Virulence

Chapter 8 - Lark's First Assignment

The next morning at breakfast Rias slide an envelope in front of me. "This is the details about your first assignment."

I looked at it like it was going to come to life and bite me. I was still training, how was I ready to assassinate someone? Everyone at the table was quiet, keeping their eyes on their food.

"Study it before destroying it." Rias continues, uncaring. "This is a simple assignment that even a child could complete."

I bit back a smartass comment. No sense in getting into an argument over it. Rias left the kitchen after that, not touching anything to eat. It amazes me how little he seems to eat and still have the energy to give me crap.

There was a silent moment after he left, like everyone was waiting for him to get out of earshot before talking again.

Jax scooted closer to me, tucking a strand his now dark blue hair behind his ear. "Well don't keep us all waiting. Who you have to angmor?"

I picked up the envelope and hesitated before opening it. I didn't want to see who I was assigned to kill, fearing that I might know them. I took a deep breath and ripped it open, pulling out a photo clipped to a few sheets of folded paper.

Thankfully I didn't recognize the man in the photo, but that fact didn't settle my nerves any. I handed the photo to Jax before unfolding the paper.

"Charlie R." I read aloud. "Wanted dead by order of the Republic. Considered a danger to the public way of life."

Listed after that was an address of his last known location as well as an overheard picture. I laid the papers down on the table, trying to keep from visibly shaking. While the others chattered about the man's appearance, Zade motioned for me to follow him.

Zade led me out the front entrance of the cave and into a patch of trees before turning to face me. "You think you are going to be able to do this?"

His straight forward question was welcomed, but I still didn't answer right away. Could I be capable of actually killing someone? I figured he was a bad guy from the description but did that mean he deserved a death sentence?

I shook my head, "I don't know Zade."

Zade cupped my face and kissed my forehead. "I believe that Rias is right. You have improved so much since first coming here, and I think you have what it takes."

I kept my eyes on our feet. "At least someone does."

Zade released me before pulling something out of the waistband of his pants. It was a small handgun with a long attachment on the barrel. It looked so tiny in his hands. "I want you to try using this to finish the target."

I took the pistol, looking it over. "What difference does shooting do over using a dagger?"

Zade smirked. "It should be obvious. Besides, This is guaranteed to be quick and painless. If you don't cut deep enough on someone's throat you'll just end up leaving them in severe pain until they bleed out."

I shuddered at the images his words conjured up. "Ok. This sounds like a better plan."

Zade took back the gun before patting my shoulder. "Good. Now let's go practice shooting it."

The rest of the day was spent target shooting. Zade helped me aim down the sights and accurately hit the head almost every time. He didn't let me quit until I had hit the head with the entire clip.

After dinner Zade said he wanted to show me a room in the cave that I didn't realize was there. He led me back to the door next to the holding cell with the worn brass handle. He opened it to reveal a flight of stone stairs cut into the wall.