3: Zero

Zero adjusts his sleek black earphones with a practiced motion, ensuring they fit snugly in his ears. The soft glow of the city lights reflects off his eyes as he activates his playlist. The faint melody blends with the ambiance of the bustling city and the pitter-patter of raindrops.

For Zero, the music serves as a rhythmic pulse that guides his movements and sharpens his focus. Each note is a reminder of his purpose—the conductor of a symphony. A performance the audience only gets to witness once before they fall.

As he moves with silent grace through the rain-soaked streets, Zero's senses are heightened; his awareness is tuned to the highest pitch. His blade rests on his waist, ready to be unsheathed at a moment's notice.

The music pulses softly in his ears. Its hypnotic rhythm propels him forward through the labyrinthine alleyways and dark corners of the city. Each note seemingly cut through the shadows themselves.

To those who cross his path, Zero is nothing—a void presence that slips through the night unseen and unheard. And soon they will feel nothing as their hearts meet the cutting edge of his blade. But beneath the void lies a storm of intensity, a relentless drive to complete his mission with ruthless efficiency. For Zero, the music is more than just a melody—it is a lifeline, a connection to his innermost self and the world around him.

As the rain continues falling and the city pulses with life, Zero disappears into the darkness. The music trails behind him like a whisper in the wind. In the world of shadows and secrets, he alone embodies silent strength, a force to be reckoned with, and a legend in the making.

***

"So..." Vincent trails off with a glass of Margarita in hand, "how did you kill Lemire?" He extends his wine glass to Zero, one hand holding his blade.

Vincent's casual demeanor belies the gravity of his question. Silence commands the room as Zero uneasily gazes at his reflection in Vincent’s glass. The mastermind darts his eyes around, searching for any hint of emotion beneath Zero’s mask of stoicism.

Zero's hand remains steady on the hilt of his katana. His expression remains unreadable as he meets Vincent's stare with frost. Faint strains of music play softly in his ears—a steady rhythm that grounds him in the moment.

"I didn't," Zero replies. "Lemire's death was not my doing."

Vincent flashes his iconic grin, gushing with amusement as he sips his expensive beverage. He can feel a delightful sweetness running through, accompanied by a bit of saltiness, and welcoming bitterness. Oh, and how can he forget lime juice? Vincent mumbles in joy as its strong citrus flavor caresses his tongue.

"Ah, but rumors say otherwise, my friend," Vincent stands up from his chair, still feeling the hint of sourness on his lips, as he leans closer to Zero's right ear. "They say you're the best in the business, that no one can match your skill with a blade," he whispers.

Zero's jaw tightens slightly. A flicker of irritation crosses his features before he regains his composure.

"Rumors are just that—rumors," Zero sits down on a lavish leather chair—Vincent's. "I deal in facts, not speculation."

Vincent settles on the opposite chair, swirling his cocktail thoughtfully as he studies Zero with renewed interest.

"Okay. Fair enough," Vincent concedes, taking a sip. "But one thing's for sure—you and I, we're cut from the same cloth. And in this world, only the strongest survive."

The implication hangs heavy in the air, lingering between them like a foul odor. But that much cannot faze Zero.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Indeed," Zero agrees. Vincent's words are a quiet reminder of the unspoken truth that binds them together in this deadly game. "Only the strongest survive."

"But your insistence begs the question: do you know who Lemire was?" Vincent rests his head on one hand.

Zero's gaze escapes Vincent's as he considers the question. The name resonates in the air, reminding him of a past Zero thought he had left behind.

"Lemire was... an old acquaintance," Zero replies evenly, not looking at Vincent. "Nothing more."

Vincent nods, playing with his drink as he absorbs Zero's response.

"An acquaintance indeed," Vincent smiles. "But acquaintances have a way of leaving a mark, don't they? A legacy that lingers long after they're gone. Ya get me?"

Zero's jaw tightens imperceptibly, a flicker of emotion crossing his features before he regains his composure.

"Some legacies are best left in the past..." Zero mutters.

Vincent raises an eyebrow.

"Perhaps," Vincent shrugs. "But the past has a way of catching up with us, friend... No matter how hard we try."

"To?"

"To outrun it."

The weight of those words hangs heavy in the air—a reminder of the ghosts that haunt them both. But Zero remains stoic, meeting Vincent's gaze directly.

"In this world," Zero states, "there are no second chances. Only the choices we make. And the consequences that follow."

Vincent does not agree with Zero's sentiment fully, because so far the consequences have not caught up to him, yet. But he reluctantly nods in acknowledgment, raising his glass in a toast to their unspoken bond. And as the night wears on, echoes of the past linger in the air, like an unwanted, orphan child.

***

Document Lemire. Mysterious target. NOT killed by Zero.

Name: Lemire (Surname Unknown)

Alias: None

Age: Unknown

Height: Approx. 6'0" - 6'2" [unconfirmed]

Build: Unknown

Appearance: Unknown

Occupation: Unknown

Background:

Little is known about Lemire, save for the fact that he was a target of interest in the criminal underworld.

Contrary to speculation and rumors, there is no evidence to suggest that Lemire was killed by Zero or anyone else. His fate remains unsolved, leaving operatives puzzled as they attempt to unravel the enigma surrounding his disappearance.

Known Associates:

Lemire's connections and associates, if any, are unknown. He operated discreetly, leaving behind few traces of his activities and affiliations. Despite extensive investigations, law enforcement agencies have been unable to uncover any significant leads or connections that might shed light on his background.

Special Notes:

Lemire's sudden disappearance has sparked speculation and intrigue within the criminal underworld, with various theories circulating about his possible whereabouts and fate. Some believe he went into hiding to evade capture or assassination, while others speculate that he may have been targeted by rival factions, or betrayed by his own allies.

Despite the lack of evidence, Lemire's name continues to crop up in conversations among criminals and law enforcement alike, a testament to the enduring legacy that he left behind.

Law enforcement agencies remain vigilant, keeping an eye out for any signs of Lemire's reappearance or any new developments that might shed light on his true identity and motivations.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, rumors persist within the criminal underworld that Lemire is deceased. These rumors, fueled by speculation and hearsay, have only added to the mystery surrounding his disappearance.

However, it is important to note that rumors are often unreliable and can be based on misinformation or deliberate attempts to sow confusion. Until credible evidence surfaces to confirm Lemire's fate, his status remains uncertain.

End of File.