A Work of Art

Come and Go

The preparation lasted only a few minutes. Alexandra was content to rest in the car, idly wiping her blade clean with her weighted cape. Outside, Seraphim performed a few last-minute stretches, encouraging the others to do the same. Reikas could only take a few deep breaths, slowly realizing the gravity of the situation. Standing on top of the hill, staring at the base was Eden, scoping out the place. The cameras in their eyes focused, and a minute later they returned to the group.

“23 guards. Only 2 of them look cybered up, though I can't tell if there's any subdermal implants in the rest. Didn't see Duet or Sairo, but they're probably upstairs. It's weird, they look like they're… partying? They're drinking shitty beer and playing Whipper's newest album. From the way they're talking, I honestly don't know if they know what they're even doing.”

“Excellent,” Alexandra exclaimed, stepping out of the car and slamming the door. “Eden, was it? Stay here and monitor the area. If anything comes, call for us. Seraphim, Reikas, we go in together. Remember, we're new recruits. Just follow my lead when I speak.”

The now soothed Reikas rolled his eyes with a pout. “I wanted to lead…” A light thrust at him with the sheathed cane-rapier was enough to snap his mind back to the mission. He wasn't sure if the whiff was intentional or not. Eden sat on the hill, keeping an eye out as Seraphim guided the others down the hill, holding Alexandra's hand.

Before long, they stood in front of the monument. The holes in the walls served as homemade windows, the transparent purple currents juxtaposed the drab, beige concrete. Graffiti and building information clashed for canvas space. An unreadable signature covered partially by “BUILDING #56, NOT IN USE” exacted its revenge by climbing over it once again. The tags left a splash of color to the beige walls and gray garage door, with a normal-sized brown wooden door directly next to it. Grass and gravel lined the path between warehouses, and atop them sat a variety of people in folding chairs, chugging alcohol and talking casually. Few took note of the crew.

Alexandra forced her hand out of Seraphim’s grip, instead opting to find her own way around. She marched towards the building, feeling it all over with her cane, searching for a way in. A few gang members (and Reikas) chuckled at her search before a man walked up to her. He stared at her face as it grew red, muttering curses under her breath. After being sufficiently entertained, he cleared his throat.

“Can I help ya, doll?”

The fencer's head immediately snapped to attention. Had her sight not been taken, she would've been intimidated by the man's stature; he stood a solid 5 inches over her at 6’4, and had the muscular physique to match. His tanned skin helped highlight the plentiful scars along his arms and face, and his black tank top and jeans showed off more of his powerful build. A shaved head and several missing teeth tied the look together. Even without being able to see, she could smell the alcohol on his breath, and the quiet sloshing of liquid in a can. Alexandra, undeterred, cleared her throat.

“Yes. We're new recruits. This is our first assignment.” Reikas and Seraphim ran over to her side, standing at attention.

“New meat? Hmm. Who sent ya?”

Alexandra turned towards Seraphim, giving her a light nudge with her elbow. “Yes, Sera, who sent us?”

“Uh…” Seraphim began. “I… don't know. We were told his name wasn't important and to not ask.”

The man stroked his non-existent beard for a few seconds. “Didn't think the boss took ‘er security that seriously nowadays. Can't say I don't see why. Although, you don't look the type she'd be into.” He pointed towards Seraphim. “Ehhh, maybe you, I understand. But you two, I don't see potential.”

Alexandra gripped her cane tight, taking a deep breath before responding. “You really wish to question her choices?”

“Heh. Guess not.” The man took another sip before walking away. He took a few steps, then turned back towards the group. “Oh yeah. Beer's inside if you want some. The package is upstairs. Don't touch it. We'll know. And uh, might wanna work on your subtlety. Diane likes the quiet types, and y'all are obvious as hell.”

Before he could be questioned about his statements, the man walked away, resuming a conversation with the other gang members. The three eyed each other before proceeding inside. The interior was as colorful as the outside, going for a “function over aesthetic” design. Boxes of wood, cardboard, and metal littered the place, each hiding their contents. The flat concrete floor made the trio's footsteps echo as they approached the ladder leading to the landing that masqueraded as the 2nd floor. Guarding the ladder was a white man with pale skin, dressed in a black trenchcoat and combat boots. Reikas trudged towards him, desperately trying to keep his intimidated feelings inside. His eyes glanced over the black buzzcut and sunglasses before taking a deep breath. The others watched from the door, holding beers in an attempt to blend in, several feet away.

“Hey there, Punisher. Mind if we uh, scoot by you? We have to… um…” Reikas’ thoughts trailed off as the figure inspected him without a sound. A quiet “hmph” left him as he flicked his wrist upward in a dismissive manner. He returned to the women, not trying to hide his disappointment. “So, big guy won't move. Anyone else got-”

A short melody began playing from his pocket. Confused, Reikas dug out his phone and flipped it open. A short text message from Eden.

“Guys please hurry. I have to come now. Get her and hurry out front, abt 3 minutes til we need to leave”

It was Seraphim who read the text aloud. She stared at the ground, contemplating. Frankly, it was impressive they got this far with just bullshitting their way inside. How much longer would this luck hold out? Is it worth pressing it while in the middle of their target? After a moment of internal debate, she relented. Seraphim muttered something to Alexandra, who simply nodded. Then, cupping her hands around her mouth, she cried out.

“Hey, big guy!”

The guard stirred. “What do you w-”

That single moment of distraction and noise was all Alexandra needed. A quick longer forward and a swing of her now-revealed rapier hit its mark of the man's neck. He didn't even have time to scream before gargling on his own blood, falling over. Alexandra sighed, cleaning her blade on her cape as Seraphim ran to the door, barricading it with her body. The latter pointed at Reikas.

“You, go get the two,” she demanded. Snapping out of his trance for a brief moment, he dashed up the latter, searching desperately for the hostages. After shoving a few boxes aside, he found them, hidden underneath a pile of empty boxes, only a small hole able to give them oxygen. An Indian woman, dressed in a colorful, fancy dress with ruffles and rips, sitting on the floor. Clutched tightly to her chest was a sleeping baby boy, wearing only a light blue blanket. Both of their necks had a black collar prominently displayed, a green dot flashing every few seconds. A few seconds of struggle from Reikas and they fell to the ground. He stomped on them, destroying them before offering a hand to help the woman up.

“Duet. I'm uh, Reikas. We're gonna save you. Please hurry.”