Crimson Gold

Part 4: Chapter 16: Blackwatch

3rd Person POV

Mercer House

Ryan stood at the edge of the cliff, gazing out across the midnight sea as waves crashed on the rocks below.

"Ryan?"

The Prototype turned and saw Alice standing behind him. "Hey, Alice."

She walked up, and the two stood there for a long moment. "You have to go, don't you?" she asked softly, referring to the events of last night.

Ryan sighed. "Yeah, I do. If Blackwatch gains enough forces, they can come back and continue hurting innocents. I can't let that happen."

"Then let me come with you."

"What?" Ryan turned to her.

She stared back at him defiantly. "Let me come with you. I can help."

"Alice... I can't."

"Why?"

"Look, Alice," Ryan sighed. "Blackwatch... they're not to be underestimated. Last time, they nearly wiped out a city just to kill my father. If you came, they could kill you. If you got hit by a rocket, or got killed because of me... I can't let that happen."

"Well, what am I supposed to do?" she shot back. "Let you go alone and risk your life?"

"Alice, this is what I was made for," Ryan replied. "I've wiped out dozens of Blackwatch bases. The only reason I came out alive was because of what I am. Just please, Alice. Let me do this."

Alice was silent for a long moment. "Fine," she conceded, turning away.

Ryan placed a hand on her shoulder, turning Alice around to face him. "I'll be fine, Alice. And besides, If I need help, you'll be the first to know," he joked.

Alice smiled faintly. "Just... be careful, alright?"

"I will," Ryan assured.

Nodding, she stepped forward and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she did so. For a while, neither of them moved.

Eventually, Alice pulled back. "That was for being you. And to make certain that you come back."

"Let me guess, motivation?" Ryan guessed.

Alice shrugged. "If it needs to be." She punched him in the arm. "Now get going. The faster you get back, the better."

Ryan held up his hands. "Alright, alright, I will."

Shaking her head, Alice watched for a long moment as Ryan darted to his car and drove off.

Timeskip

As Ryan pulled onto the highway, he thought about recent events. With Bella and Edward off doing their 'thing,' it will definitely bring in the Volturi, he thought. As for Blackwatch... what could they be doing in Seattle? That's on the other side of the U.S. from New York. Why would they hole up there?"

Several scenarios played through his head, none of them good. Why would they need to be so far? Ryan wondered. If it were more Orion soldiers, they'd produce them up close. Same with Copters or Tanks. His blood ran cold. There was one last option. But if Ryan was right, then not just New York could be in danger.

Taking out his phone, Ryan switched it on while simultaneously keeping an eye on the road thanks to his 360-degree vision. Raising it, he dialed the number.