NationStates Jolt Archive

As they reached the house, they finally saw sitting across the table from Haruim was the handsome, long haired stare of Hezhoku Genkon, a man whose looks were on the level of that a supermodel; his long, glossy black hair were like graceful lengths of onyx shine, his fingers pale and thin yet draped neatly within a large sleeve. His uniform was worn; the typical silvery draping robes that seemed to billow in a nonexistent wind. He was sipping from a cup with a dramatic and stereotypical fashion. "Third Captain." Genkon said, looking at Geriuusk a lack of interest in his face, yet obvious interest in his voice. "The machinery is finished." Genkon said, throwing a dagger-sized sheathed knife at Geriuusk; his sword.

"Shall we?" Genkon asked Geriuusk, whom nodded readily as they both walked out the apartment.

"Men are a bit too proud these days." Haruim said, looking at the two backs of the men walking out into the darkness of the streets.

“Later, boys.” she said as the two left. She smiled at Haruim as the two moved out of hearing range. “Do you want to know what happen after I found our boy?”

"That'll be nice to know. Please tell me." Haruim said courteously.

Outside, in the darkness of the streets under the billowing night gale, Geriuusk and Genkon stood from each other as they both drew pistols, Genkon firing Geriuusk's gun from his hand clean with accuracy as Geriuusk swung out his blade at full length, smashing it apart. Genkon smiled, as Geriuusk did the same. "I expect nothing more from my fellow Serahou." Genkon replied, unsheathing his long, beautiful sword.

"Oh?" Geriuusk said, unsheathing his entirely, holding it straight as he gripped it tightly with two hands. "I want to see your hiratsuki, the one that broke the bullet-splitting Iaijutsu of Sekai Hamruun."

Genkon smiled. "Very well, I will show you." He took his stance; his arms were pushing back at his shoulder, his blade held parallel to his body as its tip was slightly aligned to the inwards side of his eyesight, using it as a target as he held his left leg forwards, waiting. He etched closer, his feet moving only centimeters, as Geriuusk did the same.

They both did not charge at their foes, their feet creeping closer and closer, their bodies getting closer together by the centimeter as before it became the millimeters, sketching their path meticulously before it came. In a split second, Geriuusk pushed his scabbard against his stomach, and stabbed as he knelt his head down, Genkon stabbing downwards as Geriuusk's sword caught it at the end, running along the blade as it caught it inside the guard of the sword. The tips of the blade were caught within each other's respective guards.

Pushing back, Geriuusk and Genkon once more carefully edged themselves closer and closer, before Geriuusk pushed it again, stabbing forwards before Genkon stabbed downwards, yet this time Geriuusk deviated. Using the blunt end of his sword, he twisted his body onto the ground as he lifted the sword above him in a 360 degree spin, dangerously close to Genkon as he kicked Genkon's shoulder, pushing him back as Geriuusk rushed forwards. Capoeira?! Genkon's mind ran with surprise, as Genkon tried to dodge the second sweep of merciless kicks and raging punches, the twisting legs smashing up into the air as Genkon barely blocked it, yet the swiftness of the air being displaced creating a sucking, rushing feeling that flushed all the sense from Genkon's cheek, his face in slight amazement.

"I expected nothing less from my fellow Serahou." Genkon said, taking up his hiratsuki stance, yet he held his sword with one hand, his left hand holding his sheath. Stabbing forwards, Geriuusk dodged it easily as he swung forwards with his sword, yet Genkon dodged it, using his left hand to swing out his sheath as he sheathed his blade, unleashing it in a furious swing as Geriuusk dodged it once more, yet this time Genkon stopped halfway and stabbed. It happened so fast that Geriuusk was smashed down onto the ground, trying to keep the bloodthirsty edge of the sword from his adam's apple, Geriuusk pushing back as Genkon resumed his regular stance, stabbing as Geriuusk dodged, swinging it back into position as he stabbed again.

Geriuusk ducked it this time, pushing back with his feet as he smashed them against a nearby post, lunging himself with his blade dipped close to his chest, pushing it out with a snake-like strike without success; Genkon smashed his hilt up, pushing Geriuusk away with another stab and swing manuever. Geriuusk stood on the other end of the street, sweat pouring down his face, Genkon the same. "So this is the hiratsuki. For such a simple technique, it's quite difficult to break, isn't it?"

"It's all in the improvising." Genkon said, breathing heavily as well. "I didn't know you knew Capoeira, though. Where did you learn it?"

"Did you think that I became a Serahou for just one thing?" Geriuusk said, catching his breath. "I'll surprise you, I promise." Geriuusk said, holding his sword parallel to his chest, his left hand in a knuckle as it was behind his blade, his right hand at the tip of his scabbard as he held it up to his shoulders. Genkon showed a look of surprise.

"Impossible. That's - "

" - Kuzumenkyiakou." Geriuusk said, smiling. Genkon finally replied with an equally excited smile.

Looks like fun. He said, his stance returning.

“Well…our target knows about us and said that us three are his protectors.” she started. She moved in what the boy said to her and Geriuusk. Everything she hear was told to Haruim. “My Queen, I don’t like being tricked and I have feeling that you didn’t know about any of that.”

"I didn't." Haruim said, frowning at the papers. "We need to be careful of Dhelas Macro. I think he lied so that we would let down our guard. By misleading us, he hoped that there would be distrust within the Vizithkanju, and hopefully we would break the team apart. We need to stick to our goal to observing and gathering information against him. Don't take anything he says at face value. Before you act upon any information from him, run it over with a credible source first. If it can't be confirmed, assume it false."

"What about real information that cannot be confirmed but still used?" A voice spoke from the washroom, before a short, black haired girl stood there, draped in a black jacket split at the bottom. She had a stern, melancholic face, with a strong attractiveness potentiality, though it was obvious she did not care about how she looked. She seemed to be a more feminine and shorter looking version of Miriana, in fact. Upon her arm, there was an armband in stark red with a black '17' painted on it. As she spotted Akila, she nodded humbly. "Genkosk number seventeen; Maansairon Jenken. Pleasure to meet you. I am Lady Haruim's bodyguard, alongside my friend."

“That’s why I didn’t say anything to the boy.” said Akila before looking over at this new woman. She didn’t know how she didn’t hear her early. “Akila Darkholme, you’re fiendish neighborhood assassin. The daughter of royal blood, paid to get rid of people.”

"Well, we all have to work for the money nowadays." She said, standing quietly and like ice as she coldly replied. Haruim nodded.

"Information has been leaking at an alarming rate right now. And our only two Serahous are out having a brawl." Haruim complained.

“Let the boys be as long as they don’t kill each other.” said Akila with a smile. “We’ll figure this all out when they get done.”

"You've had a crush on Ishidun Geriuusk for a long time, haven't you, Haruim?" Jenken spoke up, as Haruim looked at her, before slightly nodding. "I find it surprising that you're married to Suriga now."

"It's for political amnesty rather than any sort of affection. He feels that I'm a target of his brother, so he believes it best for me to be under the protection of his name and his influence in the country." Haruim spoke softly, though it was obvious she carried feelings for Suriga as well in her voice, and her strong admiration for Suriga. "But, it's an unrequited love for Suriga. He doesn't return the same feelings, and won't."

"Have you ever done it..." Jenken began.

"No. Never." Haruim spoke confidently.

Geriuusk swung down as he leaped from the edge of the pole, his sword smashing down with ferocity as Genkon caught at his hilt, twisting it up as he kicked Geriuusk from his edge, his sword held parallel as he thrusted against Geriuusk, the blade nicking his cheek slightly as blood ran from Geriuusk's cut. Jumping back to gain some distance, Geriuusk wiped the blood off his face, yet another trail merely ran down from the cut again. "This is the first time I've been cut by a sword in god knows how long." Geriuusk said, impressed. "I concede defeat." He said, retracting his blade as he placed it back into his sheath, sighing as Genkon did the same.

The two of them walked back to apartment, upon which they opened the door and finally entered into the blaring kitchen light.

“But without you two…um…doing the funky two step, how will we get an heir?” asked Akila, leading up on the wall for some reason. “I mean Suriga can’t live forever.”

"I'm fine with Lord Suriga, but Lord Suriga isn't replying to my feelings." She blushed profusely, covering her face with the shadows of her long, slender hair, as Geriuusk placed his hand on her shoulder, smiling as Genkon did so as well.

"He'll come around. Suriga has just been scarred in the past very few can contend to. You just need to give him time." Geriuusk said, smiling as Haruim nodded as well. "Well, now that we have everybody here, we can begin the good old meeting. What do you have, Mr. Genkon?" He sat down opened legged upon a wooden chair.

Genkon stood up - he was a tall, lean figure with a moderate amount of muscle on his body, his hair long and silky smooth as it parted at the front to the left, waist length obsidian beauty as his eyes were sharp and piercing, yet gentle. His face contained a perfect bone structure as his cheeks were fairly prominent, yet still retaining the young, handsome look with his nose sharp yet his lips thin with concentration. He carried himself in a graceful, beautiful pose, his perfect face sitting upon his bold, broad shoulders as he carried the paper in his hands with grace. Jenken seemed to be enamored by his appearance and his heavenly presence. Immediately, there seemed to be the soft smell of lavender and ocean mist within the air.

"Well, your presence alone turns this gloomy atmosphere into a fashion show." Geriuusk joked, as Genkon smiled in reply.

"As you know, your target is Dhelas Macro, and from the records he has quite a track record in violence. He was involved within a few incidents at school, though no evidence has been found to confirm it yet. He isn't classified as extremely strong or extremely smart, but he is chosen for a reason, and we need to see why." Genkon flipped the page, scanning it quickly. "Also, I have your posts. Akila, you'll be homeroom teacher 3A. Haruim, you'll be homeroom teacher 3B. Geriuusk, you're the janitor."

Geriuusk smiled. "Sounds good." He replied, though it was difficult to determine whether he was sarcastic or not.

“Are you being sarcastic?” asked Akila before looking over at Genkon. “You know that our target knows about us already. Geriuusk and I had a peaceful run in early.”

"Ah, I see." Genkon said, seeing how this new piece of information was being entered. "Then, we shouldn't deviate from the plan until Mengiko gives us a proper reply on regards to this obstacle. Continuing the plan aforementioned is appropriate."

Geriuusk turned to Akila. "No, I'm not being sarcastic." He replied honestly. "I don't have much people skills, heh." He chuckled slightly, as if trying to hide something, though it was apparent that he didn't want it discovered. As the prepared, gunfire rang through the walls, bullets flying off in directions as they ducked down, Haruim following suit. Jenken prepared her rifle, as Geriuusk and Genkon both prepared their swords into their own shotguns, Haruim frowning.

"Activate Aikurun class weaponry." She spoke, as she detached her blade and sheath apart, forming a long, makeshift minigun, standing at the front, Geriuusk and Genkon as backup. "We have visitors." She said, letting roar a spray of lead as the enemy fired back, forcing them to take cover.

“Rats, I was just starting to like this place.” said Akila, ducking behind the island in the kitchen. She kicked the high heels and smiled at something in front of her. A set of knife, mostly steak knives, but they were work for her. She was more of a silence killer. Placing about four of the steak knives in her belt, she smiled as the bullets impacted through out the apartment.

“We’re sitting ducks, you know. I feel caged.” she said out loud to nobody really. Grabbing a cleaver, Akila moved out of the kitchen, dodging bullets as she moved. It was like she knew the location of each round and that was how she was dodging them. Her ears were tracking the bullets from outside.

The assassin left the apartment by exiting out from the balcony. Bullets impacted around her as she moved into the darkness. A few second later, the cleaver flew from one of the roofs at the attackers. But she was at that location anymore, she was a moving killer. Waiting for the right time to attack.

It was a total of eight gunmen, all of whom had little skill, merely the element of surprise as they were being torn apart easily by Haruim's somewhat relentless and reckless gunfire, Geriuusk and Genkon accompanying her with a spray of shelled violence. As Jenken pushed along the edge of the wall, a bullet had nicked her slightly, yet it was a nonexistent pain as she slashed downwards with her sword, dodging the enemy fire as she slashed another upwards.

Standing at the balcony of the apartment, upon the rooftop as he looked with careless eyes towards the water ocean of sand, a man frowned; he carried with him a long, sighing face, similar to Miriana, with a scarily similar appearance and composition, though he carried much longer, wilder hair and his clothes were in a jet black coat with a small 'eye' painted upon its back. Lighting up a cigarette, he felt the rush of stress instantly fade away as he heard gunfire downstairs, sighing. "Idiots." He said quietly, looking onwards still.

Akila watched as the eight gunmen fell in battle, smiling at the one with a cleaver sticking in his head. She stayed in the shadows on the roof and slowly moved towards the apartment t met up with the others. She stopped as she hear something, she looked over from her location and spotted somebody with a cigarette. With her night vision, she could what the man looked like and heads back into the apartment to tell the others.

“Good show, lords and ladies, we got the eight gunmen, but there is still an unknown man out there. He looked a little like Miriana, but had much longer, wilder hair and was wearing a jet black coat with a small 'eye' painted upon its back.” she said, placing the steak knives up.

She stopped and looked over at Jenken. “And you’ve been hit. I smell the fresh hint of your blood.”

"I'm fine." Jenken said, her left eye changing into a small, bluish shade as she smashed through the walls with ease, stabbing with ferocity as blood sprayed all over her, a wide, bloodthirsty smile painted all over her face as she turned around, slicing another in half as she felt the warmth of the raw warm flesh upon her teeth, the taste of blood deep into her throat already. She was a bloodthirsty fighter, slashing wildly with incredible strength, and she seemed to be a cannibal. As she swung again, another hand caught her blade between her fingers, the man with a strong liking to Miriana.

"Who are you? To be able to collaborate? Are you a Genkosk?" He asked, holding the blade still and locking it in place.

Jenken frowned, as Haruim and Geriuusk aimed their guns at him with obvious caution. "Who are you?" Haruim asked, as the man looked back at her with a frowning, hateful face.

"Damn it, I thought eight would be enough. I guess I underestimated your projections." He said, moving aside his robes as he revealed a large Browning machine gun tucked oddly neatly under his large coat, Haruim opening fire as Geriuusk and Genkon doing the same thing, forcing him to duck behind the walls for cover as he sped through the corners.

"Who are you?" Haruim asked, as she held her fingers carefully, nearly twitching at the edge of the trigger.

The shooting forced Akila to duck for cover, too. “Hey, watch where you shot those things.” she yelled as slided behind something. “Did you have to attack him? What’s up with people shooting first then asking questions later?” She asked to nobody really, she wasn’t armed anymore, but her hands were still weapons. Taking her jacket off, to give her more movement. Akila closed her eyes and focused the energy flowing through her body.

Haruim unleashed another maelstrom of relentless fire, which, interestingly, despite destroying everything in sight, left her allies unharmed. Perhaps that was the skill difference in a Menekrungo Vizithkanju. Geriuusk and Genkon followed suite on their vicious fire as well, the man flashing across the room, ducking behind another corner, his gun firing back with equal tenacity.

"I can't believe this." He spoke with somewhat of distaste. "Why are they so hard to hit?" He said, preparing his machine gun again, feeling the hot simmering of lead upon the barrels.

Akila stayed quiet, still forcing her energies, which she learned how to control in her martial arts training, to launch an attack on this stranger. She would have to be the fastest to dodge the fire from both sides and attack the stranger. A little more time and she would move.

"Damn it." He said, preparing his only means of escape - a bomb. A trigger prepared, he felt the soft throb of the button prepared itself, walking out with a smirk on his face towards them. "Give up." He yelled with a certain sense of dignified victory. "I've got a bomb, and - " Yet, before he could say anything, Geriuusk had blasted his hand off, leaving nothing but a splash of red blood spraying everywhere as he groaned, ducking behind another corner, yet the trail was obvious.

It was time, the blonde assassin jumped to her feet and moved across the battlefield located in the apartment. She was nothing but figure of white, gray and blonde as she moved across the apartment, on the trail of her prey. She was moving faster then she ever had before, grabbing a knife as she passed the kitchen.

A second the stranger was alone and a second later, the face of Akila was looking at him, darkness filled her eyes as the blade was stab at the man’s side. “Welcome to Hell, mister.” she said coldly.

"Damn it." He said, blood spraying as if it were vomit from his mouth, his eyes wide in pain and discomfort. "D-Damn it!" He continued to chortle with distaste and pain, trying to get himself together before another splash of gunfire emitted itself from another corner of the darkness, smashing him in the ribs, bullet wounds steaming still.

"Akila, fall back!" Geriuusk's voice could be heard from the end, as another spray of shells were visible at the end of the hallway, Geriuusk visibly having taking back his gun, as Haruim did so as well. "We're taking the second apartment entrance!" He said, running through the stairs as Genkon was all that was left within the hallway.

"Geriuusk and Haruim was going to our safe house. You should too, Akila." Genkon spoke loudly, since he had no idea where Akila was. "I'll talk to Denise when she arrives."

Akila followed her orders and disappeared like a ghost into the shadow. Well, she didn’t really disappeared, but she moved out of the apartment almost matching her previous speed.

She moved up behind Geriuusk and Haruim. “This has gone to crap fest fast.” she said out loud.

"Well, we didn't expect something like this to happen." Geriuusk said, chuckling, as Haruim nodded in tandem. "The safe house is down the street, we should be safe there."

Inside the bloodied remains, Denise sighed as the stench of blood and rot engulfed the hallway, a mask over her mouth and nose as she grimaced in dissatisfaction. "Eroivizuun?" She asked, as Genkon behind her nodded. "I received reports from Lord Mengiko on such a problematic force. Is this what they're capable of?" She asked, as Genkon shook his head.

"I'm assuming they were merely testing our capabilities. If it truly was an assassination attempt, I'm sure they would have hired someone with more skills than street thugs. However, I'm not sure how they could gauge their enemies' skills when they're pitted against annoyances." Genkon said with discontent.

“Well, they could have been testing us, you know.” said Akila out of nowhere. She looked down at her clothes and smiled. “I hope we got some extra clothes at the safe house. These have that man’s blood on them. I want to know whom he was.”

"No doubt one of the Eroivizuun." Geriuusk said with, for once, a serious tone in his voice. It was unnatural of him, incredibly eerie. "Though, I think the real question is; is our boy the one who hired them?" He was, of course, referring to Dhelas Macro, and whether the young man had ordered action against them all.

“I don’t think he is that dumb or smart to even take us out. Those gunmen weren’t hitmen.” said Akila, thinking about what she saw of them. “Hell, they’re even assassins. Most hitmen were ex-military, but they didn’t looked like ex-military to me.”

"Looked like a scrap of teenage punks trying to make some quick money to me." Haruim spoke, her sword still in its Aikurun. "Their aim was despicable, their firing rate was horrendous, and they moved like rabid dogs; charging head forwards, half-blind."

"That's a bit harsh, don't you think?" Geriuusk said, back to his usual, smiling self.

“Useless, if you think about.” said Akila. “Nobody would have learn anything by sending thugs against us. A waste of bloodily time.” She laughed and sighed at the end for some reason.

"Tired?" Geriuusk asked, smiling as they finally reached the place - a moderate bungalow with the exact same interior as the apartment. It was...oddly nostalgic.

“Yup, I used a lot of energy back there.” she said. She looked at he safe house and sighed again. “Lovely, it looks the same. I need a hot shower.”

"Alright." Geriuusk confided, as he sat down at the table, turning the dim kitchen light on, Genkon sighing as Haruim placed her Aikurun at the table. "So let's see - we've been found out, attacked and forced to flee. A good way to start our mission." He said with a jovial, cheery pounce.

Akila first had to find some clothes she could wear. So, she moved out to find those clothes and find some in one of the rooms. They were her size and looked clean. This was safe house.

She moved off to the shower and turned the hot water on, followed by the cold water. It would be more of a warm shower then anything. She locked the door before getting out of the blood covered clothes and hopped into the warm water of the shower.

After ten minutes of cleaning herself, she turned the water off and got out. She dried her body off and placed the new, clean set of clothes, which was part of gray dress pants and white blouse. She brushed her hair with her hands and smiled. Unlocking the door, she walked out to find the others.

“Whom thinks are enemy is smarter then us?” she asked jokily after finding them.

Nobody raised their hands, almost as if in spite. Geriuusk, however, did go into the shower, sighing loudly as Genkon sat down, his fingers running through his long hair in stressful alleviation. "We need to reevaluate the situation here." He said, having just come in from the door. "I'm going to talk to Eighth Lord Vijun."

“That sounds like a good idea. Maybe we can find out they got the drop on us this fast.” said Akila, looking at her fingernails for some reason.

Flashing on his cellphone, Geriuusk dialed the numbers in as he waited silently, before a small clicking could be heard. "Ah, Vijun?" Geriuusk said, smiling. "We ran into a little problem. We were hit by a surprise attack." He nodded, pacing as he talked around the kitchen. "Eight, I think. Zero threat. No, nothing more than basic Glocks, no augmentations, the lowest form of gunmen. Really? Haha, I'm doing great! No really! Well, you can't really buy Ginseng out on the market right now, its too expensive." He said, trailing off. It was difficult to discern what was going on through their minds, yet it was obvious soon that Geriuusk was worried. "What?! How did you even get contact information with them? How long until they get here? Half an hour?! Fine, fine." Geriuusk finally confided.

"I'll tell them. I don't think Haruim will be happy, though." He said, finally turning the phone off. "The Menekrungo Nijikunji are coming." Geriuusk said honestly, as Haruim frowned. "Isn't that great, Haruim?" Geriuusk said, trying to cheer her up. "You get to see your old senior again!"

Akila didn’t say anything, but looked at her fingernails. Her eyes forced on one hand, her breathing slowing down. She much had been looking a like weird to those around the table, but she was gaining more energy to flow through her body. Gain the part that was used early in the fight.

Before Geriuusk could say anything to console her, the door smashed wide open as a wide-spread man walked in donning a gray sweatshirt and burgundy jeans. He had a wide, cunning grin on his face, his face somewhat thin and sharp; in fact, he looked exactly like Geriuusk down to the dot, as if he was some sort of twin, though the only difference was his past-shoulder-length hair. He had much longer, more beautiful and wild hair, and his smile was broad and genuine, not sarcastic and underlying like Geriuusk's. As he spotted Haruim, he immediately went down on his knees, gripping her hands with utmost passion, his eyes filled with tears as he looked at her deeply with expression. "It's been so long." He said, with somewhat of a sorrowful, dramatic tone.

Haruim frowned, her face buried in her hand as she sighed. She had been through all this before, as the man was pushed off by Geriuusk, reeling back slightly.

"Vijun said half an hour. This isn't half an hour." Haruim complained, as Geriuusk shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. The man merely flicked his hair back, shifting his bangs as he smiled with another bright, radiant smile. It was obvious he was quite vain.

"Ishidun, it's been so long!" He said, as Ishidun held his hand out, him backing away slightly. "Aha, come now, Ishidun, you know that I detest such dirty hands." He said, before spotting Akira, getting back down on his knees, gently yet swiftly grabbing her hands, his face and pose the same as it was before with Haruim, his eyes full of softness and elegance.

"And what radiant, beautiful name accompanies such a radiant, beautiful face, may I ask?" He asked with a dramatic tone in his voice.

Akila pulled her hands back with a shocked look on her face. She didn’t know whom this man was because she wasn’t listening to the others. So, her actions wasn’t uncalled for. Even thought she was an assassin and killed people for money, her parents raised her right and that means no person will take her hand without her offering it.

Akila’s open hand moved fast on the side of the man’s face, landing flat on his face. “You don’t just pull a lady’s hand to you, a lady offers her hand to be kissed.” she said, pushing her chair away from this stranger. “And my name is Akila Darkholme.” The tone of voice was that off a pissed off and surprised person.

"Well..." He began, before Genkon punched him square in the jaw, sending him flying into the kitchen as he finally got up, his face as if nothing had ever happened to it. He had a frown of disappointment on his face, though his usual radiant expression didn't change much. "Well, what's the problem here?" He asked, as Genkon cleared his throat.

"It looks like your son is causing us some problems." Genkon said blankly, as he sighed.

"Dhelas? I never expected him to be a go-getter." He said, nodding to himself silently. "I'll have to talk to that boy."

"Impossible. He's with the Eroivizuun. The same clan that killed Karller." Geriuusk said, as the man sighed.

"What a rambunctious group." He said, sitting down at the chair. "So, fill me in; what's going on here?"

Akila smiled and started “Okay at the start, we will sent here to spy on our target. Before we even start, our mark knew about us and somewhat of our mission. From there it went to Hell fast.” She sighed, placing her hand on her face and lending them on the table. “That was the quickest version of what went down.”

"I expect nothing less from Dhelas." He replied, as Geriuusk chuckled slightly. "You laugh, Ishidun, but you know certainly well the political system I've taught my son."

"I know, Helikkan." Geriuusk said, smiling. "I know that you did your best, but it's only a matter of time before the spring of vibrant youth rebel, isn't it?" He said, as Helikkan smiled, high fiving Geriuusk. "Though, I remembered that he was proficient in a few fields of martial arts. Is that threat-worthy?"

"No, he was never taught past the few tiers before he decided to enter the world of economics and politics." Helikkan spoke. "A bit of a shocker for me, since his last words were that he didn't want to die a brute like his father."

"You've been too easy on the boy, Helikkan. Miriana nearly broke him to pieces because of your lack of effort on the boy." Haruim lectured, as Helikkan sighed.

"Geez, Haruim. If you can beat Miriana, you could damn well try. The only one I've ever seen beat Miriana in a fight, whether verbal, psychological or physical, was Vijun. Though I damn well came close during that Nexus online match." He said, snapping his fingers randomly.

Geriuusk noticed Akira. "Ah, the introductions have been a bit foggy. Akira Darkholme, this is Helikkan Macro, former sixth Division Menekrungo Vizithkanju Captain."

Helikkan placed a thumb up. "Yo. Former sixth division, lost it because I'm not a Temsplace. Make sure your brother doesn't botch up all the hard work I put into making sure that division was strong." He said, chuckling slightly to himself.

“I don’t control him. So, whatever he does is his own business.” she said, looking up with a smile. “He is the White Temsplace, so whatever he does will be the goodwill of his warriors. And sorry about early, I had my guard down because I was trying to get some energy back. Good thing I didn‘t have blade on me.” She smiled again.

"Very elegant. I wouldn't be angry if I got hurt in the process. Only my gentlemanly duties." Helikkan smiled - it seemed even the lights sparkled off his shining pearl teeth, much to Haruim's embarrassment and chagrin. "How are the others? The Meneniji?"

"Maekronn and Theresku were killed. Maekronn's body was found riddled with bullets in his bed and Theresku's body was found in an eight ton block of concrete." Geriuusk said, as the room fell silent.

Helikkan, for the first time, had a look of remorse. "Is that so?" He said, closing his eyes, sighing deeply. "Time is getting to all of us, right?" He said, as Geriuusk nodded silently, Genkon as well as he was silent the whole time. "What does that make us; 4 left?"

"Yes. Iekarun and Lemanus have both disappeared without a trace. I doubt they're still in Jenrak. The only one not here is Illuminaatrix, whose probably in the Aulok right now. Vijun is trying to get a hold of him." Genkon interjected.

"Illuminaatrix, a long time since I've seen him. He handed down his sword to the King himself, didn't he?" Helikkan asked. For a hopeless flirt and a seemingly vain narcissist, Helikkan was surprisingly serious, professional and knowledgeable when he wanted to be.

"Suriga's Makkekentenshun? Yes, the strongest of the 4 now. Aeray Evergone has been stripped of her power; she's not the killing powerhouse she used to be twenty years ago." Geriuusk continued.

"I remember Aeray. She served in my division during the sixth rebellion. I also remember Miriana and Egos as well." Helikkan said fondly, reminiscing.

"Egos is dead. He was killed by a boy name Gengur Ushuimaru who now serves as the seventh division Menekrungo Vizithkanju." Geriuusk replied, responding with equal sadness. "All of our former comrades are dying, being taken out one by one from fate, it seems."

Akira just stayed quiet, listening to Helikkan and the others talking about fallen comrades. That’s why she doesn’t work with a partner or even in group. This was the first time for a group work in her life.

When she heard the name ‘Aeray Evergone’, she smiled as it was just the past for her mother now. Her mother had changed from Aeray over time. Having children does that, you know.

"What about Ferruga Orodome? The three bladed demon?" Helikkan asked, as Geriuusk smiled.

"You won't believe this; a member of the SBP." He said, as Helikkan stood up in surprise, his face in contorted distaste.

"What?!" Helikkan said, as Haruim nodded as well, Genkon complying. "Damn, he broke his promise."

“I know learning about what happened to former comrades is good and all, but I think we still have a mission to do.” said Akira, folding her arms across her body. She sighed before continuing “Let’s do our mission, so we can get back to our lives. We need to be one step ahead of our mark and the group he is in.”

Helikkan shook his head. "Our mark, from what I've heard, is already ahead of us by a few extra steps. Then there's the only viable option; we continue the path." Helikkan spoke, smiling.

"Wouldn't breaking from the path be better course of action?" Geriuusk asked, as Helikkan shook his head.

"Dhelas will assume that we'll break from the path to make a new course of action, so he'll take a look at the other options, not caring about the current ones. So that's where we hit him. A straight shot to the neck." Helikkan said.

“Let’s just do our mission and try to stay alive.” said Akira. She smiled, “At else, I can get back to killing for the highest bidder.” she said with hint of enjoyment in her voice.

"A world of nothing but violent people, I see." Helikkan said, flicking his hair again. "Then, how about this?" He stood up, pulling out his cell phone, pressing with incredible speed upon the dial keys before putting it up to his ear. Soon after, he spoke. "Vira? Guess who..." He said, quite loudly and with a rowdy, raucous voice. "Exactly! Dear, dear, dear, what a day I've had. What am I calling for?" He said, regaining his composure. "How good is your information network?"

Helikkan smiled. "Well, then do me a favour. I want to talk to the rest of the exiled." Helikkan said, as he smiled. "Good, thanks." He spoke swiftly, before clicking it closed. "The Jakkakasune are coming." He said coolly, with confidence.

Geriuusk sighed, almost in somewhat relief and disbelief. "Jakkakasune? Damn, haven't talked to any of them in a long time." He said with glee, as Helikkan nodded.

Again Akira grew quite, mostly playing with her fingers to pass the time. In her head, this was the horse she was given to ride and she would do that as best as she could. The faster this mission got underway, the more happy she would be.

Geriuusk saw Akira's somewhat blank, if not obviously bored face. "You'll enjoy the company of the Jakkakasune."

“Mostly I‘m bored as I would have done my job and disappeared into the night by now.” she said. Akira smiled at him. “This is the first mission I have worked with teammates. So I’m a rookie in this type of stuff, but a top notch solo working with team for first time.”

"Flexibilty will do you some good, if you agree with me or not." Geriuusk said, getting off. "Helikkan will stay here, as the Jakkakasune will be your new partners in this escapade. I will relay the information to Mengiko." With that, Geriuusk, Haruim and Genkon all left the safe house, as Helikkan was left there, his eyes quiet and stirring, his fingers tapping his chin softly.

"Akira Darkholme, is it? I've been away in the sand seas for a little while, so I'm out of the loop. Who are you?" Helikkan asked, his tone serious and straightforward.

Akira smiled and watched the others leave. “Maybe with one partner, I’ll maybe be better as a team.” she said out loud before facing Helikkan. She waited till stopped asking his question for her. “Well, I’m the second set of Darkholme twins along with my brother. The first set of Darkholme twins are my youngest aunts, my father‘s sisters.”

“I’m the daughter of Prince Edward of the United Dominion and Ashili Evergone of these lands. I’m of noble blood in both nations.” said Akira. “Want me to say anything else?”

"Nope, that's enough information for me. I'm not politically inclined; could never find interest in the subject." Helikkan said, as a knock came at the door, before it opened already. Standing there was a blond young man with a large jacket, its collar covering most of his face as only his opal eyes were visible beneath his mat of golden hair. At his waist was a long black obsidian sword painted with a thin silvery paint, shining brightly and violently. "Lenarsus." Helikkan said, smiling, as the man nodded back.

"Are you Hrakraem?" He asked to Akira, looking at her.

“I’m the Monkey Queen.” said Akira being a smartass. “And you are?”

"I see. So you're not Hrakraem. Shame; you look so much like her." Lenarsus said, sitting down. Unlike Helikkan who had a flirtatious and outgoing attitude, Lenarsus seemed to emanate and emulate seriousness through to his bones. Just then, another one walked in, his hair parted at the left edge of his face, long and beautiful and wrapped in a braid at the end; a pretty boy with azure blue hair. His attire was the same as Lenarsus', though obviously he was taller and hence it was much longer.

"Kakus." Helikkan said, smiling as the man nodded back, his expression unreadable behind his tall collar. "How are you? This is Akira Darkholme, brother of current sixth Captain Farkas Darkholme."

Kakus looked at Akira, before nodding. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He said, before sitting down. "Who else is coming?" He asked, as Lenarsus chimed up.

"The others are out in patrol. This deal with the Menekrungo Vizithkanju are quite a pain. I'm contacting Viraranaar about this problem once we move. Do you know anything about the current situation, Miss Darkholme?"

“First off…” started the assassin, sliding something metal into her right hand from her sleeve. She moved her fingers over the metal object. In one move, she open the metal object to turn it into a fan. “Call me by my first name. Calling me ‘Miss Darkholme’ makes me sound like an old woman.” She smiled and laughed at that part.

“And all I can figure out is that I have gained new partners.” she said.

"Understandable." Lenarsus said. "Allow me to formally introduce whom we are. We are the Jakkakasune. The former Menekrungo Vizithkanju. There are six of us from the first eight. The only remaining ones are Ishidun Geriuusk and Maiko Vijun. I am Lenarsus, former second army Lord."

"I am Kakus, former fifth army Lord." Kakus replied.

"And I am in love." Helikkan said, as Kakus slapped him in the back of the head. Groaning and frowning, Helikkan became serious again. "Helikkan, former sixth army Lord."

She smiled as Helikkan was popped in the back of that hand as her fan waved towards her face. She knew something about her new partners, that they were former Menekrungo Vizithkanju. She was even looking at the man whom position is now held by her brother.

“I know how a White Captain can loss their position, but how many of the former Menekrungo Vizithkanju had that happen to them?” she asked, still fanning herself.

"Six. The conditions are for a Menekrungo to be killed, exiled or discharged." Helikkan said. "I was discharged since I never was a Temsplace." He sighed, smiling with an almost blank and carefree stare on his face. "Such is the world."

Kakus frowned. "I was exiled for crimes against the crown. Back when Arcarum was in power I supported Suriga Kataask. Once Suriga came into power they had found someone else to replace me. And, it seems to be none other than the fifth army Lord Mekumunos Haruim. There's no way Suriga would choose me over his wife."

"Legally, I'm dead. They found what they believed to be my body at the bottom of a dam, and I can't make a reappearance now, can I?" Lenarsus shrugged. "There are three more, but they're not in Jenrak at all. I doubt they're even on this continent. Probably mercenaries or contract killers in some foreign land."

Helikkan got up. "Well, enough of that, change of plans. Mengiko might be a good leader, but he's a terrible decision maker." He looked at Akira. "Since you're the only one who probably doesn't know this, I'll explain it to you. The Eroivizuun are an entirely politically adept force. What you have been through is probably the extent of their damage, which isn't much. However, they do have a trump card, and it is a damn difficult one to beat. Kakus."

Kakus nodded. "The Hendoroivizuun. Their execution squad. The Hendo for short. They consist of seven members, but they are all extremely dangerous. I have a friend who is somewhat of a spy within the organization, and before I came here I had a hunch that I would be talking to the targets. We will go with a different plan."

Helikkan now showed a scary, creepy, grinning face. "We will capture Dhelas Macro and torture him for information on the Hendo. Then, we will wipe them out one by one." For the first time, Helikkan showed that he, seriously, could have been the former sixth army Lord. "My son will understand. Let's go." He said, as Kakus and Lenarsus walked out along with him.

Akira listened to them without butting in until the end of what they all had to say. She started to like these men as some made her laugh like Helikkan. They sounded more like her buddies then her brother’s ‘friends’. She sat back, waving her metal fan, listening to their words. When she hear ‘Let’s go.’, she moved from her seat and got a leather jacket off from the back of a chair. She folded her fan back up and placed in a pocket of the jacket before putting in on.

Looking at Helikkan, she smiled and said “Maybe after this is over, there could be place open in your group.” Pushing her hair from the jacket, she said “Let’s do this right, Männer.”, only hoping that they knew some German.

Helikkan tried to interpret the word. None of them knew anything besides English. It was doubtful they even knew Jenrakian. "Well, whatever goes, goes. If you want, you can join. We have poker nights on Thursday, because Kakus always goes grocery shopping Friday nights with his girlfriend." Helikkan stressed, as Kakus smacked him in the face.

Helikkan smiled, unaffected. "Such barbarity." He said, as another slap came. "Okay, that one was fairly strong." He said, as they walked down the streetlit road, before two shadowy figures became visible. "Damn, they work fast." Helikkan smiled.

"They must have no lives." Lenarsus joked, as the three of them chuckled.

"That's impolite." One of them said, emerging into the light. He had golden blond hair that was parted to the left, cut to be shoulder length as only on eye was visible. He had somewhat pale skin as his clothes were silvery white, his shirt a long white coat that draped down to his feet as his mouth was covered by a protruding collar from his uniform. His arms were bare, sleeveless, his muscles wrapped in white wrappings, a long white tachi in its sheath on his back. "Oh? I had thought they would send more of the worthless Jakkakasune."

The second one stepped forwards; it was difficult to discern from the face whether it was a male or a female from the long, beautiful hair and the wild, sparkling eyes. However, although the uniform was the same as the other one, there was a round, clean hole at the neck, revealing an adam's apple. He had a long, lean set of arms, and his knuckles were like the ridges of a mace; large, powerful and clearly visible. He seemed to be unarmed at first, before a small sliver of a blade could be seen beneath his coat at his waist. "Stop it. We're here to do a job." He said, his left leg stepping forwards, as he charged.

It was no ordinary charge, however; it was fast, surprising and without stop as this man's left leg smashed towards Kakus, who blocked with his sword, yet the unthinkable happened - his sheath was shattered, his blade bent to the left. Kakus frowned, as the man stepped back, returning to the side of the other man. "Perhaps you're right. These guys are nothing more than ordinary." He said, as Helikkan frowned.

"Lenarsus, Kakus, deal with that fist fighter." Helikkan said, frowning. "Akira, you and me will deal with this inelegant, loudmouth." He said, looking at the first opponent.

"Oh? A dog shouldn't bark so loudly." He said, taking the same stance that Gengur Ushuimaru always took - hands pointed out like knives, arms stretched back.

Akira smiled and slide the metal fan back in her right. She stood there and watched the two men; the fist fighter and the loudmouth punk. Their behavior didn’t fit with cold bloodied killers, but even she didn’t act like one, too. So, she would have to be careful with them as they could do anything.

When she heard Helikkan say something and slowly open her fan and locked it in place. ”Take them both alive?” she asked as the moon light flashed off of the metal fan with the shape edges.

As Lenarsus and Kakus slashed towards the fist fighter, the man with the long white tachi stopped them as he swung his sword into the ground, creating a large cement scar. "Here's the thing. All four of you are fighting me. He's just here to supervise." He said, smiling evilly.

Akira smiled and fanned herself. “My, my, so you’re either the top ranked ass or a sorry for nothing dog.” she said coldly. “So, Mister Doe, what are you?” Her metal fan caused the moon light, which lit her face as she fanned herself.

High above in these sky, a man stood on a rooftop. He wasn’t the same after that God gave me his life back. He was changed a true demon, but he didn’t like that. For years, he looked for a way to change his monstrous looks and only three weeks ago did he find it. Nobody in the White tigers knew what he did and he didn’t say what happened. It was painful, but he wasn’t a demon anymore.

General Max Kane of the White Tiger, a former Major General of the 16th Shadow Foxes, United Dominion Armed Forces, stared down at Akira and her ‘friends’. His large form had been somewhat returned to normal as he only looked like bodybuilder and not a Mack truck cab. His hair stayed the same, the long flowing black hair. His gray eye had stayed because Max like them. His large fangs grew smaller, allowing him to close his mouth better.

He stood there in his black cloak, watching those people about five blocks away. He was under order by Lord Remy Barrilleaux-Saint Clair, Akira’s cousin through her father‘s side. He is mostly around Remy as his bodyguard, but he followed orders like a good soldier. He allowed watched, his hair moving in the wind.

"I hear another pulse." The fist fighter said, frowning. "Somebody is out there, though the wind is providing interference. Hurry it up, Hazu." The fist fighter commanded, frowning as he watched all four of them. Karakorun Mengiko wouldn't have sent these people. He would have sent Ishidun Geriuusk and likely either Mekumunos Haruim or Hezhoku Genkon. Former Menekrungo don't have their Aikuruns anymore, and this woman isn't very good at team assistance. A terribly created team. If Vijun is behind this, then he's slipping in...oh? He thought, before seeing Hazu smash his sword down into Kakus's blade, his sword bending like a whip as it slashed against his shoulder blade, cutting a wide gash.

"A whip-like sword. No wonder its so long." Helikkan said. "This won't take long, given that it's only one of him." He held his sword out straight, his eyes watching. "Akira, I will provide an open spot. When I say so, go for it. Take him down." He said, slashing forwards as Hazu dodged, yet the blade grazed his shoulder slightly, his shirt peeling a bit to reveal a black '7' cut into his flesh. Seventh ranked Hendo, the weakest, Hazu, it seemed.

Smashing up his sword, Hazu kicked against the second strike from Kakus, as Lenarsus twisted his body into a turnstile and slashed, yet Hazu moved back before a sidesweep from Helikkan grazed him across the cheek. The Jakkakasune worked in perfect tandem, like an orchestrated squad of killers in complete understanding of each other. However, Hazu was damn skilled, without a doubt, being able to avoid or block all the major strikes from three skilled swordsmen. Helikkan slashed to the side, as Hazu stabbed him in the leg.

"Now, Akira!" He said - Hazu's right arm was exposed.

Akira readied herself and stayed quiet, quieting for the right time. She saw Kane, but fouced back on the fight. I’ll figure out why he is here later. she said to herself, feeling in the air that she would be need soon. She moved…

"Now, Akira!" came through the air, but it wasn’t need as Akira already in place for an attack. Holding her fan, she swung her fan like it was sword at Hazu's right arm. If it lands, there would be blood flowing as her fan wasn’t only to use to cool herself. Death by fan, that would suck!

"Too bad!" Hazu said, looking at Kakus as Kakus froze up, his body stiff with frozen icy shivering immobility as Hazu moved him in front of the fan. There was blood, but it was Kakus, stuck within a frozen trance as his eyes began to dilate violently.

"Fuck." Helikkan said, as Hazu looked at him as well, freezing him. He attempted the same trick on Lenarsus, yet Lenarsus was unaffected for some reason.

"Instantaneous Hypnosis only works on those who aren't thinking their battles logically, Hazu. You can't break my barrier." Lenarsus said, frowning as he took up his stance. "Akira, swing it again."

“Shit!” Akira said trying to stop her fan. She moved back, but the metal fan hit Kakus. It shouldn’t be bad, but it would still hurt. She spun to the side and looked Hazu. “Your ‘magic’ doesn’t work on me either.” she said coldly.

She moved towards Hazu, moving fast to the left and back to the right. Moving through the shadows before she was somehow behind him. She swung her fan again at his back, hoping to hit his spine and paralyzing him.

"Not fast enough, bitch." He said, swinging Helikkan's limp yet still living body into the way, however Lenarsus stabbed through his left tendon, cutting off blood from his arm as it sprayed with utmost lethality. Frowning and yelping in pain, he staggered by slightly as Lenarsus held his stance.

"Instantaneous Hypnosis. I didn't know people still practiced that. What was it again - chemical transfer? I'm surprised you got Kakus. I didn't even see it." Lenarsus admitted, turning to Akira. "He paralyzes using subdued electrical signals from his forehead to others. Remember when he slashed Helikkan in the back? It was the catalyst that allowed the chemical to form and then later infect Kakus. It's not magic at all. It's poison, and damn difficult to detect, too." Lenarsus said, taking up his stance once more.

Hazu frowned, as the fist fighter stepped forwards. "I guess it's my turn to deal with them." He said, raising his fists out into a long arm stretch - a distinct style of kenpo.

Akira let her fan go this time, she thought the do would place an ally in her way. Catching with her left hand, she smiled as Hazu yelped in a pain. She moved to side and watched the fist fighter step forwards.

“So…you’re the top dog?” she asked with a smile.

"I'm above him in rank, if that's what you're talking about." The fist fighter said. "Nakoro Mak'vaazar, a pleasure. I am sorry, but I must have your heads. The Eroi are an impatient group." He said, his left hand stretched out.

“Many have tried to have my head, Mister Mak'vaazar.“ said Akira as she eyed Max out of the corner of her eye. He was armed with a rifle, an all black Panzer Spider sniper rifle. “But they have only failed.”

Max looked through the scope, locking unto Hazu first then moving the crosshairs on the center of Nakoro’s back. He waited…

"If you're talking about the one perched in wait for me to make a move, it's not a problem at all. I am aware of your genetic traits. There are those who are born strong, and those who achieve it through hard work. I will show you the difference." He said, his stance still.

"Don't move. He's more dangerous than he lets on." Lenarsus said, frowning. That sword was a class A Vijun design. Yet how was he able to bend it? What kind of leg power does this guy have? "We need to work as a team." Lenarsus took up his stance. "Same plan?"

“Well…I’m going to need somebody bigger then this fan.” she said with a smile. Closing her fan, she moved in back in it’s holder on her right arm. She spun and grabbed a metal pipe out of the wall behind her, water shooting out as it was tore form the wall.

She face Lenarsus, holding the six foot long pipe. “This will work.” he smiled and turned towards her target.

"Hmm?" He said, almost like a wondering whisper. "Do you plan on hitting me with the same tactic as you ravaged my dear friend Hazu?" He said, as Lenarsus charged, stabbing in his fashion, yet the man grabbed his blade between his knuckles, his other free hand grabbing his face as he rose him up high and and tightened his grip, the sound of crushed bone audible. "It looks like your skull is giving out."

Azerious, was tired of killing people.. He was so hungry and dazed he had
forgotten which side he was fighting for... Then came the voices. the
horrible voices. They told him to do terrible things. He wandered the street
struggling in a losing argument with his own mind.
"Just go for it. It'll all be over soon. there'll be no more pain.
put the gun to your head and pull the trigger... that's it.. Go on, go for
it."
"No, I can make it through this.. Stupid crazy voice.. GO AWAY!" "You're calling the voices in your head crazy? Now, that's funny!"
"STOP IT!"
Azerious collapsed into the side of a building. drifting away
from his mind, as he muttered jbbrish about darkness at the
break of noon...

Akira moved towards the shadows as Lenarsus charged, she knew better to do the same thing. She would be more caution in her action before charging head first at her target. Seeing that Lenarsus got himself into a pickle, she had to act before his head was crushed.

Coming from the shadows, the vampire assassin swung her metal pole at the lower back of Mak'vaazar.