Chapter 6
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Seth and Ken had grown accustomed to Rin and Char over in the matter of weeks. Perhaps it was due to their easy and out-going attitudes or it was perhaps due to Rin and Char's constant teasing of each other. But whatever it was, Seth and Ken felt contempt; it had been many years since they had last tried to befriend anyone.
However on the contrary to Seth and Ken's belief, Rin and Char exchanged wicked grins. They were well known among their ranks to penetrate the enemy's defense.
It was a shame that Seth and Ken are our targets, Rin and Char had thought. They would have been great allies, and friends.
During their time together, the four companions learned much about each other.
Seth, it turns out, was not as stupid as Rin had originally thought of him. In fact, he was quiet an intellectual, who gave Rin a run for her money when it comes to debates. (Rin fell into a month's worth of denial after tying an argument with Seth.)
Also, Ken was not as suspicious as the report had informed. Comparing to Seth, Ken could be considered the friendly one. True, Ken was protective; however, by all accounts, he was not unfriendly. (Char found out the hard way; he was subjected to one of Ken's speeches about "there are no faults in being protective of a love one", and was lectured to look out for Rin. Char had snorted at the latter; like Rin needs the protection.)
However, despite the improvements Char and Rin had made; Seth and Ken made very little. It seems that the two cousins still remains an enigma; a cryptic puzzle, too complex to uncover the secrets that are hidden behind.
"So Rin, Char," Ken asked one day, "do you live there? I don't recalling ever seeing you; and we" gesturing at himself and Seth, "have been in Shanghai for a little bit over a year now."
Char grinned, "My family and I originally live on the other side, but we had just relocated to this town. I also went visiting her over the winter break," Char jabbed his finger at Rin.
Rin glared, but replied, "I'm a main-lander. Fouzhu. I'm visiting for the summer."
"What about you?" Char asked. "What had brought you here to Shanghai?"
Ken shifted nervously in his seat as Seth tensed at the question.
"We-" Ken opened his mouth to respond when Seth interrupted him; cutting the sentence off.
"Can we trust you?" Seth asked. His eyes held much intensity.
Both Char and Rin arched their backs; rigid. This is the moment they have been waiting for; the complete downfall of their targets; the confinement of trust.
"Of course, Seth," Rin faked innocence, "we're your friends." Beside her, Char nodded solemnly.
Seth nodded, "We are here because we have a lead; an underground nest of assassins, who killed my parents," he whispered gravely.
"We are looking for the Zodiac's Guardians." Ken hissed.
In the depths of Rin and Char's stomach, bubble of anticipation and delight filled their void.
"And how did you come to this lead?" Char questioned innocently.
"Our parents told us so," Seth said.
Oh, this is going to be good…
Seth then began his tale:
"You see, my father; Mr. Wu, is actually my mother's brother; my uncle. The Tai family was well known for control over the development of technology in China. We were and still are one of the wealthiest families in China. Although my family; father and mother are loved by many, we are also hated by many. I was seven when my parents were murdered…" Seth's eyes shinned bitterly with unuttered tears, "…in cold blood. I don't remember how the killer looks like…but I do know that the killer was heartless."
Ken squeaked Seth's shoulder in comfort. "His uncle, Mr. Wu adopted him shortly after; as he is Seth's only other relative." Ken explained.
"My uncle promised me to never rest until he capture the murder," Seth continued in a strain voice, "It was not until last year did they discover the organization behind it all; the Zodiac's Guardians."
"Of course," Ken snorted, "unfortunately the title was also common among an ancient Chinese legend. Needless to say, it was even more so difficult to discover their location than their title."
"We has asked and spread out all of our connections," Seth growled, "even to the underground; by to no vial. No one knows, and the few who seems to know, refused to tell us a thing. No amount of bride would work. Some who did accept disappeared a few days before we even manage to arrange a meeting."
Ken sighed, "It seems that they are quiet notorious."
"And brutal," Seth added.
"We can tell," Char replied in distaste. However, the truth behind his words was deeper than what Seth and Ken can ever hope to decipher.
Chapter 7
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They know that they shouldn't feel any sympathy toward the boy who was meant to be their target. Yet, the unfamiliar emotions still manage to invade their body.
Rin cast a worried glance at Char in silent panic as they walked home. And Char relied with a firm stare as if telling her to push the emotion aside.
"It doesn't matter," Char stated as he ran a finger through his hair. "It doesn't matter at all, in fact, with our current position, it is an advantage."
Rin nodded half-heartily. "True, however, you do realize that the ones who hire us years ago wanted to destroy us, right?"
Char snorted. "Let them try. We will crush them before they could even take any action. But, that aside, should we check the king and queen or take out the bishop and the knight first?" He asked curiously.
"Neither," Rin suddenly taken up a more serious attitude, concluded. "We need to take out the pawns first. After all, what is a kingdom without its people?"
"So we wait?"
"Yes."
Phoenix turn to scowl at Thunder as the parting figures of Rin and Char vanish into the night. "Don't you think you should be more careful than to serve them your life's tale on a sliver platter?"
"No," Thunder grinned, "It doesn't matter if we are careful, a professional can always tell. By throwing some truth into it and some twisted facts, it's harder to detect a lie," he explained.
Phoenix sighed. "I just can't believe that those two would be our enemy. It just seems so unlikely; especially since I sense nothing but kindness and innocence from them."
"Looks and feels can be deceiving. You just don't want to believe it that leads your judgment astray." Thunder frown, "However, even I was shocked by the air they give off. No wonder why they were said to be the best."
"Are you attached to Rin?" Pheoni asked in mild concern. "It will not do well if you are."
Thunder hesitated. Am I?
"I don't know. She is…interesting,"
"Ah…" was all Phoenix can said; his best friend is in love with their target.
Thunder and Phoenix; a dual recognized by many throughout the underground. They were said to be a pair of diamond in the rough. Not one mission that was given to them was unsuccessful. However, rumor has it recently, that the dual is going "Guardian" hunting.
The elder of the profession laughed at their foolishness.
"They will be killed for sure!" one of them had hooted. "No one face the Guardians and live to tell the tale!"
"Yes, yes!" other chanted with him. "Now, that is one mission they will not success!"
Yet it had been nearly two months now; and still the dual had roamed the tunnels of the underground. Could it be that they will succeed?
No.
They will not succeed. They can't!
"It is only a matter of time;" a shadow figure squeaked nervously, "the Guardians are not kind. They will eliminate their competition. They are predators who like to play with their prey. No…Thunder and Pheoni are no match," he muttered on.
Hiding in the darkness, Thunder smirked, "What made you think that?" he asked, startling the figure.
The figure twirled around to face Thunder; his face pale. "Because I would know; have you not read my report?"
"Oh, that thing?" Phoenix asked airily, "yes, although useless. Do you honestly think that we would believe such tale?"
"It is not a tale," the figure protested, "It is all true…the Guardians are as old as time itself! I would know…I was once…a part of them!" he exclaimed.
Thunder's eyes narrowed into slits. "Is that so?" he asked coldly. The blue eyes flashed red; the man shivered…; the angry eyes engulfed him…
"NNNNOOOOOOO!
The figure lay dead; blood covered every inch of his body. Angry red marks trailed down his chest; a curious symbol engrave itself on his back- a winged circle with a bolt of lighting in the middle of it all. The marking of Thunder; he had branded his kill.