Zero Chronicles

Chapter Twenty Four

Somewhere inside of a hospital.Zero and Anya were quietly sitting in the lobby.Zero was reading a newspaper while Anya was playing with a handheld game console.Other people were busy with their own business but unknown to them,the two Agents glances every once in awhile at the people that pass by.They carefully observe not only patients but the doctors and nurses as well.While pretending to be reading,Zero talks to Anya but doesn't make eye contact.She does the same as she plays her video game.They talk quietly so that others wouldn't hear what they were talking about.

Zero:Have you seen anything weird?
Anya:Nope.I scouted floors one to three but found nothing.What about you?
Zero:Same.There wasn't anything suspicious in the remaining floors.
Anya:Well,it's been only a day since we started the mission.Let's think about our next step.
Zero:No.I think we should sweep the entire building again.More people will die if we don't do anything.
Anya:Zero,I understand but rushing in without a plan will get even more people killed.
Zero:R-right.Sorry...(murmurs)

Anya stops playing and finally looks at Zero.He looks back in surprise.

Zero:W-what is it?
Anya:You've been tense lately.Did something happen?
Zero:Oh.Well...I honestly don't know.I'm not feeling anything if that's what you're asking.
Anya:I see.Nevermind then.

Anya continues playing and ends the conversation.As she plays,she couldn't help but think about Zero's behavior.

Anya:He hasn't notice it but...Zero's changing.It might be affecting his personality but I hope that doesn't happen.I don't want to lose Zero anymore.(thinks to self)

A flashback starts.Zero and Anya were in an office-like room.Hunter was with them and was reading a file.

Hunter:This time,you'll be investigating a hospital in San Francisco.
Zero:What's the case?
Hunter:Three patients have been reported missing for the past month.The police doesn't have a clue to how these people just disappear without a trace.
Anya:Why do you think this is something the Organization has to solve?
Hunter:Five months ago,other Agents had tracked down several witches in the city.
Zero:Witches huh?
Hunter:They successfully captured all of them except one.We believe that this witch had taken refuge in this hospital and has been restoring her health by feeding on the souls of the victims she took.
Anya:I see.Then we'll do what we can.
Hunter:Good.You're dismiss.

Zero goes to the door and leaves but just when Anya was about to leave as well,Hunter stops her by putting a hand on her shoulder. 

Hunter:I need to talk to you.
Anya:What is it?
Hunter:I can't tell you the details since it's classified.I just want you to look after Zero during this mission.
Anya:Huh? What are you talking about?
Hunter:Please.Just be careful.All I can say is that he isn't the same after Alastor was removed from him.

Anya doesn't understand but nods as a reply anyway before the flashback ends.Back at the present,both of them were still in the lobby and continues to find anyone that was suspicious.After several minutes,Anya starts to get bored and yawns.Zero notice this.

Zero:Do you want me to get you something to drink?(looks at anya)
Anya:Huh? Oh,s-sure.Coffee will do.
Zero:Okay.Be right back.

Zero leaves his seat and exits the lobby to the next room.While Anya was waiting for his return,she notice that a girl was standing in front of her.She was about 8 years old and was wearing a hospital gown.She also had a hat on.Anya tries to ignore her and focus on her game but the girl was staring at her with great curiosity.Anya finally gives in and talks to her.

Anya:What is it? It's rude to stare,you know.(looks at girl)
Little girl:Oh.I was just surprise to see someone new here.
Anya:What are you talking about?
Little girl:I know all the people who come and go since I've been here for a month now.It's good to see a new face around.(giggles)
Anya:I see.
Little girl:So,what are you here for? Visiting someone?
Anya:Something like that.
Little girl:My mom and dad are going to visit me later but I got bored in my room so I decided to take a walk.
Anya:Wait.You're all alone here?