The Liberal Assassin

It was quiet. Tension was in the very air we breathed and every channel showed the same thing.

Four days after the murder of the century's most promising scientist, the media continued to hound for answers. Spencer remained tight-lipped as usual but anybody could see how livid he was.

"The Night Walker is an extremely dangerous person who should not be allowed to walk in the Inner City. We are unable to reveal any details about Raoul Harper's murder but there is one thing we know for sure. The Night Walker is responsible."

As expected of Spencer, he was faster than I gave him credit for. Even after wiping out all physical traces, I couldn't erase eyewitnesses.

Tired of hearing the repetition of Spencer's warning and advice for citizens to lock up at night and add extra security measures, I put the tablet to sleep. When Mia was murdered in cold blood, no one bothered to offer a single word of console or remorse for the unfortunate incident. Now that a sc.u.mbag was murdered, the city falls into chaos. The rich and filthy had snapped up all available armed guards leaving the poorer citizens to cower in the comfort of their home. It was quite a ludicrous situation when not a single human could be seen on the streets after the announcement. The usually busy streets were now occupied by dull errand bots, devoid of life as if humans had suddenly been exterminated.

Picking up a pen, my mind went back to a certain c.h.e.s.tnut haired prodigy. Ignacio Cross was an interesting man. At merely twenty-eight years old, the closet genius had made a breakthrough with Pantiumite. Yet, he wasn't arrogant like the folks residing in the Inner City. How could anyone be so selfless? Even I would hesitate to abandon what I had to be with Nash. If anything, I would rather create a way for the Inner City and Slums to interact freely.

Ignacio's expression from before had made me uncomfortable. Even after knowing my identity or the fact that I was a murderer, he wasn't afraid. His all accepting and kind nature was unnerving and I had my doubts about leaving my future proxy with my mentor. Ignacio's curious nature shouldn't be something to be trifled with.

Nervously, I debated giving Nash a call to check on the situation. Logically I knew that Nash hated to be disturbed at night and it was late. Pulling myself away from the dialler, I redirected my focus to the final draft for my joint venture contract. That's right, they'll be fine.

The seconds passed too slowly and I couldn't focus on the doc.u.ments. Checking the time again, I scowled. Not even five minutes had passed since I started and I was still at the first paragraph. That's it, I'll ask for his forgiveness after the call.

The call connected after only three rings, something that didn't usually happen this late into the night. Some muffled screaming was in the background and I froze. That sounded suspiciously like my mentor and that man never screams. Yell, maybe. Scream, never.

"Nash?"

"Hello, Mr Night Walker! Should I call you Titus instead? The news is all about you and I can't believe what you just did! How could you house me with a serial killer? Am I just another sacrifice? Why aren't you answer—"

A yelp later I waited with bated breath. Some scuffling sounds were heard followed by a suspicious silence. Could it be that Nash was outdone? With a grunt, I heard my mentor mutter something that resembled a curse. "Kid, what's going on? This madman here is driving me up the wall and it hasn't even been a week!"

I swallowed thickly and tried to brush it off with a chuckle except that it came out sounding like a strangled gasp when a high pitched scream was heard in the background. A short thud followed after and Nash breathed a sigh of relief reflecting my own.

Ignacio may appear mild and timid but any knowledge-hungry person could do a complete change when something interesting is in their sights. Ignacio's stubbornness may very well rival my own when I was younger. "How's handling a carbon copy of me in a more m.a.t.u.r.e form?"

The old man had the nerve to snort. "What are you talking about? You're a lot worse than him when you were younger. Do I have to remind you how many times I had to drag you by the neck and hang you to the door to keep you out of mischief? Marion still hasn't forgotten the time you cut up some of her best fabrics to make a bandana."

I couldn't stop a chuckle at the memory of the fuming widow. Serra was scolded terribly by Marion that day before they found the culprit. Nash had to step in and apologise before dragging me back by my ear and literally hanging me by the back of my shirt onto an old nail on his door. Feet dangling and all, Nash ignored me for the rest of the day till I fell asleep, exhausted from all the yelling.

Nash was against violence and believes that spanking a child wouldn't help them grow. Instead, he invents creative ways of punishing them. I'm certain Ignacio should have his fair share by now especially if Nash had to resort to knocking the prodigy out.

"I hope you didn't hit him too hard… he's not as sturdy as I am."

Even without seeing him, I knew Nash was rolling his eyes. "Nonsense. He's a healthy young man who could do with some endurance training. The man is practically skin and bones if you haven't seen."

I cringed at that. "The last time I saw him, he was roughed up by Raoul. They probably didn't bother to feed him much either."

"It's a good thing Raoul isn't going to be a bother anymore then," Nash said airily as if it was something pleasant. "I'm starting to understand what you see in this brat although it might take a while before he can become a good proxy."

I wanted to laugh at how Nash grunted at the last part. I bet Ignacio was helping me keep Nash on his toes. However, when Nash continued on in a more serious tone I frowned.

"I found out about his family but it seems like our boy is in some sort of trouble with the underworld. It's Red Rumble to be specific. They have a bounty for this man alive."

Putting aside the issue of my first murder for now, I slipped into a more serious mood. "Did you find out what they wanted?"

Nash sighed. "They looked ready for blood when I asked why they had a bounty with "alive" only. Our man here is tight-lipped about it too."

A groan escaped me and I sunk further into my chair. Nash was silent as I massaged my temple. Why do things always have to be so complicated? There was also the nagging issue of that secret route and the unidentified substances in Mia's body. So many questions and so little time…

"Kid," Nash's voice crackled over the dialler.

"What is it?"

"Do you have time tonight? The brat had made some really good stuff with the limited resources in the Slums."

I paused for a moment. "Nash, the entire Inner City is after me and surveillance is tight after the media announced Raoul's death."

Snorting, Nash shot back. "And when has that ever stopped you?"

Grinning widely, I glanced at Night Walker's suit. "Do you think I can make it out safely as the Night Walker?"

"I don't care what kind of fancy dress you wear, just haul your tasteless self here."

Feeling horribly insulted by it, I shot back. "This tasteless self is a loyal customer to the best tailor in the Inner City! I've had more than fifteen suits custom-made by her."

"Fifteen and not a single one that's black."

"Black is boring." I made a disgusted face. "I don't want to look like a penguin at any event. You may be fine with it but I'm never going to be caught dead wearing anything so morbid."

Nash hummed in agreement. "You're right. Black is the colour of my soul, not yours. Your soul is like the colour of grandma workout shorts."

Legitimately pissed, I decided work could wait. "Oh, just you wait, Nash. I'm coming over to pummel you tonight. I'm not even going to pretend to hold back."

"I can't wait, boy. Just make sure your bite is as good as your bark because I can already see me patching you up on the low table."

My brain did a rewind. "Low table?"

"The stinking proxy of yours occupied the entire couch. Even as a bag of bones, this man takes up a lot of space."

"Ew, no thanks then. I'm not going anywhere near that low table. I don't even know what you do on it."

"Just come over. If I don't see you here in an hour I'm not going to leave any of the good stuff for you."

The call ended abruptly and I chewed on my lower lip. Things could go really wrong if I got caught at this time. Then again, where is the fun in life if I followed rules like a good boy?

Grinning, I rushed to get ready. The Night Walker was ready for a late night stroll.

***

Three shots later, I was feeling the effects of a premium grade Pantiumite. The woozy feeling in my head made me giggle uncontrollably at times and it was a little difficult to walk. According to Ignacio's explanation, the effects should wear off after a while.

Nash continued sipping on diluted Pantiumite champagne without any significant change in his demeanour even after five glasses. However, after being with Nash for a while I knew he was more relaxed and had a smile on his face so tiny others might have to use a microscope to spot. The geezer even chuckled at the story of my date with Jasmine, something that would normally not happen.

Slowly, the effects wore off and that was when I saw a sparkle of something more solemn in Nash's eyes.

"Titus."

That rare kind of serious made me nervous. The last time he gave me this look was when he stated his conditions that I wasn't allowed to follow in his footsteps to kill for credits when I became his apprentice.

"I didn't ask you to come here so we could discuss your proxy," he admitted. "I wanted to know if how you're feeling."

Although the subject wasn't specified, I knew what he was implying. All at once, I was reminded of Raoul's soulless eyes and his last moments.

Over and over I played the memory of the sickening sound of bones breaking, the weight of his body on mine as I threw him over, the fear he felt just before he stopped breathing. My c.h.e.s.t burned with every intake of air and suddenly it wasn't there anymore.

My vision blurred and respiration failed. Dark spots covered my vision and I felt the last of my strength abandoning me when muscles went slack. The last thing I saw before everything faded into nothing was Nash's panicked expression.

I must have died because not very far from where I stood was Raoul. His eyes were bloodshot and his neck bent at an impossible angle.

"You're the same as me," he sneered while closing the distance between us, trying to grab me with bloodied hands. I wanted to run, wanted to close my eyes or do anything at all but my body felt paralysed. Raoul continued to laugh mockingly and repeated those words over and over again.

"I'm not!"

Raoul smirked and I watched in horror as his face decomposed rapidly right in front of me. "Really? I could have sworn you were. Then again you're right. You're not the same as me, you're worse."

Breaking free of his grip and slightly surprised that I could move, I swung my leg forward and made contact with his middle. A sickening crack could be heard as what had been Raoul before was now a mere skeleton. The spine must have snapped with the force of my kick but the skeleton continued to speak using Raoul's voice.

"How does it feel to be a murderer? Did you enjoy it? I bet you did. You've always hated me."

The bony hand sunk itself into my skin and I howled as it tore into my stomach, ruining my organs.

"Do you think Ignacio will be happy working with a murderer?"

"Silence! You don't know anything. The dead should just stay dead!"

With a strong punch to the mocking skull, Raoul disappeared. Instead, many pairs of eyes appeared from the darkness all focussed on me. The voices were constantly whispering things that I already knew.

Murderer.

Killer.

Demon.

The room spun and I felt the floor below my feet give way. Without anything to catch me, I felt fear grip me. Was this how Raoul felt when he died?

The next thing I knew, I landed on a soft couch in a bright room. Navy blue eyes greeted me from my peripheral view. It was a face so familiar that made me feel nostalgic. I gave the blonde lady a small smile.

She smiled back at me and gently patted my head. "It's time to get up. Nash is getting worried."

At the mention of my mentor's name, I withered a little. "I don't want to. He's probably disappointed with me."

Mia sat down beside me and sighed. Her fingers did not stop threading through my hair. The feeling was comforting and I wished that time could remain still forever. I wanted to go back to the time when I was just another naïve child who wanted affection.

"You know it's not true. Nash is only worried because he cares for you. As for me, I'm glad you're doing your best to uncover the truth. I really appreciate that you came to visit me while I was locked in the cold chamber. It was really lonely until you came…"

Warm tears slide down my cheeks. "I'm so sorry I couldn't do more for you… I wanted to bring your body back, I really did."

A gentle warmth enveloped me and I realised it was Mia wrapping her arms around me. "You did well, Titus. You're a strong and very smart boy. However, I also know that you're a very gentle and kind person deep inside. There can be times when you are unable to express yourself with words but that's alright. There are people who will understand you with your actions, all you have to do is live honestly."

Clutching onto Mia tightly, I felt her getting lighter and becoming fainter. "Remember, there will always be people who love you and will be there for you."

As she faded into nothingness, so did the guilt and self-doubt shackling me. In its place was a special kind of warmth that I had long forgotten about.

Yes, it was time to get up.

***

An unfamiliar ceiling…

As my brain started to function I felt warm. There was a blanket and I was in someone else's bed. The room was dark and I had no clue where I was. The first thing I did was to check my clothes.

Nope. Everything was still intact as when I arrived at Nash's house.

Suddenly it clicked. Nash!

The door clicked open and light filtered into the room while I was recollecting my memories of what happened.

"Oi brat, you're awake now?"

There was that gruff voice with a hint of warmth and relief. I smiled at how even after everything that happened, Nash was still trying to pretend that he doesn't care with his usual grumpiness.

"I am now. What happened?"

Nash grunted and plopped down onto his bed. "You blacked out all of a sudden. Ignacio said that it was some sort of panic attack. Never knew the man was adept at medicine."

"How long was I out?"

Nash frowned and checked the time. "About two hours. It's still wee morning and nobody is up yet. You can still make it back to the Inner City without getting spotted."

"Thanks, Nash," I threw the blanket off with an apologetic smile. Nash escorted me out of the room.

Before we made it to the front door, a mop of c.h.e.s.tnut brown hair in a form of blur tackled me.

"You're alright!"

The man was slightly taller and the hug made my neck bend at an awkward angle. I had half the mind to yell at him to let go before Ignacio released me.

"You know, grumpy over here was fussing over you so much when you fainted. He nearly bawled his eyes out while you were out cold. Don't you dare believe his grumpy act, he's the most emotionally constipated person I've ever met."

Nash glared at the c.h.e.s.tnut haired guest but Ignacio blatantly ignored him and continued. "What happened to Raoul wasn't your fault. The man had it coming one way or another. Have more faith in yourself! Also, about Mia's murder, you must get to the bottom of it. Human lives should never be a bargaining chip for the progression of science! I don't know how I can assist you yet but I'm here on your team."

"Thank you." I swallowed lamely, overwhelmed by his earnest words.

Nash grunted and scoffed at the overly affectionate display in front of him. "Congratulations on becoming a full-fledged hitman now, stupid apprentice."

I raised an eyebrow. "Who said anything about becoming a hitman? I made you the promise I won't kill for credits, didn't I?"

Nash deadpanned. "What are you going to be if you're killing people and not accepting credits? By pursuing Mia's murderers I doubt you will let the Patrol Guards bring them to justice."

Now that Nash mentioned it, I probably wouldn't. I wanted to avenge Mia and seek justice for the people in the Slums with my own hands.

"I have no idea. I just want to help make the system fairer so that nobody else has to suffer in silence under the corrupted system."

Ignacio pursed his lips and frowned in concentration. "It's very much as if you were killing for the liberation of the Slums."

I nodded. As cheesy as it sounded that was just how it was. It wasn't going to be just the Slums in my opinion. There are many people in the Inner City who faced unfair treatment with the system too. Ignacio was one such victim and he certainly wasn't going to be the last. Too many students in the Academy specialised in fields that could secure their future instead of working on what they were born to do. Nobody should be conformed to the expectations of society for the sake of survival. A person's worth cannot be measured without first identifying their talent.

Ignacio's chirpy voice shattered my darker train of thoughts. "You can be an assassin if you're not a hitman!"

"What's the difference?" I asked, having never heard of such a word.

Ignacio grinned. "An assassin also kills for something in return. Most would kill for credits like a hitman but there are some who choose to kill for personal reasons or obligations. I thought it would suit you with your fight against the Parliament for liberation."

I thought about it for a while. "Night Walker – The Liberal Assassin… There's a nice ring, I like it."

The silence was comfortable for a while until I realised something. "Wait, how do you know what an assassin is? Even the term "hitman" was nowhere to be found in the normal archives."

Ignacio chuckled nervously and gulped when Nash folded his arms. "I may or may not have peeked at some of the forbidden archives while I was a student…"

"Can you hack?"

The brunet shook his head. "No, they were just some old physical tomes scheduled for disposal due to the mould eating into the pages. They belonged to the headmaster at the Academy so I got a little curious."

I burst out in laughter when Nash pulled a face.

"A-Anyway," Ignacio stuttered. "Just don't get carried away okay? I don't know about you but with every death, I feel like I have to carry the memory of that person. It's a heavy burden to bear. Even though Raoul's death was not something I had a hand in, it still weighs on my mind heavily."

I paused, remembering both Mia and Raoul from the dream earlier. "Yes. I know that feeling too well. It is the privilege of the living to carry the weight of the dead with them in their memories."

Without another word, I left. In just a few more minutes the first rays of Pyros would begin to streak across the sky.

***

I sat across the table with legs crossed while Felix read through the doc.u.ments. The suit I wore was sapphire blue with shimmering glitter on the coat. Lisa had outdone herself this time and I loved how perfect it was.

The high ponytail was teased to compliment the suit and I must say the outcome was pleasing to the eyes. It had been a while since I felt so good looking and from the flirtatious looks Felix's personal assistant threw me, it wasn't that hard to figure why.

As the wealthy investor put the doc.u.ment down, I felt the palms of my hands become damp with sweat. Trying to maintain the relaxed front, I smiled and asked how the proposal was. The last week had been nothing but torture for me. While filling Ignacio and Nash about the details, I had to collate data and redraft the entire proposal. Ignacio proved to be smarter than I thought and some of his ideas helped make my proposal more convincing.

"Now he has no reason to reject your proposal!" was what Ignacio had told me over a late night call. I didn't doubt his craziness but I wasn't as optimistic as he was. From experience, on days as perfect as this, Lady Luck just wouldn't be as generous.

Felix looked stoic for a moment as he set the papers down and looked at me. The tension in the air was so thick that it made me want to throw the doc.u.ments into the shredder and call it off as a joke. When tears cascaded down the pompadour lover's face, I panicked. Was it really terrible… that terrible? I knew it! I should have just called it off as a joke.

"My boy!" In an instant, Felix was crushing the air out of my lungs in a powerful hug. Tears and snot went amok, ruining my brand new suit. Although it wasn't something a wash couldn't fix, it was rather embarrassing to have two grown men hugging each other with one bawling like a child.

Felix was a very emotional man so with my limited and clumsy social skills, I patted his back in an attempt to comfort him. While one hand patting his fluffy pompadour rigidly, I was reminded of how similar I was to the man who raised me. Of all the things Nash taught me, getting in touch with my emotions wasn't one of the lessons included.

Ten long minutes later, I thanked Lady Luck for having mercy. Felix finally gave my personal space back and attempted to be as professional as his overly excited self could be.

Questions were fired and I hardly had any time to breathe in between.

"How did you get such an inspiration?"

"When do we start?"

"Who is this Ignacio person? What about the Slums? How do you know if they are receptive to this idea?"

The questions kept coming and one hour slowly became two. By the time I addressed all of Felix's immediate concerns, it was already late into the night.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry I lost track of the time! You must be very tired. I'm sure it wasn't easy putting together a proposal of this scale. We can discuss the details of this joint venture at a later date and I'll arrange for all my funds to be made available to you. I want it to succeed no matter what and it isn't coming from a mere business perspective."

I gave Felix a questioning look and he ruffled my hair. "You don't know how much difference this will make for the poor people living in the Slums. It can help them afford Pantiumite and give them better houses."

My heart was overwhelmed knowing there was at least one person within the walls of the Inner City who saw it the way I did.

"Thank you…"

Felix shook his head. "No, thank you. No one else would have come up with such a brilliant idea. That Ignacio person you mentioned is special too. Anyone who can endure ill-treatment and readily abandon the luxuries of the Inner City for the sake of researching a better creation for humanity is worthy of my respect."

We chatted a little more before the meeting ended. Felix told me to leave the scheduling of a press conference and the remaining legalisation administrative matters to him. I was ordered to take a good week off work and forbidden to step into my office.

Knowing I couldn't defy him, I relented. Now that I had a rare day off, it was only right to pay Nash and Ignacio a visit.