Business and nothing more [John Smith]

The room was veiled in blackness,something that only allowed him to be more in tune with his element. The element that was the shadows themselves,something that not many could tame with a weak heart. Darkness would overtake the weak and that would lead them to the inevitable madness that awaited in the dark. Images flowed through his mind as he saw what the golem saw,it was to be just another infiltration mission but something went horribly wrong. Before he knew it, a gun was pointed and John was gone before he could give an order. The pain was minute compared to what it would have felt if death were not instantaneous for the golem,like a dagger of pain driven through his skull. Green eyes shot open as lights flashed and pierced the oppressive darkness. ”John....no.” The words were involuntary as was expected when a powerful mental connection was broken, as if a part of him were ripped from this mortal plane. Anthony rose to his feet as he wiped away a stray bead of moisture,a single servant entering the chamber carefully,knowing fully well what the young male was capable of. ”I want the business wing of the house cleared by four.” he said simply before in an instant he stepped as the embrace of shadows covered his entire body. Next thing he knew,he was in his room,almost mechanically putting on his tailored black suit and matching dress shoes. Simply the affects of what had transpired only a few moments ago. It was only another step as he found himself within the conference room,which was a bland room with a long wooden table taking up most of its space. Taking his seat,Anthony pressed a single finger down upon an intercom as he gave the command. ”I want the guest to be escorted here when he arrives.” All he had to do was wait.

It was very rare that John was called out. Normally, a client would go to him. But with the promise of plenty of cash, he couldn't pass the opportunity up. As the large mansion came into view, he cracked his neck. Whatever was worth this much couldn't be easy.

He stepped up to the wrought-iron gate, where he was soon greeted by security personnel. There were no introductions past a solemn "This way", as he was led into the compound. He couldn't help but gaze around. The elegant architecture and obvious sense of style blared out that he'd struck the jackpot with this. Something told him that he'd be set for a while, provided he does the job right.

The guards lead him through corridor after corridor. The long hallways gave way to more as they ventured deeper in. Finally, they came upon a door. The guard opened it for him, and John wasted no time stepping within. The long table was lined with hardback chairs, and at the head sat a young boy who couldn't have been older than himself. Never one for formality, he pulled himself into the seat directly next to the boy. His gun tapped against the wood against his back, and he leaned forward, arms crossed on the table.

He was never one to talk when not needed, so he waited for the boy to speak.

Lips curled into a smirk as the mercenary arrived,right on schedule too as it seemed. ”Punctual,I like that.' He said simply as he interlaced fingers,eyes looking upon the man as one would appraise a weapon of some kind. Assessing its worth before he use it to his work,since stories were not enough to get a result. ”But i'm sure you aren't here to hear me ramble about how hard it is to find good help. I'll get straight to the point.” With a snap of his fingers, a single suitcase was lifted by a tendril of shadow to the table and laid down as it was opened. Inside was a large amount of dollar bills,all hundreds. There was approximately 800,000 in it and he was sure that would entice the man to join him in his little escapade. ” I want you to help me......obtain a certain object and in return I will pay you 800,000 in advance and another when the job is completed. Its a fair deal if you ask me.” The tone being used was a calm one that he used often in deals with mercenaries,something he hated resorting to at the death of his golem. ”What will it be?”

He could see the boys investigating eyes. It was something he'd dealt with for quite a while. He was more than aware of the fact that his appearance betrayed him. To most, he seemed to be a harmless punk. He made it a habit of putting idiots in their places for such underestimations. However, this was 1.6 million dollars. He couldn't risk letting it slip through his fingers.

In seconds, the gun at his right was in his hand. He fired off 5 rapid shots before flipping the gun into the air. As it fell, a blade shot from his wrist, catching behind the trigger of the firearm, causing it to harmlessly spin. Smoke rose from the five bullet holes in the wall, patterned to mimic the points of a star.

As much as I'd kill for that much money, I feel like there's something you're not telling me. What could possibly be so important that you'd resort to hiring me?

The gun continued to revolve around the blade as he awaited the boys reply.

The gun shots resonated within the room,which would have drawn attention but Anthony had enough foresight to tell them no disturbances,no matter what the case. Eyes narrowed as he stood to his feet,stepping behind the young man in what seemed like an instant. 'You're not the average mercenary,I give you that. Most would just nod and take the cash without a second thought,” he said this almost like a praise as he stepped forward a few feet,hands dug deeply into the pockets of his suit. 'Why I need you is very simple. I may be able to do this by myself,it would be inopportune for my family if I did so. Draw too much attention,while your method of getting the job done would be less destructive and possibly more discreet.” This was said with an even tone as he turned towards the man. 'As for what it is,all I know is that it is a weapon of some kind. Could be anything but even I have my orders to follow.” His ribs ached from the last time he failed.

He didn't bother to turn and address the boy directly. So far, he seemed nothing more than a bratty rich kid with supernatural powers. He knew that if the boy would abuse it, he'd be forced to kill him. But as for now, he had no reason to fight.

I can do anything you require of me. I'm assuming that the nature of this weapon isn't exactly normal. But, seeing as you're just a child, you probably weren't well informed. It's a shame, because the more I know, the more likely I'll succeed.

The blade in his gauntlet retracts, and the gun drops with a heavy thud on the hard table surface, undoubtedly scratching the wood. He pushes the chair back and stands, turning and leaning against the table.

However, it's not often I come across a client willing to throw away a mil. I'll take the job. But I want the advance payment held here for now. I'll collect it, along with the rest, after I've finished.

He hated having his age said as if it were some sort of handicap,when he was more intelligent than any sixteen year old out there. ”I'm confident you'll succeed. You're reputation does proceed you after all.' hands straightened a few ruffles out of his suit as he moved his lips into a smooth line. 'I'm pleased you'll take the job though,you won't regret it I promise you.” An air of confidence surrounded the words as he spoke them,foot tapping against the tile as he stood for a second without a word.”If you're ready we can get going,I have a ride out front that can take us to the objective.” Tendrils of shadow crawled as they curled around the suitcase and lifted it towards the man. Following those words and the motion he walked through the long single hallway as he made his way to the front entrance. Long black limousine sitting in the driveway that sat infront of the mansion.

He could see in the boys eyes that his words had gotten to him. Good. John loved nothing more than messing with peoples heads, and he'd found what made the boy tick. He pulled the gun back into the holster and followed him towards the front of the mansion.

You seem to know me. Rather, you've heard of me. I've got to ask, with such wealth, I'm sure you could've hired anyone you wanted. Why me?

His boots clicked along the tiled hallway, echoing through the corridors. He could feel the faint outline of the blade hidden in the sole. If only he'd kept count of how many careless idiots had lost their lives to that single weapon.

He knew damn well that his reputation had boomed since the public execution of a small town mayor. The sheer brutality was enough to send the onlookers reeling in disgust. He had fun wiping the blood clean from his hands with $100 bills.

”Because if I wanted incompetence I would hire someone else. I have heard from reliable sources that you are skilled in what you do and that is the only reason I need.” Anthony said as he crossed arms over his chest as the door to the vehicle opened upon its own volition. Choosing his seat,Anthony waited for the young man to choose before he let the door close. ”We'll be to the job site shortly.” the vehicle began to move as they set off,young blonde man reclining in his seat as he looked through a tinted window. A large spire twinkling in the distance as night began to fall,it would be their target.

He took the opportunity to check over his guns. He set aside the Thompson, eying every aspect of it, from the firing mechanism to the ammo drum attached to the underside. It was dual-chambered. One chamber held SMG rounds. The second held a dozen slugs, which he relied on in close range combat. Nothing was quite as hilarious as blowing a hole through someones abdomen.

Satisfied with Carly, he set her back in her holster, turning his attention to his handguns. Considering these were his pride and joys, he spent a lot of time caring for them. He reloaded the clip from the gun he'd fired earlier, and replaced them in their respective holsters.

Lovely tower. I hope they have cake and punch at the reception. I haven't eaten today.

It had been a very long drive to Los Angeles, one which had only been made all the more enjoyable with Lilia's surrogate sibling, Sheryll, singing at the top of her voice whenever a song would come onto the radio, Lilia would simply laugh along with her delicate chime of a voice...still not capable of catching onto American music, but enjoying the free entertainment nonetheless. The drive to L.A was Sheryll's idea to begin with and of course the meek agent tagged along. It had been a week since the dark haired woman had found an advertisement calling out for any particularly talented dancers to represent their country for some nation-wide competition. Although hesitant at first and certain that her skills were not up to national standards the Russian girl had finally caved in and allowed Sheryll to drag her along on this cross-country drive all the way to the strange competition.

Upon arriving to the destination, an impressive tower which spiralled into the summer sky, Sheryll gave her little sister an almighty grin as she brushed sandy brown hair out of Lilia's porcelain face, pinning it behind blushing ears. This was their first proper trip together that did not involve anything related to Dominus and both girls had made the most of it so far, enjoying the various hotspots and attractions along the way and for the first time in a long time Lilia was simply another teenage girl out having fun, any tragic memory that sought to ruin her day was smothered with the genuine joy she was feeling throughout the long road-trip.

Entering the gigantic tower Lilia silent tip toe like stride elegantly followed Sheryll's more confident and brisk pace, keeping as close as possible as they turned corners and entered elevators. Once they had arrived to the designated floor Sheryll gave her a gentle grin, leading the way to the reception desk "Just remember to smile okay and if they start talking to you... just nod your head," her beaming voice echoed throughout the marble corridor, bright innocent blue eyes stared up into older more relaxed ones, " and you look beautiful, I'm sure you'll do great" Sheryll noted clasping Lilia's petite form around the waist as she gave her a tight hug making the much more delicate female giggle.

Releasing the ballerina from her protective grip Sheryll stretched and exhaled before pointing to a large wooden entrance, "The door is just over there okay, they'll call your name and you dance your little ass off alright?" she laughed with cheeky glee, "I'm just gonna find us a place to stay, if anything happens call me okay", Lilia bobbed her head up and down with a little grin plastered on her peachy lips. Once Sheryll had made sure that Lilia understood what was to be done she plonked a playful kiss on the younger agent's forehead before spinning on her heels and darting off to find accommodation...most likely something 5 star.

Lilia exhaled and quietly sat down on one of the available couches in the waiting room, a few other girls were scattered throughout the well lit air-conditioned room, some dancing to the music that was being played through their earphones whilst others stretched their limbs and contorted their young bodies, making sure that there was going to be zero chance of muscle sprain occurring in their respective auditions. The young agent patted her white skirt down and furiously picked at the lint that dared to stick itself to her stockings which had proven to be successful in covering up the various scars that ruined her otherwise flawless and toned lower body.

It was going to take a while before they were going to call out her name, so the girl sat with legs clenched together and fingers interlaced..content with how things were going so far...

The ride itself would have been more enjoyable if not for the fact that the tension in the air could be cut with a knife,something he was used to but this man was different. He was not a mindless golem that couldn't defy his orders,nor was he John that just couldn't say no but gave delightful conversion on their way to any mission. There seemed to be no possibility that this guy would even try to engage in some conversation, and Anthony found that really boring but that was a common traits within mercs these days. All they wanted was the money,not anything else in their pathetic lives. He would give the money of course but it still depressed him somewhat to have someone working under him that didn't enjoy a little witty banter. Something to stimulate the mind as they prepared to do what they did best,which may seem not as high class as he liked to think it was but it wasn't. So here he was listening to the monotonous hum of the vehicles engine as they drove onward to the objective,legs crossed over each other as he thought of over a dozen plans that involved them breaking into the compound with not too much noise.

In the matter of minutes they were at the place, a large tower that seemed like a marvel that jutted within the urban landscape.. A voice sounded off within a single piece in his ear,mostly explaining the situation,which was that they would be dealing with some sort of ballet thing and the target was in there. Were they kidnapping some sort of ballerina? Anthony never really got into ballet but he had heard that it was pretty cool once you actually got into it;not that he ever planned to watch people prance about in tights. He had no time for such foolishness,perfecting the arts of controlling the dead and all of that wonderful stuff. A vibration could be felt against his left leg,most likely his phone,which Anthony quickly whipped out and checked. It showed a picture of one girl and instantly he knew his assumption was correct. ”Great,we really are stealing a balllerina.” he muttered pinching the bridge of his nose and messaging it slowly. Turning towards the merc he had hired,Anthony let his lips fall into an approximation of a frown though it wasn't exactly what one would call a frown.

'It seemes I have found out who our target will be.” Anthony said as he pointed the screen towards the merc,making the picture visible. ”She will be our target it seems. he said allowing him to get as good look before closing the pone and returning it to his pocket and entering the building. The walk itself wasn't long but it felt like an eternity as he walked through pristine hallways,green eyes darting around as if he were already prepared for the possibility of a battle. Though of course he was unsure of what he was getting himself into exactly,considering he didn't even know if this woman held any superhuman abilities that could prove troublesome. It wasn't long before he reached the target of course,receiving another text but from his father. Apparently she spoke russian and not English well enough to understand anything he said,not a problem though. Approaching the young girl,Anthony cleared his throat,to be dramataic as well as to get her attention.

” Excuse me girl but you're going to have to come with me.” He said fluently in Russian.

John followed the boy close as they entered the tower. Though the picture he was shown was of a young, fragile looking girl, he was willing to bet half of his pay that she was much more than that. He kept his thoughts to himself, being one to answer more with action than with words.

The citadel reminded him much of the surface level of the SCP, which was built deep underneath the mansion of a young countess. She was paid well to keep her mouth shut, and in return, she allowed the SCP to conduct their operations within her home. John remembered many a day where he would walk through the ivory-lined halls, gilded frames depicting generations of former leaders.

They slipped through room after room, finally coming into an area that was almost definitely off-limits to visitors. The room seemed to be void of occupants, save for a young girl, the one from the picture. He stood aside as he watched they boy speak in Russian. John had always preferred Italian, but he knew trace amounts of the Motherlands tongue. He allowed his mind to warp around the situation, taking in his surroundings. If there was a fight coming, he'd want to know absolutely everything he could.

A long table was set along the east side of the room, adourned with vases. The flowers were fake, but it was still rather pleasant to look. On the adjacent wall were multiple desks, which were covered in make-up, the mirrors crystal clear. Higher up the wall rested the speaker from what was perhaps an intercom system, used to communicate with the rooms occupants. The north and south sides of the room were fairly bare, a single door on either side. They'd come through the southern entrance, which meant the north probably led to a backstage area. He could hear the faint hum of music through the walls. His guns weren't loud enough to be heard over it.

Satisfied with his assessment of the room, he returned his attention to the two younger ones.

"God," he thought to himself. "I feel old."

A few minutes had passed since Lilia had waved a silent 'goodluck' to the last girl, the gesture was quickly returned with a giddy grin before she strutted through the great big doors to face whatever lay in that studio. The muffled bass of the girls song-choice barely penetrated the thick marble walls but nonetheless the young agent could tell that the dancer had chosen a much faster, more 'modern' route to impress those judging. Taking in a deep breath Lilia stretched her leg in front of her, pointing her toe in an elegant manner as she casually scanned the large waiting room in which she was its only occupant.

This moment of contemplation was suddenly broken when she heard footsteps approaching her, two pairs to be exact. Lightly turning her head not knowing what to expect the girl flinched as she immediately noticed a gun, or a few guns to be exact on one of the men who approached her; her heart skipped a beat as she clenched her jaw glancing at both of them, a growing sense of dread building up in the pit of her stomach. What was even more off-putting was the fact that one of them spoke Russian, quite fluently in fact even if he was her age. She stared at him with wary blue eyes, what was a handsome boy like him hanging around with the gun wielding gentleman?

">No...I won't<" she swallowed shuffling her body further down the couch as she bit her lip trying to focus on her breathing and not blatantly run away...that didn't work the last time. Lilia clasped her body involuntarily, it was a natural defensive move that had arisen whenever she had nightly visitors back at base and this particular scenario wasn't so different, two men approaching her in an aggressive manner wasn't something the young agent wanted to have happen, especially now of all occasions.

">What do you want from me?<" she uttered, trying to remain calm as she stared at the two with blazing sky blue eyes, clenching her fists, anxiously waiting for the boy to answer...

”You act as if you have a choice in the matter.” Anthony muttered straightening his suit as he stepped back an inch, turning to John as he already had multiple plan in which to deal with this girl who had abilities he had no understanding or knowledge of. ”I want you to come with me. Its not a difficult request,you come with me and no one gets hurt.” He spoke once again in Russian. Green eyes darting around to the other as if he were suggesting something,which he of course was. Turning towards the mercenary he gave a simple order,one that anyone would understand. ”Capture her.”