It was like any other day in this cesspool of a city, the shadows crept across the night looking for another pour soul to take. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLKowJ3VzU
I was that shadow and the pour soul was my paycheck for the week.
I eye him across the bar smoking a cigar with some choice women. Downing the last of my drink, I cross the busy dance floor towards the target.
“Excuse me, sir.”
“Huh, who are you and why do you disturb me?”
“My name doesn’t matter, but what does matter is this.”
I slide him a note with some money.
“I see….so you’re the buyer. You look….cleaner than what I expected.”
“We don’t want to draw attention right?”
“Heh, you’re right.”
He put out his cigar and sent the ladies away. We caught up and traveled to the drop-off point.
We arrive at a parking lot without any cars but his own, at least, I think that the silver exotic car is his.
“The item you purchased is in the back of the car. It cost me more than you can imagine, I hope you sick freaks appreciate what I do for you.”
“….Right, are you sure want to insult….us.”
“I don’t care, just take It and go.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyuMxJ8QB1
I think I’ve heard enough, this is a good place to end things.
I take out my gun and put two shots in his kneecaps.
“AAARGH! W-What are you doing! We had a deal, do you have any idea what will happen if I die?!”
I stroll past him to the car while putting the last bullet through his skull.
“Now, what was he hiding?”
I open the trunk to find a small tied-up child no longer older than 14.
“The hell….I need some answers.”
I grab my phone and dial my client. After a moment her voice burst from the phone.
“Did you kill him, is he dead!?”
“Yes, but you didn’t tell me you had a child.”
“What?! What are you talking about, I never had a child by that scum of a man.”
“I found a young child inside his car’s trunk so I assu-”
“You know what, I don’t want to know what else that freak has fucked. As long as he’s dead I don’t care, I’ll forward the money to your account. Never call me again.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGMGmm7KTb
The…troubled women hanged up before I could ask anymore. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOl7rmCHU6
Whatever, it has nothing to do with me. I untie the kid and place him in the backseat while dumping the body in the trunk. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdfyuJEGR5
It will be a long drive but at least this is over. I get into the car, hijack it and drive towards the usual river.
“Ugh….”
Along the way I hear mumbling in the back, it was only a matter of time. I pull over and wait for the kid to wake up. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc3FtDlcIe
“Mmm, w-where am I….who-”
“My name’s not important. Sorry to say but you were kidnapped by the guy now dead in the trunk.”
The boy looked at me with shock and fear, as expected. I give him a moment to take it all in.
“So…you saved me?”
“….I suppose so. What’s your name kid?”
“You first.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx65Tm1232k
“*Sigh* Chris, happy?”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ10xyK7G5S
“My name is Matthew.”
Chris- “Okay, who are your parents so I can return you.”
Matthew- “My father is….”
Chris- “Come on kid, who is he?”
Matthew- “…Gallow.”
My eyes widen at the mere mention of the name. My breath quickens and my heart doubles in speed, it can’t be.
Chris- “W-What….did you say?”
I swallow spit before contemplating what this means. I should give up on throwing the body. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMZfre0F05
I return to the road and begin driving to a place I never thought I would go, the Gallows.
The drive is silent, I refuse to upset the son of THE crime lord. Still, what’s will that sad expression I catch ever so often in the rearview?
Ignore it, better safe than sorry. Soon enough, I approach the black tower with hanging bodies at the gate. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8Eb9OxfVx
Chris- *Sigh*
I get out of the car with my hands up and carefully walk towards the gates. Two armed guards immediately come out to greet the stranger.
“Who are you and what’s your purpose? You have 10 seconds.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQTKoaimU0
Chris- “I found and saved the son of the Gallow. The kidnapper is dead in the trunk. I’m just doing my duty to the great crime lord.”
The left guard leaves to report I assume while the other keeps his sights on me. I stood still as a statue until the guard came back with a dozen more men.
“You’re story checks out, the men following you and the kidnapper verifies the tale.”
The leader of the squad told two men to take the body out of my trunk while another two escorted the kid out of the car.
“You’re in luck, Gallow wants to reward you for doing his work for him.”
I nod while keeping my hands up. The guards escort me to the top of the black tower.
Along the way, I noticed just how dark the inside is with only purple lines lighting the corridors. It looks more like the belly of a beast than a building built by men.
What is Gallow? Ever since that devil of a man took charge, everything has become orderly but the feeling of death still clouds the city. It’s stronger here, the madness is within the walls waiting to get out. I could almost see the screaming souls trapped in this hell.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO2pXXMbuh
My eyes can’t pull away from the sight. I-
“We’re here.”
My mind returns, I’m back in reality. The walls return to normal darkness and I stand before the golden door.
They open the door to reveal a room that contrasts with the rest of the tower. A golden room filled with warm light yet…no life exists here.
The feeling of death still lingers heavy here. I scan the area to find where Gallow might be but all I find is an empty seat in the center of the room. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIdVai7GYB
“I want to thank you for saving my son.”
I frantically look around the room, looking for the source of the demonic voice. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpSwrj1zLX
Gallow- “Don’t bother, people like you can’t see me. I assume you expect a reward for your good deed.”
The atmosphere seems to get heavier with every word he breaths out. I try to calm my erratic heart but I can’t break his hold on my existence. Eventually, I nod instinctively to his question and immediately regret it. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ9WQQ0Udu
Gallow- “I see, then I am obligated to add you to the No Harm List for your deed.”
Chris- “W-Wha-”
I quickly cover my mouth, I can’t reject his offer. But…THE List?
Gallow- “Do you not like my gift for you? Are rejecting me?”
Chris- “N-No, I gladly accept your gift.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw2gOidqTA
I blurt out the correct words expected of me before the growing pressure pops my lungs.
Gallow- “Good.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEqYJorvHP
*Snap*
The two guards quickly push me to the ground while another one brandishes…a flaming rod!
I’m too scared to protest, the flaming rod with strange symbol inches closer. Eventually, it's pressed hard against my palm.
Chris- “!!!!”
I bite my lip until blood trickles down my neck. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of hearing me scream.
When it was done a symbol of a…crow-like thing burnt into my skin.
Gallow- “Welcome to the No-Harm List. I assume you understand what it means to be on there.
The guards let me up, I stand up and nod.
Gallow- “Good, I’ll see you out.”
*Snap*
I blink for a second and somehow I’m back at the entrance, in front of the car.
I don’t even care about what just happened. I collapse on the ground exhausted from the ordeal, trying to catch my breath as my life returns to normal. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotMv2fKGR7
Chris- “What the hell is that monster, I thought I was going to die. My….body feels like jelly.”
I force myself into the car and breath a sigh of exhaustion. I look at my hand contemplating what this means for my future. I’m practically invincible in this city, no one would dare refuse me now.
Chris- “Whatever, I’m too tired for this crap. I’ll think about it tomorrow.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ1G3XQ93R
I drive towards the usual river again and dump the car before setting it on fire. My home base is not far from here, I walk through the empty smoke-covered streets towards the subway entrance. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj4kNybyox
*Stomach Growl*
Chris- “Maybe a meal first.”
I turn to my left to find an open convenience store. I enter the brightly lit building and pick up 3 packs of Powered Donuts. They can hold me until I get home.
I go to check out and ask for the price.
“35.99”
Of course, prices would increase when I’m not that liquid. I scratch my hair in frustration until I remember what’s different. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCzfdmRS3d
I hold up my palm towards the cashier and his face goes pale.
“I-I mean it’s free! Please take as much as you want from my store sir.”
I’m taken aback by the sudden change but I guess that’s the power of this mark.
Chris- “Nah, I’ll just take this and go.”
The man thanks me and bows repeatedly as I walk back out into the city streets.
Chris- “This mark might be the best thing that has happened to me.”
I walked through the darkness of the city and the subway underground until I came across an opening in the walls.
I opened the door that looks like a normal wall, concealing my home.
Chris- “What a day.”
I threw the empty donut packs in the trash can near the entrance. Too tired to cook food, I stumbled towards the makeshift bed and succumbed to the sudden weakness. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBs60KxPOx
[Next Early Morning]
*CRASH*
I shoot up from my bed as I realized I was not alone. I quickly grabbed my gun still on my person.
Chris- “If you know what’s good for you, step out.” 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCAayEfIaH
They must still be near the entrance, this place has few blind spots.
Walking towards the sound of the fallen trash can, I kept my gun drawn, ready for anything.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKelU65QR2z
*Beep*
*Beep*
*Beep*
Chris- “Oh shi-”
I quickly grabbed the small bomb, threw it outside, and closed the door hoping for the best.
*BOOOM*
I open the door slowly and notice a small crater outside my home.
Chris- “Good thing it was a small bomb but who would attack me with this mark?”
Many names come to me, people who would want me dead. However, none of them know where I live or have the balls to attack someone marked.
Chris- “There’s only one way to find out.”
I grabbed my other gun along with a knife and conceal them.
Chris- “Been a while since I went somewhere fully armed. Feels good. Now I just need to get some makeup to complete the costume.”
After some time, I left my home and headed to that same convenience. When I got close enough I began the operation.
Chris- “Help! I need some pain relievers!”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0cTk2r9j7
The store clerk went pale due to my bloody appearance and staggered walk. I showed him my mark to make sure he helps.
Chris- “Some fool didn’t realize I had a mark, don’t make the same mistake.”
“Y-Yes of course, take any pain pills you need.”
Chris- “Good, I need your bathroom too.”
“By all means, do what you need to do.”
I limped through the store grabbing the pills that would be appropriate for my wounds. After that, I head to the bathroom and waited for the attacker in the middle stall while leaving a surprise in the last one. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwLv9l3hQ4
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm049EVe91U
Eventually, I heard the door open and the steady footsteps of the one tried to kill me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rjMGB7plK
Chris- “Damn what the hell was that? Don’t they know I’m on the No-harm list! Next time I’ll be ready to kill him!”
The figure kicked down the last stall door only to find my recording device.
Before he could realize what happened I shot through the middle stall. I heard the sound of something collapsing, bullseye.
I exited the stall and entered the last one to find a man in black clothes and a bullet in the head. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zZq7seu3F
Chris- “I’m too good of a shot, sometimes I frighten myself.”
Damn, I don’t know who he is or why he would attack despite the mark.
I search the body to find anything that could identify him and I only find one thing.
Chris- “What the fuck is this?”
On his palm….a mark, THE mark.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENhsiHvQWP
Chris- “Why? Is this a loophole?”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFTfWhIVcz
I guess it makes sense, the only ones that can harm people on the list are the others on the list.
Chris- “But why attack each other? Is everyone else just a psychopath? This might not be worth it after all.”
I rip off a part of his clothes and wrap it around my hand until I get a glove. I grab my recorder and exit the bathroom.
Chris- “Thanks for the help, there’s a body in the back so maybe you should take of that. I’m sure that’s not the first or the last.”
The clerk still pale nods as I leave the store.
Chris- “Now what?”
*Stomach Growl*
All this excitement made me forget I haven’t eaten a good meal. Maybe there’s a restaurant nearby.
Looking around I do find a normal-looking cafe. It’s oddly clean for this city, maybe even buildings get marks.
I enter with a bell ringing above me. Sitting down near the back and havinga good view of the exits, I order breakfast and this time I don’t use the mark. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9RJs9Ixwj
“Here’s your order of eggs and pancakes with syrup.”
Chris- “Thanks.”
I begin digging into the sweet goodness but my mind can’t focus on it. Will I have to live my life in fear again all because of this damn mark? Why is Gallows allowing this?
*Ringing Bell*
I quickly look up to see who came in and to my surprise, it’s a beautiful brunette girl. Her medium-length hair still flows with morning air, it’s quite the sight.
I thought all women in this city were either ally scum, whores, or dead. This…is out of the ordinary.
She tells the waiter her order before sitting down, to my further surprise she seems to be walking to my table.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK7lGHExSl
The brunette sits in front of me but just looks out the window without saying a word.
“Here’s your order of bacon and sausage.”
“Thank you very much.”
Even her voice sounds innocent but there’s something else behind that smile...something-
“I’m impressed.”
I return to my senses to notice the women talking...to me?
Chris- “About?”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD25A48Z5N8
“You took care of him well, headshot of all things.”
I put down my forks and place my hands near guns ready for anything.
Chris- “Who are you?”
She takes off her black gloves that I failed to notice and revealed a mark.
“My name is Cheshire but you can call Tress. I have a proposition for you Chris.”
Chris- “How do you get my name.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRDt18Uz7p
Tress- “You look like a Chris, that silver shaggy hair and that young but old look. It was just a guess.”
Chris- “Right...what’s stopping me from ending this conversation early.”
I take out my gun and tap her slender leg with it.
Tress- “You’re not the only one with a hard one.”
I feel something hard and cold tap my leg. I guess we’re at a stalemate for now.
Tress- “Unless you want to commit double suicide with me like some tragic romance, I ask that you at least me out.”
Chris- “…Fine, but they stay out. I have no problem with a tragedy if it comes to it.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilqND3AsVo
Tress- “Commando it is. I assume you’ve figured out the loophole.”
Chris- “Yeah.”
Tress- “Good, well did you know that it’s been a very long time since the last marked one?”
Chris- “No.”
Tress- “You break the fragile balance that the rest of us have. Numbers still decreased but there’s no outright war.”
Chris- “Why are you psychos even fighting? You have ultimate freedom in this city, why throw it away?”
Tress- “Aside from…Gallow…the only thing limiting that freedom is each other. At least that’s the general reason, there might be more. In end, we just can’t trust each other to not use the loophole.”
Fear and Greed.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM11VapMz8
Of course, that would drive these people to do this.
Chris- “Okay, so what’s your proposition?”
Tress- “Make an alliance with me. Others have done it and you don’t want to get on their bad side.”
Chris- “I don’t know you or trust you. If you want some protection why not ally with those others you spoke of?”
Tress- “Well, let’s say that they don’t like me anymore.”
Chris- “So survival is the goal.”
Tress- “It’s one of them, it’s the only one you need to worry about.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fgBSFaG3j
Tress- “You don’t have to know me, I protect you and you protect me. Trust can come later when I save you for the 100th time.”
Having a partner could take some of the stress off my shoulders. I guess we’re just using each other for survival but one question remains.
Chris- “What happens if we end up being the last two on the list?”
Tress- “Assuming you don’t trust me by that point we could fight it out to death or…”
She moves her foot and begins to rub me in a sensual manner.
Tress- “We can use each other in another way.”
Chris- “Assuming you don’t find someone else.”
Tress- “Better get some practice in before then huh?”
I sit in the pleasure for a while before moving her foot. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknYij0FXxt
Chris- “Fine, I want to survive this conflict as well.”
Tress- “Great, put it there…partner.”
She puts out her marked hand and I put out mine for a handshake. Good thing we have it on opposite hands. Still, I don’t trust her, I’ll prepare for any type of betrayal just in case. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLP24jwIuC
Tress- “By the way, what did you do to get the mark?”
Chris- “Why should I tell you?”
Tress- “Because we’re partners now so we should get to know each other very well.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6qWpBo9aQ
Chris- “Are you going to share your story.”
Tress- “Mmmmm,sure. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”
Chris- “…I…saved a kid.”
Tress- “Oooo, how noble of you. Must have been a special kid.”
Chris- “You have no idea. Now it’s your turn.”
Tress- “Let’s just say, I…slept with the right people.”
Chris- “You’re getting less and less attractive.”
Tress- “That’s what all men say at first before they take me to their bed.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uGFPSX3Hb
Chris- “Of course.”
What the hell have I gotten myself into? I return to my food so I can escape this conversation and it seems she follows suit.
I periodically take a look back at her. Even when eating she looks like a pearl among pigs here, nothing like normal whores. She doesn’t…feel like one either.
No, it’s probably nothing. She’s just way more beautiful than other girls, I can’t let that distract me.
After some time we finished our food and exited the cafe.
Tress- “Now let’s get you some gloves like mine. I assume you know to limit your use of the mark.”408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zBC1vK6Vb
Yep, still have to do dirty jobs to get by. Terrific.
It didn’t take long to find and equip a nice pair of simple black gloves.
Chris- “I’m going to take on some jobs, you?”
Tress- “Mmmmm, I’ll join you.”
Chris- “I rather work alone.”
Tress- “That went out the window when we shook hands.”
Chris- “Aren’t you worried that the other will figure out about us?”
Tress- “They will either way, let’s do it on our terms.”
Chris- “…Fine, let’s go.”
It will give me a good chance to keep an eye on you. Either way, it wouldn’t take long before our partnership will is tested. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsngZbme5Sj
[End of Prologue]
[Sorry to say but the full story would take more than 10k wordsso I plan to make this a full series when I have time. Thanks for the starting point for this story. Let this be a test for the potential of this idea. It’s fair to disqualify me for this, sorry.]408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcYp3bnPB4
