Maximus:
Cheers were heard around the ring as two women went against each other, blow for blow.
Of course, what was the usefulness of being a hunter if there was no entertainment, killing and bloodshed?
It was why we thrived. The rage. The energy. The adrenaline pumping as you fought or flew. The desire to kill your opponent.
One of these women had signed up for death and I took a seat at the top of the amphitheater, watching as both women fought in the caged ring.
The first fighter caught my attention. Either it was the sense of familiarity it brought or she was just too good. Too fascinating to watch.
She had a blood red mask on. Her movements were fluid and she avoided the other woman with so much ease. Even when her hair spilled out its hold and covered her face, she still fought with all her might, kicking and wounding her opponent.
Her red hair. It was oddly familiar.
Of course, Cheshire had been on my mind. It had been a week since my father's death and burial but she still dominated my thoughts. The moment we had shared in that second was imprinted into my memory.
"Ohhh!" People yelled as she delivered another blow into the jaw of her opponent, causing her to fly to the other side of the ring.
Her opponent struggled to stand on her feet but she was taken down again and this lady delivered so many blows until she stood up abruptly.
A chant started. "Kill her! Kill her! Kill her!"
I counted to ten, watching as she stood over the almost unconscious lady, breathing heavily.
Then she stretched her hand out, reaching out for her opponent and pushing her to her feet.
Boos were heard in the crowd but she didn't seem to care. She jumped out of the ring, pushing to men who tried to block her way to the side.
My eyes followed her until she walked out of the door.
Immediately, I stood to my feet, pulling off the mask I had on and following after her.
It was dark and chilly outside and I moved towards the alleyway, searching for her. There was something about her that drew me and I didn't stop, walking deeper into the dark alleyway and searching for her.
I froze the moment a cold object was pressed to my neck. A gun.
"Don't fucking move or I'll blow your fucking brains out." She hissed, her voice sending chills down my spine. She sounded as brutal as she fought.
I wasn't afraid of her. I could beat her to a pulp here and now but I followed her instructions because I wanted to know who she was.
"Alright, alright." I raised both of my hands in surrender. "I mean no harm, I promise."
"Turn. Slowly."
I did as she asked. And there she was, glaring at me and looking at me from head to toe.
"Who are you and why the hell are you following me ?"
I shrugged. "I thought you were really good at fighting and I wanted to tell you how amazing it was to watch you draw back when you should have killed the lady in blue."
She checked me out for a few seconds again before looking back up at me. "And how do I trust that you are not here to kill me?"
"I—" I sighed. "Of course, I am a bounty hunter but I am not here to kill you."
She pulled her gun away and I took a good look at her again. She reminded me of the fucking Cheshire. Though her eyes were cerulean blue, it didn't take the semblance away.
"Are you...the Cheshire?"
"Her eyes are fucking green. Why would I look like her?" She replied harshly.
"Right. I'm sorry for asking."
"A very stupid question."
"You're Death Silver." She said again.
"How—"
"You're quite popular now. Heard your father killed his wife and you got him killed?"
"I didn't kill my father." I gritted out. I was just about to explain when I caught sight of four men walking in our direction. The first man I recognised as Henrik.
Fucking bastards. They were here again.
I pulled her by the arm, drawing us into the dark corner as they walked in our direction. She struggled to pull away from me but I held her tight, willing her to keep quiet.
"What the fuck are you trying to do? Rape me?" She hissed, pulling her gun out once again and pointing it at me.
"No. Just...keep quiet. I'll explain later."
And she did, pulling her gun away. Her back was pressed into mine and under this hard persona was a woman with gracious curves and a wonderful body. She smelled like musk and wood.
When she turned, she was nose to nose with me. I could feel her warm breath on me. Her eyes dropped to my lips and I did the same, lingering on them. I imagined moving with impulse and having a taste of her lips. But I knew she was going to send a blow into my guts.
"Who are they?" She croaked out finally, when they got into their cars and drove away. The tension in her voice gave her composure away. I knew she had felt that too. I didn't take it further because I had only one woman in my mind.
Cheshire.
"They are dangerous Kabals, top in the bounty hunting game and I am here on a mission."
"What the fuck are you talking about?" She pulled away and stepped out into the light. "What mission?"
"That's classified information. I can't tell you."
She rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Very well then. Have a good night."
"You didn't tell me your name?"
She stopped. "It's Nemesis."
"Are we ever got to meet again?"
This time, she turned with a smile on her face. "Like the first time, we will again."
She walked away, leaving me in confusion. What did she mean by that? That we had met before?