Scare You Close

Chapter Four: Play

Sipping on a cup of warm coffee, Makima looked out the sumptuous window of her apartment at the streets below. It was still very early in the morning, but there were already many cars circulating and many people busily commuting, the city noises reaching her easily and providing a strange sense of... what was it, contentment? A detached kind of pity?

Makima wasn't sure what kind of emotions she experienced most of the time, but she wasn't one to delve too much—emotions were a weakness suitable for humans. While she was able to feel them, she was aware that they never ran deep enough to become a personal nuisance.

Rather than having feelings related to humans, Makima supposed she was curious about them. They were such entertaining beings—so easily manipulated by mundane things, with the insatiable greed that led them to strive for ridiculous ideals that, in their opinion, would give their lives meaning.

It was absurd how much humans desired to leave a mark on the world despite knowing they would all end up the same way—dead. Makima didn't understand why it was so important to be known, to achieve something, to leave a legacy and an imprint of their existence when, once they died, it would all be left on the earthly plane to be enjoyed and, most likely, stolen by someone else.

Children, companies, achievements, and good deeds—it was a constant struggle to leave a mark that would be erased with time.

The rich, the poor, the worthy, and the unworthy. In death, they all looked equally helpless and ugly, and their corpses would just be as useless and troublesome as a stone in someone's shoe.

And love? What was this thing they all cried about and desperately searched for?

More than death, humans were terrified of loneliness. This phantom pain everyone suffered from took away their self-esteem and their dreams, driving them to do reckless things and be subjected to terrible situations so they didn't have to return to an empty home—or to be part of a home, however wrecked it may be.

People were constantly seeking meaning, love, and companionship, completely open to being injured for the sake of their dreams or their notion of happiness and completion.

But what was happiness, even? What was completion? Were humans ever completely satisfied?

In Makima's experience, humans simply could never get enough of anything. One goal after the other, one more step, forever discontent.

Most humans were highly disappointed after achieving their dreams, either because they didn't feel the way they should or because they found that there was nothing to look forward to anymore.

So complicated.

Heaving a small sigh, Makima looked down at one of her large dogs, which was sitting on its rear, looking up at her with its tail wagging. With a smile, she indulged the animal by scratching it behind the ears.

The day had dawned with a sense of doom. Not that it mattered to her, but it was always a hassle when Devil Hunters died—too much paperwork to take care of, people to interview for the deceased's position, and so on. Not to mention that it was always bothersome to have to give their teammates some time to mourn if it was possible. If there was work, they had to simply suck it up and move on.

Hayakawa Aki had already lost someone important to him when Himeno died, and that mission had severely harmed him in many ways. Makima knew that his current lifespan meant that his usefulness was short-lived, so it was only a matter of time before she lost him, too.

It was almost a pity, but the man had always been reckless with his life. It was odd to find a human who had no ambitions of success, no fear of death, and no dream other than to pursue revenge.

She smiled darkly. Well, there was always some form of usefulness in death, too.

There was also the recent demise of Arai and other Devil Hunters, which had been a bother, and even though Makima wouldn't admit it, she noticed the effect it had on Kobeni.

Arai, her partner, had given his life for her. Devil Hunters perishing for the sake of their comrades was not unusual, and yet, this wasn't something Makima could just tell emotional humans to let go of. They were stupid like this, so it was unavoidable.

The younger woman, always anxious, now seemed more disheartened than ever, and yet she kept pushing forward because there was nothing else she could do.

Makima wondered, if the situation had been reversed, whether Kobeni would've shielded Arai the same way. Somehow, she doubted it, and it was very ironic.

Helping Kobeni's living situation was something Makima held in her power, but Kobeni was too interesting to let go of. If she was given a helping hand, for sure the most interesting parts of her would disappear.

There was something so human about Kobeni's grief and her constant struggle through every stage of her life. She was strong and self-aware, yet nervous and insecure, constantly complaining yet accepting orders without hesitation. She was straightforward in a shy way and seemed to always speak her mind.

How frivolously she clung to life and hoped for better days. She probably cried herself to sleep at night, too, wondering why fate was so unfair to her.

For most people, it would probably be heartbreaking, but to Makima, it was fascinating. It made her want to laugh.

How pure little Kobeni was. Makima had a great time pushing her buttons and twisting her confused mind.

Speaking of Kobeni, the incident they shared was entertaining. It had been a while since the night they had kissed, yet Makima found herself thinking about it a little too much.

It had been no more than a simple touch of lips, a brief connection that humans valued so much. For Makima, though, it was just an act, a fleeting moment that she had engaged in out of pure amusement.

Playing with humans was fun. They thought they were so smart but their desires and ambitions poured from them like poison; Makima could smell it a mile away. They were so easy to understand and, most times, so easy to please.

Like Denji, the greedy dog she had adopted. He seemed like someone with small desires, yet he was one of the hungriest people she knew. Too bad he was terrible at lying, but Makima didn't care.

She didn't particularly care about Denji as a person; she only needed what he carried in his body. For his unwavering loyalty and the chance she needed to get her prize, she would put up with him.

Kobeni, as genuine and humble as she was, held strange desires that were hard to comprehend. They weren't straightforward, much like her, and they mutated with every event in her life.

It wasn't that Makima held Kobeni in high esteem. She didn't even like her. She liked the human world, but humans were a species that needed to be tamed or they would end up destroying themselves.

That's what Makima existed for.

But Kobeni was able to surprise her, unlike all the other people Makima knew. Plain and boring as she was, Kobeni was also unpredictable, and it poked Makima's curiosity and provided some level of entertainment to her otherwise empty life.

Meaning that she had to be honest with herself and say that she wasn't entirely devoid of interest.

The surprise on Kobeni's face after they had kissed, the flustered manner in which she had pulled away to apologize—to see someone so raw and vulnerable filled Makima with curiosity, especially someone like Kobeni, who, despite her many anxieties, had a certain resilience about her.

What had even driven Kobeni to kiss her, especially knowing that Makima wasn't just another woman? Kobeni had been scared of her in several situations already, and yet whenever they stood face to face, something in her refused to flee and she was visibly drawn to Makima for reasons not even she could understand, probably. She always showed her face bravely.

Well, it was no news since everyone was lured to Makima for reasons unknown to them.

She wondered how Kobeni would react if she knew that Makima thought about her in these fleeting moments. Would she be flattered? Terrified? Probably both.

Kobeni didn't know herself well, and in some ways, Makima was glad to help her understand who she truly was. It would certainly be fun.

Taking another sip from her coffee, Makima continued her musings. The city below seemed like a stage, with humans as actors, playing their part, finding their motivations, and searching for their moment of glory, however fleeting it may be. She had always been an audience member, occasionally stepping into the play but never truly becoming a part of it. But she would soon, and she couldn't wait.

What would become of Kobeni, then? Would she fight her? Would she stand up to her?

If Makima gave her a choice, would she betray everyone and stand beside her?

Makima chuckled. In these small instances, she could almost understand the allure of humanity. Almost.

oOo

The setting sun cast long shadows on the streets of Tokyo. Its soft orange hues painted the tall buildings, reflecting on the windows and adding a tranquil beauty to the bustling metropolis. Within this cityscape, Kobeni found herself hesitating outside a lavish apartment building. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, before pushing the intercom button.

"Come up." Makima's voice came through, clear and unruffled.

Kobeni wasn't even sure why she was invited to her superior's place. They hadn't exactly spoken since the events of the welcome party, despite how many things had happened in the meantime, and while it had been on Kobeni's mind, she had treated it like every other fleeting event in her life.

She didn't have a lot of time to wonder about herself or her sexual preferences, and the last thing she needed right now was to fall in love.

Not that she felt that she was in love with her boss, but things had certainly gotten strange between them from a certain point onwards. Not that things weren't strange between Makima and several other people—take her strange relationship with Denji, for instance, that sort of disgusted Kobeni because he was a bit weird and a minor fawning over a probably much older woman.

From Denji's way of speaking, Kobeni had to wonder if they had gotten involved somehow.

As she entered the elevator and pressed the button for Makima's floor, Kobeni felt her heart racing. She wasn't sure what to expect, but the luxuriousness of the building itself made her feel nervous enough.

Why am I even here?

After exiting the elevator, Kobeni wasted a few seconds searching for Makima's apartment number, and once she did, she found the door slightly ajar, oddly enough.

Taking another deep breath, Kobeni pushed it open and stepped inside. The first thing she noticed was the dogs. They were everywhere—large ones, small ones, some lounging lazily on the couch while others sat, watching her with curious eyes. It was overwhelming.

Nervously, she closed the door behind her and slid off her shoes. Then she stepped out of the genkan, unsure what to do.

There was a large painting on the wall to her left that caught her eye, so she curiously turned to observe it. There was a figure that seemed to be a winged demon, falling from the sky.

How unusual and fitting, Kobeni mused, a little uncertain of what to think of the ironic choice of a piece of art.

Then Kobeni felt a small hand on her back. She turned nervously to see Makima, her usual unreadable expression in place. "Surprised?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Makima was wearing a white t-shirt and some shorts; her hair was loose, cascading down her shoulders and covering her chest. Kobeni had never seen her looking so casual, yet it suited her and somehow made her look even more beautiful.

"You like it?" Makima asked, noticing Kobeni's interest in the painting.

"I-I've never seen anything like it," Kobeni admitted, with a nervous fidget of her feet. "I'm not sure if I like it, but it is interesting."

"It's called the 'Fall of Lucifer', and it's a very faithful replica of the original," Makima explained with a small smile, glancing at the painting before eying Kobeni again. "Did you find the place easily?"

"Yes, thank you!" Kobeni replied, her voice shaky as she laughed a little too loudly. "I-I didn't know you had dogs, let alone so many…"

Makima's smile widened. "They're good company," she said. "If people were more like them, they would be more likable."

Kobeni couldn't disagree.

"Come," Makima instructed softly, leading her further inside.

There was something serene about the apartment. Despite the number of dogs, it was tidy and a lot more pompous, compared to what Kobeni had envisioned. Large intricate windows let light in, making the place feel warm and inviting, yet it was not a humble environment.

Makima led Kobeni deeper into the living room, where a coffee table was adorned with a few snacks and drinks. There was a small modern-looking sofa in front of large shelves filled with books of themes Kobeni had no interest in. The TV was huge.

The older woman motioned to a chair in her polite manner. "Please, sit."

As they sat in front of each other at the table, one of the larger dogs approached Kobeni, sniffing her tentatively. She stiffened, feeling a bit nervous, but then, to her surprise, the dog simply settled by her feet, letting out a contented sigh. Feeling a little more at ease, Kobeni leaned down to pet it gently.

"They seem to like you," Makima noted, for some reason not seeming surprised.

Kobeni straightened and cleared her throat. "I've never really been around dogs much," she confessed, as Makima poured them both some tea.

The tea set was elegant, but Kobeni couldn't assess whether it was just the design or if the porcelain was expensive, but she guessed the latter.

For a while, they made small talk that led to the recent events, the deaths, the missions, and how strangely quiet things had been for a few days.

Since Kobeni wasn't touching anything, despite how honestly hungrily she was eyeing the treats in front of her, Makima spoke. "It's not poisoned," she pointed out perceptively, yet she didn't say it accusingly. "If I wanted to kill you, I'd find a more efficient way than ending up with a dead body I'd have to dispose of."

Despite herself, Kobeni released an awkward chuckle that sounded hysterical even to her. That such a beautiful woman would say something like that so easily and still mean it was not reassuring at all.

"I'm sure you have enough strength to do that," Kobeni mumbled.

Makima's piercing eyes studied Kobeni and she smirked, grabbing a cookie from one of the plates. "Eat, Kobeni-san. I went through the trouble of purchasing them just for you."

She put the cookie in her mouth, and Kobeni watched in anticipation as she chewed and eventually swallowed.

I'm being stupid; she's not even human. Kobeni thought anxiously. She can probably handle poisoned food and not die.

Is this a trap?

No, if she wanted to kill me, she would find a better way… I think.

Swallowing hard, Kobeni reached out and grabbed a cookie with a trembling hand and bravely took a small bite.

Will my demon have my back if she poisons me?

The cookies were delicious and tasted like hazelnuts. Regardless, Kobeni's mouth was dry as she took her time chewing.

"You seem to handle loss well," Makima commented, resting her chin on her fist. "A lot of Devil Hunters can't."

Kobeni looked down, using her free hand, and twirled a strand of her hair erratically. She didn't want to think about the people who had died for her or during missions with her. She had cried already, panicked enough, and was now just in a phase of acceptance.

"It's not that it doesn't affect me. But… What can I do? Mourning won't bring them back. I've learned to move on quickly."

Makima took a sip from her tea, her gaze never leaving Kobeni. "Would you be sad if I died, then?"

The question took Kobeni off guard as she swallowed the bit of cookie in her mouth, completely forgetting her initial fears.

She blinked, her mind racing to find the right words. "Why would you ask that?"

Makima leaned back, her expression now thoughtful. "I'm curious. People have various reactions to my existence, but I always wondered if they would feel bad if I ever died."

Kobeni took a moment, considering her answer. "I would be... surprised, I think. You always seem so... invulnerable."

Makima's nature was like a taboo that both acknowledged but didn't dare to bring up.

At Kobeni's reply, Makima chuckled softly. "I wonder if there is anyone who is truly invincible," she mused. "But surprised doesn't answer my question."

Kobeni swallowed, her cheeks flushing. "I… don't have an answer to that," she said sincerely. "I admire you, but I don't even know if I like you. You're too complicated for me to understand how I feel about you. I've seen too much, I'm afraid."

"So you dislike me?" Makima didn't seem upset, just genuinely curious.

Kobeni hesitated. "I didn't say that."

It was clear that there were emotions and complexities that even someone like Makima couldn't entirely escape.

Makima studied Kobeni for a moment longer, the ambient sounds of the city outside blending seamlessly with the soft breathing of the dogs scattered around the apartment.

"Do you ever think about our kiss?" Makima finally asked, her tone nonchalant.

Kobeni's heart raced as her eyes widened. She hadn't expected Makima to bring that up, and especially not in such a calm, almost detached manner.

"I was drunk," she stammered at once. "I wasn't aware of what I was doing!"

Makima's lips curled into a smirk again, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Is that so?"

Kobeni averted her gaze, feeling trapped under Makima's stare. She began fidgeting with the hem of her shirt uncomfortably. "Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was just one of those things. I didn't really... think about it."

The room was filled with palpable tension, with both women aware of the unsaid words hanging between them.

Makima leaned forward, closing the distance between them slightly, her gaze never leaving Kobeni. "You're a terrible liar, Kobeni-san."

Kobeni swallowed hard, her eyes darting around the room, looking anywhere but at Makima. "I know it was my fault, but I don't know how to talk about it in a way that makes sense."

A soft chuckle escaped Makima's lips. "Life is full of unexpected moments," she said, leaning back and taking another sip of tea. "The question is, how do we respond to them?"

Kobeni took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "I don't know," she said honestly. "Sometimes it feels like everything is happening around me, and I'm just reacting."

"Well, do you want to do something about it?" Makima's voice was neutral, and her expression was inscrutable as she referred to the kiss they shared.

Kobeni hesitated, searching for the right words. Why was Makima even talking about this? What did she want from her? She was probably a Devil; she didn't even have feelings for her, so why talk as if she showed some empathy, or worse, an openness to compromise on something?

"I-I don't know," she finally admitted. "It's complicated."

"Why?"

Gathering her thoughts, Kobeni spoke. "My family takes up all of my time," she said weakly. "And… I don't understand why you're asking me this. I did a foolish, impulsive thing, and I know you have no interest in me. I don't understand what you want."

"I want to play, Kobeni-san."

Kobeni blinked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to decipher Makima's cryptic response. "Play?" She repeated it with a mix of curiosity and apprehension evident in her voice. The room seemed to grow colder, the atmosphere thickening with tension.

Makima tilted her head, her eyes locking onto Kobeni's with an intensity that sent shivers down the younger woman's spine. "Yes, play. Life is a game, Kobeni-san, and everyone has a role. Some are pawns, while others are kings and queens. Sometimes, it's fun to disrupt the board to see what happens when unpredictability is introduced."

Her gaze never wavered, maintaining a detached amusement that was both alluring and terrifying to Kobeni.

Kobeni took a moment to process Makima's words. There was an underlying message she was trying to grasp. But the raw honesty and unpredictability of Makima's demeanor made it hard to understand her intentions.

"Are you saying that I'm just a game to you?" Kobeni finally asked, her voice soft yet demanding.

Makima's posture was relaxed as if they were discussing the weather. "Not just you. Everyone and everything is part of the game. You're all pieces on the board. And I like to see how the pieces move and how they react."

Kobeni felt a pang of unease. "That's a cold way to view the world."

Makima simply shrugged. "It's a perspective. But just because it's a game doesn't mean I'm devoid of feelings or curiosity. The kiss, for example, was an unexpected move. It piqued my interest."

Kobeni swallowed hard, her cheeks burning. "It was a mistake," she murmured again, looking down.

Makima chuckled softly, a sound that was both sweet and chilling. "There are no mistakes, Kobeni-san, only choices. Consciously or not, you made your choice."

The younger woman bit her lip, a flurry of thoughts racing through her mind. She felt trapped, caught in Makima's web and unable to escape.

What was this conversation? Where was it supposed to lead? What kind of game could this twisted woman possibly want to play with her of all people?

Why bring the kiss up?

What was she even suggesting?

Did Kobeni even want to know?

Kobeni didn't care. She was too confused and nervous to think about anything at all or even consider anything at all. It was not fair that she was being pushed against a wall like this.

She stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "I should go," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Makima watched her, her expression unreadable. "As you wish," she replied softly. "But remember, the game is always in motion. And you're a part of it, whether you like it or not. What you should consider is whether you'd like to have some fun or stay on the sidelines."

Kobeni didn't respond. She simply turned and made her way to the door.

oOo

A few days later, the telephone in Makima's office rang. She momentarily stopped writing the report she was working on to answer it with her usual composed demeanor. "Makima speaking."

"Makima-san, Higashiyama Kobeni from your team wishes to have a word," the front desk receptionist said. "Shall I transfer the call?"

Despite herself, Makima's lips curved. "That's fine, thank you." Her interest was piqued. She had anticipated this call.

"Certainly, and one moment, please."

Makima patiently waited until the line went silent before a clicking sound could be heard. Then, on the other end, Kobeni's voice came through, quivering slightly. "Makima-san? It's Kobeni."

"Yes, I'm aware," Makima said sarcastically, instantly picturing Kobeni's face burning red with mortification.

"Y-yes, of course," Kobeni muttered, sounding embarrassed.

Makima absently tapped the tip of her pen on her desk. "Are you doing well?" she asked simply, to bring a more casual mood to the conversation. "I hope your new partner is treating you well."

"Oh, yes! Violence is a kind person. We get along well, thank you."

"I'm glad to hear that," Makima said sweetly, even though she didn't particularly care. She had assigned Violence to Kobeni because he had a strong sense of loyalty and would be able to make her feel less abandoned, not to mention that he would protect her, even though Kobeni was stronger in battle. This wasn't so much a gift to Kobeni, but more like an advantage to Makima herself. "Now, what can I do for you?"

Kobeni hesitated. "Makima-san," she began, her voice betraying the disquiet inside her. "About what you said the other day… What did you mean by that?"

Makima paused, her smile twisting into a knowing smirk at the other woman's well-chosen words. "To play is a metaphor to engage with life, Kobeni-san," Makima's voice was smooth and unfaltering. She knew she couldn't be open about her intentions on the phone. "To explore paths that are unfamiliar to you and to make choices that are entirely your own. You said you've been walking through life reacting; I'm offering you a chance to act instead, and in the meantime, see things you have not seen before. I'm sure we could both gain something we want."

Kobeni's breath was audible as she seemed to struggle to make sense of what was being said. Makima knew she understood the implications—she was a smart girl, and she was aware that the things that drew them to each other were very different.

What Kobeni could potentially want from her was very different from what Makima was searching for, but because it amused her, she was willing to give it to her in exchange for something else.

"And what will be the price?"

Ah, a wise question.

"It's merely a partnership, not exactly a business," Makima said clearly, twirling the pen between her fingers easily. "A partnership where we're both winners considering we fairly abide by each other's terms. As I said, for sure, there is something we can both offer each other that will end up being pleasurable. More than that, I think it's something able to finally define you."

"But… What does it consist of?"

For a few seconds, Makima considered her answer. They could not speak openly about this using a Public Safety phone line, so she had to be careful—this had nothing to do with her job and everything to do with her personal life and interests.

"I believe you have to wait and see, Kobeni-san," Makima replied, choosing her words carefully. "I think it will be clearer when we have time to see each other again in a more social environment."

Makima knew her suggestion had been daunting to Kobeni. There were no promises, nothing defined or established, and this wasn't supposed to be some life-changing event. However, the allure was immense, because Kobeni was fascinated by her—perhaps even attracted to her—and drawn to her inhuman nature for some odd reason.

Most people despised Devils, and Kobeni was no exception. After all, they made her life several times worse than it already was, and to no personal gain of hers.

Still, the girl's emotions towards Makima were all over the place. Indeed, it wasn't as if she liked her for any particular reason, but she was as curious as Makima was.

"And if I accept it; what happens?" Kobeni asked, cautiously.

"You'll see life open up in ways you never imagined," Makima responded, making sure there was a hint of a promise in her voice. "Every choice has its consequences; every move has its reward. This partnership can be challenging, but I'm also certain it will be rewarding. However, you know who I am and what I can do. But you already know there are lines you cannot overstep."

Silence settled between them. After a while, Kobeni finally spoke. "Alright," she said, her reply soft but certain. "But I have a request."

Makima leaned back in her chair, her curiosity growing. "Bold, aren't we?" she uttered with a smirk. "I suppose that's one of your oddest charms."

She could hear Kobeni swallowing. "Is it possible to keep me busier? I-I don't want to be in more assignments than I have to, but if there is a possibility that this arrangement might take up a little more of my time, I would appreciate that."

Licking her lower lip, Makima couldn't help but chuckle slowly. "Is this about your family?"

Kobeni seemed to hesitate. "Yes."

Of course, the dead weight on Kobeni's back. "I will see what I can do."

There was another pause. "Will I regret this?"

Makima's lips curled into a pleased smile. The girl sure was smarter than anyone gave her credit for. "Hopefully, not. We shall see."

Kobeni swallowed again. "Alright. Until next time, Makima-san."

"See you soon, Kobeni-san."

As she hung up, Makima heaved a small sigh, hooking a finger on her tie to loosen it up as she looked up at the plain ceiling of her office.

It seemed that at least some things were about to get a lot more interesting.

A Few Days Later

The sky above the junkyard was a canvas of twilight blues, the day's light fading. Above them.

Makima and Kobeni walked between the towering piles of scrap, their feet stirring the dust and forgotten remains.

Kobeni's every step was hesitant, her feet unsure amid the mess of rusted metal and shattered glass. As she followed behind her superior in silence, her heart beat loudly inside her chest as a mixture of doubt and anticipation filled her.

Makima, however, moved with an eerie grace, as if the path before her was clear and perhaps even familiar.

Just a few days after their phone call, Kobeni had been invited to meet her at the end of the day. Granted, Kobeni had no idea how her relationship with Makima would progress or what their arrangement truly entailed, even if she could think of a few things that she could enjoy and a few other things she feared. There was no doubt in her mind that she would probably witness them all. Either that, or she was just misreading, being naïve, and entering a wolf's den.

After all, Makima did tell her to make sure she brought her knife.

Regardless, Kobeni found that she was a fool.

Perhaps, eager as she was to escape and have something of her own, twisted and unconventional as it might be, she desperately looked for something more. What that more was, she was still unsure, but the thirst was there.

"We're almost there," Makima said, looking over her shoulder and offering Kobeni one of her encrypted smiles. She was still wearing her work suit, yet there was no tie and she had loosened her hair again, as if she had somehow known that Kobeni had thought she looked prettier that way.

The unusual color of her hair seemed to gleam as the soft breeze made it billow behind her, and the sight was mesmerizing for Kobeni, who found some strange semblance of comfort in it.

However, the feeling quickly dissipated as they both reached an open space, a makeshift clearing encircled by mounds of scrap.

Kobeni stopped in her tracks, rooted to the spot, as she noticed the several blindfolded figures kneeling on the ground, scattered, their hands behind their backs, their forms shrouded in the frail beginnings of moonlight. She could see the people struggling to move but unable to, again trapped by an invisible force, their blindfolds wet with tears.

Kobeni had a terrible sense of déjà vu, but her point of view was a lot more realistic this time.

"What is this?"

"This is trash, of course," Makima declared, her voice chilling and indifferent in the heavy air as she approached an unknown woman and vaguely pulled a leaf out of her already messed-up black hair. "Political and social trash that is a nuisance in some higher-ups' books. We are here to dispose of it. Nothing you're unfamiliar with, correct?"

Kobeni's heart was a frantic drumbeat against her ribs, her anxiety a living thing that clawed at her from the inside. She should've seen this coming, and yet, she didn't feel quite as shocked as she expected.

Makima turned, her gaze falling on Kobeni. "You have a choice," she said sweetly, her voice echoing strangely in the open space. "You can help, or you can stand aside. But I know you're very aware of which option will disappoint me."

Kobeni's eyes widened but she stood motionless.

This was a test. Another test, it seemed, but to what purpose? To have her as an accomplice? To see how far she was willing to go for some reason or goal she still didn't know or understand?

Slowly, Makima passed the kneeling people and made her way to Kobeni.

From within the folds of her jacket, Makima produced a gun, offering it handle-first to Kobeni—the implication was clear.

"Did you bring your knife?" Makima inquired as if discussing something as banal as having remembered to bring an umbrella for rain.

Kobeni's hand was a trembling leaf as she automatically accepted the gun, a stark contrast to the firmness of Makima's hand. "Yes," she managed to reply, her voice a mere whisper.

"Good," Makima replied in her soft tone. "You can choose your weapon. However, the decision on how to carry out justice is yours."

"What justice?" Kobeni asked at once, looking at Makima, unsure of what to feel. "Who are we to say what's wrong or right? Who are we to decide if their lives are worthy or not?"

"No one," Makima agreed, yet she sounded condescending, reaching out to touch Kobeni's face gently. Her hand was cold. "However, you are always free to decide. I could let these poor people flee, but do I want to?" Her tone was almost mocking as she caressed Kobeni's cheek. "It's quite fun once you get used to it, or so I hear. It's what I do, so it means nothing to me. But it will mean something to you, Kobeni, so choose wisely."

Kobeni's mind was a maelstrom, her thoughts racing at hearing Makima calling her in such an informal, intimate way.

She had a desperate need to understand her place in this twisted tableau, but she couldn't evaluate herself right now, or her options because, deep down, she knew what she had to do and what she would do.

When Makima invited her to play, she knew well what it meant and she still accepted.

Even if she had not envisioned this in her mind, her gut had told her she would find herself in some similar situation.

And while she thought that she wasn't ready, she was.

Somehow, she found the resolve to move forward, because that's what she did—accept her fate and do as she was told.

The blindfolded figures seemed to sense her approach, their bodies tensing and sobs rising into the night. With each step, Kobeni felt that familiar apathy of resolution that always invaded her whenever she had to do something she didn't like.

Despite having the knife tucked in her belt, she chose the gun first, the distance afforded a small mercy, though the weight of her actions was no less crushing. Her hands steadied at once, swiftly unlocked it, and she acted quickly by easily aiming and pulling the trigger, taking down one after the other. The sound of the shots was monstrous in the quiet of the yard. The bullets hit their targets with perfect ease.

When the bullets ran out, she switched to the knife, pulling it out of her belt and moving forward towards the remaining group alive.

Slitting throats with her dangerously sharp knife required less strength than using a gun—it was as easy as cutting through butter, and it never ceased to amaze her.

When it was over, it was almost as if that part of her that was able to be cold and ruthless simply vanished. The gun and knife trembled in her hands, her limbs shaking with adrenaline and revulsion. She felt Makima's eyes on her, studying her and dissecting her, making her feel naked and far too exposed.

It was a violating yet thrilling thing.

When Kobeni turned, she was shocked to immediately be surrounded by Makima's arms, pulling her into an embrace that was instantly toxic. Makima's lips found hers in a kiss that was pleased, proud, and terrifying in its intensity.

It was a seal of approval, like a rite of passage, indicating the start of something new between them.

Kobeni, acting on an impulse that was part terror and part desperate assertion of her own volition, clutched her knife. With a swift, trembling motion, she pushed Makima slightly away before drawing the blade across Makima's throat, blood immediately pouring out like a dark scarf against her pale skin and tainting her shirt down to her waist.

But Makima only smiled, her eyebrows slightly curled with surprise and mirth.

Watching the gash seal with preternatural speed, Kobeni felt nothing of what she thought she would feel. Still, the shiver that raked through her shaken and thrilled body was certainly new as a new surge of adrenaline consumed her.

That woman could not die. She would possibly haunt her forever, and Kobeni had no idea what to feel other than confusion, terror, and ecstasy.

"Now I know what you are and what to expect," Kobeni said, her voice oddly steadier now as Makima smiled, tilting her head to the side as if nothing had happened.

The sight of her shirt covered in blood was as mesmerizing as Kobeni recalled.

"And you have shown me once again what you are capable of," Makima responded, her smile unfading as she took another step toward Kobeni. Slowly and without hesitation, she wound her arms around her neck again and pressed herself closer. "You've made your choice, and you've played your part well. Well done, little one."

Kobeni's hands were still stained with blood and her clothes were dirty, so she didn't care when Makima's chest pressed against her. This time, when Makima's lips found hers, she responded thirstily, her mind blanking out and her body desperate for contact and some grounding as she dropped her weapons to hug the woman to her.

Makima tasted like blood, and it was a thrill unlike any other she had felt, and it wasn't something she understood herself.

And the curious thing was, she could see her path now.

TBC...

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