I wrote this awhile ago and was considering revisiting it but I need your thoughts on it.
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Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion, Noir, or Gunslinger girl. All characters and concepts belong to their creators, publishers, or distributors, so please do not sue me.
Author Note 1: This is my Second attempt at a NGE story so please give me lots of feedback so I can improve.
Author note 2: I will be posting the prologue/chapter one without a betaÆs assistance so if anyone wants the job please tell me in the review.
Author note 3: This story just sort of came to me and I have no idea where it will lead but I enjoy it when my readers tell me where they think it is going so I can make them happy. This will be very AU at points and please let me know about pairing ideas if any. I do not do YAOI pairings anything else I will try to accommodate.
Summary: Blood coats his hands yet he didnÆt remember it. Sin filled his heart and soul, yet he could not recall such acts. They stole a part of his life away and twisted his body. When he rebelled they took their gifts away leaving him hollow and stripped away his memory of that time. Summoned by his Father Shinji will regain everything he has lost. For better or worse the Forsaken shall recall.
Now on with the Show ^_^
Forsaken
Chapter One: Awakening
A fourteen year old boy with Dark brown hair and blue eyes sat submerged in a Yellow-orange liquid that smelled suspiciously like blood a pair of neural clips resting on top of his head. He wore s short sleeved white button-up shirt the top left undone revealing a dark blue T-shirt along with dark blue pants and tennis shoes.
Shinji Ikari, only child of Gendo Rokubungi and Yui Ikari tried desperately to quell the fear welling up in his heart as he sat in Evangelion Unit-01 waiting to be deployed. He had been summoned to Tokyo-3 by his father not for a reunion but because the man had a purpose for him. The young Ikari had initially refused to pilot the enormous horned purple machine but changed his mind to save another, who was injured from having to fight the monster rampaging in the city.
Pain was building behind his eyes and throughout his head the longer he sat connected to the Eva. It felt like a migraine was trying to rip his skull to shreds but he couldnÆt think of that not now. Shinji tightened his hold on the control sticks as the machine was launched upwards hurtling towards the city streets and the Third Angel.
A huge hulking black form with gray shoulder plates and a white bird-like mask for a face a crimson orb placed in the center of its chest. Its arms were long and gangly only vaguely humanoid. This was the face of his enemy two circular holes in the mask gave the feeling of eyes but the young man could see nothing in the sockets as they watched him in curiosity.
ôJust concentrate on Walking.ö Dr Akagi spoke over the comm. piercing the pain of his headache and making him focus.
æThink about walkingà..Walkà. WalkÆ he chanted mentally and felt the lumbering beast respond.
In Central Dogma several people gasped as they watched Unit-01 lift a foot and take a shaky step forward. The moment ended however when the Eva lost its balance and tumbled forward its arms coming up in front of it to shield the fall seemingly by reflex.
The Third Angel seemingly broke from its questioning gaze and charged down the street cracking the concrete with each step. The Eva was lifted by the AngelÆs left arm and the right grasped the machines left arm squeezing violently causing the synthetic muscles to bulge and veins to become visible on the EvaÆs arm.
ôAHHH!ö Shinji screams his arm being twisted in an eerie misshapen duplication of the EvaÆs. A sharp pain through his mind forcing his eyes shut tightly against it.
ôShinji, you need to keep your head. It isnÆt really your arm.ö Misato yelled over the comm. but he couldnÆt hear her.
A swift jerking motion by the Angel and Shinji felt his arm break becoming dead weight. The pain was growing in his mind only offset by the physical pain caused by the enemy. Shinji suddenly screams as the Angel strikes the EvaÆs head repeatedly cracking the protective helmet and injuring the left eye of machine. Dark blue synthetic liquid mixed with LCL as it flowed from his own eye instead of blood.
æThis pain itÆs so intense, why does my head hurt so much? I canÆt feel my left arm anymore, is someone speaking to me? I canÆt hear them did they just give up on me? IÆm going to die arenÆt I? I donÆt want to die; I canÆt die not yet and not here! I DONÆT WANT TO DIE HERE!Æ there was a sudden impact against his chest that sent the Eva flying backwards. He coughed up more of the dark blue liquid instead of blood and his eyes snapped open pupils shrinking into tiny dots.
He was walking behind his guardian as they were crossing a street in Rome Italy. The man his father had sent him to live with had been asked to teach at a university and so they had left his country of birth behind. A car came screeching around a curve suddenly and barreled down the street at high speed the driver unaware or uncaring of the pedestrians. Shinji turned hearing the strange sound the tires made and stood frozen as the vehicle sped towards him. The moment crept on and he was vaguely aware of his guardian tutor leaping off the crosswalk uncaring of the young boyÆs life.
æI remember . . . . . I remember feeling scared and then there was a blinding pain and the sense I was flying . . . . . I remember so much pain and blood . . . . I could see my own blood . . . . . it even covered my eyes . . . . . No one rushed to me and the darkness was closing in . . . . I wanted my mother or my father so badly at that moment . . . . But I was alone . . . . No one wanted me.Æ
Shinji was lying in a bed in nothing but a hospital gown and covered by a simple sheet the curtains around his bed were closed blocking people from seeing him and he from seeing people. A clear plastic mask covered his mouth and nose pumping oxygen into his body helping him breath. Various machines were connected to his arms and chest constantly monitoring his vitals and beeping with a small reminder that he did indeed remain alive. An IV was placed into his right arm allowing liquids to be provided directly to his body along with pain medication that left him numb all over.
æMy condition was Terminal . . . . . I remember thatÆs what they told my guardian and . . . . Then he left . . . . . and never came back to my room . . . . . . I was told later that he had returned to Japan . . . . . He abandoned me leaving me in the care of the Hospital . . . . . I was a ward of the government and I knew . . . . . I knew they would soon just remove the machines . . . . Soon I would die . . . . . No one was there to hold my hand or tell me it would all be ok . . . . . No one wanted me. . . . . . No one ever wanted me.Æ
He was laying in a new bed being watched through a square window set into the wall to his left. A blue eye swiveled around to gaze at his watcher to find more then one person there. Of course one was Dr Ibiki the one in charge of his care and generally the only person in the hospital who seemed to care for his welfare. The man stood at Six feet even with blonde hair and brown eyes with a pair of scholarly glasses over them. Next to him stood a trio of people he had never laid eyes on one of which could be his age. The one watching him with a critical eye though was a woman somewhere in her late twenties or early thirties with long black hair and piercing mahogany brown eyes dressed nicely in a black jacket and white blouse with a black skirt. The other two were a gentleman dressed in a brown suit and tie and next to him the young girl with green eyes and blonde hair. He felt his cheeks brighten watching her before his medicine took over and he was pulled back into sleep. He was not awake for the conversation that took place.
ôThank you for calling me about this child Dr Ibiki, I think he would be a perfect candidate.ö The woman spoke with a smile still eyeing the sleeping Shinji.
ôI thought he might, itÆs really a shame everything he has gone through if anyone deserves a chance to live itÆs him.ö He replied with a smile thinking fortune was on the side of this patient. Checking his watch he said his goodbyes and continued with his rounds.
ôSo you finally picked one.ö The man in the suit stated he had slightly long dark hair and eyes.
ôLauro, unlike you and Jean I prefer to use a discerning eye when picking a flower. That is the problem with you two just because something is replaceable does not mean you should get inferior quality.ö She responded finally turning to face her companion.
ôDo you take this long to pick out any other tool?ö He asked.
ôOf course I donÆt like inferior products.ö
æThe SWA or Social Welfare Agency . . . . They are a corporation sponsored by the Italian Government . . . . . That rehabilitates and save human lives . . . . Dr Ibiki had talked to them about me . . . . He told me I had been selected by their program . . . . . That I would live again without the aide of machines and once more be able to move . . . . . I remember feeling so much joy at his words, joy and hope for my future . . . . . That woman I remember seeing her earlier that day and it was she who chose me . . . . . . Someone truly wanted me . . . . . wanted me to live . . . . . I cried but not in pain or loneliness but instead in happiness . . . . . . I would soon be free . . . . . How truly wrong I was.Æ
Shinji lay on a cold metal table under harsh white lights surrounded by surgeons his body exposed revealing the immense damage the accident had done to him. Even living on life-support as he had been the boy would likely have not survived more then another month, less if his severally weakened immune system had been forced to try and fight any form of virus or germ. Watching through a square observation window stood the same woman her arms crossed over her chest a neutral expression on her face. She stood there watching as ShinjiÆs body was basically dissected piece by piece and replaced with Synthetic muscles and organs along with cybernetic implants and other artificial parts all of which were far more advanced then anything used publicly or secretly.
Publicly, the mission of the SWA is to save and rehabilitate human lives, but in reality, the SWA is a public front for Section Two of the Political Warfare Section, a subdivision of the Italian intelligence responsible for counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism and a series of experiments designed to create the perfect government-commissioned assassin. While Section One conducts their operations with normal human operatives, Section Two employs the use of young cyborgs on the fringe of technology. Once an agent hired by the SWA chooses a child from a near-death experience or who is in critical condition. Section Two then redefines their body in a surgical operation to be refitted with artificial body parts, such as synthesized muscles and carbon fiber frames. As a result, the child gains incredible strength (at least peak human strength), quick reflexes, and a high resilience to damage and pain.
Usually only Male agents were hired and young girls chosen creating teams known as, Fratello. However because of her record with Section One Chief Lorenzo had brought her over to Section Two with orders to choose and oversee her own Child-Assassin. She was determined to produce the best no matter the cost.
ôLucreziaö turning at the mention of her name she saw Chief Lorenzo approach and take the spot next to her watching the operation.
ôHello Sirö she greeted stiffly before turning back to the window.
ôSo this is your choice?ö He asked.
ôYes Sir, I have a good feeling about him.ö
ôI will be expecting good results then from you.ö
ôYou will have them and more Sir that is a promise.ö She affirmed her superior.
ôGood, the results from this will help the program grow hopefully. Good day then Lucreziaö with that he turned walking off.
Several hours later would find Shinji lying in a soft bed under the covers seemingly asleep in a simple room with soft blue walls and an elegant table in the center of the room along with a single window. Through a two-way mirror Lucrezia stood arms crossed with a smile watching him to her right sat a woman at a keyboard working on the final phase of his refining the conditioning and brainwashing.
ôWhat name have you chosen for him?ö the woman asked pausing in her typing to get the information.
ôFioreö she responded simply the woman didnÆt respond simply typed the name in and continued.
ôWhat level of Brainwashing and Conditioning?ö
ôMinimalö was the answer given.
æI remember . . . . . . I remember being lost . . . . . I no longer could recall Mother or Father . . . . . I no longer existed to myself . . . . . Shinji Ikari no longer existed he had died and I became Fiore . . . . . At times I briefly recalled once being unable to move or being in a lot of pain . . . . . but I no longer felt that pain . . . . . I could move and breath fresh air something that seemed to be enjoyable for me . . . . . My life was just beginning . . . . . . I had much to do and learn.Æ
Fiore stood at the firing range a cello case resting at his side as Lucrezia slipped on a pair of goggles and sound mufflers. To his right practicing with an H&K G3A3 assault rifle was a girl around his age maybe a year older with long blonde hair kept in two long ponytails and blue eyes with tan skin. She was dressed in a rather masculine manner with a white button-up shirt left untucked, long leather trench coat, black gloves, and dark blue pants. The girlÆs name was Triela, a rather rebellious and pragmatic girl whom he had formed an almost instant friendship with when they met.
ôStart two handed with your P90.ö Lucrezia ordered.
ôYes MaÆamö he responded and popped the clasps on his cello case. Inside rested a pair of FN Herstral P90 Submachine guns, a pair of FN Herstral Five-seven pistols, and a FN Herstral A5 M Long-range precision rifle. The top of the case was filled with preloaded magazines for each weapon along with tactical systems or add-ons for the guns.
Removing two 50 round magazines and setting them aside he then removed one of the Submachine guns and gave it a quick visual check. Lucrezia had extensively drilled him in making sure every weapon he used was always in perfect working order going so far as to ordering him to disassemble and reassemble every one of them until he knew each part by sight and feel. This had of course led to him not sleeping that night in an attempt to fulfill the order. Satisfied with the momentary checking he loaded a clip into the P90 and took aim at the target. Squeezing the trigger he felt the gun buck in his hands as it rapidly expelled the uniform bullets out the barrel. He fired in quick bursts until the magazine finally emptied out and then awaited an evaluation of his shooting.
ôGood but not perfect, reload again I expect a perfect grouping this time Fiore.ö She stated and had a new target set up.
ôYes MaÆamö he replied instantly and quickly exchanged magazines and took aim again. Realizing the fault in his stance he quickly shifted making it perfect and focused his mind completely on the target. Depressing the trigger he sent more bullets screaming at the new target and waited once the last round was fired.
ôAdequateö she spoke after checking the grouping. Truth, be told it had been better then most trained marksman but she would never allow him to become prideful. She expected the best from him and anything short of perfection would not do.
Fiore caught sight of another blonde running through the urban training course under the watchful eye of her Handler Lauro. This was Elsa she was almost closer to his age then Triela and the only other person he identified with or even spoke to if not necessary. She was rather cold and impersonal to everyone save her Handler, who in turn treated her as a tool or weapon refusing to see her as a human being. Something inside him was drawn to her and those green eyes, though he would not admit it to anyone let alone himself.
ôItÆs time to work on your hand-to-hand combat and handgun skills. After that you may spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish Fiore.ö
ôYes MaÆamö he responded automatically.
æI remember . . . . I remember her harsh gaze . . . . When I failed or . . . . When I did not perform good enough . . . . I had to be perfect nothing else mattered . . . . . I would be perfect nothing else would be accepted by her . . . . . or . . . by Elsa . . . . My only friends became Triela and Elsa, who seemed at ease around me more then the other girls . . . . . . New faces began to appear at the SWA . . . . . Jean chose a girl named Rico but like Lauro . . . . . He treats her as nothing but a tool . . . . . Triela told me once Hillshire, her handler had heard Rico and Elsa . . . . . had the highest amount of Brainwashing and conditioning possible . . . . . . I was thankful Lucrezia did not order that for me . . . . . though if I fail her orders . . . . It will be the fate awaiting me.Æ
Fiore sat with Triela in her room under the watchful eyes of several teddy bears. It still amazed him somewhat that every year Hillshire gave her a toy bear. Triela was currently resting her head on her arms groaning ever so often. Lifting his cup he took a sip of the tea and sighed in contentment with its taste. He had been sitting there watching her in that pitiful state for about twenty minutes now.
ôWhat exactly is bothering you?ö Fiore finally asked.
ôItÆs my time of the monthö she mumbled and watched him blink in confusion.
ôYou know two weeks ago when you thought Lucrezia was upset with you for something you couldnÆt figure out?ö
ôYeah, I spent an entire night on the firing range attempting to fix my mistake.ö He replied.
ôIt was her Time of the Month; itÆs basically something women go through from puberty on. The cramps get worse every month for me it seems.ö She explained.
ôIsnÆt that counterproductive though?ö He asked randomly and was rewarded with a toy bear hitting him the face.
Four hours later Fiore found himself walking through the streets with his handler. He was dressed in black pants, a white long-sleeved uniform button-up shirt, black trousers, and a black blazer his cello case resting against his back with a strap he held securely with his right hand. The sun was setting in the distance as they walked painting the world in oranges and reds but the tranquility was lost on Fiore. They were being deployed on a large scale sortie along with the others. The primary mission objective being the complete eradication of all enemies, in this case being a large rebellious faction that had been committing several terrorist attacks lately. Intelligence also believed they have ties with the Padania Republic Faction, a group of nationalistic radicals dedicated to the independence of northern Italy, as well as opposing globalization.
The duo entered an abandoned building across the street from the location of the targets. Climbing the stairs they arrived on the roof just as darkness descended over the world. Moving to the edge Fiore did not wait for the order already knowing his assigned task he set his cello case down and flipped the clasps up. Removing the A5 M long-range precision rifle he removed the current scope and replaced it with another from the top of the case. Fitting the scope he extended the bipod legs and lay flat on the roof getting into a sniping position, grabbing a five round magazine he easily slid it into place. Lifting the bolt and pulling it back he slid it back into place chambering a round.
ôFioreö He looked up at her as she called out.
ôNo matter what this mission must not fail. This is our debut do everything you can to complete the primary objective, I have faith in you.ö
ôYes MaÆam, I will not fail.ö Turning back with those words he placed his eyes into the scope.
ôThere are three men on the roof walking a clockwise counter-clockwise patrol pattern alternating every five minutes.ö He stated after watching the building for a few minutes.
ôThis is Lucrezia; weÆre in position and have spotted three enemies on the roof.ö The handler spoke into a wireless headset adorning her head.
ôThis is Jean, Hillshire and me are in position on the street ready for infiltration. Lauro are you in position?ö
ôJust finishing setting up now I confirm the three targets on the roof.ö
ôWe begin in five minutes then, Jean out.ö
Fiore simply stared through his scope letting his crosshairs track one man then another mentally counting down in his head. Seconds ticked by but he simply remained in position unaffected by the passage of time, when the ten second mark came his finger slid onto the trigger. Zero clicked in his mind mentally and he depressed the trigger at the same time Elsa fired, two heads suddenly exploded into a mass of gray brain matter and blood as the round pierced their skulls. The third guard only had a moment to draw breath before two bullets entered him from two sides shredding his brain and heart instantly. Neither sniper team celebrated or thought about their actions to them remorse didnÆt exist, they simply moved on to the targets that could be hit through the buildings windows. Gunfire was soon heard as Triela & Rico entered the building with their handlers.
ôWeÆre pinned down they have more numbers then we were told!ö JeanÆs voice crackled over the radio.
ôWeÆll come down and back you up from the rear entrance.ö Lauro stated as he and Elsa began making their way down the building.
öWe will meet you there.ö Lucrezia spoke up.
Fiore was studying the roof his mind working a mile a minute over every possibility. The main directive for a Child-Assassin was to obey the orders of their Handler and also to insure above all else a handlers safety even at the cost of their life. Taking this into account he quickly placed his rifle back into his cello case then shut and redid the clasps.
ôThe primary mission objective has not changed?ö He asked her standing up.
ôNo but we are to move into a full infiltration role.ö She explained.
ôYes MaÆamö walking a bit away he suddenly turned and charged to the end of the roof. Leaping from the edge he sailed through air covering the distance to the other roof with ease and skidding on the concrete surface using his hand to slow his momentum. Blue liquid flowed from the appendage as the skin was partially broken exposing some synthetic muscle.
ôFiore is making his way through the building via the roof. The distraction should allow everyone else to move in.ö She stated as if those had been her orders all along and in a way they were.
Opening his case he depressed a switch on the top section and it sung open revealing two sacks, the bigger of the two was red and had a strap for his back, the smaller one was black and could be attached to his side. Taking them out, he secured them before closing the secret panel. Removing one of his P90Æs he loaded it with a fresh clip and then closed the case. Placing it back on his back but positioned not to mess with the red satchel he stood up. Reaching behind him he removed a circular device from a hole in the red satchel and placed it against a generator on the roof. Pressing the button set into the device he heard it beep once and then took his P90 into a two handed position and began to descend into the building.
Moving down the stairs without even a sound he stopped once he reached the inside. Finding no targets or spots enemy could be encroached in he moved on. Stopping at a corner he pressed his back against the wall hearing the sound of several people breathing. Spinning around the corner he fell to one knee and calmly pulled the trigger three men instantly fell to the onslaught but the remaining two had been able to duck behind a radiator and an old desk. Pushing off with his right leg Fiore sprinted forward before either could compensate and fire, he was upon them. Jumping over the radiator he slammed a foot into the manÆs head that was barely above it, an audible crack was heard as his neck snapped under the force. Raising his P90 as he landed he pulled the trigger sending the rounds through the rotted wood with ease and into the waiting body on the other side. The sound of a body thumping against the wall filled his ears, standing he took a second device from the red satchel and placed it on the radiator then pressed the button.
Moving down the next three floors he found passable resistance but nothing that presented an issue to him and on each floor he set another of his devices. What only remained were the last two floors and even from here he could hear the sounds of fierce fighting. Reaching into the black satchel he removed a tennis ball sized sphere and depressed a button at the top. Tossing it down the stairwell he averted his eyes to avoid the blinding flash of light that occurred three seconds later. Rolling from his position he brought his P90 up and sprayed the immediate area with bullets killing five men and forcing the rest to seek cover. Reaching to his chest he undid the strap for the red satchel and let it drop to the floor before running for the stairs that led to the first floor.
Three bullets pierced his body as he ran two in his right shoulder and the third through his side. Blue liquid spurt from the holes but Fiore didnÆt acknowledge the damage or feel the pain. Leaping the last few steps he landed next to Triela and Hillshire.
ôWe should evacuate now.ö He stated coldly still not liking the presence of his friendÆs handler.
ôWeÆre not done yet!ö Triela declared through her cramps and fired several rounds upwards.
ôTriela, pull backö Hillshire ordered and the girl growled but complied Fiore right behind them a small hand held device in his right hand.
Diving out of the building behind them he turned so that he slid along the ground on his back and yelled out.
ôFIRE IN THE HOLEö depressing the button on the hand device a heartbeat passed and then.
*BOOM*
The explosives he had set went off forcing the building to implode and destroy any survivors of the enemy. Fiore found he had the strangest desire to celebrate his deed or laugh like some sort of stereotypical mad scientist that he read about so often.
æI remember . . . . I remember the night of my first mission . . . . I was not afraid in fact I felt nothing at all . . . . There was no pain . . . . . Or . . . . Remorse . . . . Only the desire . . . . . The desire to complete my mission . . . . . Nothing else mattered . . . . . . I was an assassin . . . . . A government sanctioned assassin . . . . . My every act was condoned as long as the mission was completed and the enemy killed . . . . . I was content. . . . . . I was Happy . . . . . Nothing else mattered . . . . . I was a weapon . . . . . Just like the others . . . . . I grew stronger honing all of my skills . . . . . . as she demanded of me . . . . . Triela even gave me a gift . . . . . She parted with one of her Teddy Bears . . . . . I placed it on the window next to my bed . . . . . so that it could greet the day with me . . . . . . I truly am happy here.Æ
Fiore knocked calmly in front of room 207 in the Majestic hotel dressed like a delivery boy a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Knocking on the door and placing a cheery smile on his face he waited. After a minute he heard the chain slide away and the door open revealing a burly Russian man in a black suit.
ôWhat is it you want Boy?ö he asked in a heavily accented voice.
ôA flower delivery for Mr. Salvatoreö He stated.
ôWho are they from?ö
ôThe Hotel placed the order sir they use our shop to show important guests that they are welcome.ö Nodding the man took the bouquet and turned to shut the door. He never got to as a bullet entered his back and sent the large man falling to the floor with a thump.
Fiore entered the room firing twice more with his silenced Five-seven pistol and taking out two more armed guards. Making his way towards the bedroom he heard moaning from behind the door. Easing it open he found the target and a young woman having sex. Raising his gun he fired twice into each one before making an exit and returning to the waiting car outside and Lucrezia.
ôThe Target is silenced?ö she asked as he sat down beside her. The boy raised an eyebrow at her an odd quirk he had picked up from Triela.
ôYes MaÆam, three guards and one civilian casualty.ö He finally stated.
ôWhy did you kill the Civilian?ö
ôThe orders were to silence the target, his guards, and any witnesses. I simply followed my orders to the letter.ö
Afternoon of that day found Triela, Fiore, and Elsa up on the roof the male of the trio watching the clouds go by. Elsa had only been convinced to join as Lauro had a meeting he had to attend. The aloof girl still seemed to dislike interacting with Triela, though she was marginally comfortable with Fiore.
ôLucrezia actually questioned your kills just because one was a civilian?ö Triela asked looking at the cloud gazing boy.
ôShe practically told me my brainwashing level was going up if I didnÆt explain myself.ö He replied.
ôUgh, I know the feeling Hillshire gives me these looks every time he thinks I am stepping out of bounds. æTriela you must follow my orders or we canÆt function as a teamÆ.ö The last part was spoken with a weak approximation of HillshireÆs voice.
ôÆFiore pay attention and focus your grouping was off.Æ æFiore I want you to put all your shots through the same hole.Æ æKnow your weapon like you would a loverÆs body and it will never betray youÆ.ö Fiore hopped up doing his impression of his Handler even crossing his arms earning a laugh from his audience.
æI remember . . . . I remember being happy . . . . Elsa . . . . She became obsessed with her Handler . . . . . She constantly spoke of loving him . . . . She was completely . . . . Infatuated with him . . . . Even though he treated her . . . . Like a tool . . . . More new people came . . . . . and A new Agent was hired . . . . . Named . . . . . Jose . . . . . He hadnÆt picked anyone yet though . . . He seemed adverse . . . . To the project . . . . . The ebb and flow of time continued . . . . . . I killed more and more people . . . . . . Often as a lone assassin . . . . . sometimes with the others . . . . . . Or in small teams . . . . . . . I still needed to prove myself.Æ
Fiore was crouched behind a dumpster with Lucrezia his cello case sitting on the ground next to him. Directly ahead of them was a wooden door that served as a side entrance for a warehouse. The Padania Republic Faction had a large force and weapons cache secured inside and so the execution order had been given. He had gotten into position quicker then expected, which was happening more and more lately his speed ad skills seemed to be advancing quicker the harder he was pushed.
He was dressed normally with the exception that his blazer was replaced with a long coat and he was wearing black gloves. Taking the extra time he had earned he opened his cello case and removed his five-seven pistols placing them into a pair of rigs hidden by his coat so he had easy access to them. Stashing a few extra clips inside his jacket, he then unpacked one of the P90Æs and loaded it with a magazine before repeating his stashing process and closing the case back up. Finished with preparation he turned his eyes to the door watching it carefully incase anyone decided to take an evening stroll.
ôThis is Lucrezia, in position and preparations completeö The dark haired Handler stated into the microphone on her headset.
ôWe havenÆt completed preparations yet the operation will not begin for Thirty-minutes. Hold your position until then.ö JeanÆs voice responded through the earpiece.
*THUNK*
Fiore caught the small sound from behind the door and narrowed his eyes hands tightening around his weapon. He heard it again but it was louder denoting it was drawing closer. The doorknob was grabbed from the inside and the door cracked light glinted off a metallic object the person was holding. Fiore could hear the person identified by the base in his voice as a male talking to someone else, which is why the door had not been fully opened yet. The door was pushed open finally a tanned man appearing with his back to him his left hand on the doorknob his right wrapped around the barrel of an assault rifle he appeared to still be talking to the same person further inside. As the man turned to face his position he squeezed the trigger placing three bullets into the manÆs chest. Jumping over the dumpster he spotted the second man further in and opened fire in a controlled burst sending him to the ground before he could even life his weapon. The noise made by both his gunÆs discharge and the falling bodies alerted the group inside of danger.
Reaching into his coat he removed one of his black spheres and depressed the top button before hurling it through the doorway and turning his gaze away. Hearing the armed group fall into disarray because of the self-made and improved Flashbang he rushed through the door the muzzle of his submachine gun flashing as he tore into their numbers.
Loud speakers mounted on the walls released the sweet tones of BeethovenÆs: Moonlight Sonata into the air as Fiore worked his way toward the center of the warehouse. Bullets swarmed at any position he took like angry hornets but still he pushed forward dropping bodies indiscriminately. Hearing the click as his last clip emptied he drew one of his Five-seven pistols and picked up a curved dagger from a dead girl with his left hand.
Spinning from around the box he was using for cover he slashed the throat of an approaching faction member then dropped another two behind that one with well placed shots. Fiore ducked low the sixth sense all of the Child-Assassins developed through the initial conditioning warning him of a threat behind him. The threat was several hundred rounds passing over the space he had just been occupying fired from two heavy machine guns, brining his handgun up he sent a bullet into one shooters forehead and a second his partnerÆs throat. Fiore entered into a deadly dance following the music and cleaving through his enemies one by one. The carnage continued until only the leader remained backing away from the monster that had just wiped out his entire force of men in the span of half an hour.
Reaching down Fiore picked up a knife from another body his gunÆs lost in the fighting, which left him to steal weapons from the dead or kill with his hands.
ôWho the Fuck, are you?!ö the man yelled pressing the button that started the main doors opening. Fiore never responded just simply straightened his body back up and lifted the blade.
The doors slid open easily and the leader ran for the outside just as he reached the threshold his body fell forward onto the concrete street and began to slide his body coming to a stop before Jean and Rico the knife sticking out of the back of his head.
Lucrezia and the other Handlers came from around the corner or there positions along with their Child-Assassins getting a look at just what Fiore had done.
The soft tones of Moonlight Sonata continued to play through the speakers giving music to the dreadful scene. Blood soaked the walls in streaks from where people had impacted against them or bled out onto them leaving little trails, a lake of crimson covered the floor continuously growing as the dead gushed precious life-blood. A sea of death and destruction was laid out before them, crates broken dents and imprints left in walls, still forms of human life littering the floor some slumped against or draped over others. All in all it was horrific scene yet strangely elegant and beautiful.
Fiore stood as the center piece to it all, blue synthetic liquid leaking from the corner of his mouth, clothes ripped and torn soiled by blood and remains, his face was impassive and cold the perfect picture of what an assassin should look like. Blood was spattered across his face tiny droplets of the precious fluid would slip from it and mix with the blue liquid creating an odd spiral effect on the ground. Fiore didnÆt react when Jean stepped up to him and backhanded him across the cheek he simply made his head turn to give the effect of Jean actually harming him.
ôWhy did you attack?ö He demanded.
ôI perceived an imminent threat to my Handler and acted to insure her safety, once the first guard fell the second interior enemy had to be dealt with or my position would have been compromised and my Handler in even more danger. With the enemy alerted to my presence and any reinforcements 30 minutes from combat readiness I attacked in order to prevent the enemy from retreating.ö Fiore answered simply.
ôYou disobeyed a direct order.ö Jean growled.
ôNo, My Handler never ordered me to wait or to halt in my assault.ö
ôI gave the order to strike in thirty minutes.ö
ôI do not take orders from you.ö
Jean narrowed his eyes and brought his hand up to backhand the Child-Assassin once again only for his hand to grabbed mid-swing by Lucrezia, who leveled a cold glare at the man.
ôHe is not your reasonability Jean you would do well to remember that before acting again. If you havenÆt noticed Fiore just eliminated a sizeable group of PRF members in the time it took you and the others to finish your preparations. You will not reprimand him for a job well done in fact you will not reprimand my charge.ö She stated coldly before releasing his hand and watching him walk out a smug smile on her face. Fiore had just proven he was perfect and Jean knew he couldnÆt contest the skill of the job done.
ôGather your weapons and your cello case so we can go.ö She ordered the boy.
ôYes MaÆamö he responded and set out on his task it was on the way back as the pair sat in the back seat of the car that he spoke again.
ôLucreziaö he spoke getting her attention.
ôYes Fiore?ö
ôWill my level of Brainwashing be increased now because of my actions?ö he asked and had he been anyone else his voice would have quivered with fear.
ôNoö she replied simply.
ôDid I do something wrong? Jean spoke as if I had defied your orders, or compromised the mission but everything I did was within the scope of the mission parameters, your orders, and the directives of Section Twoö Fiore was confused about the confrontation and it was showing.
ôJean saw your actions as rebellious and uncontrolled, an open defiance of what you are to him. The Child-Assassins are nothing but tools to him expendable and expected to be docile, obedient, and never question orders or how to perform their assigned tasks. He acted as he does with Rico do not allow it to concern you.ö She explained.
ôYes MaÆamö he responded after contemplating her words a moment and committing them to his memory.
æI remember . . . . . . I remember hearing that sound . . . . . A heavy boot striking concrete . . . . . Waiting until he opened the door . . . . . . Waiting to take his life . . . . . . When the body fell I killed another . . . . . Then another and another . . . . It felt like I was dancing . . . . . I was dancing with them before they died . . . . . . A part of me enjoyed it . . . . . Then Jean slapped me . . . . And I didnÆt understand why . . . . . . HadnÆt I performed well enough? . . . . . He was not my Handler so why was he striking me? . . . . . Lucrezia explained it though . . . . . And I realized . . . . . The Handler were not perfect . . . . In fact they were very much imperfect . . . . . A question entered my mind while she spoke . . . . . If the Handlers cannot abide by the rules they set for us . . . . . . Then can they really be trusted to control us? . . .. . . Could they be trusted . . . . . not to give an order that put them . . . . . and us into terminal danger? . . .. . . Things seemed so good back then . . . . . But then it all unraveled . . . . . My world shattered . . . . I was abandoned again and betrayed once more.Æ
Triela sat with Claes and Angelica in her room watching Fiore play his cello for them. Since the warehouse mission a month prior Lucrezia had rewarded Fiore for his perfection by placing him in classes given at the Agency some of the other girls took. She had also insisted that he learn to play the cello and taking it as an order the boy set out to fulfill the request just as he had done with all his other skills. The final notes of his piece faded from the room as he finished and bowed when the three girls applauded. Fiore took that moment to reexamine his fellow Child-Assassins
Angelica was a girl appearing to be twelve years old with long black hair and eyes as blue as his own. She was also in fact the first Child-Assassin employed by the Social Welfare AgencyÆs Section Two. In this way the two of them were alike, Angelica was the first girl to be redefined and he was the first and still only boy. She was also the reason He and Triela feared the higher levels of brainwashing, not that they ever voiced being afraid of it to their Handlers. Angelica showed the signs of long-term memory loss brought on by the high amounts of brainwashing and conditioning used on her.
Claes shared the same hair color and eyes as Angelica but was also the newest Child-Assassin, her handler was a former military policeman named Rabello. She liked to read and seemed to pick up the philosophy of her Handler but still that was all Fiore really knew of the new girl in his life. The oddest thing seemed to be the glasses she wore for no reason all the time.
ôYouÆre really getting good Fiore.ö Triela praised him as he stood and began putting the instrument away.
ôThanks, IÆve been practicing everyday after my Hacking lessons.ö He replied modestly.
ôIt shows your skills really are impressive.ö Claes complimented with a smile.
ôI just wish the others were here to listen, Rico is with Jean, Petrushka & Beatrico are out on assignment with their Handlers, and Elsa was nowhere to be found either.ö Angelica added in and Triela shrugged showing she had no idea where the girl was.
ôSheÆs seemed down lately I think she asked Lauro to take her somewhere today.ö Fiore mused tapping his chin in thought. Elsa talked to him about as much as Triela but as of late he could sense something wrong with her that he just couldnÆt understand.
ôMaybe she just finally figured out that Lauro doesnÆt care for her at all. Things like that are always hard to accept.ö Triela finally put in as Fiore picked up his cello case. The blonde had known for a long time about the male Child-AssassinÆs crush on Elsa so she hoped for his sake that the girl had realized what her Handler really thought. She neglected to ever tell him of her own feelings.
ôIt is a possibility I guess we will find out later when she gets back. Lucrezia will be expected me soon for training.ö With that Fiore made his exit to continue his day.
Fiore quietly walked back towards his room as the sunset that evening after training. Lucrezia had drilled him harder then before stating he needed to improve and go beyond his current limits, all he could do was nod and comply with her orders. She had also given him a new weapon to train with, a pair of black gloves that concealed thin metallic wire useful for strangling, capturing, and cutting. He had been told the wire had many names but he preferred AssassinÆs wire it suited the tasks it would be used for after all. Storm clouds rolled in giving the sky a gray appearance as the fading sun was swallowed up.
Later that evening as he was returning to his room after his last class and seeing Triela to her room he spotted Jean talking with Priscilla, an Agent of Section Two that seemed to genuinely care for him and the other Child-assassins. Staying in the dark of the walkways he eased closer his steps not making even the smallest of noises. He was intent on hearing what was going on as Jean seemed angry, while Priscilla was shocked and more then a little worried looking.
ôThey found them in the park where Lauro gave her, her name.ö Jean stated.
ôI canÆt believe Elsa would do something like this.ö Priscilla replied shaking her head.
ôThere will be an investigation into the incident but itÆs clear that Elsa acted alone. No one saw this happening.ö He continued with a sigh.
ôI thought it was impossible for them to harm a Handler and that they were supposed to sacrifice themselves in order to protect them.ö
ôIt is, no one can figure out how or why Elsa did it. All we know for sure is First she shot Lauro and then herself right through the eye.ö Jean explained breaking the truth out.
Fiore stopped his body from reacting to the news and instead just slipped away silently. Once away from the pair he walks aimlessly without purpose or destination his eyes lowered towards the ground and his face hollow of any emotion or thought. The clouds chose that moment to burst and send rain falling to the ground and onto Fiore. He looked up at the sky letting the rain impact with his face and slide down before continuing to the ground just like tears. A strange feeling welled up inside of him, one he couldnÆt identify with his utter lack of experience with emotions at times he doubted that he had emotions but they always seemed to show up when around the other girls.
æSelf Termination, the voluntary destruction of ones self committed by their own hands. Elsa was not ordered to Terminate Lauro or herself, so then why are both now dead? Lauro refused to care for her did this refusal constitute a betrayal to Elsa, which led her to believe he was a traitor there by overriding our protection order and then demanding self termination as a punishment for breaking that rule? I do not understand this situation I have no directives for how to respond. I feel . . . . . . I feel betrayed . . . . Abandoned . . . . . This feeling is painful . . . . . I do not want to feel this emotion.Æ
æThe Handlers are responsible for everything we do and learn. So Lauro is responsible for ElsaÆs Self Termination . . . . . It is the fate that awaits all of the Child-Assassins . . . . . . . If Termination is our fate . . . . . Then does My Handler deserve to rule my life? . . . . . . The Handlers are Imperfect this is what Lucrezia told me . . . . . Yet they control our lives and our fates . . . . . They control our Termination . . . . . . Why do Imperfect Handlers control our lives and Terminations? . . . . . My Brainwashing level will be increased if anyone learns of my thoughts . . . . . . What must I do to gain the freedom of myself and my friends? . . . . . . My head hurts because I go against my directives . . . . . . I must consider the question.Æ
Something suddenly blocked his view of the cloudy sky and stopped the rain from pelting him. Turning to look to his right he found Triela watching him with worry holding an umbrella over him. Fiore blinked at her before straightening his body and regaining his emotionless look, which oddly she seemed to see through. Triela smiled at him and the pair started walking back.
ôElsa . . . . Committed Self Termination after killing Lauroö He stated calmly as an explanation. Triela looked at him sharply in surprise before nodding in understand.
ôElsa would rather kill the one she loved then be without him. Then kill herself, so they would never be apart.ö
ôI do not understand.ö Fiore spoke confused.
ôShe expressed her love for him by killing him when he rejected her feelings. Elsa loved him too much to let him go, loved him too much to ever lose him so she made sure no one but her would ever be with him in this life or the next.ö
ôI think I understand now Triela, thank you.ö Fiore stated and entered his room with a smile to her, a genuine smile.
ôGlad I could be of service to the Invincible Fiore.ö She quipped causing him to laugh.
ôIf you said the words I would not reject you.ö He said simply and shut his door leaving the girl stunned.
æIt becomes clear to me without the termination of all the Handlers and destruction of Section two along with the SWA we can all never be free of their control. I cannot at this time help my friends so I must simply follow my directives. We must remain this way.Æ
Three days later found all of the Child-Assassins and their Handlers on a train traveling north to the city of Verona. The mission was of utmost importance and if accomplished would strike a decisive blow against the PRF and hopefully cripple them. Fiore sat next to Lucrezia staring out the window at the rolling countryside and the beauty of nature feeling at peace with himself and his world. This was his fate and until it could be changed he would exist as others saw fit, he was a child-assassin, a weapon of Section Two and the Italian Government. He would perform in this mission as he had in all of his others, perfectly and without flaw, remorse, or hesitation.
Triela & Hillshire were sitting in the row next to them with Triela either ignoring her Handler or trying to sleep. In front of him sat Angelica and her Handler Marco the latter telling the former another Impromptu story about ôThe prince of the land of Pastaö. Rico & Jean were also in his row but in the back of the train car. Claes & Rabello were in the same row as Triela near the front. Petrushka and her Handler Alessandro sat in the seats to the back with Beatrico and her Handler Bernardo directly in front of them. It would be one of the few times all of them had been gathered for one infiltration strangely it put him at further ease.
As the train pulled into the station he retrieved his cello case and continued to silently follow Lucrezia. He was dressed in a long black coat fully buttoned, which hid his short sleeved white button-up shirt he wore below it, along with black slacks and shoes. Fiore quietly climbed into the waiting car with his Handler and stared ahead as the driver brought the car into traffic.
ôDo you remember the cover story Fiore?ö Lucrezia asked as more of a test for his knowledge then caring if he actually knew.
ôYes MaÆamö He responded immediately.
ôRepeat it then.ö
ôMy name is Fiore Minuchi, son of Lucrezia & Marco Minuchi and twin brother of Angelica Minuchi. We are visiting the city with Father, who is conducted a major business deal here in Verona. My main interest is the Cello and I attend the St WilliamÆs Academy in Rome.ö He repeated the earlier briefing she had given him word for word detailing everything about his alias for the infiltration mission.
ôGood Fiore, you continue to make me proud with your growth in the assassinÆs arts.ö Lucrezia praised pleased with his perfect performance of orders and duties once again.
ôThank you MaÆam.ö They pair once again lapsed into silence before arriving at the Hotel for their cover.
Walking behind her he allowed a bellhop to take his cello case and placed a smile on his face pretending to look around in wonder instead of actually checking for threats. Fiore could see several security cameras and acted as any child would he happily waved at one, closing his eyes with a bright smile.
ôFiore honey, come along we need to get to our room.ö Lucrezia called out sweetly and he ran to meet her at the elevator.
A few hours later Marco would arrive with Angelica to complete the illusion of a vacationing Minuchi family. The bellboy that brought them up was completely fooled when Fiore jumped into MarcoÆs arms giving him a hug. The second the door closed though, Fiore lost all emotion in his face and eyes and simply hopped down and returned to his seat on the couch and resumed reading his book. The act had actually fooled the male Handler for a moment.
ôWhere is Lucrezia?ö He asked moving further into the room. Angelica chose to take a seat next to Fiore.
ôShe departed two hours ago as per our usual operating strategy to confirm mission preparations and to scout the Infiltration site.ö He stated simply used to this type of occurrence from his Handler.
ôDoes she routinely leave you alone or is this a first?ö Marco queered after a minute sitting down with a cup of coffee opposite the two.
ôYes, once given my orders my only purpose is to execute those orders without hesitation. The Mission objective is to be my only focus or care it is unnecessary for me to accompany her. She ordered me to remain behind and I will unless given different orders.ö
Marco nodded some of his suspicions confirmed about the only male Child-Assassin. Fiore was treated the same as Rico & Elsa considered only a weapon, Lucrezia only kept his conditioning and brainwashing low to insure he lasted as long as possible. She expected perfection in Fiore and it showed in the brutal training he had been put through and the deadly efficiency in which he completed any assigned task. Marco wanted to see the boy in action during this mission just to confirm the rest of his suspicions about Lucrezia.
Fiore reached to his left in the quiet and took a second book from the arm of the couch and reached it to Angelica. She looked at it for a moment before smiling and flipping it open to about halfway and beginning to read in earnest. Neither noticed when their bodies began to move into more comfortable positions winding around one another without much care or thought. Fiore had his right elbow resting on the arm of the couch the book resting in his hand using his thumb to flick the pages as he finished with them, his legs were stretched out on the couch leaving him laying on his side. Angelica had mimicked his positioning her body resting against his and drawing his left arm around her both of her hands used to hold her book. Both appeared comfortable and unwilling to move as they continued to read. Marco quirked an eyebrow at the scene but decided against disturbing the cute scene. Angelica closed her book after a few minutes and looked up at Fiore.
ôAlexander picked up the sword once more his body quivering from exertion and continued to practice.ö Fiore began his voice soft with an undertone of emotion as he began to tell Angelica the story he was currently reading. Marco rose not wishing to disturb them and retreated back into one of the bedrooms in the large hotel suite.
Hours later when Lucrezia returned she found bother Child-Assassins asleep on the couch curled up together. A single dark blue eye opened and swiveled around to stare at her silently, Fiore just stared with that one eye as if waiting for a reprimand or order to move but giving no inclination to separate himself from Angelica. The Handler was slightly unnerved by the intensity in that emotionless gaze.
ôGo back to sleep and rest for the mission tomorrowö she whispered before heading to another of three bedrooms in the suite.
Another blue eye opened as Lucrezia shut her door and stared out the window into the night. Angelica pushed herself back against Fiore getting comfortable again and then the two different blue eyes shut again and breathing leveled sending two souls into slumber.