Dead And Alive

Chapter 1

On the outskirts of the city of Loneville,

The full moon dazzled like a pearl in the deep night sky. Silvery white moonlight was cast on the trees and sprinkled on the ground. When the night breeze passed through the trees, the rustling leaves felt like the whispers of the trees.

Two men are walking down a lonely path shaded by tall trees. The short guy, maybe in his 20s, was carrying a bag on his back and walking ahead while holding a torch. Behind him, a man in his late-30s was holding a packet and a bottle of alcohol in his hand. Their faces are concealed by masks. The sound of their footsteps pierced the silence.

"Boss, why do we have to give him the money he asks for?".. Can't we just beat the shit out of him if he disturbs us?" the short guy asked with frustration.

"I know it's your first job, but I didn't know you would be this stupid."

The short guy looked at his boss in a confused state.

"We have to work as a ghost and make sure not to leave any traces that will lead back to us," the boss said.

"But wouldn't it be better if we knocked him out and finished the job?"

The boss smiled and asked, "You must have enjoyed your life till now, huh?"

"What. w. w. why?"

"The person who gave us this job, we must follow his instructions at any cost. If we do not follow and that becomes the problem for him, then" The boss looked at him and said, " He will make you feel as if you were never born in the first place. "

"..."

"So, shut your mouth and do the job."

"Yes, sir."

**

The wind howled in the night. The cold iron fences creaked with even the slightest brush of wind. The grass is old, and brown leaves are scattered almost everywhere. Many large inscribed stones stand above the ground. These headstones contain the details of the person sleeping beneath them. A place where people can sleep peacefully. A graveyard.

The atmosphere is pitch black, and the moon offers illumination. A man with a big tummy was sitting on a chair near the entrance of the graveyard. He is wearing a uniform-like dress, which says he is the keeper of this grave.

He is sleepy. His head is not listening to him as it is shaking due to drowsiness. He jerks suddenly after hearing the footsteps. He saw that two men were approaching him. He stood up, waved his hand, and started walking towards them. Three of them came close to each other.

"What took so long, mate?" I'm waiting past my working hours, you know... you guys better give me a little extra than what we talked about." The grave keeper asked hurriedly.

The boss was irritated by the grave keeper's speech and said, "Listen, scumbag... if you act like this, I don't think you'll be getting anything."

"Oh-oh, mate. I'm just asking, you know. Give me the money, and I'll be on my way."

The boss glanced at him once more before pushing the bottle and money towards him.

"Hehe, Thanks, mate. Do whatever you want, but please don't leave any extra work for me."

"If that's the case, then get out of here."

The grave keeper walked away happily while checking the amount in the packet. He smirked and muttered,

"That's a lot of money, idiots."

Suddenly, he heard a voice from behind. The short guy loudly said,

"Remember, whatever happens here needs to stay here. If it leaks, then my boss will make sure you won't be seeing the next day."