Luton, Desert Town

Ember wasn’t expecting the lush green landscape to transform into one of deep red and brown. They sat up in their seat, peering out the window as they passed cacti and tumbleweeds. Luton was a desert town, making it look like they had taken a step back in time to the Old West. Kael smiled, glancing at Ember out of the corner of his eye. Getting more comfortable in his seat, Ravager looked at the rearview mirror.

He knew that they were already being followed. As soon as they left the hotel, Totem called Viper, letting the man know their location. Since Ember used to work for Viper, they were the primary focus. Kael couldn’t let whatever henchman Viper has hired get hold of Ember. Moving his attention back to the road, he decided to take a little detour.

Cutting through a bunch of back roads and managing to lose the person who had been following them. Kael was now back on one of the main roads and made his way to Nightshade’s safe house. When they arrived, however, the front door had been kicked in, and a familiar car was in the driveway. Putting the car in park, Ravager took off his seatbelt and grabbed a weapon hidden under the seat. “Stay close behind me, Ember,” Kael spoke in a low and soft tone, slowly opening he door before leaving it slightly ajar.

Slowly stepping inside the ruined safe house, the Ravager perked up his ears and listened. Tables, chairs, and bookshelves were turned over on their sides, and papers were scattered across the floor. Were they searching for Nightshade or something that he had in his possession? “Do you think that there was a struggle?” Ember whispered, turning his head to look at his companion. Kael shook his head. “No, if there were this place, it would be in flames. Someone must have tipped Nightshade off that Viper was on his way.”

Walking into the next room, Ravager froze in his tracks as he saw Viper in the middle of the room. The man rose to his feet, locking eyes with Kael.

“Well, if it isn’t the Ravager,” the man chuckled, crossing his arms.

“Long time no see, Viper. It has been a while, hasn’t it?” the Ravager sighed. Viper tutted, reaching for something on his side. “Yes, it’s unfortunate that we are both here for different reasons as well,” the hunter killer growled.

Kael put himself between Ember and Viper. “Yet you still refuse to change as well. Why don’t you give up on hunting Nightshade and turn yourself in?” the Ravager taunted, his weapon in his hand as well. Kael glanced at Ember over his shoulder, who took the hint and disappeared out of sight, finding somewhere to hide. Viper scoffed, not caring if they had an audience or not, and shrugged his shoulders as he dashed Kael first. The Ravager dodged the attack and began to exchange a series of blows with the older hunter.

He had to admit Viper was quite skilled in battle and hit rather hard. Kael was sure that he would be bruised for a few days. When Ravager saw an opening, he took it, landing a rather hefty blow to Viper’s side right below the ribs. The older man staggered and wobbled backwards, holding his side. Viper let out a chuckle and spit out some blood. “Not too bad, Ravager. You live up to that name of yours.”

The older man put his weapon away. “I’ll see you again. After all, Nightshade has more than one safe house.” He took his leave, going out the back. The sound of a car engine started, and soon Viper was out of sight. Kael watched from the window as he put his weapon away and looked around the trashed room he and Ember were in. Ember came out of their hiding place with a paper in their hand.

“Are you okay?” the Ravager asked his companion, who walked over to him. Ember nodded. “I found this... it seems to be some type of code to Nightshade’s next location.” They offered it over to Kael, who accepted the page and reviewed the code. “It looks like Nightshade has gone somewhere tropical,” said the Ravager, placing the page down onto a side table. Ember crossed their arms. “A place tropical?” They tilted their head to the side, and Kael nodded.

“Yes, and the only place that came to mind was Clareswell Isles.”

"Clareswell Isles?”

“A tropical landscape with palm trees, and unbearable humidity.”

Ember looked down at the ground. “I’ve never been there.”

The Ravager chuckled, patting Ember on the shoulder gently.

“Well, now you will have a chance too. Let’s get going.”

Kael led the way with a slight limp in his step. He should check himself over for any cuts that need to be patched up. There should also be some cream in the medkit for his bruises. First, they needed to get out of here and find a hotel to stay in for the night. After shutting the door to the safe house, Ember joined the Ravager in the car.

Kael found them a hotel, thankfully, one without Totem, and they settled in. He took a shower, and afterwards, he had Ember help patch any deep wounds and apply bruise cream. “Thank you for your help. I hope it wasn’t too uncomfortable.” The Ravager talked to his companion, who had their back turned as he changed. “It’s not a problem.” Ember nervously gulped, staring at the wall as if it were the most interesting thing inside the room.”

Though they didn’t want to admit it, Kael was handsome. Ember themselves weren’t sure of their sexuality, but could admit he was attractive. “I’m done, Ember,” said the Ravager, walking past them carrying his soiled garments, placing them into a spare bag. His companion nodded and used the facilities as well. Slightly uncomfortable due to his wounds, Kael settled down.

Whenever Ember was finished and opened the door, they saw that the Ravager was already asleep. They were surprised that, despite the injuries Kael received during his fight with Viper, he could fall asleep so fast. Crawling into their bed after putting away their clothes from the previous day, they settled under the sheets. Ember stared up at the ceiling for a while before closing their eyes and drifting off to sleep.

The following morning, Ember was woken up with breakfast and coffee.

Sitting up and rubbing their eyes, Kael smiled at them. “About time you woke up,” he teased, placing the two room service trays onto the small dining table in the room. “This place has room service?” Ember mumbled, tossing the sheet and blanket aside as they went to stand up.

“It’s why I chose the place. That way we wouldn’t be dining on fast food again,” said the Ravager, rubbing the back of his neck. Ember nodded and joined him at the table, muttering a thank you. Kael smiled and ruffled their hair. Their companion pouted and fixed their already messy bedhead and picked up their knife and fork to cut into a stack of pancakes. The two chatted about Clareswell Isles, with the Ravager being the one to tell Ember about the area itself, mostly.

Going from a hot desert like Luton to an even hotter place made it sound miserable, but Ember was getting to do something that they never got to do before. Travel. When Ember worked for Viper, they did local errands. Ember was never allowed to go to the next town over, and Spark made a horrible partner. Spark was the kind of guy to report on everything that Ember ever did.

Unlike Kael, with whom they were currently helping load the car for their trip to Clareswell Isles. Ember took one last look at the desert sands that surrounded them before getting into the passenger seat. The Ravager started the car and glanced over at Ember, shooting them a smile. They pulled out of the parking lot of the hotel and began their drive towards the tropical town of Clareswell Isles. Far behind them, in the distance, was Viper, watching and waiting, giving them time to get ahead before he followed behind them.