''It hurts.'' F thought as he looked around. Everything was dark; there was no sound. It was a void.
F felt something cutting into his skin.
''Is that a scalpel?" F wondered as he felt more pain. ''I can't move.''
F struggled as the surgical instruments continued their cutting through flesh with cold precision. F felt the blade cutting through his arm and realized that he was going to lose it.
''MY ARM! NO!'' F screamed as he felt the blade cut through his bones and his arm falling off.
''AAAAAAAAAAAAAA! MY ARM! MY ARM! IT HURTS! NO! WHY? WHY?!'' F screamed until he could taste blood in his mouth.
F's eyes opened and he found himself laying on a bed, his arm still in tact. He looked around the room, only to find it completely empty. He tried to get up but her couldn't move.
''I have to get out of here! I have to get up!'' F thought as he tried to get up.
''Move! Come on, Finley! GET UP! I HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE! I JUST HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE DOOR!'' F screamed and rolled out of his bed. F fell on the floor.
The door opened and K walked inside the room.
''What the hell are you doing on the floor?'' K said and picked F from the floor. He put him back on the bed and tucked him in.
''You should rest, your bones are broken.'' K said and walked towards the window. F struggled to move but he managed to turn towards K.
''Where are my friends?'' F said, his voice raspier than usual.
''Erika is in the other room, she's still unconscious though.'' K said and opened the window.
''What about Mike, Joey and Amy?'' F asked.
K looked out of the window in silence before lighting a cigarette.
''I don't know about your friends.'' K said.
''I want to see my friends!'' F yelled and his throat started bleeding.
''I'll take you to Erika when I'm done with my tasks for the day. You should rest for now, I'll visit you when I'm done.'' K said and put his cigarette out. He closed the window and went over to F.
''Don't drift off just yet. B is outside and wants to talk to you.'' K said.
''You better come later, I need someone to push my wheelchair to Erika's room.'' F said.
''I'll see you in a few hours, F.'' K said and exited the room.
A few moments after K left the room, B entered the room, carrying a few bags of what smelled like food. She pulled a chair next to F's bed and sat down. B opened one of the bags, revealing a burger.
''Doesn't this seem familiar?'' She asked F and offered him the burger.
''You did the same thing around a month ago.'' F said and took a bite out of the burger.
''I did? I don't remember being this close to you back then.'' B said.
''You're acting as if we're actually close, we're not.'' F said and took another bite out of the burger.
''Are you trying to push me away? Is it because you're afraid of something?'' B asked.
F's eyes widened in surprise as he stopped chewing the burger. He looked at B and tried to say something but he choked on the burger and started coughing. After a few seconds, he stopped coughing and looked at B, his eyes now teary.
''I'm afraid of losing my friends, B. I don't have anything else anymore and now I don't even know where they are.'' F said as he felt his eyes tearing up from the thought of losing his friends.
''I know that feeling, F. It reminds me of something that almost made me give up on everything.'' B said and offered a bottle of water to F.
''I don't even know what to do, B. I don't know where to start looking! I don't know what I'd do if they are gone.'' F said as he struggled to open the bottle.
''You won't experience that loss anytime soon, F.'' B said and opened the bottle for him.
''What do you mean by that?'' F asked and took a sip of the water.
''As far as I know your friends are currently undergoing surgery that might save their lives.'' B said.
After hearing those words, F choked on the water and started coughing violently again. He stopped a few seconds later but he looked very concerned about his friends.
''Do you think they will make it?'' F asked.
''I hope they will, they're very important to you after all.'' B said.
''What do you mean by that?'' F asked.
''I'm just worried for you, I guess. I don't want you to hurt yourself or do something worse if your friends don't make it.'' B said and took out some fries.
''You are that worried for me?'' F asked in disbelief.
''You would be surprised by how much I care about you.'' B said and offered F a fry.
''We haven't known each other for that long, why do you care?" F asked and ate the fry.
''You remind me of a friend I lost.'' B said and gave F a fry.
''A friend you lost?'' F asked and ate a fry.
''It happened nine years ago.'' B said and gave F another fry.
''That long ago?'' F asked and ate a fry.
''Yes, it happened a while ago, in the beginning of my second year as an exterminator.'' B said and gave F yet another fry.
''What happened?'' F asked and ate another fry.
''I lost my first squad on a mission. My boss made me go on a few missions alone so I can prove myself capable of leading another squad.'' B said.
''Did you prove yourself?'' F asked.
''I failed miserably and I didn't work with anyone for a while.'' B said.
''What happened next?'' F asked.
''My boss gave me a rookie to look after. She was a bit different from most exterminators, more eccentric and a bit weird, she wasn't liked by the other exterminators.'' B said.
''What about you? Did you like her?'' F asked.
''Of course I did, she was more than a comrade, she was a friend.'' B said.
''What happened when you started working together?'' F asked.
''We killed a few monsters and we almost died a few times.'' B said and laughed.
''And then?'' F asked.
''We got some recognition and we decided to get curse contracts. She got lucky and got a curse imbuement as a curse, she could make anything a cursed object. I got the short end of the stick and got a weak curse. We went on a few more missions and I learned that she liked taking other people's things because she liked trinkets and similar stuff. I remember finding stolen cigarettes, palying cards, necklesses, watches, I think I found nail polish too. I don't remember if anything Sawa had wasn't stolen.'' B said, thinking about her friend.
''How did you lose her?'' F asked.
''She took a hit meant for me and never got up. She always was the type to try to save everyone, especially her friends. That's why she reminds me of you, both of you jump in the way of attacks for those close to you. Hell, you even look similar with your blonde hair and stubborn personalities. '' B said.
''I'm sorry for your loss, B. I can see that you miss her a lot.'' F said.
''You're not wrong, F. I do miss her but it's not as deep as you think it is. I still feel guilty for letting her die but I'm over the fact that she died.'' B said and got up.
''Where are you going?'' F asked.
''I have some work to do, I'll be back to see you tomorrow.'' B said and left the room.
''I couldn't even say goodbye.'' F said as he looked the closed door.
B stepped out of F's room at the hospital, the door closed behind her with a soft click, and she took a moment to adjust to the dimly lit hallway. She walked down the hallway quickly, not bothering to visit Erika. B stepped into the elevator, the doors closing with a soft hum. She pressed the button for the ground floor, and the descent began. B got out of the hospital and got inside of her car. She took a deep breath and started the car.
''Are we going to the cemetery again?'' C asked from the backseat.
''Yes we are. I have someone important to meet there.'' B said.
The car moved fast, so fast in fact that the hospital shrank in the rearview mirror in only a few seconds. The car sped through the city streets until it reached the familiar gates of the cemetery. B parked the car and made her way to a certain gravestone.
''This brings back memories.'' B said as she looked at the gravestone.
''You're always here, I'm sure your head is already full of memories.'' C said.
''This time we're here for a different reason.'' B said.
''About that, you said that we're meeting someone here? Why here?'' C asked.
''It's because she refuses to listen to people unless she's here.'' said a monotone voice.
''I didn't expect you to be sleeping in the graveyard, Isabella.'' B said, looking at the unruly cascade of chestnut brown hair that covered the woman's face.
''I had to show up before you so I can stop you before you start your 3 hour long monologue.'' Izzy said, tying her hair into a messy bun.
''Let's cut to the chase, why are you here?'' C asked.
''I want you to release Tengen.'' Izzy said.
''Not happening.'' B said.
''So he couldn't break out on his own? Well he's a bigger liar than I thought.'' C said.
Izzy's eyes met C's, the tension growing in seconds. After a few moments, Izzy smiled and leaned on a gravestone.
''He's not trying to break out, he's not dumb enough to fight your entire company.'' Izzy said.
''No one can beat that many exterminators at once, it makes sense he's not trying anything.'' C said.
''I know that he can kill all of our men and run away, he just doesn't want to be our enemy. But 500 on one wouldn't be easy for him and afterwards we would be able to beat him while he's injured.'' B said.
''He's not stupid enough to make an enemy out of you, B. Even though I hate your guts, I have to admit that you're strong.'' Izzy said.
''The feeling is mutual, Isabella.'' B said.
''Now piss off, we're not letting Tengen go for no reason.'' C said.
''How about we make a deal then? I give you some info and a curse and you let my boss go, how does it sound?'' Izzy asked.
''What kind of information are you going to give us.'' B asked.
''Info on the White-Clad cult, the same guys responsible for all the anomalies around the city.'' Izzy said.
''What about them?'' C asked.
''They are trying to summon a devil through experimentation with monsters and curses.'' Izzy said.
''A devil? Aren't they a bit too ambitious?'' B asked.
''They're insane, that's what they are.'' C said.
''They are idiots, they think that they can summon a devil and deal with it when the best they had was a demon made in one of their labs.'' Izzy said.
''A real demon would end them in less than 15 minutes.'' B said.
''Is that all the info you have?'' C asked.
''No. I also found out about their cursed masks.'' Izzy said.
''Cursed masks? What do those do?'' B asked.
''They give you the ability to use your curse indefinitely as long as you wear it.'' Izzy said.
''So it's the same as overcoming your curse?'' C asked.
''No, there's a catch.'' B said.
''Ding ding ding, you're right. There is a catch with these cursed masks.'' Izzy said.
''What's the catch?'' C asked.
''You die when you take it off.'' Izzy said, looking at B with a smile.
''I assume the mask does something to trick your curse into giving you power for free, am I close?'' B asked.
''Right on the money as always.'' Izzy said.
''Fine, you've got our attention. But why should we trust the information you're providing?" C asked.
''Because Tengen wants them stopped too. He may be a pain in the ass, but he's not a fan of that kind of chaos, also he's my boss. Plus, I'm not a fan of the White-Clad either. They've caused me enough trouble." Izzy said.
C leaned against a nearby gravestone. ''What do you suggest, B?''
''We verify the information. If it checks out, we might consider releasing Tengen temporarily. But he'll be under strict surveillance, and if he tries anything, I won't hesitate to take him down." B said.
''What if I throw in a free curse for you? I am a curse contractor after all.'' Izzy said and smiled.
''I'll consider it, but the decision ultimately rests with higher-ups. If they agree, we'll proceed with the terms you've mentioned.'' B said.
''Fair enough. Just know that I'm not doing this out of goodwill, I just want Tengen back.'' Izzy said.
''We'll contact you once we've verified the information. Until then, Tengen stays where he is." B said.
With that, B and C turned to leave the cemetery. Izzy watched them go, a calculating look in her eyes.
"You really think we can trust her information?" C asked.
''I don't trust her completely, but if there's a chance she's telling the truth, it could be valuable. We need to find out more about the White-Clad and their plans." B said.
"And what about Tengen?" C asked.
"I don't trust him completely either, that's why I I'll keep a close eye on him. But if there's a chance he can help us against the White-Clad, we might have to make a temporary alliance." B said.
''What about the higher-ups?'' C asked.
''What about them?'' B asked.
''You told Izzy that you will talk to them.'' C said.
''I lied.'' B said.
''Just like you lied about the number of exterminators in our company?'' C asked.
''Yes.'' B said.
B and C continued walking through the cemetery, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of the information they had just received.
''You're not actually considering releasing Tengen, are you?'' C asked.
''I'm considering all options. We need every advantage we can get against the White-Clad. If Tengen has information or abilities that can help us, we can't afford to ignore it.'' B said.
''Speaking of his abilities, what is Tengen's curse?'' C asked.
''Hmm, I can't remember what his curse did exactly, It's been so long since I've worked with him. I believe it was related to sound.'' B said.
''And what if he turns on us?'' C pressed.
''Then I take him down. I won't let sentimentality cloud my judgment. But if there's a chance to use his knowledge and abilities against a common enemy, we should at least explore that possibility.'' B said.
C sighed, clearly not fully convinced but understanding B's perspective. They reached the car, and B unlocked it, getting inside. C sat in the backseat.
''What's our next move, then?'' C asked.
''I'll verify Isabella's information. In the meantime, keep an eye on Tengen and make sure he's not making any moves.'' B instructed.
''And if Izzy's information is false?'' C asked.
''Then I'll deal with her accordingly. But if there's even a shred of truth in what she said, it could change the course of our fight against the White-Clad.'' B said.
B started the car, driving out of the cemetery and back into the city. The car moved through the city, the streets illuminated by the dim glow of streetlights. C looked at the empty streets from the window and opened a can of beer.
''You better not be drinking that now, C. You know I hate it when you spill beer all over the backseat.'' B said.
''Don't worry, I'm being careful this time.'' C said.
''You're never careful.'' B said.
The car stopped in front of the Public Safety Paranormal Threat Extermination Company Building and C got out.
''Alright B, I'm going to get my beer and I'll go to Tengen's cell.'' C said.
''Try not to get drunk, C, I don't want anything bad to happen to you.'' B said.
''Don't worry about me, just go and investigate the White-Clad cult info.'' C said and walked off.
As C walked away, B parked the car and made her way into the building. She headed to the secure room where they kept sensitive information and started digging into the details about the White-Clad cult.
''Alright, let's get to work.'' B said and took her coat off. She put her coat on a coathanger and opened a drawer, taking out a piece of black paper and a knife from it.
''I hate using this method but I don't have time to waste with gathering my detectives.'' B said and grabbed the knife and stabbed it into her palm. B unfolded the black paper on the table and began to make precise cuts and incisions with the bloody knife before folding the paper. As she worked, the paper transformed into a complex origami structure. It was a method she had learned from an old associate who specialized in unconventional information retrieval.
"Veritas." B said, the intricate folds of the paper began to glow with a faint red light. The curse allowed her to access hidden information, secrets that were not easily uncovered through conventional means.
''Let's see what we have here.'' As B delved into the network of information, she sought details about the White-Clad cult, their plans, and any potential weaknesses. The process required focus and concentration, and B was determined to extract every bit of valuable information. Hours passed as B navigated through the encrypted data. The room remained silent, the only sound being the occasional rustle of paper as B manipulated the origami structure. Finally, she uncovered a significant piece of information regarding the cult's activities and their possible hideouts.
''Gotcha.'' B muttered to herself and carefully folded the origami back into a flat piece of black paper and wiped the blood off the knife. She grabbed her coat and headed out of the secure room. As she walked through the dimly lit corridors of the building, B thought about the White-Clad cult and their experiments. The White-Clad cult's plans seemed more dangerous than she initially thought.
''This is worse than I thought.'' B muttered to herself as she walked towards her Divison 0 office. B opened the door and went over to her desk, not even bothering to close the door. B opened her laptop and started looking into her private exterminator files.
''Hmm, let's see who I can send to their location.'' B said and looked through the files.
''This mission requires a careful approach.'' B said and sifted through the files, she considered the skills and capabilities of the exterminators under her command. Each file contained detailed information about their curses, combat abilities, and past missions.
''I can send R there. No, no she's not fit for this mission. Maybe I can send S? No, she's too suicidal for this. K is capable, I can send him there. No, I shouldn't, I need him for more important missions.'' B thought as she looked through the files.
''I think I know who I'll send on this mission.'' B said and smiled.
Meanwhile Tengen sat in his cell, drinking a beer. He finished it he threw the can away in a pile of other cans and stared at C.
''Give me another one, Snowball.'' Tengen said.
''Fuck you.'' C said and threw another can at Tengen, who easily caught it.
''Are you drunk, Snowman? Your aim is getting shittier by the minute.'' Tengen taunted.
''I'm not drunk, just mad at you.'' C said.
''How come? I haven't done anything to you.'' Tengen asked.
''You've caused a lot of trouble for B, and that means trouble for me.'' C replied.
''Ah, come on, Snowball. It's not personal. I just have a tendency to find myself in the middle of chaos.'' Tengen said, taking a sip from the new beer.
''Well, your chaos is affecting my peace, so I'd appreciate it if you could keep it to yourself.'' C grumbled.
''Fair enough. But I gotta say, your boss is quite the character, she's changed a lot since she was my boss. I can see why she's in charge now.'' Tengen said and took another sip of his beer.
''She's not in charge because she's charming. She's in charge because she gets the job done, no matter the cost.'' C said.
''Sounds like my kind of leader. Too bad she wasn't like this back when we worked together.'' Tengen said.
''Don't get any ideas. You're still our prisoner, and I won't hesitate to put you down if you step out of line.'' C said.
''You survived because of B, I can kill you with my bare hands anytime I feel like it.'' Tengen said and finished his beer.
''Do you want to fight?'' C asked in anger.
''Relax, Snowball. I'm just stating facts. No need to get all worked up.'' Tengen chuckled.
''You're pushing your luck, Tengen. One wrong move, and you won't be able to enjoy that beer.'' C warned.
''Speaking of beer, I want some.Give me beer, Snowball.'' Tengen said.
''You've had enough for now. Maybe you should sober up and start giving us some useful information about the White-Clad cult.'' C said.
''Why would I do that? What's in it for me?'' Tengen asked.
''Freedom, maybe. But that depends on the quality of the information you provide.'' C said.
''Freedom, huh? That's a tempting offer, but I need some guarantees. I'm not just going to spill everything without knowing what I'll get in return.'' Tengen said.
''We're not making any promises, Tengen. But if your information is valuable, we might consider giving you a chance.'' C said.
''I'm not going to gamble with my life without some assurance, Snowball. You need me more than I need you.'' Tengen said.
C clenched her fists in frustration but chose not to escalate the situation further. She knew that Tengen was playing mind games, trying to find any leverage she could.
''Fine, enjoy your beer. But don't think we'll let you off the hook easily.'' C said and walked away from Tengen's cell.
Tengen leaned back against the cold concrete wall, smirking to himself. He knew he was in a precarious situation, but he reveled in the chaos he had caused. The White-Clad cult, B, and the entire situation intrigued him. As he continued to sip his beer, Tengen contemplated his next move, knowing that the game had just begun.
Meanwhile, F waited for K to come to his room.
''He's late.'' F said, staring at the ceiling.
After what felt like an eternity, the door to F's room opened, and K walked in. K walked over to the window and opened it before lighting a cigarette.
''You're late.'' F said.
''I had things to do.'' K said.
''I have things to do too, I want to see my friends.'' F said and tried to get up.
''I'll take you to Erika then, don't expect anything from her, she's still unconscious.'' K said.
''I don't care, I just want to see her and make sure she's okay. I already know that the others are safe.'' F said.
K sighed and walked over to F. He helped F sit up and placed a wheelchair beside the bed.
''You can't walk on your own yet, so you'll have to use this for now.'' K said.
''Fine, let's just go.'' F said, frustrated at everything.
K pushed the wheelchair, navigating through the hallways of the hospital. F's mind was filled with thoughts of his friends and the recent events. As they approached Erika's room, F felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
''Here we are. Don't stay too long, she needs rest.'' K said as he opened the door to Erika's room.
F rolled into the room, and there she was, lying on the hospital bed, still and unconscious. F rolled closer to the bed and put his hand on Erika's forehead. As F touched Erika's forehead, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. Despite her unconscious state, seeing her there, breathing steadily, gave him a sense of reassurance. He stayed by her side for a few moments, silently willing her to wake up soon.
''I know you can't hear me but I'm fine with it, you're still alive after all. I'm greatful for it, I'm greatful that you're alive. I'm greatful that the others are alive. I can't thank you enough for doing so much to help me, hell you sacrificed so much in that fight that I can't even imagine how to repay you. You did your best, you did even more than that. Thanks to you we had that guy save us and now we're here, alive. Thank you, Erika, thank you for everything.'' F said, tears coming out of his eyes.
''I'll give you some time alone. Remember, she needs rest, and so do you.'' K said and left the room, closing the door behind him.
K walked towards a window and opened it. K looked out of the window and noticed T standing outside the hospital. T saw K and waved at him. K waved back and not before long, he was down next to T.
''You could have just taken the stairs, my friend.'' T said.
''The window was closer.'' K said and walked towards the nearest bench.
''Sure it was, but you didn't need to jump from it. I would have waited for you to come down.'' T said and sat next to K.
''Did you get the news from B?'' K asked.
''About capturing Tengen?'' T asked.
''Yeah that. I'm pretty sure we won't have to worry about him and his damn faction anymore.'' K said and offered T a cigarette.
''I don't think that his faction will just disappear. They are way too loyal to just abandon him in this situation. I believe we will have to prepare for a fight with them.'' T said and took one of K's cigarettes.
''I suppose you're right. What about the white-clad guys? Did you get any info on them?'' K asked.
''Of course I did. I found a few of them wandering about and I took care of them.'' T said.
''Does B know?'' K asked.
''I haven't told her anything yet, but as far as I'm aware she's still working on finding information about them.'' T said.
''Did you get any info from the guys you captured?'' K asked.
''I found out that they die when they lose their masks.'' T said and showed K a white mask covered in blood.
''Anything else?'' K asked.
''They have artificial demons and they're trying to summon an actual devil. Other than that, I cursed one of their members and now I can use her to gather information but the problem is that she's so weak that if they notice that something is wrong with her our plan is screwed.'' T said.
''I see. Are we going to tell B about it?'' K asked.
''I don't believe she needs to know about our little operation.'' T said.
''It has been a while since we've worked in secret.'' K said and chuckled.
''We really haven't done anything like that in a long while, I'm so excited to do that.'' T said.
''Call me when you need my help with the mission. I'm going to help F get back to his room now.'' K said and got up.
''We'll meet when it's time for work. See you soon, K.'' T said as he watched K walk back inside the hospital.
To be continued