Spotlight

Light. So much light. Blinding my eyes as they flash cameras on my way out. Bodyguards escorted me through the van. People shouting, admiring, loving me beyond. I smiled at them, showing how grateful I was to see them on the tour.

I was nine years old when a man named Rocky, who owns a music company and is a producer and handler of different actresses, took me one night when he saw me singing to the people in the street. He said that I have a bright future ahead of me, and he wanted me to be one of his assets in the company. Months passed after I gave them my answer, and they trained me. My training includes how to dress, how to move, and how to speak. Knowing that, I felt a bit like backing down from their offer because I wouldn't have the chance to show them who I am. But this is how the industry works, they say. I don't have the chance to say what I want. It always has limits and boundaries. But for the past months, I have lived with it because I love to sing, for myself and also for other people. And my first debut was memorable. I was ten years old when I officially had my first job, and I started singing to them until I became obsessed with it. I didn't know that they would love me as I sang, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Years passed, and I became the most awarded singer and actress in Asia. People slowly got to know me, and different companies wanted to work with me, and I felt grateful. Until now, I am still walking through my dreams.

But I didn't know that standing in the spotlight would be harder and more exhausting. I just love to sing, and having the attention of people and giving them satisfaction is enough for me.

The tour ended at midnight, and I'm exhausted, but I still enjoyed it. Singing for them is one of my greatest moments in life.

The bodyguard holding me is enough for me to like it, and he is protecting me from the people who want to see me up close and are holding me. I don't have a problem with them holding me, but I don't like it sometimes when they hold me without my permission.

"Aiden!" They shouted my name, and I waved my hand in return, leaving them squirting with happiness.

"Get out of the way!" My bodyguard said to one paparazzi who wanted to get close to me. I looked at that person who wanted to invade my personal space, and I gave him a plain but dangerous expression at the same time. I saw him gulp, and he put down the camera and walked away. I sighed.

"Aiden! My daughter is on her birthday today, and he only wanted a single picture for you!" With the wave of the people and some paparazzi, I stopped on my track and looked at the man. He is in his mid-fifties, I think. He squeezed himself into the crowd to grab my attention and give attention to his daughter. Something in my heart softens, and I gesture with my hand to stop and let the girl come to me. The father thanked me, and I just nodded.

She hugged me first, and I smiled slightly at her. I simply smiled at the camera, and with one click, she let go. The girl still can't believe what happened. I patted his soft brown hair.

"Happy birthday. I wish you all the best; keep living, yeah?" I said that to her, and she smiled, giving me satisfaction. I turned around, and we quickly headed for the van because the crowd was getting bigger. And fuck, I can't breathe.

The guard opens the door for me, and I get in. I take a breath. I leaned my back on the seat, and the air gradually entered my chest, starting to breathe naturally again.

Breathe, breathe, breathe. The air comes up through my body and up to my system. My heart starts functioning according to its rhythm. I pulled down my window and waved at them, and eventually, the car started to maneuver, leaving the people behind. I closed the window and closed my eyes.

I cracked my neck and pulled out my phone from my pocket. Black vans and some police vehicles were in front of us and behind us, following us from behind. I read a recent message that came from Dane, who asked me to come to Chicago to visit some of our organizations.

Dane: Trace needs you in the city of West Lawn. You need to come on Friday night. I'm going to pick you up.

Grail: I'm busy, find someone else.

Dane: He only wants you; you are the best one we have here, Grail. You know no one can even do the moves you did.

Grail: I'll teach them.

After I sent it to Dane, he never texted back. good thing because I wanted to rest. I am one of the leaders of a secret organization around the world. Nine-Tenths. It symbolizes the mighty man who conquers all of Asia. This includes the presidents of America and Russia. This is one of the organizations that saves people and kills bad people. Syndicate work is to kidnap a young woman and sell her to the black market. Our rule is to save or kill. And I'm one of the snipers in the organization.

It's hard work because I need to be extra careful so no one notices me. My manager doesn't know about it; only the organization and me. It's risky work. My life and career depend on it.

I met the organization once when I was a victim of the black market. They make everyone there look like a pig in the market, while the rich people will buy you and choose from your body what they want to cut into you and cut it. Good thing the Nine-Tenths came to me and saved me. In exchange for my life and safety, I need to join hands with them; they didn't force me to join, but something in me wants to save people like how they saved me when I was young.

Years passed, and they trained me, and I became one of the best snipers in the organization. Blood after blood, I risked my life with this double work I have, but still somehow I enjoyed it.

My phone beeps, indicating someone has sent me a message. I open my phone and read the message coming from Dane.

Dane: Just fucking go here, man. It's a simple task. After this, you can go home and rest. You only have to hide in the abandoned building and shoot your target through the window. And once you shoot the target, we'll get the kids, and you can go home. Simple deal.

With gritted teeth, I think of a way to kill those mother fuckers who are trying to meddle in my rest day. I will put a bullet—not just once, but five—in their fucking head.

Grail: Give me the details and the plan. I will kill those bastards with my hands. Fuck them for ruining my night.

Dane: Damn, easy demon… I'm going to send it to you later. Good luck, Tiger.