Pitaya Village: A Year Ago 2

People ask me if I enjoying killing others.

Do I?

No.

I still remember the first person I killed. She was my friend. I can still see that nightmare when I close my eyes. Hands drenched with blood of another person.

How many people have I killed till now?

100. 200. 300. I just stopped counting.

Even now, taking a life makes me shiver.

But it is my job.

I am a weapon and a weapon can only kill.

The last rays of sun died out behind the horizon marking the end of the day.

Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting!

Bell of the clocktower rang seven times. Seven o'clock.

But unbeknownst to all, the bell had signalled the start of the red night, which the town will never forget.

In a room lit by a giant chandelure, there was a large table. On either sides were chairs for the VIPs of the town and at one end was a magnificently adorned chair for the head of the council: Eran Mason.

Every VIP was sitting at their respective positions waiting for the bell.

And as the bell rang, the meeting had started.

"If all the members are ready, I would like the meeting to start" Babon who was standing beside Mr Mason said.

"But it seems Mr Tye wouldn't be arriving" one of the VIPs commented.

"He had already submitted his reason for absence. He is bedridden from flu and cannot attend this meeting" after answering, he said "So, if there are no other issues, may we start the meeting."

After affirmation, he continued "Thank you, so the first matter at hand will be raising the prices of the goods developed in the town. I am specifically pointing at fruit Pitaya. This was your proposal right, Head of the Farmer's union?"

The person replied "Yes. As you may have already expected, the town may be flourishing but the condition of farmers haven't improved much in the recent years. Over the last decade the price of the produce hasn't been increased much, so farmers are somewhere lagging behind the development of the town. Hence, I present this proposal."

This was a common issue that everyone was aware of. So, no one had any objection and the bill was passed.

Babon continued "So the next matter is the establishment of the town library."

"That would be my proposal" A fat man rose from his chair.

While the meeting went on, a new development had already started in other part of town.

Razor was not feeling well since evening. His intuition had been ringing. Like something was happening and he was not aware of it.

(Hope this is just a feeling)

He looked up at the sky but he didn't know why there was a tinge of redness in the night sky.

A man slept on the bed while his wife sat beside him gently caressing his head. She loved him dearly, more than anything in this whole world. They had no child but the couple supported each other through every juncture of life.

They had many servants but the wife wanted to nurse him herself. It was her duty as the spouse.

"Are you hungry?" the wife asked "Should I make a soup for you?"

The man nodded.

"Just give me five minutes."

The man looked at his wife leaving the room. He was glad that he married her. He was the happiest husband alive.

"I love you" he whispered under his breath.

Moments like these strengthen the bonds in a relationship.

He turned around to look at the beautiful moon outside through the window.

(What a lovely night)

Just then, he heard a sound. He looked near his feet and was shocked.

There stood a person draped in black clothes and an oni mask.

WAAAAAHHHH!!!!!

Razor heard a shout from a nearby building. He ran towards the source of the cry.

(Isn't that Mr Tye's house?)

People started gathering to inquire what had happened.

The strange feeling he had been having all this while. His sixth sense was tingling like crazy.

Just then his eyes fell on a black silhouette escaping over the rooftops.

He had a hunch it may be related to whatever incident happened in the house.

He left the house and chased after the shadow.

The shadow moved from one house to another but Razor didn't stop chasing.

At last, it landed in an alley.

"So, who are you and what have you done in Mr Tye's house?" he finally caught up and asked, more like he demanded for an answer.

But the person didn't say anything, just turned around to look at the chaser.

"Leave. You are not on the hit list."

"Hit list?" Razor tried to comprehend what the person spoke. From the attire, the mask, the cry, the hit list. Razor's eyes widened as he realised. He dashed.

The masked person was also surprised by the sudden attack but dodged the incoming punch.

(What the hell?)

It wasn't a simple dodge. To him, it felt like the masked person had completely disappeared and later appeared a little behind.

Razor knew how strong he was. He had fought multiple enemies over the years. Pirates, bandits, gangs. His immense strength, unmatched agility and super speed easily pulverised his enemies, be it a single person or an entire group.

But this person was faster than him. Just that one move was enough to convince him.

Still, that was not enough to make Razor concede loss. He dashed again, at a much faster speed.

Punch!!!

But the person had again disappeared.

(What kind of voodoo technique is this?)

He dashed again but suddenly, the assassin was right in front of him.

Pierce!

He stopped.

He looked down. The masked person had pierced through his chest with a single finger.

But Razor smiled.

He caught the hand of the assassin with his left and clenched his right fist.

"How will you escape now?"

Surprised by the unconventional move, the assassin couldn't timely react to the next attack.

Punch!!!!

Razor had finally reached. It was a full force punch directly hitting the gut of the assassin.

The assassin staggered at the painful blow and glared at the opponent, and drew the blade.

"Finally getting serious, eh?"

Razor braced himself for the next attack but

Slash!!!

He was cut in the back.

When did the assassin moved to his back?

He turned around but he was slashed again.

Slash! Slash! Slash! Slash! Slash! Slash! Slash!

He couldn't react to any attack. They were so fast, almost continuous. By the time he would react to a move, he was attacked again.

At the end of the barrage, he fell down. The assassin left him and disappeared completely from the alley.

Why didn't the assassin finished him off and simply left him in this helpless state?

Hit list? Was it because he was not on the list?

Razor closed his eyes. This was his first loss.

He couldn't even move his arm, let alone his body.

He cried.

Don't know who else is on the list?

He called the town his turf and could do nothing to save the lives of his people.

Lights went out and everyone in the meeting were in panic.

Just then, a scream was heard followed by a second, then third, fourth, fifth and so on.

People ran from their seats towards the door in that darkness but the door seemed to be locked.

What was happening?

But screams didn't stop.

Men fell one after another.

Until no more screams could be heard.

Eran Mason desperately hit the door, shouting "Anyone open the door"

But no one replied.

Was he the only one alive?

The killer was here. If he doesn't escape, he will also be killed.

Just then a candle was lit.

The flickering light illuminated the surroundings displaying the horrific scene around him. Bodies of people who he called his partners, who he was talking to a while ago were lying on the ground everywhere, their blood staining the ground, walls and the table. Even his clothes were dyed red.

But a sliver of hope, a person stood before him. His assistant and dear friend, Babon.

"Babon, you are alive. Be careful. The killer is somewhere here" he looked around searching for the culprit.

But Babon was completely relaxed. He didn't have any traces of fear or sadness. He smilingly said, "You want to see the assassin. Dark Shadow."

A person wearing a black dress and a mask walked towards Babon.

"This is the murderer" Babon casually announced.

Mr Mason could understand why his assistant was so relaxed near the murderer.

"Babon."

"Vice-Captain Babon" he curtily replied.

"What?"

Babon didn't answer but continued "Ex-Marine. Sent here to observe you. No, to observe the town."

Mr Mason silently listened.

"World Government wanted this land for themselves. Especially because it was at a crucial geographical point. And with a developed port and so much land. It is such a jewel" Babon amusingly watched his ex-superior "I was sent here four years ago. Originally all this massacre was not in plan. We wanted to peacefully settle this deal but despite all the approaches by the government, you didn't concede. So, this is the hard way. All the guards in the building and throughout the town and all the VIPs who held even a bit of power, they were all killed."

Babon held the shoulder of the masked person.

"This here is a killing machine. A clan which works with CP as the World Government's assassins."

Eran Mason couldn't believe the evil planning brewing behind his back. He had only thought best for the town. But somehow, couldn't predict an foreign attack.

"I was foolish" he sadly murmured.

Dark Shadow pulled out the sword but Babon interjected "No, no. You don't need to do it. Let me take care of my ex-superior."

He pulled out the gun and pointed at Mr Mason.

Bang!

That night changed the very framework of this town.