Standing in the streets observing the usual prey like a lion watching a herd of gazelle. Stephen was registering to the surrounding buildings vehicles and people. The light sunset slowly hid itself behind the horizon line and was quickly replaced by the metal lamps hanging above the street's sidewalks. Stephen walked again and as he did, he was unknowingly being tracked by a faceless organization. Shadows loomed deep within every corner and walkway as Stephen's lone appearance brought forth a devil hiding under his own feet like a shadow beneath the surface.
The organization that followed him had code of secrecy and nobody witnessing their 'research' facility or the products of a destructive virus from years passed were allowed the right of survival. They had controlled news, conversation and the everyday life of the world's inhabitants within their grasp. So very obvious as they patrolled the streets yet they were never talked about nor were they ever suspected. Stephen looked over his shoulder and saw a small sedan creep around a corner. A patrol of armed military personnel stood ahead of him hoping to cut him away from his destination. The soldiers lifted their firearms and pointed directly at Stephen.
"Raise your arms and walk here slowly."
The man from the facility spoke his suit was clean and fresh. There was blood yet to be spilled on it as Stephen lifted his arm and placed one on the sheath the other on the hilt of his weapon. The suited man spoke with a tone that tried to reason with Stephen.
"Young man, you have a criminal file, it would be in your best interest to come with us."
Stephen felt a heavy presence, one that could be associated with a diclonius as well as deceit from the man across him. Although he felt a diclonius's presence he couldn't tell where it was since it was coming from every direction. Stephen played along to see if they had the intent to kill.
"seems fair."
Stephen released the blade hilt and then lifted his arms. He walked slow and nonviolent decorum so that the soldiers would not get the order to shoot. The man stood prepared to speak into a microphone attached to an ear-piece. Stephen was quite sure they would use the diclonius's vectors to strike him down once he was within range. Although he was merely pretending, whatever the result would be he was still going to leap out of their attack range.
The imaginary line that was once ahead of him was crossed within a second. The leader of the garrison yelled with a savage but yet seeming relaxed over tone.
"Now open fire -"
He paused and the men fired their guns at a nearly point-blank target. Due to the scatter of the guns and poor accuracy of the soldiers Stephen made away with simple wounds little more than a millimetre each.
"Make every bullet count".
By the time the soldiers stopped firing Stephen had already disappeared. He hid himself behind a small structure similar to a large industrial dumpster. Gasping for air because of the adrenaline flowing through him Stephen could feel his heart beat pound like a hammer and paced itself before an overload struck. Stephen checked the clotted wounds looking to be sure that the blood had stopped flowing outward, If he were to disappear from view and use his inheritance, his blood would give away his position and put him at risk. His genealogy granted him several gifts and curses. Speedier clotting and his inheritance proved to be two of them. He broke his train of thought as the sweeper team drew closer.
"How long do you plan on hiding, Stephen Shibata."
Like a blade stabbing his mind, it brought a particular heaviness and he hatred of the name he was called. He heard echoes of fear and anger mixing within his mind. Memories of someone important, someone he loved and a lust for violence that his inborn nature dictated to him. The leader's voice shot invisible bullets made of words to Stephen.
"You are a weak man, you couldn't -"
The voice was unaware of the hatred he wrought upon his being.
"even save her."
A handgun was primed as sounds of dress shoes clapping the pavement slowed behind Stephen's protection. The intent to kill reversed and Stephen felt the upper hand throughout his life force. Stephen stood up and revealed himself.
"Shut up!"
The man spoke like he had Stephen in a checkmate.
"I'm sorry you aren't in a position to give orders."
Stephen spoke in a deep and angered voice that boomed and wrought fear like a battle cry.
"Withdraw and I'll spare your men. You I cannot guarantee."
The leader of the men spoke. He was unaffected unlike his men. As Stephen paced himself to the middle of the road and drew his sword.
"I'll be killed if I don't kill you. The orders came from the top, Unfinished business they called it."
"And your men? What about them?"
The man in charge wouldn't dare flinch or lower his head before his men. If he did, his men would likely become further demoralized.
"if they disobey orders they'll be killed as well."
Stephen smirked and the moon started to cloud over the moon light ceased at a distance and the men pointed their weapons ready to fire. Stephen spoke as the shadow hit his feet and continued up his body submerging it into invisibility. After Stephen was completely cloaked in shadow the sound of semi-silent speaking and bounced off the walls. although it seemed like the whispering was coming from all directions it originated from one point and one mouth.
"Suit yourselves."
The soldiers were Weakened and formed themselves into a defensive circle. On of them yelled
"Where'd he go? I can't see 'im"
A soldier on the west flank dropped as blood sprayed from his neck. A high intensity of shock hit them as they raised their guns to their shoulders as they attempted predicting his movements. To no avail another two dropped on the north facing side. The group quickly grew smaller and smaller until four men stood back to back. The killing stopped and there was no noise. Then from around a wall Stephen emerged and said quite tauntingly.
"I'll leave you five alive, wouldn't want this game of tag to end -"
Stephen glared at them and said statistically.
"Would we?"
Stephen walked away calmly and the remaining troops fell to the ground in relief. Some even laughed hysterically even though several of their comrades were laid out dead beside them. The leader called out a name when it seemed Stephen was long gone.
"Rika come on out."
A teenaged girl stood up from a dark corner of a building shadowed by the high roof above her. She had pink hair and small horns. She wore a red long sleeve shirt and black dress pants. She was questioned by the team leader.
"Do you know who he is?"
She lit up like a bulb and spoke happily.
"No, but I'll kill him."