A written letter from King Adrian sent to the High Council of Pyrulia, a month before the present:
Dear Members of the High Council,
I would like to formally apologize for disrupting your day with this report, but there has been an issue within the Aqui kingdom and we can no longer choose to ignore.
As you may know, the Neo Empire is currently living in a constant tundra-like environmental estate, so food production is low and our crop growth barren. This puts us financially beneath many other nations and at a greater risk of war we can not win.
In response to such a threat, the High Council blessed us with the opportunity to make up for our lack of resources by improving our military and directing our fundings towards weapondry productions. This has allowed us to become the second deadliest nation to exist.
While it is a great honor to hold ourselves in pride with our accomplishments, it does not change the fact that my people are hungry. The impoverished struggle to keep up with their taxes and still put food on the table at the same time. Even the rich are finding themselves with little pocket money, with many just on the verge of bankruptcy and starvation.
It hurts my heart every day to see my own people suffer like this when we have had the solution for the past decades. If the High Council would simply just allow us to put sixty percent of our funding into establishing a stronger trading business with the Gaean Empire, one that would benefit us both I assure you, then the people could be fed.
Fuller stomachs can lead to happier, stronger lives, which can also improve the results of our military. Do I even need to provide scientific evidence that a fully developed human is much more powerful than one with an empty belly? All we need is your permission and your signature on our contract so we can enact the first stage towards a better future for us all.
I truly hope you will consider my offerings, and get back to me as soon as possible.
Sincere regards,
King Adrian.
-
It caught the both of them off guard that their alleged culprit ended up being a relative of their Chief, or rather the fact that their superior had a family to begin with, especially since she kept quiet about her past.
This woman sounded quite young maybe around her twenties, and the fact she was using the term 'auntie' to refer to one of the scariest people they know alive made them question their superior age.
"Jasmine, you foolish child," Camille scolded, "can you even begin to understand the severity of your actions? First, you steal Efflorian lethal herbs, then you take the innocent life of an Aparian Baker, to which you proceed to cast the blame on a retired veteran? It's almost as if you're trying to start a civil war."
Camille continues, "If the people of our empire found out about the details behind that man's death there could be riots, accusations would fling in several directions with me on the end of the receiving stick."
Their culprit, or rather Jasmine, simply yawned, hand fanning her mouth, "My goal is far beyond the simplicities of inner nation conflicts. If those are the results from my actions then so be it, I could care less as long as I still get what I want. Not only that but that scenario sounds more like your responsibility than of mines."
Camille shook her head, obviously disappointed in the answer, "If I had told myself years ago that the daughter of my closest friend would stoop to such low standards I wouldn't have believed myself."
"I find it shocking you still know what that word means. You don't have the right to refer to neither me or my mother as your friends, especially after you practically abandoned us."
The conversation was starting to get deep, yet there was no given order yet for Jack and Micheal to reveal themselves. Jack seems frustrated and impatient, "What is she waiting for? Just give us the signal and we can finish this already."
With that, he raised his hand above their hiding spot and swung his weapon in the air for a few seconds.
"What are you doing?" Michael whisper-shouted.
"Reminding her that she's not alone and that times running out," Jack asserted. "The longer this conversation drags the less likely we'll be able to work ourselves around all of this."
Without so much of a blink from Camille, there was no way to tell if she saw the signal or not.
"I don't know what's gotten into you, Jasmine," she admitted, "or how your mother allowed you to do such a thing, but whatever it is just know I will ensure you receive proper punishment for your actions. You're not the little girl I used to raise in the past, you're a grown-up now, so I will treat you as such."
Jasmine scoffed, "As if you actually raised me. My mother is dead because of you, and you don't even know about it. The woman went headfirst off the connecting bridges and never returned. Took a swan dive on my own tenth birthday for crying out loud, I practically had to raise myself!"
Camille's face dropped to a slightly saddened expression, "If you had simply reached out to me when it occurred I would have gladly taken you in and be your parental guardian. It's would have been the least I owed your mother."
"You owe her so much more than your sympathy, auntie. The time to use it expired a decade ago."
A long sword was drawn out of Jasmines' pocket, pointed directly at Camille's face. She was more than confident the edge had been dipped in thick coats of poison so she did her best to keep her distance.
"I'm not here for all this talk about feelings and terrible life mistakes, trust me I've had plenty of those, I'm here because I crave a boon."
Camille sighed, hands by her side as she stood straight, "What do you want?"
Jasmine seems pleased with her cooperation, "I want files, documents on a case from around thirty years ago on the killing of a man name Thomathy Beckerson. I'm sure you've heard of him before, haven't you?"
For a second Camille looked baffled, "How do you even know of that man? He died before you were even born. Why would you-"
"All the more reason why I'm curious, I heard the case got canceled and all investigations after some time were put down. His death was never explained nor justified and the public doesn't even know it. If the police task force refuses to do their job then it is a citizens' responsibility to fill in that empty hole from lack of responsibility."
Camille snorted, "If this is all some sort of ploy for you to play the hero then I must question your morals. You're trying to serve justice yet you've tainted your hands with the blood of an innocent. You are no better than the people responsible for Beckersons death."
Jasmine growled, "So you do know of his death, don't you? Then why not speak the truth about it? Why hide something so important from the public? Why not do the job you were paid to do?"
For a minute Camille stilled, arms crossed and head down with her eyes closed. She looked as though she was choosing her next course of actions, and by the time she finished she responded.
"The APD's responsibilities and choices are not of your concern nor for criminal scum like you to question," in a swift motion she reached into her trench coat and pulled out her own pistol, pointing it directly at Jasmine's face. "You aren't worthy to learn of the truth."
Rather than being scared Jasmine merely laughed and rolled her eyes, "Please auntie, you loved my mother too dearly to carry the blood of her daughter on your hands. 'Don't you owe her that much'?"
"You're right," Camille agreed, "I do owe her that much. Which is why I'm offering you a chance. If you surrender now then I'll talk for you in court. You are looking to face life in prison, or maybe even a death sentence. I can prevent that. This isn't the future you want to set for yourself, I've seen way too many family members rot behind bars, I can't let it happen to you."
Deep down inside Camille, a part of her hoped she couldn't see the way her hand trembled or how uneasy her breathing became, that she would focus more on her words than her actions.
"You're confident that you'll be able to arrest me when I'm at the advantage?" jasmine expanded her hands and opened her arms, almost like she wanted a hug. "First of all, you're all alone, meaning you'll have to face me by yourself. Secondly you are much older than I am, making you even more weak and inflexible. Thirdly, your terrible choice of weaponry will surely be your doom. You've picked something long range while I have something short range, all it takes is one cut and you'll be finished."
Despite the odds Camille remained calm, "It seems after all these years you don't remember me as well as you thought you did. To think, you really believed I would just follow your orders like some defenseless child?"
That was the cue, anticipated and ready both Jack and Michael stood from their hiding spots, pointing their guns to the back of their enemy. Jasmine didn't dare turn around but rather cocked her head to the side in amusement.
"Do not move," Jack warned, "there are two of us and we are both armed. If you take any steps forward or backward we will not hesitate to shoot."
Jack knew deep down inside most of that was a lie on Michael's part.
"There are eight officers up on the roof and four of them behind the big doors," Camille informed, "A few more are planning to show up after they take care of some other work at the station, so I suggest you do what those two tell you to do, or else things won't be so pretty."
They didn't get any response, instead, all the young lady did was giving Camille a cold death stare, one capable to freeze a soul.
"Drop the weapon," Jack ordered, "Now!"
Slowly and steadily she placed the sword onto the floor.
"Hands behind your head, where I can see them."
She followed Jack's orders and soon it was over. Finally, at ease, Camille slipped her weapon back into its place and reached for her handcuffs.
She approached Jasmine with prideful venom on her tongue as she spoke, "Whose at the disadvantage now?" She proceed with turning her around before cuffing one of her wrists. Not too long and Jasmine started giggling like a maniac.
"And what is so funny?" Camille questioned, holding her second wrist.
There was a devilish smile on Jasmine's face, that crept even Camille herself, "You said after all these years I don't remember you at all. But in actuality, it is you who has forgotten me. You 'raised me' didn't you? You've always taught me for the first years of my life not to take orders from anyone besides myself."
"You're point?"
"So why the hell would I listen now?"
At the speed of light, she turned herself around and swung her leg forward, kicking Camille deeply in the stomach. The older woman crouched and held her gut, the force knocking her back before she could attach the second binding.
Swiftly Jasmine reached into the collar of her jacket and pulled out a spare knife, rushing over to the two boys behind her.
"Shoot her!" Camille shouted, still hunched over from the painful blow, "don't hesitate for my sake and just shoot her."
"You heard the women," Jack exclaimed. "Fire!"
Shot after shot was fired, the gun's reload was slow but the damage was efficient if the bullets could land. However, they never reached. For every shell that flung forward, Jasmine either dodged diligently or deflected with her knife. The entire time she kept pushing forward and never losing her momentum, definitely making the two boys feel the pressure.
"I told you I was a terrible shot!" Michael shouted, panic starting to settle in.
"Don't say that out loud fool, not in the face of the enemy!" Jack hissed, putting his weapon away. "She's getting too close for shots, we'll have to manage hand to weapon, but don't let her cut you."
The first swipe was quick and clean, he managed to lean back just in time for it to barely pass over his nose. Without delay, he fixed his posture and lunged two clean punches twice, which were both well blocked. Michael, who seemed to trust his shooting skill better than his ability to punch, grip trembling on his weapon as he struggled to keep his aim.
"Why are you still pointing that thing fool," Jack snarled, "don't hit me dammit!"
"I'm trying not to! I-" Micheal was cut off as he backed up when the two started getting closer, "I can't fight."
"Obviously not."
"Eye's on me boys."
Jasmine seemed to have found this the perfect opportunity to shift from defense to offense. She was fast and swift, slim and speedy, while also moving at a blinding pace. It was hard trying to keep up with her moves, and he almost got cut more times than he was willing to admit.
A swipe for his ribs.
A jab at his shoulder.
A slash at his neck.
Even pathetic attempts for his knees.
Wherever there was skin she was aiming for it, cutting and hacking and stabbing as much as she could. The worst part was he couldn't run the risk of getting cut even once, there was a high chance that her knife was as equally drenched in strychnine as her blade was. Paralyzed first, then a horrible reality that would await him.
Two more missed bullets and he was about ready to lose his mind.
"Dammit Michael if you can't help then just stay out the way!" Jack had about enough of this rascal's reckless play. Officer for nine months and this is how he caves under pressure.
"These are your finest officers, auntie?" Jasmine asked, licking her lips in a mocking demeanor. "One's a terrible fighter and the other's a cowardly shot. It's not fun trying to kill them when there's no actual thrill to it."
"Terrible fighter please," Jack spat on the ground, "I've won medals before, all you've done is shown your face once then ran away. Why don't you lose the weapon and face me head-on since your's so cocky."
Jack will admit, at the time his emotions did get the better of him. He was not often fond of any insults to his fighting skills and techniques, considering how much time he spent trying his best to improve them, so he took smack-talk a little personally.
Without any regard for his safety, he practically threw himself at her, stumbling embarrassingly when he missed. He was wide open, back facing the enemy, and balance too off to turn around and defend himself. He was sure he was a goner just then and tensed when expecting a painful and deadly stab to the spine.
So he was quite surprised when the blow never came. After realizing his life was not in danger he was able to quickly fix himself and turn around. Even though she hadn't cut him the sight before he left him paralyzed.
Michaels weapon was dropped to the floor, and the poor boy's neck was lodged between an arm and a knife pressed tightly against it. behind him stood the devil herself, smiling at the way everyone in the room grew still.
"Have we all calmed down?" She asked, not receiving a response. "Good, now then, let's get back to business shall we?"
-
"I must admit," Jones sighed, slipping on his medical gloves, "rummaging through a dead man's belongings is chipping away at my morals more than I had expected it to."
"You've kicked bodies before Jones," Samantha answered monotonily, slipping on a pair of her own gloves, "he may be deceased but he is still our suspect. Our work would have been for nothing if we were to just leave like this."
She started by opening the drawers in his office, rummaging around for important files and documents. "I've already sent a messenger hawk to inform the Efflore police department of the current events, they'll be here within a few minutes with a medical crew that can properly transfer the body."
Jones whistled, "You actually contacted the EPD, and after we just killed one of their own? I admire your confidence."
She momentarily stopped rummaging but didn't turn around to face him, "There was no other option. That man owned property that belonged directly to the Efflorian estate, not only that but the EPD is much closer to our location than the APD. There will obviously be tension between us and the other officers, so that's why I want us to gather as much info as possible before they kick us out."
She continued, "And we didn't kill than man Jones, that heart attack was beyond our control."
Not saying anything in return Jones continued to stare at his partner's back, seeing the way she hunched over with what he could imagine a sour expression on her face. The outcome of tonight will definitely add to the history of bad blood between the Aparians and the Efflorians, with her in the center of it.
He could practically hear the rumors. How apparently a high-class Aparian baker was killed at the hands of an Efflorian criminal, so to get revenge the APD sent two of their officers to take out their suspect in the middle of the night.
"It's not too late..."
Samantha turned to give her partner a confused look.
Jones, serious expression and everything leaned back and stared at her dead in the eyes. "It's not too late to walk away. We could leave right now, put some ice on that old man's bruises, and disappear. Make it look like he died in his sleep or something, it's possible."
Samantha gave him a pitiful smile, probably thinking he was joking, "You know we can't do that Jones, that's not fair. He died in our hands, we have to take responsibility for that."
"Says who?"
"Says the law! That man had a little girl in his household who witnessed everything that just happened. Are you saying we should take her out too? Then what? Even if we take her with us we can't just abandon her at someone's doorstep and continue with our lives."
Jones looked at the door that connected to the other side of the room, where he was more than confident the little girl herself was pressed up against listening in on their conversation.
He smiled playfully, approaching the door itself, "We could adopt her, just the two of us. Use the department's funds to raise her, steal a little cash, then go rogue as soon as someone finds out. I'm sure we can manage."
Samatha made a sound that was close to a laugh but similar to a choke, the random words catching even her off guard. "It's official, that is the dumbest thing to have ever come out of your mouth."
"I for one believe it's rather a smart idea, a necessary sacrifice all in the endeavor of preventing a war. And I'm sure the little runt would agree too."
With that being said he grabbed the doorknob and swung it open all in one fell swoop. The girl stumbled back in surprise, holding what appeared to be a key in her hands and a teddy bear in the other. She looked scared to have been caught in the act, but didn't make any move to run away. Jones leaned down to reach her height, hands rested on bent knees.
"The names Daphne right?" He asked carefully. For a moment she didn't seem to want to respond, so instead she just nodded her head."How would you like to live with us instead? Would be better than putting you in the system wouldn't it?"
Daphne didn't say anything but instead stared at her feet which were pressed together.
"Ignore him, little one," Samantha called over her shoulder, "if you actually listen to that man you might find yourself becoming more feeble-minded."
"Speak for yourself," he shouted back at her before facing the little girl again. This time the item in her hands is what caught his attention. "What's that you got sweetheart, you wanna give it to me?"
Daphne nodded, pressing the key into his empty palm.
"A key huh?" Jones asked, staring at the item in confusion. "Where does it lead to? Do you know?" She nodded. "Can you take me there?"
Without saying a word she grabbed his hand and suddenly turned around, taking him out of the room.
"You might want to come with Sally."
Finnaly Samatha turned fully, a little puzzled as to what was going on, before rolling her eyes and following the duo. After some time walking they were making their way down a hallway, walls covered in pictures and paintings neither of them paid any attention to.
Halfway down Daphne stopped to point at a large painting of what appeared to be some women dressed in light green clothing and doused in a magical light. The length of the painting nearly reached the ceiling and floor, and both were surprised as to how they didn't seem to see it beforehand.
Both officers looked at each other and nodded, standing on each side of the painting and lifting it carefully, placing it gently on the floor. Behind the painting was a gray wall with a different paint job than the rest of the house. In it there was a keyhole slot.
"A secret passage?" Samantha quipped, looking down at Daphne, "however did you know of such a place?"
The little girl turned away shyly, clinging onto the back of Samatha's clothing.
"Perhapes a room that leads to somewhere else," Jones offered, "or maybe an underground tunnel that will take us to somewhere else within the house."
Samantha sighed and shrugged her shoulders, "Only one way to find out."
With that being said Jones inserted the key and twisted it. For a second nothing happened until the sound of gear mechanics shifting was heard. Later on, the wall started to sink deeper and move to the side slowly, revealing just what it was hiding.
What they found on the other side shocked them both, and made them question the reality of their situation.
"Whoa," gasped Jones, dumbstruck, before a smile of excitement and thrill etched on his face. "It's.....diabolical!"