From Ashe Vol. 5: From Ashe, #5

By Joshua Piedra

The Competition Continues!

Ashe heads into the second round of the writing compeition but she soon learns that more than a top prize is on the line.

A series of unfortunate events rattles Ashe to her very core as she deals with an old rival, a still-developing relationship with Renji, and the continued headaches from dealing with a job she would much rather quit.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joshua Piedra
• Release date: May 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223462323

Book preview

PREFACE

The fifth volume of From Ashe has arrived and is ready to entertain you!

We are in the middle of Ashe’s first writing competition and things are heating up! In this book, you will witness Ashe take part in the second round, the aftermath, as well as her continuing struggles!

At this point in the story, I have several storylines happening at the same time so it was a bit of a challenge to find a way to intertwine all of them together to where it made sense and didn’t break the flow of things but it’s fine because I had a lot of fun doing it!

The roadmap doesn’t get any less cluttered from here on out as there are many things to witness and discover in this book that will set the stage for the next volume and beyond as well!

Hope you enjoy the story and, as always, I will see you on the other side of it!

Page 29

Let Another Round Begin

The twang of some slow-paced country music could be heard as it softly played through the speakers of an old radio in the background. The sounds cut through the murky atmosphere of cigarette smoke wafting through a dull moonlight that permeated through rather thin beige curtains. On a torn dark green leather sofa whose better days were nothing more than a distant memory, a man puffed on the business end of a cigarette, letting out a few impressive smoke rings as a young girl with flowing blonde hair lay naked on his lap, slowly caressing the man’s bare chest.

I have to say, you were amazing, Carla…

...My name’s Jenny… said the girl, a bit insulted.

Ignoring his obvious mistake, the man continued, You were even more amazing than Denise but WAY more amazing than Sandra. You’ve singlehandedly made me realize just how shitty your co-workers are by comparison.

As the man ran his fingers through Jenny’s hair while wearing a pair of latex gloves, the moonlight seemed to get brighter by the second. Soon, the windows became fully illuminated as the man snapped his head around and looked back at Jenny as the sound of helicopters grew louder and louder.

How old are you again!?

As the man asked that, a loud bang caused his front door to nearly blow off its hinges. Men in full tactical gear and guns drawn stormed into his home, aiming the business end of their barrels straight at him.

I swear, guys… she’s AT LEAST sixteen, right? Am I close with your age? Help me out here, babe.

None of the men said a word. Instead, a woman stepped through the front door as they parted for her, the silhouette of her curves accented by the tremendous light behind her. All the man could do was take one look at the shape of her body and raise an eyebrow before he turned his gaze back to Jenny.

I’m sorry to say this… um… Jasmine? Look, I’m bad at remembering names but... You’ve been replaced.

Jakob Freeman?

Man, you already know my name! I think we’re off to a great start! Look, I can get the skank out of here if you wish to join me on leftover pizza and half a box of cheap wine. As you can see, I spare no expense when it comes to treating a woman.

Cuff him. Make sure your skin doesn’t come into contact with his hands. Secure them with the Deprivation Gloves. We’re not taking any chances.

Trust issues already?

You already know why we’re here, don’t you?

Yeah, but I was kind of hoping we could delay things a bit. It wasn’t my intention of leaving this beautiful chateau so soon.

You ignored our summons for six months and changed residences eight times. The charades are over, Mr. Freeman.

Did I really make it that obvious? I’ll try to be more subtle next time.

A few moments later Jakob was hauled out of his majestic trailer and into a military helicopter, the sound of a lone gunshot going off behind him.

Did you really have to do that!? I was going to give her a 3.5-star review! Heck, maybe even a 3.75!

The woman felt no need to disclose their choice of actions. She took her seat and soon thereafter, the helicopter took off. Jakob was being transported to an undisclosed location in the middle of the American southwest desert. The entire trip took about two hours as the helicopter had to take a special route. This type of military installation had a very high level of security to the point where if an incoming transport didn’t touch upon certain geographic markers in a particular order, it would be shot out of the sky on sight immediately, no questions asked.

After it took the scenic route, the helicopter landed just outside of a high-tech-looking military facility. There were no markings on the building as a security protocol; however, one could still tell that it was state-of-the-art. Jakob was brought into the facility by another entourage of guards that also wore Deprivation Gloves. The woman and crew received salutes from the men standing guard at the front doors as they passed. After a myriad of security scans and twisting hallways that resembled cold, dark steel, they arrived in a central room where they sat Jakob down in front of a metal desk. The woman strolled around to the other side and took her seat.

Look, I think I already overstayed my welcome. I’m going to get going now.

Four armed guards formed a semi-circle around Jakob, making sure that he didn’t go anywhere. Jakob, who was halfway up out of his seat, slowly sat back down.

Or, I could stay and have another cup of coffee. I’m sure it’ll be better than the first one you served… which was nothing by the way.

Mr. Freeman. As you are quite aware, you are an Irregular. As such, we need your abilities to assist us with a foreign matter. Need I remind you that in our society, irregulars are not permitted to refuse a summons. The sooner you cooperate, the sooner we will return you to civilian life.

Look, Kayla…

That’s Lieutenant General Addison to you.

Come on. We’re so close, don’t you think we can drop the formalities?

I wouldn’t call hitting on me on the day of your Irregular registration as being close, Mr. Freeman.

Well, I definitely felt the magic between us. It was love at first touch… especially when I could see every single pair of panties you own. I particularly like the black ones with the little red bow on the front. Those are very kinky and I think I’m getting a semi just thinking about them.

Mr. Freeman… I will ignore that comment because that power of yours is exactly what we need. Your ability to see every detail of somebody’s life by simply touching them with your hands is to be used at a high-class party where Desmond Puchtel, a foreign diplomat, will be attending. You are to simply play the part of a high-ranking official, shake their hand, engage in small talk, excuse yourself, and then leave the party. You will then hand over any details that we need.

That’s it? Shake their hand, leave, and spill my guts? Can I at least stay and sample the buffet? It’s not every day I get to dine on rich bitch foods, you know.

No. You are to complete your mission as directed. You will also be assigned a partner to assist you with the matter. Before you are deployed, you will be… bonding… with your partner.

I’m all for that as long as this partner has two tits, a hole, and a heartbeat. Otherwise, I might need you to define just what you mean by bond.

Lt. General Addison snapped her fingers as one of the guards opened the door to the room. There were two more armed guards on the other side holding a scrawny-looking boy about eighteen in age. He had medium-length black hair that covered most of his face, hiding his eyes. His hands were bound by handcuffs as he was forced forward into the room.

Hey. I’m not into emo teens… especially ones that have a penis. The last time I dated an emo chick, her idea of foreplay was taking a world tour around my body with a razor blade. It was kinky at first but it got old pretty quick.

This is Virgil. His codename is Raven.

An emo kid with black hair with a codename of Raven. Wow. How long did it take you guys to come up with that shit?

He received that codename because he can communicate with birds and survey situations from the sky. He is going to be your eyes and ears from the outside.

Ok. So, do I get some generic, stereotypical codename as well?

Your codename is Touch.

Wow. A top-secret military base with the brightest minds, the highest levels of technology, entrusted with the safety of our world, and this is the best that you can come up with? I think it’s pretty clear what sector received budget cuts from the White House.

You will share a room, and you will get to know one another before your mission. Plus, you two will be undergoing a training program before being sent out.

You know… I have to say. All of this seems a bit excessive for a one-and-done mission.

Good luck, Mr. Freeman.

The guards that had previously surrounded Jakob closed in. Two of them grabbed him by the arms and pulled him up out of his chair. As they dragged him away, Jakob motioned to Lt. General Addison for her to call him later. The remaining guards escorted Virgil down the halls in tow. After even more security scans, they reached the housing quarters where they showed Jakob and Virgil to the room they would be staying in. Once locked inside, two of the guards remained stationed outside.

Virgil, still in handcuffs, walked over to the corner of the room and sat there in silence. Jakob took notice and shrugged as he saw this as an opportunity to get some sleep. He hopped up onto the top bunk bed on the opposite side of the room and pulled the covers over his head before letting out a bellowing fart.

Ahhh, much better.

***

Come morning, Jakob awoke to see Virgil had remained in the corner in the same position, eyes open and staring forward with a vacant look on his face. He hopped out of bed and scratched his crotch while giving him the once over. Jakob wasn’t one to care much about anything; however, even he felt a bit creeped out that Virgil was in the exact same position. 

Look… um… Raven? Ravey? Ravoovoo? What do you prefer so I have the pleasure of denying you being called that?

Virgil continued to sit there in silence as Jakob nodded as if he had accepted the fact that he wasn’t getting anywhere.

Ok, great! I’m going to go take a shit and hit up whatever mess hall these guys got. Going to come with? he asked as Virgil continued to sit there in silence. Wonderful talk! Love the in-depth conversation! You should do podcasts. Anyway... It’s shitting time.

Jakob went to open the door before he realized that he and Virgil were locked in. Letting out a sigh of disappointment, Jakob sauntered back over to his bunk bed.

Sudden change of plans. So… since we’ve learned so much about each other, why not start from the top and pretend that I don’t know a damn thing about you at all. What’s your deal?

Virgil looked up through the strands of his black hair, his neck popping as if it had moved for the first time in hours. Even Jakob flinched at the sound of it but Virgil replied in an unexpectedly soft, yet, timid voice.

I.. was never loved…

Oh, great... Here we go, said Jakob, interrupting. Emo-looking boy. Talks to birds. Wasn’t loved. Like... Come on, dude. Can you be any more stereotypical? At least tell me something exciting like how you used to jump ravines on high-powered motorbikes or something.

I once rode a bike off the side of a road and down a hill.

Well... that’s something, I guess.

My sister was on the back of the bike. She fell off and the bike rolled on top of her, crushing her neck and killing her almost instantly.

Oof. Bad break right there. So, is that why you talk to birds?

The birds were the ones who told me she had died. I hit my head on a rock and went unconscious during the fall.

Uh-huh.

I don’t want to go into it any further. It’s… too painful. If you really wanted to know, I guess you could just touch me, right?

I try not to. As much as I would love to get the inside scoop on everyone I meet, it’s kind of hard to keep my dick up whenever I’m getting laid. Most girls don’t get the whole wearing latex gloves thing but I just tell them I’m a germaphobe. This power is a blessing as much as it is a curse but… you heard what old Iron Tits said back there. We’re supposed to bond and I’m not really much of a touchy-feely talker so if you don’t mind me knowing every single dark secret of your life, I’ll just touch you, get it over with, and then we can claim that we bonded. Deal?

Just get it over with.

Jakob stood from the bed and walked over to Virgil where he knelt beside him. He grabbed Virgil by the wrist and then quickly shoved his arm away in disgust. As he did, Virgil cracked a smile and began to laugh hysterically.

Why did you lie to me?

I needed to know if your power was truly real.

Well, it is. You don’t even have a sister. You went to some preppy rich-bitch school where you received top marks on everything you did. Your parents showered you with love and gifts and even nurtured your power when you told them about it. You even volunteered to come here because you find international diplomacy fascinating. Who the FUCK finds international diplomacy fascinating? Oh, I know who… Nerds do and that’s exactly what you are and always will be!

What’s wrong with being a nerd?

Have you ever gotten laid?

Not really.

Well, there’s your answer.

I’m working on it, though… I swear!

Oh yeah? Who?

There’s a girl that attends here. I know her name as Samantha. Everyone calls her Sam, though. She’s got a stunning figure and she’s really fun to talk to but… I just suck at talking to women. You wouldn’t want to help me, would you?

Wait… wait… wait… wait… wait… Like… REALLY WAIT here.

You requested me, didn’t you?

I guess I’m not the only smart one.

It’s all starting to make sense. You came here voluntarily… your parents have lots of influence so it’s only natural that when it comes to your partner that you get to hand-select who you want to be with. They showed you a list of people coming in, you saw my power and thought it might be a great way to get to know your crush better. Does that sum it up?

Yes, but your act right now is not very convincing. Surely you already knew all of that after touching my wrist… or does your power have a flaw?

You got me there. The amount of knowledge I get depends on how long I touch someone. The few seconds I touched your wrist carried me through some of your life but not all of it. If I had held on for just a couple of seconds longer, I would have gotten the full picture. Usually, I just hold on long enough to get the gist of a person and then let go. I might be an asshole but I’m not a monster. If someone has a fucked up life, I just figure I’m better off not knowing everything.

As Jakob said that, the door to their cell was unlocked. Two armed security officers stepped through and announced that it was time to head to the mess hall for breakfast. After a personal escort, the two of them were brought to a rather large dining hall. As they entered, Virgil scanned the room and nudged Jakob in the arm, pointing out a girl in the far back corner who was eating alone.

That her? asked Jakob.

Yeah. That’s Samantha.

You’re right. I’d fuck her in an instant! Long blonde hair, perfect tits. I can see why you’d want her. If you fail, I might just be the one to pick up the pieces.

Can you just go do it?

Yeah, yeah. I’ll go touch her and get some details for you. Hold on.

Jakob sauntered over and stood on the opposite side of the table that Samantha had been sitting on.

Hi. Couldn’t help but notice you were eating alone. I just got here yesterday so it’s my first time meeting everyone. Figured I’d come up and introduce myself. Name’s Jakob.

Jakob extended his hand to which Samantha smiled and shook back.

Hi. I’m Sam. Nice to meet…

Ah, ha, ha… said Jakob, interrupting. Look. This is awkward and all that as I just came over here but I completely forgot I was supposed to report to Lt. General Addison before coming here and now she’s going to skewer me. Sorry for the weird moment but when I get back, maybe we can start over?

Oh, sure… no problem, said Samantha with a slightly confused look on her face.

Jakob scurried away and beckoned Virgil to come with him, leading him out of the mess hall.

Just walk. Don’t turn around. Don’t look back. Just walk.

Once the two of them exited the mess hall, they turned the corner and stood in the hallway by the door. Little did Virgil know that the hope in his eyes was about to die.

So, Virgil. Come clean. You’re gay, aren’t you?

"What!? No! Not in the