Business and Pleasure
A/N: Hello everyone and welcome back to another foray into the Fairy Tail universe. For those of you who are familiar with my stories, I welcome you back. For those of you who are not familiar with me, I welcome you and hope you enjoy this little story.
Here is another crime AU that I've had on my mind for a while but never gave it much thought. I blame my most recent story-"VICE"-for making me want to write more crime fiction. So I thought, "Ah screw it, might as well just write this out and done with." I don't intend this story to be particularly long, more like three chapters at the most. I don't want to make this longer than they have to be.
This short story will focus on Jellal and Erza, two professional assassins who team up for a job that was supposed to be simple. But, as they say, no plan survives contact with the enemy and Jellal and Erza find themselves in for one hell of a night.
I should also note that this three-shot is a bit of a dedication/shout out to a fellow writer and friend of mine by the name of FreyjaBee. She has been a big help with my own writing and I wanted to write this as a show of appreciation for all her help and friendship. If you have yet to read any of her works, do yourself a favor and hop on over to her page. She has a penchant for delving into the dark and gritty side of things that leave you hooked to the very end. (Freyja if you're reading this expect plenty of references from me in regards to your own stories)
This story is rated "M" for mature themes. These themes include sexual content, violence, and harsh language. Reader discretion is advised.
As always, I hope you will give your honest opinion with your review and if you have any questions regarding this story feel free to ask it in your review which I will either reply to in the next chapter or respond to ASAP, or you can PM me; whatever works for you! Just please don't be too harsh with your criticisms…there's only so much a guy can take.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fairy Tail; Hiro Mashima and Kodansha Comics USA own it. If I did own Fairy Tail…well let's just say some things would be different.
So without further ado *cracks neck and knuckles*, let's begin!
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DESCRIPTION: They say it's never a good thing to mix business and pleasure. Sure, it's alright to indulge every once in a while-to break the norm and add a little spice to life-but after the night these two hired guns have had, can you really blame them for wanting to take it one step further?
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CHAPTER 1
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Everlue Mansion…
Magnolia Hills…
The estate of Duke Everlue was of your typical Mansion and grounds that had been inherited from generation to generation. It was the kind of place that just screamed "old money" or "I inherited all of this from daddy and didn't have to really do anything with my life"…that kind of place.
The mansion was located well outside of the city limits, set snuggly in the hills away from the hustle and bustle and crowds. Here, set amongst the pine, oak, and maple trees, one could find a sense of peace amongst the high brick walls, the wrought iron gate, the gravel driveway, the manicured gardens, lawn, and hedges. Here, amongst the tall columns, the white sandstone, the marble architecture, grand interior and exterior, and all the accumulated wealth that had been gained by the Everlue family.
On sunny days like this, Duke Everlue would spend his time out behind the house where the pool and fountains were located. Here, the man would lay out in an atrocious purple speedo that did nothing to compliment his rather portly physique (though not wanting to risk their jobs, paychecks, or lives, no one had bothered to tell the man). Drinking mojitos, all while his favorite opera's played from the house, Everlue would bask in the sun and enjoy the serenity his home afforded him.
And why shouldn't he? After all, being a shady business man with questionable ethics was hard work. He deserved some leisure time every now and then, didn't he?
However, on this fine afternoon as Georges Bizet's "Habanera" filled the air, the tranquility was shattered by a pained scream from within the house before glass was shattered and one of Everlue's guards was hurled through a window; dead.
He was just one of the cadre of guards that on this day, had the misfortune of being in Everlue's company. The trail of bodies started at the pool, where a guard floated face down in the water; his body perforated with bullet holes and turning the water red. Nearby, past the scattered mojito glasses, two more guards lay in similar states, their weapons still in their holsters. A third guard lay in one of the fountains, gun drawn but only having fired one shot before being gunned down.
Spent shell casings and wet footprints led up to the backdoors of the mansion where the guards that had been alerted to the gunshot had raced outside. Their bodies lay strewn about the back steps and near the trimmed shrubs. One of the back doors had been kicked off its hinges sending shattered glass scattering across the soft carpet.
From there, the carnage and destruction continued down a hall and into the back foyer. Priceless china, beautiful paintings, and hand carved marble sculptures and statues had been blasted and destroyed by a heated gun fight. But each guard that had responded to the panicked cries and pleas from Duke Everlue had met the same fate as their compatriots.
Bodies riddled with bullets, broken bones, and precise knife wounds lay where they had fallen. They'd put up a good fight but in the end, it hadn't been enough.
No one had been able to stop the intruder, who calmly adjusted his tie as he looked with slight disdain out of the third floor window and down onto the guard he'd just hurled through it.
"You got blood on my suit." The assailant grunted. He'd have to toss the jacket in the incinerator later, which was a shame, since this had been one of his favorites.
The man was tall, lean, well built, and exuded an aura that was a mix between professional and "don't fuck with me."
He wore a black suit jacket over a white button down shirt and pinstripe tie; the latter of which were all tucked under the low profile plate carrier and chest rig. Black pants and well-polished shoes matched the jacket and tactical gloves. A balaclava and a pair of sunglasses hid his face.
In his hands he held a suppressed, HK237 carbine; a variant of the famed G36 rifle chambered in .300 Blackout. Tucked into his chest rig was a CZ-97 semi-automatic pistol and a Fairbairn-Sykes dagger.
Satisfied that the last of the guards had been dealt with, the intruder reloaded his carbine, reset his hold on the weapons vertical grip, and continued on his way down the hall towards the Dukes office. For a man with such wealth, one would think that he'd hire top of the line security, not some goons who went like lemmings to the slaughter.
But, it wouldn't have mattered much, the intruder mused. Would it have things more of a challenge for him? Yes. Would better security have stopped him from reaching the Duke? No.
He always completed his jobs without exception. And he would never live it down if his reputation was besmirched by a few hired guns.
Finally reaching the end of the hall, the intruder gave a hard pull on the door handle and found it locked. From behind the door, he could hear the Duke's frantic if rather pathetic whimpering's. Didn't the man have any dignity?
But, then again, he didn't really care to find out. Absentmindedly the intruder realized that "Habanera" had stopped playing over the mansions house wide stereo and had changed to Giuseppe Verdi's "La donna e mobile."
With a sigh, the man raised his foot and gave a hard kick to the door. It buckled but didn't give. So the man kicked again and still the door did not yield.
"Oh for the love of…" The man muttered under his breath as he aimed his carbine at the door-centering the holographic sight on the handle-and emptied the magazine into it. Rather than exert the extra effort, the man simply decided to blast his way through the door.
Wood splintered, brass buckled, and with another solid kick, the door was knocked ajar. The office was just as expensive looking as the rest of the house, which for the intruder, meant it was gaudy as all hell. Some people knew how to spend their wealth wisely, others did not. Duke Everlue it seemed fell into the latter category.
Speaking of which, the intruder found his target to be nowhere in sight. He was just beginning to wonder if Everlue had managed to slip out through a hidden entrance or jumped out the window when a muffled sob was heard…from underneath the mahogany desk at the center of the room.
"Pathetic." The man muttered with a roll of his eyes. He slung his carbine over his shoulder and drew his CZ-97, cocking the hammer back with a distinctive and audible "click."
Making his way over to the desk, all the intruder had to do was walk around and peer under it to find his quarry. Everlue was a sniveling, tear stained, and wide eyed mess and the image only served to further his disdain for the man.
He couldn't help the smirk that formed on his lips when he saw the smartphone and office phone cast aside on the floor; the cellphone indicating that there was no reception or service while a garbled mess of static could be heard from the other.
The man reached into a pouch on his rig and produced a small black box with six antennas.
"GSM signal jammer." The man said in a matter of fact tone, "Blocks all incoming and outgoing calls and scrambles any security system you might have. You can call for help all you want but no one would hear you. You could hope a hidden camera or an alarm would alert someone too…but all they'd see is a ghost."
Everlue blinked rapidly, eyes darting from the jammer to the phones…and then the dark stain that was on his speedo became damper.
"C'mere you little troll." The man growled-disgusted-as his free hand lashed out and struck Everlue in the face, connecting with his nose.
The man didn't give Everlue time to cry out, even as blood ran down his face, as he hauled the man out from under his desk and threw him over it. Everlue tried to scramble away but he didn't get far; not when the intruder delivered a violent kick to the gut that left Everlue reeling.
"Please…" Everlue moaned, "Please…please I beg of you, stop…"
The intruder loomed over Everlue, finger tapping the trigger guard of his pistol as if to say he would hear the man out. Everlue raised his hands in a pleading manner.
"I can pay you…whatever this is about, whoever is paying you, I can pay you more. Double. Triple. Quadruple. Name your price and I'll pay you, just please don't kill me!"
"…Yes…I'm sure you could pay whatever amount I'd ask for. But you see Duke Everlue, someone put a contract out on you and I intend to honor that agreement. Unlike you, a man who's made a living out of defrauding and stealing from others, I keep and honor my word."
"Contract!? Who would put a contract out on me!? Yes, I've swindled a few people in my time but I've done nothing that warrants this! Please, just take whatever you want and I'll disappear, you'll never hear of me again; I promise!"
"Shut. Up." The man said, his voice colder than winter's air, "Begging like a little bitch will do nothing for you."
Everlue only whimpered in response, his mind frantically trying to figure out a way to get him out this living nightmare.
"You honestly have no idea what this is about?" The man asked to which he received a frantic shake of the head. Sighing, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and pulled up a video message.
"Then let me remind you." He said, facing the screen at Everlue.
The screen was black for a second or two before the message began to play. It revealed a rather rough looking man with wild hair and a scar over his right eye.
"Hello Duke Everlue," The man began, "My name is Erik but you probably know of me by my other name; Cobra."
There wasn't a man or woman in the criminal underworld that hadn't heard of Cobra. He was one of the most skilled assassins in the business and despite the expensive price tag that followed him, his work was something that was both admired and in demand by those in the criminal underworld.
"You've never met me and I've never wanted to offer my services to you. However, I do know of you…and of your dirty little habits. You see, you came to my attention about-oh, say-two weeks ago when you met a "friend" of mine. Hence the reason why my good friend here is paying you a visit.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, that "friend" I mentioned is a woman named Kinana. But, then again, I don't expect you to remember her. After all, why would you? I mean, she's nothing more than some whore you hired for a night of fun, right?"
"Her!?" Everlue blurted out, "This is all over that little skank ass whore!?"
The intruder raised his gun, effectively silencing Everlue. Cobra glowered at the camera as his eyes took on a deadly and dangerous edge.
"From what I understand, that night of fun didn't go as planned did it? Sure, she let you have your way with her but she only let you get so far. After all, like most professional ladies of the night, she has terms of service that need to be adhered to. For the things you wanted to do her, you would have to pay extra.
But considering all of the money you have, you were too cheap to spend a couple of extra bucks on a prostitute. You pressed on and she rebuked you; she slapped you right across the face and attempted to leave. Did that bruise your ego? Make you feel like less of a man? I believe her words were, 'He said, 'Don't walk away from me you little whore.'' So you had your guards stop her, bring her back kicking and screaming…and then you had them hold her down as you violated her again. And again. And again. Hell, you even let your guards join in. But that wasn't enough was it. You knew she'd go to the cops or someone else and talk, and you couldn't let that happen. So you beat her within an inch of her life and tried to strangle her. When you thought she was dead, you dumped her on the side of the road, naked, bloodied, broken, and in the rain near death. If not for a passing motorist, Kinana would've died."
Cobra had become more and more infuriated as he spoke, his eyes becoming wild with rage while the veins bulged on his neck and temple. And just as he was seemingly about to snap, he managed to reign himself in and took a series of calming breathes. That did nothing to stop the look of utter contempt he directed at Everlue.
"Well let me tell you something Duke Everlue…Kinana…is my girlfriend. My woman. And I don't appreciate what you did to her. I have enough of a reputation in this city that people know not to fuck with me or my girl. But apparently, somewhere along the lines, you missed the memo or just didn't care to know. Either way, no one hurts my Kinana and gets away with it…alive.
So…I put a contract out on you; one my good friend was all too happy to take. You're probably getting acquainted with him as we speak. I'd deal with you myself but Kinana's recovery is my number one priority at the moment, so count your blessings that I didn't get my hands on you. That being said, however, you're still going to die. So with that, I bid you adieu Duke Everlue. But, before I go…"
The camera then panned to the right to reveal a woman with short purple hair and an equally intense glare fixed on the camera. Even two weeks later, her head and right eye were still bandaged, as was her throat. But beneath the bandages, the dulling bruises of hand prints could still be seen on her pale skin. Tears streamed from her good eye and she began to quiver in anger.
"Anything you'd like to say to the Duke, Kinana?" Cobra asked.
"…Burn…in…hell…you…son…of…a…bitch…" Kinana managed to rasp out and then the message ended. The intruder pocketed his phone and gave his hand a slight squeeze, making the knuckles pop.
"Erik, Kinana, and I go way back. We've known each other since we were kids and have been through some pretty crazy shit together. When they finally got together, I was happy for them. I really was…and still am. This life doesn't leave much room for lasting relationships so it's always nice to see someone break the mold here and there.
I wasn't thrilled when Kinana decided to become a prostitute but she's paid well for what she does and uses that money wisely so she can make a better life for herself and Erik. I mean, do you really think someone would want to be a professional whore or killer for all of their life? Depending on who you ask, you get a mixed bag of answers, but for Erik and Kinana; the answer is no. What you did to Kinana may very well have ruined her chances at finding whatever happiness she's been looking for herself and Erik. And that's something that doesn't sit well with me.
So when I found out what you did to her-what she and Erik told me- and when Erik took out his contract on you and hired me…you can bet I was all too damn happy to take the job. And so, I've spent the last week learning your habits and following you around…waiting, just waiting….for this moment."
The intruder straightened his posture and slowly performed a brass check on his pistol. He then, just as slowly, took aim. It was then that Everlue realized what was about to happen and he went into a frenzy.
"No…No...NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, PLEASE GOD NO! PLEASE; I'M SORRY!" Everlue screamed, "I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I BEG OF YOU, PLEASE NO!"
"I'd say this wasn't personal but that would be a lie."
And with that, the intruder emptied ten rounds of .45 ACP into Duke Everlue. Five in the chest; five in the head. There would be quite the mess for the crime scene technicians when they finally got out here…whenever someone cared enough to notice Everlue was missing.
When the gun smoke settled, the intruder stood over Everlue's body for a few, silent minutes, starring down at the corpse with equal parts disdain and relief. Everlue was dead and the jammer had done its job, preventing things from getting out of hand.
Mission accomplished.
Slapping a new magazine home into his pistol, the man collected himself and made his way back out of the mansion and retraced his steps. He walked past the bodies and destruction without so much as a second glance before finally scaling the ivy on the back wall-like he'd done on his way in-and went back into the forest. An hour later, he was back on the forgotten service road that no one had bothered to patrol or guard.
The man removed his body armor, equipment, balaclava, and along with his weapons, tucked them into the trunk of his blue and white 1970 Chevelle SS.
Sitting in the driver's seat, the rear view mirror offered a clear picture of what the balaclava had kept hidden. Despite the sweat that had formed on his brow, he was a rather handsome looking man with unruly blue hair and red facial tattoo set over his right eye. His dark, piercing eyes were still hidden behind the sunglasses.
As he sped down the service road and onto the main highway, the man dug out his phone and redialed the number attached to the message he played for Everlue. The phone only rang once before it was answered.
"It's finished." The man said, not waiting for Erik to speak.
"Thank you." Erik sighed in relief, "I don't know how to thank you for this. I…I owe you big time on this one man."
"That's right, you do owe me." The man replied, "I trust you'll make yourself available should I ever call on you?"
"You know I will."
"Just checking. The contract has been completed, transfer the payment to my account." The man said with a slight smirk before adding, "How is she?"
"She's…holding it together. She hasn't left my place since she got released from the hospital and I've been keen on keeping her here. I knew this could've happened to her…I just never expected it to. I built my entire reputation for her sake and all it took was for one shit head to ruin it for her."
"You going to let her go back to the brothel?" He asked.
"…No." Erik replied after a slight pause, "Call me possessive but I'm not letting her out of my sight any time soon. Besides, her Tante wouldn't be allow to work anyways. Not with her current condition. I'm thinking of taking one more job and then moving shop…maybe, take a break from all of this and take Kinana someplace quiet. Someplace far from here and this life."
"The dream of every assassin who's ever lived. This job doesn't let you go Erik, you know that right?"
"I can still try and dream can't I?" Erik quipped, making him smirk with a slight snort.
"I'll call you if I ever need to cash in that favor."
"I'll await your call. Goodbye my friend…oh, wait. She wants to say something to you."
There was another pause, the sound of the phone exchanging hands, before Kinana spoke.
"Thank…you…Jellal…" Kinana's voice was half hoarse, half sob.
Jellal smiled softly, "Anytime Kinana. Take care of yourself and get better soon, alright?"
"I…will…" Kinana rasped and hung up the phone.
Jellal sighed heavily and set his phone aside on the passenger seat, not wanting a cop to spot him and pull him over. Looking in his rearview mirror once more, Jellal wondered what a cop would see, should he ever get pulled over.
Would the officer see Jellal Fernandes, the freelance lawyer to the rich and well to do?
Or would he see Jellal Fernandes, the highly regarded hired killer of the Fairy Tail assassin's guild?
Even Jellal himself asked himself that question. Who does he see when he looks at himself in the mirror…the man? Or the killer? Truth be told, he still hasn't found an answer and he doesn't suspect he ever will.
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Four weeks later…
"In other news," the voice of the news anchor filled his apartment, "the body of Duke Everlue was discovered today at his estate early this morning when a landscaping company employed by the Duke arrived at the property. The police were summarily called to the scene and have launched a full investigation, calling this case a homicide. At this time, there are no leads and no evidence as to who committed such a violent and brutal crime. We'll have more on this story as it develops; back to you Jim."
Jellal smirked and shook his head, changing the channel on the flat screen and returning his attention to the case he had picked up as part of his duties as a lawyer. It was a standard affair, some rich socialite walks in on her husband having an affair with a younger woman, pandemonium ensues, and now she's filling for divorce and wants every penny she can milk out of the "cheating bastard"…as she had so eloquently put it.
Jellal would have found the whole thing entertaining had he hadn't done this song and dance one too many times to count. It was always the same thing: cheating spouses, stupidity leading to bad decisions, midlife crises gone awry, so on and so forth; whatever the hell trouble the rich got themselves into, Jellal was there to offer his legal counsel and investigative expertise.
The good thing about being a freelance lawyer was that he could pick and choose his clients, how much he was charged, and make his own hours. It was a rather easy life that offered just enough challenge to keep him occupied. But compared to his work as an assassin, his work as a lawyer could be considered a side gig that helped bring in a little extra cash. Killing and delivering pain via the business end of a gun was where the real work was at.
He hadn't had a client sent his way since he dealt with Everlue so upon seeing he had a little down time, Jellal figured he'd take a case just to pass the time. The current case he was working on was pretty open and shut as far as he was concerned. He'd dug up some dirt on the husband-a dirty secret or two-that he could use in court, he could get the wife the outcome she wanted, and he'd get paid double in the end. Hell, maybe the now ex-wife would offer to buy him a drink to celebrate…and then take him for a romp in the sack. It wouldn't have been the first time he and a client had "celebrated."
She was still quite beautiful for her age and if there was one thing he admired in a woman, it was experience. Besides, his client probably wouldn't mind having a little excitement pumped back into her life…both figuratively and literally, Jellal thought with a smirk and rolled his eyes at himself. He was fucked up and he knew it.
…Like he said; open and shut.
His second phone buzzed to life and a quick glance at the caller ID read: "Old Man."
"Yeah boss?" Jellal asked, addressing his handler and guild master; Makarov Dreyar.
An old time assassin whose exploits were legendary in both the national and international underworlds, Makarov Dreyar could be best described as the cranky grandfather that everyone loved. He was also thae crank grandfather that could kill you and bury you in a place that'd you'd never be found…so there was that too.
"Put on your finest boy, I've got a possible job coming your way." Makarov's grizzled voice filled his ear.
"Where am I heading and who's asking?" Jellal said as he closed the case file and grabbed his work phone, texting his client that something urgent had come up and he'd have to put her case on hold.
"Tante Irene." Makarov said, making Jellal pause, "She'll be expecting you at The Rose."
Domus Rosis, "The House of Roses", or "The Rose" as it was more simply known, was an out of the way place even for a part of the city that most people tended to avoid. It was a legal brothel that catered to all forms of clientele and dabbled in some taboos that made even the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
But, the fact that the legendary Irene Belserion herself was calling on him made even his blood chill…as it usually did when she called upon him. The woman was one of the leading crime bosses in the city and she had developed such a reputation that every criminal from the lowly drug dealers to her fellow bosses, paid some measure of respect to Tante Irene.
Rumor had it that her reach went all the way to the government in Crocus. But, she never did confirm nor deny that rumor so who knew to be perfectly honest.
"Why me?" Jellal asked, snapping back to reality when Makarov cleared his throat slightly.
"She asked for you, simple as that. It seems the work you did for her in the past is finally starting to pay off; your reputation is proceeding you." Makarov said with a hint of admiration.
"Besides, Laxus and Mira are still on their honeymoon; Cana and Lisanna are already on assignment; Elfman and Evergreen are working a combined job with Freed and Bickslow; Alzack and Bisca took Asuka with them on vacation; Gray is at home helping Juvia with the baby; Gajeel requested time off to be with Wendy, Levy, and the twins; and Natsu is still hired on as a bodyguard for Lucy Heartfilia…the two of them were going at it like rabbits the last I checked in with him. So that leaves you."
"…You know, when you spell it out like that, it makes it sound like we lead almost normal lives." Jellal commented dryly.
"And did you really have to mention that about Natsu? The guy is weird enough as it is and I really don't need to know what his sex life is like."
"Quite and yes; yes I did." Makarov said flippantly, "So put on your finest for the Tante and don't keep her waiting. I don't want you to be put on the chopping block for rubbing her the wrong way."
"I'm happy to know you care." Jellal quipped.
"Nah, I just don't want that crazy bitch taking it out on me should anything happen." Jellal could practically hear the old man's grin while he scratched his nose.
"Nice. So glad to know you care."
"Oh quit being such a baby and get going." Makarov scoffed and ended the call. Jellal gave a wry chuckle and made his way to his room, a slight smirk on his lips.
Today was shaping up to be an interesting day. Because wherever Tante Irene was…she was bound to be nearby.
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Domus Rosis…
Magnolia's Westside…
The Rose was located at the heart of the old industrial district. Once a thriving part of the city back in Magnolia's industrial heyday, the Westside had fallen into destitution just as quickly as it had risen to prominence. Abandoned buildings, factories, low rent housing and tenements were populated by gangs, vagrants, the homeless, people who'd fallen on hard times…and those who preferred to hide in the shadows.
Parking his Chevelle, Jellal stepped out and took in the abandoned school building-wedged between two old brick office buildings-before him. The place that had once served as a beacon of education to the inner city had now become a den of sin and ill repute; its classrooms converted to private rooms, viewing areas, and who knew what else. Officially the place belonged to Tante Porlyusica Genevieve, a veteran matron and all around badass. He'd worked for her in the past and she had always been good to him…despite her rather cranky attitude (and he used the word cranky to be polite). Unofficially, The Rose belonged to Tante Irene. She was the one who held the power here; Porlyusica was her second in command, so to speak.
Either way…they were the wolves and he was about to walk into their den.
Jellal locked his car but wasn't too worried about leaving it out in the open. After all, there was a Maserati, BMW, Aston Martin, and other expensive looking cars also parked in the lot. Everyone who lived in this part of town knew to stay away from The Rose. Tante Irene ensured that her patrons and clients were taken care of and he knew she had someone watching the parking lot; more than likely with a high powered rifle. Hell, he could practically feel the crosshairs zero in on his head.
But, keeping his cool, Jellal made his way to the front entrance. Entering the main foyer, Jellal was always surprised by how the inside was the complete opposite of the exterior. Dark lighting, expensive furniture, a desk managed by a woman that wore a dress that much too skimpy, and the walls were adorned with various pieces of erotic art. The woman looked up from her laptop and gave Jellal an appraising smile.
"Can I help you sir?" She asked, sweetly.
"I have a meeting with Tante Irene. I believe she's expecting me." Jellal replied.
"Your name?"
"Jellal Fernandes."
The woman glanced down to her computer, "Password?"
"Magnifique." He said without missing a beat.
The woman smiled in a sultry manner, "Welcome back Mister Fernandes. Tante Irene will join you shortly in her office. I trust you know where to go?"
"The old office overlooking the gym." Jellal said.
"I'll let her guard know you're coming." The woman said and gestured to the nearby stairwell.
Jellal didn't reply, he simply turned on his heel, and made his way up the nearby steps. He'd taken the route enough times to know where to go. The walk wasn't long nor was it short but one could get lost if they let the sounds of debauchery, sensual music, and general air of perverseness get to them. The first time he'd been to The Rose he had nearly been dragged in to a threesome when he stopped and stared into one of the rooms that had been left open.
He had been so shocked by what he'd seen that he'd forgotten to follow Porlyusica. The subsequent ass chewing she'd given him had haunted him for a month.
But, that was then and this was now. Now Jellal stood before the old office that overlooked the gym which had now been converted to fit a stage and tables. The gym played host to the live performances, dances, and other acts The Rose had to offer. Tonight, from what he heard, one of the girls was singing.
And it was a voice he recognized.
Stepping past the guard and into the office, Jellal found it to still be as elaborate as the last time he'd been there. The walls were painted a dark purple-the color accentuated by the subdued lighting-, a fully stocked liquor cabinet had replaced the trophy case, the bathroom had been expanded upon and refurnished, an expensive looking desk was set towards the back, and an equally expensive bed was also set nearby. It looked like it had been slept in recently.
Above the bed was a one way mirrored window.
Walking over to it, he focused on the stage where the spotlight was trained on her.
She was still as beautiful-still as hypnotic, intoxicating, and dangerous-as the last time he'd seen her. She was seduction personified, clad in heels with a black lace bra and that left nothing to the imagination. Her crimson-scarlet-red hair and black tinted lips, sharply contrasted her alabaster skin. Her voice never failed to hook and reel him into her; a mixture between coy, sultry, and seductive. Her voice, he had come to learn, was one of her most dangerous assets. She could easily lull one into dropping their defenses, playing the part of the sly minx, and then strike with all the precision and venom of a viper.
Yes, Erza Scarlet was still the woman he remembered her to be.
For as much as he enjoyed taking a client to bed every now and then…it was Erza that had always had his number. He wasn't sure what had drawn him to her at first, the brilliant color of her hair or the fact that she could handle a 10mm automatic like it was no one's business, but either way; Erza had effectively sunk her claws into him both during and after their first and subsequent meetings.
Which was ironic considering that during their first meeting Erza had tried to kill him. With extreme prejudice if he might add. As if sensing his eyes on her, she looked up to the window without missing a beat in her song and gave a wink. Jellal felt his lips curl up slightly.
"Well, well, well," came a sultry and smooth voice from behind, "the Leben Geist graces me with his presence once more."
Jellal looked over his shoulder to find a woman-leaning against the doorframe-who in appearance bore a striking resemblance to Erza. But there was a hardness to that resemblance; an air of malice and control that Erza lacked. Subtleties that set the two women apart that one would notice if scrutinized. Her crimson red hair was tied into an elegant braid and draped over her shoulder and she wore a black leather corset with a deep purple lace garter belt and stockings. Black, knee high boots adorned her legs. But the most distinguishing feature was the black and red dragon tattoo on her left arm that started at her knuckles and ran all the way up the length of her arm.
Much like Erza…Irene Belserion hadn't changed much since last he'd seen her.
"Tante Irene." Jellal said with a bow of his head and Irene walked over to him, her heels softly clicking on the floor.
She extended her hand and Jellal gently pressed his lips to her knuckles. Irene, in her own form of greeting, leaned in close to Jellal when he pulled back and ran her tongue along his pulse. Try as he might, Jellal couldn't stop the shudder that ran up his spine. He had established enough of a rapport with her that whenever they met, she gave him her "signature" greeting.
Personally, he thought it was her way of getting under his skin and toying with him.
It worked, as much as he was loathe to admit it.
"Thank you for meeting with me." She smirked and gestured to her desk, "Take a seat, if you'd be so kind."
"I'm always happy to be of service to you Lady Irene." Jellal said, taking his seat opposite of the matron.
Irene reclined back in her chair, resting her feet atop her desk and interlaced her fingers before her. Her smirk still lingered on her lips; it was one of the many things about her that always managed to unnerve him. He never knew what was going on in that head of hers.
"I heard about what you did to Duke Everlue. Your skills are as sharp as ever." Irene said.
"What makes you think I did it?" Jellal asked.
"Word gets around. In this city, nothing stays a secret forever…especially from me." Irene casually examined her black painted nails.
"How is Kinana doing? It's been a while since I had the…pleasure of her company."
Jellal felt himself tense but did his best to not let it show. But Irene picked up on his unease with those ever assessing eyes of hers and a smug glint appeared within them.
"I've hired both Erik and Kinana on more than one occasion…they speak very highly of you. You're lucky to have such good friends."
"I suppose I am." Jellal said, managing to keep the strain out of his voice.
"Speaking of, well, speaking highly," Irene gave an amused snort, "Erza seems to share a similar admiration. She's quite fond of you…considering she nearly decorated a wall with your brains during your first meeting."
"I like to think she and I have moved past that little incident." Jellal replied, giving his tie a slight adjustment, "She's a remarkable woman. And having had time to both work and get to know her, I too can say that she deserves all the praise that comes her way."
Irene smirked once more and adjusted in her seat so that she was leaning towards Jellal, arm propped up on the desktop and chin resting in her palm.
"Are you saying that as a professional Jellal…or because you're sleeping with her?"
Jellal tensed again and felt his cheeks warm. He opened his mouth to speak but slowly closed it shut. Irene grinned like that cat that had gotten the canary.
"Like I said Jellal; nothing gets past me. And it's hard to hide a cluster of love bites on ones stomach…or choke marks for that matter. I didn't realize you were that kinky."
Adjusting his tie again-a nervous habit of his-he decided he'd been toyed with enough for one day.
"Is there a reason for me being here or did you just call me here to bust my balls?" He asked.
"I could do that for you if you'd like but it would cost you." She quipped, giving her lips a drawn out lick.
"Tante." Jellal said, his tone tight.
Irene sighed and leaned back once more, "Very well, let's get down to business shall we? I, or rather, a client of mine has a problem that needs to be taken care of. And she asked me for help."
"She?" Jellal arched a brow.
"She's a frequent guest here. However, I'm a woman who prides herself in being able to keep secrets, more so to the fact that this client has her picture in the news every now and then. Perhaps you've seen her?"
Irene reached into her desk and produced her phone. With a few swipes and taps of her finger, Irene produced a picture of a woman who had to be a year or so younger than him. What stood out about her was not her emerald green hair and eyes…but the man who stood beside her in the picture.
"Hisui E. Fiore?" Jellal asked, "As in Senator Fiore's daughter? The same woman who is running for the mayor's office of the city?"
"The very same."
"What's she doing in a place like this; no offense."
Irene waved her hand dismissively, "Miss Fiore has…well, let's just say she has unique tastes. Tastes that I myself have catered to on more than one occasion."
"I can only imagine." Jellal quipped, "So, the daughter of the man who wants to be the next president is a client of yours. But, as someone who is in such limelight, I can only imagine what would happen if her little hobby got leaked to the news. Stop me if I'm wrong; someone is threatening to talk and to preserve her secret and not ruin her father's career, Hisui needs this person taken care of."
"Oh Jellal, that's so mundane. Honestly, I'd expect to read that idea in a paperback I'd pick up at the grocery store." Irene shook her head.
"No, things aren't this simple this time around. Don't be such a cynic."
"Forgive me but I've worked so many jobs like this that they start to look like one another. If I had a nickel for every man and woman I put down who knew a little too much…well, we wouldn't be having this conversation now would we?"
"Like I said, don't be such a cynic." Irene replied, "Tell me, are you also familiar with Crawford Seam?"
"What did that fat old man do this time?" Jellal rolled his eyes, "Yes, I'm familiar with the city councilman. He's as dirty as they come but he holds a great deal of pull with the council…despite more than a few well publicized scandals. Honestly, the man shouldn't be in office but he's managed to keep himself where he is all this time."
Irene smirked at Jellal's assessment. He wasn't wrong. But, she was sure if she revealed what she knew about the man…well, she was certain Jellal's hair would turn from blue to gray in a heartbeat. But then again, she knew when to and when not to talk. And considering what she was about tell Jellal, well, those secrets would be of no use to her anymore.
"Why? What's his connection to all of this?" Jellal asked.
"Well…it goes like this. Hisui knew this other young woman; her name was Laki Olietta. Hisui and Laki were childhood friends and grew up together. Laki's mother worked for the Fiore's as a maid and would often bring her daughter with her to work so Laki would have someone to play with. From what Hisui told me, they also went to school together. Anyway, when Laki's mother fell ill, Laki took her place as one of the family maids. This did nothing to deter the two girl's friendship and they remained friends until recently."
"What happened?" Jellal asked.
"This is where the esteemed Councilman comes into play." Irene said and her smile diminished as she retrieved a manila folder from her desk.
"You see, as well treated as Laki was within the Fiore family…she still needed to earn a living. Her mother's illness had worsened over the years and the paycheck she earned as a maid wasn't cutting it anymore. So she took up a side job."
"Prostitution." Jellal stated more than asked. He'd heard and seen this story too many times as well.
"She found work as one of Tante Lilith's whores. And she became very good at what she did. But, when Senator Fiore found out about what Laki was doing, well, he had to let her go. It'd be bad press if people knew a professional whore was working for him. Still, even when that happened, Laki and Hisui remained close. I know Hisui's father didn't approve but Hisui didn't give a damn. She cared too much for Laki…and I feel she felt more than an endearing friendship for the woman. But…I suppose I'll never know."
"…You keep referring to Miss Olietta in the past tense." Jellal said, eyes narrowing, "What did Seam do to her?"
"The last time Hisui and Laki spoke, Laki told her that she was meeting with a client who-when they paid her- would allow her to finally have enough money to move her mother into better care. Laki was all too happy to take the job. Laki promised that she'd call Hisui once she got back to her brothel, same as she always did whenever she took a job. Except…the next day, Hisui never received that call. She downplayed it at first, figuring Laki was tired and would call her in the afternoon. But the day passed and still nothing. Hisui began to grow worried since Laki always made sure to call in.
The next day, Hisui grabs the morning paper…and finds Laki's face on the sidebar. She'd been killed; murdered to be precise. Her body had been found along the shores of the lake by a man out for his morning run. Poor Hisui nearly had a mental breakdown at the news."
Irene handed Jellal the manila folder and when he opened it, he found both crime scene photos, a police report, and coroner's report. Jellal had seen many horrible things in his life…things that would forever haunt him until the day he finally stopped breathing. Things that were too terrible to describe. He'd done just as worse as well.
But what had been done to poor Laki Olietta…well, Jellal felt the bile rise in his throat.
Her dark brown eyes starred vacantly at him from the one picture; the whites of her eyes clotted with blood. Her long, purple hair had lost its luster and her skin was chalk white like marble…only to be broken by a series of viciously deep lacerations and wounds.
"She was raped." Irene said, even as he read the coroner's report, "Then tortured…someone took a fine blade to her and cut her open. She was cut in places that wouldn't kill but would make her bleed and suffer. Her vocal chords were overstressed from all the screaming she'd done."
"She bled to death." Jellal said, closing the file and willing Laki to disappear into the part of his mind where he banished such things.
"Yes." Irene affirmed, "The police are calling Laki's death a homicide but aren't exactly making it their highest priority. Her case has been tossed in with all the others, gathering dust in storage room until someone makes time to give a damn. After all, she's just another dead prostitute in a city where such women are a dime a dozen. What's one more to add to the graveyard?"
Jellal gave a humorless snort and shook his head, "A city of life built on the dead."
"When did all of this happen?"
"Two weeks ago. Barely rated the sidebar if you're wondering why you didn't hear about it."
"I see…so I think it goes without saying that Councilman Seam was Laki's client on the night she died. You wouldn't have brought him up otherwise. So…why is he connected to this and how does it all tie into Hisui contacting you?"
"Well, like I said, Hisui was devastated by Laki's death; by her murder. She wanted answers. But she couldn't just go out to the police and say she knew a prostitute. So she hired a private eye to do some digging for her and subtly applied some of her influence when needed. Hisui knows of what I'm capable of and came to me with all that she was able to dig up on Seam."
"She thinks he killed her?" Jellal asked.
"The councilman was the last one to see Laki before she died. The driver of the cab that took Laki to the councilman's home dropped her off at seven and was scheduled to pick her up at ten. When he came back, he was turned back by the councilman himself who said he'd called up his limo to pick up Laki. But, the traffic cams on the highway and the security cams that watch the gated community Seam lives in saw no such thing.
What was seen, however, was by one of Seam's newest neighbors. The man has insomnia and was having a smoke out on his back deck when he saw Seam's boat, piloted by two of his guards, pass on by. The man thought it was odd because A) what would they be doing out this late at night, and B) they had something tucked under a blanket in the boat."
"And the man didn't find this concerning enough because…?" Jellal asked.
"Because he's neighbors with Crawford Seam. The neighbor knows enough about the man not to piss him off."
"…Understandable." Jellal admitted, "So… Seam killed Laki for whatever reason and had his goons dump her body in the lake. Seam is scum but for an accusation such as this to be made against him, you and I both know that it's all circumstantial evidence at best."
"It is…unless you take into account that over the last few years, seven other prostitutes were found dead along the lake; all from identical causes of death. And Seam was the last man they all saw: he hired each one of those girls."
"And no one ever made the connection?" Jellal asked to which Irene shrugged.
"They were prostitutes; no one would miss them. The police figured they had a serial killer on their hands but a lack of evidence and leads made the cases go cold. Hisui's investigator found that Seam's name had been brought up by people who actually did care about one or two of the girls but the man is simply untouchable. He made the cases go away or paid to have the police turn their attention elsewhere."
"Okay…so the councilman is looking pretty guilty when you put it all together like that. What does Hisui want done about it?"
"Simple. She wants him dead."
"Just like that?" Jellal asked, "A senator's daughter wants her friends supposed killer iced just like that?"
"I know a lust for revenge when I see it. You should be familiar with it as well. Because of our…special relationship, Hisui knows that I'm someone who gets things done and I get them done both fast and efficiently. Having received such praise and having taken pity on the poor dear…I was all too happy to assist her."
"That's horseshit and you and I both know it. I know you're not doing this out of the kindness of your heart. You only reserve that sort of affection for a select few."
"Oh, you wound me so." Irene feigned heartbreak but that sly smirk of hers returned all the same.
"Quid pro quo. I do something for her…she does something for me."
"That's more like it." Jellal crossed his arms.
"If I help Hisui get rid of her little problem, she'll be in my debt…in addition to me keeping her secret about her little escapades at The Rose. When the mayoral elections are held within the next few months, I intend to see that Hisui gets the job. When she's mayor…I'll have her in my pocket. But there's more."
A sadistically cruel grin split Irene's lips.
"You see, once Seam is gone, there'll be an open seat on the city council. And councilmembers are only appointed by the mayor. All I have to do is persuade the current mayor to postpone his selection of a replacement so that way when he steps down, the duty of selecting a new councilmember will fall unto the new, incoming mayor."
"So when that time comes, once Hisui is in the mayor's office, you'll remind her of her good fortune and have her place you on the council."
"Bingo." Irene purred, her voice as sultry as it was twistedly sweet.
"Devious as it is cunning…its things like this that remind me why your one of the alpha's around here." Jellal said, doing his best to subtly touch his shoulder holster. The cool metal of his gun provided him little reassurance like it usually did; especially in the presence of such an apex predator.
"I will admit…I can't really see you being a politician."
"Oh my dear Jellal…" Irene smiled sweetly, "there's so much about me you don't know. So…will you take this job?"
"With all that you've told me, I feel like I have little choice not to." Jellal sighed before offering a smirk of his own.
"It'll be quite the challenge…but I must admit, after seeing what he did to her, I'm very compelled to get Laki the justice she's been denied."
"Good boy…" Irene grinned.
"Though I should mention, you won't be undertaking this alone. Given how much I have resting on this, I'm having Erza join you on this job. She's already been brought up to speed on what is going on and has accepted the offer. She'll be insuring your success and my own…in a manner of speaking."
"Are you sure about that? I'm more thank capable of handling all of this on my own."
"I'm certain you could but as I said before, Erza is one of my best. She can handle herself just as well as you can. But, more importantly, she has a few advantages over you…advantages that you lack. Advantages, I'm sure that if the two of you were to work together, could be put to effective use."
Jellal knew a veiled threat when he heard one and didn't press the issue further.
"In addition to Erza, feel free to call in anyone else who'll be able to make this all the more easier for the two of you. I want this job done as efficiently, effectively, and as quietly as possible. No matter what happens, this cannot come back to me or Hisui…so don't fuck this up. Am I clear?"
"Crystal. What about payment?"
"Hisui is 'allocating' some funds and I am pooling some of my own personal funds to supplement your payment. I'm sure that it'll please both you, Erza, and whoever else you bring in on this. I'll have the down payment transferred to your account later today with full payment transferred upon completion. If that's settled do you have anything else you wish to ask?"
"Yeah," Jellal said, "what does the Management down at The Continental have to say about this?"
"The Management?" Irene smirked.
"You know," Jellal rolled his eyes, "your boss. The guy who truly runs this city with a network that connects all of us criminals together. Killing Duke Everlue was one thing since that man was a piece of shit that won't be missed. I didn't have to get any permission for that.
But now we're talking about a city councilman who I'm sure has his own uses and keeps his fair share of secrets for your boss. If you want any of this to work, then you have to get his approval first."
Irene only smiled, making Jellal double blink.
"You did talk to your boss right?" He asked, hesitant.
"No…not yet." Irene replied smoothly, "But, since you already agreed to take this job, that responsibility falls unto you. I'm sure our dear friend will be happy to see you and hear you out. And I have no doubt that he'll approve of this."
"Your faith does little to assuage my fears and I know plausible deniability when I see it. We are talking about talking with the man who makes guys like me disappear when a line is crossed."
"That's right; so don't fuck up, make a good impression, and sell him on this. I'm in enough of a good standing with him that that should offer you a little leeway."
"And if I don't succeed?" Jellal asked.
"One way or another you're killing Seam and getting him out of my way. So for your sake, make this work so you can continue breathing and my daughter won't have to find a new partner to share a bed with."
"You're a piece of work, you know that right?"
"And you're a psychotic killing machine; hello pot, I'm kettle, have we met before?"
Jellal sighed heavily and nodded his head, "I'll see what I can do."
"Good. Anything else?" Irene asked.
"Yeah…one more. Where can I find Erza? I don't hear her voice anymore so I assume she's done performing for the moment. I'd like to discuss this with her ASAP."
"Oh, I'm sure she's around." Irene hummed, "Why don't you go looking for her. I'm sure she'd enjoy a little hide and seek."
"Then I'd best not keep her waiting." Jellal smiled politely and stood from his chair. He had just turned on his heel when Irene spoke.
"Jellal." She said in a tone that made him freeze. He slowly looked over his shoulder to find her countenance now set in a glare; her smirk now gone and replaced by a tight frown.
"I know I don't have to tell you again what should happen if you were to fail me on this." Irene said, just letting the tinniest hint of malice inflect her voice.
"Or what will happen if Erza is harmed."
"Don't worry Tante. I always complete my contracts; one way or another. And I can guarantee that Erza will return to you unharmed."
"See that she does."
Jellal bowed his head, "Your hospitality, as always, is appreciated."
With that, he made his way out of Irene's office; the guard closing the door the moment he set foot outside of it. He was more than a little happy to be out of the wolf's den and into a space he could manage.
Or so he thought, right up until he rounded the curve of the hall and a blur of movement caught him off guard at the edge of his peripheral. He turned, just in time to have an open palm strike slam him up against the wall. His hands were caught by the wrists, a leg was pressed in between his…and a shapely body was pressed flush against his front.
"Is…is this how we greet each other now; Erza?" Jellal managed to grunt out.
Erza smirked and answered his question by pressing her pillow soft lips to his. All of the tension left his body, as it usually did when he was with her, and her hands released his wrists and moved to his shoulders. His hands in turn moved to hold her waist. When the need for air finally forced them to part, Erza rested her forehead against his while their breaths mingled together. Her deep, chocolate brown eyes were half lidded but they were locked with his all the same.
"Long time no see, Jellal." Erza smirked slyly.
"Long time?" Jellal asked, "You just saw me at Mira and Laxus's wedding."
"And oh, what a night that turned out to be." Erza chuckled before gently pecking him on the lips.
"Yeah, nothing like having a quickie right before your best friend's wedding to start things off and then going at it like rabbit's when you dragged me back to your room." Jellal quipped with a smirk of his own.
"You love it and you know it." Erza grinned, earning a kiss from Jellal this time.
"Twist my arm." He quipped again before frowning slightly, "Are you sure you're okay about taking this job?"
"What my mother wants, my mother gets." Erza sighed, "I was as blindsided by this as I'm sure you were but I can't say no to her, nor can I turn down what she's willing to pay."
"Speaking of my mother," Erza added, "did she treat you nicely during your talk?"
"Just the usual threats on my life should anything happen to you…you know; the usual. But, other than that, she hasn't changed much."
Erza rolled her eyes, "She knows I can take care of myself, I don't see why she has to get a babysitter for every job I take for her."
"You're her daughter, she worries I suppose." Jellal said, gently rubbing a lock of crimson hair between his fingers.
"More like she doesn't want anything happening to the heir to the throne." Erza gave a derisive snort.
"Once she's on the council, she's handing the keys to this place over to me. But until that happens, she doesn't want to see a single hair out of place or a bullet between my eyes."
"Tante Scarlett does have a nice ring to it." Jellal smirked, earning a light smack on the forehead from Erza.
"Kiss my ass." Erza smirked.
"Funny, I thought you liked it when my lips were on your-" Jellal began but Erza pressed a finger to his lips.
"Save it, for the bedroom." Erza smiled teasingly.
"So what happens now? If you're not too busy, I figured we could take some time to catch up since last we spoke. I want to hear all about what you did to Duke Everlue."
"I just need to make a quick call to confirm something for the job and get things moving…but, other than that, I have nothing else going on." Jellal replied.
"Wonderful." Erza smiled, a genuine smile, and leaned in to kiss him again.
"Do you want me to pay you this time?" Jellal asked when they parted.
"No, I just go paid the other night so this one is on the house…unless you want to do something else in addition to our usual routine." Erza smirked.
"I'll consider it, if that makes you happy. Our usual room?"
"Don't keep me waiting." Erza smirked and sauntered off down the hall, trailing her hand along the wall as she did so.
Jellal let himself get lost in the sway of her hips before he managed to pull himself back to reality. He dug out his phone and quick dialed a certain number.
The phone rang twice before it was answered.
"Jellal." Cobra answered, knowing the reason why his old friend was calling the moment he saw his name in the caller ID.
"Hello Erik," Jellal greeted, "remember that favor you owe me?"
"If you're calling me this quickly about all of that, it must be damn important." Erik sighed heavily.
"What did you get dragged into this time?"
"I took a job for Tante Irene and she's allowing me to call in back up on this one."
"…God dammit man, at this rate she's going to practically own you. Why do you keep going back to her when you know about all the trouble she causes…or has you cause."
"Your concern is noted and I'll take it into consideration. All I need to know is if you're going to honor that favor you owe me."
Erik sighed heavily again and was silent for several minutes before he answered.
"How good is the pay for this one?"
"I know it'll be enough for you and Kinana to get away from all of this and go someplace quiet. Does that answer your question?"
"…Alright…I'm in."
"Good. I need you to contact Ultear for me and get her on board for this too, I'm going to need her help with this job as well."
"Are you sure you don't have a death wish or something like that?" Erik asked, making his skepticism obvious.
"If I had a death wish I would've died years ago Erik," Jellal quipped, "just tell her the pay is good and to contact me if she really wants to bitch to someone."
"Your funeral man."
"Once everything is settled, I'll arrange a time and place for us to meet up and get a plan of attack together." Jellal continued, ignoring Erik.
Erik sighed once more, "Whatever you say Leben Geist."
"Keep in touch." Jellal said and ended the call. With that, he gave a heavy sigh of his own and ran his hand through his hair. He hoped this job in particular wouldn't be the one to actually make him become a Geist. He cheated death one too many times for him to meet the Reaper simply because he got in the way of Irene's ambitions.
Then again…such was the nature of the life he led.
But, for the time being, those concerns could wait. Right now he needed to worry about keeping a certain red head waiting lest she come hunt him down.
After all, they did say it was rather rude to keep a lady waiting.
XXXX
A/N: So…what do you guys think? Writing both Jellal and Erza in such a gritty way is actually very fun; it's a sharp contrast to their canonical portrayals. Besides…who doesn't like being a little bad?
Like I said, this three-shot is a shout out to my friend Freyjabee, so I've taken a bit of influence from her works by adding references and drawing on general themes for this. Before you guys say anything, I have talked to her about all of this and she's given me the green light. And as I stated before, if you haven't read any of her stories yet, hop on over to her page and give them a look. You might find a story or two that you may enjoy.
This chapter mainly established the plot for the next two chapters so not much action in this regard. Chapter Two is where things will pick up and Chapter Three will be where things get a little…steamy. But, all of that will come in due time. For the next chapter, however, expect a shameless movie tie in with one of my favorite action movies. I'll let you guys try and figure out what that movie is in the meantime.
As far as updating this story goes…I'm not sure. Things seem to always be busy on my end of things (this recent week was particularly brutal on me for a number of reasons) and I have other stories I'm still working on. I'm going to work on finishing up the double update I have planned for "Vendetta" and then I'm going to hit both "Vice" and "Songs From the Sea". After that, I'll either come back to this either before or after I update "Between Light and Shadow". But, who knows, I may change my mind.
As per usual, if you guys have any comments or questions, please put it in your review and I'll make sure to respond to you in the next chapter. If you have anything else that you wish to ask me or clarify, you can PM me and I'll do my best to respond ASAP.
Until next time; read, review and most importantly of all, HAPPY READING!