INEJ
Everything hurts. Breathing is a labor I immediately consider eradicating. No matter how hard I try, it seems impossible to take a full breath. After a few moments, I begin to catalogue my pain - anything to get my mind off the fact that my lungs burn every time I breathe. My legs hurt but there doesn't seem to be a specific point of pain. My head throbs and, even lying on a soft pillow, the back of it feels tender. I decide to restrict myself from moving my head until further notice. All of my body seems to be somewhere between an itch and an ache.
What happened? I remember seeing Kaz, traveling to the warehouse, entering through the door, going down the hallway and listening to the-
I groan. The hissing. I should've known. Kaz would've known.
But he wasn't there, was he? He sent you on a reconnaissance mission and you managed to nearly get yourself blown to bits. I fight embarrassment and anger. I shouldn't be ashamed that I ran into trouble helping Kaz. His business is usually bad business. I've gotten used to choosing my battles on the sea. I must've unconsciously lowered my guard.
That's no reason for shame. You've been doing something to improve the world. Kaz is the same. Just trying to fight for a piece of Ketterdam. This is where my anger enters; irrational though it is.
Kaz never claimed to be different. He never said he would change. And truly, I never expected any change. Kaz is the same.
The only thing that's changed is me.
I attempt a sigh but it ends as a cough. My body tries to curl in on itself but I'm stopped by the myriad of injuries. Instead, I try to blink but it's as though my lids have fused together. I can feel tears welling up behind them. I huff softly.
Pitiful. I can't even sulk properly. I hear movement from my left and, while I know I should be on the defensive with my sight compromised, I give into the soothing effect of the deep mattress and soft sheets. If they're my enemy, I'd rather retain the status quo if it means they're going to keep me in this level of comfort.
"Are you awake?" A soft voice inquires. I make a miserable noise somewhere between crying and whimpering.
Mewl. Mewl is probably the right word. If I'm considering synonyms, it's definitely time to try talking.
"Yes," I attempt. It is a truly pathetic attempt. I don't even know if it justifies the title of a word. It was more like the aforethought mewl. Regardless, the voice seems to understand.
"Oh thank the Saints." I hear tears behind her words.
Why is it that when I end up grievously injured, people start crying when I wake up? I don't try to say anything else. I know it will be fruitless.
"How do you feel?" If I could open my eyes, they'd be rolling. I give a soft moan.
"That good, huh?" She sniffs. "I'm sorry I haven't done more. I needed to see - I wasn't sure what else needed doing. I've done all I can with the external injuries. I couldn't sense anything else internally but... I've only had basic training. I've gotten better over the years but I only know so much. Other than a desperate need for a bath-" She's rambling and I think she knows it. She stops abruptly.
"Can you tell me what hurts?" I lift my arm slowly. I press a hand to my chest.
"Your chest? Lungs?" I manage a brief nod. I let my arm flop back down. The simple action causing unnecessary pain.
"I'm not surprised. You were - Inej, that's you're name, right?" She doesn't wait for affirmation.
"Inej, you were dead." That's a surprise to me. I don't think I've heard that one before.
"I - when I got there you - you weren't breathing. I wouldn't have even tried but Kaz..." she trails off.
"I suppose it's good that I did. I didn't think I could bring someone back from that. You were definitely -" she stops abruptly again. I suppose it's good too. At least, we can agree on that.
"My name is Ashiana," she starts again but stop. I can sense her uncertainty.
"Tha-" I try to take a full breath. It's impossible. "Thanks," is all I can manage.
"You're welcome. I'll try - I'll try working on your lungs again. Maybe I can help soothe them." I prepare myself for some itching and possibly more.
Well, at least I'm alive. But at this point, I'm not sure how much of a blessing that is.
KAZ
The Dime Lions will pay. Every single one of them if I can get my hands on them. Granted, as soon as they find out I'm coming for them, I have no doubt that they'll scatter. I'll make sure to start with Greiden. His recent perusal of the warehouse assures me that he's behind this. Even on the off chance that he isn't, a beat down of a powerful member of their gang is certain to scare off whoever was in charge of the attack. Additionally, some violence is sure to release a little of the tension that swiftly grew in me as soon as my greatest fear became a reality. I know I'd normally take a step back. I'd normally wait patiently, conform my suspicions, watch for the perfect opportunity. Normally, Inej wouldn't be involved. Rationality dissolves as soon as she enters the picture. It's a dangerous mindset.
"Find Greiden." No questions are asked. My best spider disappears with silent acknowledgment.
Second best. No one is better than her. I push away the thought. Thinking of her brings to mind her laying on the ground, unmoving, nearly dead.
Not nearly. She was dead. It's a miracle she was revived. I'm not above thanking her saints for that miracle. Then again, I doubt her saints would approve of the actions I'm about to take.
I wait in Per Haskell's old office, my cane returned to the spot beside me. I sit still, almost as still as her. I shake my head, trying to dislodge her from my brain. Nothing but distraction will come from thinking of her and that's not a luxury I can afford right now. Instead, I focus on exactly what I will do to Greiden. Ripping out his fingernails sounds promising. Then maybe his eyelashes, one by one.
Maybe I'll burn them off instead. Fire will definitely be involved. Let him feel what's it's like to almost be burned alive. The desire for revenge courses through my veins. No need is stronger at this moment.
I can hear the Dregs quietly milling about below me. Their usual rambunctious rumbling, frequently punctuated by laughter and shouts, is absent. It's rare for my mood to effect the entire gang but somehow, they seem to understand my need for relative silence. I turn my thoughts again to vengeance.
I will hit Greiden first. Then Ruffin, for good measure. I lose myself in how exactly to accomplish sure, swift, and complete downfall. The businesses have only just recovered from the hit they took from my plague. It won't be difficult.
But they'll expect it. They'll know anything suspicious isn't too be trusted. I won't be able to pull off something like last year. We need to strike fast and make certain they cannot get back up. My mind begins to churn with plans, each more gruesome than the last. Yet, I discard them one by one.
Perhaps destroying their leaders will be enough for now. Another power vacuum will provide the chance for a perfect plan to take place. I don't want my need for their destruction to overwhelm my intention. If I'm truly set on destroying them all, I need a little more time. Not much. Just a little more.
And some help. I need a few people to pull this off. As much as I enjoy working alone, I won't deny my need for assistance in taking on big jobs. I need people I can trust. I need time. I need to lay the groundwork instead of rushing in to fulfill my insistent want to cause pain.
My musing is interrupted as my spider re-enters. I look at him expectantly.
"He's holed up in their base, surrounded by about thirty Dime Lions with ten more patrolling the exterior." So he knows I'm coming.
Good. Let him stew in his fear for a bit. I nod in acknowledgement. While this will slow my plans slightly, I still relish the fact that the mere thought of my reaction is enough to essentially put him under house arrest.
"Gather Anika, Ryare, Fen, and Polian. We're going out for a stroll." He is gone before I even reach for my cane. I straighten my shirt, tighten my tie, button my jacket, and adjust my hat. While I didn't take the time for a full bath, my sponge off and fresh clothes effectively give me the appearance of composure. My minor burns and the lingering smell of smoke and singed hair are bonuses.
Let his eyes and nose tell him exactly why I'm there. Nothing inspires terror like anticipation.
By the time I exit, my crew is assembled at the bottom of the stairs. I make my way down. Several more Dregs are gathered around them. One of the younger ones, a new recruit, eager to prove his worth, steps forward.
"We'd like to go with you, Boss." It's bold of him. I like it. But tonight, I'm going small. I want the Dime Lions to see exactly what I can do with just a few.
"Not yet." My voice is still too gravelly. Each word hurts more than the last. I gather the pain inside me and use it to fuel my resolve. He steps back, accepting my answer.
Definitely soon. He's ready. I almost consider resending my decision and take him with me. However, I cannot be seen to waver. Ever.
My sparse crew follows me out. I stand as tall as I can. My leg ignites fire in my veins with every step. Despite my attempts, I lean more heavily on my cane than usual. Thankfully, the walk doesn't take long. The streets are notably less populated than I'm accustomed to - even for the middle of the night. Perhaps, my reputation proceeds me even this far away. Before we enter their territory, I motion for Fen and Polian to come closer.
"Take the back way. Most of their forces will be watching our approach. Take out a couple of the spies on roofs, silently. Nothing showy. Wait for my signal." They nod. Fen peels off to my left. Polian to my right. I look at Ryare.
"Be ready." We continue.
We slow a couple blocks from their base. We need to be careful this deep in their territory. I can see my men darting looks all over the place. I keep my defense up but most of my attention remains fixed on my destination.
Let them see my single-minded determination and know that I've come for them.
I know there are spies on the roofs and down the alleys beside me. I trust my crew to take care of them. I move swiftly to the side when a shot rings out. It pings off the ground where I stood moments before.
So much for warning shots. Still, nothing else follows. We continue onward. Less than a block away, I stop. My remaining men halt next to me. We can see their base from here. At least ten men stand, guns raised towards us, and I let myself have a small smile.
"Greiden," I call out. The name rings out across the streets and I swallow the pain of speaking. No answer, as I expected.
"You can come out of your own accord or you can watch me take down your men, one by one, until I get to you." None of the guards so much as tense. I can't sense any movement from inside. I raise my left hand. Two of the guards fall.
Several Grisha sought me out after their comrades left for Ravka. Either they're recently arrived or didn't get the message in time. Regardless, I've developed a reputation as someone the Grisha can trust. It's served me well. Most wanted out of Ketterdam. A few wanted to stay. I offered them safety in exchange for their services. None of them are particularly powerful. Still, they will do in a pinch.
This time, the guards look around nervously. I wait, the perfect picture of patience. I know exactly how this will go.
I raise my right hand and, within 30 seconds, four more guards are down. A fairly powerful Fabrikator made us a couple of special add-ons to our guns before I got him passage out of the city. Their silence allows my men to remain hidden while mowing down our enemies. Jesper would turn green with jealousy if he knew.
The four remaining guards look close to trembling now.
"How many of your men are you willing to lose to ensure your safety? 10? 20?" I pause for effect. "Or maybe all of them?" I flick my fingers open, palm up. Ryare's hands are instantly engulfed in flames.
"How would you and your men like to be cooked alive? I can tell you from experience, it isn't pleasant. I sincerely doubt all of you will be as lucky as I was. In fact, I'll make sure of it." I close my palm. Ryare's flames go out.
"Come out now and we'll leave your men in peace. Stay hidden and..." I drift off momentarily. "I doubt your men will appreciate the affect." I wait, one minute, two. I cock my head to the side and appear to ponder the silence.
"I'm feeling generous tonight. Last chance. Meet me at my smoldering warehouse in an hour or your base will look like it before morning." I pretend to pause in thought again.
"Oh and" I hold up on finger, "anyone who brings him to me will receive amnesty. I can't say the rest of you will be so lucky." I lift both my hands and the rest of the guards go down. With that, I turn and walk away. Let Greiden deal with his men. I doubt many of them will be interested in being reduced to piles of ash. While I know Ryare doesn't have nearly the amount of power necessary to burn down an entire building fast enough to kill all of them, they aren't privy to that knowledge. I expect to see Greiden before the hour is up.