3 years ago // 2017...
I pulled a knife from my waistband and threw at the wall, stopping the man dead in his tracks.
"I knew you would be here…" I uttered, sitting on the hood of a car. "…Ethan Takahashi."
"Kana… " The man growled.
"Are you trying to give this old man a heart attack ?" He exclaimed.
"Wassaup, Pops !" I grinned.
"You could've hit me !"
"Oh come on… Y'know I'll never stab that already messed up face."
"Now that's just rude. Show your old man some respect, ungrateful child. Why are you here ? Do you need something ?"
"Oh, you know… Just a gun, a metal bat for Erika and a sniper rifle for Magnus."
"Oh. My. God. Don't tell me you're gonna assassinate someone !"
"No, no, no. Pops." I giggled. "We're gonna visit Peter Alder's gang. The one with 46 members, including Alders. They stole Jiji and Baba's safe about an hour or two ago. I'm gonna take it back."
"Killing t-the whole gang…? Not just one person ?" Ethan frowned. "YES ! The more the merrier !"
"Wrong again, Pops." I sighed.
"Oh."
"I'm doin' this in a more civilised manner. We're only gonna kill the people who executed the heist. And then force Alders to return the safe. Besides… You know how I feel about killin' people. I doubt everyone in the gang knew about the theft. I only kill people who deserves it… Not innocent people."
"Do you have any tissues ?" Ethan sniffled.
"Are you cryin' ? Why are you cryin' ?"
"It just seems like yesterday when you were so little and reckless… S-sorry… A-allergies…"
"You are wearin' a mask and sunglasses. How do you get allergies." I uttered.
"SHIT HAPPENS, OKAY ? Oh my God- I need a minute."
"Can I tell Maggie and Erika that their father is cryin' again ?"
"No !" My stepfather shouted. "Alright, I'm good. Before you go…"
"Yeah ?"
"Come and give this old man a hug."
"How about no ?" I snorted.
"Katana."
"Fine…" I rolled my eyes and jumped off the car, letting Ethan hug me.
"Stay safe, alright ? Don't be reckless."
"Mmkay." I mumbled. "Can I get tattoo when I come back ?"
"No ! You are sixteen !" He pushed me away. "It is illegal in the state of Oklahoma for a minor to get a tattoo."
"Pops. You're a leader of a gang. You sound stupid."
"Let's discuss this with Bryson. He is experienced with tattoos."
"You mean it ?" I beamed.
"Of course. Anything for my daughter."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you ! I'll make you proud, Pops !"
He looked at me with a weird expression.
"Pops ?"
"Kana… I have never met your father…" He said softly while ruffling my hair. "But I know you lived in his shadow for most of your childhood."
"Can we not talk about this ?" I whispered. "I'm still not ready to remember.."
"I know, child. I know. I know this is reopening the wounds you stitched when you were younger. But this is important. At least hear me out, yeah ? You are free to walk out if it gets too overwhelming."
"…Okay."
"He had you in his clutches. Literally. He raised you reluctantly, and wanted you to live up his sick expectations. But I just wanted to let you know… I am nothing like your father. Don't worry bout making me proud. Because you being here, still standing tall after everything you've been through; confident and determined…Is already enough to make me proud. Do you understand ?"
"Yeah." I smiled. "Thank you."
"Good. Now, off you go ! Kick some ass for this old man !"
"Oh, trust me. I will." I giggled. "Bye Pops."
"Kana, how many times have I told you to clean after yourself ? You left your knife !"
"Sorry ! And can you tell your men drop off the rifle near to Alder's hideout ? I can't carry all the weapons myself." I called out.
"Of course." Ethan sighed.
[Kana]
Maybe I should have though this through instead of jumpin' off a three story building grippin' a bat and a dagger like a fuckin' idiot.
Even if I made it to the ground safely, it would be dumb if I accidentally stabbed myself to hit my head with this bat.
Ethan and Jiji and Baba would be cryin' at my funeral while Erika and Magnus laugh their ass off.
Oh my God, I can actually imagine that.
Nope… Definitely don't want that to happen.
Hmmm…
Oh, who am I kiddin' ?
I'm Kana Koroshi Kurokage.
I won't die, not like this, at least.
Why, hello, ground !
I did a somersault and landed on the ground with my dagger stabbed into the wall for leverage.
"Hah…That… Was crazy fun ! I feel like visitin' Alders will be even more excitin' though…"
Yeah… We're gonna have lots of fun.
Slaughtering everyone…
[Kana]
Wait. I remember you.
You…you were the voice that disappeared when I started livin' on the streets…
Why are you-
No, I won't listen…
[Voice]
But you will.
It's been a while since we've talked, hasn't it, Kana ?
And FYI, I didn't disappear.
Since you turned 16, you've had to resist the urge to kill innocents, am I right ?
Guess what… that urge ?
That was me !
You won't be able to fight me anymore, Kana.
Soon…very soon indeed, you'll snap-
[Kana]
No. I won't.
I made a vow to myself.
Only guilty people deserve to die.
I won't let another innocent people, like my mother, die so unfairly.
GET. OUT.
I need to get it together.
Don't let a stupid childhood nightmare get in the way of an important mission.
"I wonder if Erika and Magnus made it yet ?" I mumbled aloud while tucking my dagger away.
"What am I thinkin' ? They'll probably arrive 20 minutes late."
Sigh
"Around 30 miles to go."
Outside Peter Alder's hideout...
I knocked a guard out cold with my bat.
Another guard took out her gun but I locked her neck with my bat.
"Ah, ah, ah... No shootin'. I don't want your friends to know I'm here. Wait ! I know ! It can be our little secret !" I pressed the bat against her neck and broke her bones.
"Now I see why Erika has an obsession with baseball bats. Pretty neat weapon. Ah shit. I forgot... Magnus's rifle should be here somewhere. Those two are gonna be late again, huh?"
I saw Magnus and a man standing on top of the roof.
"Yo Maggie ! What's up !" I hooted.
They slid off the roof with a rope secured on their waist.
"...I thought you weren't planning on killing a lot of people today."
"You're late." I grumbled. "And why is Tobias here ? Where is Erika ?"
"I feel unwanted." Tobias muttered.
"She went to Jiji and Baba's house after meeting with her girlfriend. She seemed tired so I let her sleep. AND ARE THEY DEAD ????!!!" He pointed at the two bodies next to me.
"Oh my God, don't shout, you idiot. Calm down, you almost popped my eardrum. They're only unconscious, okay ? Heh. Actually the dude with a bleeding head might have a concussion..."
Magnus scowled at me.
"Anyway... What were you so busy with, Maggie ? Or should I say... Who ?"
"Uh... I was with Tobias and the others ?" Magnus coughed.
"Tobias ?" I arched my brow, amused.
"Negative. He was with Nicholas."
"***YOU SON OF A-***"
"You already know what's comin'. Heh heh... Maggie and Nicholas, sittin' on a tree-"
"K-I-S-S-I-N-G !" Tobias finished, making smooching sounds.
"Why do you two enjoy bullying me ?" Magnus shouted, a faint blush creeping on his cheek.
"We just like teasing your grumpy ass, shorty." Tobias snickered and draped his arm on Magnus's shoulders.
"I am not short."
"Uh-huh. You're short." I grinned.
"***I SWEAR TO GOD, YOU BITCH I WILL KILL YOU IN YOUR SLEEP. MARK MY WORDS AND SLEEP WITH ONE EYE OPEN-***"
"Shorty, don't call your sister a bitch." Tobias frowned. "She is so, so nice ! Hell, if I am straight and single, I would date her in a heartbeat ! Your boyfriend is a lucky pal, girlie !"
"Heh, love you too !" I blew him a kiss.
"You have clearly never seen her when someone steals her chocolate." Magnus muttered.
"You immature hot-headed piece of shit. Shut the fuck up." I retorted. "And you and I both know I can beat you hand-to-hand combat even in my sleep."
"And who said I can't use weapons ?"
"Stop actin' like you have a cactus up your ass." I sighed. "Here, I have somethin' to make you feel better. Catch." I threw him the rifle.
"Nice... I can work with this." He grinned.
"Did you... Did you ask dad for this ?"
"Yes."
"Thanks."
"You're... You're welcome, Maggie." I smiled. "I still don't understand why Tobias is here, though ?"
"I feel useless." Tobias sobbed dramatically.
"Tobias. You know what I mean. Erika is our tech and bomb specialist... I wanted her to... Oh never mind, I forgot you and Erika are both specialised in the same group. Sorry."
"It's alright. Are we gonna blow the whole place up ?"
"No. We're only killin' guilty people, remember ? Besides, they deserve a quick death like that. So... much more. Uh, why are you lookin' at me like that, Tobias ?"
"Nothing."
"Come on, let's go." I beckoned them.
I climbed inside the hideout through the window.
"Wow." I murmured. "What. A. Party."
There was really loud thumping music, making me covering my ears.
Everyone was fooling around with a few people either making out, dancing somewhere, drinking or just talking.
Some drunk person was stumbling around, waving their arms like a maniac.
I see... 42 members.
How am I supposed to find the ones responsible for stealin' Jiji and Baba's safe ?
"Hm... don't think I've ever seen a pretty face like yours before...". A blue haired man smirked at me. "What a cutie like you doing here ? You new, or something ?"
Gross.
"Yeah, I'm new. What is everyone celebrating for ?"
"'Cause 4 of our people stole a safe with 5 million cash in it."
"Wow ! Is that so ? Can you tell me who those four are ?"
"Mmmmm, anything for you, babe. Them."
He pointed to four people who were standing in the centre of the room.
Huh...
Three of them were female and one of them was male.
One of the women have pale skin and green hair.
Another one had tan skin and black hair.
The remaining girl had blonde hair, which reminds me of hay.
The man was very dark, and had orange hair.
There you are...
"You want me to hold that bat for you, babes ? " He pointed at my baseball bat. "It looks awfully heavy to a girlie like you."
"It's all good."
"Wait, is that blood-"
Three loud shots could be heard in the room, and three dead bodies laid on the floor.
Sigh
"That was pathetically easy." I snorted, blowing smoke on the tip of my gun.
"Come on, you guys. I made it so obvious that I'm an intruder, with a metal bat covered in blood and all... Never knew the Alder's gang was so confident when it came to defence... Or should I say, stupid ?"
"What the hell is wrong with you ?" The blue haired man grabbed my neck, making me drop the gun. "You better explain yourself before I snap that pretty neck of yours, bitch."
"This your first time chokin' someone ?" I asked. "Well, dear. I'm glad to be your first."
"You think I'm in the mood for a joke ?"
"You certainly look like one." I winked.
"What are you waiting for ? Kill her already !" Someone shouted.
"You hear that princess ? Time to die." He laughed.
"You can try." I shrugged.
A red spot appeared on his forehead.
"But none of you will make it out alive."
"What the hell are you talking ab-"
His head exploded, blood splattering on my face.
I can literally taste the blood.
"Ugh. Gross." I pushed the dead body away from me.
"*MMMMAAAAAAAGGGGNUSSSSSS !*" I screamed at the top of my lungs, knowing he could hear me through the ear piece. "***WHY DID YOU SHOT HIM WHEN HE WAS NEXT TO ME ? YOU FUCKIN' IDIOT, I HAVE BLOOD ALL OVER MY FACE NOW ! DIS-GUS-TANG !!!!!!!***"
"Aw ! Your little sister is screaming !" Tobias chuckled.
"All I can hear is a bitch screaming her head off." Magnus yawned. "My mission is done here, adios. Not my fault if you die, Koroshi.
I took off the ear piece and threw it on the floor, "Thank you for nothin' you little fuck head." I muttered.
I turned to the shocked gang members. "In case you are wondering, I am Kana Koroshi from the Takahashi Gang. I wouldn't mind if one of you tried to kill me. But Magnus Takahashi won't hesitate to shoot you. Just like this dead guy. Got that ? So get ready to cooperate."
I walked to the blond girl, who was trembling in fear. "There's a reason why I left you alive. You are goin' to lead me to Alders... And give me my grandparents's safe back."
"Well, what are you waitin' for ? Hurry up, or you're next."
"T-this...way..."
"That's more like it." I grinned.
[Voice]
Kill them all...
Deserve to die...
[Kana]
What ?
No, Kana.
You're just hallucinating.
I took a deep breath and followed the girl.
When I walked past the gang members, I heard them whispering among themselves.
"Takahashi Gang, right ?"
"Oh my God... She's Akimi Kurokage's daughter ? And working for Takahashi ? Oh my God... If the rumours are true..."
"This is priceless... Priceless !"
What ?
How do they know my mother ?
[Voice]
Kill them...
[Kana]
N-no I can't...
[Voice]
You said you only kill innocents ?
But if you think of it... They're part of the gang...
That makes them guilty, does it not ?
[Kana]
N-
[Voice]
Kill them.
KILL. THEM. ALL.
Huh ?
My hands...
My legs...
My whole body...
I'm not transparent...
Solid.
Finally.
It's been too long.
"I just wanted to thank you." I smiled at the gang members who were whispering.
"For what ? You just barge in here, and kill four of our-"
"To be fair, I don't think Kana killed that blue haired freak lying on the floor." I stated.
"Still, you killed part of our gang ! You're weak, Koroshi. The only reason you aren't dead is because the sniper on the roof !"
"All I was doing was thanking you, jeez !" I laughed. "And I don't need a sniper to make it out here."
"***THANKING ME FOR WHAT, YOU SICK PSYCHO ?***"
"For mentioning her mother !" I beamed.
"It's kinda stupid, but she gets vulnerable when she starts remembering her... It made her mental state weaker, and I was able to control it, just a bit ! As a gift... How about a quick, painless death ?"
I didn't let her reply and kicked her in the face, making her flying off the window.
I pulled out the gun Kana had and shot the other one between her eyes, my trademark kill.
"I like the sound this makes." I grinned.
BANG !
"This tingly feeling..." I murmured as I stared at my palm which had smoke coming out. "Is this what... what mortals called pain ? It feels... It feels so nice to have have sensation."
"How the hell did you catch a fucking bullet-" I shot him between the eyes.
"Blood is such a lovely colour..." I swooned. "Certainly lights up this dark place ! This place will look even more amazing with more blood ! Show me more !" I giggled.
"Kill her ! She's too dangerous !" Someone shouted.
A guy ran towards me with his gun aimed at my face.
I ducked before he could get a shot and shot him in the stomach first, leaving him screaming in pain before I shot his forehead, ending his life.
Without turning back, I kicked a man in the head, making his skull crack.
"Slow." I uttered. "You're all too slow ! Is that all you can do ? Come on... It took nearly years for me to come out, only for you guys to nearly bore me to death ? Sigh"
I walked to one of the gang members and pointed to my face, "Hit me. Hardly, please."
"You think you can just walk away from this like it's nothing ?" He shouted while punching me in the face. I heard his knuckles crack.
"Whether you like it or not, you're going to pay- Why are you blushing ?" He stared at me in disbelief.
"Because... it felt nice when you punched me... Why don't you punch me harder...?"
"Shut the hell up !" He screamed and threw a punch at me but I dodged it, making the punch land right to his friend.
I shot them both and sighed, "Thank you... For letting me have such a fun time... What a lovely party..."
I stood up and blushed, "I want to see more... ***I want to see more blood splattered on this dirty floor.***"
"W-why did you keep me alive ?" the blonde girl stammered.
"I can sense other people here... I'm guessing it's your leader... Peter Alders, was it ? I want to have more fun."
"W-who the hell said I will help you ?" She put on a brave face. "W-who said I was scared of a little bitch like you ?"
She ran towards me like an angry bull.
"Sigh. What a shame."
I plunged the knife into her abdomen.
"Y-you... I-"
"What did you say ?" I gripped her shoulders, staring into her eyes.
"Not afraid of a little bitch like me ? Funny how I hear you stutter just now... And I can smell your fear... A revolting smell. An odour only the weak wear. You know what I hate more than Kana's stupid thoughts on killing ? Liars. Disgusting liars like you !"
I pulled out the knife from her stomach and stabbed her again, this time wiggling the blade inside, making sure she could feel the agonising pain.
"And now, I'll kill you. You will die as someone who spat out absolute bullshit until the end. As a liar. What a pathetic death. I hope you have a fun time burning in the flames of Hell."
I released her and she fell to the floor, blood seeping out.
Ah...
It smells so nice.
It is so pretty...
Pathetic how mortals die unbelievably fast...
"You came for the safe, right ?" A bloody hand shot up among the pile of dead bodies and grabbed the hem of my jeans
Yes, Kana's disgusting choice of clothes.
Sigh
"Please, we'll never bother you or Takahashi's gang anymore... Just spare our lives, please..."
"Hm...No." I smiled. I shot her between the eyes.
"Pathetic."
"Why would you kill everyone here ?" A little girl's voice rang behind me. "Why leave me alive ? And why are your eyes white ? It look so damn creepy !"
...She can see that ?
It must means she is strong-minded, unlike those other mortals.
"Curious, aren't you ?" I smirked. "What is your name ?"
"I believe it is impolite to ignore a question directed to you."
"A-alice."
"Alice... What a lovely name. Now, tell me. How old are you ?" I asked, observing the pile of bodies in front of me.
It looks like art.
My masterpiece.
"Fifteen."
"So, you're a year younger than Kana. I see..."
"Why do you talk to yourself in third person ?"
"Third- Ah. I guess you have it a little confused. Let's just say, I'm not Kana. Although you may not understand, that is the answer to your third and fourth question. Unlike you, I don't have a name. You can call me Voice. That's what Kana calls me. I do not have an age. I don't have my own physical body, either. I have been sleeping for a long time, Alice.
Everyone here was weak. They could not defend themselves as I attacked. They scrambled away like rats. Cowardly hid. Pathetically begged me to save their lives. Lied that they were not afraid. I heavily despise the weak, and liars even more so. I have observed during my long sleep. I realised the weak do not belong in this world. I can tell you are mentally strong, honest. It is very rare for a mortal to have these traits. Especially like a child, like yourself. For that, you have my utmost respect."
BANG !
I caught the bullet effortlessly, and turned around, grinning.
A girl looking identical to Alice was holding a gun, smoke blewing from the revolter.
"Oh. You're Alice's older sister. You two look very alike. You're in your... 20s, I'm guessing."
I stuck the point of my dagger under her chin, "What's the whole point shooting me ? Was it some kind of pitiful attempt of revenge for your dead parents lying in front of you ? If you want to avenge those pests you call your parents, at least stop showing the obvious fear in your eyes. You're pathetic. Weak. Disgusting. Perhaps you want to join your parents ?"
"N-no..."
I clicked my tongue thoughtfully, "Y'know what ? Nah. I'm not gonna kill you. I'll let you both live."
"Don't think I'm doing you a favour, though ! I just think it is more excruciating to live than to die ! Living with the grief of your dead, loved ones ! Thinking to yourself how it could've changed ! It's pathetic- Pathetic !" I doubled over in laughter, gasping for air.
"Too pathetic." I rolled my eyes. "Cherrio." I gave them a two finger salute.
"Oh... This is the safe Kana wanted ?" I lifted the safe up and heaved it on my shoulders. "I guess I'll take it with me, I owe her this fantastic time ! Don't miss me too much ! Hah ha ha ha !"