The clock in the bathroom on the counter was a quarter past nine PM. It was almost midnight. Cade was having a personal shower. He needed a long shower or two to at least wash himself off the dirt and grime of being outside. Water was a precious resource and they needed to constantly maintain it. Ever since the end of the war, many water across the Earth was contaminated. No one could drink it or clean themselves. Even the rivers and the lakes were contaminated. So people who clean water and transport them around sell them. It is very cheap to buy them, but if you waste them or don't reuse them properly, then your supplies will vanish quickly and you would have to wait for maybe another six months to a year to get a fresh supply.

The Hellfire Club owned by Vixen has their own water support which cleans any contaminated water they get from a nearby lake and reuse them into portable tubs. They get transported across terrain and end up in the storage cabins around the complex and the small town of New Vegas. Since Vixen owes the water supply, they still are required to keep to a small minimum of water in order to save them. Everyone understood this. Even Cade.

After that shower, he got out half naked and covered with a towel. Over his body were some scars and several tattoos across his torso. Keeping his towel wrapped around his lower body, Cade took five minutes to dry himself off. Soon as he got into his undergarment, he left the bathroom to see Vixen laying on her bed. She smiled and purred as she sat up a bit. Pointing her finger up, she beckoned him forward. Cade closed the door and walked forward toward her as she got up slowly. Her tail swished on her right as she approached Cade.

She touched his naked torso and admired his strong, buff form with a continued purr. Cade placed his hand around her back moving her close as she sniffed his skin. She responded with a purr in her tone, "Oh, Cade. You smell really good. I am glad you are using those pheromone scented shampoo and soap that I made available for you. You smell better now than before."

Cade shrugged and placed his finger under her chin as he kissed her on the lips responding, "Well, it's for one night luv, so I thought why not? Might as well take advantage of it."

Vixen's tail wrapped around his waist as her body continued to rumble with purring motion while keeping her body close to his muscular chest. She continued to sniff his scent and moaned with pleasure kissing his shoulder muscle biting into it slightly with her fangs and licking the blood a bit. Cade stroked her dark pixie cut hair and kissed the top of it. With his other hand, he touched her stomach.

The feline humanoid moaned a little in pain when he touched her sore spot, so Cade paused and looked to see some bruising around that area. He also touched her neck and noticed some more bruising along there. Concerned, he inquired, "What happened, luv? Did someone hurt you?"

Vixen shook her head and quickly responded touching his neck and kissing him on the cheek, "It is nothing, Cade. Please drop it."

Cade wouldn't let go of it as he pushed a bit, "I need to know if our child is okay in your womb. That there is no damage. He is okay, right?"

She nodded as they continued to embrace, "He is unharmed fortunately. Kyra hurt me. Punched me right in the abs after thrusting me against the wall after I told her about you. She was angry."

Cade let out a slight growl as he shook his head a bit angry, "Fury. Of course she would do this. I'm sorry…"

Vixen let out a snarl as she bared her fangs while Cade picked her up with ease, "Do not be sorry, Cade. I do not want to talk about it. Carry me to bed."

They continued kissing as she continued moaning with pleasure from his clean pheromone scent. Cade carried her to the bed as Vixen continued to purr laying back into the bed. She moved back while keeping her tail wrapped around Cade's waist pulling him along. He entered and covered the sheets over him. Vixen rested on his extended arm while they both gazed into their eyes. Cade showed how much he cared for her and she smiled back sensing his emotions. As a Companion, she was an Empath. One of her ability was to sense emotions. To feel them and that gives her great comfort.

She placed her claw on Cade's chest as she looked at the muscles. Cade touched her chin causing her to look up. He offered his smile and spoke, "Sel luv, you know I care about you, right? I love you and I want our child to be safe."

That made her smile as he stroked her chest. She touched his hand and snuggled in closer to him. Cade spoke again proposing another question, "Shall we talk about Odin Kain, luv? I haven't heard much about him, but I know he is an Abnormal. Why else would Cerberus send me after him?"

Vixen shrugged speaking in a hushed, purring tone, "Sure, Cade. You are going after him after all and I wouldn't want you to get there without a plan. For one thing, Kain is always one step ahead of everyone. Maybe two or three steps ahead and is fairly hard to capture. He is basically a human with the brain of a supercomputer. With the Cyber Mind, he can access anything with technology from his basement or whatever location he is. He almost knows ahead of time that someone is trying to find him, even Cerberus, so he tries hard to hide his trail and to try to stay hidden. Sometimes, however, he allows himself to be caught by the right person if they require his information but he almost never shows himself."

"Huh," Cade muttered thinking, "So, he can only manipulate technologies with his mind. Is it a distance thing or can he see everywhere."

Vixen continued, "Unlimited as long as everything remains online. We still have satellites, so he is able to interact with them and see everywhere. Without technology, his ability will be rendered useless. So technically, he is human. Not really an Abnormal. He just has a superbrain and without certain connections to the online world, he is like humans. Blind. Useless. Your best bet is to approach him primitively. A non-technological approach. Just get him on his blind spot."

Cade shifted his back against the bed as they got a bit closer. He responded, "I see. Where is he? How did he get this ability?"

Vixen moved up on top his form as she sat down on his chest. She curved her back and kissed him on the cheek as she whispered, "Originally he is from Ephraim, Utah. During the war, Utah remained one of the few states with the best online technology anywhere on this world. Ever since the bomb fifteen years ago, Kain's ability slowly manifested as he became aware of certain signals that no one could hear. It was like voices in his head and it nearly drove him mad. Eventually he discovered that his brain capacity became advanced to a point where he could detect wi fi signals. He was able to hear across the globe using the satellites as well as control certain technology. He was soon recognized as a powerful advanced supercomputer, but eventually after several years of use, he almost went mad. He soon became paranoid of almost everyone and shut himself from the world. Since Ephraim was his home town, he would generally be around Utah depending on where you are coming from. If he knows you are coming and you present a reason why you need to see him, then he might let you in. If not, well, just try approaching him without startling him into hiding again."

Cade nodded responding as he kept his hand wrapped around her back and kissed her when she moved closer to his lips, "Sounds good to me, luv."

Vixen smiled and looked at him with concern as she responded, "One more thing, Cade. Fury and her mercenaries are looking for him, so watch out for her. Be very careful. I don't want you hurt."

Cade offered a smile kissing her on the cheek, "Wouldn't dream of messing this one up, luv. I will be careful around her. Thanks for the warning."

Satisfied, Vixen laid herself on his large chest and continued to purr. Her cat-like tongue licked his chest as she continued sniffing smelling his fresh aura. Both of the fell asleep for the night in the dark.

It was morning as the sun was up. The atmosphere was clear of clouds, but it was still orange reddish color. There was smoke rising from several buildings as some of the Blood Vengeance mercs continued tossing Molotov Cocktails through the windows and open doorways. Several people were screaming running across the streets. Fury and several of her mercs watched from the distance as they observed the small town in Utah slowly burn down.

Fury inhaled and exhaled breathing in the burning fumes of the flames. Her reddish tinted metal eyepatch remained attached to her left eye as she watched from her good eye several mercenaries approach them thrusting some of the prisoners onto their knees. They were whimpering with fear begging for their lives. Taking the cigarillo out of her mouth, she placed it onto the small, round ashtray in her bike as she blew a smoke from her breath. She got out of the bike and nodded once as she pointed to one of the prisoners.

The merc behind the male obeyed and forced him forward. Fury grabbed his throat with a snarl as he fumbled with her impressive abnormal strength trying to regain his breath. She spoke harshly, "Where is Odin Kain?"

The man continued breathing hard. He touched her hand and she started feeling her hand getting colder. As if he was trying to freeze her hand off. Increasing her grip on his throat, she let out a snarl as she boiled her hand making it hotter. The man started screaming in pain as she lifted him off the ground effortlessly and tossed him down onto the ground.

Fury let out another breath and started breathing controlling her entire rage into the man's body and he contorted in an odd, painful shape as he was being boiled alive. His body was smoking. The two other prisoners, a man and a woman stared at him with fear watching him die. After she was finished, the merc leader turned her attention on the woman and approached. She gasped shaking her head fearfully.

As Fury grabbed her head, the merc behind shouted out a warning, "Wait, Fury, she's poisonous. One of our guys who handled her died instantly.

The woman immediately dug her nails into her arm as Fury looked back cocking her head. Feeling the effects of the poison on her wrist, Fury closed her eye and groaned cracking her neck and shoulder muscles. The poison that was running along Fury's veins was visible at first, but it blended in returning to normal as she opened her eyes and scowled at the merc. She let out a scoff questioning him, "So?"

Fury's body resists most poisons and the woman screamed some more as she realized that she was immune to her ability. Taking out her dagger, Fury brought the woman closer and stabbed her once without hesitation. She scowled back at her coldly as she responded slowly removing the blade as the woman's blood oozed out of her body and burned the ground, "I am immune to your poison and you will watch as your companion will slowly die unless you can tell me what I want to know."

The woman gasped as she whimpered slowly shaking her head. She still had her nails dug into Fury's wrist, but she was immune to her toxins. She tossed the woman onto her back and turned to the last man. Moving forward, she grabbed his throat and lifted as she threatened the dagger before his throat. The woman shouted out, "Do not tell her!"

One of the Merc hit her on the head shouted, "Shut it!"

The man gasped in fear, but spoke, "You missed him. I haven't seen Kain in this town for a while as he is on the next town over. Near Ephraim. Please, let us go. You have your answer."

Fury nodded and dropped him as she wiped the blade off from the poison on the grass. She closed it and pocketed it responding, "Good. That was all you had to say. I won't kill you."

Turning to her mercs, she smirked and sneered as she responded with a nod, "They are all yours boys."

She coldly turned her back walking toward her bike as two of the merc behind her shot them killing the prisoners. The strong, blonde woman had a no prisoner rule, but she wouldn't kill someone who she promised she wouldn't kill. She let her mercs do that part of the job. Taking a seat on her motorcycle, she took her small cigar and placed it back into her mouth breathing in a few puffs.

A hand was placed on her cycle as she looked up to one of her lieutenants looking at her. She stared closely and noticed something odd about his eyes. They were shimmering in white-yellow like energy. She saw that before and soon realized that it wasn't her lieutenant but someone else in his place. Someone like Cerberus. He is a strong telepath with the ability to control thoughts from a long distance. She spoke respecting his presence, "Cerberus."

The lieutenant spoke with Cerberus's English accented tone, "What has Vixen told you so far about your mission?"

Fury shrugged as she blew a puff of smoke before responding, "I am to look for him and shake him down. Make him pay or repo his equipment."

He shook his head and responded, "Disregard that for now and listen to my instructions carefully. Skylar Cade is on the hunt for Kain as well, so follow him…"

Cerberus continued his instructions while Fury listened as the flames continued to burn the town to the ground, its orange colored fumes scorching the clear sky.

Meanwhile, Skylar Cade rode into the town of Ephraim on horseback with Wolf riding along on his heels. Kit stayed behind as Vixen promised him that she will keep Kit safe. Cade trusted her, but not Cerberus. So as long as Vixen keeps her promise, the twelve year old is at good hands. Cade looked around the town and muttered shaking his head, "This place seems abandoned."

Wolf looked around and sniffed the air, but he agreed with his assessment as he responded, "Yes. A trap perhaps?"

Cade nodded as he inhaled sharply patting Wolf's horse, "Spread out. If you find Kain, let me know."

Wolf nodded and rode off taking a different direction. Cade continued riding forward as he urged his horse forward. Looking around, it felt eerie to him as if he was being watched. Then he looked the security cameras and they seemed to be looking at him. Following his every steps. He knew what that meant as Vixen warned him. Kain knew he was here for him and he will wait.

Stopping before the house that Vixen directed him toward, Cade stepped off the horse and tied the rein next to a lamp post. He removed his hat, placed it on the saddle and moved forward toward the house. Before he raised his hand to knock, the door opened automatically making an odd, eerie noise. Cade gulped and entered warily as he spoke into the abandoned hallway, "Kain?"

The intercom spoke making him jump a little, "Welcome Skylar Cane. Please move along to your left into the living room."

If anyone said that this house would give them the heebie jeebies, they weren't lying. Skylar felt the house to be spooky especially in an abandoned town like this place. He walked into the room and noticed several computer equipment as well as other technology surrounding the room. Kain was still on the keyboard typing but responded in a quick, quirky tone, "Welcome again and please sit down. We will be with you."

Cade spoke staring at him with a question, "Huh? We? We are alone."

"No," Kain responded shaking his head, "No, no," he was still breathing hard and shaking a bit as he rammed his hand on the counter top.

He turned around tapping his head with his finger as he spoke in a whisper, "We, me and the voices in my head. This, tis…this is a rare occasion of me, us and you meeting for the first time. Welcome!"

He was still stammering in his voice and turned around to re-focus his attention into the screen. Cade stared at him shaking his head confused. He responded again, "Kain, I am…"

"Skylar Cade. Yes, yes," Kain continued to stammer in a quirky tone as he turned around nodded at him, -"Yes, we know you. Skylar Cade. Age 42. Born in Lake City, Michigan. 2189. The war took away your parents and you were thrust into the tide at a young age. Fought all your life till that fateful day you received your ability. Control or manipulate projectile weapons. In short, you dodge bullets. Very cool. Very, very cool indeed. We approve."

"Ah," Cade tried again, but Kain interrupted him, "We know you. Your profile. Good reputation. You received many marks for your victories and not once have you been untrustworthy. That could be enough for maybe us to trust you. For the moment. Can't trust anyone else. Will not trust. Cerberus. Cerberus is bad. Very bad. Means three headed dog that guard the underworld. It fits. We agree. It fits. Yes."

Kain then grunted again shaking his head closing his eyes as he continued tapping the side of his crown speaking to himself, "Yes, yes, NO! Quiet! We have headache. Too loud…"

Cade paused a bit studying him. Kain seemed to be quick to trust him. He attempted to respond again, "Umm…"

Kain interrupted him again with a shout, "You are here for us. Yes? Yes! We expected you! No, please sit. Sit!"

Cade let out a sigh feeling sorry for the man. Kain seemed to be half mad and somewhat aware that he is. He couldn't imagine the pain. Deciding to humor him, the hunter-merc sat down as Kain continued jabbering on, "We see everything. Our eyes are everywhere and we cannot trust anyone's words. Not even the man who invades our brain. Doesn't belong. He doesn't. NO! He-he he he heh he doesn't belong. Oh no," he muttered some more and lowered his head as he shouted at himself, "QUIET!"

Kain looked at stared at him and spoke plainly as he changed his tone quickly as he asked, "So, what brings you here to our home?"

Cade asked him, "What do you know of the disappearances around New York, Maine, Jersey, Texas and Los Angeles?"

Kain stared at him and started making a weird, creepy laughing noise as he responded, "Is this such an odd question? Do we agree? Yes! No, well yes of course we know. We see everything. We see a man with the empty eyes walk into town. People disappear. He cannot see us. No, no nonononono, no. We are lucky. Don't you agree? Yes?"

Cade let out a sigh and shook his head responding, "Kain, focus, please. Tell me of this man. Who is he? What did he do?"

Kain shrugged and continued jabbering off in a crazy, quirky tone tapping his finger into his crown for one time, "Focus, yes, yes, we will focus and get right down to business. Perhaps you would like a story, no," he continued and then shouted as he thrust his head to the side, "No! Shut up! He does not want a story."

He jerked back to Cade and spoke still jabbering, "Sorry, the voices won't stop arguing. We will explain quickly. You must understand. He did not do anything. He is nothing. It is the people that vanish around him. They seem to. His eyes. You don't want to know. Or you want to know? Then we will tell you. They are of darkness. Do not stare at him because if you do. You will vanish. Ka-put. Poof. Hocus Pocus into the air. Acra-kadabra! Alakazam!"

Cade spoke again with a question with enforcement, "Who is he!"

"You, oh no," Kain shook his head as his facial expression contorted into sadness, "You do not want to know. Better off you don't know. We can lie, if you want?"

Cade let out another sigh as he shook his head. Taking out the blindfold he found the other day, he responded carefully showing him the cloth, "I found this in Los Angeles. This belongs to someone that I know of. He vanished a long time ago."

Kain took the cloth and studied it. He looked back sadly as he responded, "We know. We saw. You wish to know?"

When Cade nodded, Kain whispered two words, "Saul Cade."

Satisfied, Kain sat back and inspected the cloth noting the insignia. He continued jabbering along, "We recognize the cloth and the symbol. Crimson. It belonged to Saul Cade. He worked for Crimson."

Cade asked again, "Who is Crimson? What does my brother have to do with him?"

Kain continued as he handed back Cade the cloth, "Not much. We don't know much about Crimson. Only that he hides and when comes out, that's when hell goes loose. He hides in his armor. This means one thing. He is human. Not Abnormal. Not one of us. No, no no no NO!"

He stopped and whispered tapping his crown again, "He is mean. To us and our machines."

Suddenly he whirled around and shouted into the computer, "CRIMSON! You will not kick us out any longer! We want to know more of you! CRIMSON!"

Cade rubbed his ear as he cringed painfully from his shouting. Kain paused and started hitting himself jabbering, "Shut up! Stop talking! Crimson will hear us if we don't stop talking about him. Or he will sends his goons after us. We keep running but we don't want to run. No more. This time, we want to fight. Yes! NO, no, no no no, we are not ready! QUIET!"

Cade shouted as he offered his hand forward, "Kain, focus! Get yourself together!"

Kain turned and whispered, "Too late. He heard us. We are surrounded. We are finished. Good bye and good luck. We enjoyed meeting the famed reputed hunter. Was an honor. Good luck, yes?"

Cade hesitated and before he could say anything, the front door was being sawed through with some kind of chainsaw. Kain started screaming in pain, shaking and holding his head jabbering, "CRIMSON IS COME! No escape for us! He will dissect our brains and eat them. Yuck!"

Cade turned and jumped into action. He rushed out of the living room and toward the wall as he noticed a chainsaw cutting through the door. Suddenly, the blade moved away and the door was kicked open. Cade jumped back as Fury entered and pointed her chainsaw bladed rifle toward him. Her small cigar was short now and still in her mouth as she continued chewing on it. She let go with multitude of sub-atomic firing. Cade braced himself as his ability activated moving his hands forward.

He started moving as the air around him went into slow motion when he quickly moved his hands to control Fury's small projectile bullets away from him making them miss his skin by a few hairs. Fury continued to chew her cigar in slow motion as she scowled back at him with hatred still firing at him. Cade was so distracted by the bullets he did not catch Fury switching her weapon into mortar mode.

She fired one last shot as the weapon recoiled against her hard body armor with the grenade flying in slow motion from her weapon and into the wall near him. Cade was too late to stop it as the grenade blew with the shards and the wall hitting him. Cade yelled out as he was thrust against the wall painfully and then fell unconscious as darkness overcame him. The Blood Vengeance merc leader smirked as she took out her short cigar and spat at Cade's unconscious form. Kain in the other room continued jabbering screaming something about no escape and dying.

Fury smirked and blew a puff of smoke as she shouted through the broken doorway, "I got him boys! Take both him and Wolf back home. I'm sure Cerberus would love to see them again."

She placed the cigar back into her mouth from the other side and clocked her rifle again to empty her magazine. Placing in a fresh one, she moved forward into the living room of the mad Odin Kain. She had one last thing to do before leaving town and that was to deal with him.