Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 90: Feel Like Swimming?

Chapter 90: Feel Like Swimming?

The group nodded in agreement, the tension between them settling for the moment. Together, they began moving toward the stairs, following in Kato’s footsteps and leaving the noisy chatter of the crowd behind.

____

Kato stood on the balcony of an opulence room, leaning against the railing, his gaze fixed on the swimming pool below. The area was empty, but the elaborate decorations surrounding the pool announced the upcoming night’s festivities. Colorful lights, carefully arranged floral displays, and banners made it clear that a party was about to begin.

A soft ping in Kato’s ear broke the silence. He tapped the earpod, and a feminine voice filled his ear.

"We didn’t succeed, sir. The collar is set to detonate tomorrow."

Kato’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. His tone was calm but edged with determination. "I anticipated this. I’ll try my best tomorrow."

"Try your best?" the voice questioned, confusion lacing her words. "I thought you already had a contingency plan in case the scientists failed."

"I have a way," Kato replied, his smirk deepening, "but I can’t guarantee it will work. That’s why I said I’ll try. If it fails, then we’ll explore other options. One way or another, Scarlett will come to me. I don’t force women... but if it comes to that, I won’t hesitate."

The feminine voice remained silent, and Kato disconnected the call with a single tap on the earpod. His thoughts shifted, and he chuckled softly to himself.

"Austin’s going to push for monster slaying tonight," he murmured, his tone laced with sarcasm. "He’ll want to test if we’re worthy of his organization. It’s a perfect opportunity to slip away to attend to my business."

A sudden knock interrupted his musings.

"Who is it?" Kato called, his sharp gaze darting toward the door of the room. When no response came, irritation flickered across his features. "Who the hell is that?" he barked, striding to the door and yanking it open.

Louise stood in the doorway, an amused expression on his face.

"What do you want?" Kato demanded, his frustration evident.

"What do I want?" Louise replied, feigning innocence as he stepped into the room without waiting for an invitation. "Do you still need some privacy... for, you know, your personal ’activities.’" He smirked, rolling his eyes dramatically before brushing past Kato.

Before Kato could retort, movement outside the door caught his eye. Scarlett and the others were approaching.

Scarlett greeted him with a forced smile, and the rest nodded in acknowledgment as they entered.

The group settled into the room, some lounging on the king sized bed while others leaned against the walls, arms folded. Their collective presence filled the space with a palpable tension.

"What are you all doing here?" Kato asked, his brow furrowing in annoyance."I thought some of you wanted to be free birds and don’t want to live by Austin’s rules. Why aren’t you leaving yet then?"

"We’ve all agreed to stay and also agreed to stick together in one room. We all are not staying here forever, anyway. Once we’re sure everything is in place, we’ll be on our way." Larry uttered with a heavy sigh "For now, we’re just going to rest and prepare for the party tonight."

Maya, leaning against the wall with an air of disdain, added, "Don’t forget Austin’s little speech. There’s a meeting, too. Since you guys agreed to join his monster-slaying organization, you’re now officially part of it." Her words dripped with sarcasm, and she rolled her eyes for good measure.

Louise chuckled from where he lay on the bed, his back to Maya. "Would you prefer to be a ’free citizen’ instead?" he quipped, his smirk audible in his tone. "You know... walking around naked and having fun with atleast four guys a day."

Maya’s face flushed with anger, but Louise paid her no mind, making himself comfortable on the bed.

"Anyways, take enough rest as you might be slaying monsters tonight to prove your worth." Kato said with a smirk plastered on his face. "And you wouldn’t be slaying monsters alone but the test which would determined if you’re qualified to be among Austin organisation would be included and I don’t think it’s going to be that simple."

"So soon?" Maya chimed in as she heaved a heavy sigh. "Anyways, the earlier the better afterall. Let’s see what that weirdo is up to." She added with a determined expression.

The group all have a determined nod, patiently and curiously waiting for the test to begin.

Breaking the tension, Garvin spoke up, his voice gentle. "Scarlett, would you like to go for a walk with me? Before the party starts, I mean."

Scarlett hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Sure." She reached out to take Garvin’s offered hand, ignoring the curious glances from the others as they watched the pair leave the room.

Once the door closed behind them, Scarlett and Garvin walked side by side down the hallway, weaving through the crowd of free citizens. The air was thick with the weight of their stares, and Scarlett could feel the intensity of their gazes as they descended the staircase.

It was as if the entire world had turned its attention on them now that Austin was done with his business with them. Whispers followed them as they continued walking.

"Don’t mind them," he whispered. "They’re just curious since we’re new and of course our fate hasn’t been decided since we haven’t taken Austin’s test." Garvin voiced out, as if trying to calm Scarlett tension which wasn’t even there.

Scarlett nodded, offering him a faint smile. "I know," she replied softly.

Their footsteps echoed as they left the building, stepping into the lush gardens outside. The moonlight painted the scene in silvery hues, accentuating the beauty of the manicured hedges and exotic flowers swaying gently in the evening breeze.

Garvin slowed his pace, his eyes scanning the serene surroundings. "I can’t help but think about this Austin’s test." he said suddenly, stopping and turning to face her. "All I want to know is to see if he’s really the benevolent leader he claims to be, or if there’s something darker going on."

Scarlett let out a heavy sigh, crossing her arms as her gaze dropped to the ground. "You’re not wrong," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "I don’t trust him. It’s hard to trust anyone with power, especially in a world like this. I used to believe that people like us...people with abilities could make life easier for humanity. That we could protect them and give them hope in this apocalypse. But the more I see, the harder it gets to hold on to that belief."

Garvin’s expression softened. "I don’t trust him either," he said, his voice firm. "There’s something about him that doesn’t add up. But we have to tread carefully. We don’t know the full story here, and we can’t afford to rock the boat until we do. Hopefully, we’ll find what we’re looking for soon and get the hell out of here. Staying here for too long, shackled by Austin’s rules, isn’t an option."

Scarlett nodded in agreement. "I just wish to know more," she said, her tone laced with longing. "What’s the real purpose of this organization? What’s Austin’s ultimate goal? Once I get those answers, we’re gone."

Garvin shrugged, offering her a small, encouraging smile. "We’ll find out soon enough."

Scarlett returned his smile, a flicker of warmth breaking through her guarded expression. Together, they resumed walking, the tension between them giving way to a more companionable silence.

The path led them to a shimmering pool surrounded by lanterns that cast a soft glow on the rippling water. The gentle breeze added a tranquil touch to the scene.

"Feel like swimming?" Garvin asked with a mischievous grin.

Before Scarlett could respond, Garvin pulled off his shirt and tossed it onto a nearby chair. The moonlight illuminated his toned chest, and Scarlett’s eyes widened as she caught sight of a rose tattoo etched over his heart. She blinked, startled by the unexpected revelation.

She swallowed hard, her gaze flickering downward, but as soon as she realized what she was doing, she quickly looked away, her cheeks burning.

"Why you...." she began, but her words were cut off by a loud splash. Garvin had jumped into the pool, sending a spray of water in every direction.

"Hey! You didn’t tell us you were going for a swim!" Maya called out from the balcony , leaning out to watch them with an amused smile.

"Those two..." Larry muttered as he walked past the balcony, shaking his head.

Garvin resurfaced, running a hand through his wet hair as he called out to Scarlett. "Come on! We might not get any chance to do this again. The party’s for the free citizens, not us."

Scarlett knelt at the edge of the pool, watching him glide effortlessly through the water. "You know I can’t swim," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "I nearly drowned once at a business meeting your company hosted, and I’m not exactly eager for a repeat performance. Besides, I can’t use my powers here. Austin doesn’t know I have them, and people are watching."

Garvin swam up to her, his grin unfaltering. "Then I’ll teach you," he said, his tone light and teasing. Without giving her a chance to argue, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the pool, clothes and all.

"Are you insane?" Scarlett spluttered, struggling to keep her head above water.

Garvin caught her around the waist, steadying her. His touch was firm but gentle, and his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. "Relax," he murmured. "I’ve got you. You’re not going to drown, not while I’m here."

Scarlett’s breathing slowed as her panic subsided, replaced by an unfamiliar warmth spreading through her chest. The moonlight reflected off the water, making Garvin’s wet skin glisten. Her gaze flickered to his chest, lingering on the tattoo before darting back to his face.

"Just follow my lead," he said softly, a smile tugging at his lips as his arms remained fixed on Scarlett’s waist.

Scarlett nodded absentmindedly, her thoughts spiraling out of control. Why does he have to look so good? she wondered, her eyes drifting to his lips. She didn’t even realize her hand had rested against his chest, her fingertips tracing the edge of the tattoo.

’I’m really losing my mind. I’m older than him and besides he’s my boss on Earth even if it’s not here.’ she thought, her heart racing.