From the red-stained perspective followed the silent and empty darkness... There's nothing.. Just the void. Guess this is it, huh? Ah wait, this is just a nightmare; I almost forgot. There's a job today, and this is no time to dabble in this nonsense. I abruptly rose from my mattress and stared at a wall as I tried to collect and gather my thoughts about what I had just seen...
"Unusual."
That was all I could think of. I decide not to delve into it any further; dreams and nightmares do not make any sense. Nor would they be relevant anytime soon. So I got out of the mattress and picked up my glasses beside the mattress. One of the lenses had a crack on it, but I'd rather not bother as the optometrist says it is okay.
I left the room I was in to go to the restrooms and freshen up, traversing the empty hallways of white concrete; eventually, I was greeted with the mural of the agency. It spelled out DLTA in a block-ish typeface, with each of the letters being colored in blue and red, surrounded by black outlines.
"District Liberation and Transformation Agency..."
I have been in this organization for over a decade; this year makes it my fifteenth... It feels like forever, and it is. However, it doesn't mean it was by my own choice. DLTA picked me up back when I was only just three years old. It was a difficult time back then; I was just a small girl... but I lived in poverty and was abused as a slave. I was glad when DLTA's head officer did so; sadly, I instantly regretted it right after...
Being buried in my thoughts, I quickly overlooked the time passing by. I had already arrived at the female restroom's entrance, which was on the other side of the building. I immediately entered one of the stalls and did my business before freshening up in the showers consequently after. As I was about to exit the restroom, I caught a glimpse of something as I passed by the mirrors. So, I went up front to the mirror to check.
"My hair's getting longer, it seems... Management might issue a haircut schedule for me later."
I held one of my locks; they were of medium length and pale blonde tone, lying just shyly above my shoulders... It's just like before... When they would abuse me if I refused. The owners will pull these strands of gold if I refuse. I let go of my strands and gently caressed my face...
"These crimson eyes, however... drove everyone away. Despite being in constant abuse, I still think it was better than being this monster DLTA made."
I muttered. My hand falls from my face as I pick up my glasses and wear them back.
"...Nevermind. It's all pointless thinking about my past and current state now. Time for work."
I exited the restroom and went back to my room, where I switched to my suit and tidied up before leaving the room for the second time. I passed by the cleaning supplies closet and grabbed a vacuum cleaner before going down a floor; to the front of the building and unlocking the front doors of the building.
"Well, that's done, time for clean-"
Footsteps were heard back upstairs, and no one was supposed to come to the building at this hour. It might be an intruder; I guess I am cleaning after all. I took off my heels and legged myself up to the 2nd floor again, and I was right... Someone is roaming the 2nd-floor halls. The clacks from their leather shoes echoing throughout the empty hallway made it clear. The source of the clacks grew closer... and it's... in my room? Ah, there's this one person that would always snoop in.
"Sir Jackson."
And swiped his antique colt 45 off of his belt by kicking it off. Unconsciously, I pointed it at him despite Sir Jackson being the second-in-command in the entire hierarchy of DLTA. Mr. Jackson James, or 'JJ' as he insists, Miller is the closest friend of DLTA's commander, Mr. Rafael Jenkins. He is a man with a lean body, and his 'handsomeness,' as most of the female employees might say, is his most defining trait. For me, it's the spiky brown hair and his short facial hair that he shaves from time to time... that or the unusual 'annie mae' shirt prints he wear under his work clothes.
"Oh, my apologies. I believe this belongs to you."
I wiped his gun and handed it back to him, and bowed.
"Still as vigilant and uptight as ever, huh, Aina?"
States Mr. Miller, giving a bit of a shaky tone.
"Apologies."
I replied.
"Ah, loosen up, will you? It's technically your last day in the agency, and you're still like this?"
"You are the second-in-command, Sir. I must give my respects."
Mr. Miller lets out a sigh and places his hand atop my head.
"I'm sure you already cleaned the place; you're always diligent. Let's head for breakfast before the day begins, my treat as usual. I know you would order the cheapest meal on the menu if you order."
I stood up, and Mr. Miller patted my back as we exited the room and made our way out of the building. From my guess, it would most likely be that fast food branch nearby. From that, yes, Mr. Miller always invites me to something; while the variety might not be much, he always considers bringing me along as he says, 'you're like my wife and me in some way... It's as if you're our missing child' and he would always laugh it off.
"How does hash browns for breakfast sound?"
And my memory doesn't fail. I nodded with no hesitation whatsoever, and we walked by the sidewalk as we went to the fast-food branch. Coincidentally, the sun rises a bit earlier this time.
"Ah right, it's daylight savings time. Oh hey, would you look at that, Aina! Your eyes match the sky! Have I ever told you how beautiful your eyes could be at times? It's just too bad you can't stay in the sun for too long so you could let it shine."
"Thank you, Sir; I am not worthy of your compliments, but thank you."
"Don't be such a downer; come on! Let's go! I'll give you my hash brown."
"...These crimson eyes are mostly feared... Yet, some people can appreciate them for some reason, but that is only because they haven't seen what they mean... yet you already saw them, Sir... why do you consider them beautiful?"
"Ah, here you go again, well since you asked... It's because they are, Aina. You'll grow on them if you do what I do and look at them as beautiful."
I just nodded to show that I understand... but hopefully, I will eventually, and that they aren't just the eyes of a monster...
After some minutes, we got to the fast-food branch, and we were greeted with a bit of a commotion. A group of people wearing the same color, white, were making a commotion at the fast food. They are most likely part of one of the gang organizations in this city. In this district specifically, there are three, and they are most likely the white wolves based on their attire. Guess the idea of accepting these eyes could wait until the second part of cleaning is over.
"Hey, guys, what seems to be the problem?"
Sir Jackson confronts the group.
"Stay out of this old man; we're just taking what's due from staying in our territory."
Exclaimed the biggest person in the group.
"Your territory? Well, alright then, please show your papers first before initiating collection."
"Oh, you're trying to be smug now, huh? Maybe I will show my papers after shoving them down your throat!"
The massive man charged at Sir Jackson, but I immediately intervened and threw a low counterpunch at him as he set, causing the massive man to be caught in the momentum of the force and fall.
"DLTA, cease your act of extortion."
Everyone fell silent, even the one running the fast-food chain being extorted and Sir Jackson himself.
"S-Sorry! (Guys keep your heads down, this is the crimson-eyed cleaner of DLTA.) Please spare us."
One member of the once opposing group was now on their knees, begging for mercy as they also relayed their information to the other members. The rest immediately followed suit, as one would not expect. I then repeated myself.
"Please cease your act of-"
"W-WE WILL!"
The gang members shakingly exclaimed and just dragged their fallen member as they fled.
"Well, all's well in the end... Now... *ahem* let's get some breakfast."
I nodded once again and went into the establishment with Sir Jackson.
"G-Good Morning and Welcome, Sir and Madame, p-please do come in."
The two of us sat down at a table, and Sir Jackson ordered for the both of us. Sir Jackson then looked me in the eye and said seriously.
"Not one word to Jenkins. Not one word."
This serious face was then broken into laughter as he patted my back and praised me for what I did. Honestly, that's just bad humor. Who laughs at violence.
After our breakfast, it was already broad daylight. We finished, but I kept poking the tomatoes on my plate; I did not like them.
"Oi, don't play with your food. I thought they told you that. Anyways, since this is your last day in the agency... Have you thought of your future, Aina?"
"Sorry, I haven't... I would most likely sign another contract in DLTA."
"But I thought you hated it..."
"Please do not get me wrong, Sir Jackson. I'm not too fond of it; I do not wish to hurt anyone anymore... But honestly... It's all I was ever good for."
"..."
"Ah, my apologies again; I let my thoughts slip out."
"...No, no, it's alright.. Well, think about it, you have the entire day or less. We both know they will give you one last job."
"Understood."
The two of us went back to the building, and I went back to my room to get some equipment — my gun — but as I was rummaging through my things... I saw an envelope, and it was from Sir Jackson.
It reads as follows:
"Hey, Aina, Happy Birthday. I want to throw you a party, and I know surprise parties won't be any good as you would see it coming from a mile away. So, instead, I gave you my present to you right now—an adoption letter— I know you may have nowhere to go after this day... but I wanted you to know that there's always a place in my family. I may have or may not have talked it over to my wife, but hey, we could work that out, can't we? I want your crimson eyes, pale blonde hair, and most importantly, to find a place in my family. If you wish to, meet me after your last job this day. Anyways, Happy 17th Birthday Aina."
As I read this letter, I didn't notice that a tear ran down my face.
"Could this be... My crimson eyes that bring fear... has a place?..."
I ripped a piece of the letter and placed it back in its envelope, then stored it in my suit's inner pocket and held up the torn part of the letter.
It reads:
"I want your crimson eyes, pale blonde hair, and, most importantly, you to find a place."
"...Thank you."