OLYMPIA

Wilting Rose

Louis didn't want to do it. He doesn't want to return to who he was, all in spite of his hatred of Charles. Even if this might be his one chance to see him dead, his one chance to deliver the punishment he so greatly deserves, he still can't bring himself to let someone die for it.

But someone will die anyways, and that changes everything...

"You said you'll be going regardless of my decision?" he asked to the person he's talking to, the thorn of the Parisian Quintet, Wild Flower.

"...Yes."

"Very well, then..."

...Because if she dies due to his refusal, then that blood will be on his hand. And if his help has the chance to keep her alive, then he will gladly take it.

"Once the clock strikes midnight, every electricity in Charles' compound will shut down, and it will last for about a quarter of an hour. Do it then."

"I understand."

"And, Wild Flower?"

"Yes?"

"Please come back alive..."

But even if this is the one chance he has to keep her alive, he knows his guilt will end up eating him anyways. Just as it always has. Just as it always will.

***

Wild Flower, one of the last surviving members of the Parisian Quintet, has reappeared in Olympia after a four-year long disappearance. The darkness is her cover, the shadows are her allies, and the prince is her target.

She waited patiently just outside the Prince's compound in the island. Hidden in the trees, she can observe many objects of interest that might threaten her endeavor. Dozens of guards litter the grounds long before one can even reach the main building, which houses even more. Charles himself lives deep in this fortress, surrounded by various defenses that no one would ever realistically need. Truly, this is no endeavor that she could handle alone.

However, she is alone. She will be alone. Her only help would come from a distant ally providing technical support, and only the shadows that comforted her four years ago can comfort her now. The clock ticked forward as she continued her watch, waiting for the moment she can attack and pounce on her target.

The clocks ticked as if they're taunting her. Taunting her to act in this instant, irregardless of any plans she may have had. But that is not the way of the Quintet, and so she persevered. She waited for all of the excruciating moment she has to, waiting for her time to attack.

And it finally came.

In less than a second, all lights in the compound turned off along with any alarms or security measures they may have had. The electric doors opened only by passwords and switches will now remain locked, trapping anybody within right where they are.

And so the tiger pounced upon her prey, extending her vines straight towards the main building, avoiding any attention at all. This is a one way trip. Once within the vicinity of the compound, having reached the end of her rope dart, Wild Flower immediately sought cover within the shadows. She can't see into the windows, but she can tell that the people inside are very confused of what's happening. Her only ally has provided her of the floor plans, and so she devised her route. The front door will only take her farther from her target than she needs be, and her target is in the very heart of the building itself. So, instead of breaking it down, guns blazing, she instead threw a smoke grenade towards one of the windows off the side.

As the smoke filled the room, she entered it gracefully, much like a rose grows in the garden. One by one, every person in that room was struck down. Quickly. Quietly. They will not suffer the painful death they should, for there is no time for any more vendettas than she already has.

Every room that followed met a similar fate. She sought to avoid detours for her time is short, and when it comes up she will likely find herself swarmed by enemies in all direction.

Step by step she navigated the huge compound. Step by step she inched closer to her target. Step by step until, finally, she reached the door where he lies.
With all of her strength, she pushed against the heavy door guarding the vile creature that dares call itself 'prince'. And when strength is not enough, she took a small explosive from her arsenal and placed it on the lock. Again and again until the door finally opened.

And he's not there. The room is empty. Vacated.

"Were you expecting someone?" said the voice that echoed through the room. It was the voice of the vile beast. "Does she really think she can get me with this? Or is this meant to be a peace offering?"

Suddenly, the lights turned back on and the windows locked. She can hear footsteps from behind her as a chill ran down her spine.

"Either way, I'm gonna enjoy myself tonight," said the prince, smiling from ear to ear.