Captain Howin was walking through the streets of School Town, he saw the people putting up decorations as if it was Halloween. It was only a week away from the day of remembrance but the festival leading up to it was called Summer Horrors. He reached the main gate to the school in the town and waited for the princess to come out. The bell rang indicating the end of the day and the girls inside immediately sprinted out. They were all done with school till next fall and couldn't wait to explore the shops that opened early for the festival.
The captain soon spotted Princess Zhen as she walked elegantly towards him. "Your majesty," he greeted.
"Captain, I'm surprised to see you here. I thought my mother wouldn't let you leave the capital." stated Princess Zhen. Her blonde hair was pulled to the back as red and blonde strands weaved across the top of her head. Her red eyes looked at him with confidence and determination as her face was stern and happy.
"Her majesty actually requested me to make sure I have everything for my new station next semester." replied Captain Howin as he looked at the guards who approached them.
"You'll be here?" asked Princess Zhen as they began to walk towards the northern gate.
"And there, mostly here hopefully, your majesty." said Captain Howin, he felt someone staring at him and turned to see no one was looking.
"Have you heard anything about him?" asked Princess Zhen, she knew the captain wasn't involved but could hear more than what she was told.
"The last thing I heard was he was going from town to town murdering people like he did in the capital earlier this year. He's inconsistent, we thought we could catch him before he flees but that seems impossible. I've heard some of the guards ambushed a place that they thought was his next target only to catch the ones he might have killed." said Captain Howin.
"What happened to them?" asked Princess Zhen.
"They couldn't get them to talk and the next day they were dead. Cut across their throats by a sword." stated Captain Howin, he looked and saw the princess's face go pale. "Just be glad he hasn't come after you and your mother, your majesty."
"Why do you say that?" asked Princess Zhen.
"Because if I were a serial killer with the same power that Zhōng has, I would have killed those responsible for ruining my life." answered Captain Howin. They reached the north gate where a carriage waited for them and Princess Zhen hopped in. "Your mother wants you back before the last day of the festival. Tell her that I'm going to stay a little longer than planned." said Captain Howin.
"And if she asks why," said Princess Zhen as she got comfy.
"Before getting you, I was informed of something that I need to check out." answered Captain Howin. Princess Zhen nodded and the carriage left heading towards the capital.
Captain Howin walked deeper into town and turned into one of the alleys. There were guards posted blocking anyone through as five bodies laid out most of the narrow street. "Captain, thank you for staying back." greeted a soldier.
"What do we got?" asked Captain Howin as he looked down on one of the bodies to see fear expressed on its face.
"Five boys, all from the same job occupation." replied the soldier.
"The black market?" questioned Captain Howin.
"Formerly part of but yes, we can't confirm if this is the Fallen Prince's doing since he should be somewhere west from here." said the soldier as they looked at another body.
"He has a fast horse, that report is a month old meaning he could be here." stated Captain Howin, he felt a presence and looked around the alley. The soldier gulped as he looked at his companions and saw them shake as much as him. "Leave me alone for a while." ordered Captain Howin when he noticed their actions.
"But captain, if he's here," began the soldier.
"I don't think I need to repeat myself," growled Captain Howin. The soldier nodded and he and the others quickly ran out. Captain Howin sighed, he couldn't understand why they were afraid of nothing harmful to them. "You can come out, her majesty doesn't want me to hunt you." he said.
"But I'm valuable enough to gain you favor in her eyes." stated Zhōng as he came around the corner and out of the shadows. He removed his cowl and revealed the tattoo on his right forehead. The symbol glowed blue as it meant in their language 'Fallen Prince'.
"Now I see why my men say you looked more terrifying with that." complimented Captain Howin.
"Is there a reason why you're disobeying my last command to you?" asked Zhōng, he was in no mood to talk.
"I much rather arrest you in the act than a meeting." stated Captain Howin. "Is this your doing or did you just arrive here?" he asked.
"I've been here for a week but these five weren't on my list." answered Zhōng as he rummaged through their dead bodies.
"So who did this if it wasn't you?" asked Captain Howin.
Zhōng looked at the slashes on a body, they were deep and long but were thicker than a sword's blade. "These were killed with a scythe, there's only one person I knew that carried such a weapon. His codename was the Reaper." he answered.