Marrakech, Morocco.

 Jason walked down the busy bazaar choke full of people visiting the various stalls of Djemaa El Fna. Hawkers bellowed at passersby while showing off their wares, musicians played the drums and lutes while a snake charmer played a flute and nearby onlookers clapped to the song. The sounds merged all together to make a vibrant melody that raised one's spirits.

Jason paused as he looked at a fortune teller, an old lady who sat on a small stool with an umbrella covering the falling sun's glare. Suddenly, two pillowy bosoms landed on his shoulders from behind and their soft, full feeling indicated that the wearer was not wearing a bra. Jason tried turning his head to see who's behind him but only managed to graze one of the breasts with his cheek, while two arms snaked around his, hugging him tightly.

“Something on yer mind, laddie?” The voice behind him asked teasingly. Jason knew who it was immediately. Elizabeth Hyde, the woman he has been living with.

For the past two years, Elizabeth has been training him in the art of fighting and killing. Everything he had previously learned was from experience and survival instincts, so his fighting style was feral and he had lacked the cunning touch in how to silently assassinate an opponent. Now though, he was a force to be reckoned with; his training with her and other martial artists had honed his hand-to-hand combat to such a degree that he could now rival Elizabeth while his expertise in medicine and Ninjutsu was beyond even hers and her peers, the best of the best.

“You've been doing that a lot, Hyde,” Jason told Elizabeth as he stood still and let her continue hugging him.

“How many times have I told you, it's Lizzy, laddie. Call me Lizzy,” Elizabeth stressed.

“You've been doing that a lot, Elizabeth,” Jason repeated while ignoring her request, causing her to sigh.

“I'm blind, I need a hand. Besides, yer getting taller and all. I won't be able to do this any longer so I gotta get my fill, yeah?” Elizabeth said as she leaned forward while tiptoeing to push her bosoms closer around his neck.

“I see,” Jason said as he looked up to try and see her face like he did usually but realized he couldn't because of his height. “I'll miss it too.”

“Ah, you're so cute,” Elizabeth said while ruffling his hair and looking around sheepishly. “But let's go and find a place to stay, we're embarrassing the crowds.”

***

The two booked a room in a hotel that despite being old and behind by nearly a century in technology, was relatively clean and quiet. Jason was currently sitting outside of the hotel's cafeteria that was located on a veranda, his seat overlooking the bustling maze-like streets when Elizabeth approached him, using her white cane to navigate while holding a wrapped box in another.

“Wasn't sure what to get ye,” she said as she handed him the box. “But happy birthday, Jason.”

“Birthday? Oh,” Jason was bemused before remembering the date. His actual birthday was unknown but Elizabeth decided to celebrate the day they first met as his birthday. In her words, it was hitting two birds with one stone.

“You forgot didn't you?” Elizabeth gave a wry smile as she watched him open the present.

“Maybe,” he replied. Lifting the lid, he found a case inside the box. A gun case. Jason looked up at Elizabeth who looked back at him expectantly. Flipping the case open revealed a relatively large handgun. The barrel and handle were reminiscent of a Desert Eagle but it had a revolving chamber instead of a clip.

“It's called a PHR, Personal Handheld Railgun, and this here is the only working prototype in the world.” Elizabeth proudly stated. “It's got a revolving chamber to allow the chamber to cool since it's the only part not made of dragonite. And the space where the clip should be has a memchip that stores preloaded spell equations and it can be linked to your SEC device.” [1]

“It's beautiful,” Jason said as he held it in his hand. It was a bit bulky and rather heavy, but he was sure he'd grow into it soon. “Thank you … Lizzy.”

Elizabeth smiled when she heard him finally call her that as she gestured her hand in the air, summoning a waiter who was holding a tray with two glasses and alcohol.

“Since it's your birthday, let's celebrate!” Elizabeth announced cheerily as the waiter opened the wine bottle and poured it into the two glasses on their table. The red wine was a deep red color and the fruity scent with a hint of spice indicated it's quality.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said in Arabic to the waiter who nodded and then left.

“You know I'm underage,” Jason said as he lifted the glass and swirled it.

“Not according to your passport,” Elizabeth joked as she raised the glass to get mouth. “Besides, you've been drinking whiskey this entire time.”

“It's not alcohol, it's medicine,” Jason countered naively, his understanding slightly convoluted due to drinking alcohol while using it to disinfect his wounds.

“Oh, laddie. It's also alcohol, same as this” Elizabeth laughed as she looked at him endearingly.

“Oh,” Jason took a large sip before noticing Elizabeth's smile fading as she put her glass down, not touching its contents.

“Still got a long way, laddie,” she sighed as his vision started clouding. “How many times have I told ye, be on guard. Always be on guard.”

Her last words echoed through his ears as darkness embraced him.

***

Jason opened his eyes but didn't move. Instead, he focused on his senses, enhancing them with his recently unlocked Esper ability: Energy Manipulation. He realized he was lying down on a bed with his arms cuffed to the bed's headboard which was made of solid wood, wearing nothing but his trunks. If he wanted to, he could break his way through but he relaxed instead. He could smell Elizabeth's scent in the room and hear the rustling of clothes from the adjacent room and knew he wasn't in danger.

The door opened and a scantily clad Elizabeth emerged wearing black lace lingerie with stockings and a garter belt on top of a silk robe. The bra was shaped like a corset while the bottom was a G-string underwear, both of which were made with sheer lace, barely hiding what was covered. Jason couldn't help but admire the beauty in front of him especially due to the fact that the black color contrasted so well with her pale ivory skin. As she approached him, she disrobed herself and the scent of cream, musk, and roses embraced Jason as she crawled on top of him.

“That was a test laddie, and you failed,” Elizabeth breathed as she sat on him. “When will ye learn? If that was poison you'd be dead already.”

“I trust you,” Jason said, his eyes fixed at her bursting chest. “I'm never worried when I'm with you.”

Elizabeth used a finger to draw circles on his chest. Her eyes studied his bare body as her hand slowly stroked the scars covering his upper body. Small circular scars from bullets, long scars from stabs and slashes, and rough melted skin from cauterizing wounds and burns.

Goddammit, She thought as her heart felt heavy. Kids shouldn't be like this. But then, was he ever a child?

Elizabeth sighed as she looked at scars, realizing just how callous fate could be in this cruel, irredeemable world. Jason who was beneath her shifted slightly and she felt something long and hard touch her butt.

“Oh?” Elizabeth spoke seductively as she looked at Jason's face and smiled while touching his erect rod. “What's this?”

“I'm not sure,” Jason replied with a frown. “It happens time to time, especially when I wake up in the morning.”

“I noticed,” giggled Elizabeth. “Do you know why it happens?”

“No, but it's annoying. I can't use the washroom properly,” Jason still had a frown while a gleam flitted through Elizabeth's eyes.

“It means you're a man now,” Elizabeth said as she continued her handjob. “But you need a woman to relieve it.”

“Relieve it?” Jason repeated slowly as his breathing roughened.

“Here, lemme show you,” Elizabeth whispered as she leaned in and kissed his neck. Her hand that was rubbing him began moving faster as she tightened her grip and he squirmed with discomfort. “Lemme show you what real love is, laddie.”

Jason took a sharp intake of breath in as she fondled him roughly and Elizabeth used her free hand to caress his nipples, her hands gently moving from one peck to another while she locked her eyes on his face. Despite being unable to see his face, Elizabeth could feel his satisfaction.

“Elizabeth, you need to stop,” he groaned. “I need to go.”

“Oh? Feeling it build up?” Elizabeth laughed as she leaned forward. “ Don't worry, that's not pee, it's you ... about to cum.”

“Come? Where am-?” despite his body's reaction, Jason's eyes was still stoic as Elizabeth hushed him while placing a finger on his lips.

“Shhh … just enjoy it,” Elizabeth murmured as she playfully bit his nape and Jason's world blurred and the cuffs chafed his wrists as he climaxed onto her hand. As his strength left his body, Elizabeth lifted the hand and licked his essence causing Jason to harden again.

“That's quite a lot you let out, laddie,” Elizabeth sent a fiery glance at him as she positioned herself above his rod. Slowly, they melded into one as Jason tried to control his breathing and Elizabeth moaned.

“Oh Jason,” she gasped. “You're better than most men. Mmm … we just need to work on your endurance, is all.”

Jason climaxed a second time as he released his cream inside of her and Elizabeth, who began rocking her hips at a fixed speed, convinced his half flaccid spear to soar up again, penetrating her once more.

“Lizzy,” Jason groaned as she moaned and gasped when he thrust his hips upwards while arching his back. “Is this love?”

“Yes,” she whispered as she leaned forward, her lips closing onto his. “Making love. Sex. Shagging. It's all the same.”

They kissed and Elizabeth melted into his arms as her body gave collapsed onto his; both had erupted in an overpowering shock of euphoria as they climaxed and their tongues entwined together to play a game of tag. As Elizabeth pulled out and basked in the glory of the aftermath, Jason mulled over the event that just happened.

“Am I a man now?” he finally asked her. “Is this what you meant when you said you'd make be a real man?”

“No,” Elizabeth replied quietly, guilt in her voice. “I didn't. Not at first, but soon … things changed.”

“And sex? What's the point of this lovemaking?” Jason followed with another question.

“Uh…” Elizabeth hesitated to answer that as she felt it would be awkward to give him the bees and flowers talk right after screwing him. “It's for stress relieve. You know, to feel good.”

“Hmm,” Jason thought over what she said. “There's just one problem.”

Jason lifted his arms, proving that he had escaped from the cuffs and grabbed Elizabeth, pushing her down while rolling his body to be on top her. In one smooth motion, he cuffed her hands while Elizabeth, who was slow in her reaction due to her climax, just realized what happened.

“It's not enough,” Jason whispered as he eyed her hungrily, an animalistic look in his eyes. “I'm not satisfied.”

“Well, shit,” she muttered before giving a wry smile.

With her arms bound over her head, Elizabeth's bountiful breasts cried for attention as they became more conspicuous. Jason, who was in pursuit of that sweet taste, plunged himself into her warm entrance while grabbing her bosoms. He groped the sides of her breasts and he began massaging them, exploring their springily supple but firm, marshmallow-like soft sensation as he ravaged her burning honeypot which was slick with the essence he previously soaked her with.

Elizabeth moaned erotically as his hands moved closer to get nipples. The hard, grape sized nipples were probingly pinched between his thumb and fingers electing a tantalizing shriek from her. Seeing her deliciously passionate reaction to his actions, Jason bent forward and devoured her breast. He savoured her nipple, using his teeth to gently chew on it while rolling his tongue around her areola, before switching to her other breast.

Both climaxed multiple times as the time passed but Jason continued piercing her without stopping, he possessed limitless virility. He only paused to shove deeper and quivered when he came inside her causing Elizabeth to scream amorously.

Three hours later, Jason came out of the shower and started to dress up as Elizabeth woke up from a light nap. Jason left the room when he heard a knock and returned with a tray of food which he placed on the nightstand next to the bed.

“A little help, laddie?” Elizabeth gestured to the cuffs above her head that still restrained her.

“Where is it?” Jason asked her where the key to the cuffs were.

“Dresser, second drawer to the right,” answered Elizabeth.

Jason found the key and approached her, his hands a few inches away from freeing her when he stopped and smiled.

“Hmm, no,” Jason said quietly to himself before looking at Elizabeth, his stoic face now full of mirth. “That would be too easy, wouldn't you say? No. I'll just leave it here. You always said you were flexible, so let's have you uncuff yourself, Lizzy.”

Jason placed the key between her toes and left the room, leaving an exasperated Elizabeth behind. She rested for a while before curling herself and using her toes to unlock the cuffs. Lifting herself up, she massaged her sore wrists while gazing at the door longingly.

“Let's hope this'll last longer than last time,” Elizabeth sighed as she lied back down.

Truthfully, she and Jason had sex several times before, but Jason had no memory because she had made sure he was too drunk to remember. It all started when she realized that he had a bloodlust to killing.

Perhaps it was due to living a life of hell on the battlefield, Jason had become addicted to killing and when he abstained for a period, he would become ferocious, killing anyone he deemed as an enemy in a rather gruesome manner.

The first time she saw him expose his bloodlust left her reeling for a moment. He used a small statue of Christ, the size of an arm to smash the head of a target that Elizabeth has been seducing in an attempt to get closer and assassinate him. She tried stopping Jason when she saw the target was already dead by grabbing the former's arm but froze from the look he gave her. Jason snarled at her in anger, the feral look in his eyes implying he wanted to kill the person who had interrupted him until he realized it was Elizabeth.

Thinking that he had frightened her, Jason ran away, hiding from her and living in the streets for several days until she found him. The pain and shock both suffered from that event had her promise to herself that she would ensure that a similar situation never occurred again. And soon after, she found another solution to his bloodlust: to sexually relieve him and tire him out.

At first, she wanted to find him someone else to help him. However, on the night she drugged him, Jason grabbed and embraced her instead, refusing to let her go. Perhaps it was because of his trust and believe in her, but one thing led to another, and come morning, Elizabeth realized she slept with him. Fortunately, the method worked and, despite feeling guilty, Elizabeth continued sleeping with him whenever he was close to losing himself.

Gods, She thought. This is wrong in so many ways. But what am I to do? Let him kill instead?

***

Jason walked down the bustling streets aimlessly, occasionally slapping a roaming hand or two that aimed to pilfer him. Eventually, he reached a small building that had a few women leaning by the entrance. A few called out to him, causing him to pause.

Originally, prostitution was illegal in Morocco, but the War led to the destabilizing of the government, and eventually, Morocco became the vassal state of Spain which protected them from the lawlessness that engulfed the African continent.

Jason walked away, ignoring the giggles behind him when his holo-watch rang. Reading the notice on his hololens, he found that it was a death notice originally sent to Elizabeth. She forwarded all her contracts to him automatically since he wasn't officially part of Morta Cleaning and Co., a subsidiary of Morta International, the ‘company’ that dealt with the largest assassin network in the world.

The notice sent to him contained information on a weapons dealer, named Dušan Ctibor, who was intending to sell firearms in Morocco. The issuer, most likely his rival, wanted him dead and provided information on his current whereabouts, which was ironically the brothel that he had just passed.

Jason slipped into a secluded alleyway and jumped onto the roof of an adjacent building, looking for an ideal spot for him to snipe the target. Running and jumping through the roofs, Jason found an ideal location that was facing the guest wing where Ctibor was sitting in, clearly waiting for the proprietor to arrive with his selected woman.

Leaning behind a chicken coop, Jason activated Aura Sight, the skill clearly belonged to Elizabeth but he was able to emulate it. With it, he was able to lock on to Ctibor through the walls.

As he pulled out a pistol from behind him, Jason used his Esper power to enhance his senses. He could now see farther than an eagle, hear better than a bat and smell … the awful stench of chicken crap better than a hound. Unfortunately, he was not skilled enough to only activate a single sense, so his only course was to ignore the fetor that he could almost taste and aim the gun at Ctibor.

“Hel, c'mon, stopping being so nice to him,” said a voice coming from two floors higher than his target. Jason could hear the voice clearly as though they were speaking right next to him.

“I can't just tell him to go away, that'd be rude,” a second voice replied.

A jolt ran through Jason when he heard the respondent. Against his will, he turned to look at the two girls who were speaking. The first one was a tanned girl with blonde hair who was lying on a bed. The second was a girl with black hair, her face turned away from him as she brushed her hair.

“But you know what'll happen if he continues seeing you,” the blonde girl turned her body sideways as she looked at the raven-haired girl. “We're working and he can't keep interrupting us.”

“I know, I told him that,” the raven girl, the one called Hel, sighed as she continued. “I don't even like him but I don't know how to say it nicely.”

“Hey, I don't like you, keel over?” suggested the blonde girl.

“Mona, that's terrible!” Hel admonished before they both burst out giggling. She stood up from her seat and turned to look out the window, giving Jason an opportunity to see her appearance.

Raven black hair billowing in waves, obsidian jeweled eyes that can hypnotize the sights of anyone, naturally arched eyebrows that presented her sweet face with a hint of her stubbornness, an oval face shaped with a sharp chin, and bronze-kissed skin that screamed exotic.

She's … she looks just … like me… Jason thought in stunned silence. Indeed, the resemblance was uncanny, especially those soul shocking eyes that were unique to Jason. The only difference was that her face was sweeter and gentler than his strong, masculine features.

Jason put the gun away and walked towards the brothel, his eyes locked onto hers. As he made his way there, he smudged his hand with a vital of lotion while his eyes changed colors, transforming into a warm hazel tone. Reaching the entrance, he brushed away the ladies inviting him and walked to the receptionist, a Moroccan lady in a dancer's outfit.

“What will it be handsome?” she asked Jason teasingly. “Would you like someone experienced or do you want to enjoy someone tender? We have girls of all ages.”

“Where's your boss? I want to talk to him,” Jason arrogantly responded as he avoided her touch and opened his holo-watch, showing her a gold ring. “I know you don't have the capability to accept credits so tell your boss I'm willing to give this ring in exchange for a night here.”

“Wait a moment, kind sir,” the girl left the room as others gathered near Jason, hoping to catch his attention. In mere moments, the girl returned.

“I'm sorry sir, she's currently occupied,” she said to Jason. “Please follow me to meet her.”

Jason did as the girl asked and followed her through the hallways. As they neared a door, Ctibor walked out with a woman next to him. He groped her ass as she giggled and as they passed Jason, he bumped into Cribor.

“Oi, watch it,” said Ctibor arrogantly.

Jason playing the rich boy turned and grabbed Ctibor's shoulder with the hand that was still moist with lotion.

“The fuck you say, bárbaro?” Jason said pompously in a Spanish accent.

“I said fuck off, cocksucker,” Ctibor said as he flexed his muscle.

“Idiot,” Jason sneered as he took a gold coin out. “See this? It's a medallion for Spanish ambassadors. Mi padre will have you flogged for this if you don't beg for forgiveness.”

Ctibor clicked his tongue as he glowered at Jason. He didn't want trouble from the authorities since it could complicate his weapons deal.

“My deepest apologies, young master,” Ctibor sneered as he mockingly bowed. “Please allow me to pay your visit to this establishment as a token of my sincerity.”

“No need,” replied Jason arrogantly as he puffed his chest. “I don't need charity from the likes of you, cabrear!”

Ctibor snorted as he walked away while Jason smiled deviously.

Enjoy your last night, He thought.

Jason had applied a slow acting poison that would eventually cause heart failure onto Ctibor when he touched him. Since the smuggler would be involved in an exhaustive exercise, the poison would flow faster through his blood and everyone would assume he died from the excessive indulgence he experienced. Of course, by the time the autopsy revealed the truth, Jason would be long gone.

“This way please,” the girl leading Jason reminded him before gesturing at a closed door. “Madam awaits you inside.”

Jason nodded and walked through the door. The room he entered was a private reception room, the exact place he was targeting at previously. A woman in her forties stood up from her seat and bowed courteously.

“Evening sir, I am Madam Rosetta. How can I be of service?” the woman asked as she showed Jason his seat.

“Señora, I was walking down the street when I heard the most beautiful laugh accompanied by the scent lilacs and cinnamon. And then I saw her, leaning by a window through your fine establishment. Belleza de las bellezas!” Jason spoke with such passion and fervor that had the lady roll her eyes. She believed that he was nothing but a playboy who was aiming for one of her girls.

“I see,” Madam Rosetta said as she pulled a file. “Here is a list of our … hosts. If sir can be so kind as to point her out, I will bring her immediately.”

“Estupendo!” Jason exclaimed and began flipping the pages with zeal. “Ah! Esa es ella! Pelo tan negro como la noche, ojos brillantes como joyas y una sonrisa tan dulce como las flores!”

Jason pointed out the photo of the girl, Hel, and began singing praises in Spanish. He took out the gold ring and handed to Rosetta.

“Here, take this and bring me to her!” Jason demanded impatiently.

“As you wish,” Rosetta responded while studying the ring to see if it was fake. After confirming that it was real, she led Jason upstairs to the room where he saw Hel and Mona. Up close, he realized that the girl was quite young, her age couldn't possibly be above fourteen.

As soon as they entered, Jason ran to Hel and knelt in front of her while holding a hand.

“My beautiful dama,” he said with passion. “No hay emociones que puedan describir como me siento cuando estoy contigo.”

The girl looked at him and then Rosetta in bemusement as she was unable to understand what Jason had said. Rosetta who was behind him, rolled her eyes, indicating that she just play along while gesturing at Mona to leave with her.

An awkward silence ensued as soon as they left and Hel shifted uncomfortably when Jason stood up abruptly. His foolish, lovestruck face changed into a cold, emotionless face in a split second while the life in his eyes faded to a deathly glaze.

“Um.. I-” the girl tried to speak but Jason raised a finger to his lips, hushing her. He activated his holo-watch, surprising her while scanning the room. In moments, he found a bug and hacked it to disable it's recording ability. After that, he sat down on a stool and gestured to her to do the same.

The girl sat on the bed and waited for him to speak but Jason didn't say anything, he continued watching her while constantly opening and closing his mouth.

“Uh … why don't we start with introductions,” she finally said.

“Yes, right,” replied Jason. “I'm Jason.”

“Jason … ?” she waited a moment for him to give his last name before asking him.

“Just Jason. I don't have a surname. Though, the one on my passport says Singh,” Jason said mechanically.

“Oh,” the girl nodded, slightly confused. “I'm Helen. Helen Troya.”

“Helen,” Jason spoke to himself quietly. “Helen of Troy.”

As soon as he whispered that, a spark of lightning struck his mind as confusing flashes of memories passed through his head.

Him and a giant of a man leading a crew on a ship ... them fighting monsters at sea ... a woman with a crown made of wreath inviting him to bed ... them searching for a golden fleece ... and finally, him returning to a raven-haired girl and trying to use the fleece on her.

The visions ended and Jason turned to look at Helen. The girl he used the fleece on looked exactly like Helen, not a single strand of hair was different. Jason was now certain that she was related to him but he couldn't understand what those visions were or how she could look exactly the same as what he saw in those visions. Especially when he was certain that he never met her before.

“Do you ... remember your family? Parents? Siblings or ... or a Brother?” Jason asked.

“No,” Helen shook her head. “I have amnesia, I don't remember a thing of my past life.”

“I see,” Jason bent his head and contemplated what to say next. “I- this may be difficult … but … I …”

Jason took a deep breath to calm himself and stared at Helen firmly, conviction filling his eyes which reverted back into their black Onyx color. Helen’s eyes widened when she met his eyes as she raised her hands to her mouth. In that instant, both felt a bond connecting them.

“I'm your brother, Helen,” Jason finished quietly.

The next day,

Jason cracked two eggs and opened them over a frying pan, poaching them in oil on high heat before moving and pouring batter into a waffle maker. Closing it and turning it on, he returned to the stove and sprinkled some salt and pepper with one hand while preparing to flip the eggs with the other. As he worked on the breakfast he was making, he smiled and danced to a Fall Out Boy’s song while using the spatula as a microphone and pouring some smoothies that he made into a glass.

A beeping sound from the waffle maker reminded him that it was time to fix the plates and he turned off the stove, placed the deep fried eggs on a plate with buttered toast and the waffles on another when Elizabeth walked out of the bedroom in a robe.

“Morning,” yawned Elizabeth who stopped midway when she noticed the breakfast laden table. “What’s with the fancy meal?”

“Morning,” replied Jason as he stepped forward and kissed her softly. Their lips parted and he slid back to the counter, picking up the maple syrup and placing it near her plate before pulling the chair and helping her sit. “It’s nothing. I just felt like I should cook something for you that doesn’t include potatoes.”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, feeling as though Jason was subtly pointing out her growing weight until she noticed his genuine smile and surmised that he was being considerate. She giggled, then stood up and hugged him; the height difference caused his neck and chin to sink into her soft breasts and Jason pulled away as fast as he could to avoid being aroused.

“Wait, where’s your plate?” Elizabeth just noticed that the table was set for one. “Are you not eating?”

“No, I’m not hungry,” Jason replied as he rushed to the entrance and put his shoes on. “Besides, I have to meet someone.”

“Ooh, what’s this? Another date, laddie?” Elizabeth teased as a hint of bleakness threatened to emerge from her eyes. Jason who had his back to her didn’t realize how she was feeling, as excitement and anticipation overwhelmed his thoughts.

“No, not a date,” Jason answered as he opened the door. “I’ll be back tonight.”

Jason closed the door as he exited, leaving a dejected Elizabeth behind who didn’t lift a finger to eat. Sighing, she leaned back on her chair and closed her eyes. For the past two weeks, Jason has been leaving like this and returning with a silly smile on his face. Of course, by the end of the first week, Elizabeth figured out that he was visiting a brothel and couldn’t help but feel depressed.

To make things worse, they hadn’t slept together ever since that fateful night when she cuffed him and, in her mind, the distance between the two had increased. She also realized that she had taught him everything she knew and that the time was coming when he’d leave; this only served to increase the heaviness that was weighing her heart down.

Well, I knew this was coming, She thought. I always knew he’d leave ... that he’d find someone … that … that I’m … we … were never meant to be.

Elizabeth swallowed the heaviness that threatened to burst from her chest as she walked to the bathroom.

***

Jason ran parkour style over the roofs of the houses, opting to avoid the growing traffic that began to swallow the streets below him. Most of the buildings were three stories high, and the observant passerby just assumed he was filming himself, so no one stopped him. He performed an aerial jump from one building to another, landing in a roll before leaping back to his feet and climbing a connected building that was a story high.

Soon, he leapt off a building, turning backwards as he fell and grabbing each balcony with both arms to slow his descent. In a matter of seconds, he descended onto the ground, his legs bent to absorb the shock as he looked sideways, his eyes locked on Helen.

Helen was standing under a tree dressed in a blouse and elephant pants, both of which were loose fitting. Next to her was Mona, who was Helen’s chaperone. She was leaning on the tree while wearing a simple t-shirt and a pair of jeans, a bored look on her face as she chewed some gum until she saw Jason. Her eyes widened and she nearly choked on her gum when she saw him jumping from such a height.

Jason waved and walked towards them as Helen saw him and smiled and Mona leaned downwards and spat the gum she was choking on while coughing.

“Hey did you just … jump off a building?” Mona demanded as soon as he got close.

“It’s called parkour, try it sometime,” Jason replied dismissively, his voice unintentionally cold since he saw Mona as a nuisance that was hindering his family time.

“Now, now,” Helen admonished him. “What did I say before? Play nice and try to smile.”

“Like this?” Jason twisted the corners of his mouth mechanically as he broke into a wide grin that was more of a snarl than anything else.

“Uh … on second thought, that stoically cold look of yours suits you better,” Helen smashed his cheeks together in an attempt to erase that ‘smile’ before shaking her head.

The two began exploring the city while Mona acted as their chaperon. Despite living here, Helen's freedom was limited so she hadn't seen many of the sights that Marreckh offered. Jason led her through the historic sites before taking her shopping, a decision he regretted immediately when he saw how glowing her eyes were. In a short time, Jason was drowned in shopping bags, simply because he brought whatever clothes that caught her eye, despite her reluctance.

“You didn't have to buy so much,” Helen told him.

They were currently sitting down in a park while Mona left to look for some refreshments. Helen had taken her sandals off and was swinging her feet while Jason talked to a driver he hired, trying to convince him to deliver the sea of shopping bags back to Helen's residence.

“You don't like it?” Jason asked as he sat beside her.

“Just seems so excessive,” Helen replied. “And wasn't it expensive to buy all this?”

“Not really,” Jason clarified. “I make a lot. And it doesn't matter, I just felt so … happy when I saw your smile. Made me feel like I really have a family now.”

“... What about our parents? You never talk about them,” Helen hesitated before asking. She didn't know Jason's past and was curious about why he's so fixated on being a family. Despite not having a family herself, Helen was surrounded by friends and this helped her a great deal.

“Don't know, I was raised as an orphan,” Jason replied before lowering his head. “I did try looking for them but … I found nothing. Nothing concrete.”

“Sorry,” Helen looked away before coughing. “So, uh … you mentioned you're rich, what do you work as?”

“Mercenary,” Jason hesitated before responding truthfully. “But for the past year or so, I've been in … I was singing instead.”

“Wow, you're a singer?” Helen looked distraught when he mentioned the first part but her eyes shone when she heard the last bit. “That's so cool! So? Are you in a band?”

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“Sorta,” Jason shifted uncomfortably from her stare. “I've been singing with my mentor, Hyde.”

“Hyde? Elizabeth Hyde? She's famous! Omg! Did you just say she's your mentor? You're a rockstar?!” Helen gasped and squealed before grabbing him and shaking his shoulders.

“No, just doing it when I'm bored,” Jason's head started spinning with the stars as she shook him. A new opinion was forming in his head: skydiving was less dizzying than his sister’s tugs.

“Doesn't matter, you're with someone famous. Oh, I can't wait to tell everyone! They're going to be so jealous!” Helen continued. Jason narrowed his eyes and looked around for a moment.

“Helen,” he said after checking to see if anyone was nearby. “Why don't you travel with me? Let's leave this place and go anywhere you like.”

“What?” it took Helen a while to realize what he meant.

“You don't need to stay at that place anymore, I could take you away,” Jason continued.

“Don't say that,” Helen replied abruptly. “And make sure no one hears you say that again.”

“Why not?”

“You know why! We're just items to be purchased! I can't leave and run, they'll find me and hurt anyone close to me. Not only you but those that I left behind too,” Helen said in an urgent whisper. It was obvious by now that the brothel was run by a syndicate that had great power.

“No one can stop me, just say the words, and I'll take you away,” Jason smiled wryly before continuing in a whisper. “Say it, sis.”

“No!” shouted Helen firmly. “I won't leave my friends alone to suffer. I won't.”

Jason understood that she wouldn't change her mind so he looked away before changing the subject.

“She's taking too long,” he muttered, causing Helen to realize that Mona was gone for some time. “Should I look for her?”

“Alright,” Helen nodded and Jason left the bench and Helen sighed with relief. She started savoring the moment of peace she had while being alone, contemplating everything that had happened to her recently. 

As Jason passed the outskirts of a square, an old lady grabbed onto his arm. He turned to look at her impassively and immediately recognized her; she was the old fortuneteller that was sitting on a plastic stool when he first visited the Bazaars.

“A dark curse lingers on you, Wolf,” she whispered hoarsely, her voice cracking as though she had not spoken in a long time. “Take heed to watch your blood, Child of Chaos.”

Jason narrowed his eyes when he heard her speak. Ordinarily, he would have dismissed her words as nothing but the mad ravings of an old hag yet after a mysterious encounter with a skeletal being riding a gaunt horse he realized there was still much more to this world that was unexplained. And that skeleton being also referred to him as a ‘Child of Chaos’.

“Tell me more,” Jason requested to the fortuneteller. Any thought of finding Mona flew out of his mind, her well-being was of no concern to him, not when a clue to a world of the supernatural presented itself to him.

“Round and round the circles go. Trapped in an endless cycle, it seems. Is it rebirth? Or caught in a year that always repeats? I can never tell,” the fortuneteller sang as she showed him the whites of her eyes, her irises rolled back into her head. “Cutting, cutting … they cut on and on … Slicing, slicing … they slice on and on. Yet comes next year, and whole I am again! With nary a thought to remember.”

The more the fortuneteller rambled, the less coherent were her sentences as the madness set in her voice charged out, sending those nearby stumbling away from them.

“Jaddi, Jaddi!” A young woman in her twenties came and grabbed the fortuneteller's arm, concern in her eyes as she looked her over. “You shouldn't run away Jadi, I was worried when I couldn't find you.”

“Down comes the Wolf, hungry to swallow the world. Nary a thing could she do, the Lark of Fire,” the fortuneteller continued as though she could not hear her granddaughter's voice.

“Jaddi?” the young woman seemed distraught until she noticed how the fortuneteller was gripping onto Jason's sleeve. “She is speaking of your fate.”

“I decide my fate, woman. Me, not the incongruity of a decrepit fortuneteller,” Jason spoke with a slight harshness in his tone. He disliked people mentioning fate and destiny as though it were already sealed, it was obvious that the decisions one made in life, the free will that was gifted to human beings, was what spurred fate onwards.

“I meant no disrespect,” the woman bowed her veiled face as she spoke. Jason looked at her closely and couldn't help but feel a whiff of intimacy emanating from her yet he was sure that they have never met before. She was dressed in a loose black dress with a scarf that partially wrapped her hair while covering her lower face, leaving only two bright hazel eyes along with her marble forehead exposed. A few strands of black hair hung from her head and this only served to magnify her beauty.

“Your … grandmother,” Jason turned to gesture at the old lady. “She tried reading my … fortunes. But I didn't understand anything. Can you interpret her words?”

“This way,” the woman led Jason to a small room, made of bricks with a rusty tin roof that was barely a few feet from the ground covering the top. Jason and the woman bent themselves to enter before all three took a seat. “Tell me what she spoke of.”

After listening to Jason's explanation, the woman lowered her head and contemplated.

“She's implying that you've been cursed. I'm not sure if she means it literally or not, but she's saying the curse forces you to rejuvenate every year with any harm done being reversed. Basically, you live a repeat, a loop, of one year constantly,” the woman finally said with bemusement. “Perhaps she means that you've lost all meaning in your life? Every day, every year feels the same to you?”

Jason thought for a moment before standing up to leave. As he passed the woman, he placed some gold jewelry in her hands.

“Thank you,” the young woman said, her eyes changing to yellow, her pupils turning to slits when he exited with his back to her.

“Ah, what an unexpected turn of events,” the young woman sighed as her ‘grandmother’, the old lady, next to her turned in a life-sized mud sculpture which slowly crumbled into dust.

“I wasn't expecting to interfere so soon, but as fate would have it ... you've found her once again,” the being moaned sensually as she stood up to stretch, the tips of her breasts protruding from her dress. “Good luck, Fenrir, my little monster.”

***

Jason walked back to the bench but found it void of any being. Continuing onwards, he observed the narrow maze-like alleyways, his enhanced senses picking up the slight scent of perfume Helen in one of the pathways.

“She went in there,” Jason muttered as he turned to look at the alleyway. The streets were empty, partially because the now-defunct curfew was drilled into the inhabitants so many would return home before sunset.

“She wasn't alone,” Jason kneeled at the entrance, studying the prints on the sandy road. “This pair of footprints ... The small one is Mona's, her right grips are fading so the print is finer than the left. These two pairs are large … hmm ... most likely men, judging from their gait. Depth indicates both have an average weight of 160 lbs, give or take.”

The prints are fresh, I'll catch up to them soon if I start moving, He thought, a hint of anxiousness rose amidst the killing intent that swirled inside him.

Jason's eyes turned a light blue color that was as piercing as a wolf while he jogged through the maze, occasionally stopping to observe the tracks. Soon, he heard muffled cries and mocking jeers from around a corner.

A murderous light glinted through his eyes when he finally came across the scene occurring in front of him. Two men held both Mona and Helen down, one had already started ploughing Mona while covering her mouth, the other stuffed Helen's own ripped blouse into her mouth while greedily licking her bosoms.

“Told you these sluts are good,” the one thrusting into Mona said. “Doesn't matter how many they fucked … ahh ... they're still so tight.”

The one assaulting Helen grunted to agree when a shadow loomed over him; Jason, who appeared as rage incarnate, leaped forward and brought his elbow down on the assaulter whose eyes were too consumed by lust to realize the danger.

A dull crack rang out before the man started screaming, his right collar bone shattered. Jason who landed by then crouched down and punch the right knee of the man. The angled punch broke his knee and as the assaulter kneeled down, Jason grabbed his left shoulder and dislocated it before running towards the rapist who had pulled himself out of Mona and tried waddling away with his pants still down.

A perfectly thrown brick hit the back of his knee causing him to trip. Before he could crawl himself back up a strong blow hit his back: Jason who was running used the wall as a pivot to gain more momentum before increasing the kinetic energy in his punch that was directed at the rapist. A sickening crunch sounded out as Jason shattered the rapist's spine.

Jason walked back to the girls and took off his shirt. He covered Helen with it while handing a handkerchief to Mona. He turned his head to look at the assaulter who was trying to crawl away before walking towards him and crushing his left ankle.

“Look, man, we're sorry!” the man begged. “We didn't mean to damage the goods and we were gonna pay, I swear!”

His words only served to fuel the rage that Jason felt and he grabbed the man and punched his face as hard as he could. The blow crushed the man's cheekbone inwards as the impact from the punch slammed him into a wall.

As Jason stepped forward to continue beating him, a scream echoed through the alleyway and rendered him frozen. He turned to look back and saw it was Helen who screamed and currently, she was looking at him with horror in her eyes.

“Hel are y-” Jason took a step forward to her but Helen backed away in fear while Mona hugged her protectively. Jason paused with his hand in the air, a lump forming in his throat.

“Stay away from her, I won't let you hurt her!” Mona said while stepping forward.

“I just wanted to save he-”

“Save? That wasn't you saving us, that was you brutally hurting them,” Helen interrupted. “And it wasn't for us, I saw it. I saw the look in your eyes … you … you enjoyed hurting them. You were willing … you wanted to kill them!”

Jason opened his mouth but closed it again, unable to retort. It was true, a part of him enjoyed punishing them. He wanted to hear them scream for forgiveness before ending them, watching with satisfaction as the light faded from their eyes with regret and fear.

“Just … leave us alone,” Mona said while holding Helen. “Let's go back Hel.”

“Let me walk you back,” Jason said as he stood still, a heavy empty pain crushing his chest. “It's dange-”

“More dangerous than you?” asked Mona while glaring at him. “Don't bother.”

The two left him bereft of any emotions as they left the alleyway. The assaulter groaned while trying to lift his dislocated arm.

“Help us,” he begged. “We're dying.”

His pleading made Jason focus on him again, his obsidian eyes glazed with an emptiness that was darker than the abyss itself.

“It's your fault she hates me now,” he muttered quietly as he approached the assaulter. “I'm going to make sure you pay for it. Both of you.”

***

Elizabeth was lounging on a swing seat in the balcony of the apartment she was renting. She sighed while she paused reading her tablet and crossed her legs while sipping on some wine. The short, blue silk kimono-style robe exposed her bare legs which would have any man drooling while her flaming red hair was bunched upwards and held together with a hairclip.

Returning to her tablet, she traced her fingers across the raised dots on its surface while focusing on the audio playing on her earset, which was describing the very document that she was reading in Braille.

It was a report from an associate in Morta’s financial subsidiary who had found discrepancies amongst the records, indicating that certain assets were liquidated and the profits have mysteriously disappeared through a convenient paper trail that led to a dead end. What was more worrisome was that all investigations into this were denied until the head of the European cabal stumbled upon it and hired Elizabeth to investigate.

Before she could finish reading, Jason leapt into the balcony from above using the roof to drop in by swinging his body into the veranda. Elizabeth immediately swiped the hologram away and stood up, the metallic scent around Jason confirmed what she couldn’t see; he was covered in blood.

“Inside,” she said as she ushered him into the washroom. “What happened?”

Jason said nothing, his head lowered as he allowed her to him lead him onwards. Disappointment flooded Elizabeth as he remained silent, the feeling of him continuously keeping her out of the loop was nothing new, however, she had thought that he had changed considering that they were previously intimate. Pushing the pain away, Elizabeth started pulling Jason’s shirt, which was sticky with blood that was congealing, when he stopped her.

“Why?” he asked quietly. “Why don’t you hate me?”

“What?” Elizabeth responded in confusion.

“You … act like nothing happened. But I frightened you … just like everyone else, you were scared when you saw me killing,” Jason confided in a voice that was barely a whisper. “Then I … was rough, even when I knew what happened to you. I couldn’t control my hunger and you took it all. Why? Why don’t you hate me? Why ... don’t you treat me like a monster?”

“Oh laddie,” Elizabeth wrapped her arms around him, ignoring the blood that tainted her robe. “It’s true, I did shite when you looked at me like that, but I knew. I knew you could never hurt me.

“As for the rough sex?” Elizabeth laughed amorously. “Yeah, I used to hate men. I hated them for what happened. But you’re not like them. You never were.”

Elizabeth stroked Jason’s hair while pushing him closer to her chest as she continued in a soft voice.

“Besides, if you know what I went through then you know what I did … how I loved … swimming in blood. Now doesn’t that make me a monster too?” Elizabeth used her hands to pull his head up and their eyes met each other, various emotions were exchanged amongst them. “Doesn’t matter if the whole world sees you as a monster, I will always stand by you. I’ll always accept every part of you, Fenrir … my little wolf.”

Elizabeth whispered the last part as she leaned forward and kissed him. The gentle touch of their lips sent a jolt of electricity flowing through them as they both tightened the grip on each other, both using their hands to explore the other’s body while she slipped her tongue into his mouth.

“Mmhm, not so fast,” Elizabeth pulled away with a teasing smile when she noticed Jason eagerly fondling her curves. “Need to clean up first, laddie.”

“Don’t see why we can’t do both?” Jason looked at the shower behind him as various ideas spun through his head.

“Oh, quite creative aren’t we?” Elizabeth giggled when she followed his gaze. “Ye sure this is your second time laddie?”

“No, I had my second time inside you,” Jason used his power to try and evaporate the blood on both of their clothes but only managed to burn it all away, leaving them both exposed. “I think I had my thirteenth that night, so this will be my fourteenth.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Elizabeth rolled her eyes when she heard Jason but decided to skip everything as she was dragged by him into the showers. Jason turned the shower on and let the cold water cascade onto Elizabeth as he hugged her from behind.

Elizabeth gasped as she felt the cold water harden her nipples. Soon after, Jason covered them with his arm, the forearm covering her right breast while his right hand slowly rubbed the bulging grape on her left breast. The sensation of warmth emanating from his arm was heightened by the cold water, pleasuring her more than she could have imagined. Jason, a head lower than her, started kissing her shoulder-blades as his left hand slithered down to her garden, granting her honeypot the same warmth that engulfed her chest. His calloused thumb leisurely brushed the nub that peeked out while two fingers dug into her, exploring the sweet warmth that consumed them.

In moments, Elizabeth screamed as her vision flared, her sight blurred with whiteness. Her knees gave away forcing her downwards, causing the fingers Jason had inserted to plunge deeper into her sensitive flower that was still recovering from its bloom. Elizabeth lifted herself up with a scream of ecstasy as she tried to use the wall to support herself.

Jason slowly pulled his fingers out and raised them to Elizabeth’s face. His rubbed his fingers, coated with her nectar, together as she looked on gaspingly.

“I wonder how it tastes,” he whispered as he pulled the fingers towards his mouth. Elizabeth tilted her head to look at Jason, their eye met as he slowly sucked her nectar off his fingers. “You taste wonderful.”

As he murmured, he turned her around and pushed her onto the wall and began to slowly bend down, his tongue passing her nipple and navel as he crouched. Reaching her core, he gently kissed her petals before slowly licking her, his coarsely textured tongue encompassing her entire flower. Elizabeth moaned passionately as she gripped his hair and pulled him closer. Looking down, she could see him looking upwards from between her breasts, and her mind blanked once more as their eyes met; her electric blue eyes sparkled while his black eyes absorbed all the emotions she sent him.

“Ah … mmm,” Elizabeth quivered with pleasure as she cried out. “You’re so amazing … m'eudail.”

Jason picked Elizabeth up and held her in midair while she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist. He groaned as he leaned forward supporting her back with the wall as he entered her while nuzzling her breasts with his lips. Elizabeth closed her eyes as she felt Jason’s gentle lips occasionally part to flick her breasts with his tongue.

“Mmhm … oh, you really like em tits … don't you laddie,” Elizabeth whispered dreamily as she pushed his head closer to her nipples. Soon, Elizabeth used a hand to push one of Jason’s hand away and lowered a leg while he cradled her other in his arm before she lifted it to his shoulder. Her flexibility increased his insatiable hunger and they both continued to make love throughout the night.

***

Elizabeth watched Jason cuddle closer to her and she couldn't help but turn to look at his face with a smirk. Her hand was playing with his hair as he looked at the roof.

“I'm a little surprised laddie,” she drawled as she massaged his hair. “I thought you'd lose all interest in me, considering that you've been going to a brothel. Yes, I know where you've been going, you haven't exactly been subtle about it.”

Jason turned to look at Elizabeth and saw her ruefully smile while speaking in a slightly annoyed tone. He couldn't help but straighten himself and stare directly at her eyes.

“Are … you jealous?” He asked in a voice laced with amusement. As Elizabeth glared at him he shrugged his shoulders. “It doesn't matter. I wasn't there for that. I met my sister there.”

“Ooh, sister,” Elizabeth rolled her eyes before mounting him. “Didn't know you were into that, but I could play it too. Now c'mon ‘baby boy’, why don't you let big sister show you how adults sleep?”

“She's my real sister. Biological sister. Blood-related sister,” Jason clarified many times in different ways as Elizabeth looked away awkwardly.

“Oh, now that's just …”

“Weird?” Jason interrupted.

“Wonderful!” completed Elizabeth in faux joy. “Excluding the fact that you found her … there. And have spent time with her … there. And have probably paid for her … there…”

Jason ignored the last bit and wrapped his fingers around hers. His eyes looked out to open window, his stare focused on the shattered moon and the dust belt that now surrounded the earth.

“It's funny,” he said quietly. “She looks like me but is much gentler, and in every manner possible. And she thinks I'm … the bad guy. That I'm a monster.”

“And you think she's right?” Elizabeth replied slowly as she placed her chin on her hand while studying his face closely. “What will you do about it?”

Elizabeth looked at Jason seriously while he mulled over her question.

“I'm not sure,” he replied. “I'm damaged, I know that but … I still want to protect what I want. Have.”

“You don’t have to do it alone,” Elizabeth leaned closer to Jason and placed a hand on his chest. “Talk to me. Tell me about her.”

Jason didn’t reply and slowly shrugged Elizabeth off before standing up.

“It’s late,” he said as he walked to the door. “I’ll head back to my room. Goodnight.”

Elizabeth watched him go as various emotions passed through her eyes. Despite the physical intimacy, Jason refused to open himself to her and this rift was drawing them further apart. Anger, sadness, and pain flooded her as she turned around decided to not think about him and simply sleep.

***

In the outskirts of Morocco stood a broken, dilapidated building surrounded by the vast and empty desert. A muffled scream rang out from inside the building, a scream that barely sounded human and would've had drawn an entire precinct to it had there been anyone to hear it. Soon, the screams withdrew and a loud whimpering replaced it along with long sobs.

Jason who was wearing a butcher's apron put the knife he was holding down before removing the bloody antiseptic gloves that covered his hands. As he washed his hands he turned to look at a shaking mass of meat that was once a human.

“Well, I did warn you,” Jason finished cleaning his hands and approached the person who started trembling. “Told you talk before I got started. You can't blame me for this, can you Mr. Pimp?”

The man Jason was talking to was the head of the gang that controlled the brothel where Helen was living in. Of course, Jason covertly kidnapped the leader and tried convincing him to tell him everything but he refused, causing Jason to resort to other persuasive methods. And the result was laid out in front of him.

The 'pimp’, as Jason named him, was dangling from a meat hook with almost his entire upper body skinned. The most horrifying part was the face. What was once a confidently cunning face became a pink fleshy face bereft of any eyelids with blood dripping onto the exposed eyeballs. The poor man wished to speak, but Jason had silenced him by paralyzing his body while he slowly skinned him alive.

“Hmmm? What's that? Oh, silly me … I forgot I shut you up,” Jason patted his head before lowering a finger that stopped a few inches away from him. “Oh, I forgot to mention. You scream and I'll freeze you, again, and start skinning you, again, … starting from your balls. Capesh?”

The man nodded desperately and Jason tapped his chest allowing the man to speak again.

“Please…” the man begged. “Please, I'll tell you everything just stop … please.”

“Nah uh uh. Shhh … shhh,” Jason placed his finger on the man's lips to silence him. “Here, have a drink first. You know, wet your lips and parched tongue so I can hear you properly.”

Jason pushed a glass of water onto the man's mouth and the latter eagerly gulped it down, his thirst and hunger apparent considering that he had been locked up for days.

“Now, let's start off easy, who are you?” Jason watched with satisfaction as the man finished drinking before pulling a stool and sitting next to the man.

“I'm Nat-”

“Not your name, don't care about that. I meant who are you to them,” Jason leaned forward as he spoke in a lower voice. He already knew that this man was a figurehead and that something strange was occurring in the brothel.

“I'm- I'm their stand-in,” the man stuttered, visibly frightened at Jason's knowledge. “They- they don't like to show themselves, they- they're hidden, always hidden … I don't even know who they are.”

“What's their purpose? What are they hiding in the brothel?” Jason pressured him with more questions.

“Psychs,” the man whispered. “They're experimenting on Psychs.” [2]

“And Helen? Is she a test subject?” Jason asked with narrowed eyes.

“I don't know, I don't know who they experiment on. All I know is that it's a front for some secret Illuminati group, I swear!”

“Alright, I believe you,” Jason had secretly fed him some truth serum that was laced in the glass of water, so he knew that the man said everything he knew. “I'm curious though, how'd you know all this? Supposed to be all hush-hush if it's secret, right? Why'd they tell you?”

The man remained silent but Jason clapped his hands in realization.

“Ah, I get it. You accidentally found out right? And you were scared that they'd find out and kill you. No wonder you had all those extra securities all around your place. A shame though,” Jason had walked to his jacket while he spoke and pulled out a gun. “You're still going to die.”

“Wait, wait!” the man cried as he struggled to escape the hook that was digging into his shoulder. “You kill me, and they'll know something's up! They probably know something's wrong since I've been missing for days!”

“Now how would they know that?” Jason asked with a small smile. “You've been too busy, in bed with that new mistress of yours. In fact every day, the guards and maids can hear you two … frolicking. And best of all, your mistress gossips on how good you are whenever she leaves to get food for you,” as Jason continued, a look of horror and realization dawned on the man's face.

“No … it can't be …” the man muttered. What the man didn't know was that his new mistress only approached him to try and end him. At first, she thought of poisoning him and everyone around him, but she wasn't able to gain the man's trust. Eventually, an opportunity arrived in the form of Jason and she agreed to help the latter almost immediately when he knocked the pimp out.

“Oh, but it is,” Jason said as pointed the gun at the man's head. “What can I say? Your mistress is quite lovely. Bit of a pedo, though. After all, I'm only thirteen.”

Jason pulled the trigger and walked away without looking back, his killing intent rolling around him stagnating the very air.

I swear if they hurt her I will rip them to pieces. Jason thought as he quickly traveled back to Marreckh.

***

Jason arrived in front of the brothel and narrowed his eyes. Before he coming here, he had brought a hoodie and used a black scarf to cover his face except for his eyes. For extra measure, Jason placed a wolf mask over it as well. The mask was shaped like a wolf’s muzzle and it covered only his lower face but the effect was stunning when combined with his hooded face.

Jason walked into the brothel while loading his gun and found the lobby completely empty. Not a soul was nearby, be it a customer or a prostitute.

Hngh, they knew I was coming, He thought with a grunt. Oh well, it'll be more fun this way.

Jason used his enhanced senses to detect any enemies and found several armed men lying in ambush. Jason aimed and shot through the walls, accurately killing many and turning the ambush against them. Soon, he finished them all without breaking a sweat but frowned when he looked them over.

These goons were lightly armed without any armor, it was obvious that they were only grunts and expendable ones at that. Jason checked every floor but came up empty. He returned to the first floor and checked the room where the grunts were preparing in and studied it carefully.

Strange, He thought as he sniffed. A whiff of perfume covered by the scent of blood. Hmm, this is a woman's perfume, smells like … ah, that Madam Rosetta.

Jason followed the scent and realized it vanished behind a wall. Touching it lightly, he checked to see if there were any signs of it being a secret door but came up empty. He tapped the wall to determine it's thickness and realized that it would hurt if he tried to punch it, even with his abilities.

Huh, guess it's time to use this, Jason pulled out the gun Elizabeth gifted him with, the PHR, and checked the cylinder. Now, what was I supposed to do again?

Elizabeth explained to him that the weapon was actually weak because the amount of electricity needed to shoot the bullets at supersonic speed was not available in such a small weapon. Fortunately, Jason could use his ability to power the gun and charge it to full capacity. However, Elizabeth had warned him that the recoil of such a blast could potentially cripple him so she warned him never to actually use the weapon and had gifted it to him as a trophy.

Of course, Jason promised to never use it but here he was pouring his energy into the weapon as he aimed at the wall, his left hand holding the gun as his right forearm was placed over his left arm.

A flash of lightning nearly blinded him as the wall exploded, the sound of cement shattering deafened by the sonic boom that thundered one second after the shot was fired. The shockwaves of the sound barrier breaking lifted Jason and threw him backward and he spat blood out as he slammed into the wall behind him.

For a second, Jason fainted but the ringing hammering his head along with the bone breaking pain woke him up. The smell of charred flesh greeted him when he was able to shake the disorientation away. Looking down, he found an inch of the flesh in his left hand was well cooked by the intense heat that radiated out of the gun.

Along with that, his left shoulder was dislocated and with a snarl, he pushed it back before using his right hand to pull the PHR off his left hand. A chunk of meat was ripped off with the gun and Jason impassively threw the gun into a blackhole that merged from his side. At the same time, he used his ability to accelerate his regeneration ability.

That'll take about two days to heal, He thought. I don't have time. Screw it, I just need one hand to crush these insects.

Jason pulled a normal .12 caliber pistol from the blackhole and rushed into the room behind the hole. The blast was so strong that the steel rebars were bent sideways from the explosion.

As Jason entered the room, several people dressed in black body armor tried to stand up and help the injured, and many more were chunks of unidentifiable flesh so badly mangled that they didn't resemble a human anymore. Jason easily dispatched the surviving guards until only one was left. He charged at Jason but the latter sidestepped away and grabbed the sole survivor by the head and slammed it through a rebar. The guard's body twitched continuously as the bar, which had stabbed through his eye, came out from the back of the head while Jason casually walked away.

He stopped at a mangled corpse and took a device off of the dead body. He had observed that the armor was slightly different than the others and deduced that he was the captain. The little machine Jason took worked as a DNA scanner that would allow personnel to access this facility but it was encoded to only work on the captain.

Jason pulled a cord out of his watch and connected it to the scanner. After that, he opened a special program that he had compiled himself and opened it on a holographic screen. The black screen only had one word written on it in white: A.V.A.

“Copy the genetic signature and simulate it,” Jason ordered a voice command and the program accepted it, cracking through the encryption and unlocking the device to work with Jason's DNA.

Jason used the scanner to deactivate the security systems and entered the one-way elevator. The interior was white and it felt like it was sterilized. He looked around and felt anxiety grip his heart, he knew something was happening to Helen.

Loading his gun, he lifted himself up to the roof of the elevator and hung to it like a lizard, hiding from the doors that were opening. Before it fully opened, several shots from outside were fired. Jason closed his eyes as shards of glass scratched him and the sounds of metal being pierced rang below him. Soon, the firing stopped and he could hear the crunch of footsteps as the shooters slowly approached the elevator.

Before the first guard could enter, fell from his hiding spot and pushed the muzzle of the rifle away while simultaneously grabbed the knife sheathed in the guard's chest. In one fluid motion, he sliced the guard's throat and kicked him away. The force multiplied and the guard flew like bullet backward back into a crowd of other guards before exploding and killing most of them while stunning others nearby.

Jason threw both the pull ring and the knife in his hand towards two other guards. The pull ring stabbed straight through one's eyes while the knife pierced another's throat. At the same time, he aimed and fired at the remaining guards while taking cover behind a table.

A brief firefight ensured but soon after, the five guards that were still alive realized that Jason stopped returning fire. Slowly, they surrounded the table and charged in from both sides only to find it empty; Jason had disappeared. Behind them, the background flickered for a moment as Jason reappeared, slowly sneaking towards them without a sound.

Jason kicked a guard behind the knee, forcing him to kneel before using the guard's lowered head as a vault to launch himself sideways and kick another guard directly at the head. The strength of his grip crushed the first guard's head while the second flew backwards and didn't move again.

The remaining three aimed their rifles at Jason but the latter was at such a close range that the barrels interfered with their aim. Before any could react Jason stabbed one and used it as a shield before shooting another dead. He kicked the former at the last guard who stumbled while trying to aim at Jason. Unfortunately, Jason was a second faster and he shot the last guard straight through the head.

Jason groaned as he looked down at his left hand. During the fight, he had used it multiple times and by now the wound was so bad, he could see the pinkish whites of his bone. He grimaced while using his power to block the thalamus from sending signals to his somatosensory cortex, effectively cutting off any sensation of physical pain in his brain. His breathing calmed as he felt the unbearable pain in his hand fade away.

Jason walked past the corpses and entered through the door that guards were protecting and came across a large room that looked like the heart of the lab. In the center was a large computer and surrounding it were several researchers in lab coats, each working on their table or computer. Sighing, Jason looked around before checking his current ammo.

Yeah, I have enough, I think.

The researchers realized something wasn't right when he entered but blanked out when they saw Jason point the gun at them. Shooting repeatedly, Jason massacred them all in a few minutes, without a shred of guilt. His cold eyes resembled a dead person as he nonchalantly fired bullets at them while casually walking to the supercomputer but paused when he recognized one of the researchers.

Her looks were similar to Mona's, only her fair skin was not tanned. She had a gunshot wound on her stomach that slowly bled out while she lied on her back.

“Help me … please … don't do this,” she begged.

“Didn't they say the same thing? When you were cutting them up, didn't they beg too? Did you stop when you heard them?” Jason asked. The woman looked away and sobbed as blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

“Hmm, didn't think so,” Jason raised his gun and aimed it at the woman as she closed her eyes.

“Stop!” a voice screamed from nearby. Jason narrowed his eyes as he watched a familiar figure dash to the woman. “Mom …”

She sobbed as she held the bleeding researcher in her arms. Her blonde shoulder length hair enhanced her tanned features and she turned to glare at Jason.

“Mona,” Jason said calmly as Mona widened her eyes in realization; she had recognized him from his voice. “Been a while. How are you? How's life working out for you?”

“Fuck you, Jason,” she hissed. “You're trying to kill my mom and you act like everything's normal. The fuck is wrong with you?”

“Oh, you know,” Jason replied casually. “Just looking for Helen. You wouldn't happen to know where she is would you?”

“You killed all these people, my mom, for her? For a monster?” Mona spat out in a voice laced with venom.

“What do you mean?” Jason narrowed his eyes.

“You didn't know did you?” Mona asked gloatingly. “She's a Psych with time abilities.”

“What?” Jason was shocked for the first time. “That's impossible, you can't control time.”

“That's right, she can't control it but she can use it. She uses it passively, reversing the time flow by a year. This way she stays like a fourteen-year-old forever,” Mona shuddered as she continued. “She was fourteen since before I was born… can you imagine it? Seeing someone not age at all, if that's not a monster I don't know what is!”

“Oh, I know what a monster is,” Jason smiled as he grabbed Mona by the throat and used his other hand to remove his mask. “I would know since I'm the brother of that monster. And oh, lookie here, I'm more of a monster than her.”

Jason tightened the grip on her throat as he spoke, so much so that her tongue which was sticking on his hand. Her eyes bulged out but Jason refused to let go.

“And just to prove my point? Bang,” Jason used his left hand to shoot Mona's mom right in front of her. “Now, if I had time, I'd show you what a monster really is. See, I'd skin you alive, cut off bits of your body and feed it to you … then, I'd sell you off to some cannibals. Oh yes ... they're still around. Quite a bit in fact, haha, I've seen, fought, some in the rural areas on the American continent. You'd be perfect for them, wouldn't you say?”

Fear and regret crossed Mona's eyes and Jason didn't fail to notice it.

“Ah, there it is,” Jason said. “'This isn't fair, why did this happen to me, blah blah wah wah.' Sniffle, sniffle. Didn't you think that those people you experimented on, didn't they have the same thoughts?”

Jason dragged Mona to the center while slightly loosening his grip since he wished for her to retain her consciousness. He grabbed an autoinjector that was filled with an unknown drug and studied it.

“Well, consider this karma,” he said as he stabbed the autoinjector into her neck. Jason turned and walked to the computer, ignoring the spasming Mona that was going through a seizure.

Linking the A.V.A to the supercomputer, Jason bypassed the security and began accessing the files on what was being researched here. He opened the latest research report and skimmed through it.

Project Chimera: Donor designated as SB-a00 has demonstrated temporal energy that allows the subject to rejuvenate their body. Procedures to emulate such an ability has failed, however, the subject's organ has appeared to retain some of the energy... Following this discovery, tests involving transplanting the subject's organs into humans have resulted in unexpected results. The donor's organs have a 100% acceptance rate in it has been transplanted to … and the temporal energy has spread to cover the recipient's body ... Unfortunately, the energy remains dormant in every case except one … Recommend promoting the participant, now designated as C-09a, to cybernetic enhancements before authorities intervene…

Jason's mind spun, the anger and dismay he felt caused him to feel dizzy.

SB … that's Helen, isn't it? He thought as he walked unsteadily to the medical lab. They … they … I'm too late…

Jason walked into a room that was designed as an operating room, where two personals with the aid of robotics where cutting Helen. Jason's vision turned red and he grabbed a scalpel and started stabbing the two viciously. After that he flung a surge of electricity at the robotics, short-circuiting them before stumbling to Helen.

“Helen,” he whispered. Her left leg was gone and stitches on her stomach showed how much of her was gone. What was worse was that she was awake, the two doctors were preparing to anesthetize her.

“Jason, I'm so sorry,” she whispered. “I-”

“Don't talk, I'll get you out of here,” Jason said as he tried removing her restraints.

“It's too late, but I don't mind,” tears flowed from her eyes while Jason fought back his own.

“If I was faster if I just charged through instead of investigating…” different scenarios passed through Jason's mind as he spoke.

“It's not your fault,” Helen said as she held his hand in hers. “Besides, these past two weeks have been amazing. I was so … happy thanks to you. And that's more than I can ask for.”

“No mmm no, don't talk like that, you're not gonna die,” Jason shook his head. “I'm going to get you out and we'll find a way to help you get better.”

“Jason, look at me,” Helen whispered, her breathing became ragged as she struggled to speak. “I'm sorry for not … treating you like family. But you have to promise me... Promise me, that you won't kill ... anymore. Don't kill … at the expense … of your soul … promise me… Jason.”

“I promise. I'll promise you anything just don't lea- Helen stay with me … don't close your eyes, Helen?” Jason saw Helen close her eyes as the heart monitor started sounding out a long beep. “No Helen, open your eyes … don't … Helen … no… don't leave me … Helen...”

Jason's voice broke as he cradled her into his arms, tears streaming down his face as he sobbed.

***

Elizabeth avoided a patrol of armed soldiers that were securing the streets by hiding in the shadows. Two hours ago, an explosion rocked the entire city as the block where the brothel was located went up in flames. Officials were claiming it was a terrorist attack orchestrated by a group from Africa but Elizabeth knew this had something to do with Jason.

Seeing that he did not return to their apartment, Elizabeth activated a tracker that she hid in his watch and followed it to this location, an abandoned building. She located the room he was hiding in and burst through the door.

The flaming anger inside her was doused as soon as she saw him. His unyielding body was crumpled as he sat in a corner, his head held down as one knee was bent upwards.

“Jason? What happe- who… Who is that?” Elizabeth moved towards Jason but stopped when she noticed a lifeless body was lying on the bed. Her body was covered in a white sheet and her hands were placed atop each other. If it wasn't for the lack of breathing, Elizabeth would assume that she was sleeping peacefully.

“What's going on?” Elizabeth asked again.

Jason didn't respond. In fact, he hadn't moved a bit this entire time.

“This again,” she muttered. “Why didn't you tell me anything? Why won't you- you don't trust me, do you?”

Elizabeth was waiting for Jason to reply, she knew he was awake, his eyes were staring blankly at Helen before they focused on Elizabeth.

“Nothing? No explanation, no apologies?” she asked.

“For what?” Jason asked back.

“For-? Jason, are you listening to yourself?” Elizabeth knew that now wasn't the best time but her anger got the better of her. “You shut me off, refuse to even open yourself to me and now you're asking what's wrong? What's wrong is that I mean nothing to you!”

Jason didn't move his eyes from her as she turned around for a moment to wipe her eyes. She then turned to look back at him bitterly.

“I'm just not here among your priorities am I?” Elizabeth raised her hand to emphasize her meaning. “I'm just there for you, right? Nothing to appreciate or care for.”

“I do care for you,” Jason said after Elizabeth paused. “I never said I don't.”

“They why won't you let me in? Why are pushing me away?” Elizabeth asked as she stepped forward with a raised arm. “I told you, I'll always be there, so talk to me. Tell me what's going on.”

Jason hesitated but looked away, his head lowered as he refused to look at Elizabeth who stopped walking and had lowered her hand. She understood that his reaction was as good as saying no.

“Fine,” Elizabeth sighed with frustration and anger. “You know what, forget it, you fucking bampot. If you can't accept me then this isn't going to work.”

Elizabeth turned to walk away, pausing only at the door for a moment to see if Jason would stop her. Her heart stopped beating when she realized that he wasn't calling her to stop and she walked away without turning back.

Jason watched her go before he turned to look back at Helen. He wanted to stop Elizabeth from leaving but he couldn't express his emotions to her. He hadn't been able to trust anyone since the massacre in Budapest and that wouldn't change so quickly.

As he struggled with his emotions, Jason failed to notice that Helen's finger twitched for a moment. Underneath the sheets, marrow and bone were starting to form on her amputated leg. Slowly, fibers of muscles and meat covered it as a layer of skin formed. In minutes, her leg, as well as her body, was whole again.

Quietly, Helen opened her eyes and noticed the unfamiliar roof above her. Her sore muscles cried out in pain as she lifted herself from the bed.

“Where-?” Helen asked hoarsely as she looked around. Her eyes met Jason who was looking at her in shock and disbelief. “Um, hey there?”

“Helen? You … you're alive?” Jason whispered as he stood up.

He staggered to her, his eyes blurred with tears as he hoped that this wasn't an illusion. Helen tilted her head in bemusement as he silently touched her cheeks.

“You're real. You're alive,” Jason hugged her tightly as he cried in relief.

“Helen? Do you mean me?” Helen asked. Jason froze and pulled away to look at her closely. He noticed that she had no sign of recognizing him. “Who are you?”

Trapped in an endless cycle … caught in a year that always repeats… come next year and I'm whole again… with nary a thought to remember...

The words that the old fortuneteller said rang through his ears as he looked at Helen.

Age reverting back to a year, her losing memories of everything that happened during that year, He thought. It's a curse … a Curse of Eternal Youth. Just like my Curse … is it because she's my kin? Is this curse hereditary?

***

“Lizzy? I- can we talk?” Jason called out as he entered the apartment.

He was about to call out again when he realized that something felt odd. Looking around, he realized he couldn't see any of Elizabeth's clothing. He entered her bedroom but found it empty with none of her luggage. Only a letter remained on the dresser.

He opened the letter and despite knowing what it would say, he still read it.

Jason,

These past few months have been difficult. I knew this day would happen but I was hoping it wouldn't come this quickly. I love you, and I meant everything when I said I will always be by your side. But only as long as you're willing to accept me and learn to open your heart. Until then, I think it's better if we maintain our distance. I've taught you all that I know, but if you're willing, look for the caretaker in Druk Yerpa, he'll lead you to a monk's monastery. I know you've been looking at the unexplainable for a year now, and you'll learn something about it over there.

Take care now and goodbye,

Your Freya

Jason closed his eyes when he finished reading, a lump forming in his throat. His eyes were searing with half-formed tears as he looked around the empty room.

“Goodbye, Freya,” he whispered as he left the room.

[1] Dragonite: nickname for a new metal formed after the interstellar asteroid hit the moon

[2] Psych: an informal term for ESPers coming from the word Psychic