The sword glowed green as it flashed out faster than the eye could follow, severing a branch. It’s wielder the Jade Blade, kept her eyes attentive, ready for the slightest movement or sign of attack. This new world had been a change, but she had thrown herself into mastering its mechanics just as she had mastered the world before. She was confident in her ability to produce results.

Her violet eyes darted around, scanning for threats, but the one threat she was most concerned about was the one she dared not act against. It stood in the form of her companion, several meters the ditsy girl had her head in the clouds.

Yumi.

She had known her and even worked with her at Immersive Digital. Yumi was an asset to her current team, just as she was at Immersive Digital. It wasn't the first time that Emily Cohan, one of the heirs to a multi-trillion dollar empire, had been sent to an acquisition to improve its performance. Every time she had taken over a team, she knew what needed to be done. First, separate the capable from the incompetent. That was simple. Next, determine which competent individuals would work with you. There were several motivators that could get people to bend to your will if necessary. Some would say that mutual respect and a common goal was the best way to motivate. The Jade Blade often found that was too bothersome, but she had connected with Yumi in a way she hadn’t connected with others for a long, long time. Intimidation, charisma, and duty were powerful motivators, but working with Yumi, they discovered a shared goal, which the Jade Blade found refreshing.

Yumi had been the most capable of everyone she had seen at immersive digital. It was clear when she met the team. Sure, she downplayed her ability and knowledge to fit in with the rest of the team, but Emily had known. That was why she had pulled her aside early on to sell her own the new vision of immersive digital. It wasn’t hard as Yumi was intelligent and understood the potential of the successful, if disorganized, company that was Immersive Digital.

Emily Cohan had always been persuasive. From a young age, they had honed her to understand what motivated people and where to apply the right pressure to get them to follow her. Many had said that her power came from her name and beauty, but she knew better. Those were just tools, and like all tools different tools were meant for different situations. She would admit that her upbringing, superior genetics, training, and money made the game all but unfair for the competition. She had no doubt, though, that she would have arrived at the same destination even if she were born poor. It was just a part of her. As for persuading others, It was simple. She knew what people needed to feel good, to feel important. Yumi, was the perfect example.

As she built her relationship with Yumi in the first days of the takeover, she found what made her tic. She had grown up in a strict household, extremely focused on her studies. As an only child with two demanding parents, she strived to be recognized and appreciated for her work. Unfortunately for her, they were too busy to notice her efforts. She was successful in all that she did, but always felt like an outsider. This was common for those anomalies that had performed above the norm. The Cohans knew this and embraced it. They weren’t proud of being superior to others. It was just a fact. One shouldn’t feel guilty if they don’t fit in because they are superior. It was silly that Yumi hadn’t embraced it.

Like all youths who don’t feel like they fit in, Yumi became rebellious. She got her parents’ attention by ignoring invitations from the ivy league schools her parents wanted her to attend. This resulted in her attending a subpar university in Colorado. Silly, but not surprising based on the events that led up to it.

She then made a few friends and had her first taste of genuine affection, and like a child with their first chocolate bar she couldn’t get enough. It was the drug of the peasants. Those that didn’t embrace their destiny to shape the world. Yumi felt part of a group. Once she knew what she wanted, she applied herself, learning quickly. Her brilliant mind, that was once used for advanced mathematics, science and philosophy, learned to engage, flirt, and charm her newfound friends. She transformed herself from a smart student to a friendly girl-next-door.

Regardless of her act, the Jade Blade saw through it. That was how she knew that there was still a part of her, a part she held deep down that wanted to use that intelligence to make an impact. The Jade Blade knew she hungered to apply her brilliant mind and be part of a group that showed her affection. She had persuaded Yumi to do exactly what she needed her to do.

She had shared her vision for Immersive Digital, one that appealed to the Yumi’s logical side. That paired with her participation in picking the elite team she would form at Immersive Digital was key to influencing Yumi. Her support was valuable then, as it was now. The only impediment at the time was Yumi’s close friend, Cass. Something about the man made Yumi a bleeding heart.

Smart and capable in his own way, though misdirected. He would have been a great addition to the team if it weren’t for his moral code that imprisoned him. She had seen it before, those that believed that there was a simple right and wrong. He was foolish. Didn’t he realize that right and wrong was just propaganda that was used by those in power to influence those weaker than themselves? It was a tale as old as time. Want someone to become a zealot for your cause? Just convince them they are following a higher law, and that the law demands certain behaviors and actions. She knew all about it. She had used it to get people to do her bidding many times.

This man was particularly obnoxious, though. He resisted the changes the department was going through and was constantly helping underperformers. Several times the Jade Blade, or Director as they referred to her at Immersive Digital, had set traps for Cass. Situations where he would have to turn on his own, alienating him and forcing him to take her side. For as obtuse as he was, he was adept at evading her carefully laid pitfalls. He was wasting her time, a cardinal sin to those in power. Never waste the time of a player of the game.

She despised him even more after that. After all, those that focused on helping those incapable of performing were weak. Their focus wasn't on caring for those incapable of performing, but on the feeling of superiority it gave them. Why else would someone waste their time on working with those so incapable?

It was clear from the beginning that the man had a hero complex and, while many mistakenly thought that was a good thing, in this scenario, it was a waste of resources. Worst of all, his influence over Yumi was problematic. It prevented Yumi from fully committing to her agenda. Sure, in their meetings, Yumi seemed to agree and understand her plan, but she progressively became less comfortable with it. She parroted opinions that weren’t her own. Ideas on how they could keep members of the team and train them to be more productive, adding more value. Ridiculous! It was as illogical as it was pathetic.

At that point, Emily Cohan took matters into her own hands with one final attempt to win Cass over to her side, but the man was a zealot. Oh, she didn’t doubt that she could win him over eventually, but it wasn’t worth the effort. In the few times she had tried to influence him, he resisted her charm. Not something many could do. She didn’t have time to work him over, so it was time for him to go.

Her blade glowed green again, but this time it was more intense, almost as if green flames were whipping around her blade. She sliced her blade through a boulder just to take off the edge. Her last meeting with the infuriating man had irritated her more than she let on.

The abrupt action startled Yumi, who had been disregarding her surroundings. She had her head in the clouds, probably thinking of her other guy friend. Emily sighed inwardly. What was it with Yumi? Did she really need a male for validation? It was pitiful, if not uncommon. The Jade Blade pondered knocking the girl out and heading back to camp, but that was just her inner desires coming out. Someone did not easily manipulate Yumi, a byproduct of her intelligence. Emily would have to be a loyal friend, or at least she would need to act the way Yumi expected a loyal friend to act in order to keep her support. It was bothersome, but necessary. For the time being, Emily would play along.

—

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Yumi was full of jitters.

Cass was here! Here in this world with her. She wasn’t alone, and though she would never admit it to him out loud, he had been one of her best friends. He was her best guy friend. The suffocating feeling she had felt and hid from those who surrounded her was replaced with fresh cool air. She could barely hold her excitement, she jittered jumping up and down whenever she held still.

They had only stopped for a moment, her companion, the fearsome Jade Blade, leader of their party was looking around as if getting her bearings. Naturally, Yumi thought of what she would do as soon as she saw Cass. Would it be too much if she snuck up on him and tried to scare him, maybe act like a monster of some sort? No, that was too much. Maybe something else… She smiled she knew exactly what she would do as soon as she saw him. Running jump of a hug, wrapping her legs around him. She had done it to him once or twice before and it always embarrassed him. Active 1: Cass wasn't opposed to hugs, but displays that garnered too much attention seemed to embarrass him, which was funny since people had always been attracted to him as long as she had known him. Tall, good looking, with an easy laid-back attitude, he had always turned a crowd. Manly enough to get along with all the men, and with enough of charisma to charm women, he was the classic small town quarter back. She smiled thinking about it.

The Jade Blade seemed to have found her bearings and regarded Yumi with a look of irritation. Her eyes narrowing. “Yumi, get your head out of the clouds. You never know what might come out of the forest. We are getting close to the meadow, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down.”

“Emily, please give me a break. You can’t blame me for being excited. Wouldn’t you be excited if you were about to be reunited with a close friend?” Yumi was still jumping up and down like an excited schoolgirl ready for recess.

The warrior only rolled her eyes and sighed. “Yumi, one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“I’d like you to refer to me as Jade in front of the others once we arrive.” She gave Yumi a serious look. Yumi met her gaze for a moment until she broke under the intense stare. “Okay, okay, I don’t know why you make such a big deal about this.” She followed her companion’s lead as they continued through the forest.

“Yumi, it’s a sign of respect. If others don’t respect you, it will only cause problems. Especially, if you are an attractive woman. I learned this at a young age, and you would be wise to learn this as well.”

Yumi laughed, “Please. Emily, those views are prehistoric. That’s not the way the world sees women anymore.”

“It is Yumi. You and I have become closer since entering this world, but we have always agreed. We can count on each other.”

Yumi muttered something under her breath. “Not so much since you let go of Cass.”

The Jade Blade turned abruptly to her, “It’s not my problem that you couldn’t get your friend to be a part of the program.”

Yumi fumed at this, “Well Jade, excuse me for not being able to convince a considerate person that making cuts to the department was needed as fast as you wanted. Cass and I both worked with those people you let go for years. I was looking for the right time to talk to him about it and get him on board. You had to go off and do it your own way.”

“Yumi, I gave him a good deal, and he didn’t take it. Not only that, but he was extremely disrespectful. He’s lucky I didn’t eviscerate him.” She fingered the hilt of her blade and quirked up an evil looking smile as if she were thinking of eviscerating Yumi’s best friend with it.

“Besides, Yumi, you know we needed to trim the fat. The company had to high a head count, a lean, effective team was necessary.”

Yumi gave in, “I know. It’s just that Cass got me that job, and honestly, he was one of the best analysts on the team.” She looked as if she would go on, but Commander Cohan cut her off.

“It’s over Yumi! Forget it! Good grief, you are so sentimental. Get a hold of yourself. I don’t know why you won’t let it go. You probably won’t ever see the man again.”

Yumi looked as if she were about to say something, but didn’t, choosing instead to bite her lip and turn from the Jade Blade.

The darkness from the trees lessened as they got closer to the edge of the forest. Yumi, hadn’t had to worry as they had only come across weaker creatures, most of which the Jade Blade easily dispatched. The woman was a powerhouse. Her skill with the blade only became more frightening as she seemed to add additional abilities. She had two new abilities. One that let her dash several meters in an instant and ended in a powerful slash. The other was some sort of technique where she left a temporary echo of her blade that could cut down enemies. She had left an echo that split a wolf in two when it jumped at her from the side as she engaged another. It had surprised Yumi when the momentum of the wolfs leap ended with the wolf severing its own leg. With one wolf dead and another injured, Yumi had taken the third out with a shot of her bow.

That had been her choice of weapon, and she was passable. Her class didn’t support the Skillset at all, but Yumi was a quick study. She had always picked up everything fast. She just had a tendency to only need to hear directions once and she would apply them without too much difficulty.

Other than the three wolves they faced, everything else they came across was a minor nuisance. She had just reached level five and was already feeling much more comfortable with her new life. She found a secure group and was about to meet Cass, who liked her humor and didn't expect anything from her except her friendship.

The treelined broke, and she could see the meadow. As she continued forward, her companion only a few strides ahead of her, she kept her eyes peeled for Cass and the Johnson family. Shortly before they left, she had recharged enough mana to set a meeting time and get a description of the Johnson family from Cass.

The Jade Blade was just outside of the treeline, her eyes sweeping over the meadow. She turned to Yumi, a look of exasperation on her face.

“I don’t see anyone. Where is your so-called friend? Shouldn’t they have arrived by now? They were closer than us to the meadow, after all.”

Yumi nodded. She was right, of course. As they walked out in the open, an exhausted woman came from the treelined, followed by a man dressed as a ranger and two teenage looking kids.

Yumi smiled at the woman. “You must be Danielle Johnson. I’m Yumi.”

Danielle nodded then motioned to her husband who had been staying back with the kids.

Danielle spoke, “Thank goodness! We stayed close to the trees just to be safe. You can’t imagine how glad we are to see you. We are desperate for your help.”

Yumi smiled, of course, that’s why we are here. Where is Cass?

The Jade Blade turned to Yumi, her jaw agape, a first for Yumi. Well, except for the look she had given him when Cass had walked out on her. The man had a gift. Yumi pretended she didn’t see the Jade Blade’s look of shock and betrayal.

That is why we need your help. Cass is in trouble. Danielle described where they had parted with Cass. The more Danielle shared, the more Yumi felt the joy and life she had just been feeling drain out of her body, only to be replaced with worry and fear.

Owl bear, Yumi thought to herself. They came across one of those creatures in their group. It killed two members before they could defeat it, despite a coordinated attack from their warrior-filled party. It also seemed to be a smaller owl bear than the one the Johnsons described.

Yumi, didn’t care. Cass wouldn’t die, not on her watch. She turned to Danielle. “Let’s go find him. You said he showing on your map. Yes.”

The Jade Blade had recovered. She was back to her usual self, and took control of the situation, “Before we charge off, we need to know more.”

Yumi turned on her, losing her temper. “Emily Cohan, we don’t have time to wait. Cass needs us and he needs us now. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about him before, but you have a history with him and it isn’t exactly pleasant. You probably wouldn’t even allow me to leave camp if you knew we were going to get him. I'm sorry for what happened and how things unfolded. However, since he is one of my best friends, I will be there to support him regardless of your decision.”

Emily’s violet eyes hardened at everything Yumi said until Yumi started to tear up in frustration. This world was so screwed up and Yumi had just reached her breaking point.

Emily’s eyes softened just a hint. “I understand. This world is ruthless, and you can’t let your emotions drive you into making a foolish decision. That won’t end well for anyone, including Cassander Himmel. We should know what we are getting into. You may not like to hear this, but if Cassander is dead, going after him will only put everyone else in danger and it’s not worth the risk.”

Danielle spoke up to dispel all doubt. “He’s not dead.”

“How can you be sure?”

My map, I can see his health status. Green is for healthy, yellow is for injured and red is for critical. She unrolled the map showing them the marker for Cass. His marker was yellow.

Emily let out a sigh of annoyance. “Fine then, let’s go. Come on Yumi. I’m going to save the idiot so I can murder him myself. This man is nothing but a thorn in my side.”

She held out her hand to Danielle for the map, to which Danielle straightened, expression resolute, before willing her map into storage. “I’ll be going with you.”

Emily gave her a piercing look. “No, you will not. I don’t need any other idiots I need to worry about protecting. I already have one bleeding heart I have to deal with.” her eyes flicked to Yumi and back.

Danielle stood her ground. We already considered this. Do either of you have any experience of healing?

Yumi nodded back and forth, showing she didn’t know. Emily made a thin line with her lips, giving a slight nod back in the negative.

“Do you have medical supplies - bandages, something to heat water, poultices or experience treating wounds? I may not be a great fighter, but according to my map, he has injuries. I am his and your best chance of survival.”

Emily nodded. “Come on then, let’s get this over with.” After a brief farewell to her husband and children, Danielle joined Emily and Yumi on their way to rescue Cass.