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Reflex Sight

There were times where he had flashbacks. Times where he lays his head down to sleep, only to wake up in a completely different world. Times where the soft bed and blankets he rested in were suddenly replaced with a tent and backpack. Times where the most important thing in his life was the gun he had at his side: a long range rifle with a reflex sight.

Those times were brief, yes, but they always carried with them this desperation. He'd fight against the world he was placed in, forcing it to break away. Then he'd wake up, a cold sweat traveling down his brow as he'd gasp for breath. What followed would either be a hot shower, a midnight meal, or a walk around his neighborhood. Regardless, he would almost never go back to sleep.

Maybe that's why he was so tired today.

Westbound Express, now boarding on Deck B!

Westbound Express, now boarding on Deck B!

“Huh? Oh! Crap! Right! Right!"

The sight of him was seemingly out of place. It was the middle of summer, just a few minutes past noon nonetheless. The air here was clear and crisp, though the sound of distant construction could be heard. With shorts and light shirts being worn by all those around, almost everyone was dressed for the heated season. Everyone... but him.

He was a tall blond man. The kind of man that was impossible not to notice, thanks to his stalwart size that towered over almost everyone. A chiseled man, he had this powerful build and brawny strength to him, though it wasn't boxy and broad. He was more sleek than that, like a basketball player.

Or – more accurately – like a soldier.

But look up, and you wouldn't see a grizzled soldier. At least, you wouldn't see a person who exemplifies the attributes of a grizzled soldier. He was a man who almost always had this smile on his handsome lips. His hair was a sun-lit blond, he had sideburns and a goatee, and his eyes were a piercing green. An affable air wafted around him, like a teasing older brother, or a chuckling best friend. Yeah, that's it; he was the type of man who you felt calm around, even if you didn't know him.

It was hot. Like, really hot. Even beneath the air conditioner of the train station, many needed to were lighter clothes to fight off the summer heat. So to see him in his tan slacks, tan sweater vest, and white undershirt made him look like a rich, idiot.

He was a lot of the latter, and unfortunately, not much of the former.

Walking through the halls of the rustic train station, he had his suitcase in one hand... and a bouquet of flowers in the other. It was an amazing assortment of flowers as well; dandelions, roses, tulips: all of many, many colors. Enough colors to put a rainbow to shame. Enough flowers to impress someone... whoever that 'someone' is.

Arriving at Deck B, the young man watched as a train appeared, filling the air with its near deafening roar. Excitement and trepidation traveled through him in equal measures, his mind wondering if he was wasting his time by even going on this quest. But he had come this far; stopping now would only admit to his own cowardice.

Funny that. He thought the scariest thing ever was facing down a gun barrel. Now he knew what true fear was.

Now boarding on Westbound Express, Deck B.

Now boarding on Westbound Express, Deck B.

“Haaah... alright... come on, Adam. Come on..." the blond whispered to himself, watching as the doors to the train opened.

Gripping his luggage tight and his bouquet tighter, he boarded the train, his heart still racing in an irregular manner. The Westbound Express was just as rustic-looking as the station it docked in, having a wood furnish to it that made it feel like he had stepped back in time. This entire country just felt old fashion as he had learn since his arrival. Far different from his home town, that's for sure.

That's not a knock against this land, mind you. He actually quite likes it. Reminds him of his grandfather's farm.

Approaching a seat, Adam stuffed his luggage into a cabinet overhead, then sat down near the window. His bouquet of flowers placed next to him, the young man took in a deep breath as he looked over to his right. Staring out the window, he gazed upon his reflection, reading the apprehensive look he had in his eyes.

“What's wrong, Adam? Lookin' a little blue there, buddy," he said to himself, chuckling after.

“Ticket, sir?"

“Huh?"

“Ticket... sir?"

Adam looked over, his eyes falling on an aged dog beastkin. Said dog was wearing a conductor's uniform, and looked to be a few decades older than Adam. The blond smiled at the dog, chuckled too, feeling mildly embarrassed that someone overheard him talking to himself like a crazy person. The dog – noticing his embarrassment – chuckled before extending his hand.

“Your ticket, sir," he said, to which Adam nodded.

“Yeah... yeah, here ya go... heh..." the blond muttered as he pulled his ticket out from his sweater vest, while the other hand scratched the back of his head,

“Thank you, sir," said the dog as he checked over his ticket, looking it up and down, before glancing back towards Adam, “Sir... you a soldier?"

“Huh? Oh... um..." he shook his head, “No, I'm not a soldier. At least... I'm not a soldier anymore," he smiled, “I'm uh... I'm just your average, everyday businessman now. And I'm just on your average, everyday business trip."

“Uh-huh," replied the dog in an incredulous manner, “An average... everyday businessman... on an average, everyday business trip... with a bouquet of flowers, in this neck of the woods?" he grinned, “Either you're lyin' to me, or you're actually visitin' your mistress, and you're just tryin' to knock others off of your trail. You certainly look like a businessman, but you don't give me the energy of one. You don't have to lie to me, sonny. I've been around the block quite a few times; I know a vet when I see one."

“Aaah... vet..." Adam muttered as he shook his head, “Vet's are, like, a bunch of old guys. My Great-Uncle Charlie's a vet, and he's in his eighties. Uhh..." he shook his head again, “I uh... well... you're right. I'm not on a business trip but... it's nothing special, I promise."

“It might not be special to me, but it's certainly special to you," said the dog as he returned Adam's ticket, “Thanks for your service, sonny," he then paused, and chuckled, “And I hope you have plenty of well rested nights in your future. You deserve 'em."

“Uh... yeah... heh... yeah..."

As he stuffed his ticket back into his shirt pocket, a forlorn smile appeared on his lips. The conversation with the train's conductor was brief, but it reminded him of other conversations he's had with those he knew back home. When he returned from the army, everyone treated him like he was a different person. He was gone from home for three years; something would have had to change about him, right? And though he told the same jokes – tried to recapture the same energy he gave off before he left – things had undeniably changed.

At first, he thought it was with the others. Home was different. Stores he knew had closed down, while new ones popped up to take their places. People had moved, some had married, some had even died. And then there were others who were recoiling from the war. Of course things would be different!

But deep down inside, he knew the truth. Adam knew that while his home had changed, it was him who changed most of all. On the outside, he was smiling. On the inside, he was... someone else.

On the inside, he was thinking about someone else. On the inside he was thinking of her.

All around him, Adam heard the train being filled with other passengers. The once silent train was soon filled with people, all of them having hundreds of conversations all at once. But he was focused on the window at his side, staring out of it as his face grew hapless. He felt bittersweet, while his mind began racing with negative thoughts that made his lips curl into a frown.

Did she even want to see him? Did she remember their promise? Did she even remember him? They hadn't spoken to one another in a year. Not a phone call, not a letter, not even an e-mail. Nothing. Maybe she moved on. Maybe their affair with one another was just that; an affair. Maybe she made that promise expecting to never fulfill it. Maybe he really was an idiot.

Yeah... he really was an idiot, even he'd admit that. A goofy, comedic idiot. But, hey, you know the old saying; only fools are fearless. If the answer he got wasn't the answer he wanted, he'd fearlessly push on regardless. It was better to know, than to wonder.

Gruruuuuugggnn!

“Hmmph..."

The train jerked forward, sending a quake through Adam. There was no going back now. Westbound Express had a six or seven hour trip. By the time he arrived at his destination, the sun would be setting. He had a long trip ahead of him, and though he knew this already – he had planned this trip in advance – it was only now that the realization of the situation befell him. Seven hours of nothing. Seven hours alone with his thoughts. Seven hours where he could do nothing but eat the occasional meal... and sleep.

Adam didn't sleep last night, both because of his anxieties, and because of... well... you know. Exhaustion overtaking him, he crossed his arms as he watched the land outside his window begin to blur by. Rural towns and villages broke way to country fields and farmlands, all of which exuded an air of peace that wasn't here four years ago. Adam wondered even if he stepped foot in this very spot back when it was unrecognizable.

He closed his eyes.

He closed his eyes.

He closed his eyes.

He... closed... his... eeeeeyyyyeeessss...

And...

He smelled ash. It flowed into his nostrils, dancing in his nose, and tickling his lips. A choking, putrid, terrible odor, and yet it was one he was oddly familiar with. Smelling it didn't leave him with a sense of frustration or disgust, but instead felt soothing.

But...

Why was he smelling ash?

Green eyes groggily opened. Gone was the train, gone was his fine clothes, and gone was his bouquet of flowers. Replacing the train was a tent, replacing his clothes were army fatigues, and replacing his bouquet of flowers was a marksmen rifle. It was tan in color, with a twenty-round magazine, a collapsible bipod, and a reflex sight.

Adam's eyes leered at his rifle, before streaking down to the fatigues he wore. It was patched up here and there, but... he did a terrible job mending this last night. He could still remember the bayonet he was nearly stabbed by, and this patchwork at his belly he created would forever remind him of that.

Reaching up, Adam unzipped his tent, allowing the morning sun to cascaded upon him. It penetrated the foliage around him, illuminating his paltry campsite. The small tent, the backpack he used as his pillow, and of course, his long since burned out campfire.

Emerging from his tent, Adam cracked a few bones in his back as he performed a quick stretch, then stopped to grab his things. He pulled his jacket up on his body, placed his backpack on his back, and then readied his rifle in his hands. Everything was in order. He incessantly made sure nothing was amiss before he went to sleep last night.

He needed to steel himself. He needed to steel himself. On the outside he was visibly calm and collected. On the inside, he was anything but. He didn't want to leave, but he knew he had to leave. If he stood still, he'd only be doing everyone a disservice. He wasn't sure who survived the attack or who didn't, but he knew his mission.

He needed to get to the southern camp. Everyone needed to get to the southern camp.

Around his meager campsite were trees and slightly parted shrubbery. Stepping through them, Adam revealed a larger, abandoned campsite. The land was marred with scorch marks, and tents were either riddled with bullet holes, or torn to shreds with blades. A battle went on here, if the signs hadn't made that obvious yet. There were no corpses however, perhaps cleaned out by their foes. And whoever didn't die were no doubt taken in prisoners.

He could only hope they escaped... though the chances of everyone escaping was slim.

How did it all come to this? Why was he even here? Well, the story would stain the pages of history books for many decades to come.

On April 7th, 2027, following decades of tension building, the nation of Lansdon invaded the rural country of Kranst in a bloody assault, with the only warning being the falling of rocket shells. Soldiers followed, pouring into towns and villages with very little care given to civilians caught in the crossfire. The once quiet country became covered in blood in under a night.

Fortunately, Kranst had allies. When it was attacked, the Kingdom of Dudral quickly arose to lend aid. It started first with only weapons, but as the months went by and the end of the invasion was nowhere in sight, troops were sent to bolster Kranst's army. But Lansdon would not falter, and the brutal invasion quickly turned into an all-out war.

And the war would stop on November 11th, 2030. Currently, its July 12th, 2030; only a few months out away from the official signing of an armistice. Of course, no one currently fighting knew that. They didn't even know talks were going on. For the soldiers on the battlefield – for someone like Ranger Adam Lance – the war might as well be endless.

He shouldn't have been out here, really. And, no, not 'out here' as in he shouldn't be out at war. His family was a rather conservative and militant one, so his life as a soldier was decided the moment he was born.

No, no, he shouldn't be out here because he was all alone. He didn't even know if the rest of his squad were alive.

He stood on the abandoned outskirts of one of Kranst's cities. According to the map he had in hand, this place was named Charlestone. From afar, he could see it was a small and humble little city. Concrete buildings that barely got over two stories in height, roads which ran in seemingly random lines, and there were even a few signs here and there with ads on them.

But...

There was no one here. The war had reduced many cities and towns like this to nothing but husks of their former selves. There was no life to be had here, no families, no pets, no nothing. Perhaps there a few wild animals that transformed the city into their home, but that was all. The roads were blasted with potholes produced by artillery, abandoned cars were left to degrade and rust against the elements, and trash littered the lands of the once thriving city. Nature seemed to be reclaiming the area as well, as grass grew through buildings and sidewalks.

Entering into the city proper, Adam looked around, wondering what kind of place this was back in its heyday. He could see things like a diner... a bookstore... a library next to the bookstore (wonder if they cannibalized their own market)... a music store... ah... look at that, a movie theater. Compared to the numerous camps and army bases he had been to throughout his time, Charlestone was a breath of fresh air.

One which quickly soured as he came across a doll on the ground.

Frowning, Adam knelt down, picking the stuffed toy up from off the ground. It was a bear, one in a little dress. A bit dusty, a bit charred too, even had a few foot prints on it, but still fully intact. Must have been dropped in a hurry by an escaping child, at least, he could only hope the child escaped. The horror they must have suffered through...

“Hmm..."

For reasons he couldn't explain, Adam stuffed the doll into his pocket, stowing it away before looking forward. Continuing his trek, he walked through the derelict city while the distinct flavor of carnage tickled his nose... followed by the signs of traveled feet.

Recent signs...

Eyes growing wide, Adam ducked down, checking the ground where he found mud prints. It had rained recently in this area, with some of the ground outside the city being a bit soggy. Someone may have walked into them, and tracked their footsteps upon the concrete. Making matters worse, he recognized these footprints.

The jacked ridges were nothing like his boots. These mud prints were...

“Lansdon... shit..."

Jerking his head back up, Adam gazed at the entrance to a nearby storefront, and quickly darted for it. Being silent but quick, he rushed into the building as he readied his rifle into his hands. This appeared to be a lobby of some apartment complex, going by the front desk and the scattered bits of furniture here and there. However, warfare and weather had riddled its walls with holes and shattered its window, allowing someone to easily gaze through them. And, yeah, the elevator wasn't working.

If there were Lansdon soldiers around, Adam was going to make himself scarce. He was one man with nothing but a rifle, pistol and knife! It doesn't take a genius to know that a fight would not go in his favor! Fortunately, a city means there are many little nooks and crannies to hide in. He was going to find one, and settle inside.

Pushing through the abandoned apartment, he came across various rooms. Most were filled with so much refuse that it was impossible to enter, let alone hide comfortably in. But one had a door that was broken off its hinges, and enough space to hide in. He was also a few levels up, meaning he had a comfortable vantage spot to gaze around his surroundings.

Huh... this home had a broken cradle in it... no! He couldn't feel emotional now; he needed to focus on his survival!

Quickly entering into the room, Adam removed his backpack and stuffed it to a wall. Next he pulled out his binoculars, and leaned up against cover to hide himself. Looking out over the city before him, he clutched his rifle at his side.

From where he sat, he was looking over what he assumed to be the town's square. There were buildings around in a circular manner, surrounding a statue depicting someone important to Kranst's history. Everything looked empty and spacious... but only for a few moments.

“Shit... specters..."

Their black cloaks. From all around, the sight of them can instill fear within those who don't expect them. They billow in the wind, less like army fatigues or military attire at all, and more like the cloak of Death himself. Coupled with their helmets which were silver, sharp and angular like a crow's beak, and it transformed them into something otherworldly. Thus the name given to them by their enemy; specters.

Would you believe that underneath their ghoulish helmets and jet-black cloaks, there laid the face of a man? Perhaps not...

Lansdon's army may not have been the largest army in the world, but they certainly knew how to make a presence. The fear they instill within their enemies cannot be understated. For many new recruits, merely the sight of these specters is enough to make them shake in their boots. Even Adam – who had faced his fair share on the battlefield before – still felt sweat drop from his brow as he gazed at them.

There were about four in number, standing guard in a location across the street. They didn't seem to be apart of a larger contingent, lacking things like a vehicle to easily get around on. This was an increasing occurrence during the waning days of the war. Just tiny groups of specters, roaming around seemingly with no aim, often times getting the jump on their enemies before they had a chance to retaliate.

That's what happened to Adam.

Still, a group of only four as oppose to a group of six or seven was odd. Perhaps they broke off from an even larger unit? No, that didn't make sense either; specters are notoriously stringent to their rules, they wouldn't just wonder off like ignorant cattle! Something odd was going on here; there had to be more, and he just wasn't seeing them.

Regardless, Adam was but one man; he wasn't going to square off against a group. Knowing where they were was good; he could more easily hide so that they won't locate him. Still, he readied his rifle, switching its safety off and kicking up its bipod stand. He kept himself hidden among all the debris in this room, but he still had his eyes locked on the specters in the distance, refusing to take his eyes off of them.

Part of their camp used a nearby store for cover from the elements. They had tents, and of course weaponry, but far less in number than was usual for them. Again, Adam had to wonder what was going on here. There had to be more, right?

Well...

“GET OUT OF HERE!" he heard a voice shout, causing his eyes to widen.

Had he been caught? Had someone finally realized he was there!? Ducking down, Adam stuffed himself into the room, hoping to hide himself against all the litter in this room. But after a few moments, he realized none of the specters came towards him. No gunfire, no more roars; it's almost as if they weren't talking about him at all!

Because they weren't.

“START... MOVING!!!"

From the building the specters were stationed in, a cloaked figure emerged. Unlike them, this person's clock was tattered and ragged. Torn here, split there; it was barely holding itself together, and struggled to remain on the body of the person who wore it. A person who – from his distance – he could not see too well.

This person was forced from the building on unsteady feet by a specter behind them. This specter's helm had been removed, revealing his clean-shaven head, and the fact that, yes, he was human. And a rather domineering looking one at that.

Rifle in hand, he forced the cloaked individual forward, making them stumble and fall over in the center of specters. All five of them then looked down upon the cloaked individual, with the helmetless one sitting back on a nearby chair with a sneering grin on his lips.

“Come oooonnn!" he said, “I heard that you avali women were amazing dancers. So come on!" he reached over, grabbing a nearby bottle of alcohol, “Dance for us, eh! I wanna see those fucking moves!"

“Shut up, Karl..." muttered one of his allies as he too took off his helmet, revealing himself to also have no hair on his head, “You are having too much fun with this... filth..." he snarled, before shifting his gaze back to the cloaked figure, “One last time... who are you, and why were you here?"

“I swear!" replied the cloak, their voice, no, her voice ringing out into the air, “I'm just looking for my brother!"

“Do you honestly believe we'd be so stupid to believe that?" replied the lead specter as he looked down upon the cloaked woman, “Who goes looking for their brother armed with a pistol?"

“During a war!? I think everyone would," she replied, causing the man to reach down and grab her by the cloak, forcibly lifting her to her feet.

“Wrong. Answer," he growled while lifting his pistol to her head, “Now be honest. Who sent you? Kranst? Or Dudral?"

“I--"

POW!!!

This was stupid. This was so incredibly beyond 'stupid' that a word hadn't been created to explain how stupid this was. His father would say something like 'There goes Adam again, reacting with his heart, not his brain'. And... yeah, there he goes again; reacting with his heart, not his brain. He could never stop his emotions from flaring up like this.

It all happened so fast. The man dropped dead before the howling sound of a bullet even echoed out. Straight through the side of his skull and out the other side, where it kept zooming before it struck concrete. He collapsed soon after; nothing more than an emotionless husk. The cloaked woman he held up also fell over, hitting the ground where she scrambled back until she hit a wall.

“THE HELL WAS THAT!?" shouted one of the men, “HANS! HANS! WHAT THE--"

POW!!!

“AAAAH!?"

The deafening roar of a bullet echoed out among all as another body – the body of the first man, Karl – suddenly keeled over, completely dead. It split the very air of the silent town, but no one could tell which direction it was coming from. The rifle was silenced, and with its precise aim, whoever wielded it knew what they were doing.

“Shit! Scramble!" shouted one of the specters, “And keep your helm--"

His eyes grew wide...

POW!!!

And then he dropped dead.

A bullet tore straight through his neck, rending flesh and blood with expert aim. He suffered the most, feeling the blood pump through his neck and into his mouth, before finally taking his final breaths. In a matter of seconds, three men were down, leaving the last two to scramble. One rushed for guns and cover, while the other ran to grab the cloaked woman.

“YOU BITCH!!!" he shouted, “WHERE ARE YOUR MEN!? TELL ME NOW!!!"

“I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON!!!" she shouted back, “I SWEAR, I--"

POW!!!

They both looked over, their eyes falling on the man behind; the one who took cover. With no warning, he suddenly rolled upon his back, his helmet falling off of his his head to reveal his dead expression. Eyes wide, mouth agape; death took him quicker than most. That just left one...

The final specter released the cloaked woman, allowing her to again drop as he pulled back. Grabbing a rifle from off the floor, his gaze scrambled around in search of their mysterious sniper, his expression frantic beneath his helmet. The once cold and callous visage of the specter had been stowed away, as he wildly fired his rifle to the sky like a petulant child trying to appear large.

RATATATATATATA!!!

“WHERE ARE YOU!!!" he shouted.

RATATATATATATA!!!

“WHERE THE FUCK ARE--"

POW!!!

One final bullet. It pierced the air like a small stone, its tip a fine point, and cased in a silver metal shell. Striking the man right in his forehead, it tore through his helm with enough force to penetrate his skull beneath. How? Armor piercing rounds.

The specter staggered for a moment. His mouth even moved to say something, though no words left him. In an instant, his body locked up. Then he fell over with a loud and hollowed--

Thud...

Dead. Each and every last one of them. In only a matter of seconds, all five specters were dead.

The cloaked woman panted for breath as she looked around, scanning their corpses in a frantic mess. What just happened? One moment she was captured, the next moment her captors laid dead at her feet? It all happened so fast, she wondered for a moment if her mind was playing tricks on her!

But the rancid odor of death quickly permeated her nose, causing her to gag as she rose up to her feet. Her back to the wall, she looked one way, then the other, and back again. Where was her savior? Were they even a savior? Or were they possibly worse?

Her heart racing, the cloaked woman palmed at her chest. Then she heard...

Tap... tap... tappa...!

Footsteps. Each one made her heart quicken as they came closer and closer. Someone was running towards her, their pace frantic. Feeling spurned herself, the cloaked woman finally stood up straight and gazed ahead to see...

Brown army fatigues. Backpack on his back. Rifle in is hands. The uniform of a ranger.

Watching him rush towards her, she felt like she was standing in the void of space. He was so tall... his hair so yellow... his eyes so green... and the intense expression he wore... he grabbed her. He shook her. But it wasn't until he spoke that she returned to reality.

“We have to move!" he whisper-yelled, “Follow me!"

“Huh... huah?! Oh, y-yes! R-right!"

He wasn't going to wait for her. Blood pumping, Adam quickly bolted for a nearby building, his hand holding tight upon her hand. The cloaked woman stumbled momentarily, but quickly caught up with him, running away from the corpse-laden campsite, and rushing into a nearby building.

They were surrounded in darkness, with the only light coming in through holes in the wall and ceiling. Coming to a halt amid debris and trash, Adam stopped, then looked into the direction they ran through. They had again hidden themselves into an abandoned apartment, standing in its littered living room. Leering out a hole in the wall, he stared towards the campsite made by the Lansdon soldiers, still seeing their dead bodies litter the ground. Aside from that? Nothing.

Were there no other Lansdon soldiers around? They may have been sporadic as of late, but this was taking things too far. He expected someone to hear his gunfire, but it didn't seem like it. Still, he wasn't so stupid to run out just yet.

“Haah... shit... that was intense..." Adam muttered, before looking over to face the cloaked woman, “Hey... are you okay?"

The woman hesitated to answer him, instead pulling away. Concerned, Adam's lips moved, but no words left him. Instead he slowly approached her as his lips curled into a smile.

“Hey... I'm not gonna hurt you," he whispered, “I'm a soldier of Dudral. My name's Adam. And you are...?"

But the woman was still hesitant to answer him. She even tensed up, her head cocking one way, then the other, and back again. What was wrong with her? Had he done or said something to offend? Usually, it takes him a couple of minutes to say something stupid! Maybe the woman was in shock after all that happened? Civilians are typically in a state of shock when caught in the middle of a gunfight like that. He just killed five guys in front of her; any normal person would be mortified following such an experience.

But... no... that's not it...

The woman slowly moved up her arms... her feathered arms. They came up to the hood of her cloak, pulling it down to reveal...

A snout...

She wasn't human, nor was she any beastkin he had ever seen before. She had a snout like a dog, but no defined nose, just nostrils. The general shape of her head was unlike any creature he'd seen, but he'd say it was most like a rabbit. A rabbit with... horns? No, not horns; those were her ears. She had four ears?

Two jutted from the top of her head, two more jutted from the back. From her head also spilled hair. Short and golden, they were cut in blunt gangs that hung above her face, and fanned out around her head like a totalitarian princess. Assuming of course, this is hair, and not some other texture he was unaware of.

For a moment, he thought she had a furred body. But upon closer inspection, he realized her body was adorned in feathers. Black feathers primarily, with golden accents running along her immaculate plumage in stripes. They were gold at the tips of her fingers, gold on her knees, and gold at the top of her head. Everywhere else was ebony, save for these gilded flecks which stained her immaculate form like sand does on a body.

But those eyes. Those wide, black eyes. They were like a void in how deep and opaque they were. And yet – despite the darkness – Adam found himself... enthralled? Staring into her wide, black eyes, was like staring up at a starlight sky in the middle of the night.

She was a short woman, barely coming up to his chest in height. Were all of her species this small, or was she shorter than average? Despite her height, she exuded an aura of maturity to her, like a big sister, he'd say. And now that she was no longer in a state of fear, he found her face to be quite cute... even... appealing.

He had heard of her kind before, but never had come across one in his life. What were they called again? Something that started with an 'a', right? Av... av... av... right! She was an avali. Amazing.

For a few moments, Adam and this mysterious avali woman looked at one another. He didn't say anything, and she didn't say anything. They just stared at one another. One minute... two minutes... three minutes...

Gaining a sudden spurn of courageousness, Adam reached down and gently grabbed the woman's hand. She stiffened up, her chest puffing as she watched him. He thought all of her hand was feathered, but she had fingers like a mammal. Skinny fingers, with claws at the tips. Dulled claws, but claws nonetheless.

With childish curiosities, Adam stroked his fingers along her fingers, both exploring her, and checking to make sure she wasn't injured. And the avali let him do it, saying nothing as she watched his green eyes marvel at her form.

His green eyes... haaaah...

“Did you... do your nails...?" Adam asked as he looked up at her, where a warm grin adorned his lips, “Were you going out on a date or something?"

The avali's ears all twitched, and her head cocked at him. Her once enthralled expression was quickly replaced with an annoyed pout.

“Really? Is that the first thing you say to me?" she snarled, making him chuckle.

“Sorry... couldn't help myself," Adam replied as he dropped her hand, “Let's start over. My name is Adam Lance. I'm a Ranger in the Royal Dudral Army. And you are...?"

The avali looked up at him, staring into his green eyes. Despite their harrowing situation, he exuded a sense of warmth. The smile on his lips, the look in his eyes, how his features grew soft and tinder. Was he really the man who just killed five men with deadly precision? She wondered...

“My name... is Sol," she answered, her lips curling into a smile, “And... thank you, Ranger Adam, for saving me. I... I shudder at the thought of what those men would have done to me if you hadn't come along."

“I do too," he replied with a chuckle, “Heh... let's just say that the horror stories about the Lansdon and their specters do not instill confidence. It's a good thing I came when I did... but..." he cocked her head at her, “What are you doing out here? This is a war zone; no civilians should be this far out."

“I... hah... I know that," Sol replied, “But..."

“Your... brother?" Adam said, taking her aback, “You mentioned you were looking for your brother before, right? I overheard you mentioning that to those specters before."

“My... brother...?" Sol repeated.

She looked away, her face morphing into a visage of apprehension and trepidation. Confused, Adam cocked his head at the avali, wondering what was going through her mind. Had he said something to offend when mentioning her brother like he did?

“I... I need to get back in that room," said Sol as she looked back at him, taking Adam aback.

“Wh-what? But I just killed those guys; this place might be swarming with specters after a while!"

“I-I know but... my things were in there," Sol replied, “They took my clothes... all I have is this cloak. And my other things are in there too," she looked up at him, her hands grabbing his hands while her expression became one of pleading, “Please, Adam, take me back! We'll be in and out before you know it! I promise!"

“I... rgh!"

Adam looked out through the hole in the wall, staring towards the campsite with the specter's dead bodies littering the ground outside of it. The city outside was still silent; there didn't appear to be any other Lansdon soldiers in the vicinity, or else he'd hear them coming by now.

But it was still too dangerous to just rush out in the open! So, what, Sol could get on some clothes? Haah! No way; that's way too risky!

He looked back at Sol, ready to tell her 'no', and to instead take her with him to the safe zone... but then he stared into her eyes again. Her wide, starlit eyes. Her face was so soft, her lips were trembling, and she looked up at him like he was the only person who could help her in this situation. He just didn't know what to say.

But he knew he couldn't say 'no'.

“A... alright, dammit!" he muttered in a whisper-yell, “Let's go... quickly!"

“Aah! Thank you, Adam!"

He couldn't believe he of all people was being the levelheaded one, but he just couldn't turn Sol down. Things were quiet now anyway; if they quickly rushed in and out, they'd escape before any other Lansdon soldiers knew what was going on. But they needed to move now! No hesitation; just run!

Without hesitation, he grabbed Sol's hand and bolted out of the ruined room they were hiding away in. Moments later, they returned to the specters' campsite, with Adam looking around to make sure no other enemies were coming. He even prepared his rifle in hand before nudging the avali forward, saying,

“Move quickly! I'll stand guard!"

“Right... right!"

Doing as she was told, Sol rushed into the building she was forced out of, delving into its shadows while he readied his rifle. Fuck, this was stupid! Any number of specters could be coming out of the woodwork. Like over there at that corner! But, no, there was nothing. How about over there in that building!? Again, nothing. It really seemed as if – aside from this group of five – no other soldiers were in this city!

But Adam – for all of his jokes – wasn't so stupid as to think he was completely in the safe. This was still a war zone; he could get sniped randomly by a bullet from meters away. He just hoped whatever it is Sol was getting, she made it quick.

Fortunately, he didn't have to wait for long.

“Adam!"

“Ah!?"

He quickly whipped around, his eyes falling on the avali woman. She was still wearing her cloak, but was now carrying a backpack with her things in it. Seeing her spurned Adam, who didn't say a word as he grabbed her hand. Together they rushed across the street, delving into another building, and hiding in its shadows.

Still wary of the land around them, Adam stared out through the holes in the walls to look upon the silent city streets. And, yes, there was nothing. No specters, no soldiers, no vehicles, no nothing. The city truly became a ghost town in a matter of seconds.

“You're a very skittish person, aren't you?" Sol commented, noticing how fervently he scanned their surroundings.

“Only when my mother's coming to check my room," he replied with a wry grin, “Did you get what you needed to get?"

“I did..." she said as she crouched down, placing her backpack down in front of them, “All of my clothes were in here. My gun, my camera... everything..."

“Camera...?" Adam repeated as he cocked his head at her, “Why your camera?"

Sol looked up at him, a smirk adorning her lips which further confused Adam.

“I was lying before," she said, “I don't have a brother. I just came up with that to hopefully get the specters off of me. A load of good that did," unzipping her backpack, she pulled out her camera, “I'm actually a reporter. I snuck out on the battlefield to get photos of the war. People say that the war with Lansdon's coming to a close, and my agency wanted me to see if anything's different in the war zone."

“Your agency has that little care for your safety that they sent you to a still active war zone for photos!? And I thought the army didn't give a shit about me..." Adam muttered, before shaking his head, “You should've said 'no'."

“Heh... as if it's that easy," she replied, her smile spreading, “But this is doing good for my people, for my country. Without these photos, who knows how history would turn out?" then she moved in, smiling more at Adam, “Thank you, Ranger. I... I would've been dead without you. Or worse," she looked back out through the hole in the wall, “I thought I was being sneaky. I avoided direct conflict with either side, but... I guess I wasn't avoiding it too well..." then she looked back, “Those men jumped me out of nowhere. I've been their captive for a day."

“They've been doing that as of late," Adam replied, “Small little groups like that. Pop up, attack, vanish... it's why I'm like this."

“Huh? What do you mean?"

Adam's face shifted. He had either been intense and frantic, or jovial and lighthearted. But now he seemed... pensive... vulnerable. Closing his eyes, he thought about that fight. The fight... it was still fresh in his mind.

“It was wild and random," he said, “A sudden attack by a group of enemies who shouldn't have even been there. There were gunshots... explosions... and they even got close enough to try and stab at me. Fuck... my corporal told me – told all of us – to disperse and hide. Come out only when the coast was clear, and only when we were sure our enemies were gone. That was... four days ago now."

He opened up his eyes, letting out a deep breath he didn't know he was holding. His group, his platoon, a bunch of men he fought, drank, ate, and laugh besides... he didn't know if any of them were alive. If they were alive, would he see them again? Were they captured? Maybe worse? Or had they escaped, and were they looking for him?

He didn't know...

“Uh..." he shook his head, his face growing more serious, “I need to get to the southern camp. That was my corporal's command. We'll get to the southern camp, where we'll be safe. And you..." he grabbed Sol's hand, “You're coming too. We'll be safe there. You'll be safe there."

“I..."

Sol's voice trailed off and she looked up at Adam, reading his face. He wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer. Despite getting the sense from him that he was an affable man, when the moment called for it, he could be serious as well. The look in his eyes alone was proof enough of this.

“Okay..." said Sol, “I know not to argue against a man with a gun anyway."

“Really? After what I saw with those specters? I beg to differ," Adam said with a smirk, “But..." then he looked away, “The southern camp shouldn't be too far from here. I was going to cut through the city to get there. It should be beyond the area on my map called the, uh... Ridge of Kalhoon?"

“_Kel_hoon," Sol corrected.

“Right... right... heh... _Kel_hoon. The Ridge of _Kel_hoon. The southern camp is there. Camp Gamma. So..." he stepped forward, “Let's not dally. I don't even want to be in this city if there are Lansdon soldiers roaming around."

“Wait... wait!"

“Hm? Why?"

“My... clothes."

“Your... clothes?" he repeated, causing her to glare at him.

“Yes! My clothes! I don't know if you know this, but the cloak I'm in doesn't really feel nice! They forced me into this when they caught me, but my clothes are in my bookbag, so..." she blushed, her eyes averting, “I'd like to... put it on..."

“I uh... I..."

Now, look, Adam has bathed with female members of the army before. Dudral is a unisex kingdom; its men and women eat, fight, sleep, and yes, even shower with one another. It wasn't a problem then, and it's not a problem now. But it was somewhat problematic with Sol.

For reasons he couldn't explain, the idea of her changing made a blush form on his face. Maybe it was second-hand embarrassment; Sol was blushing herself, and he blushed because of it. Or maybe it was because she was a civilian, and thus not a soldier. Or perhaps even it's because she was an avali, and not human. Regardless, the notion of her naked made him blush.

“Are you... going to turn around...?" Sol muttered, snapping him to reality.

“Yeah! Yeah, yeah," he muttered whilst turning around, “I'll stand guard, okay? Be quick. The sooner you change, the sooner we can get the hell out of here."

Sol nodded, watching as Adam moved forward, his rifle ready and bipod extended. Laying prone on the floor, he gripped his gun and peered through the reflex sight of his scope into the distance. He saw nothing save the corpses he produced, and heard nothing save for Sol's shifting behind him.

He heard it all too. He heard her remove her cloak, revealing her nude, black and gold form. He heard the slight ruffling of her feathers as she unzipped her backpack, and yes, he heard the unzipping of it as well. He heard her pull out item after item; no doubt a shirt, pants, maybe even shoes. Do... Avali wear shoes? Well, he was going to learn soon enough.

He could still hear her, slipping the clothes on, one article at a time. Pants... shirt... shoes... haah... he shook his head to dismiss these thoughts, but that only caused them to return at twice the frequency. Shit, he really was an idiot, wasn't he?

“Adam...?"

“Hm?"

He tensed up, his grip growing slack on his rifle as he looked over his shoulders. Sol had dressed herself up, wearing a simple tan, button up shirt and tan pants, with boots on her feet. She looked very much like the sporty photographer she claimed to be. Her camera was even slung around her shoulder with a strap, much like the strap he had on his rifle.

“You uh... look nice," said Adam, causing Sol to smile up at him.

“Heh... thank you, Ranger," she said, “But..." she pointed forward, “Shouldn't we be moving?"

“Yeah... let's go..."

After one more cautionary scan of the land before them, Adam stood up from his spot. There was still no one around, making him believe for a moment or two that – maybe – this land was clear of Lansdon soldiers. What did Sol say before? That the war was coming to a close? Maybe there was truth to her words.

The two emerged from the derelict building, the both of them sticking close to the structures in the city for a quick escape if needed. But – like everything thus far – the city remained quiet, save for their footsteps, and any ambient noises that happened to echo out. Adam wasn't sure if that made him more or less uncomfortable. No, definitely more uncomfortable. Definitely.

Every now and then, he'd take quick glances over at Sol at his side. The avali was focused on the area before them, though she kept close to him. With silent appreciation, Adam marveled at her unique body. Those ears which he thought were horns, her gold and black plumage, her almost alien body that was like a cross between a rabbit and a turkey, and of course, her eyes.

Her wide, starlit eyes. Why did looking at them feel so... enthralling? He thought it before, but it begs repeating; it was like he was gazing into outer space itself when he looked at her eyes. How good were they? Did she see far? Did she see short? Was her eyesight similar to that of a humans? Did other avali have eyes similar to hers, or was Sol special like that? And what was she doing with her camer--

Click!

Snap!

“Aah!?"

Adam came to a halt, causing Sol to do likewise. Confused, she looked up at him, reading his suddenly surprised face. Had she done something to offend?

“Is something wrong?" Sol asked, making him nod.

“Yeeaaah...! You just took a photo!" Adam answered, “Look, I'm used to doing stupid stuff, but we're in the middle of a war zone! You can't just take random photos!" then he leered in, “I'm beginning to understand how you got caught in the first place."

“Tch! All you soldier types are so stuffy," replied the avali, “You need to learn how to relax more, Mr. Ranger."

“Me? I need to learn how to relax?" Adam muttered, “Has the world fallen upside down or something?"

“What? You're not used to someone teasing you?" Sol said with a chuckle, “Come on, lighten up. Being wired all the time will kill you faster than bullets will."

“Heh... I beg to differ, Miss Reporter," he countered.

“You're pretty good with that rifle, by the way," she said whilst looking up at him, a warm smile on her lips, “You took down those five guys before anyone even knew you were there. Let me guess, Mr. Ranger, they taught you that in boot camp?"

“No. Not that," he answered with a shake of his head, “Quite the opposite, really. I was born and grew up on a farm. I've been shooting rifles since I turned eight. One of my earliest memories is going on a hunt with my dad."

“So that's all natural skill, eh? Is that why you're in the army? Some recruiter saw you, and showered you with propaganda about serving your country and all that nonsense?"

“A little bit, but not exactly," he replied, “My parents had me join the army. See, I kinda got a problem."

“And what's your problem?"

He looked over at her, a teasing smirk adorning his face.

“I'm kinda a goofball," he stated, “Got it from my uncle, from what they tell me! Heh! They wanted to iron that out of me. Put some grit in my soul, or whatever," he dismissively waved his hand through the air, “Unless I die early like my uncle did!"

“So... to get rid of your goofball tendencies out of fear that you'll die young... your parents sent you to the army, where the chances of you dying young are even higher?" Sol muttered as she looked up at him, confusion wrought on her face, “That... that doesn't make any sense."

“Hah! I never said my parents were smart!"

As Adam's laughter filled the air, Sol's mouth hung open for several long moments. But then she closed it, and even began chuckling along with him. It was extreme and silly... but also funny. Walking here, side by side with Adam, almost made her feel normal. As if they weren't traveling through a war zone.

But then Sol would stare ahead, and again see the destroyed buildings surrounding them. Noticing her the sudden downward shift in her attitude, Adam stopped laughing, and appeared a bit concerned.

“Is everything... okay?" he asked, to which the avali smiled.

“Yeah... yeah... everything... everything's fine, Mr. Ranger," Sol answered, though her tone was understandably shaken.

He wanted to keep pushing the issue, but even someone as jokey as Adam had more tact than that! So instead, he gestured to the camera Sol was holding, saying,

“You're a reporter, right? Who do you work for? Some local newspaper or something?"

“Well... uh... yeah, kinda sorta," Sol said as she lifted her camera, “Actually..." she shook her head, “I wasn't always a reporter. I used to run a little cafe, one my family owns. It's on the southern coast of Kranst. A little city a lot like this one, called Bluecove. Though..." she shrugged her shoulders, “It's not that blue. The ocean is, but the city itself is rather... brown. Heh..."

“Brown like... what?"

“Brown like... pancakes," she smiled at him, “Yeah, that's it. Brown like pancakes."

“Brown like pancakes," he repeated, a smirk adorning his lips, “You have a... wonderful way with words, Sol!"

“Oh shut up! That's the best 'brown' thing I can compare my home to!" she said as she jabbed his side, “It's calm there. Nothing ever bothers anyone... but..." her smile faded, shifting into a frown, “When the war started, I saw more and more of my people begin to leave. Friends... family... haah... loved ones in general. I..." she looked down, “I've never seen my city be so... quiet before. It... it uh... it made me... it makes me feel uncomfortable."

She came to a brief halt to look around at their surroundings. This time, Adam didn't scold her, instead watching as the avali woman lifted her camera. Quickly, she took snapshots of the destroyed and decaying land around them; about three in total. Then she stopped and pulled back, a deep sigh leaving her lips as her hair billowed in the wind.

The wind...

It was soft... muted even. With his fatigues on, Adam could barely feel it brush against his flesh. But the wind was still strong enough to make her hair flow, attracting his gaze forward. Such gilded locks, so neatly cut; flowing... flowing... flowing...

Click!

Snap!

One last photo, and Sol dropped her camera, her chest rising as she took a deep breath. Looking back up at Adam, she smiled and blushed, feeling embarrassed before saying,

“I took up this job as a reporter to help expose the sins of Lansdon," Sol explained, “I wanted to do my part too, while everyone was fighting and dying for Kranst."

“Wanted to do your part, huh?" Adam said, a soft smile adorning his lips as he playfully poked her shoulder, “What happened to that whole 'propaganda' talk you were going on about before? Are you sure you weren't the one showered with nonsense about serving your country?"

Adam's snarky statement garnered a pout from Sol... but it didn't remain long. She began chuckling, laughing even, making the air again become lighthearted and jovial. It didn't last for long as the two grew silent, but they never stopped staring at one another.

“So, Miss Barista... we get out of this, you brew me a good hot cup of joe?" Adam asked.

A tinge of red appeared on Sol's cheek, and she raised her hand. Gently, she brushed back some hair from her face, while her lips grew into a smirk, and her eyes slid into a squint.

“Gotcha... Mr. Farmboy..."

Her flirtatious tone was not lost on him.

“So... how much longer 'till we get to that southern camp?" Sol asked whilst looking forward again.

“Eh... just keep following me. We'll be there before you know it!"

Yeeeeaaaaaah... about that.

The land... was far larger than he gave it credit for.

Adam knows his way around wilderness. He grew up in the wilderness, in the countryside! So if anyone knew how to navigate forests and woods, it was him. But this place? This place? Oh boy... this place was simply huge.

It didn't take long for them to make their way out of Charlestone. There were no more Lansdon soldiers occupying the city, much to Adam's surprised. Though, he still remained vigilant for obvious reasons.

That is... he was vigilant at any moment where his thoughts weren't overtaken by Sol.

Every now and then, Adam would look over at the black and gold avali at his side. She walked calmly at his side, clutching either her camera or her camera's strap. Was she not the very same woman who – just hours ago – was being held captive? But now, she appeared so calm. Why is that? Because of his appearance? Did he make her feel safe?

Heh...

Truth be told, it did spurn a bit of confidence inside of Adam knowing that Sol trusted him so much to lower her guard. She was so close to him; their hips were practically touching. And then – out of the blue – she reached over, grabbing his hand into hers. He felt her fingers brush along his fingers, her palm pressing into his palm. Looking down, he raised an eyebrow, then he stared at her face.

She was smiling at him.

“Just to make sure you don't slip away with how skittish you are," she said in a teasing manner, her face relaxed despite the fact that they were in the middle of a war zone.

“Afraid that I'll slip away?" Adam replied, “Aren't you the one with wings? Heh! What's stopping you from flying off?"

“Believe me, if given the chance, I'd be flying away by now," she replied, “But... heh... us avali can't actually fly. Some of us can glide, but not fly..." she shook her head, “And I've never been good at gliding. I'm sure my old gym teachers gave up on teaching me that skill."

“Oh man... replace gym with math, and we won't be too different," Adam replied with a grin, “Alright, let me check my map again. Hopefully we won't be too far--" Splat... “Away...?" Split... splat... pitter... pat! “Oh no..."

Just their luck. Just their luck!

Adam slowly looked up and... huh... when had the clouds gotten so gray? No... they've been gray since this morning! Even the few glimmers of sunlight he got when he first pulled out of his tent had been marred by gray clouds. It's only now – through the summer heat – that he realized the clouds were a warning of an approaching storm.

The summer heat...

Fuck, it was hot! And for a farmboy, Adam knows that when heat and storms mix, nothing but bad things follow. First it was rain, then it was wind, and then it was...

Grrrrrrrrrrrrgggghhh...

Thunder...

Stuffing away his map, Adam stared up to the storms overhead, groaning with frustration. Getting to the southern camp was already hard enough as they trudged through the wilderness, but doing so in a storm would be outright impossible! He didn't know the land well enough to get through without his map, so with the reduced visibility that a storm would bring, he'd be virtually blind! Making matters worse, if they got sick from this storm, that would significantly hamper their travel.

“Fuck... shit..." Adam muttered, before grasping his backpack, “Sol help me set up my tent. Hopefully we can weather the storm in--"

“ADAM! OVER HERE!"

“Huh?"

He looked up and over, his eyes falling on the avali. Somehow, she had gotten away from him when he wasn't looking, and now stood near some trees in the distance. Having got his attention, she gestured with his arm for him to follow. He did so quickly.

“What's wrong?" he asked, “And why'd you leave?"

“Over here, Adam," Sol said as she pointed, “We can hide out over there!"

“Hide out... over there?"

A... barn? There was a barn here? It – like the city of Charlestone – was derelict and disused, growing in a meadow surrounded by trees. It looked to be old, perhaps by a few decades, but it was still sturdy enough to withstand the elements. Compared to his tent, it was an absolute godsend.

“Alright... let's go," Adam said.

Together, the two rushed for the barn as the storm grew even stronger around them. Once gentle rain transformed into a downpour, drenching them through their clothes in a short amount of time. With Sol's aid, Adam opened one of the barn's massive doors, and the two slipped inside. But when they closed the doors back to stop the rain...

“Haaah..."

“Oh... my... it's dark..."

“Heh... so observant of you!"

“Oh shut up!"

“Hah hah hah! Give me a second, I'll light a fire."

Through the darkness, Sol heard Adam shuffle about, followed by a--

Click!

And suddenly... light!

Having pulled out his flashlight, Adam illuminated the area around them. Of course, he couldn't help but to flash the light upon himself, revealing his face to Sol, where he gave her a smile. She giggled at the sight of it, then shook her head-

“Get moving! Stop joking around!" she said in a teasing manner.

Again she heard Adam laugh as he handed her his flashlight. Pointing it towards him, she gave the ranger enough light to pull over his backpack, unzip and open it, and gather the tools necessary to create a fire.

“Is this Dudral survival training?" she asked, “Or more of your farmboy tendencies coming through?"

“Farmboy, all the way," he answered as he set up a small base to contain their fire, “Between you and me, Dudral's survival training is fucking trash. At least the one who taught it to us didn't know what they were talking about. Still, like a good wittle soldier, I said 'Sir, yes sir!' whenever he said something either bleedingly obvious, or objectionably wrong. Hey... pass me some of that hey next to your feet."

“Huh? Oh, sure... here."

“Thanks..."

Keeping him illuminated, Sol watched as Adam performed the necessary actions to light a fire. It didn't take him too long – perhaps only four or so minutes – but under his dedication--

Fwoooosh!

A small ember was turned into a warm flame, one which casted a red light upon the area around them. Turning off his flashlight, Sol stared at the fire before her, then looked around to their surroundings. And... yup, it was a barn! Old and abandoned, there were stalls for horses, a loft overhead, various tools in the corner, and a lot of hay. Good thing Adam contained that fire. If it spread out, then this barn would become a raging inferno!

Letting out a deep breath, Adam fell down beside his fire and smiled at it. When just looking at his flame, he almost forgot he was here in a war zone. No, it was just him, this abandoned barn around him, and the gentle glowing flame. Ah, but that's not true; someone else was here too, right? And that someone else...

“Aah..."

Was sitting next to him.

Adam looked over, his eyes meeting Sol's eyes. She – like him – had been drenched down in the rain which roared behind the walls of the barn. Her tan clothes were sopping wet, and clung to her body tighter than any dress could. Her slender shoulders, her wider hips, her narrow waist, and – surprisingly – her bust were visible behind her wet top. And from the looks of it, she wasn't wearing a bra.

Ahem...

A blush formed on Adam's face and he averted his eyes... but the avali woman moved in, pressing her shoulder next to his as a calming smile adorned her lips. With a chuckle, he brushed back, pushing his arm against her arm. The two said nothing however, instead turning to focus their gaze on the flame together. Even with the cackles of the fire, the sound of the storm outside still echoed out. No, it was getting louder.

GRRRRGGGGRRRRRRR!!!

“Haaah... summer storms... always so earthshaking," Adam remarked as he looked up to the ceiling overhead, “Looks like we're gonna be here for a while. I hope that's not too problematic for you, Miss Reporter."

“I was born and raised in Kranst," Sol replied, “So I'm used to storms like this. I should be saying the same thing to you! This isn't too trying, is it, Mr. Ranger? Especially since..." her face grew concerned, “You must have so many people waiting for you... so many people worried for you."

“What? Me?" he shook his head, “I'm just a random Ranger, Sol; nothing more, nothing less. While my platoon may be worried for me, and hoping I turn up, I doubt the entirety of the army could give any less of a shit," he shook his head, “Uh... you were right, ya'know? About propaganda, and all that crap. You really don't think about it when you're young, but... like... they really do lie to you. Beguile you with stories about glory, and how it's good to fight and die for one's country, like we're Spartans or Romans or whatever..." he sighed, “But... when you're actually there. When you're actually going through battlefields, walking through trenches, shooting people, getting shot at, watching your allies – your friends – die. It's uh... it's... it's... hmm..."

Adam stopped and looked down, wondering where all of this was coming from. He didn't even know this woman; she was just some random civilian woman. But here he was, unloading these grievances to her like she was some psychiatrist. It made him laugh in a dry manner, finding the situation absurd.

But he didn't stop.

“You don't go through a war and not get changed by it," Adam stated, “Some people handle it better than others, I will admit. I'm afraid I won't. If you're right – if this war really is close to being over – I don't know how I'll adjust back to being... normal. I don't think I can ever be normal, I don't think I could ever--"

“Adam..."

“Huh?"

Pat...

Momma!

Her hand came over, resting on Adam's chest and pressing in, triggering that 'Momma' noise. For a moment, the two looked at one another in a confused manner, before Adam went 'Oh!' in realization. Pulling back, the Ranger's hand reached into his coat pocket, pulling out the doll he found on the way here. He smiled at it, brushed his fingers upon its surface, then rested it down at their side.

“You live in Kranst, right?" he said, “When the invasion first started... did your people make it out okay?"

The smile on his face was affable. Sol could tell he wasn't asking for a soft lie, but genuinely wanting to know the truth. Taking a deep breath, the avali woman wondered if she had enough tact to say this in a tender manner.

“I... I'd like to think so," she answered, “Lansdon's attack was random and sudden, but when it happened, our government mobilized quickly. We got civilians out of war zones quickly, and moved them to safer lands. But..." she shook her head, “Not everyone can be saved, you know."

“Yeah... heh... I know..." he smiled at her, his face moving in closer, “Thanks for... not pulling your punches. I really appreciate that,"

“You strike me as the kind of guy who would want the truth," Sol said, “And for that... I really appreciate it too."

“Heh... um..."

The two looked at one another., both gazing in the other's eyes. Sol's eyes were like the stars, while his eyes were like a beautiful green field. The two couldn't stop looking at one another, being seemingly entranced by what they were seeing. Their eyes... why were their eyes so bright?

“Adam..."

“Sol..."

“I..."

They moved in close, their noses touching one another. They wanted to say something, but all they could hear – even beyond his fire and the storm – was the sound of their breathing. When had it gotten so hard? They were panting harder now than they had been all throughout their journey together. Why is that?

Their breathing was mixing.

“Adam, I..."

“Sol... but... mmmff..."

“Nmmm..."

Surprising. Her lips felt so good against his lips. They parted gently, and pressed hard to his. Likewise for her. This is what a human's mouth feels like? It was... nice. Thin and shapely, Adam's lips caressed her own as they pressed against one another. Then – under his guidance – she felt their lips part open. His tongue – wily and courageous – pushed into her mouth, brushing against her. Sol stiffened, taken aback, but moaned nonetheless.

He tasted so good. She tasted so good. The kiss was brief, but to them, it felt like an eternity... an eternity they didn't want to part from. But they had to. How else were they going to breathe?

They pulled away, a soft yet audible 'chu' leaving their lips. In the red glow of the fireplace, the two stared at one another, gazing deep into the other's eyes. The beauty they observed could not be understated; why did the other have such wonderful eyes?

Reaching up her hand, Sol placed it upon Adam's cheek, clutching it. Then her palm stroked down as a shudder coursed through her. His body too had been drenched by the rain, his army fatigues doing very little to hide his body beneath. He was a soldier, through and through. She had never been so attracted to a masculine physique before, never been excited by bulging muscles. But Adam? Adam made her rethink that.

He reached forward, his hand falling on her shoulder. Again stiffening, Sol looked up into his face, watching as he came closer again. Raising her hand back, she placed it upon his chest, seeming at first to push him away, but never actually doing so. A blush of embarrassment formed on her cheeks, and she averted her eyes from his.

Swallowing her spit, Sol sat there, allowing Adam to touch her as he pleased. His hand was curious, exploring the unique figure of her body as his palm stroked her shoulders, slid down her arm, and them came to a rest upon her hip. Water streaked down her plumage, making her radiate even in the dim light of the campfire. Her black and gold scheme gave Sol this alluring, no, majestic appearance. Like she was opulence given form.

Adam's hand stroked up to her chest, causing Sol's breathing to quicken. Through her shirt, her breasts pressed hard against his palm, filling his palm perfectly. As if driven by instinct, Adam squeezed his hand in, clinching upon her tit through her shirt. Flinching, Sol bit into her bottom lip, trying to disperse some of the pleasure she felt. Had it really been this long since she was last touched in such a way?

Drawn in by Sol's face and how she pushed more of her chest into his awaiting palm, Adam continued groping her bosom through her wet and thin shirt. Clinching, groping, squeezing, lifting, he caused the avali's eyes to close and a sliver of drool to slid out her lip, as a shuddering smile adorned her face.

“Do you... like it?" Adam asked in such a way that Sol couldn't tell if it was honest or rhetorical. Regardless, she nodded furious and answered with,

“Yes...! Haaah...! Adam...!"

Eyes reopening, she looked up at him in a demure and docile manner. Then her hand reached out, grabbing his by the wrist to push his palm against her. Squeezing his hand over her bosom more, Adam clinched her tit into his hand, and drew more panting moans from her voice.

“Haaaah-aaaahh~! Adaaam...! Nhh~!"

Sol... had a very lovely voice.

The more he touched her, the more he groped her, the more he pleased her, the more enthralled Adam became. With the fire as their backdrop, he laid the avali on her back, his green eyes sharp and hungry. She stared back up at him, panting for breath while her breasts was toyed in his hand.

The hand of a rifleman. The hand of a soldier. The hand of a reluctant killer. It was surprisingly tender. Biting into her bottom lip, Sol gave muffled moans which danced in the air, while Adam continued groping her breast through her shirt. Her hands were laid out beside her head, her starlit eyes staring him in his green ones. Panting, breathing, but doing nothing. Just laying there, allowing him to do with her as he pleased.

And he did. His hands traveled over towards the middle of Sol's shirt, grabbing her by the button. Then he pulled one down. And then he pulled another one down. And another one. And another one. One more. And...

“Aaah..."

Her shirt fell open. Sol's breasts were just barely covered by the garment. All Adam needed to do was pull it open, and he'd reveal her. He'd reveal all of her.

Looking up at her face, he saw her expression morph into this shy visage. She was embarrassed by her nudity, though he wondered why. Did she think herself ugly? Was it because she was an avali and he was a human? Or was it because he was still clothed? Well...

Adam pulled back and straightened himself. Before Sol, he unbuttoned his shirt, letting it fall slack on him. Then he pulled it off, laying it next to the fire. Eyes wide, the avali drank in the image of his body. The chiseled musculature, the sleek build, the masculine features; Adam was a soldier, through and through. And then he sat up before Sol, a smile on his lips as he looked back down upon him.

“Your turn," he said with a soft chuckle, “We don't want you catching a cold, do we?"

What was he trying to do? Calm her down? Well... it was working.

When Adam reached down upon her again, Sol let him grab her shirt. And then – with his guidance – they pulled it off of her, revealing her nude upper body to him and the barn around them. Sitting there, he marveled at her nude form, drinking it all in. He was used to, well, human women. So this avali's form was just... unique. The feathers that adorned her body, the black and gold patterns, the smooth and soft snout, her slender shoulders, her perky and pert chest, her narrow waist. Hmm...

Biting into her bottom lip, Sol watched as Adam's hands traced down to her hips. Like her shirt before, he unzipped her pants, then slowly pulled them down her hips and thighs. She wiggled softly, instinctively desperate to get them off of her. Adam was too. The further these pants came down, the more of her frame he revealed.

Sol had such surprisingly wide hips, and sumptuous thighs to boot. With her narrow waist and perky chest, she had a very bottom heavy frame to her. Not like that's a bad thing. Quite the opposite really. Staring at her body as the red light from his campfire illuminated her, Adam felt like he was gazing upon a fertile angel.

Fertile angel? Admittedly, he has been in the smelly depths of his barracks more often than not, but why did he think of her as a 'fertile angel'? Though... he didn't take it back. No, Sol really was a fertile angel, and she was laying herself out for him.

“You... you shouldn't stare so hard..." Sol scolded as she slightly shifted her legs, “It's... it's embarrassing..."

“Sorry," Adam said, a smirk adorning his lips, “I guess I... heh... got a bit overzealous..." he leaned up, “Here, let me just..."

Straightening up again, Adam's hands dropped down to his waist. Before Sol's eyes, she watched him unbuckle and then unzip his pants, revealing...

“Aaah...?"

Everything.

Eyes wide, Sol took in the image of Adam's cock as it stood before her. Long and thick, it throbbed in the air before her as he stood up tall. On the outside, he looked calm and casual. On the inside, Adam couldn't help but to sweat from embarrassment. Sol wasn't even human! Did her species even have things like penises and vaginas? Was he just making a fool of himself?

But Sol didn't laugh, or chide, or tease him. Instead she got up on her knees, marveling at his cock; face-to-face. Reaching up, she placed her hand upon his thighs, making Adam quiver, but he didn't say a word. Focused on Sol, he watched as she kneaded and touched his thighs and hips, marveling at his human form. For as unique as she was to him, he was unique to her. No feathers, no fur; just flesh. Rubbery, spongy flesh.

And this penis. It wasn't tapered, or knotted, or anything like that! It was fleshy like the rest of his body, with a rounded head, veins running down its side, heavy balls, and blond pubic hair. When Sol touched it, his cock twitched, making her flinch. But Adam didn't stop her, so she kept touching him.

Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth; Sol's hand stroked upon his cock. Each stroke garnered a soft groan from Adam, further spurning the avali to stroke his cock faster and faster, more and more!

Adam was a mighty soldier, one who was skilled with that DMR at his side. But right now, Sol had him weaker than a mewling kitten.

“Aah... hoooooh... mmmff... Sol..." he whispered, “Haaah... your hands... they..."

“Aaaahn..."

Did she even hear him? Or was she so enthralled with his penis that she couldn't respond? Did Adam even care?

Not really.

Her fingers tepidly wrapped around his girth, pointing it up as she gripped it like she'd grip a pole. Up and down she stroked, not just to get a better feel for him, but to also see his reaction. Every shiver, every slight thrust of his hips, ever twitch of his face, hear his moans as they filled the air they came out; deep and low, but no less erotic.

And from the tip – from his slit – oozed a gooey pearl of clear precum. It streaked down the head of his cock, ran down its bottom, and stopped only when it reached her hand. Pulling back, Sol gazed down upon her fingers as his precum stained her digits. It was so hot and sticky, and it carried with it this... sniff sniff... hmm... it carried with it this aroma.

Sol moved in, keeping his cock tipped up as she fitted herself between his legs. Opening her mouth, she exposed her long, flat tongue, then tapped his cock against her.

“Oh...!"

The first touch sent a shiver down his spine. His cock was resting on her tongue. Her broad... flat... rough... tongue. He felt the bumps, the grooves, as his sensitive flesh rested against her. Down the middle of his cock traveled his precum, right where it landed upon Sol's tongue. And...

“Haan~?"

Just one touch. Just one taste. That's all it was.

Sol's eyes doubled in size as the bitter flavor of Adam's precum stained her tongue. All at once, he watched her feathers and fur stand on end, like she'd been zapped by electricity. He tasted good. No, he tasted better than 'good'. He tasted amazing!

Palming Adam's pelvis, Sol began lashing his dick with her excited tongue. Along the sides, her tongue traced, gliding upon the veins on his cock. Adam watched her taste his dick, feeling every inch press against every bump of his dick. Biting into his bottom lip, the ranger curled his toes and his fists, trying to relieve the tension he felt. Meanwhile, Sol grew more courageous with her hungry lashes.

Her tongue swirled around the helm of his cock, pressing into his glands and again making him groan. Before he could brace himself, Sol's mouth pressed in, capturing the first inch of his cock into her mouth. Again her eyes widened, now getting an unfiltered taste of his body. They'd been walking all day long, and in this summer heat, they were cooking in their clothes. So all of that salty sweat and heat was collected right here on his dick and balls.

And that salty sweat now danced on her tongue.

“Hnnmmm~~"

Eyes quivering, Sol moaned around Adam's cock, a sound which further traveled through his body. Gazing down upon her, he watched as the avali began pulling her head back and forth; bobbing on his length. He felt his cock travel between her lips and teeth, both grazing him as she sucked him down hard... then pulled back to the tip; again and again and again. Her tongue didn't remain idle either. At first it merely cradled his dick, but as she got used to the feeling of his length in her mouth, her tongue started swirling around it.

More and more, he felt Sol's twisting tongue tease his cock. Biting into his bottom lip, he tried to hold his breath, but he just couldn't anymore.

“Aaaaahh... hooooh...! Mmmnph! That's good..." Adam moaned as he reached out his hand.

Placing it on Sol's head, he caused her to halt and look up at him with an eyebrow raised. Was he going to guide her, or was he just trying to brace himself? Well, after a few moments, he didn't move, so Sol began moving again.

“Mmmf! Hnmm! Mmmph! Mmm!"

“Haaah...! Shit!"

Eyes closed, the avali focused entirely on her fellatio, pulling her head up and down on his cock at a steady pace. And, ya'know, it really has been a while for Adam. It's not like he's having loads of sex in the army! So feeling Sol grow so hungry, so excited by his cock, that she was practically fucking him with her mouth, made his legs buckle. A sliver of drool hung down his lips, and as his pleasure hit the zenith.

“Gah!"

Grab!

“Mmmph!?"

Adam's hands fell on Sol's head, holding her firm against his cock as he unleashed a torrent of his jizz straight into her awaiting mouth. She felt it. Every rumination, every twitch, every rumble of his cock; she felt it! It started first at his balls as they drew close, then it traveled through the base, along the shaft, to the head, and--

SPLURRT!!!

Eyes wide, Sol sat there as Adam's audible orgasm filled her mouth with hot... white... thick... seed! It filled every inch of her maw, leaving nothing to spare. There was so much cum, it forced the avali back, less she choke on his seed! But even then, Adam didn't stop. A few more strands of seed shot out from his dick, painting lines of cum upon Sol's snout. She sat there, mouth agape and breathing hard through her nose while cum hung on her lips. The smell and the taste both drugged her mind, causing her to lean back and--

“Hnnnaaaaahh~"

She didn't mean to sound so slutty as she moaned with desire. Then again, did it even matter?

First she closed her mouth with an audible--

“Mmmph..."

Then she tensed up as she swallowed it down...

“Guulp... glp! Gulp! Nmmph!"

Opening her mouth and eyes, Sol sat there on her knees, panting for air. She didn't mean to hold her breath for as long as she did. Made her chuckle from the absurdity of the situation. Why were they naked in an abandoned barn when their enemies could find them? Why did she suck his cock until he came? Why did she want more?

“You were... um... heh... pretty backed up there," Sol remarked as she looked up at him, a relaxed smile on her lips.

“Well... it's not like I have much chances to crank one out," Adam replied with a chuckle, “Where should I masturbate at? Near the jets? At the firing range? Maybe in the barracks with the other guys? Get a good circle jerk going?"

“Hah hah hah! Okay, I get it!"

Jeeze, he kept melting her defenses. Here with Adam, Sol felt as if the rest of the world no longer mattered, or even existed.

Slowly he got down, sitting on his butt so that they could be at the same level as one another. Again, the two said nothing, just staring into each others' eyes. How did they have such beautiful eyes? Adam could seriously look at them for hours, and the feeling was mutual. Reaching out for Sol, he placed his hand on her cheek, and she did likewise with him.

What was this feeling? Why did they move in so close? Why did their lips meet?

“Mmmph..."

“Nmm..."

Eyes closed as the fire cackled nearby, the human and avali again entered into a kiss with one another. It was soft and gentle, with swiveling, swirling, sliding tongues. Sol felt herself being driven deeper into the hungry maw of her lover, who pulled her closer and closer until she was laying atop him. Hands down at Adam's head, she pressed her lips harder to his, deepening the kiss while his hands fell on her back. His touches were slow and sensual, sliding upon her sides, teasing her back, coming up to her shoulders, then traveling back down to her hips and ass.

“Aaaahh~"

With a clinch to her butt, Adam forced a groan from Sol's lips, and made her back arch. She grabbed back upon his shoulders, her eyes lidded as her tail fluttered. His grip was so strong; it sank and sank and sank into her surprisingly plump ass.

Yeah... surprisingly.

Adam was a man, yes, and one who appreciates the female body. But in a war zone, the last thing he's going to do is ogle the backside of a civilian reporter he was escorting to safety. But now as that same reporter was atop his body, the both of them naked as the heat from the campfire illuminated them, he took his time to feel, to explore, to indulge in her body.

Pushing Sol up so that she straddled his hips, Adam gazed upon her unique form with unabashed eyes. His hands touched her shoulders first, kneading them, before sliding down to grope her perky and firm chest. Each tit filled his hands perfectly, her hard nipples rubbing against his sweaty palms. Around and around he groped her chest, making her back arch as she bit into her bottom lip to try and relieve some of the tension.

His hands felt so good! Strong when they needed to be, but also gentle and tender, they kneaded her body with all of the fervent need one would expect of a soldier who hadn't known a woman in so long. They could have guns pointed at them through these walls, and not even they would be enough to stop him.

“Fuck... hnmmph...! Yess~" moaned Sol as she softly gyrated her hips on Adam's waist, “I... hnph~!"

Maybe it had been a while for her too...

Adam's hands trailed down her hips, coming around to again clutch Sol's butt. And, fuck, what an ass. This wide, shapely, plump, fat ass, with appropriately wide hips holding it together. Biting into his bottom lip, the ranger squeezed her butt nice and tight, feeling her flesh spill through the cracks of his fingers. In return, Sol crooned her head, letting loose a loud, high-pitch moan which quivered through the air.

“Aaaaaahhhnnn~~! Ooooohh~!"

Adam swallowed his spit and groaned. Behind Sol, his cock stiffened to maximum, and sandwiched itself betwixt her cheeks. She could feel it. All hot and jumpy, like a burning spire of lust. Shaking her hips, the avali clapped her juicy ass around his dick, forcing another groan from his lips.

“Do you... really like this...?" she asked as she continued wiggling her hips left to right, “This isn't... unsightly to you, is it?"

“Unsightly...?" Adam repeated, confused that a word would even leave her lips, “Weeeell... I'd honestly like to see more of it."

She looked at him, eyebrow raised and lips in a pout, as if annoyed by his words. She knew what he was really asking for... as if the sheepish grin on his face didn't make that obvious. And yet, she indulged him. Turning around on his body, Sol leaned over on her knees and hiked her butt up.

And...

Fuck...

It really was a big butt.

So large, with round, soft cheeks, and a plump shape, it was an ass he'd gleefully stare at for hours. It made his cock throb, excitedly so, though he didn't say a word. For now, he just watched Sol flaunt her ass, swaying it left and right slowly, while pouting and curling some hair around her finger.

“This is... embarrassing..." she muttered, while Adam shifted up.

“Why?" he asked, to which she shook her head.

“Most avali men... don't like butts this big..." Sol bemoaned, causing Adam to chuckle.

“Well... good thing I'm not an avali man," he replied as he leaned over, pressing his chest to her back, “Sol..."

“Yes?"

“You should wear skirts more often."

She came thiiiiiissss close to smacking him for his heated remark, but couldn't when his lips suddenly pressed to the back of her neck. The kiss caused her to grow weak, her legs shaking as a quivering moan left her lips. Reaching around, she clutched the side of Adam's head, holding him close to her. Every kiss made her shiver, while his lips traveled further down. One kiss, another kiss, another kiss.

They trailed along Sol's spine, coming to stop right at her butt. But that's not to say his idle praise came to a halt as well. Pursing his lips, he gently kissed and then nuzzled up to Sol's butt, showering it with affection. Despite trying not too, the avali couldn't help but to let loose moans as her body quivered, and mouth hung open.

“Haaah... aaoooh~ Adam..."

“You're so beautiful..." he whispered back, making her bite into her bottom lip.

Pulling back, Adam placed his hands on Sol's hips, squeezing them, kneading them, then shaking her ass left and right. Her puckering asshole was twitching, but her dripping pussy attracted his eyes. Her fragrance permeated the air, beating out the smell of his own sweaty body, as well as the heat near by. It made Adam's mouth drip with desire, and caused his hungers to rise.

Rise... rise...

Reaching down, Adam wrapped his arms around Sol's legs and thighs, taking her aback. But before she could even ask him what he was going to do--

“HRRMMPH!"

“AAH-HAAAH~!? A-ADAM!!!"

His mouth hungrily ground up against Sol's pussy, slurping up her juices like a man possessed. He lacked finesse and style, instead being focused more on straight up eating her cunt out. His tongue pushed in deep into her folds, swirling and prying apart her walls. The deeper he pushed, the more her cunt clinched around him, desperate to feel every inch of his tongue, and more.

His lips also pushed, and smooshed, and kissed at her pussy. Moaning into her body, he caused her to quiver, her legs opening wider to keep herself standing. Not easy though. Adam's hungry cunnilingus was enough to nearly sap all the strength in her legs!

“Fuck~! Aaahn~! A-Adam! Slow down! Please! Ooohhh~!"

No chance of that happening. How could it when her taste dominated his tongue, and her smell overwhelmed his nose? And this plush posterior; it cradled his head like a pillow! If Sol wanted to sit on his head, he'd gleefully let her!

Guess he's into facesitting now... oh well...

“HRMMMPH!!!"

“S-stop~!" Sol cried, her claws digging into the ground bellow, “Stop being so looo-houuuddd~~~! Fuck! Aahh~!"

But, again, Adam would do no such thing! He sloppily slurped up Sol's folds, devouring her cunt like she was an oasis and he was in a desert! Each slide of his tongue, every devious push and powerful retreat, sent ruminations that traveled up to the avali's brain. Her moans – so loud and airy – filled the barn around them, and were only silenced when she clinched her teeth. Drool traveled down her lips, her mouth forming into a grin. And then she shuddered, and cried out--

“AAAAHH-HAAAAHH~~~!"

And...

Squirrrt!

“Mmmph!"

Adam flinched, but didn't pull back. No, he stayed ground against Sol's moist cunt, drinking down the nectar that flowed from her as she climaxed around his tongue. Such a sweet taste. It tickled and teased his tongue and lips, like a... cupcake. Yeah, like a cupcake. He moaned as he sat there, still tied to Sol's cunt, still drinking down her climax until her legs finally gave way.

Thud!

“Ooooh-hoooh... fuck... nhh~"

Pulling back, Adam dragged his arm against his lips, cleaning off some of Sol's orgasmic fluids. Still the taste danced on his tongue, and swam in his nose. Then when he looked down, his eyes befell the avali's twitching body and plump ass. Fuck, how did girl this short have such much cake in her butt? What's the term for that? A shortstack, or something like that?

Whatever...

Like an animal, Adam moved forward. His cock was thumping between his legs, burning with endless lust and need. Still recoiling following her earthshaking climax, Sol didn't notice it until the ranger behind her grabbed her hips. Ears twitching, she looked over her shoulder towards him, as he hiked up her ass again. This time however, it wasn't to delve his face into her pussy, but instead angle her with his cock.

Oh... she knew what was coming next. It was only natural for thing to progress this far. She wanted them to go this far. She wanted to reach that logical conclusion.

And that look in his eyes made it more than clear he wanted it to.

Grabbing his cock by the base, Adam pressed his length up against Sol's folds. The first touch made her whimper, as the heat from his dick made it feel like she'd burn up. Yet her pussy – so hungry and wet and lewd – clung at the air, desperate to finally be filled. Filled deeeeep.

Indeed, Adam was going to fill her deeeeeeeeeeeep.

“Hnnngh~! Hhnnmph! That's it! Nnhhh~!"

His cock pushed into Sol's folds, spreading apart her walls. Inch by inch by glorious inch, it pushed into her pussy, making her eyes roll back and mouth hang open. This cock! This fucking cock! It wasn't just long, it was big! Sol couldn't even think about closing again as his dick sank in, deeper and deeper. Were all humans this hung? Or was Adam unique like that? She didn't know, nor did she care! She just wanted more!

And Adam gave her that 'more'. He kept pushing... and pushing... and pushing... until he could push no longer.

Sitting there, he stared down upon Sol as he impaled her on his cock. The shortstack avali's large ass was ground against his pelvis, her pussy suckling his dick down to the base. Her back arched and face one of pleasure, she unleashed sonorous moans from her lips that refused to be stifled.

Adam felt so damn good, so damn filling! She felt it push all the way to her womb! The size difference only made things better! This big, strong, towering man, had his cock deep into her cunt! And now he was driving back with his hips, slowly. His burly cock scraped against the walls of her cunt, making her quiver all the more! And then – with no warning – he--

THWAP!

“AAH-HAAH~"

“Hnn!"

Fuck... she was so tight!

With a thrust, Adam's cock slid deep into Sol's awaiting pussy. Her walls clinched and clamped upon him, holding him hostage, up until he drew back out... only to thrust back in with another weighty--

THWAP!

“HNNNGH~~~! FUUUCK~! AAH~"

Fuck him and his big, long, fucking cock! How it pushed so deep, deeper than her fingers possibly could! Deeper than any previous lover has ever reached! And fuck him and his strength! This strong, chiseled body that drove his cock deep into her. Every time his cock shot forward, his toned hips would smack her round ass. And she'd smack back, bouncing on his stiff member with an audible--

CLAP!

They couldn't believe it. No one would believe it! Against the softly burning flames of the fireplace in this abandoned barn, Adam fucked Sol, his every thrust reaching deeper than the last. Her desperate panting echoed out through the air, her head held low and mouth opened wide. She was a little shortstack goddess, cooing and moaning through the air as his cock claimed her over and over again. Adam was no different. Sweat pouring down his chiseled form, he was like an Adonis as he heatedly fucked the avali beneath him.

He seemingly knew – as if by instinct – just how to please her. His cock and hips worked in tandem to carve her pussy out in the shape of his length, while his hands gripped and kneaded her hips and ass. Some touches would be soft strokes, other touches would be tight clinches, but all touches would be fucking perfect! Just the right level of tenderness, the right level of strength, and always right when she needed it.

Sol's pussy – so hot, wet and tight – began clinching and tightening even further around Adam's dick. Letting out a gasp himself, he realized what was happening, or more accurately, what was coming! Just like with his tongue before, Sol was trying to seize and hold his cock hostage! That only drove him to thrust harder into Sol, making her back arch and eyes grow cross.

It was coming! It was coming! Oh fuck it was coming! If he could feel it in her, then she could feel it in him! Rumbles echoed through his cock, making it sputter a near endless drivel of precum right into her pussy! The oncoming signs of an impending climax! And what an amazing climax it would be! Adam was grunting hard, seething through his teeth as his balls drew up close.

Just.

One.

More.

Thrust.

And...

THWAP!

“AAHH~~~!"

“HOOH!"

Cum. Hot. Powerful. Virile. Cum. Male, female, it didn't matter. Right here between the two, a sinful concoction of seed and jizz was created. Inside of Sol's pussy, Adam unleashed the contents of his balls, releasing a climax of equal if not greater size than the previous.

And Sol felt it. The burst of spunk inside of her cunt made her croon, her tail fluttering left and right like a wagging bitch in heat. If only he could see the smile she wore on her face. Teeth gritted and drool sliding down her lips, her eyes rolled back as she showered Adam's cock with her own climax. Her pussy undulated, milking his dick to the base, and drawing his climax out even longer. More... more... more!

And finally...

“Aaah..."

“Hoooh..."

Sol's head slowly dropped, while Adam gripped her waist hard. Pulling back, he withdrew from the avali's pussy, sending a lewd--

Pop!

Through the air.

Then he sat there, panting for breath as he looked down upon his cock. Strands of mixed cum hung from his cock to her spent pussy, with more seed dribbling down upon the ground before them. Seeing it made his length twitch a few more times, but his green eyes returned to Sol. She was quivering, her legs struggling to keep her up, before finally giving out and falling.

“Ah..."

But Adam grabbed her. His strong arms lifted the avali up, pulling and resting her in against him. Turning around, she stared him in the eye as they again looked at one another. 'What did we just do?' said their faces, though no words left them. Just breathing and panting. And then they came closer. And closer. And closer. And...

“Mmmff..."

“Nmmm..."

His hand on her back, and her arms wrapping around his neck, the two kissed one another again. It was soft and gentle; a kiss of love laced with lust and desire. Tongues slowly danced in their mouths, around and around, only to stop as Adam felt a tug on his shoulder.

Like a petulant child, he shook off the tugging hand, trying to ignore it, but the hand kept pulling on him. Amid his kiss with Sol, Adam growled, still trying to deny whoever it was that pulled on him. But a voice echoed into his ears, saying,

“Wake up, sonny," said the voice, “We've arrived."

“I..."

Green eyes open.

Gone was the barn. Gone was the fire. Gone was the naked avali woman he just made love to. Replacing it was a sunset sky, the inside of a rustic train, and an aged dog beastkin.

Adam straightened up, his eyes wide as drool hung out his lip. He was... back? Everything that just happened was a dream, a flashback. Palming his head in disbelief, the blond man groaned and shook his head, like he was suffering from a headache. To his side was the train's conductor, who smiled at him.

“Thanks for that," Adam said as a hapless smile adorned his lips, “I would've been really embarrassed if I missed my stop."

“I would've loved to let ya sleep," said the dog, “You look like you could use it. But I can tell that you're a man who's on a mission, and I know better than to get between a soldier and their mission," he tapped his shoulder, “C'mon, sonny. You got the rest of your life lookin' towards ya."

Adam nodded and reached over, grabbing his bouquet of flowers. With the conductor's guidance, he stepped off of the train, and onto the boarding platform of a train station. This station however wasn't in some distant, countryside town. Instead it was in the heart of a city. He could hear cars in the distance, the conversations of dozens, if not hundreds of people, and could even hear the soft rushing of water.

He had arrived.

Suddenly, Adam's heart began to quake. He could hear the train behind him be boarded, its doors close, and eventually ride off, all as he remained standing there like a statue. What if she wasn't even here? What if he was unwanted? What if he had it all wrong?

Shit, these questions; they reared their ugly head again. Why was he so cowardly now? He fought in a war, and yet this somehow felt so much more difficult. Ain't that the story of life. Stare down a gun? Whatever. Try to confront the woman you love? Shake in your boots!

But, damn, he made his way this far! It would be both pointless, stupid, and expensive to go back without even attempting to see her! And he really didn't want to waist anymore money. So, whether he was ready or not – weather she was ready or not – Adam took a step forward.

“Hm... everything here really is brown..."

…

On 1957 in the coastal city of Bluecove, a small little cafe opened up. It was owned by an avali man named Obadiah, one who people swore had magical ways with his brew. It didn't matter who you were, where you came from, or what species you were, Obadiah knew exactly what kind of brew you'd need at the moment, even before you did! He calmed many hearts with his coffee and drinks, and many more spirits with his friendly attitude and beloved stories. Even now – decades after his death – the name Obadiah carries with it a beloved connotation, that makes many who know it sigh with relief.

His cafe was named 'Gild Wings'. It sits on the corner of Route 79 and Sonne Street. Across the road is the ocean, allowing the cafe's patrons to enjoy the sight of the horizon.

But these days, the cafe was known for a different reason. These days when one speaks of Gild Wings, they aren't talking about Obadiah, nor the ocean view, nor its coffee. No, when people speak of Gild Wings, they're really talking about--

“Sol! You got those beans!?"

Wham!

“They're coming!"

She appeared from the back. An avali woman, black plumage with gold accents. Blonde hair spilled from her head, being so long that they needed to be tied up into a bun. Ya'know, health regulations and all that. She wore tan shorts and a gold shirt, with a brown apron tied around her waist, while in her hands laid an empty cup and beans.

“There you are, Sol," said a patron, a burly tiger, “And I was fearin' that my night shift was gonna be a sleepin' one."

“You far too hasty, Karo," said the avali as she walked over towards the counter in the bar, “You're here every weekday at the same time. I'm not gonna forget your coffee..." she smirked, “Even if I do run a little late."

Her response garnered her a chuckle, not just from the tiger, but from the other patrons in the cafe. Sol's laid back nature was as recognizable as her pelt, being capable of calming even the most unruliest of people; tiger's included.

Placing that can of open beans in the coffee machine, Sol began grinding them up and pouring a cup of hot water. Around her, her four ears twitched, listening in on the few conversations going on inside the cafe. This time of day was always slow and quiet; not many people want a cup of coffee when the sun is going down. But every now and then, she'd hear that familiar--

Ring-A-Ding!

A smile adorned Sol's lips.

“Welcome to Gild Wings," she said as she slowly turned around, “I'll get to you in a..." her eyes grew wide, “Mo... ment..."

“Hey... Miss Reporter."

Those green eyes. Those green eyes were looking at her.

“Adam...?"