As promised, a new chapter after two weeks! XD Enjoy =)
*Do not own CCS characters or CCS plot, just this story plot =)
*Don't forget words attached to the ends of names e.g. (-san) or (-sama) mean something along the lines of Miss/Mr, (-sama) i suppose is used with customer because it gives more respect to the person rather than saying (-san)
Extinguished Existence
I woke up at eight p.m. I cracked my stiff neck to loosen it up. I gathered my equipment behind the first layer bricks of the fireplace walls. Removing bricks to make space for things was a lot easier than I thought. I smirked, and I doubt anyone thought that you could remove bricks from a fireplace. Since cement and bricks are suppose to be a tough and firm combination after all. I lifted up the cover of the hollow step of my staircase, grabbing my rifle and handgun, promptly covering the staircase with my burgundy carpet.
I tossed the things into my black suitcase before throwing the suitcase into the trunk of my car. I pulled my hair neatly back with a coffee coloured headband as I sat in the car. I curled my lip in slight aggravation when the black sleeve of my shirt, my black leggings hugging my legs as I finally started the car. I chortled at the fact that in movies the assassins usually wear black as well. Of course it's common sense to wear black after all, who would be dumb enough to wear bright pink when it can be easily spotted? But for me I wear the colour for different reason, so that in case I have to kill the target up close and personal, their blood won't show on my clothes.
I parked my car in front of the small and homey coffee shop at Clearview and Crescent and of course I bought a cup of black coffee. Even if I was wearing all black I still looked normal, so to the general public I was just an ordinary girl who just came in from the airport. I watched the people that pass by as I drank from my cup; it was the city so it was still busy on the street. I smiled as I drank, the more people around, the better, there's more noise and when there are a lot of people around, a person would usually feel more comfortable and less unaware of their surroundings. So even if someone saw me, they would just know me as a girl who wore all black.
I dropped my cup into the trash and left the shop swiftly. I crossed the street dragging my suitcase through the snow. I entered a construction site without being seen, the area was isolated I surveyed the vicinity for the tallest structure I could go on. Once I spotted it I silently approached it as I climbed the stairs making sure to go unnoticed. Inferno was suppose to be around here since PandOra is supposedly suppose to meet another org here but that was probably just a bait set up by Inferno. The Dealer wouldn't tell me since it was irrelevant for me to know 'he's a bastard as usual.'
When I reached the top I felt the cold breeze wail throughout the neighborhood. I frowned at the set of footprints I left behind, even though I like winter and all, I hated the fact that I can't help but leave a set of footprints each time. I hate leaving any type of evidence. This time was okay since the footprints of the construction workers were still there so it isn't that big of a deal.
I set up my gear after shoveling all the snow in the small space I had there. I laid flat on my stomach as I peered through my binoculars. 'Where is he? The guy has a flaming red Mohawk so he can't be that hard to find.' According to The Dealer, even though it's ridiculously stupid for someone to hunt with such bright and obvious colours Inferno still keeps his hair saying it's his trademark or something. Well, it makes my job effortless because of that but really how dumb can you be when you're in the life or death business? 'This is also why I say it's a pity they don't set up a school to tell people these things, if they did, people wouldn't die so easily.'
Another thing that has been on my mind is why The Dealer, even though he practically has all the top class criminals in the palm of his hand but never turns any of us in. 'Does he enjoy the thrill or something? What a sick man, but who cares? I'm profiting so I'm not going to complain, much.' I soon caught sight of Inferno's scarlet hair I smirked. 'I found you' my mind sung.I double-checked if the silencer was secured onto my rifle. The moment he starts shooting his targets he'll be unwary of anyone else who may endanger him. Although I may miss, the chance of that happening is slim; I have been sniping for practically my whole life after all.
The great thing about this job is that you know for sure that you're the only one besides The Dealer who knows about the job. Well, you know the specifics of the job, others know the job is there but they can't pursue it unless they accept it and get the details from The Dealer. So that way, you know your prey is yours and yours alone. I continued to observe Inferno, time was slowly ticking by, I glanced at my watch it was approximately ten fifty-nine. I bent my neck, even I after all these years I still hate sitting in the same spot doing nothing for hours, 'I look like a stalker when I'm just watching them.' I yawned 'and to think my first time I was shivering with terror.'
I mused at the memory; the target was a simple young, ordinary girl name Kimberly Ann Crossway, who just happened to accidentally witness a top secret underground exchange between the Black Falcons and some other org. Back then; I wasn't even the one who really pulled the trigger. My finger was simply pushed to pull that trigger by my supervisor. Since, I continued to refuse to do it myself I simply continued to cry in terror as I begged them to let me go. After the deed was done I was an empty shell for sixteen days continuously repeating the event through my head.
I smiled faintly, 'I was so damn pathetic back then. I couldn't even take a single woman's life, a life that wasn't even worth anything. But now, I cant feel a thing.' My senses sharpened at the sound of footsteps trudging through the snow. Four shadowed figures entered the empty space as if they were searching for something, probably for the 'bait' from Inferno. I turned my concentration back towards Inferno; he was the top priority seat today so I had to make sure he was nice and comfortable.
I grip tightened, my finger prepared to pull the trigger. I breathed evenly as I ensured my aim. I continued to stare at my target as he prepared himself to fire, my heartbeat thumping silently without a trace of fear, despite my age I was a pro at this game named life and death. To become one with the light as day approaches and to become one with the darkness when night overshadows the earth is the only way to become unnoticed by your prey. To become darker than black, brighter than white as if we never existed in the 'normal' world. To kill to survive or to die to kill whichever we choose someone has to die, because that's how it goes in this business.
'He should be about ready soon, it's almost eleven.' I watched as he readjusted himself his face close to his rifle as if he was trying to make sure his aim was exactly where it was suppose to be. I inhaled a fresh gulp of air. 'Time for the countdown five… four…three… two…' I saw a spark of light as he pulled the trigger his targets began to panic. I closed one eye and aimed toward his head. 'One.' I pulled the trigger and he immediately fell, I stood up on one knee holding my rifle as if it was a cane looking apathetically at him. 'So this is the end of Inferno's role in this sick game called life. I don't know whether to congratulate him or not, to be able to escape from this ailing world.'
I packed all the things into my suitcase and casually walked downstairs as if I haven't done anything remotely illegal. I strode towards the pay phone next to the structure I was on. I picked up the phone as I searched my pocket for a quarter, I couldn't leave a dead body for some construction worker to find or else the police would be all over it, and it would be such a pain if they find some lame ass reason to haul me in for interrogation. I know they wouldn't get any hard evidence on me but you can never be too careful. I slipped in a quarter and dialed the only person who would do the job quickly and flawlessly, The Dealer.
'Let's see, two-five-eight-zero-four-five-six.' I pressed the numbers, the dialing tone soon ringing in my ear. 'I still don't get how he got this short of a number, and what hypocrisy, making that when you dial the numbers you form a cross. Killers are the farthest thing to the figure we call God and it's not like we worship him either.' My ears perked at the sound of someone picking up at the other line. A deep masculine voice went through. "Hello?"
"It's me, Dealer." I said monotonously. Really it's a miracle that people can't catch this guy, but then again, he always did say he got our phone lines covered so I never worried about it, much.
I heard a chuckle. "Dry as always, can't you ever sound more cheerful when you call?" I remained silent until he continued. "But then again, if you did I wouldn't be able to tell that it's you from your voice anymore. You never say who you are since you're so stubborn."
I frowned. "If I sounded cheerful when I talk about murder wouldn't that make me insane?"
He chuckled again. "True, true so what can I do for you, princess?"
I growled, 'damn bastard, how many times do I have to tell him not to call me that? He's practically the same as that damn fool!' "I need you to clean up a dead body for me, on Clearview and Crescent at the construction site before dawn."
"Ah-ah you killed Inferno already? That kinda sucks, he was so fun to talk to when he called me up, unlike a certain someone." He moaned.
"As if you really care whoever dies, you're the one who posted the job. If someone wanted to kill me you'd probably be quick to advertise the job as well." I sneered into the phone, 'annoying bastard as usual.'
"No I wouldn't, you're my favourite so I wouldn't do that and if I did I'd warn you. It's heartbreaking that you don't have the least bit of faith in me even though we've been friends for so long princess." He whined.
I made a sound of disagreement. "Whatever, so are you going to do it or not?"
"Of course I will, when have I ever refused an order from you, Princess?" He joked. "What's the state of the corpse? You know it costs more when there's too much blood splatter, I hate dealing with all those icky things."
"Remember who you're talking to Dealer." I said conceitedly, that's exactly why I paid attention to my aim so much. "It was a headshot, just the way you like it. So I'll send the same amount the usual way, correct? Or do you just want to deduct it from my reward money?"
"Sure, sure, as expected I suppose. Since it's a body and scene you want to clean means you want a VoID right?"
I nodded even though he couldn't see me. "Yeah." VoID was the term we use when we wished to clean up a body a scene. V and O stood for Validity Oppressed while ID stood for identity. VoID was the best way to get rid of the body because it's not just a 'clean up'. It's a process where they make it as if the deceased was never there. That's why we call it Validity Oppressed and Identity because those things disappear as well, your record of birth any history with authority will disappear the only thing that would be left is the memory of others who knew the deceased.
"Do you want me to take care of Inferno's victims from tonight?" He inquired offhandedly.
"No, why should I care about a bunch of people when it costs more?" I twirled my finger onto the cord of the phone.
"Check if they're alive or not at least, 'cause if they are you should finish them off or else they would wonder why the person who shot them didn't. If they dig into it too much it would be troublesome for you wouldn't it? Plus I heard the people there are very important to PandOra." He said this tauntingly.
I scowled. "Just get the job done and I'll send the money in when I confirm the job is complete. I'll contact you again soon for another job."
"Okay, okay my princess is so demanding." He teased, chuckling once again.
I slammed the phone to the receiver scowling I hated dealing with him. 'But-' I turned to the direction of Inferno's victims 'he's right. I should check whether their dead or not, if their dead then I guess I'd have to call Dealer again, it would be troublesome if the police was all over it but if their alive I'll just leave them there. It's not like they could do much to me when they're alive anyway.' I walked towards dimly lit area, my suitcase trailing behind me.
When I reached the area I cautiously looked around. I caught sight of four unmoving bodies lying in the snow. 'At least their not conscious yet.' I sighed as I walked towards them leaving my suitcase; I took out my pistol readying myself if I needed it. 'If four bodies are down Inferno must've dispatched four bullets minimum, but knowing him he probably spent more.'
'Maybe I should get something to eat on the way home, I've practically slept through the day so I'm kinda hungry. What should I get? Pizza? It's kinda greasy to eat though but I get the feeling I want something saucy.' I pointed the barrel of the pistol to my chin as I thought. 'Pasta seems pretty good.' I smiled. 'Okay pasta it is, I'll go over to Olive Garden after this, they got some pretty good pasta."
I stood a step away from motionless bodies, 'Let's see…two woman and two men, they're all breathing so they probably just fainted from blood loss or pain. One has one shot in the stomach another in his arm. Another one has two shots to her right leg but is bleeding profusely; if someone doesn't stop it she'll die pretty soon. The other one has a shot to the shoulder and nothing else so how the hell did he faint so easily? Other than the cold I can't think of another reason. The last one has to three shots from the back. Two went to her lower back and one just scrapped her upper thigh. Not bad Inferno, even though I shot as soon as I could you still managed to get in seven shots. But if it were me I would only need four to eliminate them, no matter how fast you can shoot it wont matter unless their dead. At the same time, his victims don't seem all that bright either seeing as they fell for an obvious trap.'
'Really, so much for one of the most feared org known in the underground world.' I heaved a moan as I took a closer look at their faces 'why, do they look so familiar', my eyes widened as realization dawned. "No… way…" I whispered. My eyes darkened as they narrowed. "I never thought…" I began talking to myself. "That'd I ever see you in this state again, Li. You've even brought some of your weirdo friends with you this time, do you enjoy doing this as your hobby or something?"
Only silence answered me as I continued to stare at their faces, the dainty Daidouji-san, the bad tempered Lee-san, the unreadable Hiiragizawa-san and of course the leader of the band of freaks Li the fool. I smirked, it was rare occurrence for me to see someone I met before on the ground bleeding, more so if their part of an org. 'So, he's part of PandOra and an important member at that, even his weirdo friends are part of this.' I looked at their half dead state. 'Pathetic.'
'Well, even if I know the person or not, the result remains the same. I won't bother myself for any reason especially when it doesn't affect me. You people can just enjoy your time in the snow though I doubt that all of you would survive to see the next day.' I placed my pistol back to the strap of my inner thigh before I turned on my heel and began to walk away.
"Help…"
I stopped mid step and turned my head around, 'oh? So someone still has the energy to call for help.'
"Someone…anyone… please help... " These were the words that escaped from Lee-san's lips.
"Heh." I extended the sound. 'So even Miss. Know-it-all has moments of modesty. Unfortunately for her there's no one around to help her. Besides me of course but there's no way I would help a person like her.' "Hmm?" I raised my brow as I heard her continue to mumble.
"Please… them… please help… my friends… " Her eyebrows wrenching together as she strained herself to say those cries of help. "Please… help… please somebody… my friends… "
I made a disgruntled noise. 'First she's all 'you're a bitch' and now she's all 'save me'. She should worry about herself more; she's the closest one to dying. Her friends will be fine since they'll survive till morning when the construction workers come. But, she on the other hand won't live much longer, what kind of body does she have? Losing all that blood like there's no tomorrow, it's not normal.'
I shook my head. 'No, what's abnormal is why she care more about her 'friends' more than herself. She should just leave them alone; they're all going to betray her one-day after all. She should just stop living in that stupid fantasy of hers and wake up! Humans aren't meant to be trusted, they're all despicable, if she keeps this ideal world of hers one day she-' I gasped silently before balling my hands into a fist. 'Why am I thinking about this so much? Is it because of, her?"
I gripped my clothing when I remembered those bright cheerful gray eyes; they were such kind looking eyes. 'What foolish thoughts am I thinking of? How many more times do I have to remind myself? That, that person's very existence proves that there's no such thing as friendship? And I know that, that's why I-' I glared at Lee-san's lifeless body. 'So why is it, when I look at this delusional girl that I remember things, memories, that I don't even want to even consider that it existed? Why is that person still haunting me? Why is she still lingering in my mind even though five years have already passed by since I've last saw her? Hasn't she done enough damage already?'
I glared at Lee-san as if it would make her die faster. 'There's no reason to waver, because there's no way a person such as her with such a altruistic personality can exist! There's just no way.' I continued to grip onto the ends of my sleeves, when I remembered Lee-san's words earlier. '…the reality is, that there's not one single in this person in this world who doesn't have somebody, whomever he or she may be that needs them, that loves them.'
"There's not a single person in this world who's alone, is that it?" I murmured to her. "Then, why is it, that there isn't a single person by my side? Lee-san." I gazed at her agonized face as she continued to mutter cries for help, really such a selfless act. 'But, if there really was such self-sacrificing person and if what she said was the truth, how peaceful, would this world be.'
"Ang…el."
My eyes shot wide open as I turned to Li. Really, he was calling that name in his sleep, is he stupid? I smirked. 'What a dumb question of course fools is stupid.' My eyes widened slightly as they caught sight of the small black mark on Li's left cheek. It was very small, barely the size of thumb, a keyhole with a single wing spreading out from one side. 'That mark, is the mark of PandOra, huh, even if it was obvious before now I know for sure they are a part of PandOra. Even The Dealer can be wrong sometimes.' I remember reading about it once, that the mark of PandOra.
And, if I wasn't mistaken, the single saying that is often heard from them was: The ability to choose what to keep hidden or reveal is our ability to soar in the boundless skies without regrets from the heart. I smirked as I continued to watch peacefully as he continued to mutter that infuriating nickname before completely passing out. 'It is their ability to soar freely without burdens, huh. Really, what troublesome people, I guess it would be a bad situation for me if the police found them.' I took out my cell and dialed the same number for the second time that night.
"Hello?" The deep masculine voice answered once again.
"It's me again, Dealer."
"Ah, princess? That was quite fast barely thirty minutes actually. Do you need another job already? Or did you miss me?" He questioned lightly.
"Neither, I need you to clean up the area where Inferno's victim's are, there's too much blood in the snow." I said plainly. 'I am not going shovel all that myself.'
"So you've changed your mind, it's gonna cost ya for the price of four bodies, are you alright with that? It's cheaper since their alive and all but-"
"You weren't listening, I said to clean up the area. I didn't ask you to handle the bodies, I'm not asking for another VoID I'm asking for a SwEEp." SwEEp, another process, that we have an option to use, unlike the VoID, SwEEp was to just clean up the scene of the crime. Just like VoID it ensures that the scene would seem as if the victims were never there, however, the process does not do anything to the victims. S and W stood Surveillance Wired; the scene would be supervised in the best possible way just in case anybody comes nosing around. EEP stood for Evasive Explanation Patient meaning that an explanation will be given to victims but it would be very vague. This usually causes the victims to not snoop around to find the truth. 'But, how did he know they were alive? Creepy bastard, he has eyes everywhere.'
"Oh? Since when were you so compassionate of other people's victim's? Is it because…you know them?" He asked slyness creeping into his voice.
"I have no reason to answer that, all I have to say it's cheaper for me to get you to clean up just the scene instead of four bodies." I growled. "So, can you do it before sunrise?"
"Of course, but I will not be activating the EEP, we'll only do a scene cleanup and the one month surveillance, since the victims this time are involved with a org, you know my rules. But just because it's you I wont charge you full price." He added cutely.
"That's fine, I doubt you could stop those fools from snooping even if you gave them a explanation."
I heard the sound of fake crying through the line. "Oh, my little princess is growing up, she finally got good friends that she already knows so well."
"Dealer." I gritted out. 'He always has to be annoying till the very end.'
"I'm just joking princess, I know you'll never leave me." He laughed cheerily.
"For your sake that better be a joke as well." I warned.
"Maybe." He sung out.
I frowned. "Then, till next time, Dealer." I clicked the end button on my cell as I looked at the four. 'Now, how and where am I going to transport these infuriating weirdoes to? Well first off I should move them all to the car.'
Well, I have to say, they were all pretty heavy so I had to carry them one my one into my car and act as if they were drunk if other people saw me putting them in. This is also why I said it's good to wear black, since all their blood did get on my clothes but none of the passer-byers ever noticed a thing. When I had them all seated in my car, I began driving them around while deciding where to put them. I was as sure as hell that they weren't going to my place, then they'd find out it was me who saved them. I don't want to them to think I was nice, I was merely doing this for my benefit after all, the important people of the organization PandOra, long time enemy to the Black Falcons was the closest link I had. So I suppose I'll have to keep a closer eye on them now that they're confirmed members of PandOra.
I signed in to Metamorphous Motel as Kuni Ayako asking for a bed for four or a room with one king sized bed. I had to use fake name just in case the clerk does something stupid like blabbing out who I was. I even went as far to buy a hat and sunglasses to hide my hair and eye colour. Well, that was the easy part, how to get them in was what troubled me. I couldn't exactly carry them through the front door so I had to carry them all through the window.
I was lucky that there was ladder close to the window of my room. I heaved a sigh as I wiped my sweat away from my forehead. 'Even though I didn't get The Dealer to clean them up I still had spend money on the room, great.' I did emergency first aid for them but now I have to pull the damn bullets out. They should be glad that I know how to treat their wounds; I wasn't going to call a doctor even if I didn't know how.
Medical treatment for flesh and bullet wounds was something I was pretty good at, I used to have to do it every day for myself and you learn pretty fast when your life's on the line. I brought out my emergency kit for dire injuries from my suitcase. 'Well I guess I should start with little Know-it-all-sama.' I walked over to Lee-san. In the end, I could only get a king sized bed since I needed them all in the same room. I tranquilized them all with a sedative so I could make sure they wouldn't wake up till I'm long gone.
I took off her pants; we're both girls so it's not like it really mattered. I threw her pants to the side of the bed; she was still bleeding but not as bad as earlier. I wiped away the blood with alcohol soaked cotton ball; even unconscious her leg flinched in slight pain. I released the fifteenth cotton ball from my tweezers after finally cleaning the wound enough for me to see it. Two of the bullets were lodged closely in the back of her right leg; it probably made it awfully hard to run away, though with her stupidity I doubt she would abandon her friends.
I took my silver pliers out, the spotlight lighting the wound brightly and as gently as I could I pushed the tips of the pliers into the wound to extract the bullet. Even though I didn't like them I wasn't a demon, making her more pain than necessary would be cruel. As I slowly removed the bullet I heard her groan in pain. I sighed; my hands were sweating copiously inside my plastic gloves. I sewed up the wound carefully before bandaging it. I continued to do this with the others wounds as well, though I do admit I was probably less gentle with the guys. They were men, so they should be able to take a bit of pain once in a while, plus I need to vent out my anger somewhere.
I sat down from weariness as I tore off my fourth pair of gloves and tossed them to the side. I couldn't exactly use the same pair of gloves for every person, that's unhygienic. They were all sleeping serenely and heavily. They should be grateful that I went through all the trouble to save them. They don't even have their wallets on them so I had to pay for everything; once I get the chance, I'm going to pickpocket all my money pack.
I observed as their chests rose and fell, I was actually planning to leave them naked but from the goodness of my heart I decided to dress them. 'It would have been interesting if the woke up stripped down to their underwear and having no idea why.' I closed my eyes at the peace before I stood up and dusted my newly changed clothes. Even if no one could see the blood its rather uncomfortable to be walking around in such metallic scented liquid for a long time. I smiled at my jeans, 'after a good day's work jeans and a Mex sweater is the way to go, and gray's always the best colour to wear.' I packed my things into my suitcase and headed out the door. I waved at the dark room as I said. "Well then, this is good bye damn fools."
I walked past the counter clerk; he seemed to notice me as I passed by. "You're leaving already Kuni-sama?"
I smiled at the old man. "Yes, I have somewhere to go to, so when my drunken friends wake up please tell them that they should be more careful. They may not remember what happened."
"Oh yes, I will, they should be glad to have such a responsible and kind friend that would clean up their mess of getting into a fight after becoming drunk." He laughed heartily.
"Yes, well they really are foolish sometimes, but it can be such fun to be with them. They really are kind at heart after all." I smiled serenely at him as I lied between my teeth. The old man looked in awe, really, pretending to be kind was such a pain, but it's really useful. If those fools ask the old man what I was like, all they would get is the description of a kind young girl. Someone, who they would never expect to be me when I'm rude and disliked by others.
"Of course, if someone like you says that, I'm sure they are. They truly are blessed to have you as a friend." His eyes shone kindly at me.
"Well then, have a good night." I gave a slight wave before heading out the door. I walked towards my car, once I got inside I threw of my hat and sunglasses. I took a deep breath before speeding home. I walked inside my house and collapsed onto my bed, it was three thirty in the morning and my energy was spent, I was so tired that I couldn't help but drift of to sleep.
I woke up ten o'clock in the morning, I yawned unenthusiastically as I scratched the back of my head. I slowly brushed my teeth and changed my clothes from last night and threw everything into the wash. I was still half-asleep as I tried to keep my eyes open; when I resigned myself to wake up I went to my bathroom to take a shower. I stepped out of the shower after fifteen minutes wrapping myself with a cotton towel.
I had a class at twelve so I had a bit of time; I pulled on my blue wool sweater and gray skinny jeans. I brushed my untamed hair and pulled it back into a loose bun. I looked into the mirror to check out my face complexion and then I realized something was off. I didn't get any pimples or scars, and I didn't smell of blood. When my eyes reached the reflection of my ears my eyes shot open in surprise as my trembling hand fingered my left ear to confirm. At that moment, for the first time in over ten years, I released an ear-piercing scream.
Voila! Nicely done, don't you think? =P
*Edited by Elayne XD
**Comments and Reviews are always appreciated *Wink**wink* *Nudge**nudge*
-Thanks for reading!-
Then, see y'all in two weeks, maybe earlier XP
-xoxo YuukiRi
