With most people out on patrol, only a handful of police remained at the station. There were only two people who were in the lounge currently - our squad leader, Kyungsook, and me. Kyungsook sat reading quietly with his feet propped up on the coffee table, the fan ruffling the pages of the book as it slowly teetered round. I straightened as the front door clicked open then slammed shut.
Dongyul, a newbie from a different squad, burst into the room, eyes spooked and opened so wide that I could see the whites of his pupils. And there was blood everywhere.
'Where's Junghoon?' I demanded.
It wasn't till he opened his mouth did I realise what was wrong. Dongyul choked, spraying crimson everywhere. Then his eyes rolled up into his head and fainted.
Kyungsook snapped the book shut and stood.
'Oh man, holy shit,' I breathed. 'He's got no tongue.'
'Get the paramedics,' Kyungsook ordered.
I was already dialling the hospital where I knew Sunghee would be. 'Sunghee-hyung,' I barked the moment he picked up, not giving him time to tell one of his terrible jokes, 'get your ass over here now with a med team.'
I could hear the smile in his voice disappear as it turned grave. Sunghee was very light-hearted, but when he got serious, he was serious. 'What happened?'
'Dongyul. He's had his tongue severed.'
It went silent on the other end for a moment. Then he spoke again. 'On it.'
I glanced at Kyungsook. He, for the first time, seemed flummoxed and appeared to have no idea what to do. 'Sunghee-hyung,' I added, more hushed into the speaker. There were background noises of footsteps then car doors slamming before he replied, breathless, 'Yeah?'
'Can you talk to Kyungsook-hyung?'
There was a pause, then Sunghee exhaled a little. 'Of course. Let me switch to speaker.'
'Here.' I pushed the phone into Kyungsook's hands.
He smile-winced and said, 'Thanks.'
As I walked out of the room, I saw Kyungsook had calmed down a lot. Sunghee was asking questions and giving directions to Kyungsook, and he worked quickly and obediently.
I walked into Cams. 'Eunchung-ah! Do you know where Dongyul and Junghoon went for zero hundred hours patrol?'
'I think it was Seo-gu.'
Pulling a chair up beside his, I eased the mouse from his fingers. 'What time did you come in?' I asked.
'Early. Too early,' Eunchung moaned. 'I hate morning duty.' He let out a small yawn, and I followed suit. It was almost two hundred hours, and my eyelids were growing heavier as they adjusted to the dimmer lights of the room. 'Start with Pyeongni-dong,' he suggested before opening his mouth in a silent yawn again.
///
Eunchung had fallen asleep with his head resting on my shoulder - drooling, I believe - when I finally found something worth looking into at Bisan-dong. The first lot of camera angles were useless as they pictured nothing but the dark, but then I saw a flashlight - then Dongyul and Junghoon walking into the frame. I sighed at their lack of vigilance - but then again, post-midnight patrol was the worst.
Within a span of seconds, Junghoon was lying lifeless on the ground.
I blinked.
Swearing, I rerolled the footage, focusing on the point and slowed the replay. A shadow leapt from the darkness, and his arm swept in a cutting motion. Again, and again I watched the clip.
'Fuck.' I had never seen anyone move like that.
Eunchung stirred. 'You got something?' he mumbled.
'Yeah. Got someone.'
Kyungsook's footsteps came into the room. 'You did?'
Eunchung was fully awake now, rubbing his eyes.
'Watch.'
Eunchung sat up straight, back stiffening as he took in the video.
'Do you know who he is?'
Eunchung swallowed, the action almost painful, and muttered, 'Excuse me. I'm feeling a bit sick.'
'Take your time,' Kyungsook said sympathetically as Eunchung stumbled from the room. I wondered why the playback had evoked such a wounded reaction from him - then I saw the killer's face in plain view, illuminated by the moonlight.
Youngmi. Min Youngmi had decided to make an appearance tonight.
'I want you to play further than that,' Kyungsook instructed, 'and make it slower. Switch the camera view.'
'There's nothing. I've watched it already.'
'No. Where Junghoon drops the torch. Pause now. Yes - can you enlarge the corner there?'
As the torch rebounded off the gravel, it reflected the brick wall opposite. And just caught in the glare of the light-
My blood ran cold, and it seemed as if the temperature in the room had dropped drastically.
'I'll run the scanner,' Kyungsook said. He dropped into the chair beside me, pasting the image into another application on a separate desktop.
Three minutes later, Kyungsook laughed. It was one of disbelief. 'Got him.' His eyes widened. 'He has a number that almost rivals that of Min Youngmi. Ninety-five victims, all branded with the same mark across their chests. Kim Sihyun, first reported last year in Busan - apparently he moves between cities a lot, and all attempts of capture have been unsuccessful. There's little data else. No medical history.' His head snapped up rapidly to stare at me. 'Neither of the two have disorders. They're both very much sane.'
Craziness didn't drive these two killers - it had to be something else - a motive much, much darker. Kyungsook swore as he reread the data. I'd never heard him curse that badly.
And that meant we were fucked up. Bad.

three killers.

all on the loose, all dangerous, all with their own agenda. together, they play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the police of daegu.

like all other games, there will be a winner... and consequences for the loser.

contains profanities and gore.

this is the draft to 'burn it' in which you can find the final version on my wattpad profile. i have the same username there :))

Chapter 2
Paul wonders into the building in a black suit, hands tucked into his pockets and me and John stand up straighter, holding ourselves with a confident posture. He smirks and shakes John's hand before going into kiss my cheek. I recoil and hold out my hand. He refuses to shake and I feel my blood boil inside slightly.
"Stop with the formalities, Aurora. Greet me properly." He goes in for a kiss on the cheek again when someone coughs loudly from behind. Paul stops and turn around. Zoren stands in the door way.
"Good evening."
Using this opportunity. I step back from Paul, shaking with disgust. He did that to try and undermine my power, to show I am not a man and therefore cannot be treated in the same way.
"Good evening, Zoren. Welcome to Grove." John says, walking up and shaking Zoren's hand and Jason's who arrives seconds after. John jolts his hand away quickly like he's had an electric shock and furrows his brow in confusion but he recovers rapidly and I start doubting if it actually happened.
"Pleasure to be here." Zoren replies stiffly and Jason nods in agreement. Zoren comes up and shakes my hand briefly, followed by Jason.
"You're cutting this fine." Paul remarks.
"I'm here aren't I?"
Paul looks annoyed at this reply but he doesn't say anything.
"Come on inside," John walks to the door into the main ballroom. "It's just about to start."
Zoren strolls in, taking a glass of Rose wine from one of the older wolves handling out refreshments and Paul marches in angrily after him, making his way to the stage to start the ceremony where Uncle Sam is also waiting.
"God I hate him sometimes."
"Which one?" John teases.
Grinning, I reply. "Both."
"Careful who you talk about." Jason sidesteps past us without glancing behind. "Alpha." He adds like its better after thought.
"Him too." I snap angrily at John. "Gosh, why can't they f-cking accept that I am a girl and I am an Alpha. What is wrong with that?"
"Nothing. They're morons, don't listen to them."
"I won't. I'm going to prove them wrong."
"That's my cuz."
I smile and hug him. "Good luck."
"You too."
Walking into the ballroom, the disco lights have momentarily been paused as Uncle Sam stands on the stage welcoming everyone. As I walk through the crowd, the young wolves part in respect and I nod graciously at them in thanks and as a sign of appreciating their respect. Along the way, I grab a truffles off a waiter and march towards Tam, in a deep emerald lace green dress, making her green eyes glow and Claire who are leaning against the far wall looking extremely bored.
John joins Mick, Uncle Sam, and his mate, Auntie Lou on stage while Paul starts his speech.
"Didn't give me that." I murmur to Tam who snorts quietly into her drink.
"And so, good luck to everyone who finds their mate tonight and to those who do not find theirs this year but will go on to find them in the future. Thank you everyone and good night." Paul bow slightly and the audience clap politely but I can feel the excitement buzzing the air already.
After an hour, I'm extremely bored. My feet hurt from dancing. This is why I don't come to events like this. I sit at my table, swirling a glass of red wine while young wolves are dared to talk to the famous female Alpha like I'm a zoo animal. They usually get my stern death stare before they awkwardly walk away back to their friends.
I've had enough, I'm going to the library.
I walk away, sliding easily through the crowd which opens up to let me pass.
The library smell hits me as soon as I walk in and I gasp in excitement. I don't remember it being this strong before and it seems to be tainted by the smell of limes. I wonder if they've started using a new cleaning product. I'm not sure I like it.
The room is a large hall, full of books and deep oak book cases with tiny figures from books engraved on the edges. The moon light streams through the open curtains and the desk lights are turned on. As I walk my heels clip on the floor, disturbing the quiet room and I take my heels off, leaving them on a desk. My feet pad across the floor as I run my finger along the edges of the book spines, reading them quickly.
The book and lime smell is getting stronger the more I walk and I think I might have to complain to Uncle Sam for changing the cleaning supplies for this room.
I suddenly get the feeling I'm being followed and I walk into the centre of the room and stand still, breathing in the smell, when I feel fingers pull my hair to one side and someone murmurs in my ear.
"Mate."
I freeze knowing that voice from anywhere. Oh no, please not him. Anyone but him. Maybe this is wrong.
I turn around slowly, looking into his eyes that are filled with lust. He has a smirk etched upon his face as he looks at my horror filled one.
"Zoren."
"Aurora." He grins wickedly as he loops his arm around my waist and leans in dangerously close to my face and all at once I realise where the old books and lime smell came from. Gosh how could I be so foolish. I knew there was someone behind me.
Slap.
I hit him hard across the face and he jolts away from me in horror, letting go of me so sharply, I almost fall to the floor.
"What was that for?" He demands, clutching his face in shock.
"I didn't say you could touch me!"
"You're my mate, of course I can touch you."
"No you can't."
"Yes I can."
"No you cannot. I do not belong to you, Zoren and nor will I ever." I flick my hair and start walking out angrily.
Catching my hand, he spins me around. "Admit it Aurora, you are no longer going to be Alpha for your precious pack anymore. That title becomes mine. I am your mate. You have to do as I say now Aurora. Save the hassle and submit to me."
"Never."
I jerked my hand away and continue walking towards the door when it is opened and Paul walks in, his face gloating with pride that he has caught me outside the ballroom.
"What are you doing out here, Aurora? You should be in the ballroom, looking for your mate."
"I was getting some fresh air."
"In a library, please. That's a terrible excuse."
"Well, I'm going back in now, happy?"
"Almost. Did you know there a punishments in place for those wolves who do not play by the rules at these events?"
"No I did not. They are hardly any rules to abide by any-"
"Do you know what the punishment is?"
"No and nor do I care."
"Stop threatening my mate." Zoren walks out from behind one of the bookcases with a face like thunder.
"Your mate?" Paul says, his face betraying a look of fear from the furious look on Zoren's face before he chuckles. " Your mate? This is priceless. You hate each other!"
I start storming off again, out the room.
"Stop Aurora. Tomorrow is the Run. You now have a mate. You will be there." Paul snaps.
"Yes I know how the ceremony works."
"Don't talk to me like that."
"Then stop trying to undermine me." I turn around sharply to glare at them both. "I will be at that Run tomorrow. And I will win. I will not become your mate Zoren, even if it kills me to do so."
I continue marching out the room and as I'm about to slam the door behind me, I hear Zoren whisper, "Oh but you will Aurora, oh but you will."
Gosh, I'm going to wipe that smirk off his face.

She is the Alpha and she is about to sign the biggest treaty of her life time with Alpa Zoren. 

Although for being the only current female Alpha, she persist in trying to find her feet in an unforgiving council of packs.

Forced to attend the mating ceremony by the Wolf Council, she is horrified to disover her mate is her worst enemy, Alpha Zoren.

- it's a hot summer morning as you were getting ready to leave with your boyfriend Namjoon he was taking you to the set of the lights mv it was pretty exciting since he was always hiding your relationship so you never got to spend any time together 

 

- you finished getting ready you then took your phone and the car keys as you went downstairs to see Namjoon sitting at the table waiting for you "Hey you ready?" He asks as he walked over to you "Yes I am let's go" he grabbed the keys from You and went outside you followed behind him as he opened the car door for you 


- "Thank you" you smiled "Anytime" he smiled 

back at you He then got into the car turning on the a.c. because of the hot weather " Ready?" He asked while turning on the radio "Yes"  "Great" he said as he intertwined your hands together and pulled out of the driveway 


- You guys were driving as you were listening to Cypher pt.4 you were rapping Suga's part 

"You really love our song huh?" "Yes babe I love all your songs but this is my favorite" 

You heard namjoon laugh as you said that 

"What's so funny?" You stared at him 


- "Oh nothing it's just that last week you said 

Daydream was your favorite song" he started laughing again " Okay I know I change it constantly but if I really had to choose one song I love it's Cypher pt.4" 

"Awe how cute is my girlfriend" he pinched your cheek while still looking ahead 


- You smiled as he pinched your cheek and asked "Hey are we almost there?" "Almost about 10 more minutes" "Okay as you were waiting for those 10mins to pass you fell asleep " 


Namjoon pov- 

As I was driving I told y/n 10mins until we get there but I heard no response from her so I looked to the side to see she fell asleep "how cute" I continued driving until I finally arrived on the set I didn't want to wake up y/n because she looked so cute sleeping but I didn't want to waste any time so I decided to wake her up "y/n? Wake up we're here ``''hmmmm" she woke up "We're here already?" "Yes my love now let's go" I took her hand as I walked into the theater" 


Y/n pov- 

You were half awake as Namjoon pulled you into the theater "Hey why isn't anyone here?" You were surprised to see no one on set 

" Surprise? I thought we would have a movie night before anyone got here" he smiled at you showing his dimples " Awe how cute babe you should have told me, ``'' I know but this is my surprise for you since I've been missing out on our date nights" he looked down  "Hey" you walked up to him as he looked up to see you cupping his cheeks''It's Okay baby I know you've been busy since you guys been preparing for this mv" you gave him a light kiss on his nose 


" I love you" he said as he kissed you on your cheek " "I love you too now let's watch a movie" you pulled him into a seat next to you "So what movie did you plan for us to watch" you asked slightly elbowing him " I chose [movie] I know it's your favorite ``'' You remembered from our first date how sweet" 

" How could I not you constantly put it on after you get home from work" " yeah I know but it really is a good movie" he then got up to turn on the movie  


He was gone for About 15mins so you decided to see if he needed any help 

"Namjoon? Honey? Where Are you?" There was no response so you decided to go back to your seats but as you turned around there was namjoon standing there with snacks " Hey, what are you doing out here?" 

I thought you needed some help so I came to help you " Oh okay you can take these snacks to our seats " "Okay" you took the snacks and went to your seats


Namjoon pov- 

As I saw her walk away I quickly turned on the clip that I had prepared to propose to her I was so nervous to ask her because I didn't know what her answer would be since we've only been together for 3 years 



Y/n pov- 

You sat down with your snacks in hand as you put the snacks in your lab the screen turned on as the lights turned off and a clip begin to play you were ready for the movie to begin only to see a video of you running on the beach being chased by namjoon then the clip changed as Namjoon was on the screen talking 


"Hi my love I just wanted to tell you that I love you and I'm sorry for always being busy but I'm about to make up for it but I'm ready to be with you for the rest of my life you make me feel like I was finally ready to be able to find the true love of my life  who knew that person was in front of me the whole time"



"You Y/L/N when we first met you were such a bookworm always hiding your nose into that book but I loved that about you I wanted to be your friend forever and be there with you when you had your bad and good days but that changed a couple months in when you started dating I was hurt that you got a boyfriend I didn't know why it did but I guess when talked to the guys about you they told me that I had a crush on you and I should go for it before I lost you forever so I did" 


" I remember that day like it was yesterday when I interrupted your date just to pull you out of that restaurant and kiss you I thought you would regret me but you surprised me and kissed back I was so happy to have you back in my arms thankyou for being with me until this day" 


Y/n pov- 

The clip turned off and the lights turned on and there was Namjoon on his knee with a box in his hands you were surprised as you were on the verge of crying you looked at him "Namjoon? What are you doing" as you finished talking he opened up the box to reveal  a beautiful ring "y/n? Will you marry me?" You said "Oh namjoon I was waiting for you my love" he smiled at you " Well here I am waiting are you ready to take the jump?" Yes as long as you're there to catch me" He stood up gave you a kiss as he slid the ring on your finger you hugged as the clip turned on again and the movie started you sat there watching the movie until it was time for them to shoot the mv

<A/N: This chapter slight 18+ content. There is no direct sexual encounter included in this chapter.
 Check out "My Sex Journey In Anime Multiverse" By @Pyuog. Wonderful one. Highly recommended. Link-->
<3rd POV>
Takashi and Cleria was currently playing chess. Both Takashi and Cleria wearing their game faces as they were face to face, playing against other. Takashi had 4 pawns, 1 bishop, 1 rook, his queen and his king on the board. While Cleria just had 3 pawn, 1 knight and her king on the board.
Takashi had her cornered by a long mile. Takashi's queen and rook blocking the road as his bishop pressed on attack. Takashi gave her a "Check." as Cleria used her knight as cover to block the check on king. Takashi used his bishop to simultaneously pick off Cleria's knight and do another "Check" on her. Cleria couldn't do anything to the bishop as it had the backing of the queen.
Cleria went a square down and that was her downfall. Takashi pushed his rook in and completely pinned Cleria's king down. And just like that, Takashi picked off a clean "Checkmate" on Cleria for the 13th time in a row.
Cleria pouted. "Mou... I still can't win against you." Takashi chuckled mirthfully. "Want to try again?" Before Cleria could answer.....
"Onii-sama!!"
A white blur crashed into Takashi. Takashi fully knowing who this is, wrapped him arms around her and pulled her in for a hug. The white haired girl rubbed her cheeks against Takashi's chest as she nuzzled into his chest. When looked upto Takashi, He got a good look at her face. She was Tosca Tanaka, Takashi's adopted little sister.....for now. Picture-->
Her cute little face and nose, her turquoise eyes, her white hair tied into with braided twin tails. her forehead covered with her white haired bangs. There was also a green decorated hair clip on the right side of her bangs. This hair clip was gifted to her by Takashi and she cherishes it with all her life.
When Takashi let her out from the hug, Takashi got a good look at body as well. She had a pretty petite body. And she had wore a cute looking turquoise frilly dress. Takashi smiled at his adopted little sister and he pecked her forehead. Tosca sighed in blissful as she smiled contently. Her mind wasn't corrupted till now. But today that was about to change of a certain smut reading Nekoshou.
Takashi sheepishly said, " Tosca-chan and Cleria-chan. I just remembered something. I have got to go somewhere." Both Tosca and Cleria looked a bit bummed but they can understand that Takashi is a busy guy. And besides Cleria has got her fill last night so much that she is still limping a bit.
Tosca pouted. "Onii-sama, When you return, you will play with Tosca, O~kay~?" Takashi chuckled. "Okay. Your Onii-sama will be back soon. And when I return, I will...No, I promise to play with you."
Tosca squealed in delight at the prospect of her playing with her beloved 'Onii-sama'. Tosca nodded enthusiastically. "Hai!, Onii-sama. See you later." Cleria also bid him goodbye. "See you soon, Taka-kun!"
Takashi waved smilingly at them as teleportation circle shined under him, taking him away. Tosca and Cleria returned his smile as they also waved at him. When Takashi teleported himself to Takamagahara to interrupt in a certain meeting, Tosca turned Cleria to probably chat with her.
<A/N: Tale of Takashi in Takamagahara will be the content of next chapter.>
Seeing Cleria still sitting on one side of the chess table, Tosca smiled like a child who found her new toy. Tosca skipped happily towards Cleria who was looking at chess board intensely, trying to study Takashi's game and asked her excitedly. "Cleria-nee-chan, Will you play with me?"
Cleria's serious face crumbled a bit as she asked Tosca. "Eh? Tosca-chan, will you play chess?" Tosca's excited face quickly changed into a sheepish one as she quickly said. "Ah.. Cleria-nee-chan, I just remembered something that I need to do.... See you later."
Cleria sweatdropped seeing Tosca running away. 'I know that she doesn't like playing chess but that doesn't mean that she has to run away. She could have said no.' Cleria thought with a little giggle. 
Meanwhile Tosca ran her way from corridor to the living room. Entering the room, She saw Fujimai blushing and reading a orange book that Shuri also reads sometimes. Tosca wanted to know what exactly was in that orange book but others forbid Shuri and Fujimai from letting Tosca read that book.
'I want to know what is in that book. Umm....Fujimai-nee-chan seems too busy in her reading. I don't think that she would notice me if I were to sneak up on her.' Thought Tosca mentally patting her back for creating such a brilliant plan. 
Normally Fujimai would have noticed Tosca sneaking up on her through her keen senses. But currently just exactly as Tosca thought, Fujimai was too immersed in her smut reading session. Tosca sneaked up right behind couch Fujimai was sitting on and she started reading the content from the page at left side of the visible sight.
[Rina was moaning mess under Takashi. Takashi huge cock impaling in and out of Rina's abused cunt...]
[Rina's face twisted into content and pleasure as her eyes rolled back and tongue rolled out. Her blush deepened and drool leaked for their side of her mouth. As her facial expression changed into the infamous Ahegao....]
["I-Inside, I-I want it i-inside." Rina yelled. Seconds later, Takashi came balls deeps in her. Feeling Takashi's sperm in her womb, Rina couldn't stop her orgasm as it hit her hard. She screeched like a banshee....]
Reading the content which she half understood and half went over her little underdeveloped head. She had several question in her head regarding this....content that she read. The most important one being, why was her body reacting like that?
Suddenly Aqua entered the room, She smiled at Fujimai who too immersed in her smut book that she didn't acknowledge her. However her smile faltered when she noticed another head behind the couch. She got scared when she saw that the head belong to Tosca. Aqua was  Prompting her to yell. "TOSCA!!"
Both Fujimai and Tosca looked at Aqua who had yelled. Fujimai only then realized Tosca's presence and she also got scared. To be honest, She wasn't scared to let Tosca read her smut book. In fact, she and Shuri was one who tried to show her the book and lewd a loli. But she was damn scared of monster that was Ruby. Ruby wouldn't like it if Tosca got to read the smut. Now, exactly that has happened.
On the other side, Tosca who wasn't aware of the fear that both Aqua and Fujimai had in their mind, felt that after today her world was about to change. Fearing some thing, she prayed to God that all she wants is her Onii-sama and all her Nee-chan's.
<With Ruby>
While the commission was happening in Takashi's basement, Ruby and a kid clone(remember one mind more bodies/ Omnipresence) was sitting with their new neighbors. Ruby suddenly felt that someone was thinking about her. She got a little absent minded.
"Ruby-san are you okay?" The voice came out from the woman in front her. A beautiful woman that was her neighbor, Tsubakihara Mira. She was a light brown haired woman and had beautiful glistening blue eyes. A woman with the right curves and sways. A Milf who belonged to toppest in the top tier. Picture-->
Besides Mira was her twin daughters who happened to be of the same age of Isami and Hina Hyoudou. Both twin daughters had their mother's hair colour and facial structure. Yuna, Mira's elder daughter probably had her father's lime green eyes. While Nina, Mira's younger daughter had her mother's light blue eyes.
<A/N: Didn't find any of their chibi pics. I could just give you the teenage ones. You know, what? Take it. Picture-->
The occasion of them gathering around here, was a special one. Apparently, kid Takashi saved both Yuna and Nina from the claws of a rabid dog. A dog who had lost its sanity, had attacked them.
 When Yuna and Nina was playing in the playground, the rabid dog attacked them. Both Yuna and Nina was scared out of their minds to even try to call for their mother. They were so scared that they got rooted to their spots. Just stood there hugging each other. That's when Takashi came and saved them like a knight in shining armor.
Ruby had the urge to massage her temples to soothe the head ache she felt incoming. Takashi didn't know but she knew that Takashi had planted seed of love in their young heart and mind. These girl will now slowly fall in love with him. Ruby thought. 'Taka-kun is so dense.'
.....At least that's what she thinks. Only if she knew that rabid dog which was after them, was actually sent by Takashi. Only if they knew.

"We'll save you the trouble, Attorney. If you just work with us one last time."
"No," Sapiro says, folding his arms together and shaking his head.
"Not this time, Santina."
Without opening his eyes, Santina asks quietly,
"Officer Aragon?"
"He won't agree, either,"
Sapiro says, but he casts a furtive glance at Officer Aragon, unsure of where he really stands.
"Professor, be reasonable. You've no training in the apprehension of criminals. No field experience. If you—"
"It is not your decision to make, Daniel,"
Santina says, also looking at Officer Aragon now. An awkward silence follows, and for a minute or two, nobody feels compelled to break it.
 As they sit nursing coffee mugs in Officer Aragon's office, James turns up the volume on the television set.
The Payatas killings are the top story on the early evening news. Abby did a good job in filtering out the sensationalist babble of the anchor, focusing instead on the footage.
The screen shows a clip of the exterior of Dennis's apartment.
There was also Mikael's car as it pulled up to the curb, then cutting to a shot of Santina in her jeans, striding resolutely to the gate, her face grave and deeply shadowed in the late afternoon sun. 
In another shot of Abby, Mikael is visible in the background, looking even grimmer than usual, his lips pressed together tightly.
The phone rings and James pick up. He listens to the caller for a minute, then frowns and cups the mouthpiece.
"Another missing boy. Mayor Valir's sheriffs just alerted our people. Someone saw a man who fits Dennis's description dragging a boy of about twelve or thirteen away, toward the landfill. He apparently left a vehicle parked near the location of the sighting."
"A vehicle,"
Mikael repeats.
"What kind of vehicle?"
"Small sedan, old model."
 James returns to the person speaking on the phone and makes a few more inquiries.
"Toyota. SBN253. That's Dennis's license plate."
Officer Aragon looks up at James.
"The boy—was he alive?"
"Looks like it, sir. Witness said he tried to fight back."
The other party turns to Santina.
"We've got a boy alive. Do you still think you might be able to bring Dennis back without a struggle? With adequate backup?"
"We can try, sir."
"But, Sir,----"
Daniel begins to object but Officer Aragon cut him off
"With adequate backup, Daniel,"
Officer Aragon says, silencing him. Then he fixes Santina with a hard stare.
"Just remember, that my boys are authorized to take extraordinary measures if they see you or the boy are in grave danger."
Santina rises to his feet.
"Extraordinary measures, sir? How am I to interpret that?"
"Any way you please. As long as you don't forget it." 
Officer Aragon turns to James and Daniel.
"Provide any assistance and support he needs. And bring that boy back alive."
After they wrap everything in the meeting, the team decided to leave and started the manhunt operation. 
They are running against time, they had to find Dennis before he could even do something bad to the child.
However, just a few minutes after they leave Officer Aragon's office, James' two-way radios crackle to life.
James responded to it and Ed was on the other line. James tried to keep his voice low, but it is clear that something is wrong.
He looks over his shoulder at Santina.
"A concerned citizen found the missing boy not far from here. Side of the landfill nearest the school."
"Alive?"
Mikael asks, but from the looks Ed and Norman exchange with each other, the answer is obvious.
"So we're heading there, " Santina says it not as a question but as a matter of fact.
"It's just up the road."
It's not long before they see the flashing lights of police vehicles.
A checkpoint has been set up, manned by policemen, and the three cars are waved through. They all come to a halt near the line of police and barangay cars.
James steps out, motions for Ed and Norman to follow with Santina and Mikael. They leave the car, walk bareheaded in the rain that has dwindled to a drizzle.
The smell of the garbage is overpowering. The ground is wet with rain, streaked with mud.
James stops to talk to a uniformed policeman. After a few seconds, the policeman points toward the dump, and James turns to make sure they're all following before heading in that direction.
It's less than two minutes before they see the body.
 "It'll be at least half an hour before Alberto gets here,"
James says. and Santina nods.
Tonight they cannot wait.
Somebody—Ed or Norman— hands him a large flashlight, and then everyone else steps back. Santina switches the light on and then bends to examine the ground around the body.
Two black rats, their fur glistening with droplets of rain, turn toward the light but boldly stand their ground. Mikael hisses, a sharp and threatening sound, and the rats scurry away, startled.
Santina moves the flashlight's beam so that it traces the outline of something in the mud: a footprint.
"Men's size six?"
he asks, seeking another opinion.
"Looks like it,"
Mikael answers.
"Same garden-variety plastic rain boot."
Satisfied, Santina steps carefully toward the body. 
She feels more than a bit ashamed of the way excitement and anticipation are warring with the sorrow and horror and revulsion within her.
The shame feels like sand in his mouth, rough and gritty, and he wishes he could spit it out.
This is important; this is the closest they have ever come to him. They are separated from this young boy's death and the presence of his killer by a mere hour or two.
************************************************************
If you are not reading this at W e b n o v e l.com, then the content you're reading is stolen! Please support the author at:
https://www.webnovel.com/book/16810868906468605/The-Killing-at-District-12
THIS IS THE ONLY LEGIT SITE WHERE YOU CAN READ MY STORIES
Please don't support THIEVES!!!!
LET US ALL SAY NO TO PIRACY!!!
Please don't support THIEVES!!!!


There were mysterious murders taking place at District 12 every last weekend of the month and the serial killer was at large.



"Our killer was not just deliberately peeling of the face of his victims. He was also eviscerating their body and purging out their organs, particularly their hearts. It was like the killer wanted to remove everything that made one human."


Two people who used to be high school friends and also shared a painful past; both lost a loved one on an incident that happened six years ago decided to join hands to solve this mystery.

One was retired a forensic anthropologist who turned a  new leaf and chose to become a professor at a medical school


While the other was a former law enforcement officer who had decided to be into seminary and was just a step away from becoming an officially ordained priest

Will they be able to identify the notorious killer that lurked the shadows of their district???

PS pic's not mine.
Credit goes to the rightful owner

Callie found that the System was the most complex thing she'd ever messed with. There were so many things she could do with it! All she had to do was get more System Points. Too bad that hadn't been a reward from her Past Lives. Though, since she hadn't had a System to earn points for in her past lives, it made sense. It just would have made everything so much easier.

However, when she moved on to the Help Articles about Arion, she was quickly frustrated.

'Why does every, single article have an Unknown Error in it somewhere! I don't think I'm getting even a tenth of the total articles!' Callie bemoaned, silently. 'Why give me a mission to read these articles, if most of them are blocked with system errors?'

Not that there wasn't a lot of things available to be learned. For instance, Callie had learned that there were over 100 dungeons on this planet, though she had no idea what they contained. All she knew was that each dungeon had a Skill Book you could only get the first time you completed it. It wasn't easy completing a dungeon, it required a party, along with requiring expensive supplies and the permission of the local Lord to even try it.

And, of course, the local Lords were rarely accommodating. The Skill Books dungeons gave were on the banned book lists across the planet.

Banned book lists were all the Skill Books that you had to be a noble to be allowed access to. The Demon Emperor had created the list himself, when he and his Lords had used the power they gained from the system to subjugate the masses.

How did they subjugate the masses? Callie didn't know, because that was another section that only said Unknown Error.

Names, major historical moments, even geographical locations that weren't close to Callie by a few miles, all of these said Unknown Error.

The result by the end of reading about Arion was Callie knew the gist of how the planet worked, but the specifics were all unknown.

However, when Callie switched tabs back to her Mission tab, a wonderful message greeted her!

--Mission 1 Complete! Claim Rewards Now? Y/N--

'Yes!'

--Rewards Now Available--

Callie excitedly went to her Status screen, looking to see her new rewards. A series of pop-ups loaded as soon as she switched, much to Callie's joy.

--Analysis has Leveled Up--

--Host has Leveled Up--

--Host has Leveled Up--

--------Stats--------
Name: Caliope (Callie) Griever
Level: 2 (+2)
Exp: 0/40 (+30)
Race: Human
Life Stage: Newborn
Cultivation Level: 0 (Locked)
Magic Level: 0 (Locked)

Health: 430/430
Mana: 0/0
Recovery: 1400

Stamina: 15
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 10
Agility: 8
Intelligence: 40
Wisdom: 25
Willpower: 25
Endurance: 35
Control: 25
Charisma: 60 (15)
Perception: 20
Luck: 150 (15)
Faith: 10

Skills: Reading Lv. MAX; Analysis Lv. 2; Necromancy Lv. 1
Abilities: Fear Resistance Lv. 2; Sleep Resistance Lv. 4; Mental Resistance Lv. 2; Pain Resistance Lv. 4
Traits: UNKNOWN ERROR DETECTED; Curiosity; Necromantic Legacy; Fear of the Undead
Professions: N/A
Blessings:  UNKNOWN (Error Detected); UNKNOWN ERROR DETECTED; Goddess of Sacrifice; Goddess of Luck; God of Power; Gray the Lich
Curses: God of Cruelty

Titles: N/A (Locked)

Stat Points: 9,925 (+40)
Skill Points: 52,156
System Points: 4 (+4)
Mission Points: 4 (+4)
Building Points: 0
Gold: 0

Karma Points: 2,415,866
Divinity Points: 148,528
Universal Points: 2

Ally System (Locked)

Past Life Reward System: 10 Past Lives Rewarded

Callie frowned, scanning her stats page with growing irritation. 'Didn't that reward say something about a Skill reward? Why don't I have any new skills then?'

Confused, Callie switched back to the Missions page, and clicked on the Mission 1.

--Mission 1--

COMPLETE
As a newborn baby, you are both weak and ignorant. The first step towards becoming powerful is to know more about both this world, and the system you've been entrusted with.

Mission Objectives:
-Read all Help articles about System. (COMPLETE)
-Read all Help articles about the planet Arion. (COMPLETE)
-Learn a skill the natural way. (COMPLETE)

Rewards: +1 System Point; +1 Mission Point; +1 Random Skill Book; +5 Exp (CLAIMED)

'System, where's my Skill Book?'

--Item Rewards are Automatically Downloaded to Inventory when Claimed--

Callie frowned, annoyed. 'But I can't access my Inventory!'

--Unlock Inventory Level 1 with 1 System Point? Y/N--

Callie's frown turned into a full-blown pout at these words. She'd planned on using her 4 points to unlock Titles and the System Store! But there was no way she could wait until she earned another System Point to find out what kind of Skill Book she'd gotten!

'Yes.' Callie thought begrudgingly.

Ding!

For the first time, the System made a small sound to garner Callie's attention. Callie almost jumped at the sound, taken by surprise. The surprise quickly faded to annoyance.

--Inventory Tab is Now Unlocked--

Immediately, the Mission tab faded from before Callie's eyes, only to be replaced by a large screen of small tiles.

Callie squinted at the tiles, shocked. Sure, some of them were locked, but as she scrolled through the Inventory tab, the tiles seemed to go on and on forever! No wonder Level 4 was 1,000 points, you could store enough supplies to feed, clothe, and house every resident of the planet with the room in this thing!

Callie gave up before she reached the end. Maybe Level 4 was actually infinite inventory, in which case, it was remarkably cheap.

Going back to the top to view the few tiles with something actually in them, Callie quickly asked about the first item, unable to wait.

--Newborn Starter Package--

As a newborn, you get a starter package to get yourself going! Every evolution and life stage has a starter package, but, as your first, you get a special bonus! Open the package to see your new goodies!

Callie wanted to squeal with excitement. She got starter packages, too! I guess this treat had been waiting for her to unlock the inventory tab this whole time.

'Guess it was a good thing the System pressured me into this choice.' Callie thought with a mental shrug. 'Alright, System, thank you! But please don't ever make that awful ding sound again!'

--System Preferences: Saved--

Callie smiled. 'Thanks! Now open that starter package!'

A message instantly popped up.

--Newborn Starter Package Opened! View Contents? Y/N--

'Yes!'

--Newborn Starter Package--
-+20 Stat Points
-+10 System Points
-+1 Random Skill Book
-+1 Health Potion
-+1 Mana Potion
-+10 Gold
-Random Item: 1 Flower Clip
-Special Newbie Bonus: 1 Random Trait

--Claim Newborn Human Starter Package Contents? Y/N--

'Boy, you require a lot of input! Yes!' Callie huffed. 'In the future, when I agree to view contents, can you automatically claim them as soon as I dismiss the window?'

--System Preferences: Saved--

The window disappeared. This time, Callie didn't want to read any descriptions. She was already tired of having to specify every, little thing.

'System, can I view the contents of everything in my inventory?'

--Affirmative. Loading Inventory Contents List--

Almost as soon as Callie finished reading this message, a new pop-up took its place before her eyes.

--Inventory Contents--
-Human Starter Package
-5 Random Skill Books
-1 Health Potion
-1 Mana Potion
-1 Flower Clip

Callie squinted. 'Wait, did the Trait automatically apply?'

--Affirmative--

'Hmm. Well, first I'd like to see what's in this Human Starter Package, please!'

Callie licked her lips, excited. How unbelievably lucky was it that she got not one, but TWO starter packages!

--Human Starter Package--
-+5 Stat Points
-+2 System Points
-+1 Random Trait
-+1 Health Potion
-+1 Mana Potion
-+100 Gold
-Random Item: 1 Ring of Wealth

Callie waved her arms and legs again in excitement! So many goodies for her to play with! She'd even got two interesting sounding items!

'Hmm. So many things to look at. Well, first I'd like to see what Skills I got, please!'

--Generating 5 Random Skill Books--

Callie dismissed this message almost immediately. Predictably, a new message popped up in its place just as fast.

--5 Skill Books Generated! View Contents? Y/N--

Callie smiled. 'Yes!'

--Skill Books--
-Healing Skill Book
-Stealth Skill Book
-Steal Skill Book
-Study Skill Book
-Flight Skill Book

Callie's jaw dropped. 'Flight? Wow, am I lucky or what?' Realizing what she just thought, Callie snickered. 'Well, I guess that's what happens when you're blessed by the Goddess of Luck!'

As Callie dismissed this window, however, Callie realized her luck had run out!

Callie dies during a school shooting, while protecting her students’ lives. As a reward, the Goddess of Sacrifice allows Callie to choose a life she wants to reincarnate into. But, overwhelmed with guilt, Callie doesn’t want an easy life. 

Callie wants a chance to make a real difference in the world instead. She asks to take her student's punishment, which is to live on a world called Arion while cursed by the God of Cruelty. In this world, everyone has access to a system with unbelievable abilities, magic, and evolutions. However, many have used this power to subjugate and use those less fortunate. 

No one has ever chosen to reincarnate on Arion before...could this one girl change the fate of an entire hopeless world?

And what's all this about a SECOND system upgrade?

23rd of August, 2011
NATO base of operations, Batman, Turkey
13:00 hours 

Kill team Nemesis is resting in their room. The atmosphere is quiet, really quiet. Franklin is siting at a desk writing a letter, Takeshi is typing something on his laptop, Carla is laying on her back with her arms behind her head and eyes closed while listening to music. Victoria is reading a new book, War and peace by Leo Tolstoy and Yuri is siting on his bed with his legs crossed while cleaning and sharpening his knives and symmetrically placing them on a sheet.

This wasn't normal. Usually Franklin and Yuri are arguing about morality and Carla is being a child and annoying everyone. Everything was... peaceful.

After a few moments someone knocked on the door.

Franklin answered:"Enter!"

Captain Zeinep entered the room. Everyone stood up and saluted her. She saluted back:"At ease. Private Maksimov, if you could come with me please."

Yuri got walked over to her:"Is this about the mission report? I already explained the situation."

Zeinep replied:"No it's not. We're conducting routine firearm tests. Usually we wouldn't do something like this with non-Turkish soldiers but colonel Mustafa insisted. You will be fire several types of firearms and your performance will be tested."

Yuri nodded:"Very well." He turned to Victoria,"Make sure Carla doesn't touch my knives."

Victoria gives him a thumbs up:"Sure thing."

Yuri and Zeinep exit the room and head to the firing range. The rest of the team stopped what they were doing and quickly got up.

Carla was smiling and giggling:"I can't believe we're doing this!"

Takeshi covered her mouth with his hand:"Shut up you idiot. Don't you know how good his hearing is?"

Franklin:"Look we probably don't have much time. Zeinep managed to get as many guns as she could but we still gotta hurry."

Suddenly the door opened. The team hurried back to their spots. They thought Yuri was back, but it was actually colonel Mustafa along with captain Berat. 

The colonel chuckled:"You're quick but you have to work on your stealth. Let's get started, Berat?"

Berat brought a duffle bag with him. Inside was alcohol and some party decorations. He started pulling out bottles. Colonel threw Franklin his keys:"Go to the secondary meeting room and bring back the table that's there. Takeshi you go help him and make sure to tell Zeinep to occupy Yuri for as long as possible. Victoria you help Berat with the decorations. Carla, I trust you got the music covered?"

Carla smirked:"You take me for an amateur?"

Mustafa laughed:"Alright soldiers double time. Let's make this party good."

"Yes sir!", the team yelled out and went to do their designated tasks.

(Meanwhile)
Firing range 

Zeinep and Yuri finished placing down the weapons Yuri was going to use. He will be firing with several different types of handguns, SMGs, Assault rifles, Shotguns and Marksmen rifles.

Zeinep thought to herself:"Ok, so I have dozens of guns here. He's gonna have to shoot two or three clips of each and I'll have to calculate. This should by them a few hours."

Yuri walked over to the handguns and picked up the Canik TP9:"Shall I get started?"

Zeinep replied:"Yes, go ahead and fire at the targets."

Yuri aimed the pistol at the target and unloaded the clip in three seconds into the head of the target, reloaded almost immediately, unloaded again into the centre of the target, reloaded and emptied into the centre again.

Everything was done in 10 seconds. Zeinep's jaw dropped as she thought:"Oh man I should've brought more. Please hurry."

Yuri put the Canik TP9 down and picked up the Girsan Yavuz 16:"Shall I continue Captain Yildiz?"

Zeinep blinked and got back to her senses:"Y-Yes just let me change out the targets."

(90 minutes later)

Yuri just finished firing the SVD. Zeinep wrote down the results:"And another perfect score. Wow, you're not the best for nothing. Right now you hold the highest score in almost every firearm category."

Yuri:"Almost?"

Zeinep:"Yeah, Carla has the highest score with the sniper rifle."

Yuri:"Makes sense. That would be everything. Are there any firearms that I have not used?"

Zeinep:"Oh no I think that's everything. Lemme just write down the results."

Yuri:"If that is everything I will return to my quarters."

Zeinep:"Oh I'll walk you back."

Yuri:"I do not see the need in that."

Zeinep:"Well... I don't really have anything to do so why not."

Yuri:"Very well. I do not object."

They walked out of the firing range. Zeinep looked up at him:"Why do you always talk so formal and professional?"

Yuri:"It is how I was taught to talk."

Zeinep:"Ok then. Couldn't hurt to speak normally ones in a while. I-I mean, just, like everyone else. Using slang and things like that."

Yuri:"I will make an attempt, however I was never introduced to slang so my knowledge is limited."

Zeinep:"I can teach you a few things. But you'll learn eventually. It's like adapting to your surroundings."

Yuri:"Interesting. Carla keeps saying something I find strange. What is popping, I believe."

Zeinep:"Oh yeah. It's actually 'Wus poppin?'."

Yuri:"But nothing was popping. Why would she ask that?"

Zeinep sighs and pats his shoulder:"You have a lot to big guy."

Yuri:"I am not that big. I have seen men larger than myself."

Zeinep sighs again:"Point proven."

(Meanwhile)

Everyone gathered in the room. All the preparations were completed.

Victoria:"Gotta say I'm feeling nervous."

Franklin:"Yeah same. I just can't to see his face when we-" he stopped talking and widened his eyes, "Oh hell nah."

Takeshi:"What?"

Franklin:"We forgot the crate."

Carla:"You mean THE crate? Ah shit."

Franklin:"Let's go Takesh. If we hurry we can make it."

(Ten minutes later)

Yuri and Zeinep were walking down the hallway on their way to the team's quarters. On the way Zeinep taught Yuri a few things about slang and modern talk.

Yuri:"So saying 'what's poppin' is the same as saying 'what's up'?"

Zeinep:"Yeah."

Yuri:"And that's the same as saying 'How are you' and 'How are things'."

Zeinep:"Exactly! See you're learning."

They share a few laughs while walking down the hallway. Zeinep spots the door slightly opened and the lights were on. This can't be good.

Zeinep turns Yuri around and looks at her papers:"Umm, ok so. You've done everything I asked you to do. I just need you to sign your name on the individual tests."

Yuri takes a pen and signs his name. Behind him Zeinep sees Franklin and Takeshi carrying a crate. They make faces to try and tell her to stall him.

Yuri finished signing the papers:"Alright, that is all."

Zeinep grabs him arm:"W-Wait. I-I-I-I have a question to-to ask you."

Yuri:"Very well."

Zeinep:"Uuummm, I-I-I... like... someone? There's a-a-a guy I like and y-you're a guy right? So do you know a good way to approach a guy? Like, what's the best way?"

Yuri:"Hmmm. I do not have any experience regarding romantic relationships and therefore I am unable to help in your predicament."

Zeinep lowers her head:"Oh! Oh ok, that's cool."

Yuri:"However, I recommend telling the truth and speaking your mind. Be open and honest. You can explain your feelings to him in a, how do you say it, blunt way."

Zeinep smiles:"Oh really? So guys like honesty?"

Yuri:"I simply hate lies."

Zeinep:"Well thank you. I'll go and try my best."

Yuri:"No. Either do or do not. There is no try."

Zeinep smirks and then laughs:"Really? You gotta get in with the times that movie is very old."

Yuri:"I will keep that in mind. Have a nice day Captain."

Zeinep:"You too."

She leaves and Yuri heads to the quarters. He slowly opened the door, only to find pitch blackness. The hallway didn't have windows and no light could come into the room. 

Yuri slowly entered, one careful step at a time. When he got in, the door slammed. Yuri turned around, grabbed the man in the shadows and pinned him to the ground.

Then suddenly, the lights turned on the everyone shouted:"SURPRISE!" Only to change their expression from happy to shocked when they see Yuri pinning Takeshi on the ground.

Yuri looked around the room and tries understand what was happening:"What is this? Takeshi explain."

Takeshi barely uttered:"Lemme go and I'll tell you."

Yuri lets him go. He gets up and coughs a little:"Happy birthday."

Yuri stood there perplexed. This is...new. No one celebrated his birthday in eleven years. It wasn't a new experience just... nostalgic.

Franklin:"It is your birthday isn't it? I'm pretty sure we got the date right."

Yuri:"You did but... why?"

Carla:"What do you mean why? You're our friend dummy! Of course we're gonna celebrate."

Victoria:"Plus you pretty much saved all our lives in Colombia so this is a good way to thank you."

Takeshi:"We finally got a breather and wanted to do something nice to you. We get that life is hard and we gotta look out for each other."

Yuri:"And, Colonel Mustafa and Captain Berat?"

Berat:"Yeah we helped. So did Zeinep. The whole gun testing was fake, we just needed time to set things up."

In that moment the door opened and Zeinep walked in:"Happy birthday Yuri."

Yuri looked down and shook his head:"Why did you do this? You gain nothing from it."

Carla:"Dude that doesn't matter. You're our friend it's not like we're gonna skip it. And you need some time to cool off and just relax. Plus we got cake, beer and music."

Victoria pulls back a chair at the head of the table:"Now come on, sit."

Yuri slowly walks to the chair and sits down. Franklin lights the candles. 

Everyone started singing:"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Yuri, happy birthday to you!"

Victoria:"Now make a wish and blow out the candles."

Yuri:"All right. I wish-"

Carla:"Upupupupupup, nooooope. Don't you know you're not supposed to say your wish out loud. It won't come true if you do."

Yuri:"Sorry." He thinks of something and then blows out the candles. Everyone claps their hands and Franklin hands Yuri a knife to cut the cake. Yuri takes it and cuts the cake into eight equal pieces.

Takeshi:"Ok time for the presents."

Mustafa:"Sorry we didn't get you anything. We found out a few days ago."

Yuri:"It is fine. I never asked for any of this."

Franklin gives him his present:"Of course you didn't, that's why did it. Now open mine first."

Yuri opens the present and finds a book with the title 'A scrubs guide to bombs' by Franklin Jones.

Franklin laughs:"You like it? I wrote this myself, first edition."

Yuri examines the book:"This knowledge will be useful. Thank you."

Carla:"Ohohohohohoh, I'm next I'm next." She gives Yuri a small box. He opened it and found an MP3 player, "How's that? Now you get to listen to all the awesome tunes I listen to. Ain't that great?!"

Yuri puts the headphones on and plays the first song. It's Can't touch this by MC Hammer. He starts moving his head in the rhythm.

He yells out:"The tune is pleasant!". Then he takes them off and Victoria gives him her present. It's also a small box. Yuri opened it and it and his eyes widened.

It was a necklace, but not just any kind. As he slowly pulled it out he realised it was a cross, just like the one he lost. He placed in his palm and closed his fist before shedding a few tears. Everyone in the room watched as he cried. Yuri, the Reaper, cried. 

He stood up and looked at Victoria:"There were only two people that ever gave me something like this. You are the third. Thank you, truly."

Victoria hugged him. As he cried on her shoulder, she whispered to his ear:"It's from Carla. She wanted to give you two presents."

He raised his head and looked into her eyes before looking at Carla. She stood there with her arms crossed smiling. 

Yuri walked over to her. Compared to him, she was like a child. As Yuri looked down at her, he bent over and hugged her. She smiled more and hugged him back. 

He whispered softly:"Thank you."

Takeshi:"Ahem. If you're done I would like to give you my present."

Carla and Yuri walked away from each other and he opened Takeshi's present. It was a book, a comic book, but not a normal one. The cover was this strange red symbol and there was a man with a metal arm and a large sword.

Yuri:"What is this?"

Takeshi:"That is a manga called Berserk. It's pretty popular and kinda old."

Yuri:"Why would you give me this. Comic books are for children."

Takeshi:"Read a few pages and you won't think that."

Yuri opened it and started reading. The first panels confused him. As he kept reading it was stranger and stranger. He asked:"Who was that woman?"

Takeshi:"She was a demon and this guy blew her face off with his prosthetic arm cannon. Later he chops more of them with him large and thick sword."

This was unexpected for Yuri. He caught a few glimpses of comics before but he assumed that story books and comic books were just for children and not worth his time.

Victoria:"Oh hey, I wanted to give you my gift. My actual gift."

She gives him a box. When he opened it he found a framed photo of him and his team. It was them in the African joint base after they killed Bakome. 

Yuri gave a warm smile:"This is nice. Thank you. All of you. You gave me something I never knew I needed. I am eternally grateful."

Carla:"Don't sweat it big guy. Now it's time to party! Mustafa get the beer!"

Mustafa:"That's colonel Mustafa. But I'll allow it for today."

They grabbed drinks, cranked the tunes and the party began.

———————————————
(Eleven hours later)

Yuri turned off the boombox. He was the only one who didn't pass out from alcohol. Oddly enough, Carla came pretty close but no dice. Everyone was on the floor, including the Turkish officers.

Yuri grabbed some extra pillows and bedsheets and put them to sleep on the floor. He picked up his teammates one by one and tucked them into bed. Even Franklin, a man larger than him, wasn't hard to lift and carry.

When he finished putting Victoria down she opened her eyes and softly spoke:"You know, underneath those muscles, scars and that cold heart, there's actually just a big softy that only wants love and affection. That's what I believe anyway." She yawned and went back to sleep. 

Yuri went outside and climbed on the roof. As he looked at the full moon, he held his new cross and pondered:"This is wrong. Emotions lead to weakness and that leads to death. I know this, I felt it before, and yet...Maybe, maybe this time it will be different. Maybe the cycle will end. Mother, I will try. One more time. I will try to love them. And I won't loose them, not again. I'm stronger this time, I won't fail. I can't fail. I mustn't. I will win."

End of chapter 22

Thank you for reading

Emotions are a weakness and they lead to death. Yuri was taught this the day he was born. Born into a life of violence and survival he was taught not to feel anything, not to trust anyone and only to survive by any means necessary. 

Tragic events force him to join the army. Not something he wanted but did anyway. Over the years he became the best and more. But something happened. He wasn't human. He was a beast, a predator, a Reaper.

His life would change when he is forced to join a team. This changed him and gave him a different perspective on life. The team became a family and he became a member.

But things go wrong, very wrong. Yuri, blaming himself, kills innocents and gets dishonorably discharged. Wanting to end the cycle of death, he kills one more person...himself. 

After an overdose his soul leaves his body and floats away. However, even death didn't go the way he planned. His soul does end up in a different world, but its not heaven or hell.

How will he survive? Will he fight? How will others react to him? Read and find out.

Original story on WattPad

FADE IN



INT. RYAN'S BEDROOM


Smooth Jazz is playing as a PROSTITUTE is being reamed from behind by RYAN who is just staring forward blankly. 


RYAN

(O.S.)

Prostitutes...God's greatest creation...they fuck you, rather cheaply, and the best thing about them...


RYAN finishes inside the PROSTITUTE and as he does he throws down a wad of what appears to be YEN. 


RYAN

(O.S.)

...You can pay them in all kinds of currency. 


The PROSTITUTE lights a cigarette and grabs the yen, counting the large wad before looking at RYAN with skeptical eyes. 


RYAN

It's all there, hoe. 1200 yen. That converts over to your price range in American. 


PROSTITUTE

Okay sugah, see you around. 


RYAN

Later, Beatrice. 


The PROSTITUTE heads off as RYAN looks around rubbing his crotch as he sniffs his hand. 


RYAN

(O.S.)

Always smells like strawberries. 


RYAN grabs his .45 and heads into the bathroom, his 13 inch limp penis swinging about two and fro. 


A FEW STATES OVER


INT. ROAD


A young girl is screaming as she limps heavily, her arms covered with blood as she has a stab wound in her left shoulder. 


YOUNG GIRL

Help me! Somebody help me please!


A man watches her from out his window but his wife hastily pulls the blinds closed as she begins smacking her husband. 


WIFE

You idiot!


HUSBAND

He's going to kill that girl!


WIFE

You can't save her...just...sit with us please...


She leads the HUSBAND over to the living room where they have all the lights off, the TWO sitting on the couch with TWO YOUNG CHILDREN as the HUSBAND grips the shotgun, closing his eyes as the YOUNG GIRL continues to scream. 


YOUNG GIRL

Please...! I know you hear me please help, he's killing us! Please! Somebody?!


She stops as she looks around, noticing lights turning off from all houses all around her, the YOUNG GIRL shaking her head as darkness begins to surround her. 


YOUNG GIRL

Goddamn you! Goddamn you all to hell!


She stops as she feels and sees some breath wafting around her, The YOUNG GIRL turning slowly as she screams as a Tall Lengthy FIGURE raises a HUNTING KNIFE and stabs it into her SKULL. 


A FEW DAYS LATER


EXT. POLICE STATION


RYAN JAMES takes his shades off as SHERIFF PRESCOT shakes his head in the town of SERPHRIAM, KANSAS. 


RYAN

SHERIFF, RYAN JAMES, MONSTER HUNTER. 


PRESCOT

SHERIFF JIM PRESCOT, I'm glad you came, we've got...a situation. 


RYAN

I'm hearing SLASHER? 


PRESCOT

We've shot the guy, at least twice, all lethal, head-shots, but he just gets up, keeps killing. This guy is MICHAEL MYERS on steroids. 


RYAN

SLASHERS suck, but they can be killed.


PRESCOT

I wish it was that simple, this thing has killed 35 people in my town, about half of that is cops. People nowadays just turn a blind eye to it, they're scared, Mr. JAMES, they're scared because there is nothing in this town to protect them from this killer. 


RYAN

What's his M.O?


PRESCOT

We're not sure just yet, he's killed everything he comes into contact with, kids, teenagers, the elderly, night, day it doesn't matter to this thing. 


RYAN

Interesting...


RYAN

(O.S.)

Oh shit...


PRESCOT

Can you...?


RYAN

I'll stop it, SHERIFF. 


PRESCOT

Thank you, We've tried to get help, but every hunter shuns this place, and of course we didn't have the money to employ Ms. CRANE and her group...


RYAN

Yeah, thanks for treating me like a cheap whore, SHERIFF. 


PRESCOT

You asked to be paid in yen? Why? 


RYAN

Currency of the world my friend. 


PRESCOT

Wouldn't it be the euro? 


RYAN

Haha, I can see why your officers have been gutted, look just leave the monster hunting to me, I'll take care of this.


SHERIFF PRESCOT stares at RYAN as RYAN smirks and heads out only to have his face turn instantly into fear. 


EXT. POLICE STATION


RYAN paces frantically back and forth around the STING as RYAN hears a familiar voice pick up. 


CHARLES

(O.S.)

We're kinda busy, RYAN. Make it quick old friend. 


RYAN

You assholes!


CHARLES

(O.S.)

What the fuck man? 


RYAN

You know goddamn well what I'm pissed off about! You knew the town of SERPHRIAM, KANSAS was having a SLASHER problem, and you knew that SLASHER was fuckin' JERIMIAH BLACK!


RYAN

(O.S.)

JERIMIAH BLACK...The SLASHER that all HUNTERS fear...the SLASHER that no matter what...just won't die. 


CHARLES

(O.S.)

We had an inkling that's who it was, but we didn't know anything for sure...


RYAN

Bullshit! The day and night time killings, the fact that no specific gender, race, or age was specifically targeted and the brutality of the kills! Don't tell me you didn't know, we've hunted him before. 


CHARLES

(O.S.)

Look, the town didn't have the capital to cover our assistance, and besides, you know as well as everybody else, that when JERIMIAH BLACK settles in an area, AUSTIN is not far along. 


RYAN

(O.S.)

AUSTIN BLACK, a wandering hunter, whose sole purpose in this business is to hunt and stop his SLASHER brother, JERIMIAH. 


RYAN

That doesn't help me! I'm here, he knows I'm here, and I'm sure he hasn't forgotten what we did to him last time...


CHARLES

(O.S.)

Look man, All you have to do is survive long enough for AUSTIN to catch up, you do that, you'll save a lot of people, you know that's the only way. 


RYAN

I swear to god I'm going to fuck you up, this is like that time in JACKSONVILLE. 


CHARLES

(O.S.)

How is this anything like JACKSONVILLE!


FLASHBACK


INT. BASEMENT


RYAN and CHARLES work their way down into a CREEPY DARK BASEMENT, as the TWO aim about before shining their lights on a CORNER. 


A DEAD FAT WOMAN is humming a lullaby to a DEAD BODY as the SLASHER is brushing its hair gingerly with a comb. 


RYAN

On my go...


RYAN turns to see CHARLES was already halfway up the stairs, running out of the BASEMENT with everything he got. 


PRESENT DAY


CHARLES

(O.S.)

This is nothing like that!


RYAN

You're running away from your duties!


CHARLES

(O.S.)

You're just scared! Man up and survive!


RYAN

Don't you...


CHARLES hangs up. 


RYAN

...Hang up on me! You motherfucker...!


RYAN throws his phone down and watches as it shatters, RYAN shaking his head. 


RYAN

Goddamnit...


RYAN looks about panicked as he gets into the STING. 


LATER THAT NIGHT


EXT. ROAD


RYAN stands in the middle of the road shivering from the cold as some lightning streaks throughout the sky, RYAN looking about as the HOUSES were beginning to turn their lights off as as SHERIFF PRESCOT comes over to him with a SHOTGUN in hand, RYAN looking at him as some OFFICERS were beginning to take positions around the area. 


PRESCOT

This does not seem like a good idea, we've tried to flank him before...all it did was get people killed. 


RYAN

Trust me, it'll work, me and this guy kinda go back...


PRESCOT

I hope you're right...


RYAN

It will be...just take your position in that car and we'll be gravy. 


PRESCOT

...Good luck, Mr. JAMES...


RYAN

Yeah...


RYAN watches as he heads off as RYAN zips his jacket up and pulls out his .45


Some time passes as RYAN watches the STREET was almost completely dark, as RYAN pulls up a FLARE that he had sitting on the street, RYAN lighting it as he holds it up. 


RYAN

JERIMIAH!JEREMIAH BLACK! I'm here you son of a bitch! I know you remember me so come on out!


RYAN spins around, his .45 leveled as he see's nothing or no one, RYAN nodding in surprise as he can see his breath in the air, RYAN aiming about as he suddenly hears footsteps. 


RYAN turns and fires, RYAN watching as an OFFICER reached out for him, RYAN looking at him in shock as the gunshot went through his neck, but he was covered in STAB WOUNDS. 


RYAN steps away as the body falls over dead, RYAN looking up as A SHADOW FIGURED stood about ten yards away, a DRIPPING BLADE in its hands as all you could see was his breath. 


RYAN turns and screams as he begins running, JERMIAH BLACK slowly begins to follow as RYAN runs and taps the CAR. 


RYAN

Get out and help me you son of a bitch!


RYAN opens the door as SHERIFF PRESCOTT'S body falls out of it, his throat slit completely open as RYAN curses and watches JEREMIAH draw closer, RYAN aiming forward as he lets out nearly half a clip into JERIMIAH who falls over, motionless. 


RYAN doesn't budge as he holds up the COMEBACK METER which he drew from his pocket and scanned JERIMIAH, getting no color reading. 


RYAN

(O.S.)

Oh fuck...


RYAN watches as JERIMIAH sits up. 


RYAN aims at him again and fires the rest of the clip, JERIMIAH falling back over as RYAN reloads and drops the FLARE before turning and running down the street as fast as he could, RYAN turning to look after a few moments only to see JERIMIAH was no longer there. 


RYAN

Shit!


RYAN continues to run as he looks about to see nothing but darkness, RYAN veering off up to a house as he bangs on the door. 


RYAN

Let me in! Let me in let me in let me in!


VOICE

(O.S.)

Go away!


RYAN

Bitch!


RYAN rears back and kicks the door in, the WOMAN screaming as she holds up a knife, RYAN aiming at her as he picks up the door and pushes it back against the door frame. 


WOMAN

You idiot that door won't stop anything now!


RYAN

Just shut up and stay behind me, and the second he comes through you run out the back door!


WOMAN

Okay...


RYAN aims forward as the WOMAN stays close behind him, before a sound freezes them both. 


VOICE

(O.S.)

Mommy...


WOMAN

Oh, god my baby...


RYAN

She's fine. 


WOMAN

Let me just...


The WOMAN runs around the corner into the DEN which leads up to the stairs as RYAN shakes his head and aims at the haphazardly put together FRONT DOOR. 


A moment goes by and RYAN eyes behind him wondering where the WOMAN went...


RYAN

Hey, where'd you...


RYAN turns as the WOMAN appears behind the corner, covered in blood, RYAN stepping back as she reaches for him. 


WOMAN

He...killed my baby...


RYAN

Look lady...


WOMAN

It's your fault...


RYAN

...Look out!


JERIMIAH BLACK steps around the corner and stabs the blade into the back of the WOMAN'S THROAT before RYAN unloads his second clip into the WOMAN'S BODY and JERIMIAH, JERIMIAH falling over as the WOMAN falls over dead, RYAN turning as he goes to pull the door ajar but can't. 


RYAN

What the fuck?!


RYAN screams as two hands grab him from behind, RYAN watching as JERIMIAH BLACK slings him to the side, RYAN sailing out the FRONT WINDOW onto the lawn as RYAN gasps for breath and moans in pain as the FRONT DOOR is kicked down from inside, JERIMIAH BLACK stalking quickly downwards as RYAN hastily scrambles to his feet, his hands cutting glass as he begins to run down the street, JERIMIAH BLACK following close behind as RYAN limps his way back onto the road near the STING, RYAN quickly popping the trunk with a added on TRUNK UN LOCKING mechanism. 


RYAN reaches in as JERIMIAH BLACK continues to draw closer and closer, RYAN reaching inside as he pulls up a M16 MACHINE GUN, RYAN turning as he begins firing rounds into JEREMIAH, JERIMIAH beginning to rock and convulse from each round as RYAN screams and unloads an entire clip into him, RYAN quickly reloading as he holds up the COMEBACK METER to JERIMIAH who was still down, the color RED finally flashing. 


RYAN

Goddamnit!


RYAN unloads into JEREMIAH again, RYAN turning his back on JEREMIAH once the second clip runs out as RYAN pulls up his WEREWOLF SHOTGUN. 


RYAN turns and curses as JERIMIAH isn't there. 


RYAN

Goddamn slashers!


RYAN turns and fires to his right but JERIMIAH sidesteps and stabs forward, RYAN jumping back enough to only get caught in the upper shoulder, RYAN reeling as RYAN aims up and fires, the blast sending JERIMIAH backwards as RYAN reaches back into the STING and pulls up SHARLENE, his baseball bat. 


JERIMIAH sits up as RYAN runs over and slams the bat across JERIMIAH'S FACE, BLOOD sloshes out of the MASK JEREMIAH is wearing as RYAN begins bashing the BASEBALL BAT down over and over and over again across JERIMIAH'S FACE. 


RYAN falls over a few feet from JERIMIAH, RYAN breathing hard as he looks at JERIMIAH who is a bloody beaten mess, RYAN looking at his bat as RYAN slings some blood off of it as JERIMIAH continues to not move. 


RYAN

Woo...Goddamn man, you...you're a tricky motherfucker, JEREMIAH...


RYAN shakes his head as he shivers a bit. RYAN jumping as the lightning around him finally causes some THUNDER to clap, RYAN looking at JEREMIAH as RYAN raises an eyebrow and pulls out the COMEBACK METER, RYAN looking as the READING flashes RED. 


RYAN'S EYES BULGE as he turns slowly to look at JERIMIAH BLACK, who slowly begins to sit up, RYAN scooting back on his hells as he grabs his SHOTGUN and aims at JERIMIAH who stands, BLADE in hand. 


RYAN

Why won't you just die!


VOICE

(O.S.)

Because...


RYAN looks behind him as JERIMIAH sharply looks up, as AUSTIN BLACK, fellow hunter and JERIMIAH'S BROTHER was standing behind RYAN with a raised .357. 


AUSTIN

Goodbye, Brother, hello, RYAN. 


JERIMIAH charges forward but RYAN fires and drives JERIMIAH back as AUSTIN fires a shot beautifully in-between JERIMIAH'S EYES. 


RYAN scoots back as JERIMIAH falls over, AUSTIN lowering his gun as RYAN stands, RYAN holding up the COMEBACK METER as the color rings BLACK. 


RYAN sighs in relief as he turns and hugs AUSTIN, who is thrown off for a moment before he smiles and taps RYAN on the back. 


RYAN

Oh thank you, thank you thank you thank you!


AUSTIN

It's quite alright my friend. You seem well? 


RYAN

Yeah, I'm alright now. 


AUSTIN

I'm sorry it took so long, I got a call that tipped me off to his location here...


RYAN

...Thanks, CHARLES...


AUSTIN

Anyways. I'd head on out now, I'll sweep the area and make sure you get your money. But things should be calm here. 


RYAN

What? Why? 


AUSTIN nods behind RYAN who turns and looks about in horror as JERIMIAH BLACK is gone. 


RYAN

How...the reading was black...he...he can't still be alive...every time...it's not possible!


AUSTIN

He'll move on now, and I'm sure we'll be meeting up again to take him down, till then, I just gotta keep searching him out. 


RYAN

Let me help you find him...he couldn't have gone far...


AUSTIN

He's not, he's watching, observing what to do next. But I know my brother...this town can rest assured...he won't be back. 


RYAN

He's more than a monster...


AUSTIN

I know. 


AUSTIN pats RYAN and whistles as he begins walking down the street, waving RYAN on as RYAN looks about, a cold chill running down his spine as from a distance, someone was watching him very closely. 


INT. THE STING


RYAN drives on the dark roads, the night sky still filled with lightning as the darkness around him seems even more eerie. 


RYAN

(O.S.)

There's really only one reason why I hate hunting JERIMIAH BLACK...it's the feeling I get afterwards...It's knowing that even though we stopped him...he's still out there...walking through the shadows...killing when he wants...and that no matter how many times we put him down...he still just...keeps coming back...I guess that's the one thing about him that makes him the most deadly SLASHER I've ever faced...it's not being around him or seeing him that scares you...it's knowing that no matter what you do...he'll always come back...he'll always...come back...


The STING continues to drive along the dark winding roads...


FADE OUT

Ryan James is a monster hunter with a dark secret, in this horror action adventure comedy set in a world where the government regulates monster hunting

"Come on, say it or I'll drop you!"
"I-I C-"
"Come on you punk, don't you want to live? Say it and I'll pick you back up."
"P-Ple-ase S-St-St-"
"Say it- Oh Shit!"

I...hated my life. Everyday was the same. Ever since I was a child, I could never have a moment of peace in this hellhole called Earth. Around until I was 7 years old my parents argued a lot. My mother...she...was a nice person. I knew she cared for me a lot. But my father was different. He came home late and was always drunk. He never even acknowledged that I existed... Mom didn't like this so she argued with him, telling him to stop the drinking and staying out very late. That we have a son and he is setting a bad influence. That he should care about him. Of course dad didn't listen and did what he wanted. Sometimes, I'd hear mom crying in the room and it made me feel bad for her. Knowing she has to put up with this everyday.
One night, my mother had enough. She filed for a divorce and wanted to take me with her. Dad didn't take this lightly though. The next night, he came home. It was peaceful. Mom was watching tv and I was reading a book. Dad came in with a very stern look. Mom greeted him and I continued reading my book but this moment I wouldn't know would be the last time I ever saw my parents. He set down his things and reached for his bag. He pulled out an object I couldn't make out what it was because I couldn't see it that well. But I immediately recognized it the second I saw him pointing it at mom. My heart felt like it took steroids and was running fast. I was scared and helpless as I watched him pull the trigger and unload the clip on my mother... I screamed as he continued until the clip was out. Blood coated the white couch and a dead silence filled the room. He had turned to me, who was scared shitless and had grabbed a sharp object. He walked towards me until the door was busted open, almost knocked off its hinges. Police flooded the room as I watched them shoot my dad in the legs and cuff him. 
He then got arrested leaving me to have to be taken in by foster parents. They were no better. They also fought and fought until my foster mom walked out leaving me with my foster dad a year later. My foster dad couldn't take care of me either. So he left me on the streets alone. I was about 8 at the time and definitely couldn't take of myself. 
5 years passed as I lived homeless on the streets. I had met a group of other homeless men and they basically became my new family. We always shared food that they made from random people dropping in change and they were really kind. But as my luck had it, they all became sick... I didn't get sick is because they protected me by sending me in a different area away from them. The unknown disease was contagious. I came to visit every month since it happened. But every month..., one of them passed away. This time, I couldn't do anything but just sit and cry as my life once again went downhill. All three of the families I knew...were gone. I honestly wanted to die... I didn't want to live anymore.....
I tried to commit suicide. I couldn't deal with this pitiful life anymore and wanted to be free. But someone stopped me. An old woman. Who saw me, a 13 year old boy, about to stab himself with a makeshift knife. She..changed my life. My mindset. I would've gone through with killing myself..if it wasn't for her. She had told me something that I would remember for the rest of my life.
 "Giving up on life won't save you from all of the things that had gone wrong because it will haunt you forever. That's why you have to make good memories that will overpower the horrible ones and replace them. Even if you can't forget it, having a good time is way better than having a bad one. You should never give up on trying to live your best life. Even if things don't seem great now, you have to believe they will get better by bearing through the pain. That's what makes an individual mentally strong."
Those words had took a toll on me for the next two years. After I had met that woman, she had took me in and took care of me. Her name was Mali. We had grew really close over the time. Once I turned 15, she decided to enroll me in the public school nearby.
This is how I ended up here. Falling off the roof of the school building. Reflecting on my life and how shitty it was.

Ever since he was a child, Hyo had never had a moment of peacefulness and enjoyment. Even when he thought maybe he would find happiness, it all crashed down on him like bricks. One day, he is dropped from a building by bullies but something happens which would change the course of his “wretched” life forever.



Warning: This novel covers dark topics such as suicide, violence, and murder. Viewer discretion advised.

book clip lights reading novel

clip story 001

burn it

[Mate]

Namjoon - The movie night

Ultimate DxD

The Killing at District 12

System Upgrade

Phantom trooper

RJMH: Ryan James, Monster Hunter

Scrapped Idea

People search book clip lights reading also like: