BANG
Iron doors exploded open with a flurry of movement, the screams of a lone Maelstrom gangster echoing, covered in the blood of his own brothers and sisters.
Rain, thunder rolled across the skies with lightning lighting up the night.
His cry, drowned out by the thunder above, escaped his lips as he barged past a parked SUV, the glowing interior of the Maelstrom stronghold visible through the blown open doors.
Corpses, mutilated, executed, sprawled over railings and collapsed to the floors. Their cyberoptics staring, unseeing into the mid distance, whilst their killer stood amongst the blood and viscera covered grounds.
" Where ..." A deep resonance punctured the rains veil, depsite the distance between Klans and the killer, the voice spoke as a whisper right Into his ear. " Do you think you're going ?"
Midstep, Klans legs simply shut down without warning, sending him crashing into a puddle of water face first.
" P...Please " He cried, whirling around to stare at the strange man stepping out intonthe rain.
Hood raised, feet splashing water underfoot, the strange approached with his liberty raised and pointed at Klans.
" Le...let me go ... I...I won't tell anyone " He watched the barrel near, the blue glow underneath the dark hood illuminated from the man's eyes, the blackness of the gathered clouds above creating a terrifying picture Klans never thought he himself would be privy to." MERCY PLEASE "
" Did you have any mercy for them" The voice rumbled barely above a whisper, as dirty shoes stopped barely a single pace away from the side of his head." Did you stop them from selling thise despicable BD's, did you try and help those children bound in chains ... stop those women from being raped ... the men from being murdered ... did you try and lift a hand to help "
" I.... iii ..." If he could sniffle, he would have at the phantom that stood over him. Phantom ... because he appeared and disappeared at will. Bullets shot at this phantom either didn't affect him or simply went through him, it was like he was little more than an illusion ... a phantom tormenting and killing them.
" no ... the answer is no " And so they leant down, closer, those eyes in their head glowing eerily as their hand reached out for his head. " But you will understand ... you will know their pain... you will experience it all "
Klan watched, felt the fingers rifling through his head like a branding iron to his very head, his vision doubling, eyes flashing with two different visions at the same time.
One sight showed the world, the real world, the rain, the touch, the taste ... reality.
The second ... oblivion. An expanse of nothingness. Where nothing but thought was permitted to exist. An isolation so complete simply glimpsing it as a vision stirred something deep within the pits of his soul.
" Weclome to hell ... " He didn't realise he was screaming, didn't realise he had already died, didn't realise that he was floating in a vacuum, a void marker and more empty than the night.
As his consciousness stretched endlessly, didn't allow him to think or feel anything but his last moments of torment and pain.
" AAAHHHHHHHHH" Time slowed to a crawl, what could have been a second felt like countless years, he forgot, remembered, experienced harrowing pain and complete nothingness, it was eternal ... oblivion.
....
[ Ouroborus core : 4.00002% function restored ]
He stood across the burning building that the maelstrom operated from in northside watson.
Reinforced bullet resistant impact glass exploded as the building exploded outwards, Maelstrom bodies being consumed in the fireball, bathing the street in a rancid stench of burning flesh and bodily parts.
Even under the orange glow of the fireball exploding, reaching up into the skies, with smoke peeking between the fireball. The ground rumbled and the shockwave cracked concrete, the fuel pod next to the building exploding the next moment alongside the building itself.
" Wonderful " The fireball receded into the rain, smothered by the storm above, turning the ground and surrounding area dark now that the bright light had faded.
Screams echoed through the streets as the ground stopped rumbling, followed swiftly not a minute later by police sirens from nearby streets.
" That's my cue to leave " He clapped his hands, satisfied with the blood path he had cut through night city in pursuit of the group of people who made, packaged and distributed those XBD's.
' But I know ... I know they're not the only ones ' Cains jaw tightened, the very thought others might be doing the same activities within this cesspool brought new frothing anger to the forefront of his mind.
He stepped into the alley, jacket hood over his head, wet from the rain that made his jacket heavy.
He disappeared between buildings as NCPD cars screeched onto the scene, the Omega deck hiding him from cameras, hiding him from sight, hiding him from being found.
....
Cain came back to the clinic to find both Misty and Vic staring at the N54 news, both staring in disbelief at what was being shown on screen.
" Heyyyy " His words came out more pf a test of their attitude than a real greeting, cautious on how they would approach him as he stepped into the basement clinic.
" Kid ... " Vic squinted, foot tapping in agitation as he paused the display, turning to Cain with a questioning look." You didn't happen to have anything to do with this did you "
For the last couple of hours now they had been getting updates about a series of attacks within watson, no particular names pointed to, but everyone who lived there knew who they weren't saying were the victims.
" ...hm " Approaching, Cain looked at the live footage of the last building in northside watson, still burning after the initial explosion. " Oh yes that was me ... I tracked their little business up to the top, where they were making those disgusting things ... then followed every lead down until here we are now... they're gone "
Vic visibly twitched at the sheer honesty of the explanation, letting out a deep breath as he rubbed his face in exasperation.
" No way " Misty smiled at the news, giving nothing but a thumbs up.
" Misty can it ..." Vic slumped, turning to carefully studying Cain over from head to toe with critical eyes." Kid ... they're calling you a terrorist for your attacks ... I hope "
" They don't have any leads, I made sure of it. Nobody not even a drone saw my face let alone my body" Though he didn't say anything about the initial victims and that David boy, he hoped atleast they wouldn't out him... though he would have to wait ... lay low until proven they didn't say anything." Vic ... I couldn't sit by and simply let those things exist when I had the ability to do something about it... they ... they "
" I know kid. ... I know, and I'm not saying what you did was wrong. You just ... fuck ... I'm worried about you kiddo ... I need you to promise me you'll be safe" Vic, expressing his worries for the first time before both Misty and Cain, spoke with solemn honesty. He had seen the good people of this city get chewed up and spat out, coming out destroyed wrecks with nothing left to them.
" Of course Vic ... I promise " They didn't say anything else, as Vic allowed the television to continue on with the news segment, about how the police were searching for the attacker, about how they promised to follow the leads they had and promised the safety of the public.
" Oh ... before I forget ... here " Vic didn't know nor ask how Cain did it since he didnt accept the transaction , But fifteen thousand eddies were transferred to him.
" What ... I don't... "
" And you Misty " Another fifteen were gifted to Misty herself who huffed and crossed her arms, but the smile on her race showed her appreciation.
" I did say I would pay you back afterall ... I do hope that clears my debts" Cain smiled, not particularly wanting to keep the eddies that had belonged to the Maelstrom in his own account, though the transaction history had been wiped regardless he'd rather not risk it.
" Yea kid... all cleared" Vic grumbled under his breath about enthusiastic children.
" Oh ... another thing" Cain raised his hand and scratched the back of his head. " Would you mind if I crashed in the car port or the van ... I don't really have anywhere to stay just yet "
A tick from Misty drew his attention, who shook her head with a smile.
" Pfft don't bother with Vic ..m he'll let you use his tech but won't let you sleep down here " Misty immediately looped her arm under his own. " Come on I got s spare room above the shop for you to use "
" Oh ah ... okay " Cain didn't argue as he was dragged away.
Before they could leave, Vic's voice called out to them.
" Kid ..." Misty and Cain stopped just before the concrete stairs to the surface. " Good job ... you've got a safe space here "
" Thanks Vic " With that Cain was dragged up to the esoterica, into the elevator that lead to the second floor and into an apartment above the shop below.
...
" It's not much really " The door opened to a homely apartment, dimly lit with purple light permeating the lounge room and kitchen. With dream catchers hanging from the ceiling, jingling beaded curtains covering the doorway to the bedroom.
A couch and a beanbag sat in the lounge, facing at a television with a small table in between.
A mural like carpet sat covering the entirety of the loungeroom.
" Feel free to take the couch... you don't have to pay rent or anything, just save up until you can get your own place" Mistu gestured to the cushioned couch.
" Why are you guys doing all this for me " He turned in confusion, staring at Misty whom simply shrugged with a kindly smile.
" Friends help friends ... and you my friend ... need help " Misty shrugged, stepping into the attached kitchen and turning on the coffee machine.
" Hm ... thank you Misty... I'll make sure to pay you back " He moved around into the open lounge room, sitting himself down on the couch, feeling the soft fabric between his fingers.
" Hey stop that, I said you weren't paying me ... just gotta sort out food and stuff " Misty responded over her shoulder. " There's also roof access out through my bedroom window if anyone comes looking, you'll be able to get a good start or hide "
The tinking of a spoon echoed from the kitchen as she rounded the kitchen counter and held out a mug for him to take, while blowing on her own hot coffee.
" You're planning to lay low for alittle right " Misty asked, expectant half wanting of his answer.
" Of course, I'm wanted ... not an idiot " He joked, reaching up and accepting the coffee.
The look she gave him spoke of how funny she found his joke, with thin lips but rolling eyes.
" Oh yes ... huge difference " She huffed and sat herself down beside him.
They kicked their feet up, sipping on their drinks as the television played some highly violent cartoon meant for children.
" Oh ... I have an old friend coming over later, I'm sure you'll get along great but er.... he's... " Misty looked away with a blush. " He's abit protective... so he might come off abit strong at first "
" Hmhm ... " He chuckled with a low chuckle. " I'll keep that in mind, though if he's your friend... I'm sure he'll be fine "
....
" Okay ... what's up big guy" Misty stood beside her friend, a Latino man built like a truck staring at him with weary eyes.
" Eh hombre " Jackie stood, heart hammering in his chest as he looked between Misty and this stranger sitting comfortably on her couch." Who're you "
It came out alittle harsher than he wanted to, especially infront of his dear Misty, who coughed into her knuckles and gave him some harsh side eye.
" I'm Cain.. I'm new to night city... and you must be Jackie, Misty's said alot about you ... " He gave a friendly smile, rising from the couch and extending a hand for the larger man to take.
" Cain ... " Jackie took the hand, squinting ever so slightly, turning a slow look to his crush who gave him a thumbs up.
Seeing the way Jackie looked at Misty, Cain understood immediately, from the dilated pupils to the way he was standing himself, ingrained data pointed to a rather interesting prospect going on between the two before him.
" I'm sorry for intruding... I got wrecked pretty bad the other day and Misty saved me... brought me to Vic's. I didnt really have a place to stay so Misty offered me her couch until I can stand on my own feet " He gestured to the liberty on the table with a couple of rolled up bills of eurodollars on the table.
" Oh ah ... my mistake " Jackie seemed to take the words at face value, the kindness of the budding merc shining through as he visibly relaxed. " Eh hombre got a hell of a hand ... nice chrome "
" It's alright ... I rather design my own, had some business to handle so I had to settle for this in the meantime " He gestured to the gorilla knuckles embedded in his knuckles.
" Eh you make your own ... neat stuff ... " Now that his exact relationship with Misty was lain bare, Jackie broke into open conversation, wanting to genuinely get to know this new friend in his crushs life.
" While you two talk about that... I'm gonna go get changed" Misty waved Jackie and Cain to sit on the couch, shoudkering through the bead curtain with a smile and a pleased strut.
" Thanks man, it's really not that impressive ... say .." Seeing that Misty vanished into the darkness of her bedroom, he turned to Jackie." You don't have to worry in any way, Misty has been lovely ... but it's not like that ... infact i see the way she looks at you man ... you might not but she looks at you the same way you do her"
" Eh ... " Jackie blinked at the sudden spewing of information, blinking for several seconds . Afterall he had planned to subtly threaten him just incass that if he hurt Misty in anyway he'd pummel him, only for Cain to say this before he could even open his mouth. And now how felt bad.
" Hehe Eh you think so " Jackie looked away, not wanting to look at Cain in anyway, guilt written across his face.
" Oh I know so ...you my big handsome friend... just can't see it ... " Cain shrugged and turned back to the now cold coffee, though it wasn't his thing, It would be impolite to throw it away, so he forced himself to finish drinking it.
" So ah ... " Jackie leant over, voice barely above a whisper. " If you see that ah ... what do you think I should do "
He was lost, completely and utterly, for years he had held a special place for her in his heart, even through past relationships, he'd never had the heart to confess.
" You know ... I don't think it'll take little more than going into a tarot session, bringing out a big bouquet of flowers and confessing to her " Cain smiled, leaving Jackie to rub his chin, completely disarmed by Cains honest words.
" If you're sure ... I'll do it " knuckles curled in confidence, the booster just given to him by Cain serving to give him the assurance he needed. " Say ... you're new to Night city ... you need anyone to show you around "
" If you're offering " Cain didn't want to be a bother, especially for someone he had only just met.
" Of course, a friend of Misty's is a friend of mine " He slugged Cain in the shoulder, nearly knocking the smaller man off of the couch.
" See ... I knew you guys would get along great " She reappeared with a burst of the curtain of beads, smiling with her hands on her hips.
On silence, Jackie and Cain gave eachother side stairs, the smaller of the two chuckling whilst Jackie shook his head.
" Eh ... you're always right " Jackie blushed, he'd get the flowers, he'd plan the question.
" I know " Like a pleased cat, Misty walked across the lingering toward the refrigerator" Anything I can get you boys to eat"
" Eh anything you want chicka "
....
For the next couple of days, Cain remained confined to Misty's humble abode. Giving her money to cover groceries for them both in an effort to pull his weight since he was crashing in her home..
Jackie would come over every day after dinner, travelling from his mother's to spend time with Misty and his new friend Cain of which the two quickly developed a friendly working companionship, full of humour and bad jokes.
By the time the week ended and no cops came, Cain and Misty decided it was probably safe for him to leave the building when he needed.
Stepping out into the street for the first time in a week, he grunted under the sunlight, hand raising to his eyes as Jackie came up and clapped him on the back.
" Eh hombre let's go" He gestured for Cain to follow, the two of them making their way through the streets towards the NCART station.
" So chicka tells me you were looking for work... " Jackie walked, arms up whilst his hands clasped the back of his head. " What were you thinking hombre "
" Ah, maybe a funeral house director, with the daily body count of this place I'm sure I could make a decent living .... seriously though I haven't really put any thought into it, what do you reckon" Long since used to the lingo, cracked a joke Jackie chuckled to as they waited infront of the station for the cart to arrive.
" Well.. if you got the skill ..." Jackie leant down, waving his hand at an imaginary image. " Cain ... night city merc, up and coming night city legend "
" Hm Haha... sounds like your projecting Jackie, you sure that ain't your future right there" He slugged Jackie in the back, knowing the man's desires for the future.
" Ehhhh but we could be legends together, imagine it, me and you, blasting through the city, rich as can be... shining cars, chromed to the gills. Coming back to Misty's after a good day's work for dinner ... maybe a little tike or two" Jackie's eyes seemed to become stars at the mention of the life he dreamed, where Cain looked apon him with a fold smile.
" That's a beautiful dream you have there Jackie...I'm sure you'll find the way to get it done.... I'll have to give It some thought though" Cain didn't outright deny it, infact in light of his recent activities it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to step foot into merc work, on the other hand he wanted to see what else night city had in terms of work.
" Say ... you asked Misty out yet " Cain gave a subtle smirk, through his side eye he could see Jackie chuckling nervously.
" Eh ... not yet " At that Cain rolled his eye, grunting as the Ncart showed up, people beginning to step into the cart, with he and Jackie stepping in, finding a comfortable seat and waiting to depart.
" Come on Jack... you're selling yourself short... take that chance man" Cain waved his arms, as Jackie scratched his heat, the two of them shuttering as the Ncart took off.
....
" Mamaaaa" Jackie burst into el coyote cojo, arms spread wide as he looked directly at the owner leaning over the bar.
" Ahhhh my sweet prince " Mana welles pushed off of the bar, quickly coming up to her son and wrapping him in a great big hug." Where have you been the last few days, I've been worried sick "
" Sorry mama I was in watson with a friend " Jackie didn't exactly say where, knowing that his mother didn't particularly like Misty ever since they were younger, however mama welles was no fool.
" Were you with Misty you were at Misty's weren't you, you know how I... " Mama began to go on a tirade, hands falling to her hips as she began to berate her son, going on about how irresponsible it was, how Camilla was still coming about asking about him and what not.
" Er... mama actually I was helping my friend Cain here" The pleading look in Jackie's eyes he sent Cain stopped any refute Cain could have had about the little white lie.
Now at the forefront of Mama welles gaze,Cain puckered his lips before choosing to run with the little lie.
" Oh hello sweetheart I'm sorry I didn't see you there " Mama didn't even hesitate to wrap Cain up in a hug of his own. " I'm Guadalupe Welles, the block heads mother... but you can call me Mama welles, you look starving son"
" Thank you mama actually I... " He didn't have the change to refute as Welles grabbed him by the arm and began to drag him to a small lit corner of the coyote cojo.
" Pepe get us something to eat, I want to meet the young man here " They came up to the corner, mama sitting down and gently petting the couch at her side. " Here here, how come I've never met you before sweetheart"
Jackie came up to the other side of the booth, slotting himself in while giving Cain an apologetic smile.
" I just got to night city madam, last week infact, I met Jackie pretty quickly ... he's been a good friend since then" Everything about what he said was nothing but the truth, infacy he was rather fond of Jackie and was secrety trying to push Jackie and Misty together whenever he could.
" That's my sweet Jack, could charm an Android this boy " Mama layed a supportive hand on her sons arm.
" He's... certainly got a way with words " Cain smiled as pepe placed three drinks on the table for them to partake.
" Aye aye... do you ... have a place to stay, I understand finding housing in this economy can be rather difficult" Ever kind, Mama offered the olive branch incase Cain needed.
" Actually I'm about to sort something out, shouldn't be a little more than a couple of days before I have my own pad" In truth the Omega deck had been datamining endlessly for the whole week, raking in enough stray eddies with enough efficiency to almost put a down payment on a small apartment in either watson or another surrounding district.
" Really ..." Jackie's face showed obvious confusion, as far as he knew Cain hadn't so much as stepped foot outside of Misty's apartment since he met him.
" Of course, you didn't think I was just lounging around all week did you ... that's not very productive " Cain nodded, actually he wanted to search for an apartment over the next couple of days, get out of Misty's hair and officially have a place of his own to call home.
" Eh ... right " Jackie and Cain resumed their talk with mama welles, quickly the elder woman quickly grew fond of the young man, welcoming him into the el coyote with the promise the Valentino's shouldn't bother him in the bar or out on the streets.
And by the time the food arrived, they all were chatting with pleasant conversation, with mama welles beginning to talk about Jackie in his youth, about their lives under his father and how proud of her son she was which warmed the heart of everyone listening.
By the time Cain was leaving, deciding to go explore the city again, Jackie quickly met him outside.
" Eh sorry Cain, mama doesn't really approve of Misty yet, I... I'm sorry I dragged you into that "Jackie spoke honestly, feeling bad and wanting to make it up to his friend in some way.
" Jackie don't apologise, your mother was lovely... give it some time Jack, she'll come around, but you have to actually be with Misty first don't ya" Jackie flinched before a small smile settled on Jackie's face." Anyway I'll be off now Jack.... you'll be by Misty's later right"
" Of course hombre ... I'll be there "
....TOTENTANZ...
Strange music followed the flow of red beams of light shining from above a stage. Speakers beat and hummed with the strange noise as people high on drugs or drunk danced before the stage.
On the wall behind the stage was the signs MLSM with a print of a maelstrom member painted onto the wall.
A platform stood at the centre of the dance floor, a pillar rising with several people dancing around the pillar itself.
All around the dance floor, a second floor lifted above the perimeter, several goons heavily augmented eith cyberware either stood listening to the music, participating in their own heavy drugs or scanning the crowds closely.
Amongst the crowd, dancing between people of youth and transformed cyborgs, Cain partook in the festivities right under the noses of the maelstrom gangsters.
" Hey ... " A small girl with wide eyes and a predatory smile, blonde hair tied up with a black headress atop her head, wearing a black jacket that completely covered the entirety of her torso and half her legs, she danced right up to him as he mimicked and mixed and matched the dance moves of the crowd around." Never seen you here before "
' Is she ... 'Cain squinted as she danced progressively closer and closer.' Hitting on me'
" Nooo " He made a playful smile as she danced right into his personal space, hands reaching up and onto his body. " I'm new here ... "
" I can tell ... you look so confused " She laughed, despite the sheer height difference between the two, with her twin tails spinning through the air as she danced around in a circle around him. " What's your name? "
" Cain ... " His voice was drowned out by the sudden raising of the music.
" Huh ... " She leant up and cupped her ear, making an exaggerated puffed face.
" My names Cain " Her face puffed, before she reached up, grabbed the front of his shirt and dragged his head down right beside her ear. " Cain ... my name is Cain "
" Ohhhhh .... " She nodded, letting go of the front of his shirt, allowing him to stand at a height that dwarfed her.
" lovely to meecha..." She offered her hand " I'm Rebecca... "
A particular twitch of the Omega deck drew his eyes up towards a particular corner of the club, behind several walls and into a room.
" Hey ... " He spoke over the music, leaning down into Rebecca's ear as she froze at the sudden closeness.
" I need to get a drink you mind getting me something real quick ... your choice ... ill pay ya back i just need to make a call... " She nodded, laughing in some kind of self assured victory before grabbing his sleeve and dragging him to the bar where a Maelstrom woman was serving the bar. Cain separated from her, walking to the side of the bar and staring subtly at the second floor.
" You new here ... haven't seen you around before" Dietlinde completely ignored Cain instead of even acknowledging his existence.
" Just don't go stirring up unwanted trouble ... you'll regret it " Dietlinde grunted, " What can I get for you "
" Two shots of Paul night for me and my friend there " Rebecca gestured to the wall where Cain stood much to Dietlinde's confusion.
The bartender turned and stared into the space Cain was standing before turning to Rebecca like she was crazy.
" This some kind of joke ... you on something... ain't nobody there short stuff " Dietlinde grunted,but started pouring two shots of the requested drink anyway.
" What do you mean " Rebecca grunted and waved dramatically where Cain clearly stood to her, bemoaning the bartenders obvious confusion, grabbing the drinks and turning back to where Cain was.
" Huh ... but " Rebecca paused and turned back to where Cain had stood, finding that the corner wall she had been staring and had looked away for not even a split second at was now completely empty. " Huh ..."
Meanwhile Cain indeed stood no less than five steps away, but the Omega deck made him completely invisible and unnoticeable to anyone with optics in the entire area, muting him to the outside world as he focussed on listening to a particular meeting occurring in a secure room on the far side of the club.
[ I thought I told you to cut that crap ... now look what happened, I have to clean this shit up before Brick comes knocking] A larger maelstrom growled, his voice twisting in fury as he grabbed his pistol and began to wave it around in anger.
[ Fuck brick, we just had some fucking gonk go around and rip our business out from under us... ] Ofelia grunted, sitting across from Royce, silently raging about the fact their XBD production had grown to a near halt overnight. [ Now we're going to have to search around for other producers, you know how much time it took to get a hold of Kang ]
Cain squinted, face twisting somewhat, eyes narrowing to pinpricks.
' They're going to continue ... no ... no they won't be doing that '
....
" Hellooooo" Her voice cracked as she leant her head out of the window that lead a perilous walkway where people were dangling their legs over the side of Totentanz highest floor." Nope not there "
She carried the two drinks through the club, kicking into the male bathroom, the female bathroom incase Cain was into that. Every knook and cranny of the lower floor and even parts of the second floor. He wasn't around or behind the stage,
" Hellooooo" She looked around the corner under the stairs to the second level, nose rinckling in disgust as a couple of men were taking their turns on a women. " Gross "
She turned away, and with a dejected huff, made her way back to the bar, both drinks slamming into the counter as she lay her head on the counter surface.
" Your imput ditch ya " Dietlinde spoke up as she took the still full glasses and replaced them with fresher colder variants of the same drink.
" Mmmmm" Rebecca grunted, head pressed to the surface of the bar as another man came up to her side.
" heyyyy" His sleezy greasy voice made her alone tingle.
" Fuck off ... " She pulled a pistol out from her pocket and aimed at the man's crotch.
" Alright psycho ... Jesus " He kicked off and strode away, leaving Rebecca to groan to the bartender.
" I'm pretty right ... like I'm hot ... " She gestured to herself, from the open front of her jacket to the red of her eyes. " Can't a man appreciate what I have to offer "
" Hun ... fuck those guys " Dietlinde whispered, some form of sympathy allowing her to show a hint of kindness to the short woman sitting at the bar." A man can't see past his dick, you ask me ... better off without em "
" Hm ... I guess " Rebecca sunk back the drink that she had intended for herself, eyes straying for the second drink that had been intended for Cain.
" Be right with ya, hey ... cheer up " A sympathetic hand gave a third drink to Rebecca before Dietlinde attended to a second customer who pulled up to the counter.
" Yea .... " She sunk back the second drink in depression. As soon as the liquor touched her lips, eyes looking to the second floor.
And in her gaze, locked to the reflective light, a light suddenly flashed over the stairs, as the head of Royce, half burnt and currently smothered in flames flew over the railing and crashed to the floor, followed by a spray of blood the next moment.
" What ... the fuck..." The music came to an abrupt stop as the maelstrom quickly mobilised like a swarm of angry ants.
They ran up the stairs, angry voices echoing about from upstairs as a maelstrom leant over the railing and began furiously searching the crowd.
More rushed in, stopping anyone from leaving entirely under gunpoint, patrons throwing themselves the ground in panic at the raging gangsters.
" Hey hey ... what happened" Dietlinde was already shutting the bar as maelstrom descended the stairs, the maelstrom bartender looking around as she had only just heard the news.
" Some psycho netrunner just zeroed Royce and Ofelia... they fucking exploded " Dietlinde quickly jumped the bar, almost knocking Rebecca off of her stool as she ran past to join the other gangsters in rounding up the clubgoers.
She fell over, about to collapse Into a passing enraged maelstrom gangster storming downthe stairs to catch the person responsible for killing Royce and Ofelia.
She was caught on thin air, as a hand she couldn't see grabbed her shoulder and pushed her back into the counter.
" Sorry ... " A very recognisable voice whispered into her ear, from a mouth unseen to anyone's gaze nor could be perceived in any reflections she looked at from the corner of her eyes.
' He's invisible ... what the fuck ... thats ... awesome '
" I'll have to take a rain check on that drink ... I'm abit preoccupied as you see... later " With that his hot breath vanished, causing her to shiver as she hastily looked around for any sign of the man she was almost entirely sure was responsible for the situation currently plaguing Totentanz.
" Cain ... Cain... caaaaiiin " She drawled out the syllables to comit the name to the face in her memory.
....
Meanwhile said man was already leaving Totentanz, staring back to through the building with a self satisfied smile toying on his lips.
" Hey ... " He grabbed a maelstrom about to enter the building, who became frightened and competent frozen by the foreign body keeping him in place he couldn't even perceive in the slightest. " Tell them ... tell them that if they ever participate in those degenerate XBD's again... that it won't just be Royce and Ofelia next time .... I'll take everyone else with them... do you understand ... no more XBD's "
CHAPTER COMPLETE
hey guys, leave a comment on what you think about this chapter, I want to hear anyone's feedback, you support is always appreciated