Entering the dwelling that was provided for us, I could tell it emulated one of those luxury cabins a billionaire would build deep in the Montana mountains.
Until he found out the area was infested with Black Widows…
A mixture of modern and rustic architecture really made me question Danzer's motives, but the cute, white haired girl on my lap fidgeting around brought me back to the present.
"We're here, let me open the hatch."
I pressed a button on the side control panel and the hatch of the Juggernaut opened, allowing Lena to step out. Though she never turned around, I could tell her face was just a bit red.
I disembarked from the walker and stepped inside the cabin's doors to be greeted by something that screamed 'Duck Dynasty Makes It Rich!'.
The main room was adorned with a mixture of stonework and finished log cabin-style wood. Leather couches in a U shape around a large mount for a holographic TV, an automated wood-burning fireplace built into the stone. The rest of the room decorated like some cowboy's wet dream.
The kitchen held the same rustic feel with all the modern appliances you could ask for.
New stove, fridge, microwave, built-in coffee maker, hell listing all of the fancy stuff would probably take all day.
I looked around as Lena came running back into the room from the adjacent hallway.
"You've got to check out the bathroom! It's so big and there's even an outdoor hotspring!"
I nodded my head, and after looking around a bit I felt a hand grab my own. Looking up Lena had the biggest goofy smile on her face as she started dragging me along, "Come on! Let's check it out together!"
All I could do in that moment was sigh a little and give a small chuckle.
'Girl definitely has energy, I'll give her that.'
I followed her into the hallway, pictures lined the walls depicting cowboys on the range, herding cattle. Some showed scenes from ranches, a bunch of little ones playing alongside the house as the mother called for supper. In the background you can see the father's silhouette against an evening sun, with a young boy walking beside him, hand in hand.
That made me stop for a second, memories flashed through my mind as a soft smile crossed my face…
However, before I could really get sentimental about it, Lena yanked me along. For a girl that looks like she could've been a runway model, she sure as shit hides her strength well.
I sighed a bit and let myself get pulled along until we reached the door to the bathroom and she opened it with a giggle, "They really went all out huh?"
All out… that's the understatement of the year…
The bathroom was flawlessly finished in sleek looking wood tile with a large walk-in shower that had an over head spout. The tile was black marble with streaks of wood tile trim making it look like it came out of some erotic novel. Looking around, the sinks and countertop were the same black marble with wood tile trim leading to chrome spouts on the sinks.
The thing that really caught my eye was the door that seemed to lead somewhere at the back of the room.
I walked up to it and turned the knob, opening the door.
The sight that greeted me…
Man…
It was something else…
A large outdoor bathing area complete with showers and a large hot springs pool bath. The rock formations on the right side looked to be natural as if the bath was built around it. There was a waterfall coming from the top of the rock as it fell into the bath below.
All that is impressive in itself, however, the view is what really strikes it home.
We were situated on the edge of a cliff side and we overlooked the massive valley below. This valley was surrounded by snowcapped mountains and forests.
In the center of it all was a large, shining blue lake, whose waters reflected the sunlight making it look as if there was a light show happening on the water.
It quite literally took my breath away.
…
No, I'm not kidding, I started coughing a bit from the lack of oxygen.
After composing myself, I turned around to find Lena blushing, twiddling her thumbs as she looked at me.
"O-Ok, let's go see the bedroom, ya?"
Smiling, I walked over to her and held out my hand, "Lead the way, Handler One."
That immediately earned me a glare and a pout from the white-haired beauty.
"Don't call me that! That's for work… at home… call me Lena…" her voice spoke but faded towards the end. I looked at her, and… my heart felt like it was beating out of my chest.
"Ok then, lead the way… Lena."
She nodded her head and took my hand, leading us from the bathroom to the hallway. We took a right turn out of the door and moved to the door at the end of the hall.
She opened the door and led me inside and… let me tell you, the definition of what some old rich cowboy's room would look like.
A large, double king bed with a chest at the foot of the bed. The walls had more art and animal pelts adorning the walls with a fair share of old guns mounted on the wall.
I looked to either side of the bed and found a bathroom in the same design as the main one, with only just a toilet and sink. I guess the proper term is powder room, but I digress. On the other side was a large walk in closet with all of our clothes and shoes aligned with my being on the wall away from the bed and hers being on the wall closer to the bed.
I stepped to the large windows and it struck me…
"No fucking way…" I mumbled under my breath, which earned me a look from Lena.
"Hey, relax on the cussing ok?"
"Yes ma'am." I replied as I looked around the window frame.
I finally found what I was looking for as I saw a small, holographic control pad. Tapping the arrow that pointed up, the glass began to lighten up. Soon, it was completely clear as the sight of mountains and forests greeted my eyes.
"Self-tinting windows…" My whispers echoed in my mind, "Hell yeah."
I could almost hear the eye roll from Lena as she sat down on the bed.
Turning to face her, I tilted my head a little, "What's wrong? They probably gave us one of the nicest places to live on the base… hell in the state, so what's got you down?"
Her blue eyes met mine as she sighed a bit and looked away, "This is the only bedroom… and the main bath is the only bathing room…"
That's when it dawned on me…
'So this is what he meant by building relationships…'
It made sense to have us living in close proximity. I mean, it can go one of two ways. Either we hate each other, or we grow close and build chemistry.
"I see… Well, I can sleep on the couch at night, and sharing the bathroom won't be that difficult."
She slightly nodded her head while looking at the wall, staying silent.
I really couldn't say much else so I walked to the door of the bedroom, "Well, I'm going to get started on supper, I'll let you know when it's ready."
Just as I turned to leave the room, a quiet voice reached my ears.
"Wait… we are supposed to build a strong relationship, right?"
Turning back around, I looked into her eyes as I noticed the small blush formed on her pale cheeks.
"Yeah, you're right…"
"Well, then there's no need to sleep separately… I trust you won't take advantage of me…"
I chuckled a bit, "Yeah… I wouldn't do that."
She nodded her head, standing up from the bed as a smile crossed her face.
"Well then, I'll help you with supper!" she said in a cheery voice, any shyness or nervousness that was present before completely vanished. I couldn't help but smile as well.
I held out my hand, "Shall we go?" I asked.
She responded by nodding her head and grabbing my hand. To my surprise, she took the lead out of the room, pulling me along as we walked to the kitchen.
That's how our relationship started, at least, that's what I tell myself. From cooking meals together, to training with each other, to late at night, sleeping side by side.
Though it was necessary to build a strong bond, I couldn't help but think about something. Why did Danzer pair me and her specifically together? I mean, it doesn't make enough sense, and for all of the knowledge that was pumped into my head I was still oblivious to the reason.
Curiosity got the better of me, so, after a couple months of training, as the world was falling into chaos, I decided to pay a visit.
"You wish to know why I put you with her? Isn't it obvious?" Danzer said, leaning back into his office chair as I stood at attention in front of his desk.
I sent Lena home after training, saying I wanted to discuss an idea for a modification to the Juggernauts with Danzer. She just smiled and nodded her head, telling me to be safe and come home as soon as possible. Before she left though, she pulled me down and kissed my cheek, giving me a teasing smile as she walked to the transport waiting to take her home.
She's been doing that more often, kissing my cheek, squeezing my hand, cuddling with me while we watch TV, and other little acts of affection.
Now, I'm not brain dead. I know that she at least has some feelings for me, but I don't know if starting that kind of relationship, especially after Abbi… would be the right thing for me.
However, I needed to know. So, that's why I'm standing here.
"The answer is quite simple. You see, we know of your history with Elon, Nolan, and your now ex-girlfriend, Abigial Winters. While it may have ended and you want nothing more than to bring them to justice, either the legal way or your way, we don't have that kind of faith. You see, even though you have been enhanced with knowledge, emotions still drive you, as they do all humans."
He looked up at me, a blank look on his face, "And that is why we paired you with Lena."
My eyebrows wrinkled a bit as I questioned, "So what, you made her act like she's in love with me to get some kind of control over me, to reel me in if I go rogue for revenge?"
Finally, his expression changed as a smile crossed his face.
"Not exactly. In fact, her advances towards you are of her own accord, we have nothing to do with it. My guess, she genuinely has developed feelings for you. Now, while we did pick your partner based on compatibility, the relationships that developed were completely natural."
At that moment, he pulled a cigar from a metal case on his desk. He offered me one in which I accepted and held onto it, thinking about what he said. Danzer took a lighter and lit his cigar, then he lit mine while motioning for me to sit down.
As I sat, we just stayed like that, the only change being the puffs of sweet-smelling smoke lingering throughout the room.
"Ayden, listen to me. Vladilena is and will continue to be good for you. She will be the calmness and steady point for you to aim for in the coming shit storm," He took another pull from his cigar, exhaling another cloud of smoke as he looked at me, "And, she will be your future. Think about it, you two are falling for each other. It real is a matter of time before you make it official, and when you finally confront them… you won't be consumed by revenge and hate, you won't throw yourself into harm's way without a plan or worry. Do you know why?"
"Because I have someone to come home to…" I said in a quiet voice, finally understanding what he meant. I still can't believe it took me this long to realize it.
"Thanks Danzer, I think I know what to do now."
I got up from the chair, taking one last drag before setting what was left of the cigar in the ashtray.
As I went to leave his office he stopped me, "You break things off with that girl, or do anything that will cause her pain… I'll kill you, understood?"
I chuckled a bit and saluted him, "Yes sir, understood."
He waved me off, "Get your ass out of my office, don't let that girl wait any longer."
Smiling, I left the building, boarding a transport that was taking me home. As we passed through the base, I thought to myself.
'She really has changed my life. I'm not as angry as I was, I don't feel a burning need for revenge… or a sense of loss…'
The image of my family, the last time I saw them, is still burned into my mind. But, I doesn't cloud it. I can't really say why, maybe it's because of Lena, maybe it's because I have a purpose… or maybe…
My thoughts were interrupted as the transport came to a stop. I jumped out and looked on to the house, realizing that… it's home to me.
Climbing the steps, the door opened before I could reach it, and Lena's white hair greeted me. She smiled, so softly and lovingly that I kind of got lost in her expression.
"Well, don't just stand there silly, come on, I made casserole and it just got done!"
As she was turning around to head back inside she paused, "Oh, and welcome home darling!"
…
…
…
All I could do was shake my head, walking through the doorway as the only thing that came to mind while looking at her was, 'Yeah… I'm home…'