Kazuma City, home to thousands of the richest and powerful people in the world. Here in this city, the government does everything to make sure its citizens are happy, healthy, and above all, wealthy. The people love it here, no matter who you are, what your name is, your status, you’re a part of the group. It’s all like one big happy family, a utopia.
At least that’s what we were taught growing up. But this is not a happy place, there’s nothing good about this perfect little paradise. It’s all fake, a fraud, a lie. The people aren’t happy, they’re not healthy, they’re only wealthy. They tape a smile across their faces to hide the truth of what really goes on beneath the surface, the truth of this horrible nightmare. They’re all puppets with strings attached to their lives, it’s how they are controlled, it’s how the government keeps order. And if you revolt, your strings are cut, and your lifeless body is secretly disposed of overnight. There’s no joy in this place, only fear. That is until mother took a stand.
She was tired of living in fear, tired of living a lie. So instead of waiting around like everyone else, she collected information, befriended allies, and made a plan. It was her most groundbreaking debut of the decade, and a series more to come.
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGWAsQlGRq
Lilian’s heels clicked on the ground as she stomped through Valencia Mansion. The Captain of Kazuma City’s north side rebellion held an angry expression with worry translating in between. Although her utterance remained tainted, her short silver hair and the black suit-like uniform that weighed on her back stayed neat. As it was required for everyone to keep themselves tidy. As she walked, her hand reached for the thin metal strap that was laced around her neck. She tugged at it carefully, allowing the damping flesh beneath a chance to cool. The woman’s eyes kept forward while maids and butlers stood in a row at her sides, they bowed and greeted her as she walked past them. Every single one of them shared the same metal choker. At the end of the rows, the chief maid stood with her charcoal black hair pulled back into a tight bun and her hands held together.
“She’s waiting in the main office, Captain,” she said, taking Lilian’s coat and gloves.
“Thank you, that will be all,” Lilian replied, taking in a shaky breath.
The maid hesitated for a moment, then reached into her pocket for a handkerchief. Quickly taking the woman’s chin, she dabbed the cloth over her forehead and underneath the metal band.
“I doubt she’ll have you in there for more than fifteen minutes, don’t trouble yourself too much, Captain.” The maid said, giving her a reassuring smile.
“Your beliefs are calming, yet I have my own doubts, Mary.” She replied, keeping her eyes locked on the stairs ahead of her.
“I don’t suppose you’ve forgotten where to look when someone is speaking to you.” Mary scolded.
“My apologies,” Lilian shook her head and turned her attention back to her, “I’m quite nervous.”
“I can tell, just breathe, you’re the favored child, the worst she could do is strip you of your midnight duties.”
Lilian grabbed Mary's hand and pulled it away from her body, making her take a step forward. Shocked, Mary tripped and caught herself on the captain.
“Then we wouldn’t be able to see each other, I don’t believe you would like that, Mary.”
They held each other's gaze for a moment longer before a scoff interrupted the silence. Their eyes darted to the forgotten servants still standing nearby, most of them paying no mind while others started to become impatient.
“Go,” Mary then said, “you wouldn’t want to keep her waiting any longer.” A halfhearted smirk flashed across her face, and she pointed at her metal strap.
Lilian cleared her throat, “Of course, you are dismissed.”
Mary bowed as the captain turned her back to her, preparing herself for the worst.
Lilian continued up the stairs and through the silent hallway. Something always felt off about it, a nerve wrecking feeling that made her keep her guard up. There were no other rooms except for the one at the end of that hall. It seemed so dark compared to the rest of the building, she wondered why there were no lights in this particular hallway.
When she got to the door, she raised her fist and knocked. A soft voice then beckoned her inside.
Two guards opened the door from the inside. The bright sky illuminated the room, making Lilian wince before walking in. She kneeled to the ground with her sights glued to the deep red carpet, “you called for my presence, Mother?”
Mother sat behind her desk reading a letter through her glasses, “yes dear,” she said, pulling off her glasses and taking a sip out of her tea cup. She stood, casting a shadow over Lilian. She shooed off the guards and they quickly bowed before fleeing the room.
“Stand child,” Mother then said, “tell me the latest reports on your recent assignment.”
Lilian lifted herself up and faced her, recognizing her features. Mother had chocolate brown hair with silver appearing from the roots. Unlike Lilian, this was due to her age. She was a fairly tall woman, rising above Lilian by a few inches. She was also the only one in the mansion without a collar.
“Yes Mother,” Lilian nodded and straightened her stance. “Last night's infiltration on Kazuma’s Oil Industries was successful, workers were semi-compliant and thirty-five thousand gallons of oil were confiscated. The news quickly spread throughout the city. Dr. Smitt and his team of scientists finished the poison toxin, ANEX, and I dealt their money as part of the agreement. Sister Mei and Abby—”
“Wait,” mother interrupted, “handling money to the scientists was not part of your assignment.”
“I just assumed—”
“You assume nothing, do you understand me?”
Lilian gulped before nodding, “Yes, Mother.”
Mother sighed and sat back down, pinching the bridge of her nose, “You must get permission from me before adding to your assignment, many things could have gone wrong, you could have ruined future plans.”
“It was my mistake, it will not happen again.”
Mother took a deep inhale and a long relieving exhale, “I understand your longing to help, erm—daughter, I just want to secure everyone’s safety through this rebellion. As a Captain, you are a leader. You must show your group responsibility and reliability. Show your people of this country that they are safe. Understood?”
“Yes Mother, I understand.” Lilian nodded once again.
“Good, that’s all I need for your report. I’ll now explain your new assignment.”
She opened a drawer in her desk and pulled out a small remote. With two clicks, metal blinds covered the bright windows behind her. Simultaneously, a large screen slowly dropped down from the ceiling near the wall.
For a few moments, Lilian was blinded by darkness. A sudden discomfort waved over her body, a sort of irrational fear of the dark. At least, she tried to convince herself it was irrational. It was only darkness, just one of the five senses she had lost. And she wasn’t alone, Mother was there…Mother was there.
Lilian shook her head, there was absolutely no way she was afraid of Mother. She’s a kind, sweet, independent woman who raised many children. Everything she’s done, all her heists, the assignments, all the people she killed, it was all for the sake of the citizens, the rebellion. For the sake of justice. She wouldn’t hurt anyone if it was without reason. Yet, Lilian’s mind still pondered. She wouldn’t hurt me, right?
Another click bounced in the air and the screen turned on. Lilian blinked, surprised by the sudden burst of light. She regained her posture and pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind.
“Now I need your undivided attention for this assignment, it is a very important one,” Mother then said, “as you may know, the highly toxic poison, ANEX, has three stages.” She clicked the remote again and the screen showed numbered subjects, each one of them with bullet points below.
“The first stage is high fevers, nausea and vomiting. If not treated, possible death. Stage two, the poison masks itself inside the body. No symptoms reveal, tricking the victim to believe that they have healed. At stage three, the poison will start to affect the brain. Hallucinations, memory loss, and bipolar actions will occur. Then without warning, the heart will stop, and the victim will die.”
Lilian listened as Mother explained extra details. Her thoughts processed all the information. Fevers, hallucinations, death, it all seemed like a horrible nightmare.
“Now for your assignment,” Mother clicked the remote one last time, “are you familiar with this place?”
Lilian’s eyes widened at the black and white picture of an orphanage. Not just any, it was the one Mother adopted many of the new children from. Lilian was there, it was one of her assignments to pick them up. Everyone was so kind to her, the headmaster believed the children would be in a better place thanks to Mother. She watched the little ones cry as they said their goodbyes. All of their friends wished them luck in the new world. She wished she could adopt all of them, to take them away from the grasps of Kazuma’s harsh government and hide them safely under the rebellion. But Mother said it would be best to just take the healthy ones, for the better of the rebellion.
“Yes, I remember.” Lilian replied.
“Right, you are to transport the toxin here. Abby and Mei have contacted me and are already volunteering at the orphanage, once they get the package, they will spread the poison into the food.”
Lilian’s heart dropped, spread the poison?
“You mean to the children?” She then asked, her worried tone blending with her words.
“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean,” Mother answered as she shut off the screen. For another moment, it was completely dark again, and Lilian was more afraid than ever before. Then the metal blinds rose and the sun blinded her.
“Is there something you don’t understand?” Mother then asked.
Lilian hesitated and gripped her sleeve, “permission to question freely, Mother?”
Mother gave her a glare, “permission granted.”
“Why the orphanage?”
Mother turned to look out the window behind her again, “Why not the orphanage? It’s the perfect place. Many useless vulnerable children won’t be much of a hassle. Then, once those citizens of Kazuma find out their government ‘can't” do anything about it, there will be riots, protests, and more people will join the rebellion. Increasing our numbers.”
“With all due respect, Mother, they are just children.”
Silence then screamed between them and neither moved an inch. Lilian suspected she was second guessing her thoughts. Maybe she was changing her mind. But then there was a sharp sound, one that felt so shocking that it seemed to echo through the room. The sound shot again, then again. Mother’s shoulders tensed and shook vigorously, her hands gripped her forearms and she hunched over. Lilian took a step back, fear coursing through her veins. She was laughing, Mother was laughing.
“You think I care about some little demons from the other side? All of those little brats are just a useless waste of space, extra mouths to feed. Most are just lying there, waiting to die. Might as well put them out of their misery.”
“They still have a chance. All of them. Our futures will someday depend on them. They will grow to become smarter, they will learn to become leaders. They will learn what is right and wrong. All we have to do is lay the path.”
Mother slowly turned around, her scowl sent a prickling shiver down her spine.
“Tell me, do you believe that all of those children will know to do the right thing?”
“Well, some of them may think differently…”
“What makes you think they’ll all get along together?”
“Mother—”
“How do you know those children will follow the path we guide them to? For all we know, they’ll just grow up to be like their forgotten parents. Dead or working for the Kazuma’s regressive government. It’s better to get rid of them before they have the power to do anything.”
Lilian squeezed her hands into fists, “What about my sisters? What will happen to them?”
“I have already conversed with them,” Mother said and sat back down behind the desk, “this will be their final assignment.”
Lilian’s body froze with her mouth wide open, “final assignment? You mean they’re going to…”
“Yes, if you need me to explain bluntly, they are going to pass with the rest of the orphanage.”
“Mother, please, there’s got to be another way.”
Mother’s brows furrowed, “are you defying my choice of action?”
“I just think…”
“You think nothing! You will do it my way no matter what, no questions asked. Do you understand?”
Lilian’s sight suddenly became blurry and she looked down, blinking back burning tears. Her brain pondered words to convince Mother to not follow through with this plan. But none came, except for one.
“I can’t.”
“Excuse me, what did you say?”
“I can’t do it.”
Mother intertwined her fingers together and rested her chin on them, “Choose your words wisely, daughter. You can’t or you won’t.”
“I…I won’t.” Lilian squeezed her fists tighter and took a step forward. “Mother, those children are innocent, they don’t deserve this kind of punishment just for recruiting other members. Mei and Abby, my sisters, our family, they have devoted their lives to the rebellion since birth. I can’t just let them die knowing that so much potential would go to waste. They may be willing to give their lives to this cause, but I will not stand to taint their modest lives. So no, I won’t do it.”
Mother sat in silence, glaring at her with such hatred it seemed as if she was trying to burn a hole through her head. She let out a sigh and shut her eyes, “How disappointing, after all this time, I really believed I could rely on you,” she reached to the corner of her desk and pushed a button, “bring her in.”
The doors behind Lilian then burst open and the two guards walked in, dragging in Mary by her arms with her feet trailing behind her. Lilian sucked in a gasp and she had to force a scream back down her throat as they threw her to the ground.
“Stand.” Mother commanded.
Mary lifted herself up with her wobbly arms and slowly stood. Her dress was wrinkled with dark stains littering around it while her bun looked like a bird's nest, hair sticking out from all sides and the bun lopsided. Her face was starting to swell and blood seeped out of her nose and from the large cut on her lips. Her eyes were red and puffed as she glowered at Mother.
“Mary, I’d like you to make an example for your petty excuse of a Captain here.” Mother then said.
Mary glanced at Lilian before nodding, “y-yes, Mother.”
Lilian clenched her teeth, “Mother, she has nothing to do with this!” She panicked.
“Oh but on the contrary, she has everything to do with this.” Mother then looked at the guards and motioned her head to Lilian.
In a swift motion the guards rushed to Lilian, one of them launching a fist into her stomach. She let out a grunt and the wind was completely pushed out from her lungs. She leaned forward with the guards catching her by the arms and holding her captive.
“You see, daughter,” Mother then walked around her desk and leaned back on it, a familiar black remote in her hand, “you two are due for a very essential retribution.”
She clicked the remote, sending waves of electricity from Mary’s neck, down her spine and through her body. She screamed a horrible sound as thousands of needles pricked every nerve in her limbs, causing her to fall to her knees. Her hands gripped the collar trying to pull it from her throat. Panic surged in Lilian’s head as she tried to lunge forward, shouting for Mother to stop. She kicked and pulled as much as she could but the guards kept her in place. They kicked the back of her knee, forcing her to kneel. The wave of shock then ceased and Mary fell forward, taking in sharp shallow breaths. She then picked herself up again, staying on her knees.
“Did you really think I would never find out what was going on between you two? What you think you are to each other,” Mother pulled away from the desk and lifted Mary’s chin, “what you two do during your midnight duties, how sinful.” She then walked around her and shoved her foot into her back. Making her fall forward again.
“Mother she’s had enough, this is my fault not hers. Discipline me instead!” Lilian yelled, trying to get back on her feet.
“Oh no, you're misunderstanding this, daughter. This isn’t a punishment, it’s an ultimatum,” Mother said. She kneeled and picked Mary up by her hair, then pulled a knife from her boot, “let’s see how much you really care about those kids.” She grinned, holding up the knife to her neck.
Lilian lunged again, “No! Stop!” She screamed. Mary gritted her teeth as she held still, feeling the warm metal on her neck.
“Now, you have two choices,” Mother continued, “do as I say or I kill your worthless mistake. Decisions, decisions, what will you choose.”
Sweat rolled down Lilian’s nose and dripped to the carpet, her mind filled with memories of Mary. Her smile and laughter filled her head, memories of them together sped through her thoughts. Her mind then pictured the children, their lifeless bodies littering the floor. And Abby and Mei, her sisters she swore to protect. They’re all just kids.
A cough forced through Mary’s throat, “s-so that is all? If I am deceased, will the children live?”
Mother hesitated, then gave Lilian a wicked smile, “yes, I can arrange that.”
Lilian leaned forward, “Mary, stop.”
Mary let out an agitated laugh, “Oh Lilian, the answer should be simple.”
Tears pricked the corners of Lilian’s eyes as she started to choke up, “M-Mary I…I can’t do this to you.”
“I know you can’t,” Mary smiled, “so I’ll save you the trouble.”
“Mary, what—”
“You know what to do.”
Lilian’s heart fell deep within her soul as Mary pushed the knife against her throat. In one swift motion, she turned her neck, the blade easily gliding through her neck like butter. The opaque red fluid rushed out, pouring itself onto a puddle on the carpet and spraying a layer onto Lilian’s clothes. She tried to scream, but instead, blood seeped into her tongue, infecting it with a warm iron taste.
The guards holding Lilian stood in shock and fear. They took a few steps back, dropping Lilian in the process. She fell to her knees with her eyes locked on Mary, they were wide and too stunned to move away. Her vision began to blur and shake as hot tears rolled down her cheeks and slowly dripped off of her face. She watched as Mary held her neck, the life in her eyes quickly drained from her until it was all gone. The nerves in her body slowly depleted and her hands dropped. Silence filled the room once more until Mother sighed.
“Well wasn’t that a sight. I’ve never witnessed anyone have the courage to take their own life for someone else. Guess she wasn’t so worthless after all.”
Mother let go of Mary’s hair, sending her head to the ground. It landed in the small pool of red with a soggy squishing sound, sending a splash to Lilian’s face. Lilian gasped, her eyes wondering about the corpse. A revolting feeling came from her stomach and launched up her throat, then out of her mouth.
Mother grimaced, “You couldn’t kill her, now you can’t even stomach her death? You’re pathetic.”
Lilian balled her hands into a fist as anger boiled within her. She looked at Mother and pounced in her direction. One of the guards quickly grabbed hold of her before she clawed at Mother’s face. The other guard blinked and helped hold the raging being. Mother took a step back before she recollected herself, “honestly, I did you a favor, Lilian. Love is a form of weakness, it’s a distraction from your current goal. Look at you, attacking me for a maid. A maid for heaven’s sake!”
Lilian fought against the guards, “You wouldn’t know anything about love!”
Mother laughed, “Of course I wouldn’t,” she said, walking closer, “because I would never let something so foolish ruin my life.”
“No, you’re just scared, because you know no one in this world would love you if they knew who you really are.”
Mother’s face scrunched in dismay, “how dare you talk to your Mother like that!”
“You’re not my mother, you’re a skank Samara!”
Mother raised her hand and striked Lilian’s cheek. She yelped and the force sent her to the side, her body relying on the guards to hold her.
“How dare you disrespect your mother, and you have the audacity to have my name flow through your mouth with such ease. To think I believed in you,” Mother sighed, “get her out of my sight and to the dungeon, I want her dead by sunset. Oh and get someone to take care of this mess before it starts to smell.”
“Y-yes ma’am!” The guards stammered and slung Lilian’s arms over their shoulders, then dragged her out of the room just as they did to Mary.
They walked through the mansion with Lilian’s head hanging from her body. Voices let out discrete gasps and thousands of whispers as they passed, but none of it reached Lilian’s ears. Her mind stayed on the sight of Mary’s body and the silent screams that she so desperately tried to release. In what seemed like mere seconds, the guards threw Lilian into a cold, wet, cobblestone cell. They slammed the bar door shut and locked it, then quickly scurried away. Once they closed the dungeon door, the space became pitch black.
Droplets of water plopped into a puddle nearby as Lilian lay in her isolation, her body too weak and miserable to move. Each drop reminding her of Mary’s blood dripping into its own spill. Her lifeless body still sprawled on Samara’s carpet. A lump rose into her throat as she choked with tears. She screamed, sending echoes of her voice to the deepest depths of the dark prison.
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgGlX01ORk
