MANIAC - Hatred & Love (Book 1)

Chapter 9

------------------------------------------------------

PART 2: THE ALTERATION

------------------------–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Aidan flashed a bright smile as he regarded both curious strangers and acquaintances. It was the Annual AA-meeting: Time for anonymous assassins to associate. It all started with A:s. The signs stating that this was the property of 'Pacific Grove High' had been covered with a new sign that read 'Congratulations on your abstinence'. Aidan couldn't help but snort at the phrasing. It was the most ridiculous thing Aidan had seen this week – And that said something. 

The old high-school gymnasium now looked more like a ballroom or fancy club – what you'd see in a James Bond movie or just any classic action movie where the main character usually ends up with a cover to assassinate or spy on a rich target. Eh, those movies are preposterous. So unrealistic... 

Aidan was surrounded by hundreds of fellow killers and to make his status clear, he took off the hood of the sweater he was wearing underneath his leather-jacket. As he did so, he revealed his black-dyed hair – a token of his devotion. The black hair showed that he belonged to NOCA – one of the hinger ranked gangs. 

People stole glances at him, trying to mask their admiration. There was a look of both envy and respect in their eyes. Of course, they didn't know that Aidan Manac was Maniac, nor did they know his last name (then his identity would be obvious). Just being a member of NOCA was impressive enough for them to gawk. Gawk discreetly. 

The system of identity in the Dark World worked a little differently from Hollywood. Sure, NOCA might be famous, as was Maniac – but only in an unofficial sense. It was the name that carried reputation and awe, while the true identity behind the name remained hidden. The only thing that was publically known was that Maniac was NOCA's ace. Just like it was now known that someone that went by the name Red, was Hunter's new ace. 

The only slight identification that the gangs of the Dark World had come up with through the years, was the trade-mark hair color. Everyone didn't dye their hair though, only the ones who felt like they wanted to show who they belonged to – challenging, cocky and in pride. 

Aidan grabbed someone's hand and shook it confidently while keeping that smile plastered on his face. He had no idea who the dude was, but that didn't really matter. He pretended he did. 

"Nice to see you here!", the man said.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss this for the world!"

They laughed courteously.

Now you might be wondering: Isn't it risky for rivals to meet in the open, being vulnerable? Why don't they just kill eachother on the spot? First of all, the risks weren't as high as you would believe. It's just stupid and careless to attack in a room full of assassins, not knowing who is on your side and not. You might be attacked afterwards, but for now, it's a chance to establish those allies needed for future missions and attacks. Also, you'd have no idea who is who, their skills and their allegiance. Naturally, there was a risk though, despite being small. But to tell you the truth, that was most of the fun. It was exciting – a game of hide and seek, a dare. Being so close, yet choosing not to do anything and instead conceil your distrust with a foxy smile, well, that was just a part of the shrewd assassin-life.