Writing Mercy Killing [M-LVS]

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=2][CENTER]MERCY KILLING
An OB Fanfic

Chapter One: Emergency Action[/CENTER][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][I]The Lounge
February 3rd, 21:24[/I]
[COLOR=Sienna][B]"I've trapped it, sir. Shall I take action?"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Black]"Eliminate it."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Sienna]"Aye, sir."[/B][/COLOR]

The placid blackness of the night was shattered, the powder-burn of a shotgun licking out like a dragon's tongue, and its roar breaking the silence like the fractured tibia of the n00b who went crashing down, leg casting gore across the city streets as it skidded into a stack of garbage bins. Wreathed in living shadow, its assailant stepped forward, the only thing visible the glittering silver of the shotguns barrel.

[B]"W3...w34k, d00d..."[/B] the n00b sputtered, its last words as its mouth was forced open by the gun.

[COLOR=Sienna][B]"Mercy delivered,"[/B][/COLOR] the shadow growled, and the crack of lethal thunder ripped loose once more, the wet sound of blood and flesh hitting pavement the gruesome encore.

Leaving nothing behind but the bloodied corpse, the killer darted off into the night, the whispers of their cloak the final sounds in the stillness of the night.

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[I]James' Office
February 4th, 07:10[/I]
It was a good morning in the City of OtakuBoards, and James was up and about already, the pleasant aroma of his coffee wafting slowly from his desk as he flipped through several documents. A small smile crept onto his face as he looked over the spam report, showing a sharp decline. In addition, the Newbie-n00b ratio had shifted dramatically, showing an increasing number of newbies. Yes, it was a very good day, he told himself as he took another sip of his coffee.

His mood dropped, however, when the doors to his office burst open and he nearly dropped the coffee mug, sending coffee splashing across his lap. The filter managed to catch his curse, but the damage was done regardless. This had been his favorite purple suit, too.

[B]"James!"[/B] Alan barked, stepping into the office in full n00b Hunter regalia. [B]"We need to have a talk, immediately."[/B]

James shot him a sour look and tipped up his top hat so Alan could fully appreciate this.

[B]"What seems to be the trouble?"[/B]

[B]"You've seen the n00b reports, I trust?"[/B] Alan asked, an eyebrow arching.

[B]"Of course,"[/B] James replied, lifting the very report. [B]"Activity is on the decline."[/B]

[B]"Yeah, because all the n00bs are getting killed."[/B]

James looked down at the battered old rifle in Alan's hand, then back at the man's face.

[B]"Is that so?"[/B]

Alan's eyes narrowed.

[B]"This isn't my work, or the work of any Mod. Hell, ask them about it. Not one person I've talked to has encountered more than a handful of n00bs in months!"[/B]

[B]"Maybe there are just less coming in,"[/B] James said calmly, even though inwardly he was weeping for his ruined pants and seared flesh.

[B]"Then how do you explain all the corpses? I wouldn't be complaining, of course, but...well, look at these."[/B] Alan growled. He grabbed several manila folders from inside his jacket and tossed them onto the desk. [B]"Those are the ten most recent deaths without connection to the Mods or myself. Most are from the Lounge, one or two from Tokyo 3. Go on, look at them."[/B]

James did, taking out the most recent report. He had to restrain himself when he looked at the, unfortunately, full color photos of the scene. The n00b had been splattered across a building, missing most of its leg and with a gaping hole in its stomach. The next was absolutely shredded, cut into ribbons; the third seemed to have been literally cut in two. Each n00b had been killed in a different way, all of them horrific.

[B]"Who is doing this, Alan?"[/B] James whispered, gravely.

[B]"I don't know, but I think we should find out. And if I find them, I'm taking them down my way,"[/B] he added, darkly. [B]"They're infringing on [I]my[/I] territory, and I don't think I want someone like this in my community."[/B]

[B]"You've been permitted n00b Hunting capabilities, but not the right to execute other members, not without reason. However,"[/B] he said, pausing to think. [B]"It seems we do need to take drastic measures to handle this. I'll contact the other Moderators and Administrators. We'll have a decision."[/B]

[B]"You better make it quick. We don't know what this psycho will do next."[/B]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[I]Adventure Square
February 4th, 13:25[/I]
The sound of metal-on-metal rang out loudly as the two combatants crossed swords. Sparks shot forth from their blades as they struggled against one another, one grinning coldly, the other glaring darkly from behind crimson lenses. At last, they broke apart, flying back dramatically in opposite directions as happens so often. The wind whipped around them furiously, causing their clothes and hair to billow for, again, dramatic effect.

[B]"This fight is nearly over, my friend!"[/B]

[B]"Yeah. Because I'm going to thrash you. Soundly."[/B]

Raising their weapons once more, the two adversaries charged. And with a terrific ringing of metal, and a brilliant flash of light, the two stood still once more, back to back. At last, one fell, his sword clattering limply to the ground. The other turned, running a gloved hand through silver hair and smirking coldly.

[B]"Game over, mate."[/B]

The world dimmed, and the two combatants exited the battle simulator, the grinning form of Aizen looking worse for wear while the triumphant Unborn Lord Xion strode out proudly, his red trench coat billowing out behind him. The duo headed down the corridor to the main Square, squabbling loudly all the while.

[B]"I would've won - "

"Uh huh."

" - if I hadn't been holding back - "

"Sure, dude."

" - and used my Ultimate Power against you."

"Yeah. I'm sure."[/B]

Xion's bored, and mildly condescending, look turned to one of mild elation as he spotted Ezekiel standing in the square in front of him. Leaving Aizen and his bitching behind, he raced forward.

[B]"Oi, love!"[/B]

Ezekiel turned and smiled tentatively, something Xion didn't notice until after he'd unlocked his arms from around her neck.

[B]"Something wrong?"

"We've been, um, summoned."[/B]

He quirked an eyebrow.

[B]"Summoned? By whom?" he asked, skeptical.

"The Mods."

"...Oh. We should probably go, then."[/B]

Ezekiel nodded, and the two quickly bolted off in the direction of the Moderator's Headquarters. Meanwhile, in the background, a single glistening tear slid down Aizen's cheek.

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[I]Moderator Headquarters
February 4th, 14:37[/I]
The Mods sat, stern and resolute (except for Stuart, who wore his jester's cap), staring at the rag-tag band in front of them. Alan and Annie headed the group, which was formed of members who had been brought on their recommendation for the mission ahead. Members like Hevn, JJ, Sakura, and the legendary Dragon Warrior made up their ranks.

[B]"You have all been called forth for a simple purpose,"[/B] James said, as they finally assembled. [B]"Because of recommendation from Alan and Annie, you are to join them in the mission to apprehend an unknown member who has been violently and indiscriminately murdering n00bs."[/B]

[B]"Dun dun dunnn!"[/B]

There was a brief pause before every eye turned to DW. He laughed weakly.

[B]"Sorry. Couldn't resist."[/B]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

And so concludes the opening chapter of Mercy Killing. Also, lo, I jump on the wagon of bands. Moving on, regardless, though.

Who is behind the brutal murders? Will the Mods and their rag-tag band (I'm using that phrase too much) of heroes be able to stop them? Should I keep up the feeble attempts at comedy or leave it to straight action? Should I even write the next chapter? Feedback is appreciated, and encouraged.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Annie]

[size=1]You most definitely should continue writing. I find great pleasure in watching you submit to the bandwagon ^_~

It's interesting to see what the same basic mystery can become for different members. Poor Jeh and his purple suit....it seems it wouldn't be his colour. Keep writing, Trev, I'd like to see where this goes.[/size]

[DeadSeraphim]

[size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]Dude, I know you like the 'n00b Hunting Alan' angle, but, seriously, did you ever read the source material (hint: it wasn't in EtN)? n00b Hunter (which hasn't been updated in more than a year) was about killing n00bs because they were threats - bad things that could mess your shit right up. If they were being killed be someone else, all the better - sure, it means 'Alan' would lose out on the revenue, but nothing he'd kill other noob-killers over. Using my pre-established (albeit abandoned) character in this context, with this characterization applied, just doesn't work.

That said the story seems solid, and has potential. Keep going - just repair Alan.[/font][/color][/size]

[Ezekiel]

[SIZE=1]I really like the concept you've got going here, but, no offence to Alan, of course, I'm getting a little tired of seeing 'n00b Hunter' coming up so often. It was great in his own story, but I'm staring to see the idea getting a little...stretched?

Anyway.

I like the way you've written this, but I think you should keep to it being a serious story (which is why it's rated M, I'm sure?) with odd humour thrown in. I really hate it when something's written purely to be stupid/funny without having much of a background plot. It's so much more intelligent when a simple situation can be turned comic by the characters involved. Like DWs 'Dunndunndunn!'. That made me giggle.

I hope to see you updating this, and not abandoning it like Azure Prince.

*flutters eyelashes*

(Let me use a crowbar, plxkthx?)[/SIZE]

[JJ]

[Color=DarkBlue]I'm hooked. The plot's simple enough, although I don't expect it'll pan out so easily.

I can't point out any huge mistakes, so keep up the good work, and don't let it die before I do. ;)[/color]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#B2566B]SUGOIII!!! I'm glad to see that you've joined us, Trev. It seems that mystery and death is something of a theme for everyone or a lot of members who are currently writing. I'm proud to say, though, that I am absolutely ready for the next chapter.

Keep up the good work. I'm anxious to read on.[/size][/color]

[Gavin]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting.

I honestly wasn't exactly sure what to expect from the title Trevor, however having read the first segment I must admit I'm rather hooked. OtakuBoards-based fan fiction often suffers from the fact that it doesn't have any realism to it, everything has a happy ending and nobody except the generically created bad-guys died, this is where Crimes of Hate and Mercy Killings are different, they do push the realism envelope and are well written enough to be compelling reads. I do look forward to the next chapter.[/SIZE]

[Pumpkin]

[SIZE=1]I have to admit, I never thought I would ever be looking at an OB-fiction thread. Especially one based on the killing of n00bs, but it actually kept me interested. Maybe its your writing style or the more seriousnesses coveted by the humour, I have on idea. Either way, I love it! Can't wait to find out who the killer is now. [i]"Dundundun"[/i][/SIZE]

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1][SIZE=2][CENTER]Chapter Two: Split[/CENTER][/SIZE]

[I]Moderator Headquarters
February 4th, 14:37[/I]
Slowly, a hand rose in the middle of the crowd. James pointed at the hand, and JJ stood swiftly.

[B]"With all due respect, isn't this a...good thing?"[/B] he asked, sounding slightly unsure.

A murmur of assent rose quickly. N00bs were bad, after all, and anyone who killed them was doing the city a favour, right? It was Alan who quieted the crowd.

[B]"No one wants to see dead n00bs more than I do,"[/B] he growled, instantly quieting the masses. [B]"However, this killer is sadistic, pure and simple. It's probably only a matter of time before he starts taking out the good newbies, or even elder members. We don't know how long this will stay as stable as it is now, and I don't want to take the risk of someone I love getting hurt!"[/B]

The voice of the crowd started to rise again, but a loud beep cut off any rebuttals. Raiyuu reached forward to press a button on the computer in front of him. His face paled as he read the news bulletin.

[B]"A member...a [I]good[/I] member,"[/B] he qualified quickly. [B]"Has been found dead in the Lounge, stripped and carved to ribbons. If any of you needed proof, let this be it. This is the work of a madman."[/B]

James sighed solemnly. [B]"You'll be split into teams, more members in area with higher noob-traffic and, thus, higher risk. The Mods alone shall patrol low-risk areas, with member support available as necessary. You are our back-up. If you are not up to it, leave at once."[/B]

No one moved, not a single person. James smiled the thinnest of smiles.

[B]"Very good. You'll be contacted with your assignments via private message soon. Best of luck to you all."[/B]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[I]Outside Mod HQ
February 4th, 14:50[/I]
The members who had been inside the Moderator's Headquarters were all buzzing with questions, theories, and ideas. Who was the killer? Could they stop him? How would they stop him? More than 50 murders had been recognized as belonging to this mysterious slayer, and yet no one had any idea who he was. It was like trying to chase a ghost.

As they stepped out of the gleaming tower, Xion and Ezekiel walked in stony silence. At last, the young woman forced her boyfriend from his musings.

[B]"Why so quiet, love?"[/B] she asked softly.

[B]"Just thinking, about who it might have been. And what I'll do to them once I find them,"[/B] he added, darkly. [B]"They think they can run around, killing anyone they like? No, I won't stand for it."[/B]

It seemed like he might've had more to say on the issue, but a loud, panicky voice suddenly interrupted.

"What's going on?" was the nervous call of Sandy, a fearful-looking little blonde standing amidst the crowd. "Why was everybody visiting the moderators? Are they selecting new ones? Or...or are they trying to catch that killer? That's it, isn't it?" he asked no one in particular. [B]"I know! I could help! Hey, let me help out!"[/B]

Xion glared coldly in the direction of Sandy, muttering softly under his breath, [B]"Little attention seeker."[/B]

[B]"Hey, hey, he can get a little twitchy sometimes, but no need to be so harsh,"[/B] Ezekiel said soothingly.

[B]"I suppose,"[/B] the taller man replied, flashing a warm smile. [B]"I guess I'm just on edge. You understand."[/B]

[B]"Of course, babe, of course."[/B]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[I]Unknown Location
February 4th, 23:56[/I]
Several cloaked figures were gathered in the gloom. The tallest, with a glittering sword in hand, spoke in a deeply distorted voice.

[COLOR=Black][B]"Do we know who killed the newbie?"[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][B]"Not yet, sir, but we have suspicions,"[/B][/COLOR] answered another, voice equally distorted.

[COLOR=Black][B]"Make sure that they are not allowed to repeat the offense. The Mods are on our tail, as are several members,"[/B][/COLOR] the leader grpwled savagely.

[B][COLOR=DarkRed]"He will not be a bother again. You have [I]my[/I] word,"[/COLOR][/B] sneered a third, slinging a blood-stained broadsword across his shoulders.

[COLOR=Black][B]"Stick to the scum until the heat is off. Then, we begin in full."[/B][/COLOR]

A chorus of distorted voices rang out in unison, a singular voice of agreeance and subservience, and the shadows drifted apart, cloaks unveiling a brutally shredded body in their wake.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Gavin]

[SIZE=1]A fascinating addition Trevor, on the one hand you've made it seem as if the murders are the work of a single entity, and then just before the chapter end you have insinuated that possibly this person is a rogue element of another shadowy group who's mission would appear to be the extermination of all n00bs on OtakuBoards. I can't wait to read the next chapter, if it's filled with as many intriguing plot nuances as this one was.[/SIZE]

[Ezekiel]

[SIZE=1]...You told me there'd be more clues as to who the killer was in this part, and yet I still don't know exactly. If you hadn't told me what you did on AIM, I'd still be utterly clueless.

You've managed to make me excited about the next part of this story, well done. I'm glad you've kept us in character, too, instead of warping as horribly like I've done in CoH. >> I'm sad this is short, though, I think you should make each section longer. Yup.

[SPOILER]With XionxEzekiel sexx, yes?[/SPOILER] *flutters eyelashes* ^_~[/SIZE]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray][size=1] Excellent, my friend. But I do NOT shed emo-tears over not being invited to a top secret meeting. =P I think that each section should be may be a paragraph or two longer, although the current thing keeps it short, sweet, but still long enough to make it enjoyable and keep you on the edge of your seat. Brilliant work, man.

(Letmekillthings, kthnxbaiplz?) *Sharpens up n00b killing weapons.*[/color][/size]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#B2566B]Oh the sweet song of extermination, how lovely its melody. I commend you, as I have told you many times before. It's invigorating and a nice read, too. In fact, it just makes me want to read even more! I really can't wait for the next chapter, considering it's absolutely anticipating.

It's odd, though, how the killer might not be one but a group. I completely agree with Gavin, though. You made it all seem as if the n00b killings were the work of one but then you reveal this group of distorted figures. It just makes my head spin and wonder what's going to happen next.

Keep it up, Trev. (Hey, let me in on the action too! My feet have been itchin' for some kickin' XP.)[/size][/color]

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1][CENTER][SIZE=2]Chapter Three: Killer[/SIZE][/CENTER]

[I]The Lounge, West District
February 5th, 05:12[/I]
It was an unusually hot morning as the sun crested over the horizon, HTML code shimmering over head as the light reflected off the gleaming buildings of the Lounge. However, the West District was still steeped in shadow, the sunlight blocked by the great towers of the rest of the Lounge. The West District was a run down slum, and it was where most of the spammers made their home. The stink of drug up old threads and rotting spam filled the air, an acrid mixture that made Raiyuu's eyes water as he lead his teammates through the area. The gas masks each wore were hardly helping things.

[B]"Watch out,"[/B] Raiyuu called back, voice muffled by the mask. [B]"We don't know what we're gonna find out here. Probably a lot of n00bs, though, so keep on your guard."[/B]

[B]"You don't have to tell me twice,"[/B] Pumpkin grumbled from behind him, shining her rifle-mounted flashlight across a sign proclaiming the building a l33t Quarintine zone. It seemed like every other building had one, in fact.

[B]"Good,"[/B] Raiyuu said curtly. [B]"Alright, Gavin, Pumpkin, you're with me. John, Drix, head back East. Contact me if you see anything."[/B]

[B]"Aye, cap'n,"[/B] was Drix's quick response before he and John headed back in the direction they had come.

Raiyuu just sighed and shook his head before gesturing for Pumpkin and Gavin to follow him down the dark, cracked street. Not a single sign of life was visible anywhere, and it was making him a bit nervous as he ran his light across the crumbling buildings and overflowing bins of decomposing code. He expected to have seen at least one pixelated Sephiroth or color-warped Sasuke by now, but there was nothing.

Until the sudden flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye. He spun quickly on his heel, sliding his light across the buildings, and managed to catch the edge of a black cloak flickering into the darkness. He took off quickly, yelling, [B]"Follow me!"[/B] behind him as he raced after the mysterious figure. It had a good lead on him, but he was slowly catching up, and he never missed that tell-tale flick of cape as it darted around corners.

[B]"Stop immediately!"[/B] Raiyuu yelled, but the target payed no heed. Sensing no other alternative, he shouldered his rifle and reached into his jacket, pulling out the ultimate weapon.

The Mod Fan.

With an expertly timed flick of the wrist, the fan spun around the curve of a building in a deadly arc, finally striking its target with a loud [B]"thwack!"[/B] Tentatively, he made his way towards the fallen body, still wreathed in a black cloak as it lay sprawled out on the dirty ground. Gavin and Pumpkin came running up behind him, and he gestured for them to be quiet as he crept forward to the prone figure.

In one quick movement, he jerked free the person's head from the cloak, and pulled back.

[B]"Interesting. Most, interesting."[/B]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[I]Adventure Square, Medieval Fantasy District
February 5th, 12:06[/I]
Xion sighed and drummed his fingers on the hilt of his sword as he sat atop one of the Square's many RP Rooms. Nothing had happened worth noting in the area since the ungodly hour of 4 in the morning when he and Ezekiel had been woken out of their comfortable slumber by the terribly loud ringing of their doorbell. And opening the door to find Ozy Jones, Athena, and Arcadia in nothing but a pink towel had not improved his mood.

His reverie was interrupted, however, by the sudden flash of red that filled his vision.

[B]"Coke, love?"[/B]

[B]"Thanks, babe,"[/B] he said, taking the can from out of Ezekiel's hand.

[B]"Seen anything?"[/B] she asked as sat down next to him, dangling her legs off the side of the building and leaning over to rest her head on his shoulder.

[B]"Nothing,"[/B] he grumbled, sounding somewhat disappointed. [B]"Not one sign of anything wierd going on."[/B]

[B]"What, you want him to kill somebody?"[/B] the red head chided.

[B]"No,"[/B] he shot back defensively. [B]"I just think that if we're spending our anniversary on a manhunt, we might as well have something to do other than waiting for this sonuvabitch to make a move."[/B]

[B]"I guess,"[/B] she sighed.

Xion patted her thigh gently, resting his head on hers. [B]"We'll just have to do something special when we're done here, I guess."[/B]

Ezekiel shot him a devious look, and he grinned wickedly in turn.

Before anything else could be said, however, a loud scream rang out across the Square. The headset Xion was wearing buzzed to life and Ozy's voice filled his ear. [B]"Did you hear that?"[/B]

[B]"Yeah, Ozy. Me an 'Zeke are close, we'll take care of it."[/B]

Annie's voice was the next one on the link, sounding only slightly worried. [B]"Don't do anything stupid. I'm coming to back you up with Arcadia, okay?"[/B]

The silver-haired man was already dropping off the of the building, however, and merely muttered a, [B]"Better make it quick,"[/B] before switching off the link and charging down the street in the direction of the noise, Ezekiel hot on his trail with her hand firmly wrapped around her crowbar. The duo barreled their way past building after building, shoving through crowds of armor-clad adventurers who were growing more nervous-looking by the second. At last, they reached a circle in the crowd, where a powder-burnt corpse lay, two savage holes in its chest.

[B]"We have a corpse, Ozy,"[/B] Ezekiel murmured into her headset, a tremor barely noticable in her voice. Xion knew for a fact she'd be sick later, but she was standing surprisingly firm in the face of all that blood. [B]"Repeat, dead n00b in the Square."[/B]

[B]"Where'd he go!"[/B] Xion snarled.

A few "warriors" pointed in the same direction, and he was off in a flash, ignoring Ezekiel's calls. The buildings were slowly growing more sparse around him, and the ground cut off suddenly in front of him. Nearly 30 feet below, the Underground was visible. He looked over to the side and saw, standing atop an unfinished bridge that was to connect the Square with the Inn, a cloaked figure.

[B]"Oi, you! Stop right there!"[/B]

The cloaked figure spun suddenly and took a step back, raising the glittering shotgun in its hands. Within the hood, all Xion could see was a featureless mask, cut in half with swathes of gold and silver. He paused as the gun cocked, sword slipped loose from its sheath partly.

[COLOR=Sienna][B]"Don't come any closer!"[/B][/COLOR]

Ignoring his cry, Xion stepped forward slowly, trenchcoat billowing around his ankles in the wind that had picked up over the crevice. He heard the staccato beat of footsteps behind him and turned just enough to see Ezekiel from the corner of his eye.

[B]"Xion, stop!"[/B]

The figures grip on the shotgun faltered slightly and it bobbed in the air.

[B][COLOR=Sienna]"Y...You?"[/COLOR][/B]

A cold smirk crossed Xion's sharp features, and his cold gray eyes narrowed.

[B]"That afraid of me, killer?"[/B]

[B][COLOR=Sienna]"Why...Why would you call me that?"[/COLOR][/B] the masked man yelled, already sounding hysterical.

[B]"Because it's what you are!"[/B] Xion growled. [B]"You killed n00bs, and that's just fine, even if you were a sadistic bastard about it. But then you got big-headed, didn't you? Decided that n00bs weren't the only ones who deserved to be killed? And you needed to be recognized. So you slaughtered a newbie. And now, you're going to keep killing until everybody recognizes you, right?"[/B]

[B][COLOR=Sienna]"That...that's not right!"[/COLOR][/B]

[B]"Then why don't you take off that mask, huh? Unless you're too afraid to show your face!"[/B]

[B][COLOR=Sienna]"I'm not afraid, and I'm not a killer!"[/COLOR][/B] the masked man screamed, and ripped loose his mask, throwing off his mask in the process.

Xion smirked again, and drew his sword slowly, hand not even shaking as he raised the blade to point the tip at the killer. [B]"I knew it was you..."[/B]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[I]The Lounge, West District
February 5th, 05:30[/I]
"He's...so [I]pixelated[/I]," Pumpkin said, somewhat disgustedly.

[B]"And he's blue. Is Sephiroth supposed to be blue?"[/B] Gavin asked amicably.

Raiyuu shushed them both and shook the poorly colored game character awake. [B]"Hey, get up."[/B]

[B][COLOR=Blue]"\/\/h0...\/\/h0z th4t?"[/COLOR][/B]

Pumpkin grimaced at the sound of the n00bs voice, and Gavin sighed. [B]"It's just another n00b, then."[/B]

[COLOR=Blue][B]"H3y, d0n t4lk t0 m3 l13k th4t!"[/B][/COLOR] the n00b growled. [COLOR=Blue][B]"1m th3 GR34T_4NG3L_K1LL4H, 4nd 1 \/\/1ll d35tr0y j00!"[/B][/COLOR]

[B]"Should...should we try questioning him?"[/B] Pumpkin asked, obviously hoping the answer was no.

[B]"Probably,"[/B] was Raiyuu's quiet answer. [B]"Okay, 4NG3L_K1LL4H, do you know about a...n00b killer?"[/B]

The n00b paled visibly, skin changing from an ugly cyan to an even uglier sky blue. It started crawling back, but when Gavin flicked the safetly off his rifle, it paused.

[COLOR=Blue][B]"1...1 d0n n0 much...but 1v3 h3rd 4 name..."[/B][/COLOR]

Raiyuu raised an eyebrow and pointed his fan at the n00b's forehead. [B]"Give it to me."[/B]

[COLOR=Blue][B]"1t...1tz...51lv3r. p3ppul c4ll h1m 51lv3r."[/B][/COLOR]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[I]Adventure Square, Medieval Fantasy District - Outskirts
February 5th, 12:42[/I]
Fair blone hair whipped in the wind as Sandy raised his shotgun again, blue eyes burning as he stared down the barrel. The pretty young man's cheeks were flushed in a mixture of rage and terror, and he took another step back ever as he put his finger on the trigger, one jerk away from putting a hole in Xion's chest. Still, Xion's face was calm and cold, thin lips twisted in that condescending smirk.

[B]"I'm not a killer, damnit!"[/B] Sandy yelled. [B]"I'm a hero! I'm saving the OB from the scum that's gonna tear it apart!"[/B]

[B]"That's what you say, but you went too far the day you killed that newbie!"[/B]

[B]"I never went too far!"[/B]

A tongue of flame lashed out from the barrel and the explosive roar of bursting gunpowder rang out amidst the wind, mingling with Ezekiel's scream. Xion had rolled to the side just in time, the ground behind him blackened from the buckshot. He charged forward as soon as he could get back to his feet, weaving erratically and raising his sword to pierce Sandy's chest as the blonde man cocked the gun again.

[B]"No! You said...you said...you said...!"[/B] Sandy's cries tapered into an unintelligable, animalistic cry of rage as his finger tensed again.

The roar of gunshot rang out once more, missing Xion broadly as terror wrapped its icy tendrils around Sandy's mind. The world seemed to slow as the silver-haired man took that final step before driving his sword forward, the wet sound of metal driving through flesh echoed by a blood-curdling scream that tapered off into a sick, gurgling moan.

Xion leaned his face in close to Sandy's, bangs hanging down in front of his eyes. A savage grin had cut across his usually handsome face, making him look purely bloodthirsty. Sandy's blue eyes were stretched impossibly wide, and his mouth was still open to scream, but was now filled only with blood and red bubbles of saliva as his lungs filled with steel and gore.

[B]"You got cocky, Sandy. You were foolish. Now, you pay the price."[/B]

[B]"You...said..."[/B] Sandy managed to choke out, red liquid spilling over his chin and down across his black cloak. [B]"I'd...be...hero..."[/B]

[B]"I said no such thing, you deluded fool,"[/B] Xion snarled.

Without a second though, he wrenched his sword to the side and jerked it out, planting his foot on Sandy's stomach. He went tumbling back, arms pinwheeling and gun flying loose from untensed fingers as he finally went flying off the edge of the bridge, plummeting towards the ground below. Xion looked at his sword and grimaced, flicking his wrist to try and clean the blood from it.

More footsteps rang out, and he turned to see three female figures joining Ezekiel. He could just barely distinguish them as Annie, Arcadia, and Ozy.

[B]"You're too late, ladies!"[/B] he called, returning his sword to its sheath. [B]"I got him!"[/B]

High overhead, sitting atop one of the supports for the bridge, two cloaked figures looked down, one looking out of a red and silver mask, the other cobalt blue. The red one sighed and stretched out his arms.

[COLOR=DarkRed][B]"Looks like Goldilocks was our man, afterall. What do I owe ya'?"[/B][/COLOR]

[B][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"Fifty bucks, hon."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]

[B][COLOR=DarkRed]"Tch, just bleed me dry, why don'tcha,"[/COLOR][/B] he grumbled, standing up slowly and starting to climb down the support.

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"Where are you going?"[/COLOR][/B]

[COLOR=DarkRed][B]"Gonna leave the Mods a...little message. I doubt the boss'll mind."[/B][/COLOR]

The blue woman sighed. [B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"You had better hope not. He's quite mad enough already."[/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=DarkRed]"Trust me, he won't. He's gonna love this."[/COLOR][/B]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

Wow, that was long. But, hopefully, worth it. Besides, I didn't want to leave you on too bad a cliffhanger. Though, I suppose, this still counts as one. Evil, evil me. Well, hope you enjoyed. And, as you probably guessed, this is far from ending, me lovelies. Next part up...soonish.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Raiyuu]

[font=Trebuchet MS]Hehehe ... fear my almighty Mod Fan. I also had a little chuckle at the idea Drix would take orders from me - but I suppose I have emergency martial law powers or something :animeshy:

I have to admit that I thought this was a little derivative when I started reading, but I'm enjoying it now, and no, not just because I appeared in it. As the story's progressed, you seem to have grown more confident of your own style, which is good. And you've been taking cliffhanger lessons from Athena, haven't you? Grr ... hooking me in like a prize trout ...

So ... was it Sandy that shotgunned the n00b right at the very beginning? Or do more than one of these cultists have sparkly silver shotguns?
[/font]

[Ezekiel]

[QUOTE=Unborn Lord Xion][COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]

[I]Adventure Square, Medieval Fantasy District
February 5th, 12:06[/I]
Xion sighed and drummed his fingers on the hilt of his sword as he sat atop one of the Square's many RP Rooms. Nothing had happened worth noting in the area since the ungodly hour of 4 in the morning when he and Ezekiel had been woken out of their comfortable slumber by the terribly loud ringing of their doorbell. And opening the door to find Ozy Jones, Athena, and Arcadia in nothing but a pink towel had not improved his mood.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]
[SIZE=1]
Those pink towels are my doing, no doubt.

I like the Coke scene, too...just because it's something I've actully done. This is me being silly and girly again, see?

Moving on...

I really liked this part, especially since it was much longer than the last. I can't tell you how happy I am that you gave me a crowbar >) Your writing never fails to impress and amuse me. Gavin's "Interesting, most interesting" was a nice touch, too.

Well done, love, keep it coming.[/SIZE]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#B2566B]I can see that this is far from over, considering all of the masked people running around. But I've got to say, this is getting quite interesting, I'm just shaking with anticipation.

Cliffhangers, don't you just love them? You've become quite the artist with them, creating this elaborately schemed ending, just leaving us, the readers, wanting more.

Like what Raiyuu said, is there more than one cult member with a shotgun or was Sandy the killer? And what about the masked people? How many are there? Are they the people who the distorted voices sent out or a different group? And Boss, who's Boss?

Wait, I just realized something! Silver? You? Killer? Boss? *GASP*! By George, I think we're getting close!

Rid these questions from my mind and replace them answers! I NEED ANSWERS! *cough* Anyways, can't wait.[/size][/color]

[Gavin]

[SIZE=1]Great new chapter Trevor, for a moment I had an awful feeling that I might be the villain, either that or DW, there's something about being called Gavin on this site that has you type-cast as being evil. Although personally I prefer my label of being OBs' resident fan-fic mad scientist... [[i]Strokes evil looking black cat[/i]][/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Unborn Lord Xion][COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]In one quick movement, he jerked free the person's head from the cloak, and pulled back.

[B]"Interesting. Most, interesting."[/B][/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[SIZE=1]Sitting here in Shannon Airport, that really did make my day.[/SIZE]

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Just to clear it up, yes, Sandy was the shotgun wielder from the first chapter, and was a part of the Distorted Voices and Mask club until he killed that newbie in a fit of Hubris. And Revelation, well, of course I'm not going to reveal the Boss straight away. But I can tell you that, at this time, I have four more masked killers down, and possibly more joining their ranks.

Right, moving on, then -

[SIZE=2][CENTER]Chapter Four: Message Delivered[/CENTER][/SIZE]

[I]The Underground
February 5th, 13:52[/I]
Deep beneath the Arena, the Underground wound out, a series of dark tunnels connected to the slowly growing main hub, where Adventurers could go to plot and plan. Lights periodically filtered down from grates in the ceiling, but the almost endless maze was cast primarily in shadows, filled with only the muffled sound of footsteps overhead and wind whistling through the open slots.

The sharp clicking of boots on stone disturbed the relative silence, and shining beams of light cut through the stygian blackness of a particularly dark stretch of tunnel. Finally stepping under a pool of light, Annie paused and flicked dark bands out her eyes before pointing her flashlight onto the advancing back of Sakura.

[B]"You sure we're going the right way?"[/B] she called. [B]"We've been walking for about an hour now."[/B]

Sakura turned her head and shrugged. [B]"Bio said to follow this tunnel. There were only a couple turns, anyway."[/B]

Annie sighed softly and began walking forward again. [B]"It just seems like it's been so long since we started walking, I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever get there. I don't see why we couldn't have started in closer to the spot, at least."[/B]

[B]"I guess this was just closest. And I don't know about you, but I don't really want to jump down to the bottom of that ravine, you know?"[/B]

[B]"Yeah, yeah."[/B]

The two carried on in silence, the only noise breaking the response that soft clicking. At last, the wind grew louder and louder, and a light began to filter in at the end of the tunnel. Annie could hear another noise just below the wind, but couldn't place it. The two charged forward, but Sakura suddenly paused at the mouth of the tunnel. Annie rushed up behind her.

[B]"What's the proble - "[/B]

Then she looked, and her eyes shot open in shock.

[B]"Oh, dear God."[/B]

Pressed against the wall was Sandy's body, stripped of it's black cloak and any kind of shirt. His chin rested against his chest, and the blank, blue eyes were half hidden by his blonde hair. The ugly wound in his chest stood out starkly against his fair skin, but it was hardly what drew the eye. Instead, it was the fact that the corpse had been lifted several feet up the sheer stone wall, supported solely by two blades that had been forced through his wrists savagely, leaving him crucified.

And cut into his stomach was a single word: Traitor.

[B]"Who...Who would do this?"[/B] Sakura gasped.

[B][COLOR=DarkRed]"Aw, the little investigators caught up with me,"[/COLOR][/B] chuckled a strange voice from afar.

The duo whirled, but nothing was in the area except for sheared stone and a lone support structure. Behind her, Annie could hear Sakura ready her twin pistols that she'd modeled after Yuna's. Annie raised her own weapon, a more compact handgun that was better for espionage - her forte. They stood back to back, scanning the area for any signs of movement.

[B][COLOR=DarkRed]"Ooh, sent Bandits after me, did they? Little Cherry Blossom and the big bad Goddess? I'm so scared."[/COLOR][/B]

[B]"Well, I guess that explains why you have to hide like a coward,"[/B] Annie called.

[B][COLOR=DarkRed]"Just so you know, there's a difference between hidin'..."[/COLOR][/B]

In a flash, a black-shrouded figure dropped down from the stone wall above the tunnel, a long, jet-black sword held aloft in one gloved hand. The two women jumped apart just in time to avoid the near-lethal strike, and the blade bit into the soft earth slightly before the assailant stood up straight. He turned to face the chief Bandit, and all that was within his hood was a red streaked featureless mask.

[B][COLOR=DarkRed]"...And waitin' for the right moment. 'Course, you seem better than I gave yeh credit for."[/COLOR][/B]

[B]"A lot of people make that mistake,"[/B] Annie growled, aiming her jet black pistol at his face. [B]"Now, mind telling us who you are?"[/B]

[B][COLOR=DarkRed]"Normally, this is the part where I say somethin' like your worst nightmare, 'r somethin', right? Well, let's just skip that an' get right to the killin', shall we?"[/COLOR][/B]

The sword cut forward but instead of striking the woman, struck the barrel of the gun, sending a bullet flying off to the side and knocking the weapon out of her hand. His hand swung out right after, wrapping around her arm before he swung around to toss her against Sakura, who had been just about to riddle his back with holes.

[B][COLOR=DarkRed]"Well, if we're gonna have a shoot out, maybe I should grab my guns, eh?"[/COLOR][/B] the masked figure chuckled. [COLOR=DarkRed][B]"But, wait, I think I left them at home. Oh, hell, I guess we'll just have to do thing another time, ladies."[/B][/COLOR]

He turned swiftly and darted off again, ducking into the tunnel and taking off quickly. The two women disentangled themselves easily and Annie grabbed her pistol as she passed it, taking careful aim at the retreating figure. A quick shot rang out, but he never paused, save a brief stagger that let her know she at least hit him somewhere in all that cloak. The light trail of blood that started up merely reaffirmed this.

Unfortunately, after one sharp turn, he disappeared. The grate overhead was pinned down by a sharp metal rod that they couldn't dislodge. A dull, pulsing headache had taken up residence in Annie's temples, and she muttered curses under her breath as she tried to think of what to do next.

[B]"We need to tell them about this guy!"[/B] Sakura yelled, making up Annie's mind for her. The other girl was right; tracking down Masked Man Number Two was priority one.

[B]"Okay, okay. Let's get back to the hub as soon as possible."[/B]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

Gah, I just about had to get the jaws of life to pry even this drivel out of my mind, so apologies if it's complete and utter bollocks (to borrow a phrase from Ezekiel). More interesting things will happen next time, I promise, and hopefully I'll be over this spot of Writer's Block by then.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Ikillion]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Another Mystery ob fanfic?! -dies- Out of my two favorite and most read kinds of Literature, everyone seems to be doing Mystery all of a sudden. Why does this happen? Simple because Mystery just plain out rocks everyone's world.

The story though I do find rather intresting, what would throw everyone off at the end though would be to find out that the horrible ring leader of the killings is the one person that they are closest to. That would be funny well I can't wait to see more.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#B2566B]Seemed a bit... short but still it gave us a good idea that the Masked Men aren't all games, well, maybe a bit more games than they let on, I suppose. Anywhozits, I must say, I'm just going bonkers over this mystery. I mean, I can't get enough of it! Kudos, kudos, and bravo!

So then, we have a Red Streaked Masked Man, a Red and Silver Masked Man, and then we finally have a Cobalt Blue Masked [i]Woman[/i]. The possibilities of all of these Masked Men, Distorted Voices, and crazy killers is infinite!

Who's behind all of the kills? What is their real motive? Is there ever going to be an end? Find out on the next "Mercy Killing."[/size][/color]

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Sorry for the delay; I've been dealing with some heavy writer's block, and hopefully I'll manage to make this something worth waiting for.

[CENTER][SIZE=2]Chapter Five: Rising Threat[/SIZE][/CENTER]

[I]The Lounge, East Distric
February 6th, 00:05[/I]
It was 11 hours since the red-masked man had been spotted, and the entirety of the OB was on high-alert. Newbies were ordered to stay in their lodgings, and it was highly advised for those who weren't currently on the hunt to do the same. The death and subsequent mutilation of Sandy had sent shockwaves through the community centralized on the Arena; no one had yet been told about his alliegance to the killers except for those on the look out for more.

In the posh East District of the Lounge, JJ sighed and dropped a smoked-out cigarette on the asphalt, crushing it under his boot. Under the pale moonlight, the shadows were long and ominous, and the rifle he held in his hands only held the minimum of comfort for him as he scanned the area with his flashlight periodically, searching for any sign of life that might prove a threat. There was nothing for miles, as far as he could see.

[B]"JJ, you there?"[/B] his earpiece crackled to life, and the voice of Ezekiel filled his ear.

[B]"Yeah, I'm here, 'Zeke. Any luck so far?"[/B]

[B]"Nothing. I figure these guys are in hiding, ever since Annie and Sakura spotted them. It would certainly be smart of them, anyway."[/B]

[B]"We can only hope,"[/B] JJ responded with a sigh.

[B]"Yeah, I suppo - "[/B]

There was a loud crack of static and the feed was gone. JJ reached up and tapped on the earpiece repeatedly.

[B]"Zeke? You there Zeke?"[/B]

No response. The feed was gone.

[B]"Hell."[/B]

In the cold, sick silence, heart thudding in his ears, JJ heard light footsteps clicking in the background. He swallowed hard and shouldered his rifle, flicking off the safety. No one was going to get the drop on him, no sir. There was a pause. The sound of the gun readied had not gone unheard, and he could just barely make out the sound of a clip being locked in a handgun.

In a fluid motion he spun on his heel and glared down the sight. There was a movement in the shadows to the right, he twisted, pulse growing louder and louder, thudding like war drums in his head. At last he saw it, the flicker of cloak, the flash of cold steel. A figure tore off from the darkness and arced through the piss-yellow street lights, flying high above the ground and pounding boot on brick as they climbed the wall itself.

[B][COLOR=DarkRed]"Catch me if you can!"[/COLOR][/B]

JJ kept his weapon raised, waiting for the right shot. The masked man had twin pistols raised, aimed, cocked, ready to fire. The flicker of crimson on the mask was clear, and JJ squeezed down his finger. Two shots rang out, and blood spilled across the pavement.

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[I]OB Anthology
February 6th, 00:09[/I]
The fur bristled on Solo Tremaine's neck, and his ears twitched as he heard the soft whisper of cloth rustling in the OB Anthology which was, according to the main desk, closed on Official Business. He was the only one supposed to be in the Anthology, so whoever was fiddling around in the massive library was either a stupid n00b...or the person Solo was looking for.

He stalked off quickly, eyes twitching and seeking every possible sound that would lead him towards his quarry. He leaned down one long aisle of bookshelves and suddenly, there he was, wreathed in black and...holding a book? Odd, but there was time for questions later. Now was the time to catch a killer.

He tensed, and the powerful lupine muscles in his legs propelled him forward, claws raised to bring down the intruder in one fierce swipe. Evidently, though, the masked man was cleverer than Solo gave him credit, and far quicker. In a flash, they were spiraling back from the place they had so recently stood, and Solo came down nearly a foot short of his target. He raised his head to look directly into the eyeholes of his enemy's cold gray mask.

[B]"Who are you?"[/B] he growled.

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]"That is unimportant,"[/COLOR][/B] the person scoffed. [B][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]"You'll soon be dead, at any rate."[/COLOR][/B]

Solo snarled and flexed his claws, rising again to his full height. [B]"You're going to kill me?"[/B]

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]"All disbelievers shall fall in the coming purge,"[/COLOR][/B] sneered the masked figure. [COLOR=DarkSlateGray][B]"You shall fare no better, Solo Tremaine."[/B][/COLOR]

[B]"What?"[/B] Solo snapped, eyes widening suddenly. [B]"What purge? What are you talking about?"[/B]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][B]"You'll find out soon. You and all the symapthisers for the n00b scum."[/B][/COLOR]

[B]"We don't symapthise with n00bs, we just don't think that your methods are right!"[/B]

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]"They deserve a swift death, and if it takes brutality to keep the n00bs away, so be it,"[/COLOR][/B] sneered the masked figure. [B][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]"We will clean the OB of n00bs, and those that would defend them. Then, we will reign in a pure kingdom, free from filth and idiocy!"[/COLOR][/B]

[B]"You're insane."[/B]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][B]"That's what people always think of genius!"[/B][/COLOR]

Solo hadn't even noticed as the lunatic drew a hidden knife, and he just barely dodged in time, the blade tracing a thin cut across his cheek. He swore and turned on the masked man, but they were already running, book held tightly in one hand. Whatever was in the tome, the killer needed it for some plan, and he was damned if he was going to let them get away.

They bolted down aisle after aisle, but Solo could never seem to close the gap no matter how much he sped up. As the masked man entered a large reading room, they drew another elegantly curved knife and paused just long enough to take aim, severing the cord of a light fixture above. It plummeted to the ground in front of Solo, exploding in sparks, glass, and splinters as it crashed onto a table.

In the commotion, the figure darted off to who knows where, escaping Solo's eyes. He searched the Anthology high and low, but to no avail. They were gone.

And missing from its shelf in the History archive was a small, battered tome: [I]Mysteries of the Anime Archive[/I].

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[I]Art Studio, Retribution Wing
February 6th, 00:11[/I]
In the tense stillness that surrounded him, Retribution found a moment to reflect on the irony of having to stay so on guard in a wing that shared his name. With no communication to outside world, and no idea how far away Syk3 might be in the veritably labyrinthine Art Studio Museum, he felt terribly vulnerable in a place where he had created nearly everything from wall to wall.

[B]"Terribly ironic,"[/B] he muttered to himself.

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"Beautiful, though."[/COLOR][/B]

Retribution whirled suddenly, and his eyes came to rest upon a cloaked figure sitting in the window, blue and silver mask glittering in the moonlight. Their face was turned away, facing one of Retribution's larger murals.

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"You always did have a strong gift for the arts, Retribution."[/COLOR][/B]

[B]"You're...the killer?"[/B]

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"If you wish to think of me thus,"[/COLOR][/B] the killer murmured, and Retribution began to notice the feminine tone of the voice, distorted as it may be. But didn't Annie and Sakura call the killer a male?

[B]"What...what do you want?"[/B]

'She' turned languidly, the shadowy eyeholes focused on Retribution's face as 'she' spoke again. [B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"Simply to appreciate this glory one more time...before things get unduly messy."[/COLOR][/B]

[B]"You're going to kill again?"[/B] Retribution asked, staying calm, staying still, and hoping that Syk3 would come to check on him soon. He was never any good in a fight; art was his battle-field.

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"In a sense. And if you decide to give up on the salvation of n00bs, you can save yourself, I hope you realize."[/COLOR][/B]

The experienced artist shot her a funny look. [B]"You want me to join you?"[/B]

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"Like I said, you always had great talent. And killing those who are wise and skilled seems such a waste, does it not?"[/COLOR][/B] she added, and Retribution could hear the smile in her tone.

[B]"So...are there more of you?"[/B]

The woman let out a low chuckle. [B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"You think it only Sandy and I orchestrating this endeavour? Bloodlust is not in my nature, and, ambitious as he may have been, it wasn't his, either. This is the brain child of other, more ambitious men. I aid, I do not lead."[/COLOR][/B]

[B]"And you came to ask for my assistance?"[/B]

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"That I did. And, of course, to enjoy the lovely artwork."[/COLOR][/B]

There was a long pause, the wind gently ruffling the cloak of the blue-masked woman, as they looked at one another. At last, Retribution gave a little grin.

[B]"I'm afraid that mass-murder just isn't my style. You understand."[/B]

The masked woman sighed, and she dropped off the windowsill, landing gracefully on the marble floor. [B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"If that's how you're going to be..."[/COLOR][/B]

Retribution hardly saw it, and barely felt it when the masked woman darted forward and drove what he barely had time to notice was a metal staff into his gut. The force knocked the wind out of him, and the subsequent electric shock caused him to collapse to the floor, out cold.

The woman sighed softly and reached up into the hood that concealed her hair, and tapped the earpiece gently.

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"Retribution is neutralized. Shall I make a clean job of him?"[/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=Black]"No. As long as he's out, leave him. The mission is too important to have Syk3 or someone else catching you in the act. Proceed as planned."[/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"Yes, sir."[/COLOR][/B]

She flitted off into the darkness, leaving no trace of her entrance but the unconscious Retribution.

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

Adventure Inn, Building 2, Room 5B
February 6th, 00:13

Long, pale fingers drummed slowly on sleek mahogany, their brothers on the other hand pressed gently against temple and earpiece. Silence filled the line, feed cut by the other participant as she left to complete her goal. The communicator he wore would be the only one still working in the OB, if his device worked right. A mirthless grin flitted across the sharp features hidden behind a silver mask, slashed with black. All he could do was wait, for now. Wait for his associates to do their jobs.

[B][COLOR=Black]"Soon,"[/COLOR][/B] he murmured to no one in particular. [COLOR=Black][B]"Soon, the world will be mine."[/B][/COLOR]

As he waited, he watched the moon arc across the dark sky, peering down like the silver eye of a god, leering down to watch the teeming masses as they went about their pointless lives. Oh, how quickly those miserable existences could end. If things went according to plan, he would soon prove exactly how sudden, and how brutal, death could be.

They would never see it coming.

Project Mercy.

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

Am I evil? Why yes, yes I am. And I will offer one more bit of tantelizing data before I go; next time, at least one more Masked Man will be revealed, and I promise you, traitors will emerge, and pretty soon, and the party's really going to start for our Megalomaniacs soon.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Ezekiel]

[COLOR=DarkOrange][SIZE=1]Despite my complaining on MSN, I am still enjoying this. The only thing I'd say I'm a little miffed about is that we're seeing so much of the killers, but zero character interraction when it comes to our heroes. I honestly think you should move away from the killers for at least one chapter to focuss on member relationships so we have more idea of the characters we're reading about.

Other than that, I have no complaints as you know I've always adored your near flawless writing style.


...Still think my guesses are right, though ¬_¬[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Gavin]

[SIZE=1]Another fascinating chapter, although I must agree with Jamie when she says a little protagonistic development would be welcome. Though that said the villains in this are quite interesting as they each seem to have their own little methods and idiosyncracies. I really have no idea who the male villains could be, however I must admit the female of the trio reminds me of someone whom I'm quite well acquainted with.

On with the next chapter, and death to all n00bs...[/SIZE]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#B2566B]I keep reading and you keep delivering excellent work, Trevor. I must say though, I have to agree with the former, there isn't enough character development when it comes to our heroes. It seems as if there's more antagonist development, wouldn't you say? But I'm sure you'll bring about more development in everyone. You're doing wonderfully, I just wish I could say the same for myself.

Well, on with the show.[/size][/color]