At the very tip of the fanciest resort in Las Vegas, his purple eyes lit up a room, the only light in the darkness that covered the city drenched in crime and corruption. Shrouded with shadows, his pupils were the very thing that gave his presence an announcement. For a brief moment, his rear pressing against the cushioned seat of the moving chair behind the desk, his hand was visible. Reeling it back, he could see the Crow Killer with his signature plague-like mask in the hallway, silently requesting entry to his Boss' quarters,
"You may enter,"
Warping over with a red afterimage, the Crow's features and attire were invisible as the door was gently closed by an ethereal hand. Red eyes staring down at his Boss from the towering position he held, the Boss' head once more turned to stare at the lights outside. Flickering endlessly, unable to turn off as society continuously worked, without falter,
"I assume things are going well with the assassinations... don't confirm it. I'm just assuming they are, and if they aren't, then you know what'll happen next, don't you?"
Unable to sit still, the Crow tapped the bottom of his military boot against the floor, shedding himself of the cowl concealing his features. Still hidden by the shadows the room was covered in, to match the Boss' movements, the duo looking out the window in unison. In addition to the foot being tapped, creating a repeated sound like chalk being scraped against a blackboard, there was his index finger hitting the wooden deck over and over,
"Their arrival shall happen in a matter of hours, I trust that you disposed of the imperfections... if that's so, then you've done an excellent job with the assignment I've given you. Please, take this as a token of my gratitude, young one,"
The way he spoke was so deeply intimidating, yet calming. The depth of his voice the same as his brother's from years ago before he was suddenly slaughtered by the father of the Reaper. Sliding across a golden item that shone in response to the glistening lights from Las Vegas, it had a sharp end, if you were to touch your finger against it... no doubt, you'd be cut. Layers of hate and conceiving genius were hidden beneath a booming voice that caused chills to appear over the Crow's pale skin from beneath the clothing he wore,
"In another World, the doppelganger of the Emperor used a piece of the Key to Hell to give himself life-altering capabilities. He was a subordinate of my Father: The Superior. Though he is trapped in the very dimension you hold the Key to unlocking, he was one of the most powerful I've ever encountered. In December of 2536, he pierced himself with the Key and gave birth to something utterly new. Bring Augustus Rivera to me..."
A piece of the Key dropping into his gloved palm, the Crow examined its shape, and already, it had sliced open the tip of his index finger. Exhaling, he gazed into the eyes of his Boss, realizing he was... worthy. Dark Determination flaring up like a flame being lit in his pupils, the Assassin stood from his seat and collected his mask. Shrouding himself in darkness, he disappeared while the Aether finished Its sentence,
"Bring him... to Nevada,"
She still had his hoodie from back then, it was puffy and soft, whenever he tried to touch her- that fabric was what he felt. Black, unusual from the current darkened green sweater he had to shield him from the chill of winter. Reeling his arm back, a dejected breath of air emerged from the crevice of his lips, and his arm was held by his ghostly lover. Holding him reluctantly, a bright blush the color of her eyes covering her cheeks, as Death stared at her. Unable to think straight as his feet subconsciously carried him to school, dragging on the concrete passing underneath the highway as cars raced above,
"So, now that we know how and why I died- what are you planning on doing?"
Realizing what she'd just stated, August thought back to yesterday evening, how her being experimented on was what caused her demise. Being tortured by the very people sworn to protect their country, but the question remained- should he head to Vegas to confront Dr. Kuno or just gain information from his subordinates to expose him to the public. The choice, though seemingly extremely simple, was hardened by the effects should he choose one or the other. Going after Kuno puts his and his friends' lives at risk, considering this was the Head Scientist. He didn't doubt he'd perfected whatever ability-injecting experiment he pushed into his coworkers- he could be incredibly dangerous.
But, staying here, could lead to more attacks that none of them would be prepared for. It may lead to their deaths... but if they weren't careful going over to Vegas, then they all might die as soon as they see Kuno,
"From that look on your face, I can determine you haven't come to a decision yet?"
That voice, the signature way Azazel spoke, despite having such a violent name, he recognized it instantaneously. Moving from halfway off the curb, the Prince's foot slid onto the concrete grey sidewalk to the left of the younger Rivera. Suitcase in hand, an imprint of the handgun nowhere to be seen from outside his black jacket, differing from the usual trench coat with the pointy collar that stuck out to the air. A dejected sigh, revealing the truth behind the Reaper's would-be decision between the dual options, slid out of August's lips,
"I see. You're debating the safety of everyone, and I don't question your judgment for a moment. You proved to me that you're a trustworthy ally, and an even better friend, at that, when you beat Neuman. So, whatever you choose, I'll happily agree with,"
Compared to yesterday, the Detective seemed... happier, or something like that. Jovial, if that was even the correct term, half of August was reluctant to easily accept his partner's words. Turning to see that look in his eyes, filled to the tip with genuine and passion, though a shroud of mystery still covered Karlo's soul- he was sure that, right then and there, his words held truth.
"By the way, I'll be going to your school until the investigation is over and done with. I hope to share a class with you, Augustus,"
Winking at his rival, as Karlo spun from walking backward, he was met by a swarm of schoolgirls. Which he happily pushed out of the way without regret, some even hitting the back of their heads against the concrete as he continuously walked. Whispering a degrading phrase under his breath, scoffing at them. Slipping through the crowd of women, August attempted to catch up with the Ace Detective, being met with a draped arm over his neck by Beau Edmund. The man fading from his sight, the Reaper felt the face of his dear older sister meet his muscular chest,
"Eep!"
Tendril snapping around her wrist from the tips of his fingers, a streak of his brown hair slowly slept away, Azazel's groupies following him. Though, as his neck snapped back to glance at them, he sighed, barely obvious. Helping her up, Death held his Priestess sibling up from the weird tilted position she was in, now face to face with her,
"You're ugly as shit,"
"Wow, this is the first you see of me and that's the first thing you say?"
"Have you looked in a fuckin' mirror?"
Offended by her brother's remarks, witnessing him walk past her with his hands covered in the pockets of his sweatpants, he smirked without her knowledge. Twisting back with his bookbag swaying in the cold winter wind, he pointed up his index finger to the sky, and right then and there, she knew it. What he was speaking of.
Hours later, they were together, the time was 12:48 P.M. and they were eating lunch together. Not any random lunch, though, they were sandwiches. Specially bred to be the same kind, the similarity dated back to when they were both just kids. She was two years older, but that didn't stop her from loving him, just in her special way. The bread was a lone hero, with only one ingredient squished in between the two buns was... bologna. For them, it had been years since they'd done this, the last time they remembered eating together was,
"Remember when we last did this? Back when you were a senior in 8th grade and I was below you, Genny was out cuz it was her birthday, and we were gonna surprise her later. Despite all the happy shit that happened later that day, I remember the beginning of that specifically, I don't... I don't know why. I guess I just missed you,"
The memories of the past flooded her brain, those sequence of events pushing their image into her mind, tears welled up in her eyes. How they used to talk about the future- so hopeful of what it'd entail, but now... now, as Emma turned to see her brother. All trails of hope that were left in his soul had vanished, and there laid only despair for the world and the future. He had lost the very thing that helped him be whole, and without it, what else could he do? And what'd she been doing all this time? Being hard on him, distant, giving him space? Like that was going to work, it never worked. It only worked for herself, or Gen, and that's why she thought it'd work for him. The truth, the one she'd been trying so hard to avoid- she was one of those at fault in this situation,
"I'm sorry, August. I really am... I couldn't imagine the pain you're going through right now, faced with one of the hardest choices in the World. It can't be easy- is there anything I can do to make it easier?"
The sun slowly revealed itself from the grey clouds, the rain had dissipated, and now, there it was, the rays of the closest star to Earth shining onto his face. A glisten of particles reflected in his heterochromatic retinas, and at that moment, the face that she'd seen of her brother had changed so much. He was no longer just her little brother that she needed to dedicate her life to protect, he was so much more than that-
"The sky today... is so beautiful,"
And that was no lie, the High Priestess and the Death's hands took the others, and as they shared a look at the beautiful sun shining through the atmosphere onto their faces- they felt at peace. Her icy blue eyes glistening with the sparkle of the apollo star, and there was another comment he made that shifted the way he moved. Bringing her hand to his lips to show his appreciation for his older sister, August informed her,
"Those assholes at the Government... they kidnapped my girl. They KILLED her, and everyone just acts like nothing ever FUCKING HAPPENED! I know he's the one who did it, there is no doubt about it... Abaddon Kuno is the one responsible for her death. And I have a dream that is true and just- I will expose their lies and corruption, NO MATTER THE COST!"
In his eyes, she couldn't mistake it, it was the same fiery spirit she'd felt in herself when she battled Leah. 'Dark Determination' with hate burning for those who did her wrong, August Rivera's fists lit up with the glow of them both. Celine, though it was invisible to his sister, had been standing right behind her living lover. Arms around his neck as she stood confidently, a camouflaged reward as a kiss was all he needed. He knew this cause was righteous, he would do anything to expose their lies, for her.
"I'll be right with you, little brother,"
Though their hands had been interlocked seconds prior, this time- it was different. The hand she was offering, it was more of an agreement, a tying of bonds that'd been severed so silently. None of it was her fault, August saw that now, this was his path. She bet on his dream- and he was going to make it come true. Palms clapping together, a bond was repaired between the Rivera siblings, and all he could say was,
"Thank you,"
But, that wasn't it, thanks so much less than what she deserved, and he knew it. Sliding his hand into an arm so they'd embrace, their cheeks against one another, tears formed in the corner of his eyes, and he whispered into Emma's ear dejectedly,
"I can't find any other words to express it..."
While these semi-normal events were occurring on the roof of the education center, the rest of the group had been in the cafeteria. Including Azazel, yet he was different from everyone else acting as if nothing happened yesterday like they all weren't attacked in unison. It was odd, but nothing the Detective hadn't encountered before, and he was sure he could solve this mystery,
"Hey, Azzy. Ya mind?"
Raising his head from the messages on his phone, he slid the device into his pocket and met the crimson eyes of the Strength. Holding a black plastic bag, presumably filled with contents of sugary goodness, Karlo sent a nod Beau's way. Mouth filled to the brim with Lo Mein he'd bought in a hurry, chopsticks moving around the squiggly food in the dark bowl, he listened to Edmund ask a series of quick questions,
"Do you know how to fix the worst parts of yourself? Like, I dunno, there's just... something about me, that I hate so much, but I can't get rid of. No matter how hard I try, and no matter what I do- I just can't help but hurt the people I hold closest,"
Popping open a pack of gum, he threw a red rectangular piece into his mouth to be chewed into oblivion, the squishing of the item against his teeth audible as his mouth bounced up and down. The Detective's movements halting, stopping the twirling of his chopsticks against the noodles, reliving the details of a bullying incident that occurred in the fall of 2035. It was all over the news for days, how three kids were arrested and put into juvenile detention for carving a slur into a teenage boy's stomach. That boy was none other than Beau Edmund when he first started in high as a Freshman. Being the product of gay marriage, everyone just assumed the Strength was the same as his fathers, a little look into his background had caused months of bullying. Until it ended,
"How'd it happen anyway? The... uh- incident,"
There was no way to sugarcoat it specifically, but he tried, knowing that if he said it bluntly, it'd cause Beau to relive memories he didn't want to remember. There was this certain girl, back then, she was a freshman too... her name was Cindy, and apparently, the girlfriend of one of the boys at the time. Just by simply telling her the directions to her classes or giving her a pencil to write with- all he could think of was trauma. That was, whenever he tried to help someone, at the very least,
"What happened to the girl?"
"She found out what happened to me and killed herself. Parents found her body hanging in her room with a makeshift noose... ever since then, I always thought of help as a bad thing. That, if I even tried to give someone some sort of advice, it'd lead to more pain. August left when I tried to, Cindy killed herself... all I am is a hurricane of trash. And no matter how hard I try, I can't escape it,"
He sobbed while he spoke, though they were silent, they were loud enough for the teenage Detective Prince in front of him to hear. A sort of sympathetic look glistened in his retinas, continuing to spin the dark chopsticks in his noodles-covered lunch. There had to be some sort of solution, then it hit him, a product of his past helping his present, Azazel smiled as he advised his comrade,
"Start small. Think of those who helped you, they can motivate you to be better. Step by step, aiding you to become the person you want to be. Don't force it upon yourself... and don't let them win. They only did it to hurt you, to get into your mind, feel some sense of screwed-up power. If I were you, I'd show them, wherever they are now,"
Those words, they seemed too basic, but- he'd never thought of it like that...! So easy to think in such a way damaging to your health, all this time, he'd never realized, that by letting their words seem into his mind like poison; he was letting them win. They were controlling him. Patting his younger ally on the shoulder, Azazel revealed a watch from the inside of his leather jacket, flipping it open. On the side facing him, there was a picture of a woman with long beautiful black hair, and marvelous blue eyes that he'd inherited. Just seeing her, caused his day to light up even brighter than the suns' rays shining through the windows beside him. Flicking his attention to the clock beneath the photo of the woman, he pushed the container over his bowl of Lo Mein and covered his food,
"I hate to cut this short but I have to use the bathroom. I'll be back shortly,"
Hands by his side, adjusting the collar of the sweatshirt concealing his blue-collared shirt, he coughed out loud. Clearing his throat into his fist, sliding off his black gloves, while a door was heard closing behind him as the Detective entered a stall. All alone, as his teeth sunk into the cheesiness of the Dorito, Beau's mind raced, the words that he'd said, they weren't just bullshit fed to him to keep him from being annoying. They were true, and Azazel meant them... from the way Karlo talked, he could tell. He had to make this right, so, he stood up from the table and turned around. Leaving the table all around, with the time being 12:40. Azazel Karlo would return from the bathroom at 12:45, where lunch had ended and everyone returned to their regularly-scheduled program.
"Alright, rise and shine, dickheads. Time for some questioning,"
Taking a long sip of the coffee Artemis had made, the Emperor, with his AI assistant and 'daughter' was elevated down by a warp system created by him for this exact purpose. Reaching to place the cup he'd been holding onto the side of the desk he usually worked at with his large supercomputer radiating bright azure light, the Android pointed out something. Something that... shouldn't have happened,
"Father, look,"
All of the 'imperfections' that'd been cryogenically frozen had been shot through their brains, a bullet hole piercing through the glass containers their bodies had been suspended in. Widening his eyes, Ben rushed over to his watch, snapping it over his wrist, it obeyed his mind's commands, what he saw, was security footage from last night. Replaying via a holographic projection, relaying the events to him and Artemis, the female android peered over her Creator's joint to watch the footage. There he was, the very figure he saw for a split-second in paused time, shooting them all in the head. And then disappearing without a trace. Thanks to the lighting of the ice reflecting against the Assassin's outfit, he could distinguish some unique clothing he was wearing at the time of the murders.
The crow-plague mask from the 1200s was a given, a hood that attached itself to the bulletproof vest he wore underneath concealing his hair color, and a black trench coat. One that had the collar poke out very distinctively, wearing military pants and boots to finish the outfit. Gloves were a given, and while the Assailant possibly wanted the Emperor to find this footage, he was looking away from the camera in all possible shots of him. As the Crow confidently moved throughout the lab, he touched nothing, and instead surveyed the area, before then disappearing as stated before. Without anyone to interrogate, Ben sighed in disbelief and shook his head, ~How could I let this happen? I'm the strongest superhuman on the planet... Kuno must be behind all this. I have no other options~
Finishing that thought process, the feed projecting from the device around his wrist faded and Ben pointed to the side of Artemis' temple. There was something he needed to do, no doubt, if he sent the others on a private plane, Kuno would be able to know and send more goons after them,
"Get seven first-class tickets to Las Vegas, and book a hotel at the Venetian,"
Her goal set and stone, pink pupils' vibrant tint evaporating into a cool purple before reverting to her normal shade, Artemis now saw her Creator sitting in the chair. Staring at the paused image of the Crow's figure using his left hand to shoot a silenced pistol... what could he do, what could he do? Plane tickets bought, the Emperor could deduce that this man was none other than Kuno's most elite soldier, no doubt that he'd attempt to intercept them, no matter the cost,
"Double security at the airport, ensure no one can get past the guards..."
Nowhere left to run, these events occurred at the same time, as Ben arrived in his lab with Artemis at approximately 12:40. However, what happened in that period leading up to 12:45? Why did Azazel take so long in the bathroom...?
Washing his hands in the sink, soap coursing and destroying the germs infecting his skin, Azazel winced at the thought of it. Slowly reeling back, wiping his hands with a paper towel that dispensed to the left of the entrance... hand reaching to pull the door open- he was suddenly pinned against the wall. Cerulean pupils gazing down at the man with his hand against his throat, Karlo groaned at the feeling of sharpened nail-like claws sinking into his esophagus. Slicing his skin with small circular holes, a stream of ruby liquid sliding down the right of his face down his suited clothing. Though his eyesight was clouded, the pathway to oxygen blocked via the pressure put on by this man's fingers, he could make out one significant peculiarity. A rugged mask combined of dark leather, ripped from experience, however, still striking fear into his heart as he felt chills run up his spine. Goosebumps forming over his tanned skin, the voice that emerged from the Crow's concealed lips was raspy, on the brink of sanity, as if about to be pushed over the edge by a mere event. He even cackled while he proposed to this man,
"Ahah... haha- I have... a proposition for you, Detective..."
As the Detective Prince fell to his knees, coughing without showing signs of stopping, Azazel rubbed his forehead with his forearm. Wiping sweat away, nodding gently, to see a red hard drive on the floor, a paper marking reading the words, 'The World' spreading around the miniature piece of technology. Without a choice, seeing the Crow had disappeared, he pocketed the drive and exited the restroom while rubbing his throat. Those were the events that had transpired during Azazel's time in the bathroom.
The end of the school day had almost arrived, one final class had been held, and a new email was directed toward the group's phones. Standing side by side, awaiting the bell for their next elective, Azazel and August witnessed the instruction to them first. Then, in the back of a classroom, as he pushed books into his bag, Matt also received the email, Genny, leaning back from bending over his shoulder- checking her phone to see it as well. Needless to say, they all went to the same class, oddly on the third floor, with no students roaming the halls and no other educators or pupils in the classroom with the teenagers.
The first to arrive was August, to see Celine was on the desk he'd been assigned to, leaned across it as if she were laying across a bench. Legs spread across another wooden desk, she sent a playful wink to her breathing lover. Speaking of which, Death let out a hateful sigh and rubbed his eyes, left eye glowing redder and redder with each second of the day. Hair turning whiter and whiter, as he sat down, and her lips pressed against his cheek. A faint loving whisper tinted with a promise, hoping he'd return the favor,
"Promise me you'll see me again when this is all over, August. Promise me I get to hug you one more time before I fade away,"
Everything returned to normal, he was no longer alone, his vision had now reflected everything occurring. His father explaining with Artemis at his side, with a projection being shown from his watch,
"The 'Imperfections' were killed by A Man wearing a Crow Mask. There is no doubt that this is Kuno's way of silencing anyone before they can get to know about his 'plan.' We have no other options. On January 10th, Saturday, at 5:30 P.M., you'll be on the plane to Las Vegas,"
No other words could be heard from the Reaper, the Detective beside him witnessing the rising of his head and the smirking of his lips. The truth burnt bright within his soul, determined to see her again, to uncover this mystery, he stood from his chair. Pushing his fist to the air, before snapping it back down close to his fist, emerald aura surrounding his body, extending to his soul, he blurted out,
"I have a dream that I know is just and true. No matter the cost, no matter what actions I must take, however nasty they are, I will uncover the truth. I will expose their disgusting nature and horrendous behavior... for Celine!"
His friends and family joined in with their ally, Emma following with a huge smile that spread through her face like a virus. Punching her fist to the air, the same happening with Genesis as she giggled, then Beau with a mischievous and rebellious smirk, Matt, his hand gently shaking, Mei, chuckling as she sat down still. And Karlo, instead, just stood up, without rising his fist, and nodded,
"For Celine,"
"For Celine!"
"For you... my darling,"
TO BE CONTINUED...!