Writing Mercy Killing [M-LVS]

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Don't fret, gentle readers, I have some Character Building chapters planned for the not-so-distant future, given the way I plan to take this story. There will be a lot of sitting around and talking, and researching, and bitching eachother out, and general interaction. The only reason I haven't included more of said interaction up until now is, primarily, because I don't want to piss people off via mischaracterization. So, just consider this right now advanced warning if that does happen.

Another note: I'm surprised no one bitched me out for the JJ-injured? Cliffhanger. Ah, well.

[SIZE=2][CENTER]Chapter Six: Mission Accomplished[/CENTER][/SIZE]

[I]The Lounge, East Distric
February 6th, 00:08[/I]
Two shots rang out, and blood spilled across the pavement. JJ snarled and reached up to hold his side. The bullet had only grazed him, yes, but it still hurt like a sonuvabitch and the wet warmth on his fingertips let him know that it most certainly [I]was[/I] bleeding. Still, he was fine. He could still plug a bullet in the bastard with the handguns, no problem. JJ was made of tough stuff, and no masked maniac was going to bring him down.

Especially when their mask had been blown off, and blood was trickling down their face from a nasty cut on the temple.

And [I]especially[/I] since that maniac was Aizen.

JJ scowled and stood upright again, putting his hand back on the trigger guard.

[B]"Well, Aizen, decided to go to the dark side, did you?"[/B]

Aizen smirked nastily and lifted his dual guns, obviously modeled off of Ebony and Ivory in Devil May Cry. [B]"I thought Star Wars was Gavin's schtick?"[/B]

[B]"Then let's cut the chat and end this."[/B]

There was the loud crack of gunpowder and Aizen jerked aside, the bullet bursting into the wall behind him. He ran forward, stringing off shot after shot from each hand while JJ ducked and weaved as best he could with an injured side. Luckily, Aizen's accuracy seemed to be lessened from the blood in his eye, so it wasn't hard to. JJ got a few more good shots in, but most ended up passing harmlessly through his enemy's cloak.

[B]"That the best you got, JJ?"[/B] Aizen laughed as he cast his guns aside - the clips were empty. [B]"Maybe you'll do better close-quarters, hm?"[/B]

The huge broadsword he drew, JJ noted, would not run out of ammo, and would probably shatter his rifle in a few good swings. This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all. He tried another shot, but the bullet merely ricocheted off the blade. It was too strong. Not good.

So there was little left to do but run. And run he did.

He got a good distance before the pain in his side started becoming too great, forming a stitch must faster than usual in his breathing and making his pace slow, too much, letting Aizen close the gap.

[B]"Hell,"[/B] JJ grumbled, and get pushing on, desperately ignoring the dull throbbing agony and trying to keep moving, until he found someone he could trust, someone who could help him, someone...

...like Ezekiel.

The was a satisfying crack as the redhead dropped from a roof, he foot colliding right between his shoulder blades and sending Aizen stumbling to the ground, broadsword skidding from his grip. He lay pinned on the concrete, Ezekiel's feet on his spine, while she glowered slightly as his prone, bleeding form. He glared up at her, in turn, blood still dribbling from the cut above his eye, and his newly split lip.

[B]"Never thought you'd stoop so low, Aizen,"[/B] Ezekiel growled, obviously disgusted.

[B]"We, if you got off my back, I wouldn't be so low, would I?"[/B] Aizen snapped back.

Instead of responding, Ezekiel dropped down suddenly, letting her knee rest not-so-gently on Aizen's shoulder. He grunted in pain, and she ignored the sick satisfaction she got from it.

[B]"Who else do you work with?"[/B]

[B]"I worked with your mother last night,"[/B] he shot back defiantly.

Ezekiel's eye twitched, and she reached back to wrap her fingers firmly around her crowbar. [B]"I don't think you understand your position."[/B]

[B]"I've been topped before,"[/B] Aizen snorted, and Ezekiel responded by digging her knee into his back harder. He grunted again, and sneered. "I knew you and Xion were into the rough stuff, but man, you surprised me."

The asphalt cracked beneath the cold iron of the crowbar as it landed not an inch from Aizen's skull. Ezekiel smirked at the flicker of fear that appeared briefly in his eyes. She raised it again, slinging the end over her shoulder but leaving her muscles tensed so she could repeat the force again if necessary.

[B]"Now, who do you work for?"[/B]

[B][COLOR=Indigo]"I'm afraid that's not his business to talk about, Ezekiel,"[/COLOR][/B] was the answer she got, followed closely by a throwing knife whistling dangerously past her nose.

Ezekiel jerked back and whipped her head around to take in the sight of yet another masked man - no - woman, cloak billowing slightly in the wind and purple streaked mask glittering from the moonlight. They held aloft a gloved hand, another elegant throwing knife already in hand. Ezekiel narrowed her eyes and edged over slowly towards JJ, who had his rifle raised but not aimed.

[COLOR=Indigo][B]"Release Aizen and we'll be on our merry way,"[/B][/COLOR] the figure said, voice distorted but still recognizably femenine. [COLOR=Indigo][B]"Stand in my path, however, and you won't have time to use the gun."[/B][/COLOR] The menace, and the seriousness, was clear.

"Don't give in, 'Zeke," JJ murmured. [B]"We need to capture Aizen, and I don't mind a few knife wounds in the process."[/B]

[B]"Much as I'd like to lock him up, we know who he is, we can find him again. You dying isn't worth a capture."[/B]

[B]"I'm not going to die. Now go grab him."[/B]

[B]"JJ..."[/B]

[B]"Do it, Ezekiel,"[/B] JJ snapped.

Ezekiel didn't have time to make up her mind, however. In a flash, Aizen was back on his feet and grabbed his sword, leaping towards the building that Purple stood atop. Ezekiel moved forward to chase after him, but a knife nearly cut through her boot, and she stepped back instinctively. The rogue member leapt up and dragged himself onto the roof, standing next to his mysterious cohort.

[B][COLOR=Indigo]"Let's go, Aizen,"[/COLOR][/B] Purple said coldly.

[B]"Don't need to tell me twice, Miss - "[/B]

His sentence was abruptly cut off by a gunshot, striking him in the shoulder from behind. He let out a growl of pain and turned, but Purple placed a hand on his shoulder, swiftly grabbing three knives in the other and flinging them with deadly accuracy. They nearly gave JJ a new set of holes, but Ezekiel tackled him to the ground, letting the blades whistle harmlessly past.

Without another word, Aizen and the Masked Woman leapt off the roof and off into the night.

*****

[I]Adventure Inn, Building 2, Room 5B
February 6th, 01:00[/I]
[B][COLOR=Black]"That was quite foolish of you, Aizen,"[/COLOR][/B] the black masked man said coldly.

[B]"I know, boss,"[/B] Aizen grumbled, while Blue tended to the wound on his temple, wiping it down with a damp cloth.

[B][COLOR=Black]"You lost your mask, and you've been identified."[/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=Indigo]"Plus, he was losing,"[/COLOR][/B] Purple offered.

[B]"She dropped on me outta nowhere,"[/B] Aizen snarled.

[B][COLOR=Black]"'She'?"[/COLOR][/B] Black said, verbally raising an eyebrow.

[B]"Er..."[/B]

[B][COLOR=Indigo]"It was Ezekiel, sir."[/COLOR][/B]

Black fell silent for a moment, and Aizen tensed.

[B][COLOR=Black]"I see,"[/COLOR][/B] he said calmly. [B][COLOR=Black]"She will no doubt reveal your identity to the Mods as soon as she can. You will need to go into hiding, obviously. Make yourself comfortable at our new location."[/COLOR][/B]

Aizen's eyes widened slightly. [B]"The...new location?"[/B]

Gray and Purple seemed to snigger softly, but Blue remained quiet.

[B][COLOR=Black]"Now, thankfully, two of you have completed your objectives. Have this morning's preparations been made?"[/COLOR][/B]

[B][COLOR=Indigo]"Of course, boss,"[/COLOR][/B] Purple said, in a tone that made it sound like the most obvious thing in the world.

[B][COLOR=Black]"Excellent. Aizen, make your way to the base. The rest of you, you are dismissed."[/COLOR][/B]

The masked men and women departed, and the Boss smirked as he ran his fingertips across the cover of the stolen book.

[B][COLOR=Black]"So close. So close."[/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Revelation]

[quote name='Unborn Lord Xion][COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1']The asphalt cracked beneath the cold iron of the crowbar as it landed not an inch from Aizen's skull. Ezekiel smirked at the flicker of fear that appeared briefly in his eyes. She raised it again, slinging the end over her shoulder but leaving her muscles tensed so she could repeat the force again if necessary.[/color][/quote][/size]

[size=1][color=#B2566B]Sounds a lot like 'Zeke, alright. I can just imagine her grasping that crowbar and slamming it down, trying to release some tension.

I've got to say, it's good, it's good. Characters have more character in them and the fact that Aizen is part of the Masked Gang is just... surprising. I would've never thought that he was with them but then again, he did always have that evil streak in him, even though it never showed.

Awaiting the next chapter.[/size][/color]

[Ezekiel]

[COLOR=#f8322d][SIZE=1][QUOTE=Revelation][/size]

[size=1][color=#B2566B]Sounds a lot like 'Zeke, alright. I can just imagine her grasping that crowbar and slamming it down, trying to release some tension.[/size][/color][/QUOTE]

Ahaha, what makes you say that >_> *cough*

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must rant:
Oh My God, I [I]knew[/I] I was right! You're a bastard for not telling me! *throttlethrottle* And I'm right about the other stuff, too, I just know it.

[B]/end rant[/B]

That was very good, love, you got me spot on (I'd be worried if you didn't) and I really can't wait for the character development chapters to come. I'm sure people aren't going to eat you if you get them a little out of character.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Gavin]

[quote name='Unborn Lord Xion][COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Aizen smirked nastily and lifted his dual guns, obviously modeled off of Ebony and Ivory in Devil May Cry. [B]"I thought Star Wars was Gavin's schtick?"[/B][/SIZE'][/COLOR][/quote]

[SIZE=1]It is, and had I been there I'd have shown exactly how many different ways one can perform emasculation with a lightsaber and but a flick of the wrist. All joking aside Trevor, an excellent chapter which adds to the suspence already building from the outset. It seems as well that I was mistaken in my guess of "Blue" or was it "Purple" ? Whichever is the female character, as hinted at in Aizen's brief err. [/SIZE]

[Engel]

[color=red][size=1] Awh, jeez, 'Zeke. Didn't have to be so mean, did you?
Yay for being included. I love the chapter (Probably because I'm in it.) and I expect more work. Reveal Blue to everyone soon. *Prod, and joins 'Zeke in throttling you.*

(Check out my new banner and avatar set. Made by me.)[/color][/size]

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1][CENTER][SIZE=2]Chapter Seven: New Message - Open In New Window?[/SIZE][/CENTER]

Ezekiel sighed and rubbed her temple with one hand, the other wrapped around a large black mug filled with steaming hot coffee. Across from her, Gavin and Sakura sat in numb silence while Athena sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. Xion rose agitatedly and began pacing, until finally kicking his chair sharply. Ezekiel and Athena looked up suddenly, and Alan looked over lazily.

[B]"Fucking hell!"[/B] Xion snarled. [B]"Sonuvabitch! I can't believe Aizen would do that!"[/B]

[B]"I know, love,"[/B] Ezekiel sighed. [B]"But whether you believe it or not, it was him."[/B]

[B]"And he shot JJ,"[/B] Alan growled. [B]"We need to take him out, friend of yours or no."[/B]

"JJ is fine, though, right?" Athena asked.

[B]"Yeah. His wound wasn't too bad, and he should be out of the hospital in a few days,"[/B] Ezekiel said reassuringly, before sipping more of her coffee.

Sakura piped up soon after, calmly asking, [B]"So what should we do now?"[/B]

[B]"We track him down and capture him,"[/B] Alan said quickly. [B]"And if he resists, I won't hesitate to put a bullet between his eyes. He's no better than a n00b now."[/B]

[B]"Let's not be hasty - "[/B] Xion began.

[B]"Hasty?"[/B] Alan said gruffly, standing up as well. [B]"Don't you think your buddy Aizen was a little hasty when he plugged JJ?"[/B]

[B]"That doesn't mean we should just kill him on sight."[/B]

[B]"And what should we do, huh? Bake him a fucking batch of milk and cookies and ask him to lead us to the others?"[/B]

"Something like that, yeah."

[B]"Well guess what, Xion,"[/B] Alan spat. [B]"That's not gonna work, because Aizen is some kind of fucking terrorist, and that kinda person doesn't just go betraying their cause because someone asks 'em to."[/B]

"Yeah, but you still can't learn anything from a corpse!" Xion growled, becoming more heated.

[B]"You can learn quite a bit, bub, want me to prove it?"[/B]

[B]"Try it, n00b Hunter."[/B]

[B]"Stop it already!"[/B] Ezekiel yelled suddenly. [B]"You're both giving me a fucking headache!"[/B]

Xion and Alan both stopped and looked at her briefly. Xion turned away on his heel sharply, and strode over to the doorway, grabbing his sword from the umbrella stand.

[B]"I'm going out."[/B]

[B]"Where?"[/B] Ezekiel said, looking slightly paniced. [B]"Why? Alone?"[/B]

[B]"I don't know, but I'm gonna find one of those bastards. And if it's Aizen, then I'm gonna handle him [I]my[/I] way."[/B]

"Let...let me come with you," Ezekiel said, beginning to rise.

[B]"No!"[/B] Xion said sharply. He paused. [B]"I...I don't want you going out again. JJ nearly got killed, and you could've been, too. I'm not risking you getting hurt again."[/B]

Just before he opened the door, the message console at the end of the table bleeping, a voice-video communication system located in most of the office buildings for easy, immediate discussions. Gavin leaned over and pressed the 'Accept' button.

[COLOR=Black][B]"Hello, Modlings,"[/B][/COLOR] crackled a voice, immediately recognizable as one of the Masked Men. [COLOR=Black][B]"I hear your good friend JJ was put out of commission last night. Such a sad thing, that. But, don't worry. He got our Aizen very good. Still alive of course - that Aizen is a hard one to put down - but he's hurting, I'm sure you'll be pleased to know. And I've made sure to punish him for being so reckless.[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Black][B]"Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I called?"[/B][/COLOR] he said, his tone conversational beneath the heavy distortion. [COLOR=Black][B]"Quite simply, I want to give you a chance, and a warning. You see, I have almost exactly what I need to impliment my grand plan, and that means the end is near for the filth of this city. And if everything does go according to plan, the weak and worthless will perish, while the strong will survive. That, dear listeners, is where you come in."[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Black][B]"Listen, you twisted little - "[/B][/COLOR] Athena began, but the Black Masked individual carried on.

[B][COLOR=Black]"You, little Modlings, have a choice to make. You can join my side, aid me in my mission, and survive. Or, you can keep playing at being moral, and die for it. It's very simple, I'd think but, then, I make no mistake about being superior morally. I know that what I'm doing is wrong, in a sense, but the results outway the means, don't you think? Peace and freedom from the n00b scourge, in exchange for the death of the scum of the city? It all seems quite plain."[/COLOR][/B]

[B]"Can you trace the signal, Gavin,"[/B] Sakura whispered to the man in question.

[B]"I'm working on it, Sakura,"[/B] he muttered back, typing away at the keypad next to the video screen.

[B][COLOR=Black]"But, then, the plain and simple choices are often the most difficult for some people, are they not?"[/COLOR][/B] Black said, finally. [B][COLOR=Black]"Ah, well. If you're smart, I'm sure you can track me down. If not, well, then you'll simply have to die."[/COLOR][/B]

[B]"You're a madman,"[/B] Ezekiel snarled.

[B][COLOR=Black]"Goodbye, little Modlings,"[/COLOR][/B] the Masked Man said cheerfully, and the link went dead.

"You got a location for us, Gavin?" Alan grumbled. "Because I feel like putting a bullet in that smug bastard's skull."

[B]"Yes, that does seem to be your answer to everything,"[/B] Xion drawled. [B]"But I'll admit, we should put a stop to this one. He certainly does seem to be the leader."[/B]

[B]"I've got a target,"[/B] Gavin said. [B]"The O. Lounge, building number 42, fiftieth floor."[/B]

[B]"It's close,"[/B] Athena sighed, standing. Sakura, Ezekiel, and Gavin soon followed suit. [B]"Let's go get him."[/B]

[B]"No,"[/B] Xion said, sternly. [B]"We need back-up, first. I can go get it,"[/B] he added, and then looked to Ezekiel. [B]"You should come, too."[/B]

[B]"You don't need to protect me all the time,"[/B] she replied, narrowing her eyes slightly.

[B]"You nearly got a bullet in you last night. Let's just go get some back-up from the Mod Building and then we can join them."[/B] He sighed, and grinned before adding, [B]"And with Alan on the team, I bet we can expect to have at least a little something left over on our own, hmm?"[/B]

Alan just muttered something unaudible under his breath, but sounding distinctly vicioous, and stormed out the door, Athena, Sakura, and Gavin following quickly. Xion took a step towards Ezekiel, and reached out to place a hand on her shoulder.

[B]"Listen, I don't mean to be overprotective. I'm just worried, alright?"[/B]

Ezekiel sighed and nodded. [B]"Yeah, I understand. I'm just...really stressed out right now."[/B]

Xion just leaned down to brush his lips against hers. [B]"Come on. Let's get going. I wouldn't mind having me a bit of a fight, would you?"[/B]

[B]"Not at all, love."[/B]

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

I notice, with each new installment, just how much more story I have to tell before I can get to the end. Le sigh.

Well, as you asked, here's at least a little taste of character interaction. The heroes really will take more of a standing roll, now, with the antagonists being left behind for a good while. Hopefully, that will be to your liking, and you won't miss our Masked Pals too much~. And I'm sorry that Black is such a long-winded gent. He just loves to hear himself talk.

Well, see ya next time, kids.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#B2566B]What's this? What's this? Alan and Xion beginning to have a heated moment? Oh what "good things" can come of it... XD. I can't wait for that big battle scene, Trevor. I'm just aching to take a gander at what's next.

[quote name=' ME!][size=1][color=#B2566B]Sounds a lot like 'Zeke, alright. I can just imagine her grasping that crowbar and slamming it down, trying to release some tension.[/size'][/color][/quote]
[quote name='Ezekiel][COLOR=#f8322d][SIZE=1]Ahaha, what makes you say that >_> *cough*[/size'][/color][/quote]

Well, I?m not entirely sure what makes me say that. It could be because that I always think up something strange, I mean that is the way I am. But then again, I just could see you walking down the street with a crowbar hanging on your back and when someone begins to, for a lack of a better term, piss you off, you just grab that item of yours and just slam it against something nearby, frightening the not-so-poor soul.

Haha :sweat:, I guess I?m just strange like that.

Back to Trevor's wonderful smorgasbord. I've got to say, this was a bit more character distinction between Alan and Xion. And does it seem like in, almost, everything Jamie's carrying a mug filled with coffee? Or is it just me? XD.[/size][/color]