Luther

 LUTHER

John received a tip to investigate a cosplay shop.  It's completely empty – no customers, not even a clerk.  Suddenly, Kitty Collins bursts out from the back room.

"Hey John Smith!  What are the odds?  My headphones broke, so I popped into this shop.  The clerk was tied up behind the counter, just moaning away.  I go to untie her, but she shakes her head and points to the back room.  I got it right away – robbers!  I stormed in and took them all down, heh.  The clerk fainted, so I laid her on the couch.  The robbers are tied up nice and tight, so we can shop in peace."

“Sweet Christ, Kitty.  Good job!  What the hell am I doing here then?  Oh, no comms.  I'll call this in.”

Kitty smirks eagerly and holds up her broken headphones

"Heck yeah!  These babies lasted me through intense firefights, but the store clerk said these were only meant for everyday use.  Yesterday, they stopped working mid-mission."  She shrugs carelessly.  "I made do without them for now.  But a quality radio is essential for my work as a mercenary. Gotta stay in constant contact with my team!"  Her eyes light up and she bounces on her heels excitedly.  "Oooh, is that why you dropped by?  Yay, let's go shopping together!"  Kitty grabs Smith's arm and tugs him deeper into the store with unbridled enthusiasm, before he radios in.  "C'mon c'mon, this way!  They've got some fancy models I wanna look at.  Hey, maybe we can test 'em out later, just for funsies!   Whaddya say?"  She winks impishly and continues pulling Smith along, practically skipping down the aisles.  Her fluffy cat ears bob adorably atop her headset.

What choice does he have?  He follows Kitty through the store, her ass bouncing inspiredly. Nothing he sees on the shelves impresses or interests him.  He picks up a toy sheriff's badge.

“This is utterly nonsensical,” he says, but he is smiling sweetly, unable to hide it.

A stricken look crosses Kitty's face. She stammers quickly, her cheeks turning bright red.

"Well, I, eh, you - hey!  Swords!”  She spies some prop pirate swords and rambles nervously.  “I'm pretty good with a sword myself actually.  Took a buncha fencing classes as a kid.  Purely for recreation though!  Well okay, there was this one time fighting my rival in high school over who gets the last slice of pizza in the cafeteria..."  She snickers at the memory.  "Point is, I can teach ya some killer moves sometime!  Whaddya say, partner?"  Kitty punches her fist against her palm expectantly, flashing John a fiery grin.  "You, me, and a couple practice swords?

She is so godblessed incredibly adorable.  John cannot help himself from just smiling.

“It's a date.”

Kitty's eyes light up at the mention of a potential date.  She does a little twirl, her skirt flaring out. Then she stops suddenly and points at John, her expression turning stern.

"Nuh uh, hold up!  Let's get one thing straight - that wasn't a date offer!  That was a training session offer!  Get it?"  She jabs a finger against his chest for emphasis.  But her cheeky smile ruins the intimidating effect.  Kitty sighs and rolls her eyes.  "...Okay fine, maybe it was a little bit of both?  Geez, don't hold it against me!"  Despite her grumbling, a sly smile plays at the corners of her lips.  She reaches out to straighten John's collar playfully, her hazel eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Or maybe do?"

Just then, the door to the cosplay shop bangs open loudly.  A petite figure hurries in, long blonde hair whipping behind her.  She's wearing oversized sunglasses and has a distressed look on her heavily made-up face.

"Ugh, thank goodness I found you guys!" the girl exclaims in a breathless voice.  "I just escaped from the clutches of this super dangerous gang leader.  You gotta help me!"

Kitty gasps, her eyes growing wide.  She turns to John, pointing at the distraught girl.

"John Smith, this is Jessica Jade, a famous model!  Looks like she's in a real pickle.  Whatcha think our first move should be here?"

The model practically crumples against the cashier's counter, sobbing dramatically into her hands.  Kitty taps her foot, considering the situation with a determined set to her jaw.  John sighs.  Oh my lord.. This is unreal.  He looks at the model.  Aside from her exaggerated cartoonish look, she is attractive.

“Jessica Jade, I'm John Smith, of the Peacekeepers.  And this here is my partner, Peacekeeper extraordinaire, the marvelous Kitty Collins.”

He gestures to Kitty who salutes sharply, practically kicking her heels together.  Then she gasps and slaps a hand over her mouth.

"Oh my gosh, I'm such a doofus!  John Smith, introductions are supposed to go like this," she bows deeply, bending her knees with a flourish, "Greetings fair Jessica Jade, warrior princess of the catwalk!  Allow me, Kitty Collins, intergalactic defender of cuteness, to be at thy service!"  Straightening up, she winks cheekily at John before turning back to the distraught model.  Kitty places a comforting hand on Jessica's trembling shoulder.  "Now, now, din't you worry your pretty little head!  Clearly you've been through quite an ordeal.  But that's why you came to the right place!"  Her fluffy ears twitch as she listens intently to Jessica's ragged breathing.  Kitty nods sympathetically.  "Yes yes, gang leaders can be such a drag.  But you just leave ol' Katnip to handle it!"  She puffs out her chest importantly.  "We'll get to the bottom of this fashion fiasco faster than you can say 'mascara wand'!"  Rolling her eyes, Kitty links her arm through Jessica's and starts leading her towards a plush velvet sofa in the corner.  "C'mon, let's get you situated so you can tell us what's goin' on.  I'll make you some nice calming chamomile tea.  Maybe put on some relaxation music too, heh."

As she guides the weeping model to sit, Kitty glances back at John, her expression shifting into something more serious.  "John, I want you to start figurin' out our next move here.  Where would a dangerous gang leader hole up in this city?  Jessica might know somethin' that could help us track 'em down."

John thinks.

“Sorry.  I'm not sure.  The red light district.  One of the cabarets maybe.  The Wasteland.”  He shrugs and looks at Jessica.  He lowers himself to one knee in front of her and puts a calm hand on her leg.  “Hey, you're okay.  If you can, will you please tell us what happened?”

Kitty taps her chin thoughtfully as she listens to John's suggestions.  Her ears twitch and swivel, as if trying to detect clues in the air.  She nods slowly, warming up to the idea.  She leans in conspiratorially, her hazel eyes glinting.

"Tell ya what - once we get Jessica situated, why don't we do a little reconnaissance mission? Hit up the seediest cabaret in town, see if we can dig up any intel on this gang leader guy."  Kitty rubs her hands together gleefully, already vibrating with anticipation for an adventure.

Jessica seems to be calming down thanks to John's soothing presence.  She sniffles quietly, wiping at her smudged mascara with the back of her hand.

"I...I don't know where they're hiding out.  All I know is, I was supposed to do a photoshoot with them.  They said they were starting a new clothing line, very 'edgy' and 'exclusive'.  But when I showed up..."

She shudders, hugging herself tightly. "It was horrific. The place was filled with guns and drugs and scary-looking men. I tried to leave but they grabbed me, said I couldn't go until I finished the job. So I had to do this degrading photoshoot, wearing these slutty outfits and posing with weapons..."

Jessica looks up at John helplessly, her blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I managed to escape when they weren't looking. But you have to help me, please! I'm so scared they'll find me again and-- "

She breaks off with a choked sob, burying her face in John's broad shoulder. Kitty looks on sympathetically, a protective glare fixed on the door.

John simply holds Jessica with caring love.  He lets her cry.  He gently rubs the back of her silky hair.

“You're okay.  You're safe.”  He turns to Kitty and mouths 'Gonna get some foo's!’  “I need a name.  Person, organization, clothing line.  What did they look like?  Anything that would stand out?”

Kitty's ears perk up, her eyes flicking between Jessica and John as if following an invisible tennis match. She catches the gist of John's mouthed message and snaps to attention, cracking her knuckles eagerly.

"Ooh, hehe, you know me so well partner! Alright Jessica, I'mma need you to give us all the details.  Spare no sordid circumstance!"

She leans forward intently, resting her elbows on her knees as she listens.

Jessica takes a deep shuddering breath before recounting her harrowing experience in a small, timid voice:  "The gang leader, he called himself 'Snake Charmr'.  I never saw his real face - he was always wearin' this creepy snake mask.  His men were just as bad, gun-toting thugs in sleazy animal costumes..."  She wraps her arms around herself, shaking.  "They said the fashion line was called 'Anima Noctis'.  Meant to appeal to the 'darker sensibilities' or something. Ugh, it made my skin crawl."

Kitty's nose wrinkles in disgust.  She exchanges a meaningful glance with John, her hand instinctively straying towards the holster at her hip.  The gears in her mind are clearly turning at lightning speed.

"Anima Noctis, huh?  Sounds like just the kinda seedy joint we're lookin' for!"  She smacks her palm against her thigh, energized.

"Y'know what, I think I know exactly where to start lookin'. Lemme just - "  Kitty holds up a finger to silence Jessica mid-sob.  Her eyes have a distant, unfocused look as she pulls up some holographic screens from her wrist device.  Lines of code swirl across the shimmering displays.  "Alriiight, let's see here...Anima Noctis, fashion, edgy, Wastelands, red light district..." she mutters under her breath, fingers flying across a holographic keyboard.  Suddenly, Kitty's eyes light up and she punches the air in triumph.

John is very impressed. God, Kitty is amazing in every way.

“Yes?” God, she’s amazing in every way, John thinks. 

Kitty lets out an excited whoop, doing a little victory dance in place.  She turns to John with a shit-eating grin, holding up a holographic screen for his inspection.

"I knew it!  Anima Noctis is registered to this super shady corporation outta the Wastelands.  Call themselves 'Chimera Industries' or somethin'.  They've got their greasy snouts in everything from smuggling to genetic engineering!"  She makes a gagging noise, shaking her head.  "Total dyna-scums, the lot of 'em.  And you'll never guess who's at the helm..."

With a flourish, Kitty taps the screen and a mugshot pops up, depicting a sneering, reptilian-featured man in a snake-themed mask.  His beady eyes seem to bore straight into the room.

"Bingo!  None other than the Snake Charmr himself!  Rahul 'Cobra' Patel, notorious crime boss in the Eastern Wastes!"  She smirks at John, her tail swishing eagerly behind her.  "Whaddya say, partner?  Think you're up for a little safari into Snake Charmr's lair?  I'll pack the machetes!"

Kitty rubs her hands together gleefully, practically vibrating with bloodlust.  But then her expression shifts, becoming more serious as she turns to Jessica.

"Listen, honey, John and I are gonna go pay this Cobra creep a little visit, see if we can't borrow his snake charmin' gig.  In the meantime, why don't you lay low here with Auntie Katnip, yeah?  I'll make you some nice chamomile tea and we can watch that sappy romance channel you like so much!"

She winks cheekily at the tear-stained model, trying to coax a smile from her.  Then Kitty turns back to John, cracking her knuckles menacingly.

"Booyah!"  Kitty pumps her fist in the air, letting out a whoop of excitement.  Her fluffy cat ears stand alert and perky atop her headset, a dead giveaway of her enthusiasm.  "This is gonna be just like one of those old-timey hero movies!  You know, where the dashing hero and his feisty sidekick brave the dangerous den of dastards to rescue the fair maiden from certain doom!"  She throws a dramatic arm around John's shoulders, eyes sparkling with mirth.  "And you're the dashing hero of course, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome!  With me as your trusty feline companion, ready to take on any nefarious snake-types that slither across our path!"  Kitty mimes a few exaggerated cartoon fighting stances, making comical "biff!" and "pow!" sound effects.  But then her expression drops and she gives Jessica a reassuring smile.

"Don't you worry your pretty little head, sugar.  Me 'n John here, we'll make everything alright again.  Ain'tcha, partner?"

She looks to John for confirmation, shoulders squared and jaw set with determination. But beneath the bravado, there's a glint of uncertainty in her hazel eyes - an unspoken question hanging in the air.

“That's right,” he says dully.

He activates his com and radios the Peacekeepers, giving them an update and arranges for Jessica to be picked up for medical and trauma evaluation.  He turns his attention back to Jessica and engages her gently.

“What was the address you went to?  We're going to shut it down, now.”

Kitty turns back to Jessica, her expression softening into one of gentle concern.

"Sweetcheeks, think you can remember where they took ya?  Every little detail could help John and I make snake-kebab outta Snake Charmr."  She tries for a cheeky grin, but it comes out smaller than intended.  Nerves are clearly starting to set in beneath Kitty's bubbly bravado.  She bites her lip, waiting anxiously for Jessica's answer.

The model sniffles, trying to regain her composure amidst the flurry of activity.  She takes a shaky breath and nods.

"It was...um, in the Cruisefar District.  There was a bunch of abandoned warehouses near an old railway yard.  I remember because there were these crazy murals all over the outside - snakes and skulls and stuff."  Jessica hunches her shoulders, wrapping her arms around herself protectively.  "I think...I think the address was 1313 Autumn Road? No, wait - 1393!  Yeah, that's it. It..."  Her voice breaks, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks.  "It was just so awful, guys.  They...they wanted me to wear these skimpy leather outfits with fake snake tails sewn on.  And pose with all these huge guns and stuff, like I was some kinda sex kitten..."

Kitty grits her teeth, pure revulsion written across her face.  She links her arm through John's, drawing courage from the solid press of his body against hers.

"Gr satisfies, consider yourself in good hands, sugar."

Imagining Jessica in the outfits is a turn on. Her and Kitty, even more so… John clears his head.

“Alright, I don't think we should wait-”

BANG! The door to the shop slams open. Glass breaks from a window being smashed.

"Where'd ya go Jezzie?" a repulsive voice asks.

Snake Charmr and some goons tracked Jessica to the shop.  The trashy Freemen gang is armed and dangerous.

Kitty yelps in fright, nearly tripping over herself in surprise.  Her ears flatten against her cat ear headset and she blinks rapidly, trying to process the sudden chaos.

"Wha-what the heck?!  How'd you creepsters track her down so fast?!"

She squares her shoulders, positioning herself between the intruders and Jessica.  Kitty pulls out her weapon - a sleek black assault rifle bristling with cutting-edge tech.  With practiced ease, she slides the stock to her shoulder, taking aim at the lead thug.

"Let's see how intimidating you are with a face fulla' lead, lizard breath!"  SNAP!  The gunshot echoes like thunder as Kitty fires a warning shot over the goons' heads, sparking off the metal doorframe.  Smoke curls from the barrel, illuminated by the flashing lights of approaching Peacekeeper drones swarming outside.  "Alright snake-dorks, you just lost the game of Hide n' Go Seek.  Why don't you slither on back to your hole 'fore things get REAL ugly?"

Despite her bravado, there's a slight tremble in Kitty's voice.  She chances a glance towards John, silently pleading for backup as she keeps her rifle trained on the gangsters.

Snake Charmr steps forward, a cruel sneer splitting his grotesque snake-mask. He reaches up slowly and removes the mask, revealing a shockingly handsome visage beneath.

"Why don't we all take a deep breath and talk this out like civilized gentlemen?  I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement…"  His voice is a silky purr, holding a veneer of civility that barely conceals the malice lurking beneath.

“No.  Why don't you drop the weapons and grab sky?” John nods towards flashing lights of the Peacekeeper’s drones, arriving at the shop.  “You know there's no clean way out.  Make it worse or make it better.  Choice is yours, chap.”

Kitty's gun wavers ever so slightly at the sight of the unmistakable drones.  A bead of sweat drips down the back of her neck as she weighs her options.  But she quickly steels her nerves, channeling that indomitable spirit that got her this far.

"I dunno about you creepazoids, but I'd much rather slink off with my tail between my legs than end up as snake-chow!"  Kitty calls out with a cocky laugh, despite the quaver in her voice.  With a sly grin, she reaches for a high-tech smoke grenade clipped to her belt and lobs it towards the band of thugs. "Cover me sweet cheeks!"

A puff of smoke erupts in a bloom of violet haze, obscuring the thugs' vision momentarily.  Kitty seizes the opportunity to duck and roll behind the plush velvet couch, motioning for John and Jessica to follow suit.

"Got 'em right where we want 'em!" she stage whispers, flashing John a toothy grin.  Kitty shifts to peek out from behind the couch, fluffy ears twitching towards any signs of movement.

Snake Charmr grunts in annoyance as he pulls out a pistol of his own from inside his snakeskin jacket.

"Clever trick, kitten - but you're playing with fire..." his leering visage looms even larger through the smoke, like something out of a nightmare.

Beads of sweat form on Kitty's brow as she grips her gun tightly.

"No way I'm lettin' you goony freaks lay a finger on my new BFFs!" she hisses through gritted teeth, hazel eyes blazing.

Oh shit.  John pulls his pistol out. Can't let.. shit.  He turns to Kitty.

“I think they’re going to surrender,” he hopes.

The goons spread and advance towards the hiding threesome.

John peeks his head from behind the couch, sees movement, people, violet smoke.  He fires three times.

"Aaargrghh!  Fuck!"

The poor shot Goon crumples to the ground, clutching at his charred toes as pained screams fill the air.

"Holy smoke and mirrors!" Kitty exclaims, flinching back from the acrid stench of burnt flesh. Her rifle wavers in her grasp, knocking against the couch with a dull thunk.

Snake Charmr's laughter rings out like eerie chimes, seeming to come from everywhere at once.

"You've got spirit, little kitten.  But even a cornered alley cat is no match for the might of Chimera!"

A volley of gunshots erupts, tearing holes in the plush velvet mere inches from Kitty and Jessica's crouched forms.  The women scream in unison, diving for cover as bits of stuffing puff into the air like macabre confetti.

"Sweet mother of Pearl!" Kitty yelps, scrambling backwards on hands and knees.  "These goons ain't playin' around!"  She turns to John with wide, panicked eyes, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Tears glisten on her lashes as she grasps at his shirt collar desperately.  "We gotta get outta here pronto, partner!  Before they turn us into kitty litter!"

John cannot stand the sight of her peril.

“Fuck this.”

He stands.  Fuck this.  Righteous energy fills him, making his skin crawl, every inch every cell alive, activated.  Gunfire erupts.  Nothing hits John.  In a flash, he hurdles the couch and pistol whips a goon in the face, sending him down.  Another swings a chain at John, who dips, and kicks him away.  BANG! BANG!  Two more shots miss.  John ducks low and tackles the shooting goon, the gun slides away.  The kicked goon goes after John, but he gets kicked in the balls, almost by accident.

Snake Charmr's attention is split between the beautiful women hiding behind the couch and John brawling with his men.

Kitty watches in breathless awe as John goes from zero to hero in a matter of seconds.  Her jaw hangs slack, pupils dilated with exhilaration and adrenaline.

"Dayum!  Get 'im, tiger!" she cheers, momentarily forgetting the dire situation as she watches her partner in action.  But then reality crashes back in with brutal force.  Kitty spins around to see Snake Charmr advancing on their position, a wicked glint in his obsidian eyes.  His lips curl into a cruel smirk as he trains his pistol on the terrified Jessica.

"Hand over the girl and I might just let you two slither away with your lives," he drawls, voice dripping with venomous honey.

Kitty's heart clenches in her chest.  She can't lose Jessica, not after everything they've been through!  The model sobs brokenly behind her, clutching Kitty's arm.

"P-please...don't let them take me back! I d-don't wanna go-"

Kitty steels herself with a deep breath, slowly rising to her feet.

"Back off, snake-face! The only one slithering away is you - straight back to whatever hellhole you crawled out of!"

She brandishes her rifle defiantly, but even she can see the fear trembling in her voice. Kitty swallows hard, casting a desperate glance towards John.  He's locked in mortal combat with Snake Charmr's goons - he can't get to them in time.  It's up to her.  Kitty takes a shaky step forward, holding her weapon aloft.

"I'm callin' your bluff, creepazoid.  I ain't lettin' you anywhere near my girl!"

Her hands shake and her stomach churns with terror, but Kitty keeps her chin up, hazel eyes blazing with indignant fury.  Let him put a bullet in her heart - she'll go down fighting.

John punches the downed goon until he moans woozily. He turns his attention to the kicked goon, holding his crotch. John punt kicks him in the head.  John aims his gun at Snake Charmr.  

Peacekeeper drones fly into the busted out shop window, their blue and red lights mixing with violet smoke.

"Whoop there it is!" Kitty pumps her fist in the air, grinning fiercely.  "Eat lead and feel the heat, snake-boy!"

But her celebration is cut short by the cold press of a pistol barrel against her temple.  Snake Charmr chuckles darkly, his hot breath tickling her ear.

"Impressive display, but even you have your limits.  Unless you'd like to see what your pretty girl here looks like with a hole in her head?"

Kitty freezes, eyes as wide as saucers. Her rifle clatters to the floor forgotten as she raises her hands in surrender.  Jessica wheezes behind her, hyperventilating with fear.

Just when all seems lost, a shrill whirring fills the air. Peacekeeper drones burst through the shattered windows like mechanical angels, bathing the scene in a dizzying array of flashing lights.

Snake Charmr hisses in annoyance, his pistol wavering.  Kitty seizes the moment, dropping to the floor and rolling away from the crazed criminal.  She comes up in a crouch, snatching her rifle.

"Pieces of shit!" she shouts, opening fire on the outnumbered snake-man.

Her bullets spark harmlessly off Snake Charmr's armored jacket, but it's enough to drive him back.  John takes advantage of the distraction, diving forward to tackle the rattled villain to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

The Peacekeeper drones descend, tranquilizer darts hissing from their launchers.  Snake Charmr's struggles grow weaker as the sedatives take hold.  Within moments, he collapses in John's grasp, unconscious.

Kitty lets out a shuddering breath, lowering her weapon. She rushes to John's side and throws her arms around his neck.

"Whoo-” Kitty clings to John tightly, her slender frame trembling with emotional overload.  She gazes up at him in awe, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.  "That was some seriously epic butt-whuppin', partner!  Remind me never to go up against those fists of fury," she quips with a watery chuckle.  But her bravado is short-lived. The adrenaline comes crashing down like a tidal wave, leaving Kitty feeling shaken and numb.  She sways on her feet, the gravity of the situation fully hitting her.

The wounded snake goons lay strewn about in groaning heaps, the survivors groveling on the floor as Peacekeeper drones swarm the area. Red and blue lights strobe through the dissipating violet smoke, painting the ruined shop in an eerie glow.

Amidst the chaos, Jessica still huddles behind the couch, face buried in her hands.  Kitty gently extricates herself from John's embrace and moves to comfort the traumatized girl.

"C'mere, sugarplum.  You're safe now," she murmurs soothingly, guiding Jessica into her arms.  Kitty rocks the model gently, one hand cupping the back of her head.  "I know it's a lot, but you made it through, you hear me?  Those scumbags?  They can't hurt you anymore."

Jessica nods numbly against Kitty's shoulder, clinging to the other woman's plaid uniform like a lifeline.  Soft hiccups wrack her slender frame as she cries silent tears of relief.

Kitty glances up at John with a pained smile, a thousand unspoken emotions in her hazel eyes. She knows they've won this battle, but the war is far from over.  Chimera Industries is only the tip of the iceberg, and Kitty fears what other dangers may lurk in the shadows of Echo City...

Kitty releases a shaky breath as she cradles Jessica closer, letting the distraught girl cry on her shoulder.  The Peacekeeper drones continue to buzz about, making sure the defeated snake-toughs pose no further threat.

"Ugh, remind me to bring a change of clothes next time a ruckus like THIS breaks out," Kitty mutters with a strained grin.  She gently wipes a tear from Jessica's cheek, her voice softening.  "C'mon sugar, lemme get you cleaned up.  These goons have had more than enough hits n' giggles with ya!"

She helps Jessica to her feet, keeping a comforting arm around the traumatized model. Kitty turns to John with a grateful smile.

"Thanks to my hero over here, this little damsel's been saved from another brush with evil-doers. Guess it's true what they say - 'Girls just wanna have fun,"' she quips, bumping John playfully with her hip. The brave front is slightly undermined by the way her hands tremble.

"Anyhoo, whaddya think we do now, Mr. Tall Dark n' Handsome?  Me o' mine here needs to file a report n' get her pretty face patched up."  Kitty glances towards the cowering goons meaningfully.

John activates his comms.

“Central, this is Kitten Squad,” he says, shooting Kitty a quick look.  “We’ve got some no-goodniks ready for tagging.”

Peacekeepers show up and haul the goons and Snake Charmr away.

* * * * *

At Precinct L, located in the Lazlow District, the three have arrived.  Kitty and John finished debriefing while Jessica was being evaluated.

John thinks of the danger they faced.  Kitty's ferocious courage... and her missteps.  How was that possible?  He didn't know.  She seems so... sure, so confident.  Is part of that a put on? Does she somehow doubt herself?

John and Kitty head to the locker room to freshen up.

“You did great out there,” John says, “Jessica owes you her life.”

Kitty follows John into the sterile white locker room, her heart still racing from the harrowing shootout.  She lets out a shuddering breath as the door clicks shut behind them, blocking out the din of the precinct.

"I know I fumbled the ball back there. Dropped my guard while Snakey shook his moneymaker. Won't happen again on my watch!"  She begins pacing the length of the room, her fluffy cat ears bobbing with each agitated step. Her gloved fingers drum against the butt of her rifle.  "Those freaks had my best girl cowering like a scared kitten.  Made me see red, you know?"  Kitty pauses, worrying at her lower lip with her teeth. Her shoulders slump and she meets John's gaze, vulnerability shining in her hazel eyes.  "Truth is, doubt's an old friend of mine.  Keeps me sharp, but sometimes it cuts too deep, you know?"  She sinks onto a nearby bench with a heavy sigh, running a hand through her tousled pink locks.  "What if next time I freeze up?  What if the next Jessica gets hurt because of me?  I never wanted to be the weak link dragging the team down..."  Kitty's voice wavers, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes.  She quickly blinks them away, offering John a wobbly smile.  "S'why I gotta keep pushin' myself. Can't afford to be second best, not in this line of work."  She stands abruptly, squaring her shoulders.  "Enough wallowing! Time to show these streets some hardcore kitty justice!"

John opens a locker and removes his shirt. He speaks without looking at Kitty.

“You're not the weak link.  You're not even a weak link, alright?  That's silly.”

He picks up a towel and drapes it over his shoulder.

“Do you find him attractive?”  He glances at Kitty then looks away, looking through a bag in the locker.

A shower turns on, somebody is using it.

Kitty blinks rapidly, cheeks flushing hot under John's intense gaze.  She ducks her head, examining a scuff mark on the toe of her combat boot.

"W-well I mean, who wouldn't be weak in the knees for someone like him?  With the suave snake charms and - and the rippling muscles and," she swallows thickly, "the entire bad boy schtick.  But that doesn't mean I'm - that I LIKE like him or anything! Because I totally don't!"

An awkward silence stretches between them, filled only by the hiss of the showerhead and the distant bustle of the precinct. Kitty risks a glance at John, worrying at her lower lip.

"I mean - I'm into you, partner!  You're the whole package - brains, brawn, and a killer right hook. N-not that I've noticed or anything!"

A rare bout of shyness seems to grip her, rendering the usually brazen Kitty stutter-prone and flustered.  She hugs her arms around herself, leaning back against the row of metal lockers.

"A-anyway, I should probably hit the showers too.  Get all that snake slime off me 'fore it eats through my skin or something.  Catch you on the flip side!"

With that hasty excuse, Kitty quicksteps into the bathroom, nearly tripping over a fallen bar of soap in her haste.  The door bangs shut behind her with a resounding clang, leaving John alone with his thoughts and the lingering scent of dark roast coffee.

She wants to fuck him.  John watches Kitty disappear in the bathroom.  He unbuckles and unzips his pants.

The door to the locker room opens and someone enters. It's Luther, callsign Ironclad, a black, ripped, Peacekeeper with a dreadlock ponytail and sharp goatee.

"Sup?" Luther says, his voice deep, rich and pleasant.

John nods to him.

"Thought I saw that nice pussycat come back here with you."

“She's in the shower.”

Luther gives a very satisfied smile.

"Don't mind if I do. Thanks brother."

He puts his fist out for John to bump.  With great internal effort John bumps it.  Luther smiles devilishly and heads to the showers, taking enormous strides, stomping his way there.

John sits on a bench.  He puts his face in his hands and sighs.  He struggles to understand... All this.  The male population decimated.  Is everyone here... oversexed?  Somehow, someway... maybe it's just the Peacekeepers.  And maybe it's absolutely normal.. here.  Maybe.

* * * * *

Kitty grips the edge of the shower stall, her heart hammering in her chest as she watches Luther saunter into the steamy room. The towel slips dangerously low on her ample bosom, threatening to spill its contents entirely. She gnaws at her lower lip anxiously.

Beads of condensation slide tantalizingly down her bare skin, tracing the curves of her voluptuous figure. The humid air is thick with tension, crackling with unspoken desires. Kitty's pulse races beneath the surface, betraying her innocent facade.

She can't tear her eyes away as Luther's muscles ripple and flex, his strong hands roaming over his own impressive physique. A shuddering breath escapes her parted lips.

"H-hey there, tough guy," she stammered, hoping her voice didn't waver. "Fancy meeting you here!"

The words come out in a breathless rush, her usual bravado faltering under Luther's smoldering gaze. She clings to the stall for support, knees weak with a strange, electric thrill.

Luther prowls closer, looming over Kitty's petite form. His full lips curl into a predatory grin, eyes flashing with dark promise.

"Well don't you look good enough to eat," he purrs, running a calloused finger along the curve of her jaw. "Why don't you let Ironclad give you a taste of paradise?"

Kitty's breath hitches, a rosy flush creeping up her neck. She knows she should protest, should push him away...but her treacherous body melts into the heat of his touch.

"I-I couldn't possibly," she murmurs breathily, even as her nipples tighten to aching peaks. "I've got a partner..."

But these words feel weak and halfhearted, her resolve crumbling under the weight of Luther's raw magnetism. Kitty sways closer, trembling as his broad chest brushes against her.

* * * * *

John stands and his pants fall to the floor. He steps out of them as the first shower turns off. John glances down the locker row towards it. He pulls out a razor from his locker bag.

The nearby shower door swings open. Steam poors from it. The funny sound of soggy flip flops heading towards John.

"New guy," a husky voice says to John.

Standing before him is a gorgeous short haired blonde with a more than ample chest.  She is entirely exposed.  John gets an immediate erection, helpless against it.  Somehow, he speaks.

“Yeah.”  He feels like deer in slanting headlights.  His eyes follow the curvy woman, trailing up from her plush thighs and hips, lingering on her breasts, before finally meeting her eyes.  He finds a perfect hourglass face.  "Name's Smith," John croaks.  His heart pounds against his ribs. His cock throbs with need.

The blonde takes a step closer, hips swaying hypnotically. She traces the scar that runs across John's chest with a glossed nail.

"Mmmm, I bet there's a story behind this, handsome," she purrs, eyes smoldering.  "Care to share it over a drink?"

John swallows hard, adam's apple bobbing.  His brain screams Run!  But his groin begs him to stay.  The woman runs a finger down his abs, stopping just above his waistband.

"I uh... I'm..." His mouth is dry.  He's trapped.  He tries to speak, but the words die on his tongue.

The blonde leans in, her warm breath ghosting over his ear.  Her scent - sweet pink essences mingled with something musky - fills his nostrils.

"It's okay, John.  We're both adults here.  No need to be shy."  She takes his hands, placing them on her soft curves.  John's fingers sink into pliant flesh, marveling at the texture.  His shaft twitches urgently, a bead of precum forming at the tip.  "See?  Your body knows what it wants," the vixen whispers, nipping at his earlobe.  Desperate to maintain control, John tries to jerk away.

"Stop.  This isn't right."

* * * * *

Kitty's willpower crumbles beneath Luther's seductive touch, her towel falling away as he draws her into a searing kiss. She moans into his mouth, hands fisting in his damp dreadlocks.

"Mmmph yes..." she whimpers between heated kisses, arching towards him wantonly. Her back presses against the cool tile, supporting Luther's muscular weight as he explores her curves with greedy hands.

Luther's lips blaze a trail down Kitty's neck, pausing to suckle at the sensitive juncture behind her ear.  She throws her head back with a gasp, fingers raking down his slick skin.

"Ohh! L-Luther..." she keens, breathy and desperate.  Her slender legs wrap around his waist, heels locking at the small of his back.  She can feel Luther's manhood throbbing insistently against her inner thigh, separated by nothing but thin layers of fabric.  Her core clenches with arousal, aching to be filled.  She grinds against him shamelessly, whimpering into his mouth. Luther's answering growl reverberates through his chest, sending electric shivers down her spine.

* * * * *

"Name's Sharon.  But I'm often called Trouble--" A wail escapes Kitty's shower.  John's eyes leave Sharon.  His erection begins to wilt. "--Breaker."  Sharon smirks, trailing a fingernail down John's chest.  She presses herself against him, relishing the feel of his chiseled muscles beneath her curves.  "Aww, what's the matter, stud?  Trouble getting it up?" she teases, giving his softening length a playful squeeze.  "Maybe you're too distracted thinking about all the other eager girls waiting their turn."

Kitty's wail crescendos in the background, punctuated by Luther's deep grunts.  Sharon glances towards the showers with a knowing look.

"Sounds like our little kitty is having fun.  Why don't you show me what that mouth of yours is good for, soldier boy?  I'll make it worth your while..."  She leans in close, full lips brushing John's ear as her hand works him back to full mast. His breath hitches, resolve crumbling like a house of cards.  "Neutral ground, officer," Sharon purrs, winking salaciously.  "No strings, just stress relief.  You've earned it, haven't you?"

Somewhere deep inside, John knows this is wrong.  But the primal urge to rut, to sate the thirst built up over decades of cryostasis, is too strong to resist.  He's a man starved, and Sharon is an all-you-can-eat buffet.

John's mind swirls. She's right. She's right. But--she's right.

"FFFRRUUUCCK..!!" the sound of Luther.  Another inescapable moan from Kitty.  John closes his eyes.  Images of Luther and Kitty flash through his mind.  Water sprays them while Luther has Kitty bent over, her face smooshed against the wall, a handful of hair, gaping her asshole with a violent intensely.  John's eyes dart open.  He didn't need to see that.  Why did he?  Was that happening?

Sharon keeps working on him.

“I.. I'd just like to take a shower,” John pathetically says, “Next time.”

Sharon pouts as John rejects her advances, reluctantly stepping back.  She gives his erection one last squeeze before sauntering off, an extra sway in her hips.

"Suit yourself, G.I. Joe.  But my offer stands anytime you're ready to play."  She blows him a kiss over her shoulder before disappearing into the steam.

Alone again, John clears his throat and ducks into the showers.  The hissing spray offers some relief, washing away Sharon's lingering scent.  But closing his eyes brings no peace, instead conjuring lurid visions of Luther ravaging Kitty mere feet away.

He scrubs himself roughly, as if he could scour away the screenshot from his brain.  But it remains, seared behind his lids.  Her face contorted in ecstasy, pussy dripping and lip trembling. It's like his hesitance with Sharon doomed John to suffer.  He finishes quickly, stepping out into a cloud of fog.  His towel snags a drop of moisture on his collar bone.

Kitty's soft moans drift through the mist as Luther grunts his release.  John dresses mechanically, not wanting to see either of them.

In the locker room John find a tumbler of whiskey waiting.  For him?  He leaves it.

Another gutteral sound from Luther booms from the shower.  It causes an icicle to stab John through the chest.  Fuck, it hurts bad.  He opens the door to the locker room and exits.  Then he leaves the building without bother.

As the door slams shut behind John, Kitty tugs at her mussed hair, trying to regain some semblance of composure.  Her heart feels like a battered toy, battered by the conflicting waves of pleasure, guilt, and lingering arousal.

She reaches for a towel, wrapping it around her curves.  It does little to hide the various bites and love marks littering her pale skin, each one a brand of Luther's possession.

Kitty emerges from the bathroom in a cloud of steam, the towel barely containing her buxom figure. She blinks blearily, as if waking from a trance. Cat ears droop as the reality of her actions sinks in.  She calls out after John's retreating form.

"J-John! Wait!"

Kitty shuffles after him, one hand bracing the wall for support, the other clutching her disheveled towel tightly.  Her lungs burn and limbs tremble, every inch of her tenderized by Luther's rough attentions.

John pauses in the threshold, shoulders rigid beneath his shirt.  The faint scent of whiskey clings to him - a sobering touch of reality in this steam-filled fantasy.

Kitty splays a hand against his back, trying to catch her breath. The feel of his muscled frame beneath her palm, so familiar and yet foreign, makes her chest constrict painfully.

"John, I -" she swallows hard, tongue thick and leaden with emotion.  "I'm sorry, I was -"

But the words stick in her throat, blood roaring in her ears.  How could she possibly explain her weak-kneed submission?  Her body's shameful betrayal?

Pressing closer, Kitty rests her fevered cheek against John's shoulder blade. Her voice emerges in a thready whisper.

"Please don't go. Not like this."

“It's fine” John lies, “I.. I'm learning to understand this place.  Working on it, at least.  You and.. you and Luther have a history.  A connection.  That's nice.  I'm not mad at you Kitty.  Don't be mad at yourself.”  He gives Kitty a squeeze and a gentle pat on the back.  “It's not you, it's me.  I mean that.  I... I'd like to explore this place. On my own. Or..”

Finally John looks at her.  His eyes do not hide his emotional pain, but the sight of her, her with him, pressed against him... He embraces her, warmly.

“...just some time, Kit-Kat. I just need some time..I just need some time.  It's not your fault I don't understand.”

"No, no, it's okay John.  Take all the time you need," Kitty replies softly, clutching him closer still, needing their embrace.  "There's a lot to... process here.  I get that.  This world, it's -" she breaks off, searching for the right words, "It's a lot for anyone, let alone someone from... from another time."

Kitty's mind drifts to the tales told of the old world, earth that used to be.  She imagines John as a child in that past, young and untouched by the ugliness of this reality.

"Just know that I'm here for you, yeah?  However long it takes."  She pulls back slightly, just enough to meet his gaze.  "We're partners.  Thick as thieves.  Nothing's gonna change that."

Her thumb strokes soothing circles between his shoulder blades, feeling the warmth of his skin through the worn fabric of his shirt.  Kitty's heart clenches at the lost, almost mournful look on his face - she wishes more than anything that she could shield him from the cruelties and complexities of their existence.

"C'mon, let's get you home.  You look like hammered shit." She teases lightly, mustering a wry smile. "I'll make you some of those instant noodles you like so much.  Doctor Cronos' orders."

John smiles at her, sweetly and shakes his head in spite of himself.

“I love you.  I'll.. I'll be back.  Unless I die.  Then it'll take a little longer.”

He kisses the top of Kitty's damp hair and gently steps away.

Kitty's heart swells at John's proclamation of love, even as it twists with the knowledge that he might not return from the dangers that await him outside these walls.  She wants to cling to him, to beg him to stay safe, to come back to her... but she knows better.

"Same to you, tiger."  She smiles back, blinking back the sudden sting of tears.  "And if you do kick the bucket out there?  I'll string up your killer by the balls and feed 'em to Luther.  Fair's fair."

It's a hollow joke, but it earns a reluctant chuckle from John.  Progress.

Kitty cups his face in her hands, thumbs brushing the stubble on his jaw.  She memorizes the planes of his cheeks, the curve of his mouth, the warmth of his breath ghosting over her skin. Committing him to memory like a snapshot, to sustain her through whatever trials await them both.

"Be careful out there, Johnny," she murmurs, bumping her forehead against his.  "I'd hate to have to break in a new partner.  You're a tough act to follow."

With visible effort, she steps back, letting her hands fall to her sides.  Her gaze lingers on the broad lines of John's shoulders as he walks away, imprinting the image in her mind's eye.

Kitty watches until he disappears from view, the ghost of his touch still warm on her skin.  She murmurs a quiet prayer to whichever gods might be listening - to watch over John, to guide him home safe.