The Information Underground Highway [Chareos]

HE'd, been following her for the entire day now, the livewire that she was she never stayed in one place for too long, always zipping to one place or another. In her defense this was a tourist destination and a damned good one at that, were it not for his mission he would easily have been distracted by all the architectural masterpieces and sights. He didn't have much to go on, her portfolio was as light as the dress that draped fittingly across her shoulders. Aside from her overly enthusiastic walk she didnt seem out of the ordinary, then again they never were, but still something about this didnt feel right, nothing about this did.

He remembered receiving the hit, it was unusual, walking in to find her dossier on his desk, the manila paper streaked with crimson which he assumed would be blood, beside it a large wad of cash, enough to feed an entire country. He could've simply just taken the money then, but for someone to place it on his desk without so much as unlocking the door obviously meant that doing so wasn't in the best interest of either parties.

So here he was, following this little bundle of joy around the streets of the Jade Dragon Casino Resort, dipping in and out amongst the throngs of people; whilst he was sure she couldn't sense him he still opted to maintain his distance from now, content simply to observe her and her mannerisms. He wasn't like those new age killers with their guns and their pistols and their long range snipers, he was quick, personal and, most importantly, lethal. That's why they came to him and no one else.

How long do you intend to merely observe? . .

The whispers of his doll echoed from the ring attached to his wrist, lifting his hand casually to his lips he whispered to the strange, circular metal adorning his skin.

As long as I wish, you know this is how I operate, the predator must first isolate the prey from the herd.

There was no response this time but Chareos knew Schatten Damon would roll his eyes at him if he could, the butler doll was obedient to a fault but he had a quirky way of expressing irritation that Chareos couldn't help but indulge whenever he had the chance.

Besides I never knew she looked so pretty in real life, some ex-boyfriend must really be angry or something.

He shadowed her to a hotel, ghosting in with the crowds as she checked in to her room, a VIP suite nonetheless.

Someone sure likes to live fancy. . . you know I hear they have really nice soap in these hotels and their towels are always warm

Schatten Damon remained quiet, obviously he wasn't in a conversing mood, he never was when they were on the job, realizing the venture would be akin to squeezing blood from a rock Chareos remained content to simply observe quietly, following the girl to her room he confidently approached the door and quietly placed his ear to the wood, the sound of running water permeated through the wood and a smug smile briefly touched his lips.

Having confirmed her location he went back downstairs, sitting at a nearby bar he ordered a shot of irish cream, downing the viscous alcohol quickly, he was into his 6th or 7th shot when she came back down again, the light pink dress of the day having changed into a black , slightly more elegant version of its predecessor, even he couldn't resist an extended glance as she glided past him. Dropping his tip in his empty glass he got up and followed her into the casino, observing quietly as she sat down at a table; his eyes immediately falling on large stack of chips near her on the table.

A bit of a gambler are we?

A sly grin pinching at his face, he mingled his way to where she was sitting, stopping just shy of her. He stood, motionless, fingers resting on the pair of ninjato he had brought with him. . . no. . .this was too easy, killing her in broad daylight as she toyed with chance itself? the irony of the situation was laughable. No he had to draw this out a little more, he was in a casino slash resort after all, why not have a little fun first before completing the job.

His fingers delved deeper into his grey trenchcoat that surprisingly hugged his body rather well, meshing nicely with his black jeans and snow white t-shirt, pulling out a large wad of money he glided forward towards an empty chair next to her and slid the large stack onto the table, the attendant giving him what seemed like a mountain of chips; he sat down with an eerie gracefulness, delicate hands sliding half of his mountain onto the table.

A pretty girl like you. . .

Not facing her as he spoke, Chareos comfortably leaned back on his chair, a light, playful smile on his lips as he spoke.

A mountain of chips that high. . . .I have to admit I'm a little curious. . .

Violet eyes slide across to finally gaze at her, a light playfulness the only barrier between her and his murderous emptyness that they covered. A warm, friendly smile on his lips.

Is it skill? or do you fleece the attendants whilst they're gawking at you?.

She certainly was an odd one, at least as far as first impressions went; then again this wasn't exactly a city for your average joe, not that it took away or added to her general vibe. She seemed like the type to disguise her good traits with her bad, the perception was well shielded by a youthful allure, an innocence was the best word he could describe it, her manner of speaking, though peculiar and somewhat disjointed at certain points only served to betray her keen sense of awareness and, dare he even say, foresight. Not killing her abruptly had turned out to make his night definitely more interesting, especially with her little narration of the cards she was dealt, how she seemed to know what she would receive before even being dealt it. Were he here just for the game he would have chalked it up to mere luck or some odd human power, but he was not here for the game. . . though he could mix in leisure and business business always had priority which meant he couldn't overlook the smallest coincidences; not even for one as pretty as her.

That's quite the story you wove there, gotta admit I've never seen something like that happen before.

Observing the only card in his hand, a jack of spades. . . .blackjack he assumed the humans called it. He had little time for their games what with his work but when he indulged in them he always seemed to have an odd streak of luck about him, either that or he had been playing so long that he'd finally gotten good, but no one ever got good at chance. She favored none and discriminated against no one, all were suspect in her game. Turning over his card to the dealer

I win . . . I think.

He wouldn't reach for his chips, money was trivial to him, it all was when you lived as long as he did, win or lose they could keep it, he had enough to continue playing for a while, on top of the payment he'd received for his current contract.

Though something was strange about all this, he didn't feel like himself, rather like a puppet in the hands of a puppeteer, his movements felt sluggish and insincere, shrugging it off as a result of the alcohol he had just downed, his eyes set about scanning the area. There were plenty of ways to escape, he could simply merge with the crowd or slink away quietly in the chaos, that is if he chose to kill her in public. His mind diverted to her room, that would definitely be more personal and if he were efficient and effective, her body wouldn't be discovered for weeks.

Blinking a couple of times he realized he'd rudely ignored her question, turning his blue eyes towards her he gave a childish smile.

They say that I'm the luckiest man alive.

His eyes diverted back to the cards, whatever did she mean by story? he was certain that it entailed a far deeper meaning than initially assumed, could it be linked to his moment of insecurity and insincerity? he had the faintest of hunches and so he remained suspicious. He could not use his powers here, there was far too large a crowd and he would obviosuly get noticed, but he had an inkling there was something more than just card dealing at play here, sliding a hand through his trenchcoat he fingered the butt of his blades. He would have to be wary of her, this was by no means an ordinary girl. . . already his calculative mind went to work dissecting the money paid in order for her death, whatever she was. . . she was a threat to someone.

Then again you seem to be quite the expert here so why don't you tell me.

A waitress glided past them carrying drinks, he waved her over with his free hand.

Irish Cream for myself and something for uh . . .

His head swayed to face her again. A teasingly mocking smile cracking on his lips.

What did you say your name was again? Cutey? Bitch? or the Best Fuck Ever?

There was no doubt in his mind that she was trying to read him, she had that look in her eye, the one of puzzled analysis, though she masked it as if trying to read his game, no wonder they'd given him a large sum, this wasn't going to be a stroll in the park kill, he may actually have to get a little serious. The only question was how, each move had be calculated, thought two steps ahead; a fight now in the midst of all these people only risked exposing him but the group he represented when they paid him for the job. She was a lot more clever in her manner, in trying to read him she had made him a little more aware and as such he would seek to avoid direct confrontation until they were alone, impressive, were she an assassin she would no doubt give him competition; this was no ordinary girl in the slightest, just as this was no ordinary game of black jack.

Sounds like something a cheater would say

The smile turned from mocking to childish, giving her a sideways glance before returning to his own game. This time he received two aces.

Hit me

A third ace was given to him. His eyes rose to the dealer, as if trying to read him and his next play, a momentary silence ensued before he shrugged and let out a small sigh.

Stand

The dealer flipped his other two cards, two kings, a bust; again he would not reach for his chips, instead he diverted his attention to her game where it seemed her luck had seemingly run out, a little ironic since she practically managed to predict her first hand. Then again she may have simply been trying to throw him off, he held no doubt that she was more than aware of him and as such it created a little more excitement for the both of them, this little back and forth would eventually result in one winner and it seemed like luck would decide the fate of such.

He was pulled from his thoughts by the waitress coming with their drinks, the girl giving her an $100 as she received her drink, when she stretched out to place his glass on the table he reached out with his own hand, meeting her fingers with his own halfway, his eyes turned to her softly, giving an alluring smile. The waitress turned a deep shade of crimson before turning to leave. One could be forgiven for thinking he was a miser with his money given he had just dropped a fat stack of it on a previous hand, but then you wouldn't really know Chareos if you assumed such, he knew when to tip and . . . when to tip, it was part of his job.

Isn't it rude to ask for a girl's name before giving your own out first? Besides, aren't you more interested... in playing a game with me?

You already give me your three names remember? I was just asking which one it was that you went by.

Turning her own question back at her, he was slowly beginning to enjoy this, whilst the circumstances had indeed changed somewhat this little exchange between them was indeed enjoyable to some extent, they were both trying to play each other, even for something as trivial as names. Taking his own drink to his lips he let the sweet alcohol wash over his tongue before sending a hum of warmth through his neck on its way down, there was no finer drink than irish cream, it felt like drinking a sweet chocolate that got you tipsy in the end.

And it depends on the type of game, I'm usually a very. . . sore loser

There was more allure to his voice this time, his eyes settling on her lips in such a way that she would obviously pick up on it, letting them slowly pan up to her eyes where he would hold it for a little while, no doubt flattery would throw her off guard and it would allow him to better analyze her.

Tell you what though, to make things a little more interesting, you win this next hand I'll tell you my name and play this so called game of your, if you lose you only have to tell me yours, deal?

Luck indeed would decide the outcome of this encounter, though not in the way he'd expect. It was never in the way he'd expect, which was weird since he expected to expect the unexpected or however you said that, nevertheless the game would seemingly reach its climax; the dealer dealing them both their cards respectively, moving to flip over his first card his lips twitched with slight anticipation as saw the Jack of Hearts , his mind going back to her little story but moments before about the the samurai slicing through the deceit. Whilst there was no samurai, that story resonated with him in a strange, almost foreboding manner, either that or the alcohol he had taken was really beginning to take hold. This was the worst time to be a lightweight, especially since he was on a mission, drumming his fingers softly on the table he confirmed he still maintained a good, professional level of cohesion to where it would not jeopardize the mission.

Here's to luck then?

He was drawn from his thoughts by her voice, turning his head to face her he acknowledged her toast by bringing his own class to softly chime against hers, like him she too hadn't drawn her second card yet, her fingers pressed against it to signal she was staying. His smile grew a little thinner at the observation, not that it immediately meant anything right now, this was of course the first time she elected to stay and that would be perfectly normal, but something about it seemed off, she had gone from calling the shots in the first draw to getting a bust in the second and now she stood on the third.

His mind again going over the story she had weaved, it seemed way too intricate the way she had incorporated each card as she was dealt it, downing his own alcohol quickly as he left his last card unturned. Instead his eyes panned over to her to see what she drew.

Here's to the House, Dealer

Revealing an ace of hearts.

The Jack of Hearts aimed to betray the king and Queen with sabotage. But, they already had called upon an Ace

Right before she had said that she'd tapped her fingers twice on the cards, but on her losing hand her fingers had been nowhere near cards, this was the second time she initiated contact with them and she had won. . . his eyes narrowed slightly. She reached for the pencil in her hair, letting it fall to her shoulders as the area around them seemed to change slightly, for one the dealer had switched places with her, standing before him as she did he knew his position had been compromised. Yet no fear or panic touched his features, contrary to that he seemed to relax almost.

Allowing her her little moment of victory he downed the remaining alcohol in his glass, a shame that there was no waitress this time for the refill, but it wouldn't be important. He'd had his fill anyway and it seemed like it was about time to get to the proper business of the day, only one thing lingered in his mind and he would need to confirm it before making his move.

Schatten Damon

He spoke as she neared the end of her little speech, the rings on his wrists glowing a dark ominous black before sliding off, circling each other rapidly as a dark whirlpool formed from their rapid rotations, extending to a shadowy mass that took human form. As it stabilized the shadows where the head would be grew lighter, forming a sort of glass helmet, it was hard to describe Schatten Damon's form simply because there was nothing you could accurately compare it to. He skirted the lines of reality and imagination, even so the shadowy human form stood behind him, as if awaiting instruction.

I warned you, its thought audible to all within her world, to which Chareos simply smiled.

Indeed you did, later I'll give you a cookie.

The shadowy being said nothing, no doubt his dry humor was beginning to rub off on the bount. His blue eyes remained on Mai.

Impressive, you found me out. Well done, but see you're missing a couple of things here.

Reaching into his trenchcoat, he drew out one of his ninjato driving it into his face down card and into the table, its gleaming white edge emitting a soft glow. As he sat back in his chair he held up a single finger

Dried blood rusts the blade, making it harder for the wielder to cut and lowering the quality of the metal, given you know my trade you know that my weapon must always remain sharp regardless. I also know you'd never dare insult my personal hygiene, given your professed attraction to me, it would speak lowly of your preferences if I indeed reeked of dry blood.

Holding up a second finger this time.

Whilst your powers of observation are indeed quite good, any self aware being can have that sense of paranoia, you gave me plenty of openings before this little game of ours from up close and from afar and you seemed perfectly unaware then as you are now.

He held up a third finger this time.

I wouldn't have minded indulging in your game. . . . if of course you had played fairly to begin with.

His finger slid across the rim of his glass absent mindedly. For one in a situation such as this it was almost unnerving how non chalant he was, but he knew he maintained the advantage and the mind games would no doubt unseat her from her throne of supposed control.

Now whilst you think you've cornered me into this little game of yours, you've already done half of my work for me, see I like my kills to be personal, with very few people around, it makes the sport more. . . .sporting if you would, this little romantic scenario is perfect wouldn't you say?, just you and me.

He smiled as he spoke, this time a little more ominously.

But I am a gentleman if anything else and I will stick to my word. The card under my blade, take it and read what face is on it. Conditions withstanding, you've already forfeited your chance to win the game, your only hope is that I lose.

His hand returned from the empty glass to dovetail with his other hand.

I should warn you though, lie to me and your death will be far from swift. . . .and far from painless.

Only a fool reached first for his blade and asked questions later. Whilst the situation did indeed demand for her death, the manner of which he would administer it to her was still within his jurisdiction and at least in that regards he could have his way with her before striking the final blow. It also however meant that he could also do the opposite and in fact indulge her in her little tale, she had not lied to him and he could tell that much from the speed and relative quickness to which she turned over the initial card. But something told him there was a lot more than money and a dead body here, her abilities were unique to say the least and this was the first time he'd encountered such a power.

Still he could only smile as she attempted to justify her actions, out of a sense of duty to the game was the general direction he felt her little speech taking him on and whilst he was indeed slightly sympathetic to her plight, sympathy was an emotion that killers rarely used, also he was still a little sour about her initial dried blood comment. As if he really reeked of the stuff, pah! the very thought sent his brow a furrowing with irritation, the sheer naivete of such. He pushed the thought from his mind.

I'd listen to what the girl has to say, Schatten Damon's audible thoughts permeated through the room once more, besides she's pretty much dead already and I liked the way she narrated earlier, what loss is a little time take to hear her out?

His blue eyes slided softly over to the bount no standing right beside him before back to her as he nodded softly.

It wouldn't hurt to hear, I had a feeling this was more than just bodybags and greenbacks anyway.

He'd gone a little anal with the speeches last time, in his defense though nothing irked him more than professed know it alls, including himself whenever he tried to put them in their place so he'd cut down on the long exchanges whenever he could.

Reaching for his blade which he sheathed and slid back into his trenchcoat Chareos comfortably placed both feet on the table, finding a comfortable position in which to take all this in. His eye remained on the other person they had dragged in to this world, he wasn't sure what part he had to play in all this, but he figured that all questions would be answered in time.

For her sake, he hoped it would.