Prologue
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- Pant! Pant! Pant! – I was heavily breathing. The rain getting into my eyes. Barely making out the shadows of people around me. There was only one thing on my mind.
- “Have I lost them?”
Still, there was no time to relax. They could be only hiding.
Damn! I almost slipped on the pavement. I cannot stop here. The delivery must be done before the midnight, or else it all goes to nothing.
Run! It's just a little further!
Run!
…
- “All right”- I though as I have reached the meeting spot. - “Now to hide inside the waste container... That reminds me, got to change the getup.”
I quickly switched the clothes I wore when working with the 'casual' ones. Not as comfortable, but my sis had once said this kind suits me a lot. With that being said I had no choice, right?
…
After what felt like an eternity I checked the hour on a watch I stole last month. It was child's play, the guy didn't even notice it when I 'accidentally' bumped into him and my hands relieved his hand from the precious gadget...
Coming back to reality I paid more attention to my surroundings. It was ten minutes before the appointed time, my employer should be arriving soon. I wouldn't normally do that kind of a dangerous job, but the bastard had me within his grasp.
The place I was in was the most generic trash container, with me inside. Well even though I didn't mind the smell, my sister sure does and so I had to pick the plastic container. So I don't smell too much after it.
My container was simple green metal box with top lid having three holes for all kinds of waste. Next to it were other green containers, and while mine had the word 'PLASTIC' painted on it, others had things like 'GENERAL WASTE', 'GLASS' and 'METAL' on them for people to not mix it up.
The blocks of flats around me were pretty similar. All dull, all plainly painted in either grey or light green or pink colour. With a lot of dark, quiet windows gazing outside, reflecting what little stars were visible on the sky above. The area was still wet from the rain that fell here twenty minutes ago. From the three tunnels leading towards the main street coiling around this area like a snake came the sound of cars speeding through the streets.
The area I was in didn't have much. Just some waste containers, five lamps with only three giving any decent light, doors leading inside staircases... Good meeting place just like any other. If you want to remain anonymous, at least.
With a sight I recollected my employer's outlook. Typical black suit with a purple shirt underneath, matching black gloves and boots. Vest had purple outlines, matching his shirt. No other real outstanding features. At least if we focus on his clothing.
Overall he was a little taller then me with slightly distinguishable belly. Brown hair, clean shaved. Wearing light glasses. Not standing out much. But that is where the normalities end. His green eyes had that cold, sharp glow in them. He also acted as a person who knows what he wants and will stop at nothing to get it. Mouth's corners were curved up a little. No emotions showed during the employment. It probably wasn't necessary.
As I was still remembering his features, the sound of footsteps coming from one of the tunnel. From the sound of it there was more then one person. I strained my ears, unknowingly tensing up. When I heard some laugher, I relaxed. That sounded like some drunkards laughing, definitely not the calculating tiger.
With a sigh, I finally looked inside the bag. Inside was a gun with four empty now magazines, clothes I used for breaking in. And the item of thievery.
There was no time to look at it properly. Just a quick gaze to confirm it matched the descrip`tion. 'A small orb with swirling liquid inside. Changing colours quickly. Emits faint light.' - 'Now that I think of it, it's kind of pretty...'
Just then the orb seemed to emit strange pulse, as if sending a radio signal in every direction possible. However this one was feelable. - 'What the heck...' - before I could finish the though, I heard footsteps indicating someone was coming through another tunnel. This time it was more orderly.
- 'There's also nobody talking...' - the thought went through my head, as I hastily put the orb back into the bag. Then I waited a bit. It could be very much my employer.
Soon enough I heard some hushed voices and loud answer from the drunkards. - Heyo, boya
- 'Damnit! Those crazy fucking bastards! They actually killed people!' - I screamed in my head, as I peeked out from the container. There I saw about thirteen men, one of which I recognized at the first glance. Hatred sprouting in my eyes, as I watched the man who hired me standing on the back lightning a cigarette, looking away from six dead bodies lying on the paving. Blood seeking out little by little. Soon enough it covered a big enough area to become a serious issue.
The man seeing this said something in a hushed voice, most likely upset that soldiers accompanying him didn't move to clean up by now. Yes, there were soldiers there. Armed with AK-47 each, visible grenades at the belt. Clothing in the moro pattern, however in the shades of grey. Silhouettes like the men straight out of some action movie, with straight posture.
I noticed some reluctance in their movements, as if they didn't really want to follow this man's orders. - 'I pity those men.'
Six of them picked up bodies, one each. At the same time four of them readied their guns and stood in a square formation, them being the edges and facing outwards. I felt blood flowing away from my face as I thought one of them saw me. Even if he did, there were no signs of it, as he continued to monitor the area.
As six bodies were being carried, two that were left took out something from their bosoms and sprayed it on the blood. Afterwards one of them flicked the match, igniting it and threw on the blood. It immediately went up in flames.
By now I imagine there was no one watching the happenings, fearing for their lives. Nothing to blame them for. As if they wanted to risk their lives to see how some soldiers take care of dead bodies...
The fire died out, and only slight burn mark left on the paving telling that something had happened here. I shivered.
- 'What could this thing be that people resort to the killing?' - I thought, instinctively looking at the bag containing the object of interest for the businessman. - 'No, a killer' – I reminded myself, breaking my gaze free from the bag and concentrating on the employer.
Meanwhile he looked at the watch, and the guards assumed a hexagon formation around him. That reminded me of the time. 23:54. Six minutes until the appointed time. I breathed in and out to calm myself. There's still time to think it through.
- 'Let's see, we have a businessman who stops at nothing to get what he wants, and a strange sphere which seems more then there is to it' – the thoughts started to sort the information I had so far. - 'Also, this thing was guarded inside a house which was almost like a military base. It's a miracle for this crazy plan to succeed, however I am almost sure there is something weird going on. Like I was being led by something...' - the more I thought of it, the more I started to believe I was right. As if something, or even someone, wanted me to have it. And it's not about the bastard. I knew there was something fishy going on. Only, it was outside my grasp.
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As I was thinking, the six that went with the bodies returned. With bloodstains on their uniforms, they looked imposing. My heart quivered a little at the thought that they would find me here hiding. The fear came back. I gazed at the bag. Inside was a gun I was used to, and it had one whole magazine equipped already.
I felt what kind of person was my employer, and that he won't let me live. Definitely. Hence I steeled my resolve, and made a little rustle as to bring their attention.
- It's me, don't shoot – I informed them, as the brought up guns lowered a little and one of the soldiers looked at the businessman, who muttered something.
- Show yourself, hands up! - the captain, as I have deducted, shouted back. Not that I didn't expect it. Giving one last sigh, I slowly made my way outside the container.
Putting my hands up, insides visible, I stood there. In a little stinky clothes, with a well-worn bag over my shoulder. And a resolute glare, as I was ready for death by then. There was no way they wouldn't find me eventually.
The businessman however looked at me, and after a moment he signalled the men around to lower their weapons. Well they did. At least the ones aimed at me.
- Do you have it? - he asked this simple question right off the bat. I took a closer look at his face. And that was when I finally noticed his wider-then-usual eyes, showcasing his excitement over the matter. However I wasn't so stupid to just play into his game.
- You have to give her back to me first. As it was in the agreement – I replied. - And it was you yourself who said that businessmen uphold to every agreement they sign, don't try to lie your way out now.
The man was seemingly struck, and for a moment I thought I saw his face distorting as if he stepped into a dog shit. However it want back to his usual poker-face so quickly that I wasn't sure. He glared at me coldly, almost with hatred, as he signalled one of the men with lowered gun to go somewhere. The subordinate only nodded and quickly disappeared.
The sound of his footsteps quickly faded, and after a short while it was back. Slightly louder, as if he carried something. - 'Or rather someone.'
Finally the horror will end soon. I was delighted at the thought. Nothing to do with this damned man. No need to be at the end of my wits only to satisfy him. Finally, the last job. Or rather, I would be delighted. If not for me dying, there would be absolutely no problem.
Although there was a slight chance to get away, I didn't want to cling to a strand of hope only to end up dead, as everything goes down. However right now I didn't think of it nay further.
For I have finally seen my sister, being carried by the soldier. I couldn't take it, and ran to her, only her face visible to me. The man carrying her looked at me, but I didn't pay attention to it. She meant the whole world to me.
I took her from the soldier's arms and knelt down, as I hugged her tightly. Tears dripping down from my eyes, I cried. I cried like I didn't dare for the past two years.
Joy. Delight. Sadness. Pain. Rage. Happiness. Love. Hatred. All those feelings swell up inside of me. I trembled.
- I have lived up to my end of the deal. Now it's your turn – I heard the man's voice, which somehow trembled as well. I knew what that meant. I wiped my tears and looked at him. Bloodshot eyes, a little droll started to make it's way down the mouth's side. - 'Disgusting' – I thought.
However no matter how hideous the man looked like now, I knew I had no choice. That was when a desperate plan came to my mind.
I picked up the only person left in this disgusting world with one arm, as the other looked through the bag. - 'There, I found it' – I thought, as I squeezed the sphere. Putting on a straight face, I looked the man in the eye. - There it is, catch it.
After I said it, the sphere flew out of my hand. However the light, previously dim, right now was overpowering. It was as if sun came down from the high sky and showed itself before us. However I had no time for things like those. Hell, if not for the fact that I was actually turning away and throwing it at the man having his location fresh in my mind, the plan would definitely fall short with me being blind.
It was because right after the throw I hastily picked up my sister and made a run for it. I had no idea how long I would be escaping, the only thing on my mind was to escape from here ASAP. I saw how they dealt with the drunkards. I also saw the fixation on the thing I was tasked to deliver.
- 'It's my... no, our only chance to survive!' - I yelled at myself in my mind, as I ran with her in my arms. Then it came.
It was when I reached the tunnel entrance when the gunshots were heard. - 'Those bastards actually started shooting blind!' - my alarms went off. Immediately I dashed to the side, moments later hearing worrying buzz passing through the place I ran through earlier much faster then I could dodge. Shivers went down my spine, but I could not stop.
- Stop shooting you imbeciles, you might hurt me! - I heard the shout behind me. I sped up. It was a miracle. I thanked god as I was making my way through the tunnel.
- 'Half. Quarter. One met...' - before me was the exit. One metre between me and the nearest corner. I only felt a dull thump! as some object reached me, along with some angry shout coming from behind me.
- ...ot!... ...ill hi... ...p...er... - the world started to lose it's colours. Everything went monochrome. Yellow street lamp turned white. Red bricks turned grey. I opened my eyes wide. - 'No! No! I can't die yet! I was so close...!' - my mind screamed. I had no strength to move. I felt nothing. Even my eyes were turning slower and slower.
In my last attempt I desperately looked at my sister. She was still in my arms. I carried her all the way. Her skin turning into whiter and whiter shade of pale. Previously beautiful brown hair turned black. Hey eyes, now barely open and previously blue, turned white. I saw her confused gaze, for she was asleep until now. Probably drugged. Not that I had time for the thoughts like these.
She only needed a moment to recognize the situation she... we were both in. Tears formed in her eyes. It was finally when they started making their way down, when the only thought surfaced in my mind.
- 'It can't end like this! It can't! I STILL HAVE TO PROTECT HER!' - my mind screamed, as the world blackened. My vision more and more narrow. More and more blurry.
But it was her face that left sharp, as if something wasn't letting me let go of her.
My mind screamed, however soon enough I was only able to scream one word.
- 'No! No! NOOOOOOOOOOO!'