The Liberal Assassin

The door flung open harshly. A very haggard brunet entered followed closely by an exhausted-looking maroon head.

"Sorry, we're late! It really wasn't easy. Work had been piling non-stop with the new construction proposal on the way."

Khronos wasn't looking any better and Nash was in deep thoughts. I nodded at the newcomers and waited for everyone to settle before launching into details of my discovery.

"It wasn't for efficiency but for longevity? What the blizzards? That's not evil anymore, it's plain selfishness!"

Ignacio had to placate his near hyperventilating friend but nobody could disagree with him. Nash cracked his knuckles to show how much he agreed.

"Even if it were true, we have no proof to support his claims," Nash growled. "Khronos who is considered an immortal requires huge quantities of Pantiumite to sustain him so it doesn't really make sense. Their experiments to find ways for immortality which could be linked to Khronos' failed experiment but I digress. Right now, the source of energy they are seeking to create might be the solution to Khronos' problem. However, the fact that they are using humans to further science is unforgivable."

Ignacio frowned.

"According to the previous meeting, the evidence from Mia's cell analysis was related to Pantiumite evolution. Is there some sort of link in between? I don't really understand it."

Rush nodded in agreement and Nash eyed Khronos who appeared to understand what was going on. The scientist cleared his throat and explained.

"Well, to be honest, something here doesn't add up. Berriwott may be missing the big picture because he was merely a pawn in somebody else's game. However, we have the names of the ones involved. Janon Trueman is involved in the project and the meeting is about a change of plans."

Rush blinked before leaning in with a more serious note in his voice. "Are you going to get information from Janon before Kalifa?"

I nodded briefly.

"I am. However, there are some preparations that must be done before I can visit that man. The mansion has to be completed before I question him."

"The reason?" Nash spoke on behalf of all the confused glances. Even Khronos had a hard time following to my surprise.

"Remember how we needed someone to lure Arvin out? I have a hunch I know who we are looking for. We need that person in our hands before we close in on the only remaining members and possibly biggest clue to the mystery. For all I know, Arvin could be the mastermind of the project with Kalifa as his right hand and Rion as his left. Then again, that won't justify their motive for doing such a thing."

Khronos raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so? I ran a thorough check and found no records of a spouse or family for Arvin. It's been wiped out and I suspect it to be Rion's doing. Kalifa wasn't even stated as Rion's spouse."

I chuckled. Rion couldn't list her as his spouse even if he wanted to. The woman refused to marry him even after so many years. "It's actually not hard to guess but it took me a while since that person is hidden in plain sight. The name Vogel sounds really familiar and there is only one other person on Luna who shares his last name. She's really very famous and it's a no-brainer."

Nash looked completely clueless and Khronos was blank. Ignacio c.o.c.ked his head to a side trying to think of someone with the same name but only Rush had a sparkle in his eye that told me he knew what I was talking about.

"You don't mean…"

I nodded, confirming his suspicions.

"It sucks that she's the only daughter of a corrupted politician. I would really like to avoid it but we don't exactly have a choice."

"Who are you talking about?" Ignacio asked his friend and Rush whispered into his ear.

"No way! Now that you mentioned it, it is highly possible. Still, it doesn't feel right."

I agreed. Using an innocent girl who happened to be my favourite idol for my objective didn't sit right with me. Yet what other choices did I have left? I've come too far now to turn back with my blood-stained hands. The only thing I wanted to ascertain was how the blood on my hands would become the foundation for a greater good.

With slightly clammy palms, I looked at Rush and Ignacio hoping to find the slightest signs of objection to the idea. A small voice at the back of my mind nagged at how it had to be done but I squashed it before it consumed me whole.

"Stop whispering among yourselves and share it already!" Nash snapped.

"Sable. Sable Vogel the pop idol has the same last name," Ignacio said.

Khronos gasped but Nash didn't seem any better than he was. Was it even possible for anyone to not know who she was?

"Never heard of her."

My jaw hit the ground. Is he serious? How could he not know who she was! Is he gay or something? Every man on Luna had to be in love with her and Nash was the only one who seemed unaffected. Ignacio and Rush had the same expressions of disbelief reflected on their faces and Khronos stifled a laugh at the hitman's painful ignorance.

"I nominate Nash for Project Kidnap-the-Idol!" Rush quipped.

Almost immediately four hands shot up in unison.

"What?" Nash shot a bewildered look. I didn't have the heart to look him in the eye, ignoring it in favour of pushing the horrible responsibility. Instead, I averted my eyes to the other more than willing partners in crime.

"It's settled then. Nash, I need you to kidnap Sable and bring her to the base. The Night Walker will 'rescue' her and coax her into talking to stay with Ignacio."

"What?" Ignacio whipped his head around so fast I thought he would snap his neck.

"Brilliant!" Khronos smiled and Rush pouted, crestfallen.

"What about me?" The Yankee w.h.i.n.ed with the saddest looking pair of violet eyes.

I paused, feeling slightly guilty for not depending on him more.

"Um… how about helping to guard Sable and ensuring she doesn't leave Ignacio's place until Arvin comes out of hiding?" I flashed a smile as an afterthought and saw the hope in those violet eyes deflate.

Hurt and scandalised, Rush nearly burst into tears. "I'm just an afterthought, aren't I?"

I could only offer an apologetic grin as Khronos passed Ignacio the building construction itinerary, ignoring the giant bawling sop.

"Why do you need the building again?" Nash asked.

"That's where you'll be kidnapping Sable after knocking out the Patrol Guards."

Four blank faces stared at me and I sighed, feeling all the energy sap out of me. How is it that not even Khronos, whom I held in high regard for his intelligence, understood what I was plotting? Then again, I would be slightly worried if they saw through all my thoughts.

"We are going to set up a private meeting with her in the new mansion. It will keep Spencer busy when we kidnap her from her concert. Between searching for the missing idol and guarding the potential Night Walker victims, Spencer would be spread thin."

Rush looked thoroughly confused and Khronos had a frown on his face. Ignacio was silent but I knew he didn't fully understand what was happening. Only Nash glared at me.

"You're going to make Spencer distracted for something. What is that you're looking for?"

Yikes! Trust him to be perceptive when it came to these things. Lips pressed into a firm line, I averted my gaze.

"Kid. Spill. Don't make me do it the hard way."

I bit my bottom lip, thinking of the best way to explain it.

"I need evidence of the Parliament's crimes towards Luna."

Khronos shook his head. "What more evidence do you require? Once we get hold of the human experimentation project, you can bring everything to light."

I shook my head. "That isn't enough, only the Slums will buy it. The Inner City members aren't concerned as they only view the Night Walker as a threat to their business. They can forgive the Parliament even with the evidence so we need something more impactful."

Ignacio chewed on his thumb. "That's true. The people who have never been in the Slums would never view the Night Walker as an ally after all that he has done. It's sad but that's how things are in the Inner City. You can say that they are brainwashed by the system to care for their own survival. Whatever happens to others outside their interest, does not affect them. They've lost most of their humanity and buried their kindness to survive the harsh competition."

Nash g.r.o.a.n.e.d and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't follow. I thought you said you're not going to play the hero?"

I nodded. "I did but I changed my mind. Taking the Parliament down is enough. When the old system falls, a new one will take its place and the cycle never ends. I don't want to take down the Parliament only to let a new Parliament form and repeat history only with deeper roots and smarter masterminds."

"What will you do then?" Ignacio's voice was soft as if he were afraid of the answer.

"Someone needs to take that fallen power to end it all."

The reply was simple but it shocked everyone. I didn't confirm or deny their suspicions, opting for a small smile. A little white lie won't hurt.

"Well, now that you know my end game, I hope you'll continue lending me your strengths until I keep my promise."

Nash ruffled my hair just the way I remembered, warming my heart at the gesture. "Don't be a stranger, kid. We're here for you."

Rush beamed. "It can't be anyone else but you! We'll root for you to the very end. You had better not give up halfway!"

"Well, then, how about a toast?" I rummaged the small bag on the floor and pulled out five bottles. "I managed to snag some good stuff on the way back. Mirage really does serve only the quality ones."

Khronos went to retrieve the champagne glasses and Rush bounded after him. Their light banters and retreating forms had become something I've grown familiar with. Burning the precious memory into the back of my mind, I indulged in the present moment. Life has been good to me and I'm thankful for what it has given. Contrary to what they were thinking, I'm not going to take over as the ruler of Luna. I'm only going to pave the way for someone who can cure Luna of its poison. If I become the leader, the cycle of hate can never end. It was going to be a lonely farewell but it was for the best.

Nash exchanged worried glances with Ignacio when they thought I wasn't looking their way. I knew they would suspect something but I didn't want to deal with their interrogation right now. It was better to remain blissfully unaware about the future and simply enjoy the moment.

"Titus…"

I put on a practised smile and skillfully changed the subject to lighten the mood. They didn't have to know, not yet. I would tell them one day but not tonight.

"You won't believe how expensive they were selling these at Mirage! Aren't you glad I thought of you guys?"

Nash wanted to say something but was interrupted by the noisy return of Rush who was grinning from ear to ear with a victorious expression. Khronos dragged his feet behind the gang leader, grumbling.

Putting on a jovial facade, Ignacio helped pour the Pantiumite champagne and Nash grabbed a glass to sip. The occasional glances from Ignacio and Nash made it difficult for me to keep laughing at Rush's jokes but I knew the mask perfected over the years wouldn't crack that easily.

Chugging it down quickly, I poured another glass.