HEADQUARTERS
The DESMOTERION, a maximum-security restraining cell, held individuals ranging from corrupt officials to hardened criminals awaiting transfer to prisons or solitary confinement, depending on the offense. HQ consistently referred to it as an impenetrable force, boasting 24/7 surveillance by humans, bots, security cameras, and advanced software. The facility's barriers made escape impossible, with even the smallest item, like a strand of hair, being detected. Nothing entered or exited undetected, solidifying The DM's reputation as a secure holding facility until inmates were moved to legal prisons. However the DM is incapable of detaining many people at a time, making it a mere temporary holding cell.
"Cell D24M
The infamous wanted marksman, finally captured is confined there, Dylan Crude.
Record of known victims injured: 14
Record of known victims killed: 35
The computerized voice spoke in an audible voice as he flashed his access card for the scan. The titanium cover unveiled itself revealing the room of Dylan Crude. His sharp gaze was as cold as ice, as if irritated at the barrier separating him from steadily shooting a hole into him. Dylan slowly raised his eyes to meet the gaze glaring at him from the outside. He stared back with a neutral demeanor unaware, mostly unbothered of his identity until he finally spoke
"You know what surpises me more than you easily being caught?, his question seemed to have grasped Dylan's attention. His blank expression evident on his face slowly changed to a look of curiosity.
"That you failed to assassinate your current target just like you did three years ago"
Dylan now confirmed that he matched with the spy, he had met three years ago. Three years ago, Aiden was sent on his first mission which was simply a watch and guard one by any cost. Aiden as well as the Agency hadn't calculated that the assassin that would be hired was the infamous Dylan Crude. He rarely allowed himself to work under some else. A large part of his targets were those he had a personal vendetta against. After stalking the target guarded by Aiden, he carefully watched and memorized the target's every movement till an opportunity presented itself. Aiming hit the bullseye on his target, he shot with accurate precision. The bullet had passed through the target's upper chest. Aiden tried to save the victim's life that was at stake while simultaneously taking on the threat that caused this. Dylan made himself known to Aiden and watched him become a human shield trying to protect the victim from another attack by all means. He noticed the resolute gaze in his eyes, determined to protect and stop the threat. Dylan smirked seeing that he had missed the target's heart. Maybe out of pity or pride, he walked away believing the poison to finish the job for him.
A pleased smile spread across his face subtly revealing his admiration. Aiden was quite the opposite following with other questions
"You bear no grudge with her. Tell me then who wants her dead, who sent you Crude?!"
Crude rose to his feet and approached the impregnable glass barrier, his movements suggesting a willingness to comply. Coming face to face with Aiden, a small smirk crept to his face
"So many different questions, yet with one single answer to all"
Aiden had a thoughtful look on his face that piqued a sort of interest in Dylan. His lips hid a subtle smirk noticing that he had an answer that he wanted or rather needed. Though desperation was far from his demeanor, he sought an answer by all means possible. It was certainly the backbone of his visit. Leading the mind to do many unspeakable things being at the mercy of someone. Crude looked up with a sudden serious gaze like he had locked on a target. The tension between them was so intense, that anyone who was with them in the room would've most likely forgotten to breathe
"The unknown defines the boundaries of the known, yet cannot exist without being framed by the known.
What can be done of something known, not to include something unknown to the senses?"
Stepping back from the glass, he made a hand gesture of an explosion. Then turned his back to Aiden waving dismissively.
"Assassins being closet philosophers, fluent in the art of speaking in riddles and dodging direct answers like they dodge bullets.", Aiden shook his head in frustration.
****
Alex was puzzled wondering, why Irene had aimlessly doven into the pool.He had expected to be pushed or tackled, but instead, she slowly surfaced, sending water ripples to the edge. She locked eyes on the unsuspecting target and Irene swam towards him, bent on getting even. She cautiously reached out from the water, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Just as their classmate called out, grasping Alex's attention, Irene seized the opportunity. With his back turned, she swiftly lunged her arm from the water, grabbing his right leg and pulling him in with a splash! Alex quickly surfaced to meet Irene's cracked-up expression.
"Why not take the high road into the pool?", She said mockingly
He threw her a side eye then playfully narrowed his eyes at Irene. She had gotten even with him, there was no reason for her to stay around him again. She dove back into the pool her strokes smooth and effortless, unaware of Alex's next move, which was already unfolding with a devious glint in his eyes. He chased after her as fast as he could, but to his disbelief she effortless out swam him without even trying. He eventually admitted defeat mentally, turning around without a second thought.
She glanced back to check if he continued to keep up with her. A little chuckle which did no help in masking her pride, escaped. Her lips curled to a smirk as she watched him swim away in defeat. The smirk slowly faded into a sullen look. As he swam away, She remembered Irene. The Irene that went through anything to become her present self. If only she understood how to give up when needed. Sighing deeply, she continued to swim with care now. She immersed herself steadily into the pool with the aim of clearing my head.
A few minutes had passed, the students started leaving the pool one by one for their next period. Irene did the same. She dove up to the surface, swimming to the poolside as the others. Not quite a distance had she swum, when a sudden crushing chest pain hit her. She tried to brush it off, but the discomfort spread making every breath a struggle. Despite having taken her medications earlier, the pain persisted.
She instinctively clutched her chest, her fingers grasping for relief as she gasped for air. Her vision began to blur, and she felt herself becoming lightheaded, her body weakening. She tried to maintain her composure, but her distress was evident. Unnoticed by the others, she slowly sank beneath the water's surface.
Janice approached Alex at a corner, who was drying off with a towel. "Hey, where's Irene? I saw you guys together just a minute ago." Alex scanned the area, feeling a growing sense of unease. When he couldn't spot Irene, he followed Janice's gaze to the pool. His heart racing, he sprinted towards the water and dove in, his instincts screaming that something was terribly wrong. Janice was startled by Alex's abrupt action. She only had the intention of teasing Alex about his relationship with Irene, nothing more. Her eyes widened in fear, covering her mouth with her palm horrified. She realized Alex's actions and had finally put two and two together, sharing a bit of his concern. Her mind was blank as she quickly made her way over to the water. The clanks of her heels caught the absolute attention of the remaining classmates. Faces turned towards her with concern, as Janice paced over in a panic. In a rush, one of her delicate heel ripped off causing her immediate stumble, falling on her side. It was definitely a bad idea to change back into heels and attempt to run to the slippery edge. In a flash, Bexley, Maya and Jason appeared by her side with a mix of concern and confusion. The scene immediately drew in many more spectators. Before they could say anything, Janice pointed worriedly to the pool and as if on cue, majestically, Alex popped out of the water carrying an unconscious pale-skinned Irene.
IRENE'S P.O.V
I jolted awake, my eyes snapping open before my brain could process anything. I was instantly flooded by beams of light from the room. But that was not my concern. Again this ominous feeling drove my body faster than my mind could comprehend. I got out of the bed in a rush paying no attention to the voices that attempted to bring me back. I had to make it out of here and get there before, it was too late. I navigated the hallways hastily, bumping into corners in my rush. I pushed open the door frantically preparing myself to stop the worst. Rather, I was hit by the cold breeze of an empty laboratory. The vacant lab sent a shiver down my spine, leaving an unsettling feeling that lingered. The unknown circumstances surrounding the empty space haunted me. Was it just a vivid dream that left me reeling?. As I tried to calm myself, a wave of serenity washed over me combating the persistence of the uncertainty. The eerie silence tormented accompanied by the mental turmoil. The silence was deafening, echoing my deepest doubts. Frantically, scanning the room in a panic, I took a quick breath. The pieces of the puzzle converged as I put together a mental map of the school. Definitely not the laboratory or the office more like somewhere free of people by this time and period. I thought deeper, not the library or lounge either. Upon the realization of the one place that fit detail, I left immediately. I gently pushed open the back door of the main auditorium. No one was there, I quickly made my way to the balcony overseeing the courtyard. Terror filled my eyes as I watched Mr. Neil perilously perched on the edge of the balustrades, suddenly taking a step forward to meet his end.