An expanse of sun-baked asphalt stretched out before her, a desolate wasteland spotted with a sparse smattering of five solitary cars. Scraps of forgotten trash danced in the wind, tossed in an aimless ballet of urban decay. A squadron of glossy blackbirds pecked dispassionately at the detritus, their coal-like feathers ruffling in the dusty breeze.
Beyond the iron fortification of the parking lot, a ghastly tableau unfolded. Dwarfed by the eight feet high, foreboding black metallic rails, a man was being systematically beaten. Curled in on himself like a child in the womb, he was a pitiful sight. His tormentors, towering monoliths of muscle and malice, reveled in their work.
Observing the ordeal from her detached vantage point, a woman leaned nonchalantly against the railing. Her mane of obsidian hair fluttered in the breeze. Her eyes had a distant, detached look, as if her mind wandered the realms of elsewhere. Still, it didn't deter her from the languid drag of her cigarette, the tendrils of smoke curling upwards and disappearing into the gray sky.
She dropped the stub carelessly, instead drawing out an older model cell phone from her pocket, a relic reserved for her more clandestine operations. As she registered the passing time, she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder at the looming structure behind her.
The building was an incongruous sight amidst the urban squalor - a sleek, medium-sized monolith of glistening black, as if a giant cube of obsidian had been plonked down amidst the decay. Its neon sign blazed brightly in the twilight gloom, the bold letters NXT casting an otherworldly glow over the desolate landscape.
Scantily clad women lingered around the building, their provocative silhouettes a jarring contrast to the grim surroundings. Not many souls dared to wander these forsaken streets, but those who did were here for reasons bordering the illicit. This was a red zone, a neighborhood notorious for its brazen embrace of the underworld.
The authorities were all too aware of its infamy but chose to turn a blind eye, seldom patrolling the region or responding to distress calls. If you found yourself here, it was by choice, or perhaps by a fatal lack of it.
Suddenly, the grating roar of motorcycles pierced the uneasy silence, reverberating off the crumbling facades of derelict buildings. Within moments, two bikes roared into view, their riders tearing down the deserted street at reckless speeds. As they neared the woman, their engines throttled down to a menacing growl, and they rolled to a halt directly before her.
"A bit late, aren't we?" She probed the two bikers, her voice edged with sarcasm as she moved to meet them.
"University trouble. Should blow over soon." The male rider shrugged, his voice barely audible over the idling engines.
"It's beyond me why you still stick to that dump. It just complicates matters," she retorted, eyeing the pair with a mix of irritation and curiosity.
"We've had this discussion, Kiki," the female biker chided, lifting off her helmet to reveal a tangle of tousled hair.
The male rider, apparently oblivious to the exchange, retrieved his phone from his pocket, swiftly scanning the screen before sliding it back into place. His subtle move caught Kiki's attention.
"What's the matter?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on him.
"Julia's update. Apparently, 'he's' resurfaced and he's behind the university chaos," he revealed, a trace of unease creeping into his voice.
Kiki let out a disgruntled cluck of her tongue. There were only a handful of criminals within the city's confines, and only one had the audacity to cause havoc in a school teeming with students.
"That man's persistence is beyond comprehension," she sighed, her thoughts wandering to the man in question.
"I agree. Beck should have been iced ages ago," the female rider, now identified as Buttons, chimed in.
"No argument there. But you know why he wasn't, Buttons. His tech is too valuable, even if he's unhinged," the male rider, Ricky, retorted.
Buttons fidgeted with her black leather gloves, a habit she resorted to when lost in thought. Beck was an unparalleled innovator, a point on which everyone agreed. The discord surfaced when discussing his mental state - a mad genius, but also a man teetering on the edge of sanity.
"Right, the 'mission' you're always harping about. But what if it were us?" Kiki shot at Ricky, her tone venomous.
"You know the answer to that," Ricky retorted instantly.
"No, I want to hear you say it," Kiki insisted, her gaze penetrating.
"I'd end him."
"Just as I thought! Even if it jeopardizes the 'mission', you'd still do it. We'd all do it. You know he's crossed the line, causing more harm than good." Kiki's voice echoed in the eerie silence. "Death is bad for business, and a high body count invites too much attention."
"We can't keep playing this game," Buttons interjected, her voice heavy with a resolve that had been simmering under the surface for far too long.
"Is this change of heart because of Raven's return?" Ricky shot back, sensing the subtle shift in Buttons since their old acquaintance resurfaced.
"What? No! This has been gnawing at me for a while. It's just appalling how we stand by and do nothing!" Buttons retorted, her voice filled with frustration.
"We're not exactly the good Samaritans," Ricky stated, knowing that they both understood his point. They were far from heroes; they operated solely on self-interest.
"No, we're not," Buttons conceded, her voice a whisper.
"Listen, we're on the brink of completing what we started. Once we've achieved our objective, if you both are bent on taking down Beck and his cronies, then count me in. But for now, let's stay focused on the task at hand," Ricky proposed, an edge of tired determination creeping into his voice.
"Maybe we could loop in Raven, given you two manage to bury the hatchet. He's not an idiot, he senses the brewing storm. It's only a matter of time before he catches wind of our plan," Kiki interjected, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
"He can find out when he does. We're not going down that road again, and you're well aware why. We accepted help from his father once, and you remember how that turned out," Ricky responded, a grim note of remembrance in his voice. Huey's ill-fated involvement was still a fresh wound.
"Let's table this discussion for now, we have work to do," Buttons declared, her gaze shifting towards the ominous building adorned with the glowing NXT sign. With a brisk stride, she started towards the gate, effectively ending the conversation.
★★★
Club NXT was a citywide magnet for young thrill-seekers, a pulsating nexus of hedonistic escape. It might have been the rhythmic sway of lights, intimately synchronized with the throbbing music, or the enchanting staff who kept spirits high and drinks flowing. But, undoubtedly, the main allure lay in the club's potent cocktail of illicit substances that ensured an unforgettably euphoric night.
Being early in the day, the club was not yet throbbing with its customary night-time fervor, but it was far from deserted. The venue hummed with a low, simmering energy, like a predator biding its time.
A ring of heavily-armed security personnel, their bodies silhouetted against the dimmed ambient lights, cast a watchful eye over the expanse of the club. They cradled modded AR-23s, their fingers itching at the triggers, ready to riddle any troublemaker with bullets. Some among them flaunted their rings, tokens of unique, individual powers that heightened their already formidable capabilities.
Seated majestically at the club's heart was a young man, his sharp suit of white and gold screaming of opulence. He lounged on a silver couch, bracketed by a pair of women who hung onto his every word. His hushed whispers into the ear of one elicited a coquettish giggle, her fingers dancing playfully on his thigh.
His private reverie was interrupted by a guard's discreet tap on his shoulder, followed by a hushed message. A swift glance across the room led his gaze to rest on a trio standing by the entrance. He beckoned them over with a wave, the human barricade of his security detail parting to let them through.
"Excuse me for a moment," he announced to his female companions.
"What's so urgent?" Ricky queried as he slid into the seat across the man.
In response, the man reached into his pocket and procured a slim case, which he slid across the table towards Ricky. The case was compact, looking less like a laptop carrier and more like a large, unfolded wallet.
"You never were one for small talk, Ricky. Take your time, enjoy the offerings of my club," the man quipped, his tone one of thinly veiled sarcasm.
Ricky flipped open the case to reveal a pair of glasses. His eyesight was perfect, but these were no ordinary glasses. Ricky muttered a curt, "No thanks," before placing the glasses on his nose. These were designed to offer a different kind of vision enhancement.
Kiki, unlike Ricky, had a different approach towards their host's hospitality. She accepted a wine glass from a passing waiter, her fingers elegantly curling around its slender stem. She retrieved the slice of lime floating on the surface of the crimson liquid, lifting it towards her lips. "This better not be another one of your wild goose chases, Brandon."
Brandon flashed her a crooked smile, an appreciative glint in his eye as he watched her suck on the lime. Despite his relatively young age, he'd already crafted an impressive reputation within their circles. But success was a double-edged sword, and it certainly hadn't made everyone's life better.
"It's not. It's better, I assure you." His voice carried a deceptive charm that ensnared the unsuspecting, but beneath the sweet talk lurked a ruthlessness akin to a viper ready to strike.
His gaze shifted to Buttons, who stood with her hands tucked into her pockets. "Buttons, how long will you keep me waiting? A deal like mine won't last forever."
Her composed exterior did little to betray her inner urge to strike him. Brandon was far from being her type – if she even had one. Add to that his reputation for shady dealings, and every interaction with him left her with a sour taste in her mouth.
"I'm still mulling it over," she responded, her voice betraying no hint of her actual intentions.
Brandon maintained his cool, suave smile. Buttons presented a unique challenge compared to other women, her aloof demeanor only fanning the flames of his interest. It wasn't just her physical appeal, there was an enigmatic allure about her that kept him on his toes.
"In the meantime, how about moving into that property I mentioned? It's a definite step up from your current digs."
Her eyebrows furrowed at his suggestion, her mind buzzing with the realization that he knew about her living arrangements. Only her close associates knew about it, which made Brandon's knowledge of it all the more unsettling.
"I'm perfectly fine where I am," she responded tersely.
"A shame, really. You could've had everything you ever desired... and more."
Interrupting their banter, Ricky removed the glasses and looked at Brandon, "This... this is real?"
"It's as real as it gets."
"What's the scoop?" Kiki inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Ricky debated handing her the glasses but decided to simply verbalize the information. "A trove of gems."
Brandon tutted, wagging his index finger to and fro while sucking his teeth. "Oh, it's more than just that. It's a crate of gems being transported directly to Rose."
Buttons, who had managed to remain nonchalant throughout the meeting, abruptly shot to her feet. "Are you out of your mind?" Her outburst would have surely attracted attention if they weren't in such a secluded spot. However, the ever-vigilant guards maintained their stony silence, not once glancing their way.
"I might be a risk-taker, my dear, but I'm not unhinged. If I were, I'd have tried my chances with your friend here long ago." Brandon motioned towards Kiki, who was reaching for her third glass of wine.
Kiki grimaced as if asking 'What's that supposed to mean?' before retorting with an unambiguous gesture suggesting he could go take a hike.
"So, are you interested in the job or not?" Brandon ignored Kiki's blatant disregard and went back to business.
"We'll take it, but we don't want cash. We just need some of the gems." Ricky responded.
Brandon chortled at this, shaking his head in bemusement. "Who's the crazy one now? You already possess three. What's the need for more? Don't get too greedy."
Ricky, unfazed by the rebuke, stood up from his seat. "Do we have a deal or not?"
Brandon's laughter ceased abruptly as he scrutinized Ricky. His expression was stern, more serious than at any other point since their arrival. "We're not talking about a standard loot here."
Ricky nodded in understanding. "I know."
From his inner pocket, Brandon produced a small USB drive, flicking it across the table to Ricky, who caught it deftly. "Three."
"No way, five. We're dealing with Rose here." Kiki intervened.
Unyielding, Brandon raised three fingers. "Three. You're not dealing with Rose directly, just her minions at best."
Kiki prepared to argue, but Ricky lifted his hand to silence her. "Alright, but we get the first pick."
To that, Brandon conceded. "Keep it quiet. Cause too much ruckus, and the deal's off."
Ricky simply nodded in agreement.
As they prepared to leave, Brandon, sipping from his glass, allowed his gaze to linger on them, more specifically on the sway of Button's hips. "Hey Buttons, give it some thought. My offer won't be on the table forever."
Buttons paused momentarily but then continued her departure without a word.
★★★
Kiki slapped Ricky on the back causing him to nearly stumble forward. "Dude, are you fucking insane?"
Ricky rubbed his back as the slap stung. He should have expected her to do this but figured she was with him on this one.
Julia who was leaning against her car came forward as they exited the gate. "What was that for?"
"Ricky here has a death wish and accepted a new job."
"What's the job?" Julia asked.
"We're going after Rose," Kiki replied.
Julia lowered her gaze as she sent a questioning look toward Buttons. Buttons nodded her head acknowledging the remark. She was silent and her mind seemed to be elsewhere at the moment.
"That's pretty ballsy even for you," Julia told him.
"Didn't see either of you speak up about it while we were inside. Besides, I have a plan."
"Better be a damn good one," Kiki said.
"Want me to contact the crew? Let them know when we're moving?" Julia asked as she pulled out her phone.
Ricky shook his head. "Nah, keep them in the dark about this one. It'll just be us, don't need Beta and her bullshit. The fewer of us there are, the faster we can get this done without any screwups."
"So why this job? Why Rose?" Buttons finally spoke up to ask. Something felt off about this to her, and it wasn't just Brandon. The guy was shady but this job wasn't something they'd normally do.
"It's not going after her exactly. It's the cache of gems being delivered to her that we are after. I only accepted because I spotted some rare gems inside, so that means there could be a legendary one as well." Ricky explained.
"We're risking our lives on the off chance there is a legendary gem? Dude, there hasn't been one of those since forever." Buttons commented.
"Even if there's not, we all know how expensive and strong those gems are. A rare one? Think of all the possibilities. This will put us right in the place we want to be."
★★★
"Yeah, they accepted," Brandon said as he held a phone to his ear.
"Just be sure to send over my payment," He added a few seconds later before hanging up the phone.
One of his guards approached him. "They've left."
"Good," Brandon told the guard. He tossed the guard a different usb that he already had ready after the three of them left the building. "Find another crew to retrieve this for me. I don't really care who it is, just make sure it gets done."
"We can give 'him' an offer. He has returned after all."
Brandon shook his head.
"No, he isn't very stable at the moment. Find someone else."
The guard nodded, "I assumed he was. The last three implants failed. Eric's successful implantation was a miracle. The last thing we need is a repeat of what happened with Alpha. The chaos that incident caused..."
Brandon rubbed his temples, nodding. "Let's just keep moving forward. We have enough on our plate as it is. If we have to use Eric again, we will. For now, let's focus on the gems."
The guard agreed and moved off to carry out his orders. Brandon leaned back in his seat, his gaze drifting over the dimly lit club.
Everything was going according to plan. Ricky and his crew were heading into the lion's den, and if they managed to come out unscathed, it would be a significant step in the right direction. If they didn't, well, they were a loss he was prepared to take. He had other plans in motion, and no one crew was going to disrupt them.
Taking one last look at the file the guard had handed him, Brandon pondered on the risks and benefits of their current operations. Despite the setbacks, progress was being made, and they were on the brink of something huge.
Only time would tell how all of this would unfold. For now, he had a crew to find and a shipment to secure. The game was on, and he planned to win, regardless of the cost.