The Liberal Assassin

"Hurry up! Haute Couture won't carry themselves!"

Scowling at the shrill scream from the office, I hollered back twice as loud. "I have only one pair of arms you fussy old hag! Why don't you help me out instead of braiding measuring tapes!"

The bespectacled tiny woman hopped off the desk and strode over to smack me with a ruler. Her hands were posed on her h.i.p.s and with a menacing glare, Lisa poked me in the c.h.e.s.t with a bony finger.

"This is your fashion show! You take pride in delivering these clothes. I don't care who you were, you're now my one and only disciple. The great Lisa Lishan's legacy depends on you so don't you start getting cold feet now! Show them what you can do, Titus."

Seeing the confidence radiating from the small lady suddenly made me feel ashamed. Of course, she saw through my tough front.

"Yes, ma'am!"

Lisa nodded and went back to her workroom while I busied away.

"Oh yes, Sable called to remind you about the appointment this afternoon. Be sure to have everything ready before it, the show starts this evening after all."

Oh, that little slave driver…

"You should've told me earlier!"

***

"I'm sorry I barely made it! Lisa didn't give me much of an option…"

Sitting near to the window was Nash and Spencer engaged in a deep discussion while I gasped for air. Nash lit up when he saw me and that feeling was mutual. How long was it since I last saw the man in person? I couldn't really recall since I started apprenticing under Lisa about a year ago. It's been far too long and I'm glad Alastair proposed this yearly meet up.

Much has happened since then. Immediately after I started my new life as Titus Skinner, Khronos holed himself up in the laboratory that the human experimentation research previously took place. The madman made no attempt to contact anyone else except for Alastair much to everyone's surprise.

The loud-mouthed junior I had was now Khronos' editor and personal assistant. His sister followed Ignacio and became his secretary after setting up schools with her brother. Rebuilding Luna has been a lot easier with Io's level-headed thinking and Alastair's enthusiasm. Trust the Campbell siblings to make things lively.

Of course, Felix and Ignacio worked their butts off pulling together all the monoliths and directing resources for the infrastructure rebuilding project. I have to hand it to them seeing how much Luna prospered within a year. Despite the Pantiumite shortage, Neo Luna looked better and almost unrecognisable from before. The island was redesigned and every district had a little of everything with the Academy being its only exception. Recreational places, residential places, workplaces and Pantiumite cafes popped up faster than anyone could count.

Naturally, Spencer took it in stride to maintain order throughout the rebuilding phase. He handed the reins of leading Neo Luna to a begrudging Ignacio when the social integration programme kicked in. The old man was more than happy to return to his old position and immediately enlisted Nash's aid in training a group of able-bodied peace volunteers. The two often b.u.t.t heads about their ideals about what was best for Neo Luna so poor Ignacio had to intervene every time they took it outside.

On the other hand, Sable and Rush had a little something going while working together to promote the Neo Luna campaign, encouraging the practice of kindness. It became official when Rush gave her a promise ring after his promotion from skanky gang leader to Luna Services' CEO. The Red Rumble cleaned up nicely after their leader's new shot at life and were extremely supportive of their leader's relationship.

Those were information I gathered by reading the papers during the short coffee breaks under Lisa's strict tutelage. I can't say I'm unhappy with such a normal life. Becoming a fashion designer wasn't something I could possibly do if the old system hadn't been abolished and I was thankful for the change.

Despite teething issues of creating a better Luna, it's a happy ending. The hellish days were over despite the occasional nightmares that plagued my dreams.

"Why are you standing over there like a fool? Come and sit down!" Khronos patted the seat beside him and I felt my cheeks grow hot when I caught myself spacing out.

"Sorry," I grinned and squished with Khronos. This table was way too small for nine people.

"Do we really have to squeeze at such a tiny table?"

Io sighed. "I apologise. This was the only low key lounge that we could hang out at without attracting the attention of tabloid writers on a short notice."

Ignacio gave Io's shoulder a light squeeze while Alastair pouted. It was a rather short notice since everyone was busy. Only Alastair remembered the agreement and I felt slightly guilty for forgetting. I didn't actually think that Khronos would show up but here he was in all his dishevelled glory. A newfound respect for the albino boy grew when the mad genius fell silent with one glare from him.

"Well, then, it can't be helped. Status reports everyone!" The albino grinned a little too widely, showing off his pearly whites.

Rush went first. "Sable and I are going official. The announcement will be made to the press next week."

Almost immediately all eyes fell on the ring sitting innocently on the ex-idol's ring finger. Io grinned and congratulated her with a hug while Nash looked mildly uncomfortable.

"Don't want to ruin this moment but you do know she's a lot older than you are. I think the both of you look good together but somehow knowing she's at least a hundred years older than you makes me feel uncomfortable. She could be your grandmother."

Khronos cleared his throat. "You can ignore that age gap because it's going to become insignificant with my invention. I found a way to share a fraction of my immortality, so rejoice peasants."

"What do you mean?" Ignacio asked. I looked on with curiosity too.

"Well," Alastair began. "It's not fully tested on humans but Khronos developed a new drug that allows the Pantiumite effects to be enhanced. This means ageing will be slower and lifespans will become longer. It also reduces the need for energy consumption. One shot of it can last a whole year based on estimated calculations, for a normal New-Man that is."

Almost everyone gasped. I could see Luna's prosperous future with the genius' invention.

"A whole year? That's fantastic! The search for other New-Man who may survive the Great Explosion can take place if this works out!"

I looked at Ignacio who shared my sentiments with pride.

"Other survivors, huh? Might be good after all," Khronos mused and Nash grinned.

"We can finally put that bunch of losers to use."

Spencer elbowed Nash and glared at him. "The special force may not be as indestructible as you are but they're not to be trifled with! Besides, more than just physical training will be required for such an expedition."

Io hushed the two men. "Arrangements can be made in the future. This is not the time to be talking about business. It is a gathering of friends who have been busy for far too long."

Grabbing the opportunity, I prodded. "Yes, indeed. How's your relationship with Ignacio coming along?"

The woman spluttered and Alastair continued to tease her until Ignacio stepped in.

"Seriously, the two of you should just start dating already!" Sable complained and Ignacio chuckled nervously.

"Duty calls. We don't have time for such things. Perhaps after someone more capable takes this responsibility off me…" The man had the gall to look at me while saying it.

"I've been really busy lately and all… Lisa isn't the most lenient teacher. Heck, sometimes I wish I was back training with Nash."

"You're always welcomed here. We are in need of capable fellows," Nash quipped.

Spencer's hopeful eyes at Nash's comment made me feel slightly guilty. I laughed weakly as Alastair launched into how Khronos was being a mean boss.

"Well," the scientist sighed. "You're not going to be my assistant for long. Once I have the Clarium's formulae perfected, I'm going to retire."

Horror was written on the boy's face.

"No! What shall I do then? You can't just kick me to the side when you're done using me… I can't afford to be jobless!"

"Who said you'll be jobless?" The scientist scowled. "I need an editor if I'm going to write full time after I retire. I might volunteer to go on the expedition for potential survivors and you're coming with me."

I chuckled at Alastair's dread.

"You're joking."

"Have I ever joked with you?"

Turning to his sister, the boy begged to be taken away from the 'evil clutches of the mad scientist'.

I turned to Khronos away from the commotion. "What are you going to write about? I liked the Legend of Kozzo. Will you do a continuation?"

The man smiled mysteriously.

"Who knows? Maybe this time I'll write the story about a boy who ran across rooftops playing hero by stealing from highly guarded facilities to give to the starving poor and calls himself the Night Walker."

I stared at him then stretched out a palm. "Fifty percent of what you make is mine."

"Thirty."

"Forty or no deal."

The scientist clicked his tongue but shook my outstretched hand anyway. "You drive it hard."

I chuckled. "You love me anyway."

Everyone laughed at that and I closed my eyes. It's been a good life it's only going to get better.

***

Author's Last Words:

Thank you for making it to the end! I would really appreciate it if you could leave a review on Amazon, it would help me a lot. Also, it would be great if you could check out my other pages, all the links below.

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I will be uploading other works and news on my discord, please feel free to check them out!

One last note, I'm extremely grateful to the support I had. Depression is a real thing that could happen to anyone. I let mine progress until I've given up on life. The Liberal Assassin wasn't meant to be a book but my last words in this world. Somehow, after starting on this final project, my friends and family came into the picture and pulled me back from the edge. I've never been more thankful for that and now, Titus now has the ending he deserves. Likewise, I would like for this book to mean something to anyone who has stayed till the end.

My editor Debz gave me valuable advice and made me reconsider sending this book to the traditional publishers. It was a painful decision to make as it is almost every writer's dream to have a debut. However, I decided that if I wanted this book to live, I would deliver it to the people who would seek it out. Thank you for giving The Liberal Assassin a chance!

Spoilers: I have a second pen name writing romance genres so if you are interested, please give Permanent Scarlet Frost a chance!