Eyes On The Tower: An Akerman Story

[bootsie]

Sirens blared through West Pigletville, known to most as "Hogtown". A nine year old with long brown hair ran from her childhood home.

"Emily!!! Emily!!!", screamed her father through the gunshots.

A crime syndicate had just killed her mother, and her father did nothing to stop them. It was because of his mess that she was now running to freedom, wherever that may be.

She looked up toward the capital of Pigletville, the Diamond City. A huge tower dwarfed the remaining skyscrapers in the city. It was none other than the Ministry of Information Tower. It was a symbol of hope to the people of Hogtown. That freedom would come to those in the light of the city.

She suddenly heard footsteps behind her. It had to be the bad guys again. She put up her fists and prepared for a fight.

"Get the hell away from me," she screamed as they approached. The men came out from the alleys and aimed their guns at her. This was it for her. She was destined to die young.

"Drop your weapons," said a woman's voice behind her. The woman had a maroon suit on and a mask. She was accompanied by a man wearing the same thing.

"Says who?" said one of the guys, ready to fire on the girl.

"My name is Agent Lyra with the Krieg Clan. This girl is one of our own. You will not dare to harm her," said the woman, as the duo moved in front of the girl.

"This is the daughter of the Calypso crime lord. We were dispatched to take him and his family out," said one of the guys.

"Well your mission's over. Go back to whatever hole you crawled out of," said the woman. The woman turned to the girl and nodded toward one of the alleys.

"What'd you say?" said one of the men, cocking his gun.

"Run!" screamed Lyra before her and the other man began to fire their guns.

The girl ran as fast as she could toward the alley and toward freedom. This was it. She had her eyes on the tower.

Many years had passed, and that girl was now a young woman. She had a shaved head and was in handcuffs, being escorted to a trial.

"Get your fucking hands off of me," she yelled to the cops as they escorted her.

"You're not helping your case any, Miss-" began the cop.

"You're not helping--gosh you sound like my mother. Oh wait, she's dead," mocked the woman.

The woman was escorted through the courtroom doors, and forced to sit down.

"Your next case is here, Judge Calumnia. She wouldn't shut up the entire way here," said the officer.

The woman looked up at the viewing stands, and the Guslant cabinet began to make their way into the courtroom. Notably Chancellor Hall, Minister Beier, and Associate Minister Burns. They took their seats as the judge began to speak.

"I'm glad everyone could make it this afternoon. This case is regarding the charges against a colonel in the Guslantis Armed Forces, Colonel Emily--" he began.

"Akerman," stated the woman, interrupting him.

"Miss Akerman, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me speak," said Calumnia.

"And I'd appreciate it if I wasn't in handcuffs, but hey, that's what I'm doing, so, yeah," she replied.

"Your charges are for collusion with the crime organization known as the Krieg Clan, how do you plead?" asked the judge.

"Not guilty," said Akerman, confidently.

"Very well. I'll let the prosecution begin its argument," said the judge.

"Damn politicians," mumbled Akerman.

 

[bootsie]

The nine year old Akerman awoke in a very grandiose living room, where she had slept on the couch. Agent Lyra and the other agent walked into the living room, where they sat down in some chairs.

"Good morning, Emily," said Lyra through the mask.

"Who are you?" Akerman responded.

Lyra looked to the other agent and he nodded. Lyra took off her mask to reveal an August woman with a long pointed face. She had shorter brown hair, and a couple of scars on her face.

"My name is Rina Hoskins. My father was born in Augustus Town, and like yours, he led some of the most foul men and women I ever met. I wanted a new life. A new life where crime didn't define who I was. That's when I met Kilo. He's been my partner for years. We've been able to fight back against those who have destroyed our freedom. We have been able to make ourselves who we've always wanted to be. What is your biggest dream?" asked Rina.

"To be a soldier!" said Akerman as Rina smiled.

"You've been going to a military academy haven't you?" said Kilo, the other agent.

"Yeah. But the people there suck," commented Akerman.

"We want to invite you to the most awarded academy in Pigletville, maybe in all of Guslantis. Every major General in service for Guslantis now has attended it. If you want freedom, this is your chance to do it," said Rina.

Akerman accepted the offer, what other choice did she have? Her father was useless and her mother was gone.

Five years passed, and now Akerman couldn't imagine life in the hell that was Hogtown. She had befriended Rina's daughter, a girl by the name of Vanessa. She was powerful, really powerful.

It was Thursday at the academy, and usually that's when they practiced hand-to-hand combat.

"Ready to have your ass kicked," said Akerman, rushing to Vanessa's side.

"Right, cause I'm supposed to be afraid of you," replied Vanessa.

Overlooking the academy, Rina sat with a man with short blond hair. This was Agent Kilo, known to the public as Kyle Hall.

"Do you think we made a good choice? I mean, we're not sure of her true potential," said Kyle.

Vanessa took her place at one side of the room, and Akerman took her place at the other.

"Ivan will have our heads if we didn't. He thinks active recruiting is going to prove to be too dangerous. I can't blame him for thinking that, but part of me thinks that maybe the problem is the fact that a bloodline is shared between members. You know what happened to my father, what if that girl decides to turn against me?" Rina replied, nodding to Vanessa.

"Fight!" screamed the trainer, and the two ran toward each other. Vanessa jumped, spun, and kicked Akerman in the chest. Akerman fell to the ground, and Vanessa used the opportunity to throw a few more punches at her.

"Is that all you got?" said Vanessa, attacking her friend. The trainer motioned Vanessa to back up and let Akerman back onto her feet.

When Akerman rose, the fight began again. Akerman blocked Vanessa's punches and then moved the arm downward to lock her arm in position.

"Vanessa is stronger than her," commented Kyle.

"Top of her class. She'll be a great asset to us," replied Rina.

Vanessa placed her leg behind Akerman, tripping her, and causing her to fall backwards. Vanessa also lost her balance and went tumbling. Vanessa landed on top of Akerman, with their foreheads almost colliding.

"Surrender," screamed Vanessa, just inches away from Akerman's face.

Akerman paused for just a second, and then let out a massive burp. It caused Vanessa to release her grip for a split second, enough time for Akerman to grab Vanessa's face.

Inside the observatory room, Rina stood up. She had never seen anything like this.

Akerman pushed Vanessa forward using one hand, and while she stood up, she put her other hand on Vanessa's waist in order to push her even further toward the other side of the room.

"I'll never surrender, not even to you," Akerman said, before thrusting both of her hands to the left.

It felt like everything after happened in slow motion.

She felt her shoulder pop as it dislocated from its socket. Her best friend was launched to the left wall of the room to where the trainer stood. Vanessa flipped over a couple of times in midair before hitting the trainer and causing the pair to slam into the wall. Inside the observatory, Rina gasped, her eyes and mouth wider than they had ever been.

As Akerman knelt down and grabbed her shoulder, Rina rushed down the stairs toward her daughter.

Hidden from the public, Kyle chuckled. He took out his GusTab and started a video chat with the financial head of the Krieg Clan, Lord Beier.

"You rang?" said Beier, acting overly sophisticated.

"I think the girl is ready for recruitment," said Kyle.

"Vanessa?" asked Beier.

"No. Miss Emily Akerman. She just threw Vanessa against a wall," replied Kyle.

"I'll contact Agent Ivanovich now. Though he will not be pleased," said Beier, before hanging up.

Kyle chuckled before putting on his maroon mask. This girl was powerful, but even he had not seen half of her potential.

 

[bootsie]

Akerman rubbed her shoulder as the four rode home from the military academy. Vanessa was badly wounded and laid unconscious to the left of Akerman.

"Emily, we have something we need to talk to you about," said Rina.

"I know. They suspended me from the academy," said Emily, dejected.

"Well, yes, but that's not what this is about," said Kyle behind his mask.

"I've received word that your stunt has attracted the command of our freedom fighters. They've asked me to bring you to them. I don't know what they want, but this could be very important. Are you sure you want to do this?" asked Rina.

"What?" asked Akerman.

"Do what your father could not. Save the people of Guslantis," said Kyle.

Akerman nodded nervously.

Hours later, she found herself in front of the leaders of the Krieg Clan. The five wore similar outfits to Rina and Kyle, but had long black capes. They sat on oversized thrones and overlooked Akerman, Kyle, and Rina.

The one closest to the left stood, and began to speak, his voice masked like his face.

"Agent Cygnus from Augustus Town. War is freedom," he said before sitting back down.

"That's my husband," Rina said to Akerman through her mask.

The one to the far right stood, and then spoke.

"Agent Nox from Sino. Power is strength," he said before sitting back down.

The woman to the right of the leader stood next.

"Agent Chimera of Miragea. Destruction is natural," she said before sitting back down.

The man to the left of the leader stood and spoke.

"Agent Imperator of Talusmanse. Wealth is knowledge," he said before sitting down.

Finally, the leader of the Krieg Clan rose. "Agent Ivanovich of Pigletville. Old is new again," he said before taking a seat.

"Many people have different reasons for joining, but one thing is always true: you can never give up on who you are. You're the daughter of Alan Akerman, is that true?" he asked, nodding to Emily.

"Unfortunately," she replied.

"I don't know how much Agent Lyra and Agent Kilo have briefed you on our operations, so I will make our intentions perfectly clear. We're trying to make Guslantis a better place for us, our children, and every citizen of this wonderful nation. There are criminals, like your father, that are trying to rule Hogtown and stop us from achieving our goal. He must be stopped, and I know you're the one who can do this. It is with all of the power vested in me that I extend the offer for you to join our organization. To be the hero you've sought to become," he said.

Akerman walked forward and bowed before the leaders. It was at this moment, at the young age of fourteen, that Akerman became the legendary Agent Harbinger.

 

[bootsie]

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have an admission of guilt," said the prosecutor, pointing to Akerman in the courtroom.

"Bullshit," commented Akerman, restraining herself from getting up and punching the annoying lawyer.

"She just said that she was a member of the Krieg Clan, the organization we're charging her for colluding with!" he argued.

"I object," said Akerman's lawyer.

"She said she was a member. I think it'd be worth hearing her experience with the Clan, how she interacted with them," the lawyer continued.

"Akerman?" said Judge Calumnia.

Years earlier, the eighteen year old Agent Harbinger ran across the rooftops of Hogtown. She almost felt like one with the buildings as she bounced from rooftop to rooftop.

"Harbinger, wait up!" said another agent, making their way slowly behind Akerman.

This was Agent Gorm. He was pretty funny and kinda cute, but he was a pretty bad agent. Akerman stopped on one of the rooftops and let Gorm catch up.

"Where are Concordia and Helix?" asked Gorm, as he made his way over to Akerman.

"Probably having some 'fun' in one of these alleys," joked Akerman.

"Lucky Concordia...Helix is soo hot," said Gorm.

"You've seen his face like once," argued Akerman.

"So, doesn't make it not hot," he said, giggling.

"Would you two quit fucking around?" said a voice in their helmets. It was Agent Valor, their junior trainer. He was a couple of years older than them, and a buzzkill. He was miles away from them, watching it from his comfy office in Krieg Clan HQ.

"Do you have a twenty on Concordia and Helix?" asked Gorm.

"Unfortunately not. I'm gonna try to do a sweep of the area. Hopefully my sensors should pick up a ping...bear with me...," began Valor before gunshots went off in Hogtown.

"I think we found them, slowpoke," said Akerman, starting to run toward the shots.

"Do not engage. I'm contacting High Command. We'll get one of our senior agents on the trail. We can't risk any of our junior agents--" began Valor before Akerman turned off her radio.

"Harbinger! He wasn't done talking!" argued Gorm.

"I know. That's why I turned him off. Can't have him blowing our cover," said Akerman as the two made their way off the buildings and into the alleys below.

A few minutes later, at Krieg Clan HQ, Valor was fuming. One of his agents had just turned off their radio on him.

Behind him, Agents Chimera and Cygnus walked through the door.

"This better be important, Valor," said Cygnus. He was one of the most important people in Guslantis, and was now being called on by a junior agent trainer.

"There is something going on in Hogtown. Agent Harbinger has turned off her radio. I'm scared for their lives," said Valor.

"I'll go. I owe it to Agent Lyra to help Harbinger," said Cygnus. He handed something to Chimera before making his way to Hogtown.

Akerman and Gorm had made their way into the alleys, pursuing the gunshots.

"This is insane!" yelled Gorm.

"Would you shut up?!" said Akerman, glaring at Gorm through her mask.

They made their way into one of the buildings, and that is when they saw the cause of the gunshots.

A man with almond-colored skin and short black hair sat in handcuffs. He was wearing a Krieg Clan uniform, though his mask was nowhere to be found. This was Helix, another one of their team members.

"Harbinger," said Helix, looking up to see the two enter.

"Ah look, your friends have arrived. How precious," said a man, appearing from the shadows.

His black hair fell across one of his eyes, and he had a goatee. He was wearing grey with a green emblem on the right sleeve.

Akerman's eyes widened as she noticed the symbol. It was the symbol that the men who killed her mother wore on that awful night.

She took her gun out and aimed it at the man.

"This is for my mother, you sick fucker!" she screamed, pulling the trigger.

The bullet shot out from the gun and pierced through the man's heart. Blood gushed from the wound and the commander of Circe knelt to the ground to die. This was how it would end. She would have her revenge once and for all.

Except the bullet never left the chamber. The gun had misfired. What was to be glorious redemption turned into a huge embarrassment. Her and Gorm were put into handcuffs and then forced to kneel beside Helix.

"Now, you pathetic excuse for a soldier, we have a few things we need to discuss," said the man, stepping towards the three.

 

[bootsie]

"Hogtown has long been the home to three crime organizations. Calypso, led by Lord Akerman, Circe, led by General Kamau, and now the Krieg Clan, led by...who is he again?" joked the man.

"Agent Ivanovich," replied Helix.

"Right, Ivanovich. How could I forget?" said the man, mocking the name.

"What the hell does this have to do with why you attacked us?" asked Akerman.

The man lunged toward her and lifted up his pointer finger in exclamation.

"Well, that's exactly what I need to know! A patrol unit of mine mysteriously went missing, and look who just happens to be in the area! I want an explanation on why your troops decided it was time for a war. After what happened with Calypso, we agreed it was better to cooperate than charge into everything with guns blazing," said the man.

Akerman thought for a second. This was just a patrol, but why was this man so convinced that the Clan killed his troops. What exactly did Helix and Concordia do? In fact, where was Concordia?

The man looked at the three for answers, but no one spoke up, not even Helix.

"Fine, I'll get it out the hard way," he said, pulling out a gun. He took a step forward, and put the gun on Helix's forehead. Akerman closed her eyes. She couldn't bear to see what happened next.

The gun fired, and shortly after, there was a thud. She couldn't imagine the horrible sight that had just been created. All over some troops. That's when she heard a voice.

"Drop your weapons! Now!" said a woman's voice, commandingly.

Akerman opened her eyes, and standing across the room was Agent Chimera, holding a gun. The gun that just killed the commander of Circe.

The Circe members began to attack her, as Akerman, Gorm, and Helix stood up and ran out of the building, with Chimera covering them.

"What exactly is your plan to get us out of here?" asked Akerman to Chimera.

"I have some choppers inbound," replied Chimera, taking out a Circe member.

The group made their way out of the alleyways, and toward the rooftops, with Circe agents following closely behind.

"Agent Concordia, where are you at? We need you at the LZ," said Chimera into her radio.

"Coming around now, commander," said a voice through the radio as two attack helicopters began to fire on the Circe troops.

The doors to one opened to reveal a young woman with long curly black hair. Agent Concordia, their captain.

"Where the hell have you been?!" screamed Akerman.

"Right now I'm saving your ass," said Concordia, reaching out for Chimera's hand.

Chimera and Akerman made their way into the helicopter, while Gorm and Helix made their way into the second helicopter. As the two helicopters rose, their doors closed.

"That man was about to tell us why we were captured. It appears that he thought we had attacked him," said Akerman, concerned.

Chimera took off her helmet to reveal a Miragean woman with her black hair tied in a bun.

"I tend to shoot first and think later. Especially when those I care about are in danger. Agent Cygnus was killed in action, attempting to save you. I could not idly stand by and let Circe kill you as well. However, this is not something you should be discussing. Captain Concordia and High Command will be speaking when we get back to HQ. Meanwhile, you are free to enjoy some leave from action. I'm sure this was a lot to take in," replied Chimera.

Though it felt like an eternity, they landed soon at Krieg Clan HQ. Agents Lyra and Kilo were waiting for them as the team exited the helicopters.

Lyra rushed to Chimera and Akerman.

"My husband, where is he?" she asked, desperately.

Chimera took off her glove and reached into her bag. She grabbed something from the bag and extended her arm to Lyra, before slowly opening her hand. On her wrist was a star-shaped tattoo, in her palm was a pendant.

"He...he's gone?" said Lyra, beginning to tear up under her mask as she grabbed the pendant.

Chimera simply nodded, and then turned to look toward the HQ.

"Agent Ivanovich would like to speak with you at your earliest convenience. Take all the necessary time you need however, we know this must be rough," said Chimera, rather coldly.

Chimera made her way to the HQ, as Akerman looked at the woman who had raised her, upset over the loss of her only love.

"I will avenge the one responsible for this, if this is the last thing I do," said Akerman, angrily upset.

She followed after Chimera, and toward the HQ to get some much needed rest.

As she walked, Concordia and Helix watched.

"He didn't hurt you, did he?" asked Helix, to Concordia.

"He never stood a chance. And neither will she," replied Concordia.

 

[bootsie]

Akerman watched as a hummingbird flew around in an open room, with no windows and no doors. It was her space, her place, to define.

She was wearing a military uniform, though it was battered and torn. She was alone in this room, at least that's what she thought.

"Sweetheart," said a voice, as Akerman turned to see a young woman that looked so familiar to her. Her mother.

Her mother was dressed in a royal blue dress, and a white apron was tied around her. Her reddish brown hair was held back by a small white hairband.

"Mom?" asked Akerman, confused.

"You know I'm always here for you," replied her mother, Candace.

"I'm torn, mom," said Akerman, looking around.

"Why's that?" asked Candace.

"The people who killed you, Circe, I met their commander today. Witnessed his death at the hands of the Krieg Clan," explained Akerman.

"So what's the problem, dear?" asked Candace.

"Because I believe he was telling the truth. We attacked his troops. But why? What would we gain for doing that? I need your help, mom," said Akerman, grabbing her mother's hands.

"Honey, I love you," said Candace, gently squeezing Akerman's hands.

Akerman felt the squeeze loosen as her mother faded away.

"I love you too, mom," said Akerman, as everything around her faded and she began to rest.

In Hogtown, the Circe commander laid in his own cold blood.

His troops had retreated, so his dead body was left to rot.

Two people entered the building. An older man with black hair with gray streaks, and a woman with curly blonde hair. Both were dressed in black.

"The rumors were true," said the woman, bending down in her heeled boots to examine the commander.

"The Krieg Clan is trying to make a statement. It wants nothing to do with Calypso or Circe. We're in grave danger," said the man.

"Don't be a coward, Alan. If that's what the Clan wants, we'll give it to them. We need to send our forces to get rid of Circe and the Krieg Clan once and for all," replied the woman.

"Scarlet, you're going to start a war you can't finish," argued Alan.

Scarlet stood, and began to walk toward the exit.

"I have to disagree Lord Akerman, this is a war you started," she said, glaring at Akerman's father before making her way out.

 

[bootsie]

When the Krieg Clan met, it was always a party. The Clan was based in Talusmanse, a gloriously wealthy city in Guslantis, so each meeting was more grandiose than the last.

Tonight's meeting was held in the house of the powerful Montagne family and their matriarch, Countess Angelica Montagne. Her hair was blood red, and her smile so vile and wicked.

She sat alongside a man with long black hair and an equally long beard. This was Ivan, the leader of the Krieg Clan. Also at the table were Kyle Hall and a man with dark skin who was wearing an emerald robe.

Agent Chimera stormed into the castle, Agent Cygnus' helmet in hand. She was trailed by Agent Concordia.

"Chimera, we were waiting on your arrival," said Ivanovich.

Chimera dropped the helmet, where it hit the stone floor with a thud.

"Cygnus is dead. An act of war against us by Circe. Not only have we lost a member of our High Command, but we are looking at a war we're not prepared for," said Chimera.

"What happened in Hogtown, Agent Concordia?" said Kyle.

"We were attacked. My team was split up. Cygnus came to save me from the grasp of Circe, and they--they murdered him. They told me that their intentions were to strike us at our weak points. The junior agent program, it's in huge danger," said Concordia, visibly stressed.

"Then I think it is time we do what is necessary to prevent another attack. From now on, you and your team will be promoted to senior agents, effective immediately. You will be given full command of the unit in lieu of a trainer. We also trust your judgement in terms of High Command, so until we find your replacement, you will act as our final member of the leadership team," said Ivanovich.

"It's an honor, it is really is," said Concordia, bowing, and then began to turn to leave.

"One more thing, Agent," said Kyle.

"Yes?" asked Concordia, curious on what else the High Command could need.

"Agent Harbinger turned off her radio on Agent Valor. What are your thoughts on this?" he asked.

"Harbinger is weak. Her judgement is clouded, and I know she'll never be the agent you want her to be," said Concordia, before making her way out of the building.

Chimera joined the group at the table, and ordered a glass of wine from the servants.

"So, we're definitely approaching Rina to be our final member?" asked Kyle.

"If she'll take it. Her relationship with Agent Cygnus cannot be ignored. We must remember the importance of the bloodline," replied Ivan.

"That's not actually why I suggested. Rina is a powerful woman in her own right, regardless of who her husband is, or who she gave birth to," argued Kyle.

"You are naïve, Kyle. It's all about providing for our future generations, and keeping it within our blood is the most important factor. Angelica with Alexander, Chimera with May, Rina with Vanessa and myself with Charles and Odessa," said the man with the robe, Lord Beier.

"That is selfish and greedy, and will only end in the demise of the Clan. Aker--Agent Harbinger is one example of one asset we could never have had, we must provide for all future members, blood or otherwise. She is a great asset against Circe, and I think she is the perfect one to lead a mission to see exactly what we're up against," argued Kyle.

"I agree. Lord Beier, would you mind grabbing me some more wine?" asked Ivan, gesturing his glass toward the man.

 

[bootsie]

Akerman saw the wings of a hummingbird flick backward to reveal the city of Hogtown under siege. The buildings scattered through the city burned as she ran forward through the darkness.

"Get the fuck away from me," she screamed as she ran, being pursued by a shadowy figure.

The figure let out an eerie laugh as they teleported in front of Akerman.

"I said go away," she said, thrusting her fist forward to punch the figure in the face.

The figure intercepted the punch, and threw Akerman to the ground.

"What do you want from me?!" screamed Akerman, backing away from the figure.

"You're a coward, Emily. All you've ever done is tried to escape from your problems. You ran from your dying mother, you deserted your friends, and you gave up on those who hold you dear. You're no hero. You never will be," said the figure, taunting Akerman.

"Liar!!" yelled Akerman, lunging forward to choke the figure.

As she tightened her grip on the figure's neck, she felt her throat start to restrict. She looked in horror at the figure's face for the first time. It was a familiar face, one she would never forget. It was her own face staring back at her.

"Harbinger!" screamed a voice as she threw the figure to the ground, scared to hurt it any further.

The figure began to laugh maniacally as the city around them turned to ash. The hummingbird reappeared and began to circle its wings forward.

Akerman let out a huge scream as the hummingbird's wings flew forward and the scene around her turned into ash and was blown away, taking her with it.

Her head moved forward, colliding with Gorm's to send him flying out of Akerman's bunk and to the floor. She had just awoken from a nightmare.

"Ow!!", said Gorm, getting up from the floor.

"Why were you in my bed?" barked Akerman, jumping down from her bunk.

"High Command told us there was something important they needed us for. Hurry, get dressed, we need to go," said Gorm.

At that moment, Agent Valor walked in.

"What in the hell are you two doing? Your meeting was supposed to begin right now," he said angrily.

"Of course...Harbinger and I were just...," began Gorm.

"I don't need to hear about your romantic relationship. Just don't let High Command know it. Now let's get dressed and go," said Valor, turning and exiting the room.

"I'm guessing he hasn't caught on that you're not straight. Not sure how," joked Akerman.

Ten minutes later, the pair rushed into High Command's chambers, where Helix was standing in front of the group, and Concordia was seated in Cygnus' former chair.

"It's about time you two showed up. We don't ask just anyone you know," said Agent Nox.

Ivanovich stood, and walked toward Akerman, Gorm, and Helix.

"You three are now fully instated members of the Krieg Clan. You report to Valor no longer. We could not be any more proud of your achievements," he said.

"Then who do we report to?" asked Gorm curiously.

"Agent Concordia will serve as the commander of the squad as well as our temporary fifth member until we decide who will replace the late Agent Cygnus," Ivanovich replied gesturing to Concordia.

Concordia was about to speak before Ivanovich continued.

"That's not what this is about though. Circe has declared war on us. We need all four of you to go to Hogtown and get as much intel as you can on Circe so we're prepared for an attack," he said.

"We've decided that although she will lead the squad, you Agent Harbinger will lead this recon mission," said Chimera.

Concordia clenched her fists, and shuffled in her chair.

"Everything alright?" asked Chimera, turning to look at Concordia.

"Perfectly fine. Just a bit concerned on how split management is going to work," replied Concordia.

"Delegation is a key to leadership. If you become our permanent fifth member, one of these should be able to step into your shoes as team leader. I think Harbinger knows the most about Circe to pull off a successful mission," said Ivanovich.

"Thank you sir," said Akerman, smiling.

"This meeting is dismissed. We have the chopper waiting to take you to Hogtown when you're ready," said Agent Imperator.

Gorm and Akerman turned and made their way out of the chamber as Helix waited for Concordia.

"You sure you're able to lead this mission?" asked Gorm.

"Yeah, how hard can this be?" Akerman responded.

That evening in Hogtown, as a storm raged on, televisions began to broadcast a message from Pigletville.

An older man with dark skin and black hair with white streaks came over the broadcast. This was Lieutenant Governor Morgan Woods.

"Good evening everyone," he began in his soft yet powerful tone of voice.

"In Guslantis, especially the province of Theed, we take the safety of our citizens very seriously. Recently, we've seen the second residential district of Pigletville, known informally as Hogtown, become home to crime organizations and a battleground for them to commit brutal acts against each other in. This ends now. The province will now have a mandatory curfew that will be followed with no exceptions. Guslant royal guards will be sent to the city and assist in arresting all citizens linked to these organizations and their crimes," he began.

From one side of Hogtown, the Circe leadership watched as Guslant guards began to march into the city. From the other, Akerman's father watched as armored vehicles rolled into the city.

"We appreciate any help that any citizens can provide and we encourage everyone to report any suspicious activity. We must stand up and fight this injustice and it will take all of us working together to do it. Stay alert and stay vigilant," he finished as lightning struck, temporarily illuminating Hogtown as the broadcast ended.

 

[bootsie]

"Stay alert and stay vigilant," echoed Woods' voice as Gorm and Akerman watched the broadcast replay.

"Who is that guy?" asked Akerman.

"Lieutenant Governor Woods of Theed. The third most powerful person in Guslantis. This is not good for our operation. He'll rip us to shreds," said Gorm.

"There's got to be a way to catch him off guard," said Akerman.

"Doubtful," replied Gorm.

The channel then switched its broadcast to a live GNN report.

"Despite the increased military presence in Pigletville, Woods says his annual ball will not be cancelled. All attendees are encouraged to ramp up their security escort," said the reporter.

Gorm and Akerman looked at each other with excitement.

"We need to get into that ball, at any cost," exclaimed Akerman.

"What? By just walking through the door?" said Concordia, walking in, followed closely by Helix.

"Let me guess, you have a plan?" asked Akerman, sarcastically.

"Countess Montagne of Talusmanse. She is planning to go to the ball. I think we could convince her to bring her niece along," Concordia replied.

"Her niece?" asked Gorm, confused.

"I am highly talented at going undercover. We convince Montagne to let me be her niece, and we infiltrate the ball by her side," declared Concordia.

Akerman laughed. This was crazy, but maybe crazy enough to work.

Talusmanse was a wealthy and powerful city, and in the center of it all was Castle Raisin, the home of the Montagnes. A woman with a hood over her head walked out of the monstrous castle, and down its massive stairs to meet with the four as they made their way toward the castle.

"Countess Montagne, it's a pleasure to see you outside of the castle's walls. I know this is something very unheard of," said Concordia.

"Meeting you all is something to die for," said the older woman, glancing over the group.

"This place is beautiful, surely one of the best in Talusmanse," said Helix.

"The best in Talusmanse. My family has lived in this very castle for centuries. Each generation has built on the framework of our ancestors, culminating in this majestic structure," said Montagne, gesturing to the fortress.

"So, where does the name raisin come from? Your ancestors like dried fruit," joked Akerman.

"It's 'rah-seen' not 'ray-zin', Mademoiselle--" began Montagne.

"Harbinger. Agent Harbinger," corrected Akerman.

"Very well, Mademoiselle Harbeen. Many records of the castle's construction were lost in a tragic fire. While there are many interpretations of the name, our bloodline does not want to endorse any one explanation for fear of it being unfaithful to the Montagne family and its traditions."

Suddenly, the sun began to hit Montagne's forehead, and she hissed, covering her face with her hand.

"Come, let us go into the foyer, this sun is killing me...," she said, rushing toward the castle's entrance, her dress flowing behind her.

"Countess--," began one of her guards, before turning to the group.

"I apologize. The rays of the sun are toxic to the countess. As members of the Krieg Clan, you are always welcome to Castle Raisin. Please, let us escort you in," he said.

The group was escorted up the stairs and through the large wooden doors of the castle. The entrance to the castle was dark, with only torches illuminating the castle.

Countess Montagne stood with her back facing the group, and she was leaning over a desk in pain.

"Everyone says that light is the answer to all problems, but when light is the problem...what can you do?" she said, moving her hand across the desk.

"You extinguish it," said Concordia, confidently.

Montagne smiled and began to turn toward the group.

 

[bootsie]

"Miss Montagne--," began Helix.

"Countess Montagne," corrected the countess, completing her turn and taking off her hood.

"My apologies, Countess Montagne. We've come to ask your help...we need you to...," said Helix, nervously. He had never seen someone so terrifying in his life.

Concordia looked angrily to Helix. This was their big moment, and he was ruining this for them.

"Countess Montagne, a pleasure to see you again. If you don't remember, I am Agent Concordia, and I am a proud member of the Krieg Clan's High Command. We know you were invited to the ball hosted by Lieutenant Governor Woods. In service to the Krieg Clan, I need to be disguised as your niece in order to bring order back to Hogtown," said Concordia, excitedly. She nailed it.

"As I remember it, Mademoiselle Concordia, you're no more than a placeholder until a proper agent can be selected. My niece has no intention of going to the ball, and she most definitely would not enjoy someone making a fool of her character. I do not care who decided to come into my castle and demand my help, but they must be idiotic to think they can get their way with me," replied Montagne, getting angry.

"Countess Montagne," pleaded Concordia as Akerman held back a laugh. It was funny to see this excuse for a plan backfire.

As Montagne continued to rant, Gorm nudged Akerman. Above them, a girl with long black hair and a equally black dress walked sadly across the corridor on the next level, tracing her hand against the wall.

"Let me know when you all have come up with a decent plan, I'll be waiting in my chamber for your arrival, shall it ever come," said Montagne, turning on her heel and making her way out of the foyer.

"Well that went to shit," commented Concordia before turning to the group.

Except Akerman was no longer there.

Akerman made her way up the stairs and rushed down the hallway that the girl went down. That girl wasn't very fast, surely she couldn't have gotten that far. Suddenly, she heard from behind a door the girl's voice, mumbling.

She opened the door and the girl was perched on the window sill, gazing out of the castle.

"Have you come to take me away?" said the girl, no more than sixteen.

"No, but why are you upset?" asked Akerman, approaching the girl.

The girl lifted her arm away from the castle and toward the sun's rays. As soon as the beams hit her hand, it began to burn.

"My aunt and I are cursed by this awful disease, one in which even light pains our souls. While my cousin, Alexander, gets to roam freely across this beautiful countryside, the two of us are trapped inside these castle walls, never to feel the rays of sun," said the girl, as she pulled her hand back in, now badly injured.

"Well, I too am cursed," started Akerman.

"What?" asked the girl.

"Like the light tears through you, people tear through me. My mother died because of my actions, my father abandoned me when I was young, and I have very little friends," exclaimed Akerman. She felt a bit bad about bullshitting all of this, but what did she have to lose?

"You're lying," said the girl.

"No I'm not," replied Akerman.

"Harbinger! Harbinger, where are you at?!" screamed Gorm. Akerman has no idea why Gorm was inducted as an agent, he did not know the definition of stealth.

Well this was it. Akerman took her pocket knife out of her belt and ran it across her palm discreetly. She closed her hand into a fist and prepared for Gorm to walk in.