So I wrote this in two days. Over 10,000. Hot Damn.

Also, this work includes potentially triggering content, most notably suicide.

On my l8est assignment, I was asked if I regret what I do, and how I can live with myself.

There are times, yes, when I fail to sleep for a significant portion of the day, when the screams and the 8egging of those I take in haunt my dreams. When it feels that not a single thing on 8eforus could calm that which 8om8ards my conscience. 8ut I have duties I must attend to. I am trusted to track down those who have dis8eyed the law. It is only right that they receive their judgement d8.

For reasons I cannot determine, I find myself in a st8 of nostalgia. Reflecting on when I played with the troll who would l8r 8ecome Empress, telling one another stories of overheard legends. Her favor8 has always 8een that of the 8urgundy who is said to arrive in a 8last of fire from the sky thousands of sweeps from now.

Ah, my dear Feferi! How she has matured since she first accepted the throne! In her reign, she is tough 8ut fair. She has a8andoned the foolish notion that a utopia can 8e reached, though she still strives to grant peace to all. However, she knows that she must not allow injustices to go unpunished. This truth 8oth keeps the tranquility we hold dear, and provides me with employment. So no, I do not regret assisting my friend.

I am only ever instructed to capture those who have committed crimes, and not once have I failed or taken the wrong individual into custody. It is 8ecause of this fact and due to my a8ilities that I am known as one of the most successful individuals in my line of work, and yet I manage to keep my identity a secret from any whom I do not wish to know it. The assignment previously referred to was to track down a troll who is thought to have information on a much more dangerous fugitive. It took time to track him down, however I was quite punctual overall. Especially considering that I have no 8ackup to assure my safety or to assist in loc8ing him.

Unlike most Imperial Agents, I refuse to work with anyone else. There is only one other whom I know of to do the same. Ampora is my only rival, and I his. We compete for 8oth the num8er of criminals 8rought in, as well as Feferi's approval. In general, we are in a constant duel for honor. One which I intend to 8est him at if it is with my last 8reath.

I cast a glance down at the sketch of the one I was searching for. He had evaded me for some time now, 8ut I insisted that I shan't 8ack down so easily, lest Ampora pick up where I would have failed. He would 8e easy to spot, I was certain of it. And given the fact that I am a land dweller, I dou8ted that he would expect me to 8e the one who had come to collect him. The lawnrings have just 8egun to 8rown, and it has 8een several nights since the first time this sweep I have 8een a8le to see the fog of my 8reath. I removed my cloak and disposed of it for the time 8eing in a near8y tree, draping it over one of the lim8s. As minutes passed, I felt the heat of my 8ody 8eing dispelled into the early winter air. After the seventh came and went, only then did I continue on my way.

It was vital, you understand, that I endure the cold and make the trem8les overtaking my 8ody appear genuine. If he were to suspect even the slightest detail to 8e amiss, he would never comply. And Ampora and I have a pact that I am to take control of targets only when a8solutely necessary. And even then, we count it as no more than a quarter of a victory, depending on the circumstances.

This target is said to 8e kindhearted, 8ut I had no idea just to what extent until this night. As I made my way amongst crowds of nearly every 8lood imagina8le, I felt the heat of a hand rest against my 8are shoulder.

He is of a unique 8uild, and were I not specifically instructed to deliver him, I might have found myself fond. Concern was radiant in his eyes as he looked to me and asked if I required refuge. I accepted the offer without hesitation, doing all I could to appear frightened and helpless despite him falling directly into my grip.

Upon entering his hive, it was clear that he had only recently reloc8ed there. And while yes, I could have revealed my identity and intentions at once and gotten it over with, I felt the overwhelming desire to make it last just a little longer, if only for my own entertainment.

Oh, the humor of the situation! For myself to 8e tended to 8y one of such a low 8lood hue is enough to cause laughter to pierce the still air of my 8lock even now as I reflect! When I 8ecame warm enough to fully utilize my mo8ility once again, I regained my tone of authority, informing him of his situation and stating that were he to come peacefully, his chances at a less severe punishment would 8e far gr8er.

Given his nature, I half expected him to o8ey. However, he instead attempted to flee, as most everyone does. I should 8e irrit8ed, 8ut in truth I find this much more fun. He managed to clim8 out onto a 8alcony, though I was a8le to gra8 hold of him there and secure his wrists.

I l8r spoke to Feferi upon 8ringing him 8ack, asking out of pure curiosity as to what his f8 would 8e. She informed me that he will 8e put under interrogation until he reveals wh8ver information he holds. I am unsure if she is aware that I know just how 8rutal interrogations can 8ecome, and that numerous cases result in the prisoner 8ecoming paralyzed. I can only imagine that things will not go simply for one as stu88orn as he seems to 8e. However, I will sleep well this day knowing that Tavros Nitram will get the punishment which fits his crime.