Day 16 Post-Impact - Morning
The briefing room was packed.
Every awakened in the community had gathered. Twenty-six people with powers ranging from F-rank to C-rank, all waiting to hear the plan.
Sarnav stood at the front, a rough map of the western district spread across the table.
"The nest is here." He pointed to a circled area. "Three kilometers west, in what used to be a shopping complex. Scouts estimate fifty to a hundred void creatures, mostly F and E-rank. But nests grow fast. Every day we wait, their numbers increase."
"What's the assault plan?" Chen Wei asked.
"Three teams. Team One is our heavy hitters. Me, Chen Wei, Ishani, and Hafiz. We punch through the outer defenses and engage the core." He traced a line on the map. "Team Two flanks from the south. Nisha leads, with four E-ranks for support. Your job is containment. Nothing escapes."
Nisha nodded, her expression serious.
"Team Three holds the perimeter," Sarnav continued. "Everyone else. If creatures try to scatter, you cut them down. We're not leaving survivors to rebuild elsewhere."
"What about the nest heart?" Ishani asked. "Void nests usually have a central structure. Destroy that, and the creatures lose coordination."
Sarnav looked at her with new appreciation. "You've fought nests before?"
"Once. In Cheras, before my group was overrun." Her jaw tightened. "We didn't have enough firepower to reach the heart. You do."
"Then that's our primary objective. Team One breaks through, finds the heart, destroys it." He looked around the room. "Questions?"
Silence.
"Good. We move at dawn. Spend today preparing. Rest tonight. Tomorrow, we end this threat."
The meeting dispersed, people breaking into smaller groups to discuss equipment and tactics.
Ishani lingered.
"You've done this before," she said once most others had left. "Led assaults. Commanded people."
"I've learned fast."
"That's an understatement." She moved closer, studying the map. "Your plan is solid. Better than solid. The flanking approach, the containment strategy... that's professional military thinking."
"Chen Wei helped."
"Chen Wei suggested the formation tactics. The overall strategy is yours." She looked up at him. "You're more than just a powerful cultivator, aren't you?"
"I'm whatever I need to be."
"Mysterious." She smiled. "I like that."
[ISHANI SUPPIAH]
[INTEREST LEVEL: INCREASING]
[ATTRACTION MARKERS: ELEVATED]
[NOTE: SUBJECT RESPONDS TO COMPETENCE AND LEADERSHIP]
"We should train together," Sarnav said. "Your light abilities and my combat style. If we're going to be on the same assault team, we need to know how each other moves."
"Are you asking me to spar?"
"I'm asking you to show me what you can do."
Her smile widened. "I thought you'd never ask."
The training yard was empty at mid-morning.
Most people were busy with assault preparations. Weapons checks, supply organization, the hundred small tasks that preceded a major operation.
Sarnav and Ishani had the space to themselves.
"Rules?" she asked, stretching her arms above her head. The motion pulled her shirt tight across her chest.
"No permanent damage. First to three takedowns wins."
"What do I get if I win?"
"What do you want?"
She considered. "Dinner. Just the two of us. Somewhere private."
"And if I win?"
"Then I owe you a favor." Her eyes glinted. "Whatever you want."
Dangerous game. Sarnav knew he should refuse, should keep things professional. Nisha was already struggling with jealousy.
But he wasn't the type to back down from a challenge.
"Deal."
They squared off, circling each other. Ishani's hands began to glow with soft golden light.
"Don't hold back," she said. "I want to see what a C-rank can really do."
She struck first.
A beam of concentrated light lanced toward him, fast and bright. Sarnav sidestepped, the attack scorching the ground where he'd stood.
"Not bad."
"I'm just warming up."
She launched a barrage, beams coming from multiple angles. Sarnav dodged, weaved, closed the distance. His enhanced speed made him a blur.
He reached her in seconds, grabbing her wrist, spinning her around. His arm locked across her chest, pinning her back against him.
"One," he said.
"Lucky."
He released her. She immediately spun, light flaring around her body like armor. Her next attack was a sweeping wave of radiance that forced him to leap backward.
"You're fast," she admitted. "Faster than anyone I've fought."
"Core Formation has its perks."
"Show me more."
They clashed again. This time Ishani was ready for his speed, using her light to create barriers, to blind, to misdirect. She was good. Really good. Her combat instincts were sharp, honed by real fights against real threats.
But Sarnav was better.
He feinted left, went right, caught her around the waist. They hit the ground together, him on top, her pinned beneath him.
"Two."
She was breathing hard, her body pressed against his. He could feel her curves through their clothes, the heat of exertion radiating from her skin.
"You're heavy," she said.
"You're soft."
Her eyes darkened. "Is that a complaint?"
"Observation."
He didn't move. Neither did she.
The moment stretched. Tension crackled between them, hot and electric.
"Sarnav." Her voice was lower now. "If you don't get off me, I'm going to do something we'll both enjoy."
"Is that a threat?"
"It's a promise."
He held her gaze for a long moment. Then he pushed himself up, offering her a hand.
She took it, rising gracefully. But she didn't let go.
"One more round," she said. "Unless you're afraid?"
"Of you?"
"Of what happens if you pin me again."
He should stop. Should maintain boundaries. Should think about Nisha.
"One more round," he agreed.
This time, Ishani didn't hold back.
Her light exploded outward, brilliant and blinding. Sarnav's enhanced senses screamed in protest. He closed his eyes, relying on his other perceptions to track her movement.
She came at him fast, using the distraction. Her leg swept toward his ankles. He jumped, caught her mid-kick, twisted.
They went down together, tangled, rolling across the training yard. When they stopped, she was on top, straddling his waist, her hands pinning his wrists.
"Three," she breathed. "I win."
Her hair had come loose, falling around her face in dark waves. Her chest heaved with exertion. A bead of sweat traced down her neck, disappearing into her cleavage.
She was beautiful. Powerful. And very clearly aroused.
"Dinner," Sarnav said. "That was the deal."
"Tonight. After the final briefing." She leaned closer, her lips brushing his ear. "Just the two of us, sayang."
The Malay endearment sent heat through him.
"Nisha won't like it."
"Nisha isn't invited." Ishani sat up, still straddling him. "This is between you and me. Getting to know my team leader before we go into battle together."
"Is that what this is?"
"It's whatever you want it to be." She rolled her hips slightly, grinding against him. The friction made him groan. "But we both know there's more happening here than combat training."
She climbed off him before he could respond, offering her hand.
He took it.
"Tonight," she repeated. "The old teacher's lounge. Eight o'clock. I'll bring the food."
She walked away without looking back, her hips swaying with deliberate emphasis.
[ISHANI SUPPIAH - STATUS UPDATE]
[ATTRACTION: VERY HIGH]
[PHYSICAL CONTACT: ESCALATING]
[DINNER ARRANGEMENT: CONFIRMED]
[WARNING: NISHA RAMACHANDRAN MAY REACT NEGATIVELY]
[RECOMMENDATION: MANAGE EXPECTATIONS CAREFULLY]
Sarnav lay on the ground for a moment longer, staring at the sky.
He was playing with fire. He knew that. Ishani wasn't subtle about what she wanted, and he wasn't subtle about wanting it too.
But the system required bonds. His path required women. And Ishani was compatible, powerful, and very willing.
The only question was how to handle Nisha.
He found her in the medical station, helping organize supplies for tomorrow's assault.
"Hey." She looked up, smiling. "How was training?"
"Productive." He helped her sort bandages into piles. "Ishani's good. Her light abilities will be useful against the nest heart."
"I'm sure she is." Nisha's tone was carefully neutral. "Good at a lot of things, probably."
"Nisha."
"What?" She didn't look at him. "I'm not saying anything."
"You're thinking it loudly enough."
She sighed, setting down the supplies. "I saw you. In the training yard. The way she looked at you. The way you looked at her."
"I won't lie. There's attraction there."
"I know. That's the problem." She finally met his eyes. "I'm trying, Sarnav. I really am. But it's hard watching another woman throw herself at you."
"She's not throwing herself. She's... being direct."
"Is there a difference?"
"There is to me." He took her hands. "I haven't done anything, Nisha. We sparred. That's all."
"For now."
"For now," he agreed. No point lying.
She pulled her hands away, turning back to the supplies. "I hate this feeling. Jealousy. Insecurity. It's ugly."
"It's human."
"It's exhausting." She paused. "She asked you to dinner, didn't she? Tonight?"
Sarnav hesitated. "How did you know?"
"I'm not stupid. I saw her whisper something before she left. Saw your face." Nisha's jaw tightened. "Are you going?"
"Do you want me to?"
"I want you to be honest with me."
"Then yes. I'm going." He watched her reaction. "It's just dinner. Getting to know a teammate before combat."
"Right. Just dinner." She laughed bitterly. "And if she offers more than dinner?"
"Then I'll make a decision."
"That's not reassuring."
"It's not meant to be. It's meant to be honest." He stepped closer, turning her to face him. "I won't sneak around behind your back, Nisha. Whatever happens with Ishani, you'll know about it."
"Before or after?"
"Before. If possible."
She searched his face, looking for something. Reassurance, maybe. Or the lie she wanted to hear.
She found neither.
"I love you," she said finally. "I hate this situation, but I love you."
"I love you too."
"Then come back to me tonight. After your dinner." Her voice hardened slightly. "Whatever happens with her, you end the night in my bed. Understood?"
"Understood."
"Good." She kissed him, brief but firm. "Now help me finish these supplies. We've got a battle tomorrow."
The afternoon passed in preparation.
Weapons were checked and rechecked. Supplies were distributed. Teams ran through their assignments until the movements became automatic.
Sarnav worked alongside his people, but his mind kept drifting. To tonight. To Ishani. To the complicated path he was walking.
By evening, everything was ready.
The final briefing was short. Everyone knew their roles. Tomorrow at dawn, they'd march on the nest and end the threat.
After the briefing dispersed, Sarnav found Nisha waiting for him.
"It's almost eight," she said.
"I know."
"Don't do anything stupid."
"Define stupid."
She didn't answer. Just kissed him, hard and possessive, her tongue claiming his mouth. When she pulled back, her eyes were fierce.
"That's who you're coming home to. Don't forget it."
She walked away before he could respond.
The teacher's lounge was quiet.
Someone had cleaned it recently. The old furniture was arranged around a small table, candles providing soft light. Ishani had clearly put effort into the setting.
She was already there when he arrived, wearing a dress that clung to every curve. Not formal, but definitely chosen for effect.
"You came," she said.
"I said I would."
"Nisha let you?"
"Nisha doesn't control me."
Ishani smiled. "Good answer."
She'd prepared food. Simple stuff, salvaged from the community stores, but arranged nicely. She poured two glasses of wine—actual wine, somehow preserved through the apocalypse.
"Where did you find that?" Sarnav asked.
"I have my ways." She handed him a glass. "To surviving another day."
"To victory tomorrow."
They drank. The wine was decent. Better than decent, actually.
"So," Ishani said, settling onto a couch. She patted the space beside her. "Tell me about yourself. The real you, not the leader everyone sees."
Sarnav sat, leaving appropriate space between them. "What do you want to know?"
"Everything. Where you came from. How you became this." She gestured at him. "Most awakened are scrambling to survive. You're building an empire."
"That's an exaggeration."
"Is it? You have territory, people, resources. You're organized, strategic, powerful." She sipped her wine. "That doesn't happen by accident."
"I had advantages. A unique awakening. The right circumstances."
"Unique how?"
"You keep asking that."
"You keep not answering."
He considered her. The candlelight played across her features, highlighting cheekbones, the fullness of her lips, the intelligence in her eyes.
"My cultivation works differently," he said. "It requires... connections. With people."
"Connections?"
"Bonds. Relationships." He held her gaze. "The stronger my bonds, the faster I grow."
Ishani processed this. "So when you're close to someone..."
"It makes me stronger. Yes."
"That's why Nisha." Understanding dawned. "She's not just your girlfriend. She's part of your power."
"She's both. The bond is real. The feelings are real. The power is a benefit."
"And me?" Ishani set down her wine, turning to face him fully. "Am I a potential... connection?"
"You're a potential a lot of things."
"That's not an answer."
"You want honesty? Fine." He set down his own glass. "Yes. My abilities tell me we're compatible. That a bond with you would be strong. Beneficial."
"So you want me for power."
"I want you because you're beautiful, intelligent, and capable. The power is secondary."
"But it's there."
"It's always there." He didn't look away. "I won't pretend my path is normal, Ishani. It's not. But I also won't pretend I only want you for strategic reasons. That would be a lie."
She was quiet for a moment. Then she moved closer, eliminating the space between them.
"I don't mind being wanted for multiple reasons." Her hand found his thigh. "I'd rather be desired for everything I am than just one thing."
"Ishani..."
"I know what I'm doing." She leaned in, her lips brushing his jaw. "I know you have Nisha. I know there will probably be others. I'm not naive."
"And you're okay with that?"
"I'm okay with being part of something." Her hand slid higher. "I've been alone since the apocalypse. Responsible for everyone, supported by no one. The idea of sharing a man who's actually worth sharing?" She laughed softly. "That's not a burden. That's a relief."
She kissed him.
Sarnav could have stopped her. Could have pulled back, maintained boundaries, been the faithful boyfriend.
He didn't.
Her lips were soft, skilled, moving against his with practiced confidence. She tasted like wine and want. Her body pressed against him, curves molding to his frame.
He kissed her back.
[FIRST KISS - ISHANI SUPPIAH]
[EMOTIONAL STATE: EAGER, RELIEVED, AROUSED]
[COMPATIBILITY CONFIRMED: 94%]
[BOND POTENTIAL: INITIATING]
[HARMONY ESSENCE: +1,200]
The kiss deepened. Ishani's tongue traced his lips, seeking entrance. He granted it, tasting her properly, his hands finding her waist.
"Finally," she breathed when they parted. "I've been wanting to do that since you carried me out of that warehouse."
"That was three days ago."
"Three very long days." She straddled his lap, her dress riding up her thighs. "I'm not a patient woman by nature, Sarnav. Waiting has been torture."
"You could have made a move sooner."
"And disrespected your relationship? No." She rolled her hips, grinding against him. "I wanted you to come to me. To choose me."
"I'm here now."
"Yes. You are." She kissed him again, harder, her fingers tangling in his hair. "The question is, how far are we going tonight?"
Sarnav's hands tightened on her hips. His cock was hard, pressing against her through their clothes. Every instinct screamed at him to take her right here, right now.
But Nisha's face flashed through his mind. Her fierce kiss. Her demand that he end the night in her bed.
"Not all the way," he said. "Not tonight."
Ishani pulled back, studying him. "Because of Nisha?"
"Because I won't take you for the first time the night before a battle. You deserve better than that."
She blinked, surprised. Then she smiled, soft and genuine.
"That's... actually sweet."
"Don't sound so shocked."
"I am shocked. Most men would have had me bent over this couch by now." She traced her fingers along his jaw. "You're different."
"I keep hearing that."
"Because it's true." She kissed him softly. "Okay. Not everything tonight. But something? I've been imagining your hands on me for days."
"Something can be arranged."
His hands slid up her thighs, pushing her dress higher. She wasn't wearing anything underneath.
"Prepared," he observed.
"Optimistic." She gasped as his fingers found her center. "Oh. You're good at that."
She was wet. Slick and hot against his fingers. He traced her folds, learning her, watching her reactions.
"Here?" He pressed against a spot that made her moan.
"Yes. God, yes, right there."
He worked her with careful attention, his enhanced senses reading every response. She liked pressure more than speed. Liked when he circled her clit rather than rubbing directly. Liked when he slid two fingers inside while his thumb kept working her sensitive nub.
"Sarnav..." She was rocking against his hand, her head thrown back. "That's so good. Don't stop."
"Wasn't planning to."
He curled his fingers, finding the rough spot inside her, pressing firmly. She cried out, her hips jerking.
"There! Oh fuck, right there!"
He kept the pressure, adding a third finger, stretching her. She was tight but eager, her body accepting him greedily.
"You're close," he observed.
"How can you— oh god— how can you tell?"
"I can feel it. Your pulse, your breathing, the way your walls are clenching." He increased his pace. "Come for me, Ishani."
"Yes. Yes, I'm going to— I'm—"
She came hard, her body shaking, her pussy spasming around his fingers. She moaned his name, loud and unashamed, her nails digging into his shoulders.
He worked her through it, gentling his touch as the waves subsided.
When she finally stilled, she collapsed against his chest, breathing hard.
"Holy shit," she managed.
"Good?"
"Understatement." She laughed weakly. "If that's what your fingers can do, I can't wait to feel the rest of you."
"After the battle."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
She sat up, her eyes finding his. Something had shifted between them. The flirtation had become something more. Something real.
"I should return the favor," she said, her hand moving toward his belt.
"Not tonight."
"Seriously? You're hard as a rock and you're saying no?"
"I'm saying I want our first time to be mutual. Complete." He kissed her softly. "Besides, I have somewhere I need to be."
"Nisha."
"Nisha."
Ishani nodded slowly. "Okay. I can respect that." She climbed off his lap, straightening her dress. "But after the battle, you're mine. For a whole night. No interruptions."
"After the battle," he agreed.
She walked him to the door. Before he left, she pulled him into one last kiss, deep and full of promise.
"Don't die tomorrow," she said.
"Wasn't planning to."
"Good. Because I have plans for you." She smiled. "Now go. Your girlfriend is waiting."
Nisha was in their room when he arrived.
She was sitting on the bed, still dressed, clearly waiting up. Her expression was carefully blank.
"You're back."
"I said I would be."
"How was dinner?"
"Productive."
She stood, crossing to him. Her hand cupped his face, tilting it toward the light.
"You kissed her."
It wasn't a question.
"Yes."
"Anything else?"
"Nothing that went beyond kissing." A slight exaggeration. But close enough to true.
Nisha studied him for a long moment. Then she nodded.
"Okay."
"Just okay?"
"What do you want me to say?" She stepped back, pulling her shirt over her head. "I knew what would happen when you went. I chose to accept it."
"You don't have to pretend you're fine."
"I'm not pretending." She unfastened her pants, letting them fall. "I'm adapting."
She stood before him in just her underwear, her body familiar, beautiful.
"She touched you tonight," Nisha said. "I can smell her on your fingers."
Sarnav said nothing.
"Now I'm going to touch you." She closed the distance, her hands finding his belt. "And tomorrow, when we go into battle, you're going to remember who you belong to."
"I don't belong to anyone."
"Yes, you do." She yanked his belt free, her hands shoving his pants down. "You belong to me. To Ishani. To whoever else joins this... whatever this is." Her hand wrapped around his cock, still half-hard. "But right now, tonight, you're mine."
She stroked him, rough, almost aggressive. It was different from her usual tenderness. Something had shifted.
"Nisha—"
"Don't talk." She pushed him toward the bed. "Just fuck me."
He fell back onto the mattress. She stripped off her underwear and climbed on top, positioning herself over him.
"No foreplay tonight," she said. "I need you inside me. I need to feel you. I need to know you're still mine."
She sank down onto him in one motion.
They both groaned. She was wet, ready, her body accepting him easily. She started to move immediately, riding him hard, her hips slamming down with desperate intensity.
"This is mine," she gasped, grinding against him. "This cock is mine. Whatever else you do, whoever else you touch, you come back to me. Understood?"
"Understood."
"Say it."
"I come back to you."
"Again."
"I always come back to you, Nisha."
She rode him harder, her breasts bouncing, her face twisted with pleasure and something else. Determination. Possession.
Sarnav gripped her hips, meeting her movements, thrusting up as she came down. The sound of flesh against flesh filled the room, loud and primal.
"You feel so good," she moaned. "So deep. No one else makes me feel like this."
"And no one else makes me feel like you do."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
She came with a scream, her pussy clenching around him, her whole body shaking. Sarnav followed moments later, spilling inside her, his hands bruising her hips with the force of his grip.
She collapsed onto his chest, breathing hard.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too."
"Even though I'm being crazy?"
"You're not crazy. You're adjusting."
"Same thing." She pressed a kiss to his chest. "What happens with Ishani... I'll deal with it. But tonight, you're mine."
"Tonight, I'm yours."
She lifted her head, meeting his eyes. "And tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow we fight. We survive. And then we figure out the rest."
She nodded slowly. "Okay. I can work with that."
They lay together in the darkness, tangled and sticky, the weight of tomorrow hanging over them.
But for now, this was enough.
[DAILY CULTIVATION SUMMARY]
[INTIMATE ACTIVITIES - ISHANI (PARTIAL): +3,500]
[INTIMATE ACTIVITIES - NISHA: +8,000]
[TRAINING BONUSES: +400]
[TOTAL ESSENCE: 31,700 / 100,000 TO NASCENT SOUL]
[BOND STATUS - NISHA RAMACHANDRAN]
[RELATIONSHIP: SOULBOUND]
[EMOTIONAL STATE: POSSESSIVE, ADAPTING]
[LOYALTY: ABSOLUTE]
[NEW BOND - ISHANI SUPPIAH]
[RELATIONSHIP: INITIATED]
[EMOTIONAL STATE: EAGER, HOPEFUL]
[COMPATIBILITY: 94%]
[FIRST KISS: COMPLETE]
[PARTIAL INTIMACY: COMPLETE]
[FULL INTIMACY: PENDING (POST-BATTLE)]
[COMBAT OPERATION: DAWN TOMORROW]