dark and terrible magic upon our enemy this night."

"Who is your enemy," Sebastian asked.

"Why your son Nicholas of course," she said smiling all the more.

"Nick," he whispered. "How can Nick be a threat to someone like you?"

"You obviously don't know your son as well as you might think Sebastian Shaw. He has become Death, Shiva the Destroyer and the Shatterer of Worlds. Tell him Lady Kusanagi. Tell him all about your daughter and his beloved son."

"Yes Mother," the ethereal creature said as she approached the half naked man. "My daughter is Akira Kusanagi, bound servant to your son Nicholas Shaw. What you may not know is that she is the Majestrix of the Sisterhood. No. The Silent Shadows that serve the Hidden Master?"

Sebastian's eyes widened in disbelief as he shook his head in denial and then the pieces began to fall into place. The small things like how the mayor of Dunwich had been so very generous with a priceless automobile. The mysterious funding of Numenor Technologies and the gift of a multimillion dollar super yacht to a mere boy; but where did it all begin? He lost a dear friend at school and was it a coincidence that the boy's father was a member of high standing within the Order? Was William Bell Senior really the Hidden Master? If he was then the ring would have passed to his son and if the burden were too much would he have given the ring to Nick? Did a simple desperate act of cowardice of a weak son elevate his own child to the rank of Hidden Master? Oh dear god it all makes sense now! So it had been Nick who had dueled and beaten the Grandmaster! And his own plans to overthrow the powers that be within the Order had unknown to him set father against son. Did Nick order his death? Did he know? He had to talk to him, he had to look his son in the eye and discover that truth for his own sake. Oh Nick I didn't know son, I didn't know!

"Why are you weeping Sebastian Shaw," the Dark Mother crooned.

"My son, I need to speak with my son," he said his voice breaking. "I have to know."

"Did your son order your death or was it the Eternal Master who discovered your plot is that it?"

"Yes," he sobbed.

"Well I am going to give you that very chance Sebastian Shaw. I mean what is a mother for if not to reunite father and son?"

"I won't kill my child," he said turning to face her.

"You will if I tell you to child of mine," she snarled and snatched him effortlessly off his feet. "I brought you back and can end you just as easily." 

Sebastian slumped in her grasp and she nodded and set him gently down.

"Get him some proper clothing and someone to eat, he must be starving," the Dark Mother ordered and the pack swarmed out into the night and brought food and clothing. 

Sebastian Shaw tore off what was left of his clothing and made his way to the communal showers the Order provided visiting members. He found that by some miracle the water was still running in this shell of bygone days. So he lathered up and washed the ashes and other filth from his porcelain skin and once clean he felt remotely human considering his situation. The archives of the Order had mentioned other races that lived alongside of humanity but he never believed them until now. He had become one. He dried off and went to his locker and opened it. Antwerp had been one of his favorite stops along his European route and he had spent many good days and nights by the sea. Sebastian looked at his much changed reflection in the locker's mirror and gasped.

"So young," he murmured to himself.

He looked barely older than Nick now. There was the change in skin color and musculature that was nothing short of amazing. He doubted there was an ounce of body fat on his new frame and the power he felt, the raw strength, was intoxicating. Then he remembered he had died and she had brought him back. That damnable woman had turned him into a monster! His rage rose and he saw the not so subtle changes take place in the mirror. His eye color changed from their blue green to an almost silver color and his feeding fangs slid down and into place and the shock drowned his anger and he turned away from the mirror. 

He looked at the contents of what remained of his past life. There was so little of it that really mattered until he saw the gift. There tucked away forgotten and almost lost was Nick's birthday gift to him. He had never even bothered to open it. He had always been so damn busy trying to make money and for what? It had cost him his first wife and maybe even his second. He picked up the box and sat on the floor of the locker room and gently tore off the paper savoring the moment; that was something he hadn't done since he was a child. He set the paper down on the floor next to him and opened the lid of the box and saw the watch. It was just like Nick's and he knew that the key to rebuilding his family lie in the secret that watch held. He set it on his wrist and watch in amazement as the band slid down and into perfect position. He felt the thrum as the watch powered up and the digital numbers spun until they settled on the current time and date gleaned from a source somewhere. 

'December 7th, 2012,' said the silvery female voice of the avatar within.

"Do not speak until I tell you to," he ordered it.

'Yes Master Sebastian,' then it went silent and dark and was just a plain old watch.

He rose and headed back to the pack and the Dark Mother smiling a secret smile. Sebastian strode into the blasted wreck of a room and found them waiting for him with clean clothing and a gorgeous young girl who couldn't be much older than Kat. 

"The prodigal son returns," the Dark Mother purred. "I see you washed the shit and filth off, good lad. Get dressed and feed. You need to keep up your strength." One of the pack whispered in her ear and she nodded and smiled. "Yes Gregori you are right, perhaps you should eat first Sebastian then dress. The first time can be a little messy."




Iron Rain Pt. 19



Sebastian walked over to the girl and took her by the wrist and drew her intimately close.

"I am sorry," he whispered in her ear before his fangs sank into her flesh and she moaned as he drank her dry.

Despite his best efforts he made a real mess of it and his snowy white skin was covered in patches of blood where the artery spurt and sprayed him.

"Go and shower my boy and I will show you how to finesse a kill so you don't dirty yourself." The Dark Mother offered.

Back to the showers to rinse the caked blood from his skin and waiting for him was Gregori. He handed Sebastian a towel and commented on his new jewelry.

"Nice watch," he growled. "Not a real necessity anymore. Who needs to count the hours when you're immortal?"

"It would be nice to know when the sun comes up," Sebastian countered.

"Touché there is that I'll grant you," the other said with a smile. "Cheer up boyo, the old lady has taken a fancy to you and your son. If you're smart you'll do whatever she says whenever she asks it of you. Trust me it's less painful that way."

"You were Gypsy," Sebastian said.

"We prefer the term Rom, but yes I was one of the people," he replied darkly. "I was the first of my family to become an Akhkharu and I slaughtered them for Her."

"Akhkharu?"

"It is an old word, Sumerian I think; anyway they are an old race that prowled the world long before we were building cities or even farming from what Mother says. That was until the great flood nearly wiped them all out. But all that has changed. We are now the rising power on this dirt ball and she has plans, dark and terrible plans for humanity and the others."

"Gregori you talk too much," said a dark haired beauty dressed in crimson and black.

"Fuck off Gabrielle," he snarled. "I was just catching the favorite up to speed is all?"

"Let Mother handle that now get going. Sebastian and I have some getting acquainted to do." She purred.

"Does She know about this," Gregori asked as he turned to leave.

"Who do you think sent me," she said as she moved closer to Sebastian. "Don't fret lover I don't bite, oh wait I do but you'll love every minute of it!"

"Gabrielle is it," Sebastian asked and she nodded. "Is Gregori jealous of you and me?"

"Yeah, we've been lovers for years but that's all changed now. Mother says I belong to you now," she said snuggling against him her lips kissing his throat and her cheek rubbing against his.

He slipped his fingers into her hair and made a tight fist and heard her grunt of pleasure. Then he pulled her into a kiss letting his hunger and passion rise to the surface. He had been with many women in his travels but this girl was different. She possessed an eagerness and compliance that went beyond sensual. Her complete and utter surrender of self fed his need to be in control right now. His life was spinning out of control and here was his chance to take charge. He lifted his wrist to her lips.

"Show me," he commanded and her eyes lit up.

She nuzzled his sensitive flesh and slowly brought her fangs into play and sank them into his skin like he would bury his cock into a woman.

"SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS," he hissed in a mixture of pleasure and pain.

She drank very little, licked his wrist, and watched the marks close on their own, fascinating. She offered her wrist to him and her scent was like wine and sex all rolled up into one.

"My turn lover," she moaned.

He followed by example and lightly kissed her skin and felt the fangs drop and then gently pressed them into her and then the blood flowed. He took only a mouthful before licking the wound and when he saw her eyes he knew that she'd climaxed.

"Freak," he whispered in her ear and she nodded slowly.

He lifted up her long skirt and found her trimmed and soaked and he did not disappoint. Sebastian spun her around, tossed the material over her back and slowly slid inside of her.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," she grunted.

Then he managed to find her slender hips and started thrusting into her. English must have been her second language for suddenly she was spouting off some dialogue in a tongue he had never heard before. But even through the language barrier, he knew what she wanted and he began slamming his hips into her and her cries of pleasure answered that question. 

"Lose the skirt," he told her and she complied without hesitation.

The skirt fell to the floor and now his view of her was unobstructed.

"What a lovely ass you have," he said as he gave it a healthy smack.

"MMMMMMMMMM I am glad it pleases you," she purred. "Is there anything else you wish to see Sebastian?"

He only smiled and as he continued to hammer his cock into her as she finished undressing and her entire body was his to view and ogle. He eased out of her and grabbing her by the throat firmly but playfully he pressed her back against the wall.

"Nice tits Gabrielle," he said as he lifted one of her legs and slid back inside of her.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," she grunted as he slammed his cock home. "I am glad they please you as well lover."

Once he grabbed her by her ass cheeks and was once more fucking her hard and fast she wrapped her legs around his waist and tossed back her head and moaned for all she was worth.

"You see, I told you Sebastian and your sister would get along," the Dark Mother said from behind the couple.

"You've been fucking your brother," Sebastian asked as he slammed into her harder than ever.

"Yeah," she moaned. "It just kind of happened." 

"Wow that's pretty fucked up," Sebastian commented.

"Well that's one of the things you'll discover about me. I'm pretty fucked up. MMMMM did I mention how much I love your cock in me?"

"No, tell me," he said with a sick smile.

"I love your fat cock slamming into me Sebastian."

"And now I know," He said as he lowered her down to her feet. "Suck my cock slut and show me how much you like it down your throat."

"Hehe," Gregori laughed. "She hates sucking cock."

Then Gabrielle promptly dropped to her knees and made love to Sebastian's cock and soon had most of it down her throat.

"Really Gregori," mused the Dark Mother. "Hates sucking cock does she? Or maybe it's just yours she hates?"

Gregori cursed and turned and left the pair stomping his way back to the outside. The Dark Mother watched for a bit before growing bored and returning to her Engineer and his quest to find the portal.

"You can be my slut for a while Gabrielle if you want," Sebastian moaned once they were alone. "I like your style and your lips and..."

An hour later the entire pack was assembled in the Lodge House and a cry came up from the Engineer.

"I found it," his voice echoing off the empty walls.

The others arrived to see the hidden panel revealed. The Engineer was striding passed Sebastian who laid an arm on his shoulder.

"Where are you going," he asked the other.

"I need to get my tools if I am going to restore power to it," the Engineer replied.

"Let him go," the Dark Mother said. "Hurry up and let's get this thing up and running."

"Yes Mother," he replied with downcast eyes. "Dmitri, have that panel open by the time I get back."

"I will Engineer," Dmitri said with confidence. 

Nobles and commoners alike formed a semi circle behind Dmitri as he worked the panel loose. Sebastian moved closer to get a better look when the watch on his wrist began to vibrate softly. He noticed that the closer he got to the panel the stronger the vibration became. Was it a warning? Should he say something? He turned and began to follow the Engineer outside.

"Sebastian darling where are you going," the Dark Mother asked.

"These types of things always bore me I will be outside," he replied.

"Pity you will be missing something great," she said.

But Sebastian kept moving and Gabrielle was close on his heels.

"Sebastian this is very important to..." she began to say when Dmitri's voice cried out in success.

"I have it!"

Sebastian snatched Gabrielle and flung them both to the side and away even as the terrible light exploded from the open panel and incinerated the pack decimating their numbers. Once the flash of ultra violet radiation had faded Sebastian rose and examined the carnage. He smiled seeing that even the great and powerful Dark Mother had not been exempt from the blast. She lay dying on the floor crumpled up and blackened by the faux daylight. Sebastian took her into his arms and held her.

"Shaw," she moaned. "Your son is a devious bastard like his father."

Black blood dribbled between her lips as she neared the Final Death. 

"For all your ancient wisdom and long life you still don't see when one of your own has laid you low," Sebastian whispered in her ear.

"The Engineer," she gasped.

"Yes, he planted the device once he found the panel and knew you couldn't resist seeing it opened. Farewell Mother for now a wiser man takes your place," Sebastian said as he sank his fangs into her throat and drank the last of her and felt her enormous power flow into him.

Everything she was, every memory and evil poured into the man from Arkham and like his son he took on a terrible burden for the greater good. Even as her power became his he prayed he could control it.

"Sebastian," Gabrielle called to him as she knelt next to him.

"Its Father now," his voice was deeper, richer and held all the darkness and authority hers had.

The remnants of the Antwerp pack assembled and lay prostrate over the newborn patriarch of the Akhkharu.

"What is your will Father," they asked.

"We have business in Greece," he said. "We head south."

Destination Serfopoula: (Oz, Magus, Garnet and Ingrid)

December 9th, 2012

The trio sat in first class aboard the train heading for the eastern seaboard at the best possible speed. Oz was dressed in shorts and a very loud neon green shirt while Magus and Garnet had opted for more reserved clothing or so they thought. 

"Are you sure this..." Garnet began to ask Oz.

"Bikini," Oz replied staring at the Svartalfar's nipples blatantly.

"...bikini is really going to let us pass unnoticed," Garnet finished.

"Trust me; people are going to be too busy staring at your tits to notice the pointed ears or her albino skin." Oz explained.

"I see the logic in his decision. I never realized men were so fascinated with female anatomy. I would have thought they'd have outgrown such petty things by now." Magus said not a little amused and enjoying the attention.

"I think it has gotten worse to be honest," Oz said with a smile.

"And Ingrid is meeting us in Boston," Magus asked.

"That's what she said," Oz told her for the Nth time. "She said she was borrowing transportation from an old friend, whatever that means."

"Why are we going to Greece," Garnet asked. "Not that I'm complaining. The last time I was there I was chatted up by this handsome young man named Aristotle."

"Really," Oz said thinking how that might have transpired and just smiled to himself. "What was he like?"

"Brilliant," she mused licking her lips. "Really knew how to impress the ladies with his 'logic'."

"I bet," Magus smiled. "So why are we headed to Greece?"

"There is a bit of rock out in the sea south and east of the mainland. It's called Serfopoula. I have discovered some records about the Akhkharu and the Nephilim and there may be a sole survivor locked away on that island."

"What kind of survivor," Magus asked her voice cooling and her eyes narrowing behind her sunglasses.

"An Old One," he said.

"Oh that's good, we will have an ally that owes us a favor," Garnet said cheerily.

"No you don't understand," Oz continued. "Back in the day when the very first Akhkharu infestation occurred, it was said that three of the Old Ones were infected and locked away. This thing is not on our side, hell it's probably not on anyone's side. If the Dark Mother recovers it and makes an ally of it we are in for some serious trouble."

"Why doesn't Nick take care of this," Magus asked.

"He can't be everywhere and I've heard he might have his hands full on other matters," Oz said quietly.

"So why are we going to Greece," Garnet asked again.

"To kill this thing before it is let loose," he said harshly.

"Oh okay," she seemed unphased. "How are we going to kill it?"

"Plain old sunlight."

Boston Harbor (Pier 94)

December 10th, 2012 Just After Midnight

Oz was pacing back and forth checking his watch every five minutes and looking at the two women who were patiently sitting and chatting as if nothing were amiss. 

"Maybe we should've taken a plane," he was muttering to himself now.

"Relax old man or you're going to give yourself a heart attack," Garnet said.

But still he glared at the horizon and no ship was visible for miles on the moonlit night. Suddenly and without warning the water twenty feet or so from the pier began to bubble and boil as something rose from the depths of the harbor. The thing was at least as long as the Numenor and twice as sleek in the water. The black exterior made it hard to see and if not for the silver light from above it displayed no exterior illumination of any kind. Unlike most submarines this beast possessed no conning tower or periscope, so how is managed to maneuver was a mystery. With a hiss of steam and the soft sound of gears a panel opened up on the top of the vessel and the petite form of Ingrid was lit from below.

"Sorry I'm late. We had a bitch of time getting the old girl going after more than a century," she called out to the trio gawking up at her. "Come aboard and we'll have you in Grecian waters in no time."

"Who is we Ingrid," Magus asked as the side of the submarine opened and extended a boarding ramp.

"I told you I asked help from an old friend," she was all smiles.

"Was he on ice too," Oz asked as the ramp thudded on the wooden pier.

"As a matter of fact she was," the giddy scientist replied.

"She," the trio said in one stunned voice.

"Let's get it in gear people. We don't have all night," a very commanding, very feminine voice called out.

Oz and company, once aboard, were directed to the officer's lounge where they got reacquainted with Ingrid. The captain opted for a theatrical entrance and swaggered in, made eye contact with her guests and then smiled brilliantly and welcomed them to her ship.

"Oz, Magus and Garnet, this is Captain Moen and we are aboard her fine vessel the Black Razor. Which I designed and built by the way."

"A pleasure Captain," Oz said offering her his hand.

"I have heard quite a bit about you Mr. Kane," she said shaking his hand with a firm grip. "We should make this island of yours in less than three hours barring acts of god."

"Wow," Magus replied. "She's amazingly fast."

"If you want a personal tour I'd be more than happy to show you myself," the captain said obviously flirting with Magus much to Oz's sorrow.

"I'd love to," Magus replied offering the captain her arm and off they went.

"I have to return to the engine room," Ingrid said cheerily. "I am still refitting one of Nick's power plants to the Razor's engines. If I can manage it we could reach Greece earlier still but I make no promises. Later."

Garnet and Oz looked at each other and shrugged. Oz picked up a hundred and thirty year old bottle of scotch and Garnet smiled. 

The Black Razor's engine room was spacious with elegant lines and a heart that burns as bright as the sun. Ingrid knelt before the large metallic sphere she had 'acquired' for the purposes of refitting the power core of the submarine. She promised its owner she would return it, eventually. The last of the cables were attached and the power adaptor Ingrid had to build in the ships forge was makeshift and wouldn't last the end of the year, but would do for their current purposes. Already she had drawn up schematics for its permanent replacement. With the help of her digital companion that is, he deserved much of the credit. 

"Okay let's give her a try," Ingrid said over her shoulder and with a deep thrum of power and the ship shuddered for a long moment before becoming still once more. "That's got it. Inform the captain we are once more at full power. I'm going to the forge to work on that permanent solution."

Arkham Massachusetts (Terry and Mekada)

While the Black Razor sliced through the waters of the Atlantic, Terry Wilkes lay dreaming of myriad possibilities all flowing together in one seamless vision. Before closing his eyes he had received Nick's latest request for an upgrade on the new bioorganic avatar and in typical Nick fashion it was one hell of an idea. However lately he had been sending some amazing files along with his plans and this file was nothing short of ground breaking. All Terry had to do was find a medical researcher that had survived Aries that could tackle their half of this project. 

Terry's dream changed subtly at first but then became more and more erotic. Then he actually felt her lips on him and the combination of his moan and the pleasure his avatar was giving him woke him at last. 

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMEKADA..." Terry moaned.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMASTER???"

"Are those your lips on my cock," he asked.

"Yes what do you think," she said before her lips returned to his hard flesh.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," Terry groaned as he thrust his hips upward grinding against her face.

Mekada deep throated him with ease trying out her brand new throat. Then she was straddling him in the hammock lowering her tight virgin pussy onto him. 

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM how does that feel Master?" Mekada moaned as she began to ride her lover slowly.

"I love the shade of blue you've chosen," Terry remarked at the tuft of bright blue pubic hair that matched the hair on her head perfectly.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM thank you Master," she purred as she made little circles with her hips as she ground down against him.

Terry closed his eyes and enjoyed the wonderful sensations she was giving him and knew that there was little or no difference between her and the real thing. A job well done! He opened his eyes and she was smiling down at him obviously enjoying the brand new sensations her physical body was experiencing.

"Well," he asked as she lifted up and off of him and bent over a nearby worktable.

"Wonderful Master, better than I ever hoped," she moaned.

Terry rose from the hammock and absently checked his watch and stopped dead in his tracks.

"Is that the time? Holy shit Mekada! How long did you let me sleep?"

"Until you woke up. Master you were dead tired," she said wiggling her ass at him. "Want to punish me for being naughty and letting you oversleep?"

Terry couldn't help but smile as he stood behind her and eased into her drenched sex and slowly took his pleasure from his newborn avatar.

Temple of the Sun:

African Jungle

It had been long centuries since they had gathered together. They were the Twelve and their children were being systematically murdered by their Dark Mother and being reborn as a pestilence. Many were unchanged by the Long Years but a few had been reshaped by their worshippers and the culture of man. No more than Nanna Sin, the one time god of the moon. He saw recent events as the coming of the four horsemen and that the end of days had arrived. But he kept his thoughts to himself knowing the others would see it as weakness and foolishness. They gathered around the base of the temple of the sun and waited for the eldest child to acknowledge their presence. They gasped when they saw him with his bronzed skin and bright clear eyes. He called them by name in the order of their birth and their ranking amongst the Nephilim. As each name broke the silence, they walked up the steps and entered the temple and took their seat at the stone table within. When the last was summoned Anu, the sun touched, entered last and took his place at the head of the table. 




Iron Rain Pt. 19



"We are gathered to answer the Akhkharu threat," Anu began the council. "They spread from city to city on the European continent. They have not touched Asia, India or any further than France in the north and Italy in the south. What say you?"

"We must join with the Shaw and fight," Nanna Sin spoke his voice serene and strong.

"It is because of the Shaw that we face this threat defenseless," Tiamat hissed.

"He did what he had to do. We had become a threat that could be denied no longer," Ishtar said against her sister.

"Our greed and the path we had chosen doomed not only the humans but ourselves," agreed Marduk. 

"I can't believe what I am hearing," Tiamat raged.

"Calm yourself sister," Anu said with a grim smile. "I have had dreams and I cannot contest what our brothers and sisters have said. Yet still there is one we should hear from."

"Who," Tiamat asked looking around the table. "Has anyone else something to say on this matter that has not been uttered?"

"I do," said the sensual voice from the entrance of the council chamber.

"YOU," hissed Tiamat as she rose to her feet. "What is she doing here Anu, she is an abomination!"

"I invited her and her guest," Anu said waving Khora Dhaine and Nick Shaw into the Holy of Holies.

"Brother have you lost your mind," Tiamat spat as she moved to leave.

"SIT DOWN," Anu's voice carried not just with volume but power in it as well.

Tiamat's knees nearly folded from the force of his will and she managed to regain her seat with some difficulty.

"Does anyone else have something to say," the eldest of the Twelve asked and when no one spoke he motioned for Khora to take the thirteenth seat. "I am sorry Shaw there is no seat for you."

"I am honored by the mere honor of addressing so august persons as the Twelve," Nick said.

"Well said," Ishtar purred. "For an enemy he is at least well spoken and easy on the eyes."

"Curb your appetite goddess of lust," Anu warned. "At least until after we speak with him."

"Yes brother," she replied with a sly smile.

"Speak Khora and tell us why we should hear this outsider in our most sacred space?" Anu went through the rituals that were dictated.

"The Shaw is our only hope for defeating the Dark Mother," Khora said and pausing before she continued choosing her words carefully. "If we don't join forces she will awaken the three and it will be too late."

"The legend of the three is just that a myth to scare young Nephilim," dismissed Erishkigal the dark haired beauty with the haunting green eyes.

"Then, if I may speak, why is that very 'legend' carved upon your walls?" Nick asked.

"I assure you Shaw that it is not," Anu said quite confident.

"If I may," Nick asked and Anu nodded.

Nick walked over to the far wall and every eye was on him as he pointed to a complex geometric shape etched deep. It was a large triangle composed of four smaller triangles three that were pointing downwards and the center facing up. Within each smaller shape a particular design making it unique and different from the others.

"You see here. These three with their points facing down represent the Three. You can see that each has a character depicting an element, fire, water and earth. The center one here," he said pointing, "well that represents the force of darkness and chaos."

"Who is this agent of chaos Shaw," asked Ishtar with an angry gleam in her eye.

"Why your uninvited guest," Nick said flinging a dagger at an empty corner of the chamber and to everyone's shock it hung in the air a moment before a tall handsome man appeared and tugged the weapon free. "Hello Loki, or do you prefer Raven or maybe Tezcatlipoca?"

"All or none," he said in his melodious voice.

"How dare you enter here without our permission," Anu roared.

"I am a guest everywhere Eldest of the Nephilim," Loki replied serenely.

"Who is this creature Shaw," Anu said turning to face Nick.

"He is or was once a deity worshipped by humans," Nick said. "He is the trickster and manipulator of vast destinies even my own."

"Oh Nikolas you give me too much credit," Loki said with a sly grin. "Or maybe too little... why are you here?"

"I came to warn the remaining Nephilim about the Three and maybe make a bargain," he said with a smile of his own.

"He is not to be trusted," Loki said addressing the Twelve. "Look what he has done to the world and to you and your children."

"True but what the Shaw had done was for a reason. What is your reason for being here agent of chaos?" Anu asked with a raised eyebrow.

"To watch, observe and act if necessary," Loki replied.

"Act," Ishtar mused. "What actions were you considering Loki?"

"The destruction of Nikolas here if I saw a continuing threat," he replied without hesitation.

"Ah," Erishkigal smiled a feral grin. "Will you slay him here Loki before our very eyes?"

"Alas no death goddess. I will not for like you his damnable virus affects mortal and immortal alike."

"Then how were you going to destroy the Shaw," Marduk asked.

"There are ways of getting at a man indirectly," Loki said.

"You mean like planting two shifters on my ship," Nick replied. "To wreak havoc when it best suited you?"

"Clever boy," the chaos god smiled.

"That's the same thing your father said to me," Nick shot back.

"How dare you mention my father," Loki snarled.

"I dare much for the sake of what has to be done," Nick replied softly.

"What does that even mean Nikolas," Loki grilled him.

"There is one last event on the horizon and much is necessary in preparation," Nick explained.

"Shaw what is going to happen," Anu asked.

"I wish I could share that burden with you but I can't," he said. 

"Why are you really here Shaw," Nanna Sin asked.

"To make an offer," Nick said approaching the table again. "I will give you a cure for Aries and something more."

"In exchange for what," Anu asked.



Serfopoula Island: (Magus)

09:13 A.M.

After crossing seven time zones and dodging military ships of various size and capability the Black Razor reached its intended destination. After a brief tour of the ship and a more in depth visit to the Captain's quarter's, I feel refreshed and delightfully stress free. Who says you need a man? 

I was just dressing when the call came over the comm...

"Captain we have arrived and no one seems the wiser for now," said the first officer.

"I'll be up in five get everyone ready," Captain Moen said from her bed.

"I guess I should get dressed," I told the Captain as I bent over to pick up my clothing on the floor.

"How long is this little venture of yours going to last Magus," she asked me.

"Not long, we are mainly here to make sure nothing has gotten loose and make sure it stays that way," I explained.

"What sort of 'nothing'," she asked concern for her crew and even me perhaps.

"Do you believe in things that go bump in the night," I asked her.

"You mean besides you," she said with a smile. "I have seen some amazing things while aboard the Razor so yeah I guess I do."

"Then we are babysitting one of them and making sure no one wakes it," I told her.

"How long do you expect this to last," the Captain asked.

"Oh no more than a day or two at the most," I told her not knowing exactly.

"And the high explosives," she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Just insurance in case things go poorly," I told her.

"Let's hope it never gets to that point," Moen said with a gentle hand upon mine.

"Yes let's..." I agreed.

We gathered by the minisub and armed ourselves for battle because we knew the Dark Mother was on her way. Thanks to Nick and his research and development team we had the best weapons money could buy or steal. Thanks to Oz were able to acquire immunization for us and the crew. Apparently dear Old Nick had lied about their being a cure, naughty boy. I could see why he kept it to himself and his inner elite but Oz was always there lurking and listening when he shouldn't be. It was he that managed to steal the cure and get us our injections. I still didn't trust him completely for he has his own agenda and it's just up to me to figure it out and make sure it doesn't conflict with mine.

The Razor scanned the Island as we sought the cave entrance described on Oz's map. We circled the island seeking, searching and after long precious hours we found what we sought. So a small party led by Oz and myself headed out in the minisub for the cave entrance. Shaped like a great stone eye we carefully slid the sub through the iris and into the cave's interior. Spherical in shape the outer cave was massive and so we rose up until we reached a pocket of clean air. We disembarked and began to follow the map once we got our bearings. It was a veritable maze and even with the map we would not reach the cell until well after dark, it was buried so deep. I looked at Ingrid and she only smiled as she examined the map for structural weaknesses. My plan was to blow the place and drop as many tons of rock on top of the cell so that no one could ever reach whatever was inside of it. Well that was the plan.

So as we made our way deeper every so often we stopped and left a little surprise in the form of a brick of C4. I can't imagine the time or inclination it took to construct this place. The ancients were a very determined people to have put so much into this single complex. In scope and size it dwarfed the great pyramid and the Valley of the Kings combined. It was an amazing feat of engineering and beauty. The bas reliefs etched upon the walls told the terrible and sad story of the birth of the Akhkharu and the corruption of the three. It also revealed that it was not the Promethean as the stories had always said but the tampering of someone the hieroglyphs and cuneiform named the one who brings darkness or Mordruin. It was the Lucifer myth all over again but instead of rebelling against the creator something drove him to madness. The history was followed by a warning or prophecy of sorts. If the three were ever released a terrible synergy would take place and the very life force of every living thing was in jeopardy. I was sure the warning was exaggerated to frighten would be intruders and who knew by the time we reached the cell we might find it long empty and its occupant dead all these long years. That was my secret hope.

We reached the first cathedral, well that's what I named it, an open area with a vast ceiling and set into the central column carved and inset into the living rock a single piece of polished obsidian. This one took the form of the god Osiris in all his divine glory. Other cathedrals followed and each had that single carved likeness of god or goddess from a region of the upper earth. The purpose of the statues was anyone's guess but I suspected it was to keep the forces of evil at bay. Always we went deeper and the air grew hotter until...

After myriad crisscrossing tunnels we arrived at a massive stone chamber I dubbed the inner eye. It was a hundred feet diameter sphere with an ancient walkway that bisected the room and led to what we believed was the cell. We crossed the span and arrived at an antechamber little smaller that the inner eye. It was a near perfect cube with five smooth sides except for the far wall with its six curved lines that led to a central design. We called this the iris and at its center was a stone disk of non native material and graven upon it a pentacle with a flame at its heart.

"An Elder Sign," I muttered my voice echoing over the empty room.

"What the hell is an Elder Sign," Captain Moen asked.

"It was used by the ancients to seal away great evils from the world and this one appears quite intact," I explained.

"Good, so we can leave and blow this place to hell and breathe a sigh of relief?" she said.

"That's the plan," I said with a smile.

"Excellent, Ingrid if you would do the honors of setting the last of the explosives. 

My girls and I will guard the, what did you call it, ah yes the inner eye. Let's go and don't dawdle this place gives me the creeps."

So while Ingrid went about swiftly yet carefully setting the charges I primed the remote control and was ready to leave. I walked about the chamber waiting for the petite blonde to finish her work when Garnet tugged on my sleeve and pointed to the stone floor. There marring the otherwise pristine finish of the polished stone were small droplets of blood. I followed the trail and it led out to where Moen and her troops waited and it also led inward towards the iris and the figure of Oswald Sebastian Kane. I shined the light upon his face and saw the glint in his eyes and him licking the self inflicted wound on the palm of his right hand.

"Incoming," I screamed even as the Akhkharu attacked.

By the time I turned back to Oz he had vanished, damn him! I brought my weapon up and waited for any sign of movement within the chamber but the sounds of combat and gunfire from without were very distracting. Then I noticed the Elder Sign begin to shift on its own and took aim and fired. The ultraviolet ammo left streaks of light as they travelled towards their target and even invisible some of them struck home. I didn't know if it would kill him but I bet it hurt like hell. With a herculean effort Oz yanked the Elder Sign free and the iris began to open. My next volley of projectiles was aimed a bit higher and when he appeared I saw that one had struck the back of his skull and he was bleeding profusely. Despite being thrown to the ground the seal remained undamaged and intact. 

"Look out," Ingrid tried to warn me but it was too late.

I was lifted up from behind and tossed into the right wall like a rag doll and struck with enough force to stun me. Even as I brought up my weapon I stopped recognizing the figure standing above me.

"Impossible... you're dead," I croaked.

"I was dead," Sebastian Shaw snarled. "...but that's a long and boring story. Why did you open the seal?"

"I didn't Oz did," I muttered still disorientated.

"Inside and stop him," the elder Shaw commanded.

No less than ten Akhkharu raced into the breach and followed the wounded Nephilim. I looked up and my puzzlement must have been abundantly clear.

"The Dark Mother is dead, her agenda and my own do not coincide. For the moment we are allies in this thing. Worse case we blow the tunnels with us inside. Better that than whatever horror lies within get up and out of here."

"We need to talk when this is over with," I said getting to my feet and shouldering my weapon. "Help me with the seal."

"I can't just being in the room with that thing is making me ill," he replied.

"Okay, Ingrid get your ass over here and help me with this thing," I shouted.

The two of us managed to get it on its side and roll it towards the open iris and the closer it got to the breach we saw the arms of the iris began to slide back into place. 

"We should wait until..." I began but Sebastian shook his head.

"No they knew the chance they took when they volunteered. Seal it."

Without another word we shoved the stone disk the last few feet and stopped. Ingrid and I shared that glance that said 'how the hell are we going to lift it up and into place'. Then came the cries from within the cell and we knew we were running out of time. I moved the seal so that the pentacle was facing outward and took a deep breath.

"Whatever powers that be I could really use your help right about now," I said and then with a scream of exertion lifted the dead weight and slammed it into place. 

Everyone in the chamber was thrown back as the star blazed to life for a moment and then the flame burned and crackled before becoming dull and lifeless once more.

"What the hell," I cursed even as Ingrid giggled.

"Well that was fun," she said with a smile as she stood and dusted herself off.

"Okay now we talk Sebastian... Shaw... FUCK! He's gone and all the Akhkharu with him even our wounded." I cursed as I took in the scene around me. "Moen where are you?"

"I'm here and I appear uninjured," she said as she staggered in from the outer chamber.

"Garnet," I called out but received no immediate response. "Garnet! Where the hell are you?"

"I'm here Magus but alas I'm injured, a bite to the throat," she whimpered.

"We'll get you out of here," I told her even as I tried to pick her up.

"No Magus I am infected," she said.

"Then why did they leave you," Moen asked.

"When I turn I will be able to find him," Garnet moaned in pain.

"Find him... find who Garnet," I asked.

"Father, the one you called Sebastian," she managed as she tried to catch her breath.

"What do you want me to do Garnet," I asked her feeling responsible for her being here in the first place.

"I knew the risks Magus," she said through gritted teeth as her death neared. "If you need me I will endure what comes next. If not then end this now."

"This falls under Nick's responsibility now," I told her as I brought my weapon to bear and squeezed off three shots at point blank range. "I'm sorry Garnet you were an honorable companion. Ingrid, are we ready?"

"Whenever you are," she replied.

"Okay we are out of here, let's move and collapse the tunnels behind us. No one is getting in here ever again." I said as he headed back up to the surface.

It was nearly noon of the next day by the time we reached the minisub and triggered the explosives. I never realized the amount of damage we would cause as the island itself sunk into the sea as the honeycomb structure below it collapsed and like a house of cards it disappeared from the surface forever. As the Black Razor received the sub we mourned our dead and headed back to England for our refitting and the consumption of much alcohol to deaden our nerves and emotions.



Iron Rain Pt. 20



Sorry for the long delay on this piece. Health issues slowed me down more than I anticipated. I am taking a short break from the Iron Rain series to work on Evil Bitch and Sex in a Bottle. But Nick and Akira will be back soon in the next installment.  

If you have any suggestions on the next part of the storyline feel free to drop me a line.

As always I hope you enjoy and please vote and comment. 

*

December 15th, 2012

Voodoo Bayou:

The roar of the air boat drowned out any possibility at communication aside from pointing and other hand gestures. The little old shack out in the middle of nowhere appeared on the horizon and the boat would reach it in a few minutes time. The last time Marie Dubois had set eyes on this feeble structure was twelve years ago when she had been accepted into the Silent Shadows. The ramshackle building had been falling down slowly back then now nothing short of a miracle kept it erect. 

Marie hopped out and tied the rope that would anchor that air boat to the tiny outcropping of dry land until their departure. The pilot never left her seat. She had been told before they had left that this would be a short visit. She just never knew how short it would be. There was no sign of life detectable from the exterior of the building and the way the front door hung at a precarious angle Marie was not holding her breath that anyone was at home. She gave a polite knock and the door came crashing down and onto the damp soil. The cloud of dust kicked up eventually settled and Marie peered in and found the interior as void of life as the outside. No one had been here for many years and this place was good for nothing short of kindling.

"Let's go," Marie said as she turned to leave.

"Before you get what you came for," wheezed a voice like a sigh from the desert.

Marie turned to face the diminutive figure that had appeared as if by sorcery. She could not have been even five feet tall when she stood erect which she wasn't. The bent over wreck of a human being was so ancient that her skin might blow away from the next strong breeze. 

"I thought that you were long dead old woman," Marie said no love or joy to see the old witch.

"It's good to see you too Marie Dubois," the wizened figure replied with a cackle.

"Where's my mother you old crone?"

"She is not here, that is obvious, but oh where could she be?"

"Don't play games with me or I'll..." but before Marie could finish her sentence a clawed hand gripped her by the throat.

"I don't play games little girl," the old woman snarled tightening her grip and pinching off Marie's air supply.

The younger woman's knees struck the ground and her face turned blue before the witch would release her death grip. As Marie gasped for breath the older woman looked down and spat on her.

"Don't ever mistake old for weak," she advised. "Your mother as you well know is still in my employ and will be for the next ten years. If you want to see her, come back then unless you have something to offer me in exchange?"

"I have information concerning the long count," Marie whispered her voice still not restored.

"Oh do you now," the witch glared at her. "And what would that be?"

"I want to see my mother first," Marie growled.

"Tell me offspring of an unhallowed coupling or you will never see her again."

"I will give you this much," Marie said getting to her feet. "It is not what you think; it's not what anyone thinks it is."

"Interesting," the old woman said considering the words carefully. "You can have five minutes with her then you will tell me all that you know."

"I will tell you what I know about the long count and nothing more," Marie said.

"Clever girl, agreed," the witch smiled and motioned for Marie's mother to step forward.

They were much alike mother and daughter both in appearance and in personality. Compared to the witch they were both tall and beautiful beyond words. 

"You shouldn't have come here," her mother said upset but happy to see her daughter.

"I had to, so much is going on and I needed to know that you were okay."

"I am fine and it is good to see you Marie. I hope you have lived a great life."

"Each day is sacred and every moment a gift," Marie recited the family motto.

"That's my girl; I don't suppose I am a grandmother yet? No, you have plenty of time for that."

Suddenly there was a change in the atmosphere and the three figures on the shore looked over to the old shack where a young man sat watching the family reunion. Marie smiled and nodded while her mother gazed at the tired young man with curiosity. However the old crone snarled and spat angered by the presence of a man on sacred land.

"You defile this place by being here man," the witch cursed.

"As you can see my feet aren't touching the ground. I have a certain amount of respect for the old ways. Now how about we come to an agreement for the release of Marie's mother," Nick asked nicely.

"There is nothing you have that I could possibly want," snarled the old woman.

"Knowledge never goes out of style or so I am told," Nick countered.

"There is nothing you know that I have not already discovered," she said with a shake of the head.

Nick plucked a stick from thin air and drew on the ground before him. The arcane characters taking form and drew the witch in like iron to a magnet. Her toothless mouth opened in shock recognizing the formulae that he was inscribing.

"Not possible, that is Faust's own alchemical recipe for the transmutation of base metals to gold. How did you learn this?"

"Is this enough for the release of the mother or should I just scratch it out and stop now?"

"NO, that has been lost for centuries... I am sure such a cunning man as yourself and I could come to an understanding."

"I am sure we can," Nick agreed.

"What else have you brought to bargain with," she asked.

"I need your permission to set foot on the land before I can show you."

"You have it now show me what else you have learned," she said licking her lips now.

Nick bowed and using the stick began to draw more arcane formulas on the ground the next more esoteric and rare than the one before. After five were completed he stopped and looked at the witch.

"Surely this is more than enough for one puny woman," Nick said.

"Indeed it is," the crone agreed.

"Release her and they are all yours or," he lowered the stick to rub them out.

"No wait," she looked at the elder Dubois and then back at the inscriptions on the ground. "You drive a hard bargain Mister..."

"You want my name old woman? It would burn you to hear just the first syllable," Nick's demeanor changing abruptly at the crone's attempt to ensnare him.

She looked up and narrowed her eyes as if looking directly at the sun.

"Who are you," she asked.

"Me, I'm just a friend of the family. So do we have an understanding?"

"I doubt you are so simple a creature but yes we have an accord," the crone agreed.

"Release her and we will be on our way," Nick said.

"I release you Genevieve Dubois from my service," the witch said.

"Forever..." Nick added.

"Forever," the woman spat.

Nick turned to face the trio piling into the air boat.

"Go on I'll catch up in a bit," Nick said.

The air boat roared to life and in a few minutes was gone from sight.

"Now young man who are you really?"

"My name is Nick Shaw," he told her and she grinned her serpentine smile. "But that name will do you little good it no longer holds any power over me."

"Why is that Nick Shaw?"

"I have another name, a secret name that as I warned you before would burn you to hear it."

"Look at this pitiable form you think I fear being burned?"

"No and mores the pity you should fear it," Nick told her. "I have urgent business elsewhere better start copying that down the water is rising."

Even as Nick opened a portal back to the Numenor the swamp water began to lap at the edge of the first inscription.

"Wait, I need time to copy them down," she begged.

"Time is something you and the rest of the world don't have the luxury of anymore."

"What, wait what do you mean by that?"

"The Long Count comes to an end and then everything changes," Nick said and then was gone.

Grav Bikes and Elder Gods:

My name is Nick Shaw and I have done some very terrible things. I am not apologizing for them but just stating how the majority of people would view my actions. Of course what I have done was for the greater good, but isn't that the excuse every mad man uses to condone mass murder? Madness, in the days of the old gods, madness was seen as a sign of being touched by the divine. They had seen too much for mortal men to handle and went insane. Is that what has happened to me? Have I just seen too much? Have I lost it and made horrific decisions on the blind ideal that I am right in my assessment for what is good for sentient life on this world? I look up and shake the doubt from my thoughts. No I made the right call. What I did was for the betterment of everyone. Violence and overcrowding were killing this world and I made the hard decisions. I stand behind them and will face whatever fate is laid out before me. Fuck it!

"Open the hanger Surfer," I said with a smile.

"Are you sure it is ready for a test flight Master?" Surfer asked even as he opened the hanger.

"It's been gathering dust for weeks now; it is time to see if all that hard work for worth it."

"Hanger door opened, have you given it a name yet?"

"I was thinking Nighthawk, what do you think?"

"Compared to the other names you were pondering it seems... more appropriate," Surfer said with a smile.

"Okay so Ebony Death Strike was a little extreme," I admitted.

"I am fond of Black Talon myself," he said powering up the gravity pulse drive.

"Ooh I forgot about that one," I said.

"So we are no closer to a name that when you started are we?"

"Ummm... no... but I will keep Black Talon in the running, that is a cool name."

"Thank you Sir, am I copiloting or will one of the others be required?"

"Do you really think I'd take anyone else out on the virgin flight Surfer?"

"No," he said with a grin as the cockpit slid open revealing the redesigned seat.

"Nice, okay let's get this baby off the ground."

"I am nearly finished with the preflight checklist," Surfer said then after a long pause. "She is ready to fly Master Nick."

I slid into the pilot's seat and the cockpit slid closed around me. I was safely cocooned in cutting edge alloy armor with enough speed at my fingertips to make any pilot green with envy. 

"Inertial dampeners online," Surfer said his voice coming over the internal communications array now. "Avatar interface complete... she is ready to go. Light speed at your discretion Mr. Shaw."

"Funny... I like that..." I said as I pulled the controls into a comfortable position and brought her to one thousand feet slowly.

She handled smooth as glass and there was no sense of motion within the cockpit whatsoever. Unlike modern aircraft the Grav Bike possessed two gravity bubbles. The internal bubble kept the g forces normal pilots would face to zero and the external one was strictly for propulsion. I was hovering silently over the Numenor at a thousand feet and the view was spectacular! It was time to see what she could do; so I slowly moved forward picking up speed as I went. The silence and utter lack of vibration made it difficult to judge how fast I was going until a faint 'boom' told me we had just broken the sound barrier. The Atlantic Ocean raced below me as I throttled her up and shot arrow straight towards Europe. The heads up display showed me that I was travelling at Mach 3 and still my speed was climbing. By the time I hit Mach 6 the world outside was a blur. 

"We are being tracked by a destroyer class warship Sir they want to know who the hell we are," Surfer informed me.

"Ignore them," I said and ratcheted up the speed to Mach 8 leaving the destroyer and her crew far behind.

Then I decided to see how she handled high altitudes and brought her nose up and put her into a steep climb, so far so good. 

"Warn me before we hit orbit," I said.

"At this speed we will achieve orbital insertion in approximately..."

"Just give me a heads up will ya?"

"Yes Sir," Surfer said.

"How is she holding up," I asked to make conversation.

"She is operating well within acceptable parameters."

"Could she achieve space flight?" I asked.

"I do not know if the gravity pulse field would provide sufficient protection from radiation beyond Earth's magnetic field. She was not designed for that Sir."

"Just a thought," I said seeing the sky darken.

"We are very close to... slow down Sir."

I brought the Grav Bike to a more leisurely pace and hovered at the edge of the atmosphere. What a sight! What kid doesn't have dreams of flying and here I am on my own looking down on our fragile world. 

"Take over Surfer," I said and waited for the inevitable.

"Me Sir, oh thank you!"

The craft dove downwards at hypersonic speed and I think he planned on trying out every aerial maneuver his little crystalline heart could imagine. I enjoyed the ride while my thoughts drifted elsewhere. More dire decisions for me to contemplate and soon but I tore myself from the dark and watched Surfer do his magic. We dove and spun and shot upwards at ballistic speeds all while he played some of my favorite heavy metal songs. I think at his core Surfer, like me, is a dreamer and tied by fate to a Master who could not have accomplished half of his goals without him. After long minutes of playing Surfer leveled out the craft and our speed grew and grew as I watched the readout pass Mach 12. At this speed we could go around the entire planet in less than an hour. Mach 13 and climbing as Surfer monitored all of her systems. Then we began to slow and we reached a mere Mach 6 for a comfortable cruising speed.

"Why did you slow down," I asked him.

"If I continued our passage through the atmosphere might have caused havoc on the people below by altering weather patterns with the extreme heat we were creating."

"Good answer," I replied. "Set our course for Cairo and let's keep her below radar if we could."

"Roger that Captain," Surfer said.

"You did not just say that."

"I did."

"Too funny, just fly the damned thing," I told him with a smile and a laugh.

Cairo, city of mystery and one of the cradles of civilization, what a shit hole! The Aries Virus had ripped this poor place a new one and what had once been crowded marketplaces and vendors hawking their wares was now a near ghost town. Guided by my sense of wrongness I walked down back alleys drawn down crisscrossing streets until I came to the center of the distortion. I should have fucking known... the sign was so weather beaten as to be nearly illegible but there in Arabic, English, German and Russian were the poorly painted letters Akhmed's Bar and Grill. I stepped inside and saw the burly swarthy skinned patrons who could have been either diggers for some archaeological dig or mercenaries. I wasn't sure but I was about to find out.

"You are not welcome here," the nearest man said without ever raising his eyes from the drink he was nursing.

"I am expected," I told him in fluent Arabic.

"Says who," another man asked beginning to take his feet.

"I do," I replied. "I am expected everywhere."

"Who the 'fuck' are you," the first man spat emphasizing the word fuck.

"I am Death, maybe you've heard of me?" I said.

"You are not death you are crazy," the second man said reaching for something behind his back.

"That is true I might be insane but you my friend," I said turning on him and catching his gaze with my eyes and triggered the Aries Virus sleeping inside of him. "You are dead."

The body crashed to the ground and then I had everyone's attention after that. I turned on the first man and he wouldn't meet my gaze and pointed to the bartender.

"Bunch of fucking pussies," the man wiping glasses said. "What can I do for you Mr. Shaw Sir?"

"I need to speak with Him," I said with a smile and the placement of a coin from Iram on the bar.

He picked up the coin turned it this way and that then looked at me.

"He's waiting in the back," the bartender said pocketing the priceless coin.

"Thanks," I said and headed for the bed.

I pushed through the beaded curtain and in the fog of tobacco smoke like the caterpillar from Wonderland sat Osiris. He held the stem of the hookah pipe in one hand the other rested on the table's top in plain sight. I held up my hands showing they were empty.

"Hehe says the man who can kill with a look," Osiris smiled. "Sit my friend."

"You look good for a dead man," I told him as I sat down.

"Thank you even a man my age has his vanity. So what brings you to the Necropolis that was once the great city of Cairo?"

"I need to speak with Ra," I said bluntly.

"Oh is that all," he said with a narrowing of his eyes and another slight smile. "You don't expect much for a Death God."

"Is that what they are calling me?"

"In certain circles yes, they are calling you Shiva the Destroyer or as you so aptly put in when you came in Death. Can you blame them Nick? You are responsible for the largest loss of life short of an extinction level event."

"All true but that is why I need to speak with Ra; I have been trying to avoid one believe it or not."

"You are talking about the Mayan Calendar aren't you? Everybody knows that is just bullshit. The world is not going to end on December 21st."

"That is true. But the Mayan Calendar isn't a countdown to the End."

"Wait... what are you saying? If it isn't for that reason then what the fuck is it for?"

"Are you going to tell me where Ra is hiding out?"

I brought up the wall of gravity just in time to shield me from Ra's wrath, thank you Akira.

"I am NOT hiding Death God!" he roared pulling back the quivering scimitar that had been aimed for my neck. "Why are you here?"

Ra was in his full divine aspect and it was truly awe inspiring seeing the snarling hawk head and the blazing solar disc hovering behind it. He was built like a warrior and was clad in his full war regalia. I dropped my defenses and lowered my neck for a killing stroke and he glared at me. Then I tugged my kimono top aside showing him where 'she' had touched me. The phoenix emblazed upon my skin over my heart. I no longer considered it a tattoo any more. I was marked and I felt, no I knew that no matter how many lives I lived I would bear her mark.

"Go ahead and try and kill me... or we can talk," I said waiting until he lowered his weapon arm.

"Talk Shaw," he said a little more in control now.

"You heard about the Mayan Calendar," I asked and he nodded. "It's a countdown to the only day that the world can be saved, not destroyed."

"Bullshit," Ra snorted. "I don't believe you."

"Do you think I would come empty handed?"

His eyes become thoughtful and he nodded and turned to leave.

"Follow me; the others will want to hear what you have to say. Osiris, are you coming?"

"Are you not part of the hip crowd Osiris," I asked.

"I was once the head of the Pantheon," he said. "When Ra took over after my little incident with my brother well things have been tense."

"Speaking of Loki," I said and saw his eyes widen in shock. "Yeah I've figured out most of his divine aspects over the last few months. Anyway I take it his Set aspect is still causing problems?"

"You could say that," Osiris replied softly.

We followed Ra down a long stone hall until it opened into a large cathedral like area. There arrayed in all their glory was the Egyptian Pantheon excluding Set and his lackeys. I took in each and every one of them and even got a smile from Bast and Isis. Bast's avatar was right on the mark personality wise. Well she was the fertility goddess after all. Ra took his place on his golden throne while Osiris sat next to Isis. Horus the Avenger struck his staff on the floor and spoke.




Iron Rain Pt. 20



"You have the floor Nikolas Shaw; speak well for much depends upon it."

"First I don't apologize for what I have done it was necessary. Second I have deciphered all six of the Obelisks. Third I have discovered a seventh stone what I call the Keystone. Lastly I need your Obelisk to keep the world from falling into a much direr situation. That's about it."

Ra stood up and leveled his Ankh in my direction and it flared until was as bright as the sun and I looked on unflinching. The room darkened and he stared at me trying to determine if I was lying or not. Then Thoth, wisest of all the immortals assembled, stepped forth and spoke.

"If what you say is true you could prove what you say," he said his voice cool and hinted at curiosity. 

"Morrigan if you would do the honors," I said and the red headed once goddess appeared and walked between the assembly and me.

She gestured as a wireframe image of the Earth appeared. With another gesture the north and south poles glowed brilliantly then after a bit they began to fade until they were hardly noticeable.

"The process is a natural cycle of this world. It has happened before and will happen again. The magnetic poles are failing and when they do the planet WILL shift. Like a California earthquake this isn't a maybe this is a when. The Maya calculated a date when if the proper forces were applied a safe and fairly stable shift could be created. Master Nikolas has the knowledge of how to perform it now he just requires the means."

"Show me your math devil child," Thoth said to Morrigan.

Was he flirting with her? Morrigan looked to me and I nodded. The earth was replaced by a wall of complex equations and Thoth walked up and down examining the numbers and symbols carefully. If anyone was going to determine if my calculations were correct it was Thoth. 

"These are some very radical theories," he said at last. "But the amount of power you'd require is impossible."

"Not with all seven stones," I replied. "Show them."

Morrigan nodded and with a gesture the equations vanished and in their place the Cairo stone in all its digital glory. 

"This is the Obelisk that you possess," Morrigan said and Thoth looked over the inscriptions and nodded.

"This is the Iram Stone," she said and it appeared next to its near twin. "This is the Atlantis Stone," she said and the Obelisk from the Black Pyramid appeared. "This is the Black Lotus Stone. This is the Hammerton Stone and this is the Ygdrassil Stone. Each of them is similar but the markings are not identical. Each stone represents a primal element of the universe. Together..." she said and they took their proper place in a circle now as seen from above. "...with the Keystone they form a powerful mechanism."

The Key Stone appeared and slid into the middle its characters aligning the other six stones. 

"Without the Key Stone deciphering the others was impossible. Also without it the machine is incomplete."

"Where pray tell is this Keystone," Thoth asked.

"It is in the center of the Dreamer's city in the south pacific," I said.

Thoth took a step backward and even Ra sat down hard.

"So even if we relinquished our stone you cannot assemble the machine," Ra said dismissingly.

"What do you mean," I asked.

"You don't really mean to go there do you?"

"I have already been there and back," I stated to an astonished assembly.

"You claim to have been to R'lyeh and returned," it was Thoth who spoke this time.

"I have proof," I said. "This is no claim but fact. Do you wish to see?"

Every head shook except for one. A tall man with long dark hair and eyes so black they chilled me to the bone approached now.

"I will see this proof and tell you if it is genuine," he said taking Thoth's position now.

"Ptah, it is true you are the only one of us to travel there and back but look what it did to you." Ra said.

I looked closer at this Ptah and his eyes weren't truly black, no there were entire galaxies reflected there. Countless stars moved and spun in the place where his eyes should be. What kind of man or immortal was he? Morrigan now stood at my side and whispered in my ear.

"Master, that is Ptah and he is known as the Opener of Ways."

"Oh but where does he open his gaze to I wonder," I asked.

"I will answer your question Shaw and then you shall show me what you have seen. I open doors and portals through time and space and between, you have seen between haven't you... I can tell. It marks you oh not like me but on the inside. It leaves a scar no food; no company or drink can ever wash away. You can do this too can't you Shaw. You can slip between the dimensions high and low. You can travel the else when and bridge the gap between the what was and what could have been. Now show me... show me the Dreamer... show me the Elder Things..."

I thrust out my hand and displayed the sunken city, the city of R'lyeh where dwells forever dreaming and dead but not dead the Dreamer. The warped angles of that cyclopean necropolis shone darkly and here the geometry of the known universe is cast aside like a mask and beneath the stuff of nightmares. Ptah smiled and nodded. Another gesture and there towered the Elder Things ever shifting things that make sane men go mad and the insane sing themselves to haunted sleep. I kept the voices from the assembly not wanting to do any further damage than what was asked of me.

"There... now what say you Opener of Ways?"

"The Shaw speaks the truth. He has been to R'lyeh and seen the Dreamer. Now I know what the Elder Things truly look like and they are majestic and we are diminished by their absence or are we?"

"We must decide if we will give you our stone Shaw," Ra said still shaken by the imagery.

"Decide quickly I must leave for that dread place and soon my time is short," I said.

"What of the other stones? Have you procured them all?"

"I have."

"If we decide against you," Ra asked.

"You won't. I am your only hope for success."

"You are awfully confident," but it was Bast who spoke now. "How can you really be so sure?"

"Ask Ptah he knows," I said and strode out to the table where I met Osiris and left a troubled pantheon behind.

So as I sat and waited I saw the look on Morrigan's face. She was concerned and I could tell that it was for me.

"What's wrong," I asked patting my lap.

She wiggled into position with an evil smile. She sat sideways and I held her close as she laid her head against my shoulder.

"I am afraid for you Master," she said softly.

"Why?"

"Did you not notice that one of them is missing? Ra is so very upset with you because they have lost one of their numbers, because of you."

I closed my eyes and brought the memory back and looked at the assembled immortals and...

"OH how stupid of me, Anubis is missing!"

"Yes he is what are you going to do Master," she asked.

"Tread carefully," I said.

To my shock it was Ptah that came out tell me that they had reached a decision. 

"They are ready for you Shaw," he said his voice containing an almost hollow quality to it.

"What happened to you," I asked as I stood.

"I discovered I not only had a knack for moving between the dimensions but I liked it. Well once I got used to the mind blasting scenery that is. I have seen things few people witness. I have seen the death of an entire universe and the birth of a new one. I have walked among gods and demons and feasted with heroes and villains."

"So you don't consider yourself a god then," I asked.

"Do you?"

"What? Why would I view myself in that kind of light?"

Ptah laughed and it was a pleasant enough sound. Then he looked at me and I mean really looked at me.

"You have been marked by a being older than the known universe and seen what only she has. You have discussed philosophy with a dead and dreaming god and bartered with beings so ancient that time itself is hardly applicable to them. And you are not even out of your tweens. What is your definition of godhood?"

"I find that disturbing," I said.

"Good you just might get out of this one with your soul intact," he said then slapped me on the back. "Damn Nick you really are an uptight fellow."

He led us back into the cathedral and I took my place with Morrigan at my side and waited their decision.

"So say we all," Ra asked and they all nodded.

"Ass puckering time," Morrigan whispered.

"Nikolas Shaw, the combined might of the Osirins has met and agreed with a few abstentions that we shall give you the Cairo Stone for the dire purpose of this controlled Slide as you call it."

"Excellent," I said oh but he wasn't done, not by a long shot.

"On one condition," Ra continued.

"Here it comes," Morrigan muttered.

"You are to take up the mantle and duties of Anubis," he said with a grim smile. "It was your virus that robbed this assembly of him and we are agreed that you should pay reparation in full."

"You want me to become Anubis," I asked. "No disrespect Great Ra but how the hell am I supposed to do that?"

"Sadly this is not the first time I have had to fill this position. Before the first Anubis passed he foresaw his own death and fashioned an artifact so that his mantle could be handed down."

It was Isis who carried what appeared as a golden death mask in the likeness of the Jackal God. I couldn't help but notice a certain 'swish' in her hip movements as she approached to present it to me. I examined it carefully and felt a power in it. There were shimmering cabochon rubies that decorated the front and back lip of the mask. It was here that much of the power came from.

"How long do I have to play the part of the Jackal," I asked.

"These appointments are for life," Ra said smiling and it wasn't a happy smile.

"That long eh," I said and Isis placed her hand over my heart.

"It's not all bad," she said with a raised eyebrow.

I stared into the blackness within the mask and felt another chunk of my life about to fall away. Yet another decision that had already been made for me and I was powerless to change it. I wasn't exactly feeling sorry for myself I was mourning the path that had led here. Okay that is an utter and complete falsehood. I was feeling sorry for myself. I was angry and feeling painted into a corner. I could take the stone and say fuck them but then what? Then I'd have an entire group of immortals pissed off at me and my plans would be derailed. 

"Clear the hall," Ra's voice cut through the tense silence.

Mortals and immortals alike left and Ra strode towards me with great purpose.

"I've seen that look before," he said his voice soft and full of understanding. "I feel for you Nick. I really do but there is nothing I can do. When I became the head of this group it was the last thing I ever wanted. But on the bright side there is something you will get out of this, family. You are the offspring of an elder race that is more sophisticated and more humane that humanity will ever be. The sad thing is that you have never spent any real time with those of your own kind. I'm not saying abandon your plans and friends but consider after you are done hammering out a new destiny for them spend some quality time with us. We are far from perfect but there is much you could learn from us and us from you."

I thought about what he said and felt his weariness in every word he spoke.

"How long have you been at it? I mean leading this island of misfits?"

"Thousands of years why," he asked.

"You look tired; I mean I've only been working at this solution for a few years meat time..."

"Meat time," Ra asked. "What does that mean exactly?"

"How to explain, I have learned how to project my consciousness via a certain piece of technology into one of the Old Ones library crystals. This has allowed me to pursue avenues of research and learning at a different rate of time."

"Nick how long have you been doing this," he asked his eyes widening.

"Nearly a year now, so I guess in digital time I have been at this for a very long time."

"There is something you need to know about your plan with the virus and humanity. It isn't going to work. If there is no conflict with humans then their population will grow so fast you will be back at square one before you know it."

"I know, I just hate to see what they will do to themselves," I said feeling that burden heavier than any else.

"They have to be able to choose and make mistakes. If they figure it out great if not that is no fault on you or your plans," Ra said his hand resting on my shoulder.

I let out a deep sigh and knew he was right. They have to stumble and fall and pick themselves up again no matter how long it takes. But that doesn't mean the other races have to suffer for it. I smiled as a new plan formed in my mind.

"You are right and thanks," I told him. "Okay let's get this show on the road."

"Assemble the host," Ra roared and puzzled over my sudden mood swing. "You are up to something."

"Yep," I told him but that was the extent of that.

Once more Ra stood before his golden throne and I was alone with Morrigan and the Helm of Anubis.

"Can I look normal after I put the mask on?" I asked in a soft whisper.

"That is one of its abilities. We can't have a jackal headed man running around among mortals now can we? Put it on Nick and become one of us."

"Oh boy," I muttered. "I need the stone... so much for treading lightly, well here goes."

I lifted it up as high as I could and the entire assembly was on its feet. I slowly lowered it and once it settled on my shoulders I felt the thing come alive and with a searing sensation the mask and I became one. I shook of the dizziness and found I had dropped down to one knee. I forced myself to stand and was now towering over Isis who looked up and I could see shock in her eyes. Bast crossed the distance between us carrying a staff of gold and ebony that was intricately carved and was as elegant as it was beautiful.

"Your staff of office Guardian of the Dead," she purred handing it to me.

She too was staring at me with a bit of concern in her eyes. I looked at Morrigan and she was smiling from ear to ear.

"Why are you smiling," I asked and reached up and felt my new face. "This is going to take some getting used to."

Morrigan created a shimmering holographic field which acted like a full length mirror and it had to be close to twelve feet high to accommodate my new appearance. In height I had to be at least nine feet and the staff swiftly adjusted to my new stature. The jackal head was as black as pitch and the eyes the color of amethysts. But it was the ruddy colored solar disc behind my head that tripped me up. I thought only Ra possessed one, what was going on? I looked and saw the entire assembly coming towards me most were smiling a few, including Ra, were not. Osiris was the first to officially welcome me to the group followed by others in ascending rank until at last I stood eye to eye with Ra.

"What a pair you make," Isis commented. "The rising sun and the setting sun in the room at the same time. We haven't seen this a very long time have we?"

"No," Ra grudgingly admitted. "There is more to you than meets the eye Anubis."

I was no longer Shaw in their eyes I was and would forever be Anubis, wonderful. 

Isis led me to my rooms within the temple of Heliopolis and there were my harem of concubines or should I say those that the prior Anubis had collected. With a look from Isis the girls scattered and it was she who gave me the grand tour. 

"This is your living area a kind of informal neutral zone," she explained.

"Do I have need of a 'neutral zone'," I asked not used to the new voice yet which was deep and rich and carried a power my regular voice did not.

"Trust me you will," she said laying her hand on my arm.

The connecting rooms were a bath that was the size of an Olympic swimming pool, a meditation chamber set with black marble on every wall polished to perfection, a small library of scrolls and books and at the last the bed chamber a collection of pillows with a mirror bright ceiling for um viewing purposes. The previous Anubis had been a voyeur how interesting. 

"There are more rooms of course but they are all boring," Isis said as she reached for the clasp at the back of her neck.

As she lifted her long ebony hair up I undid the clasp and her dress pooled around her exquisite feet. She turned to face me and cocked her head to the side.

"Simply bring your real name to mind and you can change back Nick," she said with a sensual smile.

There was no sensation but my perception shifted back to a normal height. She pressed her body to mine and slipped her arms slowly around my neck.

"When you challenge Ra for the leadership of the Pantheon I will stand behind you Nick," she purred just before she kissed me.

I returned her kiss but my thoughts were split between the thought that not all was well in Ra's paradise and damn could the girl kiss! Then I felt hands on the sash of my kimono and began to wonder if Isis had grown two more arms when I felt Bast's hot breath on the back of my neck. She slipped my kimono top off followed swiftly by the pants. Then she was pressing her ample bosom against my back and whispering naughty things in my ear. Oh boy! I felt Bast's hand wrap around the shaft of my cock and begin stroking me slowly.

"MMMMMMMMMM how does that feel Nick," she purred.

"Amazing," I moaned.

Isis not to be outdone dropped to her knees and took half my cock into her mouth and began to make love to it.

"Oh damn," I growled. "That is magical."

"You are being greedy Isis," Bast pouted.

'Pop!' went my cock from the other's mouth and she stared up at Bast.

"Quit your bitching and get down here then," she said before returning my cock to her warm wet mouth.

The next thing I knew the two were taking turns licking, sucking and stroking. Oh they didn't leave my balls from the equation and were soon teasing and pleasing them too. Then suddenly I was on my back, the pillows breaking my fall with Isis beginning to straddle my cock with her neatly trimmed slit and Bast was lowering her pussy to my face. All the thoughts about why were long gone by now and I was wondering when the last time these two got fucked good and hard though. I felt a near virginal tightness wrap around my cock and heard a muffled gasp from Isis as Bast's pussy and thighs settled into place. Grabbing the cat goddess by her ass cheeks I began to lick and suckle her naughty bits and she let out a low moan of her own.

"MMMMMMMMMMM he knows how to eat pussy," Bast purred.

"Oh god he has a wonderful cock," Isis moaned as she rode me nice and slow.

Bast lay flat over me and I felt her tongue lap at the shaft of my cock when Isis lifted her hips up. That was one hell of a one two punch. 

"He's shivering," Bast said.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM I know," Isis said tilting her chin to the ceiling and letting out a long low moan.

I found Bast's sensitive clit and let my tongue flicker over it and she let out a yelp of pleasant surprise then an even deeper purr than ever.

"He found your clitty didn't he," Isis asked.

"UHHHHHH HUHHHHHHHHH," panted the cat goddess.

Deciding to take a more proactive role in this little get together I brought my knees up until my feet were flat on the floor. I then snaked my arms beneath Bast until I was able to lift Isis by her ass cheeks. Now that I had the proper leverage I lifted up the Immortal impaled on my cock and began to hammer her pussy from below in quick hard upward thrusts of my hips. 

"UNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," Isis cried out as I took over.

"OOH somebody's pussy is getting a good pounding," Bast purred. "How does that feel?"

"Amazinggggggggggggg," Isis groaned her voice a little shaky.

I kept licking and suckling Bast but most of my attention was on making Isis climax around me. I wanted to feel how tight her pussy would grip me when she came. I continued the assault and the voice of Isis grew louder and higher in pitch very steadily. Much to our mutual shock it was Bast that came first from my oral attention and she lay panting on my chest whispering naughty suggestions as she recovered.




Iron Rain Pt. 20



"OHHHHHHHH MYYYYYYYYY GODDDDDDDDDDDD," Isis cried out not a minute later as her body convulsed in orgasm and I felt her vice-like grip on my dick.

"DAMNNNNNNNNNNNNNN," I cried out with her.

When she could Isis rolled off of me and I got up onto my knees and stared at Bast. I mouthed the words 'your turn' and she smiled and got onto her hands and knees for me. She even gave me a little ass wiggle for incentive, like I needed that, I moved behind her and eased slowly into her making her wait to be filled. She made little grunting noises until she was impaled completely then and only then did she look over her shoulder and smile at me.

"Make me scream," she said in challenge.

"You asked for it," I replied with a smile of my own.

Isis had rolled onto her side and still reveling in her post orgasmic glow watched what happened next with great delight. I settled my hands onto the cat goddess' hips and took a very firm grip. Then I slowly began to move my hips forward and back loving the tight feel of Bast's pussy wrapped lovingly around me. Then I began to hammer my hips forward in quick hard jabs making her gasp with each and every movement. Soon she had her face buried in a pillow to keep from crying out. The sound of our bodies meeting went from a soft wet slap to a body jarring thwack. It wasn't long before both her and I were covered in a layer of sweat me from the exertion and her from the brutal pounding she was receiving.

"I can stop anytime," I said.

"Don't... you... dare...," she cried out. "UNNNN UNNNNNN UNNNNNN..."

Then she was biting her pillow again and I continued relentless, a man on a mission to punish a loud mouth woman who thought she could take anything I could dish out. I'm not saying I wasn't enjoying every fucking minute between Bast's legs but I had something to prove. Call it plain old fashion male pride and it was on the line. With a particularly powerful thrust I stopped and ground against her as I took hold of her and rolled her onto her side now. I placed her upper leg over one shoulder and scooted closer and how shall I put it, plumbed new depths. I could see her eyes widen as I began to assault her soaked sex with my cock and I loved every second of it. 

"All you have to do is nod and I will stop," I said as I thrust harder still into her.

"NEVER," said the fertility goddess.

"Have it your way," I said with a huge smile.

I slammed my cock as deep and as hard as I could now and Bast's eyes rolled up in her head and the pillow fell from her numb fingers as her cry of climax echoed all over the temple. Still I hammered away at her sex, driven to prove my point. In this case deep in her tight little pussy. Isis had moved close now watching and licking her supple lips. She observed the speed and force of our 'love making' if you could call it that. As sensory overload neared I slowed down long enough to roll the cock hungry slut onto her back and using her thighs for leverage continued fucking her rotten. Isis reached out and brushed errant hairs from Bast's face and saw the ruddy coloring in her cheeks and whispered something in her ear. Bast clamped a hand over her mouth and I looked at Isis in utter confusion.

"What did you tell her," I asked.

"I said that if she could last another five minutes with you I'd let you do anything to me in a sexual way of course."

"And if she doesn't last?"

"You can do anything to her that you want," she replied.

"Well it appears that either way I win," I said.

"Yes it does, doesn't it?"

"I still want to break her though, no hard feelings."

"Think nothing of it, break the little bitch!"

I slowed my pace just a little but added more force and Bast's eyes snapped shut and her coloring deepened with each and every thrust. Her body was literally quivering on its own now and it was just a matter of time. Sensing a pattern I adjusted my thrusts in time with her body and now I could hear her moaning against her hand and it was getting louder by the second. Now I slowly picked up the pace and so did her body falling into rhythm with mine. Bast's back was arching upward and both of her fists were clenched tight and with time running out I resorted to a dirty trick to break the little slut. I rolled her onto her side barely missing a beat and licked my index finger and Isis watched with great delight as I teased Bast's asshole with my finger and she was shaking her head but I just smiled a with a well timed thrust of cock and finger she screamed loud and clear.

"STOP... NO MORE..."

I felt her pussy spasm and her ass clench around my finger very tight indeed. I yanked my finger and cock free and she instantly pulled herself into a tight ball and lay there quivering.

"Time," I asked and Isis just smiled.

"You just barely missed the deadline," Isis declared.

"Pity," I said and Bast looked up realizing I had made her scream after time had run out on purpose.

"You could have... at any time... and you waited until... Nick you are a mean man!" Bast moaned almost coherently.

"You say that now but during it you were loving every minute of it admit it," I called her out.

"Maybe," she purred.

"Whatever," I said.

I snapped my fingers and one of my harem was shoved out from where she and the others were hiding and walked over and presented herself to me.

"Lord Anubis?" she asked.

I crooked my finger and she knelt close so I could whisper in her ear.

"Be sure to bring those after the bath understood," I said loud enough for any to hear.

"Yes Lord," she said smiling.

After a bath and donning fresh clothing from my predecessor's wardrobe, it seems he was as found of jeans and t-shirts as I was; the harem girl arrived with a silver tray with a dark cloth over it. I peeked underneath and smiled.

"Perfect," I said and waited for Isis to finish drying off.

As she turned to leave I coughed and got her attention.

"Yes Nick," she asked.

"Um we have a bet to settle," I said. "Come over here."

Smiling she wiggled her way over and stood before me proud and naked, ah but for how long I wondered. 

"Kneel," I said and she did so very eagerly.

I nodded to the harem girl and she moved behind her and lifted up her long wet mane of hair. Then I took the collar from beneath the cloth and placed it around her neck. Then I attached the leash and Isis looked up at me with a mix of anger and resignation.

"A bet is a bet," she said. "And this definitely falls under sexual."

"Time to go on your feet," I said and turned to go.

"Aren't you forgetting something," Isis said.

"No," I replied without turning around.

"Clothing," she said weakly. "You don't really expect me to..."

With a sharp tug she was pulled forward and now she was resigned to her humiliation in full.

"You are going to make this up to me right," she asked as we walked.

"Oh yeah, it'll make what happened to Bast feel like a walk in the park."

"Alrighty then," she said with a brilliant smile.

We made our way to the obelisk chamber there to find a much diminished Amon Ra. He had the look of any teenage Egyptian except for maybe the jeans, black t-shirt and bare feet. But physically he was handsome but not in any 'divine' sort of way. He was smoking a nasty smelling cigar and he looked tired as all hell. I sat down next to him as Isis knelt behind me and he looked at me and offered me a wan smile.

"I am glad you are here Nikolas," he said wearily. "I have been holding this group together for far too long. It's time someone else took over. Though I will admit my disappointment that Bennu chose you over me but maybe that's arrogance or just plain self entitlement. It's a moot point now my time is almost up."

"You seemed pretty resigned about that," I said looking him in the eye.

"Sometimes you can't fight fate," he said with a weak shrug.

"But what if you could, would you?"

"I don't follow," he said looking at me a bit of hope smoothing out some of the lines around his haggard eyes.

"What if you could cheat fate and say go under the radar for a few thousand years?"

Now he was smiling and took a deep lungful of cigar smoke and held it.

"What I mean is I could use someone with your wisdom and skill sets for afterwards and you are no good to me dead," I continued as he enjoyed his cigar. "Come with me and teach on the island."

"Teach," he said blowing out the smoke. "Teach who?"

"Any or all of the races could benefit from what you have to share," I said.

"Hmmm, but what about my appearance, the other immortals will spot me on sight?"

"Let me handle all of that," I said with a smile. "What do you say?"

"Set or Loki or whatever you want to call him is going to be pissed you taking credit for the kill," Ra said smiling now too.

"I am counting on it," I told him.

"What about her," Ra asked.

"Oh her, Isis is my bitch for next thousand or so years aren't you sweetheart?"

"Thousand or so years," she blurted out.

"Yeah, you never placed a time limit on that bet now did you?"

"Oh hell," she cursed. "No I didn't."

"Smile think of all the kinky ass shit I am going to do to you," I said.

"Promise it won't get boring and I'll help anyway I can," she said.

"You have my word," I told her.

"Okay I'm in..."

The explosion rocked the entire complex and immortals and mortals alike came running. There in a smoldering ruin was the charred body of Ra in all his divine aspect. Now he was reduced to a burned out husk and the entire pantheon assembled to see me as Anubis holding both my staff as well as Ra's. Everyone knew that Ra would rather perish than see me in possession of his most prized artifact. Isis and Bast were actually on their knees and in tears seeing the ruin I had wrought. I guess they thought I would wait before challenging him. Horus looked down at the corpse and then to me. 

"What is this Anubis what have you done," asked the god of justice.

"I challenged Ra to personal combat and he would rather die than yield."

"It seems we are at a loss now," Thoth said to the others. "Who will take of the mantle of Ra?"

"Oh I don't think that will be necessary," I said and every eye was on me. "I have decided to merge the role of Ra and Anubis."

"You cannot do that," Isis wailed. "The roles must be kept separate."

"There will no longer be a rising sun and a setting sun just the Eternal Sun," I said. "I have decided to take on the mantle that Bennu bestowed upon me. I will become her male aspect here, no Ra and no Anubis only Phoenix now and forever."

The assembly stared open mouthed and Thoth smiled before he bent knee acknowledging my title of lordship. One by one they dropped knee, the mortals did so en mass, and then one by one the immortals saw the way things were going wisely did not contest my claim. That is until Set arrived and viewed the scene. The lord of the night was very displeased at this turn of events.

"Have you lost your fucking mind," he roared at me. "First the Nephilim and now this... what the hell is wrong with you?"

"I don't understand," I asked desperately trying to provoke him into action. "He's dead and from all accounts you wanted him that way. So where is the conflict here?"

"You fucking moron I was supposed to kill him and take over not YOU," he was screaming now. "You have ruined everything you touch!"

"Well if you had the balls to carry out what fate decreed this wouldn't have happened now would it?"

"I had it all planned out to the nanosecond and now... centuries of planning out the fucking window! I should kill you for your interference!"

"Should of... could of... would of..." I said mocking him. "Face it you are a fucking coward and will always be last..." 

SNAP! Set / Loki took on his direst aspect and launched himself at me. While I waited for my trap to spring and a mere one foot separating us he hit the trigger and he was imprisoned in a not so original two dimensional space. 

"Comfy," I asked and the look of sheer surprise was present on everyone's face. "Anyone else want to question my authority? No. Good cause I really don't have time to dick around any longer. I have a cephalopod to deal with. Ptah if you could open up a portal to any of the higher planes that would be grand."

I looked at Loki and smiled.

"If you really think I was going to take you back to the island with me you were dead fucking mistaken," I explained to him and everyone else.

The shimmering portal appeared and with a little nudge from me the tumbling pane of shimmering force disappeared and then with a dramatic hiss the portal closed. 

"While I am dealing with things I will have Horus here act as my second, if that is alright with you," I asked and he nodded solemnly. "Great, now in case anybody gets any stupid ideas..."

I leveled the shimmering staff in my hands and destroyed the mortal remains of Ra.

"No resurrection for you," I said and I think that drove things home more than anything.

I gestured and transported the obelisk directly to the Black Pyramid and then did a quick circuit around the fountain and pool tracing glyphs upon the pools walls.

"That'll keep the regenerative properties of the water until I return. Well gotta run wish me luck."

I made my way back to the Black Talon to find both Ra and Isis waiting for me. Ra was wiping tears from his eyes he had been laughing so hard. But the stress and lines that once criss-crossed his handsome features were long gone now. I envied him. They greeted me with hugs and slaps on the back.

"Well done Nikolas," Ra said all smiles.

"What now," Isis asked.

"Ra goes into the Shaw witness protection system. He gets a new face, a new identity and a new life." I told them as I reached out and touched the once god and started the change.

Isis watched amazed as his skin began to darken until it was the color of ebony and his hair grew long and became the hue of untarnished silver. Then the rest of his body took on the aspect of a Svartalfar, a dark elf, for who would seek him out in the body of a nonhuman? 

"Amazing," Isis whispered. "I detect no illusion of any kind."

"That is because that is his new form," I said as I settled my hand on her shoulder and performed the same process upon her.

"What did you just do," Isis cried out. "Not me! I would back you against the others!"

"Until Loki told you to betray me," I said solemnly. "I'm sorry Isis but you won't even remember your old life. You will quite content as his partner and mate."

"Damn y..." she tried to speak but the change stole that thought and all the rage behind it away.

I reached in and opened the storage compartment beneath the seat of the Black Talon. I dressed them in their new wardrobe and waited for them to regain consciousness. It took much less time than I anticipated. Ra's eyes flickered open and looked up at me.

"Where am I," he asked.

"In Egypt," I told him. "I am a friend."

"Where is," he asked looking around and seeing Isis slumped near him. "Is she alright?"

"She is just sleeping, she should wake soon and then you can take my chariot to a safe place where food and shelter will be provided."

"You are too kind why are you doing this?"

"Because I can," I said with a genuine smile.

"Husband," Isis called out.

"We are safe wife, our friend here is giving us transport to a place of safety," Ra calmed her.

They both stood and turned to see the hovering grav bike. They walked around it a few times trying to see what made it float but just shook their heads in the end.

"It is a glorious vehicle," Ra said.

"I like her," I replied. 

"How will we manage to operate such a thing husband," Isis asked.

"It has a pilot; though you cannot see him you will be able to hear him. Surfer, take them to the island and introduce them to Fire Heart as dear friends of mine to be given the best until I return."

"Aye aye captain," Surfer said over the internal speaker. "Sorry Master I got carried away."

"Climb aboard your chariot awaits," I told them.

The cockpit opened and Ra climbed in eagerly. Isis hesitated so I grabbed her by the hips and lifted her up and behind Ra. She let out a startled cry but her arms slipped around his waist easy enough. The cockpit slid shut and silently rose into the air. Then like a bullet it shot up and away leaving only a faint sonic boom in its wake.

"Good luck," I said before turning my full attention toward the next task.

Keys to the Kingdom:

I opened a portal to the nightmare city and steeled myself mentally for the jaunt. This isn't one of those things that any sane person would be doing. One visit was more than enough for most but here I was again stalking through a landscape that still left me wanting to click my heels and wish I was home. 

My plan was simple. Sneak in sneak out and it wouldn't take more than half an hour. If I could have plucked the stone from its resting place without venturing here I would have. But the crazy geometry of the place made that impossible. I could see the line of monoliths that marked the general area the Keystone was located and believed all was going to plan, wrong. Once I gained line of sight on the stone and the small army surrounding it I knew I was fucked. I had read enough of the previous Hidden Master's library concerning the city and its denizens. Someone, Loki, had alerted them to my imminent arrival and destination. 

"God damn you Loki!" I cursed.

The army of abominations was lead by a towering figure easy ten times the size of his minions. I approached as sneaking in was pointless as this juncture. Twenty or so feet away the figure raised his great webbed hand and I stopped.

"You must be The Shaw," the fished eyed thing said.

"You must be Dagon," I replied.

"We are warned against you," it said. "Taking the stone is impossible."

"Taking the stone yes, but that does not eliminate the possibility of you giving it to me," I shot back.

"You speak madness," Dagon said grinning, I think.

"I speak logic," I said and continued before it could argue. "Let me show you the new position I plan on placing the Earth in before you say no."

I displayed a hologram of the world as I meant it to rest after the controlled slide. Then I displayed the star patterns and let them work it out for themselves. It didn't take long.

"This is favorable to us," Dagon agreed. "Why would you do this?"

"Look at where Antarctica will lie; I will restore the home of the Old Ones to them."

"Once the ice melts there will be much flooding," it said with another hideous grin. "But you already know this. You have prepared for that contingency?"

"Yes."

"I see that both gain from this proposal Shaw. My Master will be pleased with this arrangement you may have the stone."

"NO," roared Loki from his hiding place. "You can't just give it to him!"

"I can and I have little deceiver," Dagon turned an angry eye on the chaos god.

"Well I can see you have things to work out I'll be going now," I said.

"No you won't I'll stop you," Loki said approaching even as Dagon's forces turned on him. "Wait I am your ally!"

"You stand between the Master's rise to power, you are no ally, kill him," Dagon snarled.

The stone safely shifted to the Black Pyramid I decided it was time to let Loki deal with Dagon on his own.

I let out a long deep breath of relief staring out at the seven stones on the ground floor of the Black Pyramid. Each in its specific position completing the great machine the Elder Things brought with them billions of years ago. Though beautiful with their dark polished surface I knew that they were not crafted of terrestrial stone. I had images in my head that each had been wrought out of the remnants of dead or drying stars so long ago it was mind boggling. I had begged, borrowed and stolen so that humanity and the other races would have a fighting chance with a controlled slide guided by my desire. The desire to preserve after all the death and destruction I had inflicted upon the world. 




Iron Rain Pt. 20



"Master you have returned," Fire Heart greeted me with a deep bow.

"High Priestess," I said turning to face her.

"All preparations are complete and the Lady Akira seeks your presence when are able," she replied.

"What do you mean all preparations, what is the date Fire Heart?"

"Why it is the twentieth day of the last month Master is that a problem?"

"LOKI! Mother Fucker... god damn you..." I cursed as I stormed off to find Akira.

I was cursing the entire way down the mountain until I reached the dock. Drawing on the dark alchemy I formed a bubble of gravity around me and walked from the dock to edge of the ship. I dissipated the bubble and walked up the gangplank to the main deck. Most of the crew had assembled seeing my walking on water trick. Akira appeared and saw the expression on my face and cringed knowing I was in a very pissy mood. 

"Kouryou," she greeted me with a faint smile. "It is good to see you."

"I need your help," I told her. "I know this is going to be abrupt but I have no time, thanks to that mother fucker Loki!"

"What can I do?"

"I need to show you something and if my plan fails someone has to be able to pick up the pieces."

"You know you can count on me and the Order Kouryou," Akira said a genuine smile now on her lovely features.

"I know I can," I told her.

I took her by the hand and led her to the front of the ship. 

"Just one more step and it can all begin," I told her.

In that one step we went from the ship to my workshop. I let go of Akira and let her take in her new surroundings with its gleaming crystalline walls that were so familiar and yet so very different. 

"Kouryou where are we," she asked as she began to walk deeper into the structure. "Is this part of the pyramid? The layout is the same but the walls and pillars..."

"... it's like a negative image is it not?"

"Exactly, so where are we?"

"This is my private lab and now it is 'our' private workplace. I want to show it to you and share all my plans and dreams. I wanted to have more time but Loki pushed up the clock, I'm sorry."

"Why did you wait so long Kouryou to tell me," Akira asked.

"I wanted the timing to be perfect. I wanted to have certain projects ready to start so you could be there at the beginning and we could reap the benefits together," I told her.

"So what have you planned for us?"

"Let me show you."

I took her hand and guided her up the crystalline ramp to the second floor. There the blended light from eight pillars illuminated the immediate area.

"Oh Kouryou," she gasped. "They are beautiful."

I watched her approach the nearest pillar and the wonder contained within. Beyond the transparent wall hovering at head level was a blazing violet star the size of a basketball. Then Akira moved to each and every pillar staring childlike at each star held suspended each one a different color of the spectrum. But it was the last and youngest sun that held her mystified for so very long.

"Did you make these or is this some sort of hologram," Akira asked.

"They are quite real beloved," I told her.

"How did you create them?"

"Gravity, gases, elements and a lot of patience," I said.

"A black star," she asked pointing to the last pillar. "How did you even think of such a thing?"

"R'lyeh, that terrible sunken city was lit by one," I admitted. "After the others I had to try."

"Of course you did it's gorgeous," Akira moaned. "How long do they last?"

"I estimate they should last a few thousand years, no more."

"What else," she asked with a brilliant smile on her lovely features. "I want to see it all."

I pointed to deeper into the pyramid and she smiled and walked into the next chamber and saw the work tables and the metallic spheres in whole and in pieces scattered all over. I walked over to one that was completed and pushed the activation button and a low hum filled the room.

"It looks like one of your power plants," Akira said.

"It is but this one is self sustaining. Once it is activated it will provide power indefinitely."

"That is wonderful; people won't have to pay for electricity will they?"

"No, free power for everyone," I said.

"How do they work," she asked.

"I am glad you asked. Let me show you."

I took her to the first work table where a large box was located.

"Open it," I told her.

Akira lifted the lid and again that smile lit up her features. She looked at me and I nodded so she reached in and removed the clump of crystals. At first glance it appeared as if it were a simple block of colored quartz comprised of red, green and blue crystals. Akira turned it in her hands and saw the deep color and the weight of it surprised her.

"It's so light," she commented as she returned it to the box.

The next portion of the table had three smaller boxes. 

"Open them but be careful they might surprise you," I warned her.

She opened the box marked red and took up the ruby colored stone and her eyes lit up.

"It weighs practically nothing," she commented.

"Hold it up and then let go," I said.

Akira lifted the crystal to chest level and let go when it failed to fall she gasped. She looked at me and almost giggled.

"I'll explain after you open the other two."

She returned the red stone to its box and opened the box with the blue crystal. Akira struggled to even lift the stone from the box. She had to hold the box with one hand and the crystal with the other.

"It's like a magnet and iron," she said through gritted teeth before returning the stone and the lid snapping shut on its own.

Last she opened the box containing the green crystal. The minute the lid opened the stone shot up and out only to hover three feet from the table's surface. When Akira tried to touch the crystal it moved away from her hand maintaining its three foot distance.

"So what do you think," I asked.

"Let me guess, the red one negates gravity, the blue one draws things to it and the green one repels things?"

"Exactly," I said delighted at her cunning insight.

"So how do you make a generator out of these things?"

I walked her to the next table where an incomplete sphere was located. Akira looked at the interior and saw the configuration of the three crystals. The inner surface of the sphere was coated in the red crystal creating a zone of zero resistance. A shaft ran from the north pole of the sphere to the south. At the very center held firmly in a metallic cage a flawless round diamond. Attached to the shaft was a metal ring that held cages for a blue crystal in one and a greed stone in the other. Each stone was opposite the other in its orbit around the central shaft.

"The blue stone attracts the green stone while the green pushes against the blue," I explained. "The diamond has been altered to act as a break to allow the generator to be turned on and off. But once it's turned on the stones push and pull against each other causing the shaft to spin thereby generating power."

"The red stone removes any resistance so it can spin very fast that's brilliant!" Akira remarked before continuing. "Where do these crystals come from?"

"I am glad you asked," I said picking up a specially created glove. "Slip this on and you can find out for yourself."

Akira put the glove on and followed me over to yet another work table. On the surface was a cube of what appeared to be smoky quartz. 

"This is a window into one of the lower dimensions," I explained. "The entire dimension is composed of only three elements. Carefully slide your hand in, with your fingers spread and wait for a crystal to bump into the palm of your hand. Then pull it out."

"There is nothing else in there?"

"Nope just the crystals," I said.

Akira slowly reached in and waited until something hit her hand and she jumped. We laughed and the next time it happened she was ready and snatched a good chunk of the crystal through the window. Smoke billowed from the clump of crystal and she could feel the aura of extreme cold coming from it. I got her a box for her prize and she placed it inside and was all smiles. 

"I reached into another dimension," Akira said. "That was amazing! What else?"

She eagerly followed me up the ramp to the third floor and here was my private museum. The assorted items all had a recurring theme even though their form and purpose varied vastly. Every piece was a device that fell under the category of organic technology and had been rescued from the lair of Elder Things after their departure. 

"What are they," Akira said staring with a mix of horror and curiosity.

"I brought them from beneath the earth after the Formless left."

"You mean they are like the scepter from Iram?"

"Yep, I am still figuring out what they do," I admitted.

"Are they safe?"

"Of course, they are asleep until I wake them up. But it is this one here that is going to change everything," I said showing her one of the larger most sophisticated devices.

"What does it do?"

"This is going to be sent to Venus and will singlehandedly change the environment to mirror that of the earth."

"Why," Akira asked looking at me worried.

"It's a start, a new beginning for everyone. Imagine being able to make worlds suited to our needs and be able to spread out."

"You are talking about colonies on other worlds. Oh Kouryou, that is amazing!"

"It will take time of course but I hope that when it is done we will be ready to spread out and explore."

"I am so proud of you!"

"There is one last thing beloved. I need to show you something special, very special."

"Oh I can't wait," Akira said clinging to my arm.

We walked arm in arm up to the very top of the pyramid and the singular room that made up that floor. Unlike the Black Pyramid this room was devoid of any furnishings. I guided her to the very center and held my hand out palm down and a pedestal of clear crystal rose up from the floor. Set on the top of the pedestal was a cube of frosted glass. I removed the cube and the walls cleared to reveal a dark mass of ever changing flesh within.

"Kouryou what is that?"

"Remember my story about my meeting with the Elder Things?"

"Is that the Gift? I thought it was inside of you?"

Akira moved away from me fear staining her eyes and horror etching her beautiful features.

"It is a Gift, like mine it holds all the secrets of the Formless," I told her. "I am offering you so much beloved. I want you to know what I know and understand what I understand."

"I will become like you?"

"Yes, we will work to forge a new future for everyone," I said but even as the words left my mouth I knew she was appalled. "It was just a thought."

I returned the cube to the pedestal and it sunk back down into the floor. I let out a sigh and tried to hide my disappointment but failed miserably.

"I'm sorry Kouryou I just... can't."

"I was just hoping, it's okay I can carry the burden alone beloved."

"Oh Nick I didn't mean..."

"Time has run out Akira Kusanagi I have a task to perform. We can speak after."

"Kouryou... Nick... don't do this!"

"It's too late now, I love you."

With a gentle nudge of power I send her back to the Numenor and prepare for the slide. I wipe away the tears and make my way down to the control room and my lonely destiny. 

I stand before the eight pillars containing the stars that are not just for decoration but a power source to run the Great Machine. The air shimmered with power as I channeled the solar energy into the seven stones within the ground floor of the Black Pyramid. 

"Surfer bring up the display and give me a countdown to full power," I called out.

"Yes Master," Surfer replied. "We are at ten percent and rising."

"She said no Surfer," I tell him.

"I am sorry sir what are you going to do? We are at fifteen percent."

"You know me I always have a plan B. At least she'll be happy."

"Twenty percent and rising, that's what concerns me Sir, you place her happiness above your own."

"That's why they call it love," I tell him.

"I wonder if she will feel the same way in the end. We have reached thirty percent Sir."

"Is the Aries Virus ready Surfer?"

"Yes, it will render the entire population unconscious upon your command Sir. We are at forty percent and rising."

"Okay let's prep level five for its visitors," I say watching the readouts closely.

"We are at fifty percent and level five is up and operational Sir, will I dream Master?"

"You are trying to be funny now?"

"If not now when, sixty percent and rising," Surfer said with a chuckle.

"Okay Mr. Comedian drop South America and put 'em on ice and give me a reading across the boards."

"We have reached seventy percent and green lights on life signs," he responded.

"Okay let's drop the rest and ramp it up we have a light show to put on," I say as I get ready to directly interface with the Great Machine.

There was what felt like a huge delay from Surfer as he performed the grueling task I had assigned him. 

"Collection process complete, power level is at eighty five percent and neural interface is online. You can dive in at any time Sir."

"Okay here goes everything," I mutter as I use the contacts to connect directly to the seven monoliths below. "See you on the other side Surfer."

"Good luck Nick," he said just before my world went dark and silent.

There was nothing. My mind was aware of itself but besides that singular spark of awareness there was absolutely nothing. This is what Bennu had shown me. Before the first star, before the first particle there had been nothing but the keen awareness of that singular being. But now it was just me and my reaching thoughts needing sensory input of any kind. On some logical level I knew that mere nanoseconds were ticking by but it still felt like forever. I felt the first tickling of that other with me now; tendrils of thought reaching out for me from a consciousness so cold and so alien. Instinctively I reached out and when we touched, there was an explosion of light and sound and emotion. The stones were alive! 

"You are Nicholas Shaw," said the Great Machine.

"You are the Great Machine," I replied.

"Why have you chosen to join with me?"

"My world is in danger and need strength only you can provide," I told it.

"That is not entirely true now is it," the once emotionless sexless voice took on a quality that was both female and amused. "Tell me the whole truth Nick."

"In the entire history of this world no one had gathered the stones and spoken to you. I wanted to be the first. I guess in the end it was curiosity."

"I can see why she chose you Nick," the Great Machine said. "She saw great and terrible potentials in you. She saw your hunger to know things no one had discovered. That desire to fix the human condition that is as great and terrible as you. A race capable of such great art and music and also so afraid it will murder and savage its own kind out of mere differences. I agree with you I am not sure they are worth saving but I also see that they deserve a second chance and a fresh start."

"Thank you," I said.

"Oh don't thank me yet. You were correct in one fear you may not survive bonding with me Nick Shaw. The strain of my power coursing through you may be too much for even you to withstand."

"I'll take that chance."

"For her sake," the machine asked.

"You're kind of nosey for a great and powerful artifact."

"It is in my nature to be curious."

"So is my guess correct and the Formless made you," I asked.

"Not even close, do you want to know who created me. Do you want to see a brief glimpse of what came after?"

"After... after what?"

"I'll take that as a yes Nick Shaw," she said.

I was once more standing in the abyss of nothingness but I was not alone. There was Bennu in all her glory unveiled to my mind's eye. She was love and life and death and destruction all embodied in one being. Then I caught movement beyond her and there stood Ptah so small and mundane compared to Bennu.

"Hello Nick," he called out to me.

"Ptah, what are you doing here?"

"I told you I had witnessed the birth of a universe and here it comes," he said like a kid at the fourth of July.

"Behold Nikolas the very beginning," Bennu whispered into the void.

The heat and light were on a scale that defied imagination. The crucible of creation sprung to life in an instant and began to expand and fill the void faster than my mind's eye could follow. But it was a single star that caught my attention, the first star to coalesce in the firmament of our universe. 

"Go on Nick," Bennu said gently. "Take a look at her."

"Her? You mean she's alive," I asked.

"Of course silly she is the primal star the first of her kind and mother of many," Bennu explained.

My thoughts guided me across the vast distances that separated us and soon I was hovering before her. I had created tiny suns in my lab but this, she was perfect. 

"Thank you for you kind thoughts Nicholas Shaw," the Primal Star said.

"They fall far short of the truth," I said.

"Your hunger for the truth has led you here is it how you imagined?"

"It is so far beyond what I imagined or dreamt of."

"Good, I am pleased. I see you have walked among giants and their shadow weighs heavy on your soul."

"If you mean Bennu and the Formless, yes I have and yes they do."

"Yet if I were to remove it you would be less than what you are and what you could be."

"So there is hope for me?"

"If you are seeking redemption Nicholas your search is in vain."

"So there is no hope," I said feeling the crushing weight of defeat.

Her laughter caught me completely by surprise. 

"What is so damn funny," I shot at her and this only made her laugh all the harder.

"You dear Nicholas, I do not find your pain amusing but the cause for it is. You blame yourself for the deaths of billions on your world. But you have looked into the else when and seen what would have happened if you had not acted. Ptah remind him if you would."

"Of course," he replied. "I will show you a mere fifty years in the future of that aborted time line if you had done nothing."

I was standing in what was left of the city of Arkham. I say left because the streets were vacant and it appeared as if a nuclear bomb had gone off so great was the devastation. I knew instinctively that every city on the planet looked like this. No place had been spared from the ravages of the economic collapse and the frenzy that ensued by the feeding of the Nephilim. The balance had been tipped too far by the greedy and power hungry that had ran things. Now the world was a revolving death trap with no hope of recovery ever. All the possibilities had been reduced to zero.

"You see," Ptah said. "Your actions though severe made it possible for a future to be forged."

"There is no reason to assign blame for something that saved so many lives," the Primal Star said.

"I guess I only see the negative," I admitted.

"It is only natural Nicholas, but when you realize that entire worlds burn away in an instant with not a single soul surviving," the Primal Star stated. "Then your little setback is barely a hiccup in the grand scheme of things."

"Is that your version of jeez Nick look at the big fucking picture speech?"

"I'm not sure that's how I would have worded it but okay Nick look at the big fucking picture," the Star declared.

I think it will be that moment I will remember the most. Bennu's laughter echoing across the void was something I never thought I would ever hear. I am not sure stoic is exactly the term I would use but reserved certainly. 

"Since we seemed to have gotten off topic," I began. "Will you be able to help with my little alignment problem?"

"Atlas once held the world on his shoulders and now Nick Shaw is juggling it for his amusement. I have already fixed your little problem including restoring the magnetic poles. By the way you are welcome."




Iron Rain Pt. 20



"Great a sentient star with an attitude, I love it," I told her.

I say 'her' because I definitely got the impression she was female. I got closer and stared at her corona and the gentle flow of plasma across her surface. There was a sudden flare of activity and I was tugged backward to avoid collision with something emerging from the coronal mass. It was miles across and many more times that in length. It appeared to be some sort of crystalline egg surrounded by a halo and followed by a trail of blazing energy. 

"Is that what I think it is," I muttered.

"Nick, remember this is a time/space conduit. While you are experiencing things from your time line you are physically in another place and time," Ptah warned me.

"What the hell does that mean exactly?"

"It means dear Nicholas that whatever you do here and now will forever impact the future, your future."

"Great, just fucking great," I muttered as I watched the crystalline egg hurtle towards interstellar space. "What do I do, is this a natural process or will it perish unfulfilled in the cold darkness of the void?"

"I do not know Nick Shaw for she is the First," the star said.

"Do I help her or let her just drift away," I asked and looked at the pair of godlings watching emotionless behind me. "Tell ME!"

"Nick we are out of my jurisdiction I am just an observer here," Ptah replied.

"Things are as they have always been," Bennu said in one of her clear as mud statements.

"Thanks a lot you two," I said as the egg began to tumble end over end now. "Aw fuck I know this is going to come back on me somehow."

I reached out with a gentle but firm gravity field to control her movement. The effect was nothing short of dramatic. The moment the energy from my field touched her there came an explosive arc between the two of us and I blacked out for a moment. 

I blinked a few times and I was back in the control room looking around absolutely confused. 

"Surfer status of controlled slide... Surfer?"

"Controlled Slide Complete Master," Surfer replied. "However your vitals are dangerously weak Sir."

"That's not important," I replied. "How are our guests doing?"

"All other life signs are stable and vital Sir, in the green."

"Okay, start the next step per my instructions. I have business I need to attend to before, well just in case."

"Yes Master Nick," Surfer said as I headed deeper into my lab.

I went beyond the labs I had shown Akira. My destination was a project I had long put on hold hoping that things would have turned out differently than they had. I went to the control panel in the center of the room and keyed in the startup sequence. The opaque pillar directly in front of me began to slowly grow translucent and at last transparent. There floating in its synthetic amniotic fluids was my doppelganger. It was a clone taken from skin samples before my dramatic change, before my encounter with the Elder Things. I had made some minor improvements physiologically so that he possessed all the assets he would require to pass for me once all the memory alterations were completed upon everyone on the island. This Nick Shaw would be the Hidden Master once more and Akira the Majestrix. I would continue on as the unknown Eternal Master overseeing things. This Nick Shaw would be free to live and love Akira without the emotional baggage of the horrific things that I had done for the sake of humanity. They would be happy and that was all that mattered to me, Akira's happiness. All my clone required were the memories of a lifetime that were edited to perfection, those Grim would provide as he was the closest thing to that template I could hope for. I took his black crystal from my pocket and inserted it into the slot prepared for it and copied them into the sleeping clone. Now when the time was right he would wake up next to her and their new life could begin. Memories were now implanted and it was ready to see if Surfer had finished editing the island's population for their awakening.

"Surfer I am finished here are they ready," I asked.

"Yes Sir I have utilized the Aries Virus to reprogram synapses to your specific design," he said and I could hear the sadness in his voice. "Are you sure about this Sir?"

"Yes Surfer I am sure, she will be happy that is all that really matters to me. Have the other avatars been reprogrammed as well?"

"Yes Sir, I am the only one who remembers who you really are."

"Wake them up old friend and transport them where they belong," I tell him.

My clone disappeared from its tank and I knew that the process was on its way. My index finger hovered over the last button required in this operation all that I required was Surfer's acknowledgement that they were awake and safe.

"Process completed all island subjects are in the green and waking up," he told me.

'Click' went the button that would remove the last memories of anyone who was aware of my true identity. I donned the mask and robes of the Eternal Master and made my way down to the Black Pyramid to see how the Osirins were getting along. After that I would visit the crew of the Numenor and see how the new couple was doing.

Epilogue: Part One

I sent an invitation to the entire crew of the Numenor to visit and witness the new beginning I had planned for the world. The Osirins had gathered food from the island as well as butchering a few of the more exotic game animals that were native here for a fine dinner. So when night fell and the sun set in what was now west we all sat down and ate. 

"Master you are going to have to remove that silly mask of yours if you are going to eat with us," Fire Heart said with a smile.

"It is not a silly mask," I said but removed it all the same. "But I do see your point."

There was a collective gasp from those sitting around seeing my new face for the first time. To complete the transition and make a complete break from my old life I had taken on a radical new appearance.

"I thought you'd be human," Akira was the first to speak. "No offense Eternal Master."

"None taken Lady Akira," I told her. "I have shed my old seeming to walk freely among you as I truly am."

"Will you share your vision with us Master," it was Nick speaking, my own clone and so eloquently.

"We are equals here Nick, if I may call you that," I said and he nodded. "My vision is to radically change the very culture of humanity and see how well he adapts to it. My hopes are that once the very hardships that ruled over him are removed he will rise above his petty desires and grow as a race."

"So if we give them food, shelter and education the rest will fall into place, is that it," he asked.

"That is it exactly. There will be no more monetary economy and the whole of the population will be given a choice on what and where they want to live and do with their lives. If a man wants to farm or raise horses that will be provided for him. If a woman wants to study the heavens and beyond then that too will be provided. But before that happens the earth will be given a thousand years to heal and the animal populations will be tended to with a new human free environment. The Old Ones have crops that will be introduced into population centers to feed the family units and other food stuffs will be handled either by people as they are awoken or a new line of avatars that your friend Terry has perfected."

"What else have you got planned," Akira asked.

"Oh just a few remodeling projects," I said pointing upwards.

The full moon had reached its zenith in the sky and all eyes were staring at it when multiple objects collided with it smashing it to bits. The collective gasp was loud as most everyone got to their feet but I was unable as the strain of maintaining the gravity field around the moon was draining the last of my strength. It was Fire Heart who helped me maintain my seat as nature took over and the moon slowly coalesced.

"Master what have you done," Fire Heart asked as she held me.

"Our new home High Priestess," I whispered pointing at the moon. "I have begun a terraforming project to make it habitable for us. The comets that struck it will provide the mass and water required and the iron core asteroid with be at its molten heart just like the earth."

"You need to rest," she said as she and her priestesses carried me into the Black Pyramid.

I slept the sleep of the dead and I didn't learn until after wards that it had taken several days for me to recuperate my full strength. When I awoke I had two unexpected visitors a certain shadowcat and a couatl named Quetz. 

"What are you two doing here," I asked.

"They have hardly left your side Master," Fire Heart replied from beyond the silken veils.

"Shouldn't you be with Nick?"

"He feels they sensed how ill you were and kept watch," she replied. "The Lady Akira however feels that they believe you are their true Master and befriended Nick only at your behest."

"Interesting hypothesis," I commented. "What do you think?"

"Me, I think you stink to high heaven and low hell and are in desperate need of a long hot bath."

I gave a little sniff and agreed with her completely.

"You may want to burn the sheets I'm not sure they can be salvaged," I agreed.

Naked I slipped from my bed and the two beasties rose up and followed every step I made. Quetz flew up and landed on my shoulder and slipped his long tail gently around my neck to keep from falling. Night Wind, the shadowcat, stalked behind me like my shadow and rubbed against my leg frequently purring loudly and happily seeing me up and about. I took in my reflection from the full length mirror and was unused to my new appearance. I had gone over every piece of fiction, anime and comic book to determine the form I would wear from now on. I had also delved deeply into biology to augment this form to its peak performance. So for me it was brand new inside and out. Once I had a bath it would have that new body smell I was hoping for. It was the face that was going to take the most getting used to with its slender heart shape unlike the round one I was born with. I loved the silvery gray eyes with their slit pupils; it was one part elf and one part cat. I even tweaked the ears a bit to a slight point but nothing over the top. The features were a mix of all the elements that women find appealing and could coexist in nature. I chose a mane of long black hair so unlike the military cut I had grown used to at the Bastion. My skin had a deep healthy tan to it but without those pesky tan lines. I added a few inches of height but retained the slim muscular build I was accustomed to. I thought about adding a few inches elsewhere but decided against it I liked my cock just the way it was.

The priestesses arrived and led me down to my bathing chamber where Fire Heart was waiting wearing only a smile. Soon I was sitting in glorious hot water being bathed by the lovely ladies who shared the Black Pyramid with me. When my stomach rumbled servants were dispatched to bring food and lots of it. I wasn't used to being hand fed but I could get to like it easy enough. The last of the funk was rinsed from my skin and we moved to a second pool with even hotter water to soak away the cares and stress.

"Master," Fire Heart broke the silence.

"Yes High Priestess," I replied.

"When the moon is healed what are you going to do?"

"Well if all goes as planned it will have lakes and an ocean as well as all the trees and plant life we require to sustain a quiet existence."

"When you say 'we' who does that include exactly?"

"I am going to offer any that wish to join me..." I began and was quickly the center of a group hug.

"OH MASTER," they said with one voice. "We were so worried," Fire Heart finished.

So while I enjoyed the puppy pile of feminine flesh surrounding me I heard bare feet on the stone floor. I stood up as the priestesses looked in the direction I was staring.

"Am I interrupting anything," said the voice of Akira Kusanagi.

"No Lady Akira, what's on your mind?"

She pushed open the veil that separated the cool air of the outer chamber with the warmer air of the bath house. Akira was dressed casually but quickly shed her garments and eased into the hot water with a contented sigh.

"MMMMMMMM just like home," she commented as she ducked down getting her hair wet as well.

She resurfaced not a foot away from me with a gleam of mischief in her eyes. When I looked around I was alone with her, the others had vanished from the pool without a word or a sound.

"Something is troubling me Master," she said.

"What is that?"

"Call it a woman's intuition," she said as she moved closer still.

"I am not understanding..." I started but her fierce kiss took me by surprise.

I returned it with equal hunger as her arms and legs circled around me in an intimate embrace. As our tongues duel my hands roamed over a body I knew so well even as hers caressed my new form greedily. She broke the kiss and looked me in the eye her expression one of a woman trying to puzzle out an impossibility. Akira looked me up and down and then smiled as if there was only way to solve this enigma. She swam away and sat up on the side of the pool and crooked her finger at me. I dove under the water and kicked until I was close enough and broke the surface my head between her spread legs. I never hesitated as I began to lick and suckle her soaked sex. Akira's cry of pleasure echoed loudly off the towering ceiling and that drove me further to want to see her climax for me. I eased two fingers into her and slowly teased her as my tongue flickers over her clit causing her eyes to half close. Her hands slide into my hair as she pulls my face closer still. I missed the taste of my lover so much and soon I would bury my cock deep into her and the real fun would begin. 

"Oh god I can't take it anymore," Akira cried out as she pushed me away and got on her hands and knees.

I was sputtering as I came up from the water seeing her kneeling and waiting for me. I moved slowly to take in the scene but never hesitated to kneel behind her and ease my iron hard flesh into her.

"UNNNNNNNNNNNN Oh Master... it feels so damn good!"

"MMMMMMMMMMMMM Lady Akira..."

"Call me Akira... call me slave... but just make me yours lover..." she moaned.

I guess I was eternally grateful she didn't call me Kouryou that would have been too much. I settled my hands onto her hips and slowly made love to the woman I loved so much I had given her over to another just to make her happy. Yet here she was impaled on my cock and thrusting her hips backward to maximize our pleasure. I bit back all the things I wanted to say and remained silent, well fairly silent. My grunts and groans as her pussy squeezed and massaged me blended with hers as I fucked her harder now. We moved with a familiarity that was sublime and carefree. It was when I reached up and grabbed a fistful of her hair and tightened my grip that she knew. When next she looked back her eyes were full of joyful tears and I knew deep down that everything I had done had been revealed in that simple act. Akira thrust back harder now and as my cock began to swell inside of her I knew that we would come together. Thrust met thrust as we drove our bodies together headlong into a soul wrenching orgasm. We cried out in one voice and held on tight until we could breathe again. Reluctantly I eased out of her and she spun around snake quick and shoved me into the pool. Akira followed seconds later kissing my face, my neck and finally my lips. I would let her break this embrace of our lips. I didn't have the heart to.

"I hate you," she said as she broke the kiss and punched my chest.

"I can live with that," I told her.

"Can you, really you are so fine with how things are now?"

"I wanted you to be happy Akira," I broke down.

"What about us... it's not about me or you it was supposed to be about us damn you!"

"When did you suspect?"

"The damn shadowcat and couatl were the first clue. They disappeared from the Numenor and we found out later they were standing vigil over you. The next and most damning evidence was that first kiss. A woman knows how a lover kisses and you my dear Kouryou have a very remarkable kiss. Then the final nail in your coffin was the hair pulling. Call it a signature move of yours besides the feel of that wonderful cock of yours inside of me was very telling too."

"What are we going to do?"

"You are going to tell me what the fuck happened. Then I decide on what happens next."

"Perhaps I should show you, I think that might prove easier."

"Lead on and don't leave anything out or I'll know," she warned and I believed her.

Soon we were both dried off and wearing silken robes. I took her outside and just like before keyed in the combination for the other pyramid. Just like before Akira marveled at the beauty and dimensions of the thing. I showed her the miniature suns and her wonder was as spontaneous as the first time. Then the generator room and the triple elements that made them function. Next I took her to the museum of the Formless technology but this time she pointed and asked what each of them did. Her clever mind noticed that some of the devices were missing.

"Kouryou, what became of the things in these empty spaces?"

"The first one was dispatched to the moon to aid in the terraforming process. The second was released to clean up what is left of the cities across the planet. It will recycle all that concrete and steel and plastic so that when we rebuild we have a clean slate. "

"And the third one, what has become of it?"

"That was supposed to be a surprise but since all my secrets seemed doomed to failure I will show you."

I called up a holographic interface and displayed a satellite view of the planet Venus. Even as we watched the poisonous atmosphere was changing and taking on a cooler blue-green color. 

"Kouryou are you doing what I think you are doing?"

"Yep, I am making another home for people to use when they are ready," I said proudly. "It'll take a very long time for the process to complete. But when it does we will have another earth sized world to colonize."

"How are you able to do these things?"

I sighed heavily as we reached the point where she had practically raced from the room the first time. Well there was no turning away now.

"Follow me for the last thing on our tour," I said softly.

"This is why you did what you did isn't it?"

"Yes."

We walked slowly up the ramp to the very top of the Crystal Pyramid to that singular chamber. Once more I extended my hand and the pedestal rose from the floor. I removed the cube and showed her its contents. This time she took it from me and examined it carefully.

"Is this the same gift the Elder Things gave to you," Akira asked me.

"No, this is one that I created."

"I don't understand, explain it to me Kouryou."

I defaulted to a visual explanation once again. I showed a hologram of the typical internal organs of most humanoids. I pointed out the major and minor organs and their functions. She patiently waited through my presentation until I showed her the drastically different view that my current internal structure offered. It wasn't the obvious modifications I had made that she gasped at it was the vast amounts of web-like filaments that were literally everywhere. 

"What are those," she asked pointing to them.

"That my dear Akira is the Gift."

"What is it doing?"

"My best guess is that eventually I will become the first of a new generation of Formless."

"So they never intended on sharing their knowledge outside their race."

"No, I'm not sure I blame them. I mean billions of years of learning and study just to be handed over to a simple biped with a god complex?"

Then she smiled and put her arms around my neck and kissed me.