(XLII) Overgeared

Fifteen Minutes earlier.

Jackson opened his window and looked around to ensure no one was watching before throwing himself backward off the side of his apartment complex. His feet touched lightly onto the top ledge, where he quickly pulled them into position while swinging hard behind him, creating enough momentum for his body to slide across the wall toward the next building's roof.

He swung again once more and caught hold of another edge, this time using gravity against itself, letting go and jumping upward. Once atop its flat surface, Jackson glanced over to ensure there were Watchers, The Climber Association's security force, and then began running along the rooftops of Duskgate.

It didn't take long for Jackson to arrive at the address, looking up and the large multistoried grey-washed polished stone building. Large windows filled the ground floor, while smaller ones dotted randomly around the building's upper floors.

The entire place had an elegant feel about it but also a very modern design mixed within. Jackson made his way to the entrance, a pair of heavy wooden doors covered in silver trim engraved with intricate designs and ornately decorated iron bars around one side, protecting the locking mechanisms and blocking any kind of unwanted intrusion.

Jackson reached into his pocket, pulled out the key, grabbed the handle on the right side, unlocked it, and opened the door, stepping inside as the bell above him dinged loudly.

He looked around the large storefront. The room was filled with nothing stocking the dozens of shelves and stands for weapons and armor. There were several chairs and tables placed throughout the room. He stepped into the building, closing the door behind him as he heard rapid footsteps approaching.

He turned to the stairs, witnessing Alijah running down the stairs naked, dripping wet with suds following off her body as she carried a baseball bat.

"JACKSON!! What are you doing?!" She shouted, forgetting she was naked and running up to him as she lowered her weapon. Once they were face to face, she immediately slapped him across his cheek while grabbing onto his shoulders and hugging him tightly.

"Um... Alijah..." Jackson muttered, pushing her away from him as he stared into her eyes, fighting every instinct in his body to admire her curves.

"Yes? What's wrong?" She asked, popping her hip and resting her hand on it, still oblivious to the fact she was stark naked. Her long flowing brown hair cascaded over her bare shoulder as she crossed her arms across her chest. "You seem very concerned about me."

Jackson swallowed hard before nodding quickly. A slight blush overcame his cheeks as he shook himself out of it again and cleared his throat. "Well yeah, of course! I mean, it's just that you're..." He blurted hastily as she stepped closer, her large round breasts pressing against him.

Alijah giggled softly as she took hold of both ends of her hair and placed them behind her head. This only caused more soap to drip off the top of her breasts. The soapy suds covering her slowly vanished as her entire body became visible.

The young man had trouble focusing on anything else right now, and not even noticing, he reached forward until he shook his head and covered his eyes, "Can you put some clothes on, please?"

Alijah tilted her head in confusion before realization dawned on her, and her eyes went wide as she unleashed the loudest scream before smacking him, turning around, and running to the top of the stairs, "Jackson, you nasty dirty perv!"

"How am I to blame..?" Jackson muttered to himself as he rubbed his red cheek and walked around the store. After a few minutes, Alijah returned with bows in her hair, a frilly white dress with leather accents, long white stockings, and knee-high brown leather boots.

"You sure clean up nice!" Jackson joked with a smile, "You look much nicer in these clothes than your old street attire."

"Shut up!" She shouted, her face turning bright red as she stomped on the ground, "Sheesh, learn to read the room!" She huffed, turning her nose up and crossing her arms over her chest, causing Jackson to burst into a fit of laughter as she started laughing too.

"Seriously though, you've done great work!" He patted the top of her head, which caused her face to turn bright red again, "It's a little empty in here, though; where is all the merchandise?"

"Delayed! Because of your 'not-so-litte' commission, Amelia needed August's help, and they couldn't forge anything for the store! Not that it matters, as you never named the place!" Alijah explained, rolling her eyes as she walked behind the counter.

"Call the shop 'Overgeared,' now; how are we going to fix this, then? We can't hemorrhage credits and not have anything coming in..." Jackson asked, walking over and leaning against the counter next to Alijah as she hopped onto it. Behind them, the door opened as the bell rang loudly, drawing their attention.

"I've already solved that issue!" Amelia proclaimed, throwing her hand into the air as she beamed, holding the door open as three similarly dressed, identically beautiful women with different colored hair entered, carrying their tool bags, and stood to the side, "Meet Abigail, Bella, and Jolie! They're sisters and just so happen to be looking for a workshop, and I couldn't help but think of a certain someone who required some fine craftswomen!"

"I have you..." Jackson muttered under his breath, stepping forward and asking, "Why would I-"

"Good morning, Sir! It is our pleasure to meet you!" The blonde, brunette, and redhead sisters all said in unison, interrupting him as they bowed their heads; Jackson's mouth twitched, and his eyes went blank.

"Ehem!" Alijah cleared her through, elbowing him the ribs and announcing, "Welcome to Overgeared! We're glad to have you!"

"Ah, yes! Good morning, Abigail, Bella, and Jolie! We are overjoyed to have you! Please come in! Alijah, get some tea brewing for our guests!" Jackson grunted, forcing a smile and stepping forward as he extended his arms.