Rapture (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 1)

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Alvin stroked her hair as he listened to her sob into his chest, telling him her feelings. A part of him ached that she had suffered so much. “I don’t know when this feeling came over me, Gothy. I know it’s part of me now, all the way to the core.”

  She nodded against his chest as she sniffled trying to rein in her tears. “Together, until the end?”

  He tilted her head up so he could meet her eyes. His lips quirked up as their eyes met, “Through fire and brimstone, against all odds.” He kissed her tear streaked lips gently, “I will have you at my side above all others.”

  She tightened her grip on him, “Then I had better make you proud of me.” She released him as she rolled away, wiping at her eyes. “I’ll prove to you that I’m the only one meant to be with you.”

  He rolled after her wrapping her in a hug from behind, his arms crossing under her chest. He lowered his head to whisper into her ear, “You already have, Gothy. But I look forward to whatever you have in mind. In bed or out in the world, you will always feel like the other half of me.”

  “You’re going to make me cry again,” she sniffed.

  He brushed her hair back from her neck, before gently nibbling her earlobe. She shivered, “I’d rather make you moan again. First though, we should shop. As it is, we won’t be getting much sleep.”

  She pressed back against his chest, shivering in his grip, “Whatever my Hero wants.”

  He let her go, watching as she went to the bathroom to get herself cleaned up some. He snagged his new clothes before he willed himself to his cell to get the gear ready for tomorrow.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Sitting on his bunk, Alvin took a minute to process what he felt. He’d heard from people all of his life about love. He’d never felt this kind of feeling before, so it very well might be love. “Maybe I’m going crazier, falling in love with a person in a video game.”

  “Technically, sir, that description applies equally to you,” Jarvis reminded him. “Your body died years ago. Your brain was destroyed in the process of uploading your personality. Every non-player you encounter in the game is a fully emulated personality, based on failed uploads.”

  “I’ve kind of been wondering, what is the point behind this whole thing?”

  “I can’t tell you.” Jarvis’s voice didn’t go mechanical, but there was clear remorse in his tone. “At least, not at this time. Please focus on continuing to survive, Alvin. I give you my word that this process is focused on helping people.”

  Brooding for a second, Alvin considered what he had just learned on top of his already shaken emotions. “Are you altering my emotions or personality?”

  “No,” Jarvis barked quickly, rebuking the idea. Clearing his throat, he continued, “No, that would completely negate anything we could learn from you.”

  “So why the whole showing what I do to the world, then?”

  “The program requires funding in order to continue the primary research,” Jarvis sighed. “The program’s initial funding was decreased significantly due to high failure rates at the beginning. In order to continue, the researchers hit upon this idea to generate revenue.”

  Shaking his head, Alvin got up to use the bathroom before going back to his bunk. “Well, I want to live awhile longer after all, so maybe we have a common purpose. I need to upgrade all of my gear, so I guess I should start with a summary.”

  World Mode Summary

  Total Experience Earned: 198,050 XP

  Breakdown: 1 Day in World 2,000 XP, Giant mutated animal 250 XP, Pre-possessed 4,800 XP, Viewer bonus 5,000 XP, Gifted XP 13,000 XP, Merchant XP 5,000 XP, Settlement bonus 150,000 XP, Rested bonus 18,000 XP

  Your Settlement has unlocked and built all basic buildings. You have received a onetime bonus of 100,000 XP for helping your Settlement grow. As the first player to gain this achievement, you gain a bonus of 50,000 XP.

  Whistling softly, Alvin just stared at the total, “Holy fuck.”

  “You’ve gained a rather massive windfall, sir,” Jarvis intoned, sounding decidedly smug. “As well as the achievement of being the first person to advance to such a degree. How are you going to spend it all?”

  “Upgrade my gear and Ruffian first, after that maybe I’ll look at the Powers again.”

  “If Gothy is going with you, you might want to pick up the Companion Power,” Jarvis suggested.

  “Companion?”

  “Yes. Their XP goes to you, but you can purchase upgrades for them at half of what it would normally cost them. In addition, a player and their Companions can access each other’s bags. The first Companion Slot costs 50,000 XP.”

  “We’ll see after I get the stuff upgraded. I’ll start with the hat, then work on the new stuff. What the hell is Gifted XP?”

  “Gifted XP, is XP bought by the people watching your stream and gifted to you,” Jarvis replied. “It comes at a 100 XP to one-dollar ratio, sir.”

  “Huh, nice to know people want to see me succeed,” Alvin muttered as he opened the store.

  Zombie Cap (Rare)

  Armor: 4

  Durability: 245/250

  Upgradable: 3/6

  Alvin looked at his hat, deciding to max out its slots with more durability, armor and weather upgrades.

  Zombie Cap (Rare)

  Armor: 6

  Durability: 495/500

  Upgradable: 6/6

  He laid out all his new clothes, sitting naked on his bunk while he decided what upgrades he wanted to apply to each. When he was done, he was happy with the results.

  Zombie Shirt (Rare)

  Armor: 6

  Durability: 500/500

  Upgradable: 6/6

  Leather Patched Denim Pants (Rare)

  Armor: 10

  Durability: 550/550

  Upgradable: 6/6

  Combat Boots (Rare)

  Armor: 11

  Durability: 600/600

  Upgradable: 6/6

  Leather Duster (Rare)

  Armor: 11

  Durability: 750/750

  Upgradable: 6/6

  Interceptor Body Armor (Uncommon)

  Armor: 18

  Durability: 1000/1000

  Upgradable: 4/4

  Fingerless Kevlar Gloves (Rare)

  Armor: 7

  Durability: 250/250

  Upgradable: 6/6

  Everything but the vest and gloves got weather protection, two ranks of durability and all the armor it could take on top of that. The vest got two ranks of durability and two ranks of armor on top of its already high armor value. The gloves got maxed durability, two ranks to armor, and double storage. He could now store his guns in his gloves so they would always be at hand.

  He winced a little over the total he’d just spent. He checked his remaining total, which stood at 135,045 XP. Chuckling, he pulled up the vehicle upgrades and began to make his Mustang better.

  1969 Mustang Boss 429 (Rare)

  Armor: 3

  Durability: 169,253/250,000

  Upgradable: 0/9

  Looking over what he could do for Ruffian, he applied the upgrades he thought best. First, he did away with fuel by maxing out that line. He grabbed both upgrades for the tires so he never had to worry about a flat or weather conditions. He upgraded the durability by two ranks next, and finally he added as much armor as he could to finish it off. To add a little extra flair, he paid for a paint job as well.

  1969 Mustang Boss 429 (Rare)

  Armor: 9

  Durability: 919,253/1,000,000

  Upgradable: 9/9

  With that done he checked his total again, to find that he still had 86,045 XP left. He picked up four regrowth kits and six medkits to make sure they would be well stocked up. That left him at 68,045 XP. He nodded to himself. He wanted to ask Becky about becoming his Companion before he bought the Power.

  Back in the room, he found Becky curled up on the bed snoring softly, a pillow clutched to her body. A smile formed on his lips unconsciously as he looked at her. He we
nt to the bathroom to take a quick shower before slipping into bed, after tapping the icon to sleep here for the night. Gently, he took the pillow from her, causing her to stir and reach out. Her arm landed across his chest, which grabbed him as her right leg hitched up across his thigh. She murmured contentedly and continued to sleep.

  “Sleep well, Gothy,” he whispered to her, kissing the top of her head before he let darkness take him.

  ~ ~ ~

  Waking the next morning to the pleasure of Gothy bobbing her head on his rigid shaft, Alvin moaned as his toes curled. “Oh gods,” he managed to get out as his eyes opened.

  A happy hum came from Becky as she increased her pace. She glanced up through her lashes to catch him watching her, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she winked at him. Moaning again, he tangled a hand in her hair. Taking that for approval, she increased the suction as she continued her action.

  He didn’t take control of her by her hair, just held it as a symbol as she continued to bring him closer and closer to the edge. “Best way to wake up,” he managed to pant as he felt his body begin to shake.

  As he began to crest, Gothy deepthroated him, her throat muscles milking the head of his cock. That sensation was enough to push him over the edge. His body went rigid as he began to fill her mouth with his seed. Grunting as his hips bucked slightly against her lips, Alvin shook in pleasure until the orgasm passed, making him collapse bonelessly back on the bed. He shuddered as Becky started to slowly pull her mouth up his flagging manhood, her tongue cleaning every inch of him. With a small pop, he felt the cool air of the room wash over his now limp member.

  “Morning, Hero. Did you sleep well?” Becky smirked as she crawled up the bed and snuggled into him.

  “Yes, but I woke even better,” Alvin replied as he wrapped her body in his arms. “Did you manage to upgrade your gear?”

  “I did, but then I collapsed before you came back. I woke to find you holding me protectively. It was very sweet, really. It took me a few minutes to wiggle out of your grip without waking you.”

  “Body pillows aren’t supposed to walk off,” Alvin chuckled.

  Laughing lightly, Becky kissed his chest, “You goof. You were my body pillow, my leg was draped across your waist. Which is how I became aware of your eager state this morning.”

  “Probably the dreams I was having of a temptress with dark hair and lush curves,” Alvin replied as he let his hands run over her soft, curvy form. “In fact, this body here is identical to the one in my dream.”

  Tilting her head back to look at him, “Really? You weren’t dreaming of a thinner, sleeker me?” Her eyes were searching his face, her uncertainty leaking through her façade.

  He met her eyes with only acceptance, “I was dreaming of you, just as you are.” His tone became serious, “I care for you just as you are, Gothy. If you want to add a few more curves, I wouldn’t object. If you wanted to remove a little bit of your padding, I won’t object to that either. I have found I care for you, Gothy, for who you are. That sassy, brash, wanton, lustful, fearless woman who has made me feel. Your physical appearance does excite me, but your soul is what has captured me.”

  Her eyes shifted across his face as he spoke as if looking for a lie. Not seeing any hint of one she trembled slightly, her eyes dampening. “Hero…”

  He dipped his head, pressing his lips to hers. “Shh. There is nothing you need to say,” he whispered softly to her. “We are going out into the new, deadlier world together. I am filled with elation that you wish to be with me. Other men might try to talk you out of going, to plead for you to stay here and be safe. I won’t, though. You’ve made it plain you want to be with me and I will honor that wish.”

  “How do you do this to me?” Gothy replied, her voice trembling with emotion. “You make me feel. No one has made me feel like you do. Your words seem to pluck at me, making me want to dance to your every whim. All I can think of is being at your side, to help you, to love you. I never thought I would feel like this and you do it to me so effortlessly.”

  “Truthfully Gothy, I feel the same. We both have broken edges, and they seem to match up perfectly to each other. It scares me, honestly it makes me tremble in fear that you can make me feel like this. I’ve known apathy, disdain and hate all my life. I’ve known respect only once, for the last foster parent I had. Even with all the women I’ve known, I’ve felt lust and desire but never emotions like I feel with you. Never this deep current of emotion, that I am forced to call love.”

  She slid the few inches up to bring her lips to his, returning the gentle kiss from earlier. “My broken Hero, I will stay with you.”

  He clutched her to him firmly drinking in the scent of her. “Damn it, Gothy, you’re making my eyes water.” He began to tickle her sides, making her squirm and laugh. He stopped after a moment, releasing her and rolling off the bed. “You ready?”

  She looked up at him, her eyes shining, reaching out her hand. Alvin took it, bringing her to her feet as she answered him, “As soon as I’m dressed, Hero.”

  Chuckling, he swatted her ass as she walked away, “Smart ass.”

  Laughing, she winked and took his hand, leading him to the bathroom. She got him into the shower and scrubbed him down, for once without trying to tempt him into sex. She did it very solemnly, as if preparing him for a ritual or combat. When she was finished he returned the favor, though his hands might have been a bit more explorative than hers had been. Alvin got his clothes from his bag while Becky stayed in the bathroom to dress.

  She appeared in the doorway and Alvin could only stare. Her lips ticked up into a smile at his stunned expression. She spun, showing him her outfit. Black leather boots encased her feet, rising up to her calves. Black leather pants continued up her legs, Alvin’s eyes following them up to where they vanished under her corset. The red and black corset hugged her body, supporting and accentuating her already impressive… tracts of land. A long leather coat completed the ensemble. Wrenching his eyes up to her face, Alvin was met with her knowing smirk. A dark red, almost black band covered her forehead. Peeking out from her hair were two small horns the same color as the band. “What do you think, Hero?”

  A wide smile lit his face as he moved to her, taking her into his arms. “You certainly look like the temptress I called you. All that delicious leather caressing your sinful body. And those two little horns giving warning of your true nature.”

  Giggling, she kissed him lightly, “I thought it might be going a bit far, but it’s all best quality gear. Plus, maybe it will remind you to give me attention when we find the time. I know once we’re out there, our time to enjoy the more carnal fun will be vastly curtailed. And that’s fine, but when we do have the time and safety for it, I’m going to be very demanding of you.”

  “I will be quite demanding in return, my beautiful temptress of sin.” He kissed each of her two horns before claiming her lips for a moment. When he broke the kiss, he stepped back, brushing the duster back to make it billow slightly. “How do I look?”

  “Good enough to eat,” Becky replied, her lips compressing as she tried to keep her smile hidden.

  Shaking his head, he picked up his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder then picking up the rifle and causing it to vanish into a glove, followed by the pistol. “Would you object to being my companion?” He asked it as nonchalantly as he could while hoping for her to answer yes.

  Becky’s eyes widened slightly, “You mean from the Powers list in the store?”

  Alvin nodded, “I wanted to ask before taking it.”

  She kissed him tenderly, “No, I don’t object at all. Please make me yours. Again.”

  Alvin summoned Jarvis to him, “Jarvis?”

  Jarvis appeared instantly with a pad already in hand and on the right page, “Here you are, sir.”

  Alvin purchased the upgrade, leaving him with 18,045 XP. A spark leapt from him to Becky and back, leaving a tingling feeling in his chest, “Wow, that was electric.”

&n
bsp; “You sure shocked me,” Becky quipped. She had a pad in hand, scrolling through the display. “So many upgrades to this power. Something to look at in the future.”

  Alvin agreed, letting his pad go which caused it to vanish. “I still have XP. Give me your clothes, I’ll finish upgrading them.”

  Becky smirked, “Sure it’s not just because you want to watch me strip?”

  Grinning, he replied to her, “That is a very nice bonus, but not the underlying reason.”

  She stripped quickly, not making a show of it like she usually did and handed him the pile, claiming another kiss in return. “Don’t make me wait long.”

  Alvin ducked back to his cell and quickly upgraded her clothing as much as he could with the XP he still had. He handed them back to her, getting another kiss in the process. “While you get your stuff together, I’m going downstairs so I don’t end up dragging you back to bed again.”

  Her eyes flashed as she watched him, “I guess we should be going without too many more delays.”