He had no idea how many hours it has been since he saw those again. They were coming more frequently every time. It wasn't just a symbol of his death as a human but as a person too. After a few hours someone opened his door with their own key.
"It has been getting worse hasn't it?"
"Yeah... you know the reason better than me. There isn't much l can do against this."
Aaron scratched his left arm for a while before speaking again with a laid back tone.
"I don't believe in miracles or that there are moments where you must lie to someone close. We are really close at least that is how l feel."
"No no same goes for me too."
"I won't hold back my words then. When l went out today to meet one of my previous co workers that started working for a private company as a guard said that his boss would like to negotiate with me later today and when l went there we talked about the transfer of a prototype that needs to be sent to another facility and the safest way of doing this is by sending it with a normal looking marauders group."
"I get it. You want me to live until the end of this right?"
Aaron let out a sigh of relief.
"Yes you will be the second layer of protection. Prototype is relatively light and if disassembled it can be swallowed. You can survive most things so even in the worst case where we get robbed, mugged or killed you can still take it there and collect the money."
Isn't this just idiotic? What will I even do with the money if they are all dead?
"What can l even do without any of you? I will die either way so what use does that money have?"
Aaron started laughing in an almost hysterical way. He leaned forward and pressed his finger into Diarmuid's chest before speaking with his normal Authoritative voice.
"I am giving you hope... No l am selling you hope. In the worst case you will have a chance of survival. With the entire money from the contract you can visit one of the churches and they might help you or even accept you. Or you can try living according to your purpose."
"Why do you trust me so much?"
"I know you are not scared of death. I know you wouldn't kill us just for your survival. I am giving you something here as your dear boss. So be grateful that I am kind enough to share all this."
"Hey did we meet before? I forgot everything? Sorry it just came to my mind and..."
Aaron sat next to him before pulling out an elo from his pocket.
"We met long time ago and even worked in the same office for a while but then you left. Back then you didn't have these problems at least l never saw any symptoms.
He threw the coin into the air and grabbed it.
"You know l was kinda disgusted and when l find you there I felt something...I almost felt happy or more like excited as if that was the most important event of my life. A reunion caused by fate but of course it doesn't exist so you can't say that. So as your dear partner back then l wanted to share this...the weight on my shoulders got pretty heavy that's all."
He got back up again and and looked down to him.
"I promise to give you the will to look up my dear Diarmuid. You will get what l mean in no time."
Aaron got up and walked outside the room while talking.
"Before all this we got a man to investigate so hold your horses."
After Aaron left Diarmuid looked at the ground for a few seconds before getting up and searching his drawers for a pencil and a paper.
What a weirdo promising things like these. But him and Xio are acting weird. I think l can understand Xio it is obvious she just wanted me to have hope but he is just weird. He is a good boss by any means in both combat and other things yet his obsession about everyone in the office already made them all lose a lot of people. His obsession is unhealthy and even in this moment he has the courage to tell me that if everyone dies l can survive. Well I want to see the end of things no matter what.
He placed the paper on the bed and started writing.
Dear Xio
You must already know the situation once you find this note. As you can guess this is my will or more like a note since l don't have anything under my name. I just want to say sorry for all the moments I talked with you knowing it will just make it hurt more.
Diarmuid was unable to come up with a proper end for the note so he just crumbled it into a ball and threw it into the trash only to miss.
I don't even feel sleepy after all this so l should just go out and do something. A few drinks would make me forget all this I hope.
He changed his clothes knowing he is covered in sweat after all that happened and decided to go with a bow tie this time instead of nothing. He took some money from his stash inside his pillowcase and then opened the wardrobe to take his coat and the hand axe which he hid by hanging it in his coat when he went out. After getting ready he went outside the office and made his way to the Porters lane which was known for it's pubs which were mostly visited by middle class and office members because of how far away it was from the industrial zones and the docks. The roads were rather dark but as he got closer the street light changed from old and broken ones to modern ones that utilized electricity and not bug oil. After like twenty minutes of walking he reached the lane and went into the third pub just because he could see that they used bug oil inside to light the place up and thought that it is nice way to create a calm atmosphere which wasn't really right just because of all the voices inside. It was hard to even hear the song inside his mind. He went up to the bartender and asked for 3 Syvester shots and looked around to find a table to sit down. It was a pretty busy day which was normal since it was friday. As he searched around he saw someone waving for him. They had very long black straight hair and were wearing a trench coat and a top hat. Diarmuid went to him and sat next to him.
"Thank you for the seat."
"Welcomee welcomee dear friend come sit down let's play somee cards l am out heree dying of boredom"
He had a light voice, not that of feminine or masculine but rather lacking an ego or anything that would give him any significance or difference. He seemed to have a south accent causing him to have a hard time saying words that end with a vowel.He wasn't tired or energetic with his voice lacking anything as if his mind is already outside this world. As he sat down he placed one of the shot glasses infront of the guy who only had an empty mug which a few drops of beer still in it.
"How havee you been holding up? Sorry wee just met right? Youu look tired did something happen?"
Diarmuid drank one of the shots with one gulp and started talking as the burning feeling covered his mouth.
"No everything is alright to be honest. Have we met before? You kinda look familiar and hand me the cards l wanna shuffle them up too."
He quickly handed Diarmuid the cards and then quickly took the shot before turning back at him.
"What should wee play? Maybee something like 25 or keeper of the queen."
People from south are doing anything to be different from the rest acting like they have a culture that isn't just a light version of others.
"Anything is fine but..."
Diarmuid patted all around his body before letting a sigh leave his mouth in disappointment.
"Can you tell me what the time is? I think l forgot to take my watch while going out."
The man took out his watch from the from pocket of his coat and placed it on the table before pulling a ribbon from the same pocket and use it to tie his hair. The watch was rather high quality and was gold covered. Inside there was the picture of a girl which seemed familiar to Diarmuid yet he kept his mouth shut. She had long black hair and probably a light skin color which was a bit hard to see on this monochrome picture. It was 1:17 which was later than he expected yet returning without playing the cards would have been wrong, he was a person of courtesy after all. They played a few rounds of 25 which was a simple game that affected both parties draw 4 cards and every turn one player got to trade a card or not, if they didn't other person was given the chance. He tried bluffing a few times with a bad hand far away from 25 by not trading yet it didn't work and he lost most of the rounds. Before they were about to start the next round the man put his cards down.
"I believee in fatee and what it brings my friend. Wee will surely meet again. I give it 3 days but who would know cards speak very little divination is hard."
Divination? Wait is he from one of the churches? Or maybe he is one of the ex personnel. Only with the power of Gods someone can use divination but maybe there are people that don't need that. I never got involved with churches or ever want to.
"I give it a week. You seem kinda...how can l put this uhhh unique yes. I have to go as well we can play next time we see each other if it ever happens of course."
As he started walking away after paying for the drinks he heard the man's voice from behind.
"Goodbyee Diar."
As he turned around after realizing the weirdness of the situation but he was nowhere to be seen. He ran back to the table only to see a tarot card. It was the depiction of a knight riding a white horse. The knight is no more than a skeleton inside the rusted armor covered in blood it was on the normal position not reversed which was a bad sign by going off logic since the reverse of death would be life right?Diarmuid took the card with him before leaving again. After all this he went back to office and threw himself on the bed before falling asleep. He didn't see a dream which was for the better for sure.
He covered his eyes with his hands trying everything in his hands to continue sleeping. He had a pretty bad headache probably because of all the alcohol he drank. His resistance was low for sure which was good especially considering how cheap his trips are yet 9 elo wasn't that low either and the headache wasn't worth it.
"I am sorry."
Diarmuid threw himself off the bed as he heard the tired almost hoarse voice above him. He lifted his head as he fell on the ground trying to see who it is.
"I am always having hard time understanding people. It is too hard it really is."
When he looked up he saw Xio wearing a shirt with short sleeves and regular pants under it. She wasn't wearing a glove which was rare for her by any means considering she has been wearing her leather gloves most of the time. Her right hand was grabbing her left arm showing how stressful this whole thing was. Her fingernails were damages and deformed alongside the skin around them. Her forearms were covered in cuts some still new and covered in a line of dried blood and the rest no more than grey scars. Her skin was pale and lifeless as if that of a corpse.
"I really thought that acceptance was what you wanted. I am sorry, l am sorry l really am."
"No it is fine...I should have told you sooner that l am... well it doesn't matter now that it is inevitable. I am sorry."
"It isn't."
"It isn't?"
"Yeah of course it isn't. Do you think I would really let you die? There is something you have been hesitant to tell me for a long time right? Don't worry I will make it so that you will shout it to your hearts content."
"The is no need...I accepted this already and well we have things to do right? Don't you have an idea what to do?"
"We just have to investigate and that's it. Our job isn't finding but rather searching. To be honest with you l think there is not much from him to recover even if we found him. He is dead for sure."
Diarmuid got up to leave yet Xio grabbed his arm from behind.
"Are you gonna leave without one of your goofy outfits? It is not like you can get a chance like this again easily."
Xio opened the wardrobe and looked around for a bit pulling the hanged clothes left and right as if this will help her find a hidden jacket or something. She gave up after a few seconds of searching in frustration.
"At least you need to wear a tie or bow tie."
She grabbed a bow tie and put it on him before taking a step back.
"You got this now go and meet with John I am not working today."
Not working today? Aaron wouldn't allow something like this especially today what does she even have to do? Should l ask Aaron or her? I don't want to make things awkward so l will just ask John and hope he knows something.
"Well see you later then. Stay safe and don't forget to fill that notebook more."
He walked down with his hand on his forehead thinking of his mistakes and the consequence that is the wild headache he was having.
"Come comrade we have a holy mission today!"
"Holy mission? We won't just investigate the scene?"
"Of course we will comrade but is it weird that l feel jolly today?"
"No not that but the comrade part".
John lifted his fist and put it under his chin acting like a thinking philosopher.
"I was thinking of an important matter. Can you call churches dictatorships? There is one person in control that sends messages through their believers and they use their gods iron fist in matters of authority. So I was wondering what they call each other. Maybe comrade or brother. What do you think?"
It is true that they are no more than people forced to follow the iron authority yet are they that different from us?
"I got my money on coworkers. I doubt they are that different from us. Marauders that do jobs inside city that's it no more no less."
"Yeah yeah stop speaking like Xio this isn't you so let's go we got a lot to do today."
They passed through the residential area towards the second wall of the hive and after a security check where they only asked for their marauder ID and license they went inside. The hive was split into two parts which was the biggest difference between low and high class citizens. These two parts were vastly different in both culture and habits. Most of the lower class lives with a pound a week while the rich earn for than 10 or more. The rich consisted of mostly lawyers and similar people who were valued for their higher education. Of course people like bankers or factory owners also resided in these rich streets. John lived around these areas too which he could only do because of him working as both a bounty hunter and a marauder. He sometimes took bounties most of them being things like store owners asking him to get rid of gangs that are asking for protection money.
"Xio knows I have a crush on her."
John spoke with pride in his voice.
"That's my boy I knew you could do it. So how did it go? What did she say? Don't tell me she rejected you. Poor boy don't worry I have someone in mind for you..."
"She already knew it...I know she must be expecting me to take the first step but l don't have the courage to do it."
How can I even make her connect to me more knowing how I will end. I already acted selfish enough until now by how I acted I can't just go on like this.
"Ohhh.. well she is a weird person I know and kind of scary too she always gave me a slight feeling of uneasiness when l looked at her. But it can't be that bad. We are working as marauders you never know who will die and what will happen tomorrow so you must live every second to the fullest."
"Easy to say I doubt anyone can kill you easily with that ability of your's and how built you are."
John giggled for a while before putting his hand to diarmuids right should to pull him close before playing with his hair.
"Yeah yeah give it a few years and you will be the best out there. You are still pretty good but..."
"What is it?"
"How can you and Aaron be coworkers? He opened the office like a year ago so you two working together in an office doesn't seem reasonable I mean if they didn't use you as emergency food."
"Never thought of that maybe I can't age at all because of my soul or something I am not sure."
"Hehe look at that don't let the novelty learn that or you might get dismantled like a broken air balloon."
"Is it true they just scrap them after they break down? Heard making a new one is easier than repairing."
"True but just because of the monopoly of certain people. They don't produce some parts so that people can't just replace them so that is the whole situation. Bullshit right?"
"Yeah and can you get your hand off? We are gonna enter a place of luxury here and what is Xio gonna do? Is she gonna work with Andre?"
John stopped playing with Diarmuid's hair and spoke with a low tone.
"I am not really sure but their soul is all weird so we should let them both do whatever they want. By the way l will handle the speaking part you smell pretty bad. What is it did you think alcohol would give you the courage to open up to her?"
"Focus on the road big guy don't wanna miss a turn you know."
John stopped instantly and looked around before pulling out his clock from the front pocket of his coat.
"About that I might have missed a turn back there so we gotta hurry up."
After leaving a sigh Diarmuid ran after the running John until they reached a huge white building that seemed 30 times bigger than their office at minimum. It was covered with brick walls all around and a gate with a security guard. John went ahead and talked with the guard before signaling Diarmuid to follow him.
"Such a beautiful place. Maybe we should have some fun after the job here. They must have a tennis court at least."
"Do you even know how to play it?"
"No but does that matter?"
"No because we are not allowed to. The type of people that come here see even me as a disgusting sight that ruins their place of rest. So we can't even eat the food they serve here."
"What an ego they have there."
"Wait here l will ask about some things before we go in and investigate."
John went ahead and talked with the lady at the reception desk before coming back.
"3rd floor room 304 they said. Go there and start collecting anything useful while I talk with a few people and the staff."
"Yes boss I got this."
Diarmuid went up 3 floors and found the room. He went inside the room which had a small wooden table, a double bed and a small wardrobe. He went for the table first which didn't have anything on it and the same went for the drawer under it too. He quickly went under the bed and found nothing there as well. The bed itself was rather untidy which made it obvious someone slept here. He opened the wardrobe which only had a dress and a fur coat inside which was made for a male because of it's obviously large size. He waited for a few minutes but John didn't come so he went on his knees and started checking the carpet for anything and only found a few strands of short black hair under the desk and one long brown one near the door. As he checked the pillows he saw more as well. After all this he looked down the window making sure that no one could just jump down from there. After some time John arrived with a rather bored look on his face.
"These people are weird by any means. I talked to the janitors at that day and even the chef. They know nothing and well for the other people you can say that most werent here yesterday while the ones that are already here just never saw him exiting."
"Well even if they knew they must have been paid good to shut up. There is a dress here and some long strands of hair so he was with someone for sure and maybe had some fun too. I think they kidnapped him and took him out either with a soul ability through the window or they just went down and paid people to act like they never saw them."
"Well let's return then after all we aren't supposed to find him even gathering information is fine. I wonder what other's found out."
"Don't you have the radio? We shouldn't be that far away just use it."
"About that l might have used it to listen to others talk and lose the frequency."
Diarmuid let out a sigh as he just walked out the room.
"Come on let's return, you know what l say. In Xio l trust."
They went out the building and started walking back to the office from the Parker road where the club was. After a few minutes of silence John broke it.
"Hey it is pretty sudden but l am getting engaged."
Diarmuid stopped and looked at him surprised.
"Wait what? With who? I had no idea you were even seeing someone let alone getting ready to marry them. When were you planning to say it? I have to be there you know."
"You can't that is the problem. It is a long story but she has problems with her parents so she just wanted to get engaged without any event to save money knowing they won't support her especially in financial matters. So we will go to a restaurant and have some fun before I propose to her. I got the ring ready it will be my great grandma's ring which she got from my great grandpa."
"Sounds nice but how did you two even meet? Do l know her too?"
"No you don't. Do you remember my neighbor miss Sunny? I must have mentioned her at least. She had her birthday like 2 months ago and it was a relatively huge event with her husband being a shareholder of a great oil refinery. She had a lot of guests and she said she has someone she wants me too meet."
"Aren't you against these types of blind situations?"
"Yes I am but that wasn't the case this time. She was so beautiful I couldn't even keep a straight face. I was smiling like a madman probably. She was so cute with long black hair and those beautiful brown eyes she had that were like a forest, I got lost in them of course. Things were kinda awkward at first but you know how charming l am. She wasn't like those blank people you see around, she had a personality. She was working as a secretary for a well known lawyer so money wasn't a problem for us in long term if we got married of course. She likes going to symphonies and theater so I had a lot of fun in our dates even though l am not a person on plays. So yeah she is the one for sure. Can you imagine this? Someone like me getting married.
Diarmuid looked at him with amazed eyes.
"Well you are lucky to find someone that would accept you. I would never marry a marauder let alone someone as weird and irresponsible as you."
"Oh come on I did my part today ehat more do you expect?."
"Working radio."
"Other than that of course but come on things get boring too fast and it feels nice listening to other people talking."
"Yeah yeah for sure."
At that moment they heard a sudden explosion as a huge form jumped down from on top of one of the buildings. It was one of the bugs. It had 6 long legs but only used four of them while moving, using the other two to impale whoever is close to it. It's body was covered in plates of exoskeleton. It's had a huge round head with 2 antennas and mandibles with eyes like that of flies. It had a pretty short torso and a huge round abdomen. Before anyone could even react it swung it's left leg and pierced an old man that was dressed like a butler. After the swing it leaned down and pulled it's leg out of him before cutting him in half without it's mandibles.
"We should run."
"No imagine the emergency fee we can get from the guards or the church."
Diarmuid launched forward before pulling the axe out from the inside of his coat. He ran for the leg that stabbed the old man and pulled the axe up ready to slam it only to see the right leg of the insect ready to pierce him. With a sudden reflex he rolled to the left dodging the hit and lifted the axe again before slamming it on the weak spot behind the joint cutting off the leg. Before he could strike again towards the open belly side of the insect he got impaled by the leg behind the one he just cut. Black blood as dark as ink fell on the ground as his vision became blurry in pain. Knowing he will pass out before long he held the axe with one hand while slamming it again and again against the open belly causing hemolymph to gush out yet he was impaled again and again before he could do any proper damage. After the third one he was laying on the ground unable to even feel any of his limbs, he couldn't even breathe after his lungs got impaled. Before he lost his consciousness he saw a fire burning brighter than the sun itself before his eyes and everything went dark.