"We are born free and we are free when we die, but in between, our freedom is held captive."
As I lay in a pond of blood and chunks of burnt flesh, I come to understand the meaning behind those words. My life was never my own... I got adopted by a kind looking old man, the type of man where, if you saw him, either sitting at a bench in a park or eating at a diner, you would quickly forget about him. Despite how kind he looked, that old man was the world's best assassin in the underground; Known for his infamous cruelty. The old man never had a name and neither did I, nor did we ever give each other names. Names were unnecessary since we understood each other with a single look. I spent my life training, traveling the world, and executing assassinations assigned to me by the old man.
It wasn't until I started watching anime that I had something else to do besides kill, but nothing in my life stays sane. While I was completing my last task, the assignment turned for the worst; the mark knew they were a target and had hired a bodyguard-- it was the old man.
"You shouldn't have tried to quit. I raised you as a killer, slaughtering thousands and bringing fear to millions," he muttered as he aimed his gun at me.
The instant he started firing, I managed to find some cover, but luck wasn't on my side. I got shot. Betrayed, and knowing I wasn't going to make it out alive, I chose to take that bastard down with me. I always carry around a pack of grenades, hidden beneath my oversized hoodie.
"You know, I've always seen you as a father. Despite how much of a bastard you are, you did raise me."
Hastily, I threw the pack.
BOOM
A devastating explosion burst throughout the crowded room. Flung across the room, I groaned in pain. My lower torso detached, I heavily bleed out. Quickly losing consciousness, my vision darkened. Whatever strength I had left dissipated into thin air as death approached me. Then, I saw nothing.