The smell of sweet and savory pastries filled the air, the aroma of these goods could make any grown man, no matter how hardened, drool. Tables and stools were neatly scattered around, creating a simple and modest sight for all would be customers. Behind a large, hefty counter, there was an equally large curtain. And behind that: a kitchen.
A large man wearing a large chef's hat and apron swung down a meaty cleaver, cold murder in his eyes.
THUNK.
Blood sprayed all around the man's face, creating a horrifying image. Without wiping, the man swung down again and delivered the final blow. He turned around, wiping the crimson off his face with his apron. Before him, a girl with golden blonde hair and verdant green eyes glared at him. They locked eyes, lightning sparking from them.
The man grunted, raising the cleaver and swinging it down...then gently handed it to the girl.
An impassive expression, Veronica took the cleaver. The man stood aside, letting her past. She stood behind the mutilated mesh of blood and guts in front of her, raising the cleaver and smashing it down. Then she slid the minced meat into a tray and placed the tray into an oven.
The large man grunted approvingly, using his apron to wipe off the blood on her face. He picked up the cleaver and brought it over to what looked like a sink, washing the blood off of it and himself. He looked at Veronica, prompting her to wash herself as well.
A little while later, the two sat outside in the dining area, a beautiful and delicious pie in front of them. Not sparing it another thought, Veronica dug in, devouring the pie as the man watched. Patiently, he waited for her to finish and after she did, he put both his hands on the table.
Veronica stared at the man for a second, gulping down the last remnants of the pie. "I'm doing good" she answered the man's silent question. "The new project is forcing me to go away for a while, so I don't know when I'll be able to return".
The man gazed silently at her.
"Yeah, I know, I'll look after myself".
He let out a satisfied huff, standing up to take Veronica's plate. Patiently, Veronica waited as the man left with the plate, shortly coming back after washing it. Then, again, he placed his hands on the table.
"The new training project forces me to be in a squad with three others. We are training under ex general Duncan Callahan".
The man tilted his head, eyes falling to almost imperceivable marks on her arm.
Veronica's eyes cast downwards to the side. "I got these scratches from a creature. One of my team mates who seems to know a bit said it was a 'Siren'".
The man's features became a shade darker. Veronica sighed, face a light glower. "Its fine...Michael Dreshet is also one of my team mates...I don't like him, but he's strong. Duncan was watching and killed the Siren".
The man tilted his head again.
"My other team mates are two randoms. One kid named Alice Kleia and a nobody named Shane Fletcher".
Microscopic curve on his lips, the man got up and went behind the curtain. This time, he brought with him a rugged bag. With a grunt, he handed the backpack to her. Curtly nodding, Veronica took the backpack. She stood up from her seat, wiping the remnants of the pie from her face.
Walking to the door, she turned back one last time, eyes glistening with veiled emotion. "Thanks for everything, Jerome".
She opened the door, stepping outside. Eyes downcast, Veronica's arm trembled a little. She looked around, the alley where Jerome's Bakery was located was the same as always: damp, dark and smelling of waste. Rats skittered around, looking for scraps of food.
An invisible tension weighed down in the air. Veronica looked upward at the sky, watching as exotic avian creatures soared. The Tear loomed above, ominously glowing. With a grunt, she walked onwards, deeper into the alleyway.
. ..
When she was far enough away from the bakery, she placed her backpack to the side and stood straight. With a sigh, she cracked her neck and stretched a little. Fierce ferocity igniting in her eyes, Veronica clenched her knuckles. "Come out, you cowards".
From the maze of alleyways behind her, seven figures emerged.
"Fuckin irony! The Arxian is calling us cowards!"
"Mangy dog!"
"Careful guys, she bites"
They cackled like hyenas, circling their prey. Veronica stood, silently watching as they surrounded her. She looked upwards, the Tear luminesced tauntingly. Sighing, Veronica tensed her body, muscles taught like a spring. In one quick motion, she dashed towards the closest guy and unloaded her arm on to him. A deafening crack resounded all around the alley, with it the shouting of others. A melody of meat and flesh echoed around, complimented by vocals of agony.
. . .
As Veronica finished with the manyful morons, more figures emerged from the alleys. She grimaced, looking above. Sitting leisurely was a tall boy with curly black hair and piercing indigo eyes. He smiled menacingly from the rooftop, enjoying a nice slice of pie.