Hey everyone, I'll just pass on what I've been saying to those who PM me as well as in my newest story. Nothing is abandoned. I will be updating all my stories and finishing them at some point. I've been super busy this past year or so working on my first book series soon to have the first book published. I've been writing/drafting/designing/revising and more on now two different book series, and four standalone books. Keeping my publisher and Editor very busy, and unfortunately keeping myself very busy. But I've not forgotten about anyone. I would also appreciate it if everyone could pop over to my Profile and read the update I recently posted and share you thoughts on it with me. Thank you so much to all my readers who have waited for me, and to you new readers, welcome. Until next time, readers.
Chapter 7
Nico entered the dojo, knowing what to expect but still all the more unprepared for it. His eyes were drawn immediately to her as she tossed whoever she was fighting over her shoulder and into the ground with a satisfying thud.
He walked over to watch as her next opponent stepped up, a cocky smirk on her face as she squared off to face Reyna. She was so close, yet so far at the same time. It was both painful to be this close and see her, as well as a blessing and miracle. She was alive.
Her opponent fared as well as the last, ending on the ground in pain as Reyna stood triumphant again.
"Come on! Isn't there anyone that can beat her. The current pot for beating her has risen to two dates with her, $300, and a full free meal any restaurant in town. Come on."
The man talking seemed to be the owner of the gym who seemed mostly furious that a girl was wrecking everyone who'd come to his gym's whole first week it'd been open so far. But also happy that they were getting so much exposure and people visiting. A local newspaper had even written a story about her, and his shop was in several YouTube videos that were on the brink of going viral. But still, a girl had walked in on opening day and hadn't left or been beaten since. To this petty man, that was the worst insult and slight to him and his gym in his mind. The only reason he'd not stepped in to fix it himself was two reasons. One, she was bringing them tons of publicity and people. Second, he wasn't too confident he could beat her. Though he'd never admit the last aloud to anyone.
"I'd like a try." Nico raised his hand and nodded towards to manager to get his attention.
The owner gave Nico a doubtful look, his jacket covering much of his physique, and being that he tended to slouch at times and was the shortest of the three of the brothers at 6' he did not make for a menacing sight at the moment.
"Fine. Get up here kid."
"A new challenger? And for once not some muscle bound freak! And what are you betting to step up here?" Reyna called out, turning to face her newest challenger.
"I'll double the pot, long as you don't mind if I change real fast?"
"What don't want blood on your new outfit?"
"Not even your blood, which if it matches your body, must be close to perfection."
She was momentarily stopped by his comment, taking a moment to process what he'd said. Her small blush showing she had, and she wasn't totally averse to the flirting. The blush quickly faded as the annoyance returned. "Just get up here so I can move on to my next opponent and make this pot a little bigger."
"So two dates huh? If I win we'll be going on two dates?"
"That's what's in the pot. But you've got to win to get them."
"Good to know. I won't hold back then."
She was preparing her comeback when he pulled his shirt off and jumped into the ring. Showing off the muscled and cut physique that had been hidden underneath his jacket and shirt. Everyone's eye in the gym was now pinned to their ring and the now muscled and half naked man ready to fight the reigning champion. Both of them oozing out an aura of danger to the surrounding people.
The bell rung and they both began circling the other. The standstill didn't last long as on their second turn Reyna strode forward and struck. Her fist flying like a snake strike towards Nico's face.
With but a twitch of his neck he moved away from the punch, returning two of his own that she promptly blocked.
From there the fight progressed, legs and arms flying as kicks and punches were sent faster and faster towards the other. Of all the girls Reyna had been the hardest hitter of the three, whereas Nico among the boys was the fastest. Since as a general rule of thumb, normally the girls were faster than the boys. But for Nico, he was just as quick making it that much more of a challenge for Reyna.
It was when Nico's fist connected with her stomach that he felt it. A second life force hidden within her own life-force. "You're pregnant..." His voice trailed off as silence erupted around them and a wild punch from Reyna struck his face. Reyna staring at him as if he were a demon in disguise.
He stared at her, love in his eyes, and anger at the gods for keeping this from him. "You're pregnant aren't you?"
This time she looked away, refusing to meet those eyes that seared her very soul and gazed into her mind as if seeing every sin and good thing she'd ever done in her life. Even the things she couldn't remember. "Shut up and fight freak. We've got a bet going here."
His fight had just become a hundred times harder. His mind was a wreck thinking about the possibility, no the positivity, that she was pregnant with his child. He'd felt that life force when his hand connected with her stomach, it certainly had some of his father's powers in it. Also, he could obviously no longer hit her stomach and he didn't want a drawn out battle. He needed to end it face, being limited to her face, which he did not want to hit or damage at all, or her arms, legs and upper back.
Knowing she would probably hate him after this made it harder, but he knew it was all he could do to end the fight soon.
He suddenly dropped down grabbing hold of her around the waste, as she slammed her fist ineffectually against his back. Diving as if to slam her into the ground, he turned at the last moment, taking the brunt of the attack himself. Soon as he hit the floor rolling her under him and pinning her quickly. Tangling his legs with her own as he brought her hands above her head and pinned them with one of his own, his other hand going to hold her head down and keep it from slamming into his own.
"Tap out."
"Fuck you!" Her anger was palpable as she struggled against him, realizing almost immediately he'd been holding back the entire fight, and was still holding back even now. She hated nothing more than being belittled or treated like some delicate flower. She may not have known much about who she was, or what she'd been before she'd woken from the coma. But she knew she wasn't some delicate flower to be put on a shelf.
She struggled against him for another three minutes as the crowd buzzed about her being beat apparently easily, before she finally went limp and tapped out.
Cheers rang out across the gym as the owner hopped into the ring to hold Nico's arm high even though his only concern was the woman angrily pushing herself up from the ground one hand hovering over her tummy semi protectively.
"Hey. I'm sorry about that. And for announcing you're pregnant…"
"Just shut up would you? And just so you know. You're paying for both dates. I'll be there. But you're paying."
With that she pushed past him, slinging her coat over her shoulder as she left.
"How will I get ahold of you to plan a time?"
"Same way you knew I was pregnant I'm sure."
Smiling at her snarky remark he let her walk out. Both happy she was back and he had a date, but also worried about her child. His child… Their child…
/-/-/
It took him two days to find her apartment. From a mixture of questioning those who'd been at the gym of the direction she took when leaving and arriving at the gym, along with some basic calculations since she walked he was able to narrow down the apartment complexes she'd be in. Then simply had to check registry's to find Reyna's name.
So she was shocked to find a tux dressed Nico waiting at her door with her favorite flowers in hand at 5pm three days after being beaten by him at the gym.
"You ready for our date?"
"You actually found me."
"Of courses. I only fought you for the dates you know. And I'll ask again, are you ready?"
She looked torn between cracking up and punching his lights out. Eventually she stifled a small
giggle and opened her door.
"Not planning on revealing any more of my private life are you?"
"Umm… No. Sorry about that. It'll never happen again." He at least had the decency to look thoroughly embarrassed, face red as he glanced down, hand trailing through his luscious hair.
"How'd you know?"
"Uhh… I'm a medical student. Almost done. I could tell by the way your body was already preparing for the pregnancy." It was a small lie. Her body was indeed changing, not that he'd really be able to physically tell just by punching her. And he was a medical student. Although the fact that he already had over six different degree's in medicine and decade's worth of practice.
"Come on in my phsycic Romeo. You'll have to give me two hours or so to get ready."
"You've got one and a half. Our reservations are in that time. I'm sure you can manage right Ragazza?"
"I can probably manage. Mind telling me what you just called me and in what language?"
"It was Italian for girl."
"Hhmm. I know almost every dialect of Spanish, English, and even a little Chinese. I don't know any Italian."
"A shame it's a beautiful language, and perfect for a beautiful girl."
"Watch it Romeo. The dates not even started yet."
With that she left the strange boy in her living room as she walked to her bathroom to get ready. Still debating calling the cops and then knocking him unconscious.
But he was so funny about it, and those were her favorite flowers. And she lost the bet fair and square. No matter how she looked at it, she'd agreed to this. Even challenged him to find her and set up a date. She'd just have to eat her words and stick to it.
/-/-/
She exited her room seventy minutes later, freshly showered and hair in a intricate braid that hung behind her back, displaying just how long and luscious her hair was, a mouthwatering sight for Nico. Hand reflexively coiling as if buried in her hair as it had been many nights before she was taken. Her dress was a beautiful off the shoulder black piece, with deep red accents hidden in a few of the swirls and lace of the dress, ending just above her ankles which were being shown off in pair of four-inch-high heels.
He was forced to shake his head to clear his mind and stop staring, an act that did not escape Reyna's eyes. "You look beautiful. Are you ready?"
"Let me move my things to my black clutch and I'll be ready. Eyes up here death breathe."
He froze at the nickname, turning on a dime to face her. "Death breath?"
"No idea. Just came to me. Hhmm. Feels like I've said that before. Deja vu. Weird." She trailed off, pausing as a thoughtful look flitted across her face before shrugging and continuing to move her cards, cash, ID and a small knife to her clutch.
As her back was turned she missed the deflation of his shoulders at her having not remembered anything, just her nickname for him. Once again shaking it off as he offered his arm upon her turning to face him, ready to go out and face the night.
/-/-/
They arrived at the posh looking restaurant. "Well isn't this just super fancy."
"Hey, this is the one that's paid for. So get what you want. Someone else is buying so I thought let's go big. We can be much less fancy if you so desire for our second one. You do owe me two remember?"
"Damn it. I'd hoped you'd forget."
"Two dates with someone as beautiful as you. There's not a chance in hell that I'd forget."
She punched him lightly on the shoulder as her blush spread down her chest, drawing his eyes with it as she linked arms with him.
"Eyes up here Death breathe." Her comment caused him to blush himself as he opted to stare straight ahead and avoid the temptation.
"Ah! Signore De Angelo! Finally, you grace us with your presence again. It has been too long signore since your last visit. And what a beautiful lady you have brought with you this time. Is this the bella regazza you've been hiding from us here so long. She's just as you described, beautiful and strong with hair as black as night. Bene!"
Her look at him having been here before as well as talking about her caused Nico to somewhat stutter as her piercing gaze watched him.
Internally he cursed himself for telling them about his lost love. In his defense he'd never thought she was alive and he'd be bringing her here, especially not without her memories in place. He probably looked like a total creep now.
They were shown to a beautifully set two-person table near large glass windows facing the sea as Nico pulled her chair out for her. Allowing her to take a seat.
After a quick exchange in Italian between the friendly manager and Nico a servant was called for, bringing a bottle of their finest wine. First proffering it to Nico who nodded his acceptance, then offering it to Reyna for her to nod her agreeance. Somewhat in shock at the age of the wine and the cost it most certainly had attached to it.
"That's some expensive wine there, are you sure our unnamed benefactor won't mind?"
"I'm paying for the wine. I always drink this when I come here. I already informed them I would pay for the wine."
"You drink that every time you come? How often is that?!"
"Usually twice a month, sometimes more." He shrugged as if this weren't a big deal.
"That has to cost at least $250— "
"$300." He corrected, unperturbed by her astonished outburst.
"What are you like a millionaire or something."
"Yes."
"…." Her mouth was left hanging as he nonchalantly perused the menu, though he'd known what he was ordering the moment he'd walked in and smelled the scent drifting from the kitchen.
"Do you know what you want or shall I order for us both?"
"How do you even read this? Do you understand a word of this menu?"
"As we've already discussed, being fluent in Italian as well as several other languages. Yes." His smirk was infuriating as she glared at him, deciding to get even as she leaned across the table to look at his menu.
"What are you ordering."
She was graced with his eyes going down her dress before swiftly correcting themselves to her smirking face as a blush erupted on his. "That's not very fair."
"Then don't mock me for not knowing Italian. And order for us both." She smugly sat back in her seat, ignoring the looks they got from several other patrons around the restaurant. Or the wicked smile and wink of approval she got from the manager who was coming up behind Nico, a notepad in hand to take their order.
"Are you Ready Signore Angelo?"
Clearing his throat, he began their order. "We'll start with Cicerie e Tria, then move on to Braciola, and end it with Zuppa Inglese and a glass of Marocchino each?" With a raised eyebrow in Reyna's direction he asked her approval.
"That sounds lovely." Though she honestly didn't know a word of what he'd just ordered.
She awkwardly sat and stared at him after the Manager disappeared. Watching him as if expecting some sort of attack from him.
"Can I help you? You're being rather piercing with that gaze there?"
"Well this is usually the point in the date where a man would start trying to play footsie with me, or stare unabashed down my dress. It's weird to not have any of that happening now."
"Trust me, it is a battle of man versus the flesh to not stare down your dress at the tantalizing flesh beneath it." He was thankful for the time he'd majored in literature and communication. That certainly helped him become much more articulate and able to talk to woman. And with his lost love, he needed all the help he could to remain calm and cool in this situation.
His words were rewarded with a small blush as she coughed to cover up a small smile. "Indeed. That was my plan. It's a measure of a man how well he can win that battle, and how often. So tell me of yourself. Mysterious fighter, millionaire, and the gods know what else."
"Hhmm. Well, I was in the military and have been trained in various fighting styles since birth basically. As for the millionaire, I made some good investments along with my brothers with our money from the Military. It's paid me back very well, and continues to do so. As for what else you might need to know. You'll have to wait till date number two. Got to save something for then. Your turn miss reigning champ."
"A military man hhmm? That's hot." Her smile and small giggle at his blush caused butterfly's to erupt in his stomach. "As for me, I'm not really sure. Honestly I just woke up from a major coma just a few days before the gym opened up. Found out I was pregnant and some sort of complication had dramatically slowed the babies growth, and had no idea who the dad was or when I'd gotten pregnant. I was so mad that day. I walked right past the gym, saw it was open and walked on in. Didn't walk out till it closed, learning that I knew how to fight and I was good at it. That's about all I remember." She didn't mention the last thing she remembered was a flash of black, lust and love filled eyes and a special pink flower she couldn't find in any garden or shop.
The rest of the dinner was filled with pleasant conversation about upcoming tests in school, their current majors and drinking all of the wine they had at their table.
/-/-/
"Goodnight Signore e Signora!" The manager called out, opening the door from them as they linked arms, leaning upon the other for support as they walked out of the restaurant.
"I think I'm parked nearby. Let's see…"
"No. My turn to lead."
"What?"
"We went to your fancy place. Now I get to take you somewhere. Come on, we'll have fun Mr. Fancy."
Slightly put out by being called Mr. Fancy when he was far from it, "Ppfft. Fine! Lead the way. I'll show you how to have fun."
/-/-/
He found himself being dragged into what his wine addled brain deemed a club. She dragged him straight passed the lines and the guard who simply nodded to Reyna and immediately to the middle of the dance floor.
As the music played, she gazed into his eyes, the wine flowing freely through their veins as she turned in his arms, pulling one over her front to hold her close as she backed into him and began dancing sensuously to the music. Her body like an ocean in the smoke filled haze and tide of human bodies dancing to the music bobbing to the beat and moving against him as he found his own body moving with hers.
They took a break after three songs to grab another drink. This time relying on shots of Vodka to wet their lips. Before once again she was dragging him out to the floor to dance.
Everything became a blur as his focus and reality became her. The way her body moved on his, the way she felt. The way her dress seemed to cover much less as they continued on. That his shirt didn't feel as tight or hot with his bow tie undone and the top buttons also hanging down. His jacket unbuttoned and hanging on their chair by the bar. That her hair was just as pretty unbraided, tussled and sweaty from the dancing and both their hands running through it. That he loved the feeling of her hands trailing through his hair and onto his chest. The boom of the music that pulsed through his veins in time with her heart beating against his chest. That the flowing sea of humans around them became a pulsating ocean of life. Adding to the brilliance that was this goddess before him.
She became even more of his reality when her lips crashed into his, both still moving to the music as they danced. Lips locked in a battle of wills as they fought. He let her lead in the kiss, deciding he didn't care so long as it was her.
/-/-/
In a haze he drove them to her apartment, half the drive spent making out. In the morning he'd think back and wonder how they didn't crash on the way home. From what he could remember anyways.
The walk to her apartment and elevator ride up was a blur as they kissed, pre-shedding clothing as they walked down the hall to her room. His shirt completely unbuttoned and half off his shoulders, her dress unzipped as she unlocked the door without looking and dragged him in the front door.
They kissed past her living room and to her bed. Arriving there in nothing but their underwear. His world became her skin, her breathing, her taste. Everything that made her was him. Everything that mattered, everything he'd remember was her. She was his world.
/-/-/
He woke with a splitting headache alone in her bed and quite confused. His memory of last night consisted of the taste of wine and vodka on her lips, dancing, and pleasure. All in all, not a bad night. Last time he'd woken up in jail from drinking so much. With him, Percy, and Jason having fought two entire bars worth of patrons and won. Though they'd gotten out with self-defense as none of the three had thrown the first punch. This was definitely a step up.
He walked from her room after tossing his boxers and pants back on, leaving them unbuttoned following the smell of pancakes. His favorite. To the kitchen.
"I must say. I don't remember the last time I drank that much or had that much fun. If the second date is like this, you may not be able to get rid of me. My life could use some more of this zest."
"That is totally cool."
"Cool?"
"What? Is something wrong with the world cool?"
"No, just from all the words you were using last night I'd figured you too posh and smancy to use the word cool. But I guess from how well you danced and did… other things last night. I should have known you were much… cooler, underneath that tux."
His blush at her comments, which were followed by an obvious up down of his body, hovering at his waist, and the wink that followed was a blush that went all the way down his chest.
"Now, get yourself some pancakes and get out. I have things to do today, and you will be in my way. Plus, I really need to think through everything that's happened. No offense, but you've come out of nowhere into my life and it honestly feels totally normal for you to be here."
He was forced to hold his tongue, wishing nothing more than spilling and telling her the truth. So with a smile and a nod he told her he understood and totally agreed. Accepting a pancake from her as she came around and sat next to him to enjoy the food.
"Also you'll be leaving shirtless. I've found a new morning shirt that I love."
It was then he noticed she was dressed in his white button up, and decided that it looked much better half buttoned on her while she was naked underneath than it ever had on him. "Deal. But I get my own trophy then."
"And what might that be?!"
Her voice followed him as he walked back to her room, returning a moment later and making a show of it as he pocketed her black thong she'd been wearing that night.
Her laughter erupted from her body as she turned away from him. "Fine. I suppose that's fine. I've got other pairs I like. But I will ask for a reimbursement, those were some expensive panties there."
"I'll have a check ready for our second date. Speaking of which, how soon can we have that?"
"I'd love to say tomorrow, but as I said, I really need some time to think. As well as I have several tests coming up this week in school that I really need to go take. The earliest will be… Next weekend?" The way she looked at him, biting her lower lip and looking up through her bangs was irresistible as he leaned forward to kiss her.
"Sounds perfect. Thanks for breakfast."
Leaving her speechless at the passionate kiss she almost didn't realize he'd just walked from her room dressed in nothing but his pants and boxers. Her laugh when he returned knocking on her door caused another blush to erupt as he took his socks, shoes, wallet and keys from her, grumbling he decided to run down the stairs and to his car. Hopefully avoiding any judgmental glares on the way there.
/-/-/
The week in between their dates was the longest week Nico had experienced since the week of her passing. These two things combined to make it a rough week, filled with nightmares and monsters being cleaned out of Oakland relentlessly to relieve stress and anger. At one point having to run to visit Percy and talk to him. Idea's being tossed around as to what he could do speed the process along.
So it was that their second date had been set. Salsa dancing and then homemade Mexican food at his apartment. She'd managed to slip her phone number into his pants that morning before he left so they'd been chatting off and on through the week. Telling him about her day and vice versa. Mentioning a few times of headaches and flashes of the sea and people she didn't recognize. All good signs, but frustrating that she wouldn't just remember.
He arrived at her door, dressed in a tight fitting black button up with the top three undone and a pair of tight fitting black slacks on. She answered, dressed in a stunning red dress, clinging tightly to her curves and ending in a flared bottom mid-shin. His eyes traveled up and down her body of their own accord, only stopped by her sultry laugh and comment that followed. "Eyes are up here Death Breath. Let's go."
/-/-/
They arrived at the club in town that was hosting a Salsa dancing competition and regular dancing all night just in time for the opening dance number.
"I'm not sure how you knew that I know how to salsa…"
"Just a good guess." He'd answered with a knowing smirk as they began their dance, moving with a grace that captured many in the crowd watching.
"You are so very good with your hips Nico. It's impressive."
"Please don't make me blush when so many people are watching."
"That's half the fun Death Breath."
They'd only just stepped off the dance floor from their first dance when they were approached by the couple running the competition. "You dance very well together. My wife and I were hoping you'd consider joining in on our competition. We could always use another couple?"
"I don't thi— "
"We'd love too." Reyna's voice cut him off as she stepped in front of him, accepting the offered pin and signing their names to dance.
"You sure about this?"
"You can keep up can't you? And we both love winning don't we? Then I see no problem in this. Let's go win… whatever the prize is." Her ending comment sparked chuckling between them as they headed towards the separated room for competition dancing and the other which was purely for pleasure.
They were given numbers to pint to their backs, each taking turn helping the other as they stepped onto the dance floor. Spectators already gathering to watch as all the couples, twenty in total, took the dance floor.
The music began and they took off. Their dance beginning as almost immediately two couples were disqualified for the wrong beginning steps.
"Looks like this competition is no joke." She commented with raised eyebrow as she stared into his eye, both focusing on the other and letting their bodies move almost of their own accord.
"Well, I for one don't like losing. So preferably let's win hhmm?"
"As if we'd lose."
In their short talk another three couples had already been disqualified as a new song and different style of salsa began.
Their dancing became faster and left them pressed close together at the end of each song. Their eyes soon only sought the other's, as they danced through the night. Couples being eliminated around them till four couples remained on the dance floor.
It was then the song began, a song Nico had requested before even showing up to the club. It was the song he and his mother always danced to, the song Reyna had learned to dance to from his mother and then danced with him. Surely this would remind her, he thought. Surely.
He saw a flicker in her eyes, the moment the switched danced and she had a chance to focus upon the song.
"This is an old one. I'm not sure how I know. But I'm positive this is a very, very old salsa song."
"You'd be correct. Does that mean you don't know all the dance?"
"Surprisingly enough I think we'll both find out soon."
He was so lost in the moment he almost didn't notice when she began to lead. She effortlessly flowed into the role. Taking over and guiding him, faster and faster she pushed him. It almost felt like a challenge. One eagerly stepped forward to accept.
They'd not know it, but they were the last couple upon the dance floor. Everyone watching in awe and wonder as these two professional level dancers twirled and tossed around the dance floor. Face to face, bodies melted together, making them seem almost as one entity than two. Their movements so flawlessly synched.
And like magic she backed up and began the final movements of his mother and his dance. Of their dance.
As she leapt up, eyes skyward. Completely trusting him to catch her. And catch her he did, one hand upon her belly as he lifted her high, muscles straining as he spun about, other hand splayed wide open to help with balance.
The moment he set her down her lips where upon his own. "Time to get to my apartment."
"But we haven—"
"If you don't want these fine salsa dancers to see two four-hundred-year-old immortal ex-pirates fuck on the dance floor, you will get your ass in that car and drive me home. Now, Mr. Nico Di Angelo."
His eyes shot open as she continued her attack upon his collar bone, pushing his annoying shirt out of the way as she claimed a patch of skin upon his collar. Sucking until the skin was dark blue as his mind still tried process what she'd said and what that all implied.
"You… You rememb—"
He was silenced by her mouth upon his own. Said mouth quickly moving down his jaw line to suckle upon his ear for a moment before whispering lovingly. "I remember everything. Now please. I'm about to literally fuck you right here, right now."
No sooner had she spoken than he scooped her up in his arms and all but ran for his car, his heart racing and his pants getting much tighter.
Normally she would be fine walking herself. But being carried gave her the wonderful advantage of attacking his chest face and mouth with her own mouth, and run her fingers through his deliciously long hair.
Once again she was suckling his ear and whispering as the exited the club. "I should warn you. Tonight, there's no thong for you to claim."
She'd swear to this day his eyes had never been as wide and surprised as they'd been then.
/-/-/
"So we should probably get going shouldn't we?"
"What?" Nico's sleep laden voice caused Reyna to chuckle. She'd hit him with a question he wasn't quite ready for.
"Well I remember a few days ago you attempted to get me to leave with you for a bit. Something about someone was after your family. I refused then, but now that all my memories are back I'm betting this is something real and that we should probably get going."
Nico bolted upright, suddenly awake. "Shit."
The nock on the door was ominous as they both turned towards Nico's front door. "Yeah. It may be time to leave. Start packing a bag for us would you? Also, grab the duffel under the bed." As he spoke he slowly left the bed, grabbing a small ceremonial dagger hanging on his wall as he did so. He opened the door, keeping his hand with the dagger hidden from sight as he looked out. A large earthen hand shot from the open door grabbing him and pulling him out the front. With but a thought the earth started to crumble off him, greying as skeletal hands erupted from the floor and walls grabbing hold of the two men waiting for them outside the door. One an Egyptian mage under Geb who was the owner of the earthen hand. Nico didn't give either enough time for another move as he burst from the earth, hand flashing as the ceremonial dagger sliced across their throats. Leaving both gasping through their blood as they sank to the floor.
Checking the hallway to ensure no one else was headed up towards him, he saw the elevator was headed up from the ground floor. He wasn't paranoid but he had a good feeling they were headed his way. He concentrated for a moment as two Greek gladiators walked out from a wall, in full armor. They'd be waiting to greet anyone who tried exiting that elevator.
"Babe! We've got to get going."
"I know. I felt you summoning some friends for our guests. I've got the duffel. Let's go."
They moved as a team as if they hadn't been apart for four hundred years. The two of them skipping the stairwell entirely to leap over railings and walls all the way down. They encountered two groups on their way down, but their life was sent to Nico's father faster than they had time to process they'd found their quarry. Throwing knives flying from both of their hands, with a meaty thunk. Sending their enemy to the ground, blades buried in eyes and hearts.
/-/-/
They were halfway through the parking garage of the apartment when a large group came into view. Nico took the lead, eyes glowing with power as vines erupted from the ground, the dead followed the vines, varying era's and times the group now screaming in fright as various abilities and powers took shape. Flames erupting from hands, dead of their own trying to combat these skeletal terrors. But their focus upon these deathly enemies left them choking as vines wrapped about their throats, poisonous thorns piercing their veins and arteries.
Nico and Reyna leaped through the vines, heading towards Nico's car.
"An Audi R8. Very nice."
"Well… it's sort of an Audi R8. There's quite a few modifications to it now."
"Should I be worried?"
"No I think you'll love every one of them."
"Good. Let's get going."
Strapped in and ready, Nico started up the car and took off as fluidly as if he'd been racing getaway cars his whole life.
"Reach into that bag there and grab me a block of C4."
"You've got C4?"
"Questions later, results now. We'll have company soon, and while I'm sure Jason and Percy would have a nice gun and car chase like in a movie. I'd rather get them out of the way quickly and send a nice warning to anyone else following behind that we're bad news. So C4, now."
"Have I ever told you that you're really hot when you get demanding."
Battle hardened warrior that he may be, and jaded immortal as well. He still had the decency to slightly blush at her comment. "Perhaps once or twice."
"Good. You do. I think I may have to show you just how hot while we're driving to this hideout."
Her hands had begun to wander as she spoke, the C4 forgotten in her lap a Nico struggled to keep control of the car. "Damnit. Let's save this for after we're in the clear – Reyna!"
Her chuckle caused him to smile. "Whatever you say death breath. Let's get going. Here's that C4."
"Thanks. The switch for this particular batch is in the front left pocket on the duffel. When I call for it. Go ahead and detonate."
"You got it babe. Just say when."
They'd barely made it a block from the garage when they're visitors said hello. Gun shots skipping off the windows as they instinctively ducked. "You ready?"
"You need to ask?"
/-/-/
The news that night was filled about explosions rocking the roadways. Surprisingly only a few cars were actually destroyed. The occupants found to be parts of terror cells throughout the city. No one looked farther into the black Audi that was mentioned as being seen at every explosion.
And by the time they did, it was already hundreds of miles away and encroaching upon a cabin in the woods where one couple was already waiting for them.
