John was sipping coffee in the kitchen when Mika approached him, her expression haughty as always. Mika pretended as if John didn’t exist and poured herself a cup of coffee. John chuckled inwardly and returned to inspecting his A-comms, the communication device William had given him.
Mika was dressed in a black leather jacket and a pair of tight black jeans, accentuating her slender figure. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and her eyes were hidden behind a pair of black sunglasses. John thought she was trying too hard to look the badass part, but he didn’t mind it.
She sat down beside him and started flipping through a magazine.
"Hey, are you done yet?" Mika asked.
"Done with what?"
"Stop being a jackass and say something."
"What on Earth are you talking about?"
"Don’t play dumb with me. Just say something, anything."
"Okay, fine. What do you want me to say?"
"Anything, just stop ignoring me."
"I’m not ignoring you, Mika. I’m sitting right here, aren’t I?"
"Yeah, you are. And you’re not saying anything."
"I’m sorry. Did you want me to say something?"
"Yes, you idiot! Anything!"
"Like what?"
"Just...just...forget it."
John looked at her flaring nostrils and couldn’t hold it anymore, he burst into laughter, clutching his stomach.
"What’s so funny?!"
"You are, Mika. You’re hilarious. I can’t believe how worked up you got over nothing."
"It’s not nothing. You’re not talking to me."
John raised an eyebrow and smiled. The little android could be cute when she wanted to, John thought.
"Fine, fine. How would you like to learn to defend yourself?"
Mika’s eyes widened in surprise.
"Really? You would teach me?"
"Why not? Everyone should know how to defend themselves, especially in this new world."
"That sounds great! Thanks, assh—John!" Mika said, her voice filled with excitement.
"Great. Go get a weapon from Edward and meet me in the courtyard. I need to gather materials to expand our base. You’re coming with me."
"I would love to. I want to see the world. Maybe we can even go on an adventure," Mika said, her tone cheerful and light.
John couldn’t help but smile. Her usual haughty attitude was nowhere to be seen.
"Sure, we can make plans later. For now, let’s focus on self-defence."
Mika ran off with a skip in her step.
"I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this happy," John thought, a warm feeling spreading through his chest.
As he watched her go, he wondered if he could find a way to get closer to her. She was intriguing, and he wouldn’t mind spending more time with her. But that would have to wait. For now, he needed to focus on securing the power plant and expanding his base.
He waited in the courtyard for Mika, his thoughts drifting to the future. He hoped his plan would work, and that his community would thrive. He had long forgotten the empty cocoon that was his life before the apocalypse. Now, he was surrounded by a group of people who respected him and looked up to him. He had a sense of purpose, and he was determined to keep it that way.
Mika emerged, carrying a short sword that looked a bit too alien to be human-made.
"Ready?"
"Ready!"
"Okay, let’s do this."
They walked out of the base. John had yet to figure out the best place to look for materials. It wouldn’t matter how heavy the materials were, he could send it all into his inventory. Concrete could be found everywhere in the city, but he also needed wood and metal to build furniture. He could head out to the forest for wood, but it was too long a distance to go with Mika. That leaves metal, now where would he find a source of metal?
As they walked, Mika chattered non-stop about her plans to explore the world and her fascination with all things human. John didn’t mind, she was quite adorable.
They were passing by an old warehouse when they spotted a group of scavengers.
"What the hell are you doing here? This is my territory. Get out of here before I gut you like a fish," the leader growled.
John smirked, "really? Your territory? That’s cute."
"What the fuck did you say?" the man growled.
"I said, ’your territory?’ Come on, man. We’re just passing through. Let’s talk about this rationally," John said, his tone even and calm.
"Talking? Fuck that. We’re gonna fight, and I’m gonna kick your ass."
"Fine, if that’s how you want it, so be it."
The two men squared off, their fists raised.
"I’ve got this," Mika said, brandishing her sword.
"No, stay back," John said, his voice firm.
Mika looked at him, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Stay back, Mika. You’ll get your turn," John repeated, his eyes locked on the man.
"Whatever," Mika muttered, stepping back.
The two men exchanged blows, their movements quick and fluid. The leader was a skilled fighter, but John was faster. He dodged a punch and delivered a quick jab to the man’s chin. The other man’s body began growing until he looked like a giant mass of muscle.
"Fuck you!" the man screamed, lunging towards John.
John dodged and the man’s fist slammed the hard concrete, leaving a crater.
"Nice Skill," John said, his heart racing.
The man turned around and charged at John, his movements slow and sluggish.
"Come on, hit me!" the man taunted, his face twisted into a sadistic grin.
John sidestepped and the man stumbled, his momentum carrying him forward.
"What the hell are you doing, John?" Mika cried, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"Stay back," John warned, his tone firm.
The man growled and launched himself at John, his massive fist almost connecting with John’s chest. John swung his Venomlash and venom spread through the man’s massive arm.
The man screamed in pain and fell to the ground.
"What the hell was that?" the leader cried, his voice filled with agony.
"Just a little trick," John said, smiling.
John propelled himself forward with a Shockwave and summoned his Shadow Claw. He sliced the man’s neck, the venom seeping into his bloodstream and causing him to pass out.
"Had enough?" John asked, his eyes scanning the surrounding area.
"We surrender. Just don’t kill us," one of the scavengers said, his voice trembling.
"Very well. You’re free to go," John said, dismissing the group.
"Why didn’t you let me fight?" Mika hissed, her hands on her hips.
"You are not ready," John replied, his voice calm.
"Fuck you! I can handle myself."
"I know you can, but not against these guys."
Mika threw a fit but John tuned her out and surveyed the warehouse. He grinned as he saw all the old machinery. This would do for now and with a little concrete, he could return and finally expand the base. They desperately needed a few more quarters, they couldn’t all sleep in the same room forever.
New novel chapters are published on freewёbn૦νeɭ.com.