The city skyline stretched before them, glittering in the night like a dream that would soon be shattered. Ethan and Olivia stood side by side on the rooftop of a parking garage, surveying the streets below.
"We have less than 24 hours," Ethan reminded her. "We need weapons, supplies, and a safe house."
Olivia rolled her shoulders, her sharp gaze scanning the city. "I know a guy who deals in underground weapons. No questions asked, as long as you have cash."
Ethan smirked. "Then let's pay him a visit."
Underground Dealings
They found the contact in an abandoned warehouse near the docks. A man named Reed, ex-military, arms dealer, and someone who thrived in the underbelly of society.
Reed sat on a crate, casually cleaning a pistol. He barely looked up as they approached. "Didn't expect customers this late." His gaze flickered to Olivia. "You vouch for him?"
Olivia crossed her arms. "He's got cash."
Reed smirked. "That's good enough for me."
The deal was quick. Ethan and Olivia walked out with two handguns, a shotgun, extra ammo, and a tactical knife. It wasn't much—but it was a start.
"This isn't enough," Ethan muttered. "We need more firepower."
Olivia glanced at him, a smirk playing on her lips. "Then let's steal it."
The Beast Awakens
As they headed toward their next target—an old police station to raid its armory—the night shifted.
Ethan suddenly felt it. A ripple of energy, a presence unlike anything else. It crackled in the air like an approaching storm.
Then, in a dark alley ahead, a pair of golden eyes emerged.
A massive black beast stepped forward, its sleek fur bristling with lightning. Its presence was overwhelming, almost unnatural.
Olivia tensed. "What the hell is that?"
Ethan, however, recognized it instantly.
Blaze.
His companion from the past life. The only creature that had never betrayed him. A guardian, a predator, and a force of destruction.
Ethan took a slow step forward, his heart pounding. "You found me again."
Blaze's golden eyes locked onto his, intelligent and knowing. Then, in a flash of movement, the beast leapt—
And tackled Ethan to the ground.
For a moment, Olivia reached for her gun. But then she paused—because Blaze wasn't attacking.
He was licking Ethan's face.
Ethan let out a breathless laugh. "Yeah, yeah, I missed you too."
Blaze let out a deep, rumbling sound, pressing his massive head against Ethan's chest. He was bigger than before, stronger. Had he… also been reborn?
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Care to explain why you suddenly have a lightning wolf?"
Ethan grinned, scratching behind Blaze's ears. "He's on our side."
The apocalypse hadn't even begun, and already, fate was shifting.
With Olivia's strength, Blaze's power, and his own knowledge of the future—Ethan was ready.
This time, they weren't just going to survive.
They were going to dominate.