Chapter 1: Serina

I slowly crept down the long, darkened, desolate alleyway.  The only light came from a single tall lamp post looming near the top of the street.  Its dim light was slowly flickering on and off in a rhythmic pattern, threatening to go out at any given moment, leaving the street to sit alone in the pale silver moonlight as it peeked through the clouds that peacefully drifted through the sky.    

Dressed as black as the night, I had on black ripped jeans that looked as though they should’ve been thrown out long ago, a simple black tank top, a black leather jacket, black combat style boots, black fingerless gloves that went no higher than her wrist, and a simple Silver chain bracelet on my left wrist.  Without the jacket, my ribs could almost be seen as well as a toned stomach from years of training.  Strapped securely to my left side was a Wakizashi, and a seemingly matching Katana- two friends I’ve had for a long while.

My dark clothing contrasted with my fair complexion, almost like that of a vampire's in the dimmed light.  There was but one exit, behind me. The only sound that could be heard was my own footsteps softly padding on the rugged, uneven pavement.  And if you asked me- my heart- pounding loudly in my chest.  I went about in such a manner it seemed as if I were melting into the shadows.   

Coming to a stop, about halfway down the alley, staying in the darkness.  

“I’m here as you told me to be.”  I softly called  out into the darkness.  As I spoke, there was an edge to my voice.  

A bone chilling breeze gently swept through the city streets, tousling my long Auburn. hair as it fell over my shoulders, and causing it to sway in the breeze.    Than placing my right hand on  the hilt of my Wakizashi, bracing myself for anything.

Jumping slightly, I sharply turned on my heel to face the soft thud that echoed off the old brick walls built up maybe 20 feet above me- strangely enough no windows.  A tall figure slowly began walking towards me, his features slowly becoming more and more visible.  Towering at least a foot over me, he had a thin frame, and it was obvious he got more sun than I for his skin tone was almost a light tan.  Jet black hair went past his ears.  

“You’re here.” His voice was soft, smooth.

He had some sort of boots due to the rhythmic clicking sound made by them as he continued to advance.  His coat was long, but open to reveal the gleam of some sort of weapon.  Black jeans, in much better shape than mine hugged his waist.  Looking up, I found myself somehow frozen in place by his most striking feature- his icy blue eyes.  A smirk crossed his lips, causing me to snap out of it and take a small step back, glancing around, ready for a trap of some sort before shifting my gaze back to him.

“Relax- you brought the package I’ve requested?”  His voice was relaxed, as though this was a casual affair.

I slowly nod, reaching into my jacket, holding a small box in my hands.  “Good.”  He continued to smirk, lifting his hand to take it.  I inched forward, and handed him the package.  Confusion swept over me suddenly as he snapped his fingers.  “We’ll see if your payment is worth my time now.”  

From somewhere behind me, I heard several sets of foot steps.  I didn’t have to turn to know they were his men.  I didn’t have to wait to hear the following command to know they were there to block my exit and stop me from leaving.  Glancing at the walls, I wondered if I could make the jump and decided even if I could manage to sale a good 10 feet I’d end up a few feet short.

“I brought you your box now may I please go home?”  I said through gritted teeth.

My body tensed as I shifted my weight and prepared to fight.  My right hand slowly made it’s way towards my wakizashi.  I didn’t want to fight and tried not to provoke him.  I refused to face whoever lie in wait behind me but instead watched the man in front of me for a nod or any little signal that might tell his men to advance… that is if he’d disciplined them in any manner anyways.  Otherwise this might just be random timing on their part.

My fingers curled slowly around the hilt, and I swallowed nervously.  

“Why are you doing this.” I demanded.

“Everybody wants you…”  He trailed off, as if thinking for a moment; like he’s looking to phrase his next sentence properly.  “Dead or alive my dear.”  He chimed, almost as if it amused him.

He tilted his head ever so slightly to the side and behind me, I heard four clicks.  “So, four guns.”  I decided.  

“I’m going to give you a few options here.”  He looked at me, an unsettling look in his eyes.  “You slowly turn, and they won’t shoot.  I promise you they won’t miss… but they won’t kill you either. Should you not decide to turn around, it won’t happen.”  

Taking in a deep breath and slowly letting it go, I held his gaze.  

“And option two?”

He shrugged, “When I snap-”  He warned as he lifted his hand.

Had it been close range, these b******s would have already been taken out.  I kept my hand on my wakizashi, expecting orders as I looked up, disappointed to see the clouds to heavy to gaze at the stars.  I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.  

-So I defeat hundreds of people, evade plenty of agencies to go down without a fight.-  Maybe it was better.  I had nobody to miss me after all.  I could stop fighting, maybe I’d forget every last traumatizing thing that’s ever happened to me.  A small smile crossed my lips as these thoughts spun around in my mind.  

Without warning, I felt a pain in my shoulder- it didn’t diminish after a while.  I watched as the people in front of me just turned and walked away.  He had turned me to face him, and smiled a bit.  “Won’t you fight now?”  He’d drugged me- he tossed the box, now opened to the side.

Great- I had the liberty of bringing him my own death.  Lucky me.  I drew my wakizashi, and he smiled as he drew his katana.  Sliding back into a short fighting stance, I watched him closely- wanting him to make the first move.

Withdrawing his long, black katana, he shook his head as a twisted smile crossed his face.  It was too dark to see more than his tall figure looming in front of me.  Taking a stance, he tensed up, ready to spring forward at any given moment.  

He swung high and I slid back, slowly developing a headache probably from whatever it was he’d drugged me with.  

“You’re faster than I thought.”  He smiled, as if impressed.

-You’re more annoying than I thought.-  Was what ran through my head as I swung for his left hip, his blade coming down to block it, the amount of force he’d put into it making it difficult to regain my balance.  That and the dizzy feeling that overtook me now.  

He swung for just below my wrist, confusing me now.  I spun around, but his blade made contact with enough force to just loosen my grip. It hit once more, and caused me to wince as I let go of my blade.  I felt sick.  He moved forward, sheathing his blade.  He grabbed my shirt’s collar and I found myself being slammed into the wall shortly after.

My vision became blurred now, and I swayed on my feet, slowly lifting my gaze, focusing on his shoulders; relying on them to help my predict his last attack.  He suddenly sheathed his blade, and a smile crossed his face as he began to advance upon me.  

Stumbling back a bit, I found my back now pressed to a wall.  Which while panicked me- My legs which were now shaky, had a little support.  Not for long though as my lungs began to feel tight- my breathing restricted.

He laid his hands on my shoulders, pressing me to the wall now, tilting his head as he looked at me.  Holding me up, his hands were warm against my chilled skin.  Looking up as my world began spinning, there was a sharp pain in my stomach, and one of his hands moved to the top of my head, and gently stroked my hair.  Taking a small step back, he waved at me as my vision slowly faded.  I winced as my body hit the ground with a soft thud, and suddenly everything went black.  

-Maybe I’m dead.-  I almost prayed for it as I sank into the abyss.