Delivery

Chapter 20

Rock stood with Revy. He felt the terror like he was certain she did. The part of him that had been created by generations of evolution was screaming that he grab Revy, head toward the Lagoon, and they attempt to escape. The logical part of his mind knew that there was no chance they would make it. Whatever was happening out classed the Lagoon. Once again he was gambling, and this time he was doing so with their lives.

If his gamle was wrong they would die. He had no doubt on that. His plan hinged on the Miao Family holding as much stock in their honor as the other criminal syndicates in Roanapur. If they did, then he was certain that they do all they could to ensure the safe transfer of their passengers to Tsukune, and from there they would head back out. Chyou Miao was an x factor that he was glad to see fall in place.

If she was interested in Dutch then she would do what she could in order to make it back. He watched with focused attention, knowing that any moment could be the chance of victory, or of absolute failure. The sound slowed, and finally it ended. The feeling was still there, but it no longer seemed as thick or strong. He moved toward Revy, and he touched her side. She didn't drop the rifle, and she didn't do anything to compromise either of them, but she did look at him.

"When this is over," she said announcing each word, "We are renting a hotel, and then we're going to have a real first date."

He smiled, "Sounds good."

There was a chuckle, "Depending on what happens we might have a short leave," Dutch said, "A couple of days here won't kill us."

Revy smiled, "Nothing compared to some of the stuff you've seen, right?"

Dutch was quiet for a moment, "No, this certainly gets a ten on the weird shit ometer, but it barely ranks up there on the dangerous stuff I've been through or seen."

Surprisingly Rock found that news more comforting than not. He wasn't going to leave where he was standing though. He remained beside Revy, The realization of what could happen wasn't lost on him, and he knew that if it ended up badly it wouldn't matter where he was. Besides, he preferred to be where he was. The feeling slowly changed, no longer holding that feeling of death, but instead it was just foreboding.

That was indeed an improvement. He cautiously hoped that things were going to work out correctly. He watched as movement could be seen, and emerging from the opening where their clients had gone was a silhouette. The figure neared them. She was moderately tall, her skin was so pale that it was practically white, and like the woman from earlier she had a red eye and one that was yellow that almost appeared to be reptilian. The woman gave a slight bow, and Rock could notice the small polite touches she was doing. Her long blond hair was curled at the ends, and her lips were blood red.

"Greetings, I am Daniela of the house of Dimitrescu," she said simply, "My mother has asked that I escort all of you to the waiting area."

She looked toward Rock, "She stated that she felt you would be more comfortable there."

Revy looked at her, "We're not going in unarmed."

She gave a small smile, showing the long fangs, "My, I would never ask you to walk in unarmed. To do so would be like lambs to the slaughter, please, come as armed as you like."

Rock looked at her, "We appreciate the invitation, and the confirmation that we may go in armed; however, please know that we will not act aggressively unless provoked."

She gave a slight nod, "Mother was right, you are polite, you would be a wonderful vassel for us," she said, sounding impressed, "Very well, gather what armaments you require, and please follow along behind me."

Going through the tunnel made Rock feel as if his entire body had been stretched to its limit, and then somehow it was simply returned to normal. He did his best to not act sick. He noticed that Revy looked a little green as well, but like him she was doing her best to not show it. Dutch looked as if it hadn't bothered him in the slightest. The castle they were in was heavily influenced by Western culture. It was designed more like the castles found in Europe than any of the standing temples or palaces left in Japan.

He'd never seen such a place before, so it was obviously something that had to be magic. That was the only thing that made sense. The stone floor clicked with the sounds of their shoes, and finally after a moment they were led into a large room. Inside there were several chairs, a window that was open, and the Huang and Miao Families. They greeted them, and Rock walked in. A moment later the door was closed. The weapons they had on them were Revy's rifle, about four grenades, her cutlass, and Dutch's revolver.

"So, you were invited in, huh?" Xia-Long asked, "Makes sense. We did explain how you defeated several of our employees."

Rock studied them, but it was Revy that spoke up, "What does that matter?"

Xia-Long shrugged, "You showed cunning, intelligence, the willingness to work together, and honestly you all smell like death," he replied calmly, "It isn't that surprising since we've been in Roanapur we know that all humans smell of death there. Most will go on to be vengeful spirits after their passing. So, they assume that you're monsters who are able to take down stronger monsters."

She studied them, "And that means, what?"

Chyou stepped toward her, "It means that you are being allowed to enter into their domain, enjoy some pleasantries, and then be asked to leave. This is their acknowledgement of you."

Rock nodded, "It's like Balalakia," he said to Revy, "She gives respect to those who are similar to her. They believe that we're sort of the same."

She looked at him, "So they think we're monsters?"

Chyou nodded, "They do, and it would be best to play along," she replied, "We are under contract with you, so we will protect you until we're paid."

Dutch neared them, "After that, we're on our own, right?"

She gave a curt nod, "Yes."

Rock noticed the quick look between Revy and Dutch. It was a look he'd seen them share before. He knew that it was the history between them. There was a level of trust that they had. The two of them had been on adventures together, they'd worked in dangerous situations, and they knew to trust one another. He'd gotten to that point with them too, or at least he knew he had with Revy. He watched their silent communication. It was almost like he could hear the words themselves.

So, act like we're what they think we are?

Yeah, act the part, and then we get the fuck out.

Of course he could be wrong, but certainly felt like what the communication was. He watched as Chyou neared Dutch. The harpy was standing between her family, and closer to Dutch himself. Rock wasn't sure what to make of it, but from what he could gather there was at least some mutual interest. Maybe when all of this was over the two could get a drink, talk about stuff, and just watch where it leads to.

As far as things go it wasn't a bad plan and hope. Honestly, he hoped the best for both of them. He wasn't sure what Dutch's private life was outside of work, but maybe it would perk up. He could at least hope that Dutch would get the chance to enjoy himself. Of course, as far as he knew Dutch enjoyed himself just fine. There was the possibility that he enjoyed the thrills and vices that Roanapur had to offer.

He doubted it though. His musing stopped when the door opened again. Ageha and Tsurara stepped inside. Tsurara gave a slight bow before walking toward them. She stopped and studied the Lagoon Company for a moment before giving a slight smile.

"What was hoped for has been achieved," she said gently, "There is going to be some slight changes, a few things moved around, but Tsukune has asked me to relay that he's grateful for your part in making sure that we made it here."

Revy looked at her, "Glad to hear it, so where does that leave us."

Ageha studied them, "They're convinced that you're vengeful spirits, souls of the wrongfully slain, and that you simply work out of a mortal port. We have no intention of telling them otherwise. You're free to go, know that you've got a few potential clients that will be calling upon you."

Dutch nodded, and they followed the Huang and Miao Families out. Rock noticed that Ling Ling wasn't with them, and he looked behind him to see her with Tsukune and a few others. Whatever it was that she hoped for, it looked as if it might have happened for her. Walking back there was a feeling of relief spreading through Rock. He was about to say something when Revy kissed him. He returned it, happy to enjoy the moment.

"So, it occurs to me that we're in need of some R&R," he said, "And as the captain and employer of the Lagoon Company, it's my duty to provide it. So, for the next two days we're officially on a break."

Revy smiled, "Good, let's find somewhere to get fucked up!"

Fang Fang gave a slight bow, "There is a hotel on the beach. From my understanding they have a cafe, a bar, and accept people with no questions asked."

Revy grinned, "What do you think Rocky-baby?"

He smiled, "It sounds good."

Getting the Lagoon moving hadn't been hard, getting to the dock of the hotel had been even easier. Rock surprised Revy by paying for the room, two days and nights, right off the bat. After that the two of them took in the sight of the older building. It was designed to be something grand, she knew that, and she was just as excited about it. There was a nervous excitement growing inside of her, and of course the first stop before their room was the bar.

It was a bar that was offering some decent booze. Revy found herself taking a shot of vodka, enjoying the silent burn, and then watched as Rock matched her. The bar itself looked upscale. It was certainly in better condition than the Yellow Flag. The drinking didn't last as long as she thought it would. Oh, they went through a bottle, with Rock purchasing another bottle to come with them, but when the first one was done the next stop was their room.

Room 217 was stately, beautiful with a mint green bathtub sitting in the white tile bathroom. The bed was huge, king sized, and the plush red carpet set off the entire thing. She wondered if this was the point that Rock used her. That he got what he was obviously looking for, but he didn't just strip her down and demand anything. Instead he took a seat, letting her do the same, and he took her hand. She expected her top to come off, exposing her bare flesh, but it didn't. Instead he kissed her, gently his free hand finding the back of her head, crattling it, and she broke the kiss. He didn't push things. He was respectful, and she was giving permission.

She slipped out of her tank top, her sports bra, a now frayed and slightly ratty thing, came off, and she looked at him.

"I want you," she said, "I want us."

He nodded, and she felt as he loosened her belt, unbuttoned her cutoffs, and soon they were coming down along with her panties. She felt him pushing her legs apart, but it wasn't to just get himself off. Instead he kissed up her thigh, finding her waiting and wanting sex, and then planting little kisses before pushing his tongue into her. She moaned, feeling him licking her, his finger finding her clit, rubbing it just right, and she felt her hips buck.

Sex had been something she had used to get by. Sure, she sometimes enjoyed it, but more often than not it was a chore. At least it had been. Now, now she was enjoying what it meant to have someone she loved, that she wanted, making her feel like the only woman in the world. Her hands fisted into her hair, pushing him against her, and she felt her climax. It had been amazing, she felt him start again.

"Oh...Rocky-Baby, I'm sensitive, sensitive, sen…. OH YES!" she cried as the second escaped, followed by a third. She found herself a jibbering and twitching mess for a few moments, but it was only long enough for her to get some semblance of herself. At that point she made him get onto the bed, and then she undressed him. Seeing his erection she kissed the length of it, finding the tip swirled her tongue, and then proceeded to see how much of his cock she could take before she gagged.

She was going to get him to orgasm, and then they were going to get to business.