25th April 19xx
5 MORE DAYS
----------------------------------------
I open my eyes.
A pair of blue eyes greets me back. It took me a little while to get what I was staring at. A black cat sits on my chest, staring intently at me.
"...What?"
The cat remains silent.
Instead, almost as if noticing my irritation, the cat decided to move away from my body, elegantly jumping to the floor and walking slowly to another room. each step accompanied by the jingle of its collar, before it fades away and eventually stopping altogether.
I glance at my wristwatch; The time was 3 P.M.
Looking around I found myself in an unfamiliar place. A living room with an office-like atmosphere, a messy one, with bottles of liquor all over the place, books, papers, documents, all stacked in numerous parts of the room.
Where am I?
I tried to move but a heavy sense of weight enveloped my body. As if my whole body is submerged in a thick liquid.
Quite the heavy hangover... I thought to myself. It was a first for me to have it this bad after a night drinking.
lazily, I slump back onto the sofa where I lay, placing my hand on my head. However, as I did, I felt a soft yet slightly rough texture—something different from hair. There was a bandage wrapped around my head.
A gauze?
Before I could further touch the bandage, someone spoke.
"Oh hey! You're up."
I looked back to see a black-haired girl with a ponytail holding a cup in her hand. Despite her haggard appearance, her demeanor exuded energy. She's quite tall, more than the average man. who is she?
As she approached, my nose caught a whiff of something distinct, the combined scents of alcohol and perfume wafted from her, a familiar fragrance...
It was the bartender.
"Was just about to wake you up. here, some water. That'll get ya sober up."
Summoning all my strength, I managed to force myself to stand, eventually raising my hand to take the glass of water. It required a tremendous effort, and witnessing my struggle, the bartender chuckled.
I pay it no mind and instead asks her. "There's something on my head."
"Well yeah, yesterday ya fell and slam your head against the floor after all..." She rubbed her head slightly as if it was a weird question to ask.
"I... Hit my head?"
"Not before suddenly standing up and walking around the place with a stupid expression, that is! Gave a few customers quite the heebie jeebies." She exclaimed. "T'was quite the show, I tell ya, kuhahaha!" She laughs in the most unfeminine ways possible.
Pressing her head against the wall as she leaned, she grabbed an open can of beer from a table beside her. "Well, jokes aside. It was actually bleeding pretty badly, was about to call the ambulance but since ya still breathing and all, I figured a lil stitch and some gauze and bandage would get the job done."
"... "
It would have been too late to call the ambulance if I had already stopped breathing.
I looked at the used gauze and cloth with a bowl of red muddied water at the table. It was a mess. But still, I guess that explains why I feel so weak.
"Thanks, Rebecca."
"Don't mention it, you've been a regular since the opening day. Still though... I'm surprised ya looked fine and dandy. Figured after waking up, you're gonna complain that yer head hurts or something."
"...My head hurts."
-----
After about 2 more hours of resting, I excuse myself and made my way downstairs... Although before I could take a step outside the room, Rebecca ensured she handed me the receipt from last night's drinking.
'Be sure to pay it back next time you come here!' She said, with a wide stupid grin on her face.
I waved her goodbye and slowly headed downstairs.
A sudden feeling of uneasiness began to creep over me as I descended. With each step I took, the sense of dread grew.
By the time I stood in front of the door to the street, chills rolled down my spine. These feelings are all too familiar at this point. I don't even have to guess who was waiting for me outside this bar.
"....."
image [https://i.imgur.com/53VObmxl.jpg]
I opened the door and as expected... Kai was there. Standing beside the light pole, a tall slender girl holding a black suit and wearing a collared white shirt with long black hair that touches her waist, looking at me with a fake smile and eyes void of emotion. Even if I can't see her face, I can always feel the piercing gaze of hers.
"...How long?" I asked.
"Since last night."
This girl...
"I thought I told you to go home already. Why follow me?"
"It's not up to you to decide." She says bluntly.
I sighed. "Whatever, let's go. We got a new case to solve."
"Hm? What kind? Boss still hasn't informed me yet."
"It hasn't happened yet, dumbass."
"Oh..."
'It's that kind of case, huh?' I can practically hear her say that in her mind.
"Say, what happened to your head? It looks kind of rough."
"Got into an accident last night... Don't worry about it. The bartender already stitched it up."
"..."
I could sense her uncertainty, likely questioning why a bartender would stitch someone's head and end it there without calling for an ambulance. I would be too but Rebecca just happens to have a background in patching up wounds. She used to be an army medic a few years ago. Don't know why she stopped. Don't wanna ask about it either. Everyone has old wounds they don't want to reopen.
"Anyway, I'm going to start."
"Alright."
While we walked, I focused on steadying my breath, closing my eyes to shut out the world around me and concentrate. I started my examination. Recalling the future memory that was given to me yesterday.
First objective... Find out when and where it happened.
I reexamine the vision of a murder that was shown yesterday.
It started at night time, while I was in an alley of some sort, most likely downtown. Details were scarce. Hell, if it wasn't for the moonlight, I wouldn't be able to see a thing. Wait... That's it. The moon. It was full moon at the time, a truly beautiful one... Oh, just remembering the sight fuels me with immense pleasure. I can still see it clearly in my mind. Feel it. Smell it... The sensation as I mutilate that gir-
—Slap
My examination was put to an abrupt end.
"Huh?"
My right cheek stings. I checked beside me and saw Kai with her hand slightly raised.
"Be careful there." Kai says with a wide smile.
I lost control for a moment. Strange, I usually have better control over it...
"Thanks..."
"No biggie." She casually replied.
I try to concentrate once more.
The moon.
It was a full moon back when it happened. But... Something is wrong, I could've sworn I saw numerous eyes on that moon...
"Kai, yesterday night. Did you happen to see the moon?"
"Hm? Yes, I did. Frankly, waiting for you all night outside that bar bored me to death, so I can't help staring at the night sky. Why?"
"It's not a full moon, is it?"
"Well, it's close I suppose?"
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
"It seems that it was a full moon at the time of the murder, when do you reckon that the full moon would occur?"
"It's pretty close to a true full moon, so... 4 days I think?"
"4 days huh..." It was quite the tight deadline. Just my luck... 4 days before a full moon. I asks her again "Say, this might be a bit of a weird question but do you feel something strange about the moon at the time?"
She paused for a bit.
"Now that I think about it, looking at it I can't help but feel like it's the first time I found the moon to be quite beautiful."
"....."
Beautiful.
Well, that's that.
Now... Clue on the victim.
I once again focus my mind on the shape and details of my victim. She was running away, but it seems to be a trouble for her. what was she like?
A girl. Her stature is quite short; I'd say she's about 150ish cm in height. Her dress, a lavish looking black dress, it exudes sophistication. She has a slender figure, and her face is clean and smooth without any blemishes whatsoever. She seems to take good care of herself too. Skin is pale white, almost porcelain-like. Her hair is pale blonde and long, it reaches almost to her knees. Eyes are emerald green. A noble perhaps? or someone from a prestigious family. I could not determine her age but she's definitely a foreigner.
Hm... Is that all? I feel like there's something I'm still missing... It feels like my head is still in disarray. My head injury might be worse than I originally thought.
After this, I should probably go to the hospital after all.
For now, I told Kai to document the girl's description and put it on the organization database.
------
We stopped in front of a café near a phone booth, while Kai contacted the White Raven, I decided to head inside. It was a decently cozy place. The fancy interiors of the café exudes an old bictorian charm, they even had the classic grandfather clock near the cash register but it doesn't stop there. I notice a girl with a classic French maid looking outfit staring at her phone, it was probably the waitress.
I glanced around the menu, up behind the cashier, and then approached her.
"Excuse me. can I get a box of doughnuts and a coffee? Black."
"Oh okay, sweetie! Is it for a takeaway?"
"...Yes."
'Don't call me that .' I almost blurted out, but to strangers, I do look like a kid. It's faster to just let it be. Though it certainly doesn't help improve my already shitty mood.
"Alright, please wait for a moment."
I stand in wait for my orders to arrive. Considering that Kai had waited outside all night long yesterday, she must've been quite tired... I figured I should at least give her something so she could get through the rest of the day. Though, I had to wonder who ordered her to keep watch on me. Must've been the higher-up. Ever since the incident last year, they must've started to realize something's up with me, I can't tell anyone about my connection with them... No o-
"Little Charlotte café. Heard this place sells good doughnuts." Someone spoke behind me.
"That so? Guess I got something good to look forward to today after all." I casually replied back.
"The name's Harley. You know... you're quite popular as of late with the fellow dogs. all I hear all day is gossip about an edgy brat that claims they're a zombie or something."
Dogs...The C.A?
"Zombie huh? Well... it's nice to know I'm so famous that I got some fans but ones from the C.A? Guess it can't be helped that I'm that charming."
He chuckled "Famous? No, I'm sorry. I guess the way I spoke made it seem that way. Yours is more of a notoriety I'm afraid."
"....."
"Oh, I do apologize. Be assured, of all the White Raven Personnel Profiles I read, I do find you somewhat less of a freak than the rest of them." He raised his glasses with his finger while he look at me with a sharp gaze. "But... Then again, you know what they say right? Shit or dirt, they'd still be stains on your shirt."
Silence. For the both of us. The wall clock continues ticking. It feels like the sound is getting louder and louder with every moment passing...
"Tch... "
Irritated, I turned back to meet them face to face. He's a slightly tall than average, bulky-looking man with dark skin, who had a small incision at the left side of his neck. A bright white hat and a black coat, he wears round red sunglasses. Everything about him screams flashy and flamboyant. A glance at him and you'd think he's some sort of famous celebrity or a rock star. Despite the getup however, I could tell just from a glance that he is a man that has real experience on the battlefield.
A mercenary.
Thick forearms and countless scars around his body. He's used to heavy work. He acts as laid back as he can but he can't hide his true nature from me. His whole demeanor reminds me of a wolf in sheep's clothing. If I were to suddenly pull out my gun, he would probably react fast enough to knock me out before I could even point it at him... Not that I want to.
"I don't know if I'm supposed to take that as a compliment or not, but regardless, do you have a point, or is shit-talking all you gonna do?" I glared at him.
Noticing my aggression, the man immediately raises both of his hands slightly. "Oh, heavens no! Picking a fight with the likes of you is way out of my to-do list. I still enjoy my life after all, haha. "
Huh?
The heavy atmosphere instantly vanishes.
"At the moment, I'm simply a courier. Sent to give this to you." he then slowly took out an envelope from his pocket.
The mercenary vibe I sensed from him no longer exists. No sense of confidence nor danger, The heavy aura that the man has from before had completely disappears, what lies before me now is just that... A courier. Nothing more, nothing less.
"...Is that so?" I took the envelope.
An envelope delivered by a C.A Agent themselves. I felt nothing but a bad premonition from this event.
Caenis Arbus Federation... A Private Military Company usually hired to combat those with Discord syndrome. They're basically a bunch of hired mercenaries, but a damn well good one as they would go so far as risking their own life to make sure that their mission is achieved successfully. If someone had to send a C.A agent to deliver this envelope then it can't be anything good.
it weighs slightly. inside, some sort of metal object? On the back, a sealed wax bearing the crest of The Noble Six.
"..." I froze.
"The Noble Six... The equilibrium themselves, one of world's most dangerous entities... They're like a walking calamity, wherever they go, destruction awaits. And to think that one of them took notice of you... I can't call it anything but bad luck." The man said with an empathetic tone.
He turned back and slowly walked to the front door.
"Well... I was gonna complain to my boss about why they would send someone from the Blood Hound branch just to be a mail delivery man. But I guess I can see why now." He changed his tone into a more firm voice. "I don't know what exactly you got yourself into, but just trying to deliver this letter to you had warranted me 4 assassination attempts in the last two days on my way to this city. From quite a skilled one at that... Whoever sent them, really didn't want you to receive that. I do hope that justifies my aggression from earlier." The man chuckled.
Now in front of the door, he turns and stares at me with a light expression on his face.
"Although... I suppose I'm now well out of whatever mess you're in. Figured I'll at least give you a heads up and all, you know? Enjoyed that doughnuts of yours while you still can, might just be your last meal~"
The front door closes and the tension in the air slowly died down as the lively chatter of the café came back. The voice disappears along with the man.
I stared back at the envelope for what felt like an eternity.
Which of the six sent me this envelope? Is it possible that someone's playing a sick joke on me? No... they'd be far more than insane if they pulled this kind of prank. And besides, no matter how I looked at it, this seal is genuine.
"........."
"Thank you for the wait. here's your doughnuts and coffee, young man!"
The waitress looks around confused.
"Now, where is your dad? He was just here earlier..."
"..."
I said nothing and just gave her the money.
"Aw don't be shy, he's giving you a little errand huh? How cute~"
She put the money into the register and gave me the receipt. After that, I just turned around and left the café.
"We hope you and your dad come again!"
I head outside with the bag of doughnuts and coffee, gripping the envelope that are now inside my coat. Ever so slightly, I can feel beatings akin to that of a heart on the metal object inside. This envelope... I have to keep it out of sight at least until I reach somewhere safe and private.
-----
"Took you long enough. Was it that crowded inside? I've already finished my report ages ago."
I gave no reply and just handed her the bag of doughnuts and the coffee. After looking at it for a few second, she took it and smiled right at me.
"Thanks."
Seeing that smile always brings chills down my spine.
—Cough
"A-anyway, what's HQ's reply?"
"Hm. No good, they said something serious happened, so manpower is redirected to Squad 2's support. Although the girl's description has been added to the database, it'll still take a while till the actual search can be done." She shrugged her head.
"Squad 2? What'd Elise got herself into?"
"Num. Can't say... presumably it's an escort mission gone wrong. Num. I'm guessing it's something to do Num. with the Romanov and the Num. Woodwose's family."
"Don't talk while you ate... Wait did you just gobble 4 of those doughnuts?"
"...No."
"..."
I shrug and just continue walking.
The Romanov and Woodwose.
Sigh, why can't I just be lucky for once...
Feeling like there's still something to look for, I close my eyes once more, trying to find any clue that I might have missed. Looking and looking, akin to re-watching a scene in a movie on repeat. After a while though... I finally found it. amidst the savage brutality I witnessed, there I saw-
—Bonk
Vision's white. Balance lost. A loud noise was heard.
The examination came to a sudden stop.
It took me exactly 2.314 milliseconds to realize that I was now looking at the clear blue sky.
2.314 milliseconds. Just enough time for me to understand that I'm lying on the floor. something happened while I was concentrating, I was struck hard. So hard that I don't have the strength to even move my arms and legs at all.
"..."
My head feels wet.
Kai's head emerges in the clear sky.
"You okay?"
image [https://i.imgur.com/yY4f4Sr.png]
"...I think the wounds in my head reopened." I said to her, not daring to move an inch of my body.
"Oh. Wow, it's red... Hold on, I-"
"Hold it."
"Huh?"
"At least tell me what the hell hit me."
"Oh. You just got hit by a car."
"A car?!"
No way... That impact sounded so soft. Was I hallucinating?
"But hey, at least it makes a pleasant sound when it hits you."
"So, I wasn't hallucinating?!"
what kind of material was it made of?
"Wait, how come you didn't get hit?"
"Oh, I just jumped out of the way. Didn't think it'd actually hit you, I figured it'd just stop or move out of the way at the last second or something. Can't blame me."
"You..."
She didn't help me on purpose.
At that point, my rage was uncontrollable but due to that, I could feel the blood on my head begin to pour out even more.
"Ah... "
No good. I think I already lost a lot of blood.
"...Gonna.. Pass out..."
I tried my best to hold on to my consciousness to tell her about the new intel about the victim to Kai.
"Kai, listen... The.. girl's.. Ribs. Fr-"
"Hm? Yeah... I could really eat some ribs too. "
But instead she made a somewhat pitiable face and rubbed her stomach.
"Uh, Coco?"
"..."
"Hold on. I'm calling the ambulance right now... Well, not that yo-"