Writing The Hit [M-V/L/Drugs]

[Gavin]

[quote name='Dragon Warrior][size=1']I have to admit, this is like watching a movie.[/size][/quote]

[SIZE=1]It is isn't it ? You get one small snippet of the overall plot that keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat waiting for the next serving of action and story. Mike keep it up and let's see what happened between you and Zeke.

By the way Mike, Des doesn't happen to look like David Carradine by any chance does he ?[/SIZE]

[Darren]

I applaud you! It definately just keeps getting better... I find myself further and further on the edge of my seat every time I read a new chapter. It's really great and it's fun to watch the developmentaly process of this story as it changes. Once again, you've outdone yourself. *applauds again*

[Zen]

[size=1]

Thanks for the comments you guys, I appreciate it. Hopefully things'll get better as I continue. Here's the next chapter. Please forgive the briefness of it. I was rushed and I needed to get this part out of the way. Enjoy.
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[center][b]Chapter 14:[/b] Knocking On Heaven?s Door[/center]




[b] ?Ugh....?[/b] escaped my raspy throat. I tasted blood on my tongue. My head rolled over to the side and through blurry eyes I saw DW sitting next to me. He was dressed in what looked like a dress shirt and tie. His sleeves were rolled up, he was apparently sweaty and a bit nervous. I looked to his face and we made eye contact.

His face lightened up a bit and he turned to the side, [b] ?Hey! I think sleeping f?ugly is coming to!?[/b] Looking back at me, he removed his glasses and peaked into my eyes. [b] ?Doin? alright. pal??[/b]

Looking all around, I attempted to answer. [b] ?Am... I gonna be... alri-.?[/b] some God awful pain racked my stomach and insides, blood filled in my mouth, causing me to cough up some of the crimson liquid.

[b] ?Shit! Hey doc! Hurry up!?[/b] DW became frantic, screaming towards the entrance of the room we sat in. My vision began to blur yet again, the sound of a fast-paced beeping lulling me back into sleep.

[i]Back on the field of battle, I stood with my shining Irish companion. We gazed on into the charging Persian ranks. With a large spear in hand, he began to charge himself into the middle of the valley. Standing back for a moment, I watched his magnificent figure sprint onward. My mind came to me and I drew my sword from it?s scabbard and followed him close. The two of us let out a ferocious battle cry as we sped forward into war. The sun rose over the valley, causing the Persians to become shadows in our path. The bright light became slowly stronger and stronger, until the point of being unbearable...[/i]


I woke up again, this time I there was a bright light directly in my pupil. A doctor stood over me, holding my eyelid open and flashing his pin light into it.[b] ?It would seem you are awake now...?[/b] he spoke in a European accent. I shook my head and looked onto his jacket. A name tag read ?Dr. Sandy?. I began to think to myself how strange it sounded, but my train of thought was interrupted by DW?s shrill tone again.

[b] ?All better yet, douche??[/b] he looked into my face with a weird expression. I looked past him to see Sakura sitting in a chair in the corner. Her expression was bright and hopeful. [b] You gave us a real scare, there...?[/b]

Smacking my lips, I tried to move my arms, but they felt like stone slabs on my shoulders. [b] ?Can I get a glass of water... or something??[/b] My voice was like sand paper covered in tar.
[b] ?I?ll get it!?[/b] Sakura leaped from her seat and rushed out into the room. I smirked a little and looked back to DW.

[b] ?So how are you feeling, big guy??[/b] he asked me.

[b] ?Not very well I would guess...?[/b] Sandy spoke sarcastically.

[b] ?I wasn?t asking you!?[/b]

[b] ?He?s right... I feel like shit.?[/b] DW frowned at my response. I looked around the room to see a sterile white hospital room. I lay on pale linens, an IV steadily flowing into my arm. [b] ?How the hell did I get here, anyways??[/b]

DW?s face became troubled. [b] ?I dunno man... Some Irish guy called me a week ago and told me you were here. You?ve been out for a while.?[/b]

[b] ? Irish...??[/b]

[b] ?Yeah, some guy named... what was it.... Gavin??[/b] My heart sank from DW?s words. It fell deep into the pits of my stomach.

[b] ?.....what??[/b][/color][/size]

[Gavin]

[SIZE=1]I honestly saw that coming, I kind of figured after the battle between those two that Crusader would be watching over Mike, like some kind of lethal guardian angel. I'm just wondering now whether he did Zeke in while she was unable to defend herself, I hope not, it just doesn't seem honourable enough for him.

BTW you never answered my question about Des. ;)[/SIZE]

[Zen]

[size=1]

Des just looks like Des. I based his whole appearance off of pictures I've seen of him around the boards, haha. But now that I think about it, he does look a bit like Carridine just off-handedly. I just needed a guy to play my master, and Des seemed like the best choice, being both an Admin and a long time member. Also, his appearance I've already seen, and I figured he'd 'look' the best in that sort of situation.

Basically everyone's appearance is based off of pictures I've seen of them (save Sakura who gave me a description). So yeah.[/size]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#4B5B5B]Dilemmas and troubles. It's gotten pretty juicy, Mike. As for what Gavin said, it did seem a bit predictable that Gavin would come in and save Mike from dying after that fight they had. But it also makes me wonder about Zeke, did she really die? And what about Retri and White? Did they actually die? Or maybe I'm just reading in between the lines too much.

Anyways, keep it up. Let's see this thing finished.

[There you happy? I posted so you can get on with it. =P][/size][/color]

[Gavin]

[quote name='Revelation][size=1][color=#4B5B5B][There you happy? I posted so you can get on with it. =P][/size'][/color][/quote]

[SIZE=1]Damn Rev you beat me to it. Oh well, consider this a double order then Mike, get on with the story and don't go and do a DW and leave us hanging in suspense.[/SIZE]

[Zen]

[size=1]Very sorry that I took so long to get this written and up. I've had a busy week, which culminated yesterday with me attaining my 1st Dan (First Degree Black Belt) in Tae Kwon Do. Haha, so forgive me please. I hope you enjoy this chapter, as it is the beginning of the end. Be on the look out for [b] The Hit: Contracts[/b] soon...




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[b][u]Chapter 15:[/b][/u] Business Disagreement[/center]




Unfortunately, well maybe not, I had been injured badly enough to warrant two weeks of bed rest. I had already spent one week in a coma, so that left a lot of time to think over this recent revelation. Gavin had been my literal guardian angel, and sinking feeling of what could only be convoluted horror was setting in. Maybe D.W. was right… he couldn’t be killed. Despite the humored efforts of D.W. and Sakura, I couldn’t get the disturbing thoughts out of my head. I didn’t know whether to be grateful or terrified, and a strange sensation of both gathered in my heart. A few days came and went for me, spent either sleeping, eating, or watching D.W. argue with Dr. Sandy’s constant sarcasm. The comic effect was only amplified by Sandy’s unique European accent and Sakura’s giggling in the background.

It was the afternoon of my third day of consciousness. My wounds were still aching, but not as terribly as the past week. I had spent the majority of the day questioning Dr. Sandy about his practice and why the police hadn’t raided us at the operating table. He refused to answer, giving me only a wink and a smart-*** [b] “Just be grateful…” [/b] in response. I was in the middle of a short meal, some god-awful lump of ham and jello. D.W. was checking up on Peanut at the moment, and that left a sleeping Sakura sitting in the corner, keeping me company. She’d been my constant sentinel in the night, keeping watch for any ill-meaning visitors. As I lay back, force-feeding myself, a polite tapping came to the door. Sakura didn’t move, she was out like a light. I looked on for a moment hesitantly and checked for my odachi lying against the bed.

Staring on for a few more seconds, I finally spoke up. [b] “Who is it?”[/b] I waited for an answer.

[b] “A well wisher.” [/b] a smooth feminine voice replied.

Anxiety set in and my palms began to sweat. [I] The hell with it… [/I] I thought. [b] “Come in.” [/b]

At that, the door swung open slowly and I gripped my right palm around the handle of my odachi, hoping this wouldn’t warrant violence. An elegant, high-heeled foot stepped into the room, connected to a smooth, stocking covered leg. A beautiful, yet professional young Asian woman appeared before me. Dressed up in a skirted businesswoman’s suit, dark-framed glasses bespectacled her youthful face. Dark black hair was pulled up into a bun on the back of her head, held in place by black sticks. [b] “I trust you are the one called… ‘Boss’.”[/b] she spoke clearly, straight to the point.

I raised my eyebrow in a slight scowl. [b] “Who’s asking?”[/b] I must’ve sounded like a real dick.


She replied unfazed. [b] “My name is Erica. I come baring an offer from my employer.”[/b]

[b] “And who would that be?”[/b] Sakura snored loudly at that point, destroying any chance at setting an intimidating mood I had.

[b] “I’m sure you’ve heard of him. A gentleman named James?”[/b] The world dropped from beneath my feet at that point.

[b] “….. Are you here to kill me?”[/b] I whispered fearfully. Sakura at this point had leapt to her feet, a small Beretta held in her hand.

[b] “Heavens no. I’m here to make you an offer in your best interest.”[/b] she replied calmly, despite the gun pointing at the back of her head.

[b] “And what would that be?”[/b] I looked to her left hand as she motioned towards the small briefcase held in it.

[b] “Two Million Dollars… upfront, no questions. All you have to do is give up the hunt and the money’s yours.”[/b] I eyed the briefcase intensely and began debating in my mind.

[b] “Why me?”[/b]

[b] “Well…”[/b] she drifted off into her mind. [b] “… You are thus far, the most ‘successful’ pursuer of my client. Mr. James wants to keep his life, and he figures you’ll take this money instead of the [i]great[/i] many troubles that you will be facing if you so choose to continue hunting him.”[/b]

For a moment, we stared off, the sunlight from the window glaring in onto her calm, collected figure. True, I’d like nothing more than to give this job up, retire ‘early’ and have a little cash in my pocket. But something ate away at the back of my mind as I became more intent on the idea. Something heavy…. Shame, maybe. Something wasn’t going to let me simply ‘cop out’ and give up. The voices of my past and the deaths of all the assassins whose lives I’d taken…. They had to mean something more. I couldn’t just give up.

[b] “I’m afraid I’m gonna have to decline… I’ve been through too much to give up now!”[/b] Saying those words made me feel slightly stronger healed almost. I felt a boost in my body’s state. [b] “Tell James to send his best at me…”[/b] I stared her down.

She hunched her shoulders almost like a little girl and shook her head in a careless manner. [b] “Heh… he already has!”[/b] with that shout, she flung back her briefcase into Sakura’s chest and landed a heavy turning shin kick into her gut. Sakura flung back into the wall with a whelp, her pistol misfiring into the air. Erica leaped at me faster than my mind could comprehend. My body, however, was already on her. Lifting my odachi up from my side, I brought it across my laying body to scare her off.

It didn’t work. She was already spiraling into the air, her back to me, a short-heeled shoe flying towards my face. I ducked quickly and rolled off of my bed, and onto the cold hospital floor. The impact caused a disgusting pain to wrack my body and I nearly vomited onto the floor. Fortunately, I didn’t have the time to get sick, rolling as I dodged a series of dropping axe kicks from the furious woman. Picking my self up lazily, I shoved my back against the wall and held my sword out in a sloppy defense. Erica smirked arrogantly and readied herself in a formal Tae Kwon Do L-Stance guard. She edged towards me slowly, causing me to gulp loudly. My hands began to shake; my body was failing on me. I couldn’t take her on, not at the moment. I was too weak…

I might die…

[b] “Freeze *****!”[/b] Sakura’s voice thundered through the room. Both mine and Erica’s eyes shot over towards her. She was holding the Beretta steady, aiming directly at Erica.

Erica began chuckling as she stepped back towards the window. [b] “Hah… you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into, kid…”[/b] Her back to the window, Erica slammed a backfist into the glass, causing the window to crack all over on impact. Suddenly, it shattered loudly all onto the ground and out onto the street. [b] “Maybe this’ll convince you.”[/b] she produced a small black remote-control from her jacket. A detonator. My eyes widened and focused on the black briefcase in the center of the room. Erica jumped backwards from the window. Thinking quickly, I ran across the room and pulled a baseball slide into the briefcase, causing it to shoot out the window. Before it could fully exit the ground-level window, a great explosion through me and Sakura across the wall yet again. Debris and broken glass slammed across our bodies, but we were alive.

Sakura picked herself up, then helped me to my own feet. Dusting herself off, she looked out of the destroyed window in question and pondered to herself. [b] “Who the hell was she?”[/b]

I coughed hoarsely and patted my hospital gown down. My body was killing me, and I knew that a few stitches had to have broken. [b] “I dunno… but hopefully I won’t have to deal with the ***** again.”[/b]

[b] “We’re lucky to be alive… but we gotta be on the move.”[/b]

[b] “You don’t have to remind me….”[/b] I crossed the room and picked up my odachi’s scabbard. [b] “…. Where should we go?”[/b]

[b] “My place will be good for now, as long the cops don’t follow us.” [/b]

[b] “That sounds-“[/b] I stopped mid-sentence as my eyes glided across the room and settled on a small white piece of paper. Walking over to it quickly, I picked it up. It was a business card. [i][b] The Vigor [/b] – 3435 Castle Ave.[/i] I held the card up and showed it to Sakura.

[b] “….we need to go here.”[/b] [/color][/size]

[Dragon Warrior]

[size=1]What a sexy chapter with all the good sexy sex a sexy sex-craved person such as me could possibly sex up in one sexy sex-infested night! Now that I've lied a little, this chapter was good. Nice description, though a bit boring at times. The action was mainly what I mean. I'm glad you went with the idea of getting something new involved, and things are winding down and fitting into place. Keep it up, loser :^D

Love.[/size]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#4B5B5B]I agree with D.W. This chapter was nice but seemed to lack consistency like the other chapters. Although, I am impressed with the way you portrayed me; I sound like one hell of a vixen. Now if only I [i]can[/i] actually get my hair to actually stay together in a bun held by two sticks, that'd be awesome. =P But that's besides the point; I had a feeling James would somehow try to contact the Boss..err you...I mean you the character [whatever].

Anyways, let's try to have at least one finished story [though I do believe we've had one or two finished ones, can't remember].[/size][/color]

[Gavin]

[SIZE=1]Congrats on getting your First Dan Mike, after your Third you'll have to change your username to The Sensei.

Anyway, I have to admit I do agree with Gav and Rev, it just seemed to lack the focus of the other chapters, though given the fact your focus was on your belt that's excusable when you consider the quality you've already demonstrated. I like the character interactions, especially the completely business-like Revelation, but the action was a bit hap-hazard. Now if this is to be the end of this saga, bring it on with a bang my friend.[/SIZE]

[Zen]

[size=1]……Jeez. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this… Damn you Dragon Warrior....[/size]

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[center][b]Chapter 16:[/b] On The Road To The Grave[/center]



Sakura and I rushed down the stairs relentlessly, weapons in hand. Pushing past confused looking hospital attendants and nurses, we burst out of the front door and surveyed the area. Looking to a promising looking, and sloe moving car, I ran across the street and kicked the window in viciously. [b] “Get the fuck out!”[/b] I screamed angrily at the terrified looking driver, a young man with scraggily looking hair on face and head.

Looking up through the broken glass in his face, he was met by my long sword blade pointing in his face. Swallowing hard, he complied [b] “..o-o-kay… Just b-be easy…”[/b] Slowly opening the door, he stood, however I'd no time to wait. Grabbing the man by the scruff of his shirt, I threw him to the pavement and entered the car. Looking over to a shocked looking Sakura, I hollered.

[b] “Quick! Get in!”[/b] I could hear the sirens approaching fast from a distance. The road in front of them was still dirty with steel and glass from the blast, and cars crawled slowly through the wreckage. I wasn’t interested in waiting for them. As Sakura closed her door, I stomped the gas pedal and swerved off onto the side walk. Pedestrians screamed and scattered as the speedy blue sedan crashed through out-door café tables and road signs.

[b] “Jesus Christ, B! What’s come over you!?” [/b] Sakura cried out in fear as I barreled down the side walk.

[b] “Now’s the time to end this, don’t you get it?! It’s all gonna be over… Once we get to this place!”[/b] with those words, I slammed the business card onto the dashboard of the card. Seeing the turn up ahead, I mashed the accelerator and swerved into a clean turn, side swiping an oncoming car in the process before speeding off and weaving through traffic.

[b] “Three-four-three-five, right?”[/b] I asked, looking over to the frightened Sakura.

Grabbing the card, she looked and nodded [b] “Yeah.”[/b]

[b] “Take the wheel…”[/b]

[b] “What?!”[/b] she looked to me confused.

[b] “Just do it!”[/b]

[b] “Alright!”[/b] she grabbed the wheel tight, while I focused up on the road ahead of us. Grabbing my blade, I looked to Sakura and gave her a peck on the cheek.

[b] “See ya later.”[/b]

[b] “Wha-“ [/b] before she could finish the sentence, I opened the door and fell out of the car, hitting the ground with a mean thud, rolling sloppily until coming to a hard stop. [b] “God damn…”[/b] I growled as I rubbed my head. Looking up, a semi-truck drove towards me. [b] “Shit“[/b] I quickly laid back down and allowed the truck to pass over me, wind and truck undercarriage blowing past my face heavily.

Looking back up, I could see another car coming, but quickly began rolling towards the sidewalk. Hopping up, I ran onto the curb as the car zoomed past, blaring its horn. I was breathing hard, fast. Tired would have been an understatement as to how I felt. But things had to keep rolling. Looking down the road, I made sure Sakura hadn’t wrecked yet. I had to ditch her unfortunately. She was unarmed, and I didn’t need to endanger her again. Didn’t need any liabilities.

Turning around, I stood in front of the Vigor. My heart raced as I viewed the final resting place of either me or James… or both. One thing was for sure… this wouldn’t be easy. I quickly put on the meanest face I had and walked up to the door slowly. Raising my right leg, I kicked in the door and rushed into the club.

[b] “Everyone get on the fucking ground!”[/b] I roared savagely, unsheathing my sword and waving it across my body.

A rough looking man and woman turned around quickly and pointed already drawn guns at me. One held two Desert Eagles in each hand. The other, two enormous machine gun assault rifles. Their eyes had death within them. It was Annie and Joey. Better known as the Riot.

My expression and voice switched from authoritative to fearful. [b] “Oh…” [/b][/color][/size]

[Dragon Warrior]

[size=1]Phew. It was hard to jump back into this. Haha. I had to look back and refresh a little. But yes, you sure did have it coming along smoothly. You went right back to it and found a way through. And you said it'd be hard to continue ;] For shame, Boss Man. You have it golden once more.[/size]

[Zen]

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[size=1]
And it all comes to this....

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[b]Chapter 17:[/b] With A Bang….[/center]



My heart thumped uncontrollably in my chest as I stared down the barrel of four guns. Taking in the scene around me, I realized that a large amount of damage had already been done before my arrival. It must have been a nice place before the Riot came around. Decorated in smooth mahogany hardwood furniture and satin, it was a high class place…. At least it used to be. The room was silent, and I realized that sweat was beading around my forehead as I stood still. Suddenly, a gun shot broke the silence as a bullet whizzed by my head. It was quickly answered as the lanky Joey swung around bulkily with his two SIGs and unloaded a barrage of fire onto the shooter hiding behind the club’s bar. Muzzle fire flashed off of his figure, dressed in black camouflage pants and tank top, combat boots laced up to the shin.

The woman, Annie, kept her sights on me. She was dressed in a similar fashion to Joe, albeit more feminine, she still presented a very intimidating presence. A dying cry was heard from behind the bar and signaled the end of Joey’s attack. Looking back to me, Joey aimed his right handed weapon at me once again, [b] “Can I kill him now?”[/b]

[b] “I don’t care…”[/b] Annie spoke in a cold indifference.

[b] “Sweet.”[/b] Joe licked his teeth and squeezed the trigger. My body reacted by itself, cartwheeling backwards and rolling behind a turned over round-table. The SIG bullets ripped through the wood like butter, so it was useless. Thinking quickly, I thrust the bottoms of my feet against the table and sent it flying at the pair, who both leapt to opposite sides. I took my chance to take out one of the two, so I rushed for Joey. Leaping into the air, I came down with my Odachi poised to chop his body in two, but I was met with surprising speed from him. Blocking with his SIG, I was sucker punched by the butt of his second assault rifle, and then headbutted squarely on the nose.

This guy wasn’t a push over, that was for sure. As my face swayed back from the headbutt, I was nearly ended by a machine gun blast to the head, but I was capable of recovering before meeting my demise. Swinging my back leg quickly, I connected with his knee cap and spun around with a backfist, but I was met by the SIG again. [b] “SHIT!”[/b] I screamed in pain as my hand met the several sharp workings of the metal machinegun.

[b] “Fool.”[/b] he muttered before sweeping my leg with his heavy boot. I fell onto my back with a thud and was nearly blasted again. Spinning off of my back I slithered around his legs and brought my own boot into his face with a hard up-kick to the chin. Stumbling back a few steps, he fell over a table as I leapt onto my feet. Sword at the ready, I prepared to plunge the blade into his exposed chest, but my blade was knocked off to the side by a well placed bullet that dented my supposedly perfect sword. I heard Joey laugh, and was kicked in the stomach by the bottom of his foot. Looking over, I saw Annie smiling smugly, holding a smoking gun. Then I heard the cocking SIG near my ear, Joey was on his feet and angry. [b] “Find a way outta this, asshole…[/b]

[b] “I think the way just found him, friend.”[/b] a familiar Irish voice spoke softly from the doorway, causing a fast reaction from both Annie and Joey who unloaded gunfire at the sound. As the smoke and debris cleared, they found nothing.

[b] “What the…”[/b] Joe whispered to himself before being hit viciously in the gut by a wrapped cross. There standing nobly in front of me was my savior, Gavin… The Crusader.

[b] “You’re… alive.”[/b] the words escaped my mouth in a mutter of surprise.

[b] “Indeed.[/b]

Before Gavin could express himself further, gunshots were being fired at him from Annie. Tackling me to the floor, cross on top of us, we took cover. Looking over to me, Gavin withdrew two of his pistols. [b] “Take care of the woman, I’ll handle the lad…”[/b]

I didn’t know what to think, but I was definitely glad to have some help. Nodding silently, I began crawling my way underneath the tables under a hail of gunfire. I approached close and waited for her to run out of ammo…

[b]*Bang! Bang! Bang!*[/b] *Click.* Now.

Running out with a vicious growl, I began swinging my blade from all angles as the alert Annie dodged gracefully from side to side, simultaneously holstering her pistols. Leaping backwards, she withdrew a fresh set of guns from two back holsters and began firing. Sliding side to side, I rolled over a table and sprinted low to the ground. Posing my blade to stab, I brought it quickly up and was side stepped as I had predicted. Stabbing the blade into the hardwood floor, I swung my body sideways into a sweeping motion and caught my unbalanced opponent in the side, sending her flipping across several tables and chairs. Gripping my odachi’s sheath, I approached the site of her landing slowly.

[b] “Greeeaaaah!”[/b] Annie screamed monstrously, throwing a chair at me with unexpected strength. Thinking quick, I sliced the chair in half with my razor like blade and awaited for Annie’s rampage. She went to reload her guns, so I acted fast. Spinning smoothly, I threw my odachi at her like a boomerang. Surprised, she ducked hastily, and opened up for my follow up. Bringing the sheath down onto her skull, she slumped onto the floor unconscious. That took care of that.

I was alerted by the sound of Gavin letting out a big [b] “Ooof!”[/b] as he flew across the room and landed heavily onto a table, smashing it with the weight of himself and his cross.

Joe growled from across the room, [b] “What’d you do?!”[/b] he roared and fired off at me. [b] “What’d you do to Annie?!”[/b] He kept squeezing his triggers, until his clips ran dry.

Gavin called out to me, [b] “My friend… make your way to your target.”[/b]

[b] “But he’ll kill you!”[/b]

Gavin stood up and brushed off his black suit. Lifting up his cross, he looked back to me and smirked. [b] “Have some faith…”[/b] Looking back to the enraged Joe, he brought his cross in front of him and uttered some prayer. It was indecipherable until he muttered aloud, [b] “Amen.”[/b] Gripping the cloth around his cross, he ripped the linen off with a quick snatch and threw it off to the side, revealing a huge metallic outer case. Gripping a strange handle in the middle, he pulled the top up and extended the cross. Lifting it and holding it at his side, he aimed the bottom at Joey. A loud cocking action was heard.

Both me and Joe were in a state of awe at his magnificent weapon. [b] “No go…”[/b] he spoke authority to me. For a moment, I could only stare. [b] “GO!”[/b]

I gulped and ran towards the back room behind the bar. Closing the door behind me, I looked on to the hallway in front of me, covered with bleeding, dead bodies from the people who tried retreating after their wounds from Joe and Annie. Looking back up to the closed doorway in front of me, I heard a symphony of pounding gunfire behind me. It would play a nice soundtrack to what awaited me in the mysterious room.

Side stepping the various bodies, I marched up to the door. Taking a deep breathe, I opened it slowly and was met by a bright shining light in my face, as well as a gun pressed against my temple. It was at moment I realized that I wasn’t holding a sword in my hand, just a sheath.

[b] “Well, well, well… It seems as though you’ve finally been beaten, ‘Boss’.”[/b]

The voice came from across the room. Shielding my eyes, I saw the silhouette of a sitting man, two female figures standing at his side. James…

[b] “Charles… if you would so kindly.”[/b]

[b] “Gladly…”[/b] whispered the gunman.

[b]BANG![/b]

[/color]
[b] “My student, over these years, you have learned well from me. I have bestowed upon you…. *cough* everything that I know as a master. I have only one technique left to teach you… one that can only be used *cough* on the verge of defeat.”[/b]

[b] “What do you mean master? Are you asking me to take an oath?”[/b]

[b] “Heh, no, that is not the case. This technique may only be used… should I say… can only be used, when certain death is about to befall you.”[/b]

[b] “What? Haha! That’s, that’s ridiculous, master. How is that possible?”[/b]

[b] “Still so foolish, my student. Remember what I have said. Anything is possible…”[/b]

[b] “Then how, sensei? How can one master such a technique?”[/b]

[b] “Take this sword… and kill me with it.”[/b]

[b] “What?!”[/b]

[b] “Place it over my heart…. And thrust as you intend to kill.”[/b]

[b] “Master, I cou-“[/b]

[b] “Obey me!”[/b]

[b] “KIAAA-ugh….”[/b]

[b] “*sigh* Do you see now?”[/b]

[b] “…*cough cough* But…. How?”[/b]

[b] “I will teach you… come. This is your final lesson underneath me. Your final lesson in the Art of….”[/b]

[color=darkred]

The blue-suited man named Charles lay at my feet, coughing blood onto the floor. My sword sheet lay next to him, and my fists were clenched tightly, as to cause my palm to bleed.

[b] “HOW!?”[/b] Charles growled in between spurts of coughs.

[b] “I must say… that was quite… impressive, Boss.”[/b] James spoke in a business like tone.

[b] “Now, it’s your turn.”[/b] I kneeled down and picked up Charles’ weapon, and aimed at James as I stepped forward. The two female attendants to his side quickly pulled their own weapons.

[b] “That will be more than enough… you’ve already won, my good man.”[/b]

[b] “What?”[/b] a scowl spread across my face.

[b] “You’ve won the reward, the bounty.”[/b] a brief case slid across the floor and stopped at my feet. It was open, stacks of money laying within it. [b] “But, the game’s not over.”[/b]

[b] “What is this bullshit?”[/b]

[b] “Understand this, bounty hunter. I placed the price upon my own head…. I knew exactly what I was doing. I needed to find the best assassin in the world, and I have found him in you.”[/b] the lights shut off behind him, and my eyes refocused on the figure of a well-groomed young, blonde man dressed in a fine white suit. [b] “I sent my dearest Erica to meet you, and test your commitment. I had an open bounty to attract as many takers as possible. And so now… let us make another deal…”[/b] he brought a cigar to his lips and the girl to his right, dressed similar to Erica, lit it for him. [b]“Thank you, Raiha."[/b] He refocused his attention on me. [b] "Triple that payment, if you can handle this next job…. That’s what… $12,000,000 total?”[/b]

[b] “And what if I refuse?”[/b]

From a door to my left, a small firing squad of suited mobsters rushed into the room and drew guns.

[b] “I don’t think you’ll be doing that…”[/b] he took a drag of his cigar. [b] “Besides… you seem like a man who likes a challenge. And this, my good man, is the hit of a life time. Something truly special….” [/b]

I looked back on the events that had befallen me in the past weeks. All the conflict, all the fighting, all the pain, and all the excitement… and then I realized… this is what I lived for.

I looked up into James’ eyes, cold blue orbs set in a stone cold, yet smirking face.

[b] “I’m listening…”[/b][/color]


[center][b] To Be Continued…. The Hit II, coming soon.[/b]



Want to be in the world of The Hit? Do you want your own character to come across The Boss is his ongoing adventures? Wish to elaborate on the back story of a new character or the character already presented for you?

[b] The Hit: Contracts[/b], coming to the Anthology.[/size][/center]

[Gavin]

[size=1]And here I'd have been happy with just a concluding chapter, but no, we get two, a cliff hanger and the sequel story launched all in the one day. Great work Mike, truly great work and I genuinely hope you'll keep this going in given the momentum you built up before.

I'm thinking of writing some of Gavin's backstory, something that will involve an ill-fated romance with Raiha thanks to James' interferance and subsquent life trying to kill him.[/size]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#8B008B]I'm honestly at a loss of words for this, which is rare. I was expecting a simple conclusion to the entirety of this piece, but I had a feeling you had something up your sleeve. It was a really great turn out. I expect your sequel to have more blood, more gore, hell I expect more in general.

Anyways, I might do a little something-something for The Hit: Contracts. It might involve D'Ann, me and Sakura. Who knows?[/size][/color]