Old Hatchet

They crossed the roads and entered the coffee shop. They didn't look like they just killed 33 men. In fact, they look like rich princesses who just finished their shopping and smell like a sunset. Stephanie goes to the counter while Flora lets herself sit on the chair in the corner.

"Hello! How can I help you?" the guy asked.

"Hey sweet cheeks, I would like your signature chocolate, one latte for me, and your barley tea, please. Oh, and one Choco muffin."

Stephanie just hands him 50 dollars notes.

"Keep the change." She winks then walks to Flora.

"Stop flirting with the poor guy." Flora scolded.

"One, I'm having fun because I can't be in a relationship. Second, he's cute." Stephanie just scoffed back.

They know they can't be in a relationship because of their own personal life.

Flora just shrugged, then looks out to the window. The guy served their orders as he shyly standing there.

"Ermm, I have to say one thing."

Both of the girls' attention is all on him. Then, making him more nervous, The guy directs his gaze at Flora.

"Although you're quiet, I think you're very cute. I-I mean very pretty. God, you're so beautiful," he blurted, then he just takes his hand and scratches his neck.

Flora just smiled and said, "Thank you." With that, the guy lowers his head then handed her a piece of paper. His number was on the form.

"I've never seen you around here before. But, Ermm, if you like, we can keep on contacting each other. Maybe have a coffee or two?"

Flora looks dumbfounded. This man right here is asking her out. Oh, and don't judge. Flora may be a killer, but she isn't really good with this kind of stuff.

Stephanie is sitting there watching the whole situation.

Where's my popcorn? I need butter popcorn! - Stephanie thought.

She laughed and broke the awkward air to help her best friend, "oh sweet cheeks, I'm sorry to say this, but she is timid, and also she's taken. Oh, look, her boyfriend is here."

They all turn their attention to the door. There stood Nathan. Nathan's tall and robust firm would make anyone squirms back in their seats. He's too handsome that makes the girl scream in their stomach, causing butterflies.

Both Stephanie and Flora just roll their eyes internally and mentally, wanting to smack that beautiful face of his. The guy looked disappointed.

Of course, she's gorgeous; she's definitely taken already! What were you thinking?! - The guy thought.

Flora doesn't know what to do, so she gave him an awkward smile. He quickly goes back to his station. Trying hard not to make it more awkward than it already is.

Nathan walks to them and sits next to Flora. Of course, he didn't know what is going on a second ago. This action didn't go unnoticed by the boy.

"Hey, Spring. Hey Flora."

"Well, well, I got what you asked for. And you just come in at the right time." Stephanie said, still being cheeky about the whole Flora situation.

"What happened?" Nathan asked.

"The guy was asking her out and even gave her his phone's number." Nathan makes a quick look at the guy, and he turned back with a smirk.

Flora just smiled. "Poor boy. Too bad he's doesn't know who I am."

"Well, I guess you must be saying that she's taken, and I'm the boyfriend, aren't ya?" Nathan asked Stephanie excitingly.

"Of course! Or else I'm going to say that she's deaf or mute, but I can't because she already replied to him. Maybe I should have said that she's lesbian. But, god, why didn't I say that instead?"

Flora narrowed her eyes at her best friend. "I didn't know why we are even friends, Steph."

She sipped her tea then turned to Nathan.

"How was it?"

Nathan knows exactly what's that question means. It means 'what did you learn? How do you know the men were coming? Why? Did you get the passports?' but he also notices her beautiful staring at him as it fills with an empty soul. He shivered. It's cold.

Nathan gulped his drink and asked. "Where ya off to?"

"City K. You asked like we didn't tell you, Nate," Stephanie said while sipping her latte, and Flora peeled the Choco Muffin paper and gave it to Nathan.

"I got it done. The documents are done. But let's finish this so we can talk in the car." Nathan. He took the muffin from her hand and eat it.

Control it. -Nathan

They all quickly finish their food and leave the shop. Nathan tried to play with the guy, so when they're walking past the very front of the counter, he kissed Flora's cheek then put his hand on her waist. Flora knew he's just doing it for fun. But she played along with it and giggled. Then, she leans in and whispers to Nathan's ear.

"Hands off, or I'll mince your balls."

Nathan just laughed and took his handoff. Then, he whispered back to Flora, "Normally girls would say 'cut,' but you just mentioned 'mince' You know you're super scary."

Flora just gives him an innocent smile. But oh boy, what part of that smile is innocent?

If she can kill men empty-handed, she won't be worrying about mincing a guy's ball. It's too minor for her.

But from the outside look, the guy sees the couples are full of love; while he should be lucky to know himself, he's not involved with them.

Stephanie stopped in front of the counter. "Hey sweet cheeks, you should consider yourself lucky."

The guy gave her a very puzzled look. But she just winked and walks into the car.

"Hey Flower, what did you say to Nathan?"

"Oh nothing, just put his hand off me, or I'll mince his.'

Steph looks bored as something she typically hears. Nathan just laughs then starts the engine.

"Ok, so where's the document?" Stephanie asked.

"In the drawer," Nathan replied.

Flora is in the front seat with Nathan's so she opens the drawer and takes the document out.

"So what you've got?"

"Yea, what you've got? And why were you traveling alone? Don't you know it's dangerous to travel alone? Without us with you and in another country?! Mister! What were you thinking?" Stephanie asked too.

Nathan rolls his eyes as he heard this from his very best friend or maybe his mom?

"Because I've got the news that the council thinks you're alive. They're tracking you down." He said directly to Flora.

"What? Seriously?" Flora shocked.

The council. The Black Organization Council. It is the balance of the dark world. There are eleven chairs in total. Nobody knows who the head of the council is or the Eleventh.

"Rumors said somebody saw you still walking this earth," Nathan said.

"What! Stop kidding around, Nate!" Steph laughed.

"How is that possible?" Flora asked in all seriousness.

"They said the Eleventh is dead. And you're the culprit. We all know the eleventh are known for his invisibility. Such an uproar. Some of the chairs believe, and some don't," Nathan said as his eyes focus on the road.

"Why would they believe since all these years they think I'm a monster in a story where they tell their children at night?" Flora mumbles.

"That was what I'm thinking too. Unless they are the one who causes the uproar. And you do know old folks say paper can't wrap around a fire. The truth will soon out to be told. The fact that you're more than the story and alive." Nathan said.

"What?! You can't be serious!" Steph asked.

"The council just crowned the new fifth. Rumors said the fifth is fearless, and he wanted to dig up some old hatchet." He spoke.

"Old Hatchet?" Flora questioned.

"The warehouse massacred," Nathan answers.

"Ahh, you mean that warehouse?" Steph asked.

"Yea," Nathan confirms.

"Should have killed the whole clan. Damn it." Stephanie cursed.

"Now rumor said they would hunt you guys down. Especially you, Steph, they are sure you're alive. But, unbeknownst to all, after captured and claimed you guys, they would probably think peace will miraculously be restored and united. Made so much sense," Nathan addressed with his eyes rolled.

Stephanie sighed.

"Yea, I know, right! And for the council, I'm pretty sure after restoring the uproars they cause, they will surely kill me. I didn't even do anything, and they start pointing fingers at me. So annoying." She complained.

"The Eleventh was murdered last night. This causes chaos in the office, and to create the peace they once had, now the clans are looking for you guys. Probably not to kill you but to claim." Nathan continues.

"And if they had us, the more powerful they can become. They're fighting for the biggest chair. Hmph! The extend of people going for power, huh?" Stephanie said.

"How are you so sure they want to unite with each other? Peace? Are you kidding?" Flora asked Nathan.

"They already made an agreement with each other to form a unity. Isn't that right, Nathan?" Steph looks down.

"There's no voting for the next Eleventh?" Flora asked.

"Nope. Power means excellent leadership of the whole council right now. I don't know what we're going to do. I guess I just have to find out more about this. In the meantime, I think we can stay in City K for a year or so. Then I'll prep our journey ahead." Nathan reply.