The Rising - Ennead 2

Scene 10.5: What the Heart Wants

Entry #151

I got the Magi's file. The White Rabbit, the big deal magus I'm supposed to hunt? He's the same one that killed Levi!

I can't tell if this tingle I've been feeling all day is excitement or fear. I've been waiting for this so long! I almost thought it wouldn't happen before I couldn't serve as a hunter anymore. In two years, I'll be too old. They watch 16 year old Tweakers more carefully just 'cos they're adults and "combat ready".

I've been combat ready since forever.

But first, before I get a lucky rabbit's foot: his file says something rather interesting. The Witch has a daughter, and... she's Magi too!

I lost my faith that night at the memorial, ironically in one of the world's most beautiful churches, but today I admit I might have been wrong. There is a God, and he knows the same thing I do, Magi are corruption itself, everything they touch is corrupted, and I'm the one who's meant to do the cleansing.

The girl will die first... and anyone connected to her. I won't leave the bunny even a hair of anyone he loves. Then I'll find him afterwards and watch him, see if he'll break like a normal person. If he does, I'll strike. If he doesn't...

I will still take his head.

The spots for number 10 and 11 are itching in anticipation.

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The following part is picked from the prologue to Scene 5 from the first book of The Rising. Please note that the narrative style changes a bit from here on out.

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Manuela

I've been tracking the Magus for a while. She's tricky, but I'm good at what I do. She actually thought she'd be able to shake me... how silly.

My scope is my best friend up here, 15 klicks away from the target. I believe she's coming to meet a contact. Knowing Magi that "contact" is a Daemon or someone corrupted. I will make sure I get rid of them all; my duty demands no less of me.

Ah, I see her now... and her associates. I hum softly as my mind reaches for the probability fabric. Humming always makes it easier to tweak.

I'll take care of the associates first. They think they're so sly, trying to make a drop under my watch.

The witch's friends will go first and then her. Even if she runs, I'll always find her, and she'll never even know who I am. They may call me a kid, but I'm a damn good Tweaker. Who cares if I just became a teen? I've followed this target over thousands of miles and six different time zones

When the time is right, I pull as hard as I can on the framework of chance. A series of improbable events occurs, a series of unfortunate events to be more precise. Tempered glass becomes a million sparkling missiles. There's not going to be any way for them to pick out all that glass in time to avoid bleeding out.

No way out for the corrupted.