Page 43 of Obsessed

"You're just making it worse for yourself." His breathing grows heavier as he gains on me. The thundering footsteps shake loose particles from the canopy above.

I weave between the trees, letting him close the gap. "Actually, I'm making it worse for you."

"Cocky little-" He lunges, massive arms reaching.

My fingers wrap around a thick branch as I leap. The momentum carries me in an arc over the pit. Behind me, the pirate's triumphant laugh turns to panic. His bulk and speed work against him - there's no way to stop his forward momentum.

Leaves explode upward as he crashes through the natural camouflage. His roar echoes off the pit walls, followed by a satisfying thud.

I drop back to the ground and peer over the edge. The pirate thrashes in the bottom, eight feet down, trying to find purchase on the smooth walls.

"Careful," I call down. "The indigenous life down there doesn't appreciate being disturbed."

A high-pitched squeak emerges from the darkness. The pirate goes very still.

"What was that?"

"Ask the local expert. Oh wait, you kidnapped her." I turn away from the pit, leaving him to contemplate his poor life choices. "Have fun making new friends."

I make my way back toward the pirates' ship, following the trail of broken vegetation and boot prints. The local wildlife seems to have gone quiet - never a good sign.

A slow clap echoes through the clearing. "Impressive work with my crewman." The pirate captain steps out from behind the ship's landing strut, his scarred face twisted in a smirk. "Though I expected nothing less from the famous Courier Davrik."

"Your reputation doesn't precede you at all." I scan the tree line, keeping my stance loose. "Which probably explains why you're reduced to harassing research stations."

"Where's the rest of my crew?"

"Making friends with the local wildlife." I bare my teeth in what humans would never mistake for a smile. "The ones that are still breathing, anyway."

He draws himself up, muscles rippling under his worn flight suit. "You think you're clever, don't you? Taking them out one by one?"

"I think I'm efficient. No backup coming, by the way. Hope you weren't counting on that."

"Don't need backup to handle one pretty boy courier." He cracks his knuckles, circling to my left. "Been wanting to test myself against something shiny anyway."

"Flattering, but I have other appointments." My eyes track his movement. "Where is she?"

"The scientist? You tell me. Slippery bitch is long gone." He lunges, faster than his bulk suggests possible.

I pivot, letting his momentum carry him past. His elbow catches my ribs - definitely enhanced cybernetics in those arms. The impact sends me staggering back.

The captain's cybernetic fist whistles past my ear. I duck under his next swing, driving my knee into his gut. He doubles over but recovers quickly, servos whirring.

"Getting slow in your old age?" I taunt, dancing back. "Those enhancements can't make up for poor technique."

"Still talking?" He charges again. "Thought you were in a hurry."

I sidestep, grabbing his extended arm. Using his momentum, I slam him face-first into the ship's hull. The metal rings with the impact.

Blood trickles from his nose as he spins to face me. "You think you're better than me? Some pampered courier-"

My fist connects with his jaw, cutting off his words. "Actually, I know I'm better." Another strike rocks his head back. "And I'm getting really tired of your voice."

He swings wildly, desperation replacing skill. I block each blow, methodically breaking down his defense. My knuckles split against his cybernetic parts, but I barely feel it. The thought of Alice alone in this jungle drives every punch home.

The captain stumbles, spitting blood. "Wait-"

I grab his throat, lifting him off his feet. "Where. Is. She?"

---