NOT FOR KIDS

This is an original work. All of the names and places are purely coincidental; everything is a product of my imagination. I strongly recommend those with a weak heart not to read this. You have been warned, okay?

Leave your feedback(s). I greatly appreciate such things.

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Chapter 1: The Grim Reaper of the Leopold Family

It started two days ago. The Leopold Family had openly declared to assassinate the Pope. The media was in uproar from the sudden preposterous revelation. It was an unheard of feat before: openly declaring to assassinate the highest official of the Church. Still, the Leopold Family was heralded as the largest and strongest group in the underground world, and they, without a doubt, have enough power to back their words.

Everyone was in outrage. Numerous speculations on how the family would try to achieve their declaration spammed the internet. The best soldiers in the entire world were gathered together to protect the Pope. Choppers hovered above the Apostolic Palace, and tanks were deployed.

The netizens were ecstatic on the appearance of the family’s trump card; a name known even by peace-born individuals. It was a name long accepted as synonymous to death itself. The Grim Reaper of the Leopold Family—Hades.

Hades, the Grim Reaper of the infamous family, was known for never failing an assassination. Just as the name Hades implied, he was one of the rulers of the underground world. Three years ago, two Prime Ministers were killed by the Leopold Family’s assassin, and that very same year, the name of Hades reverberated all throughout the world.

Another aspect that made the Grim Reaper famous was that before the assassination, the Leopold Family would openly declare the death of their target. It created a massive euphoria that originated from the recorded visuals of the assassination. Numerous CCTVs were implanted in each nook and cranny of the designated place. In turn, everyone in the entire world was able to watch the recorded scenes unfold before their very eyes. It was like watching a horror film, but the fact that it happened in real life sent shivers down everyone’s spine.

Still, no matter what kind of preparations the previous targets made, the Grim Reaper of the Leopold Family always came out succeeding in the end. Though the act of killing sent bitter taste to everyone that had watched the videos, somehow, Hades had become an infamous star. It was to the point that people were actually anticipating his next target.

The fact that the Pope of the Church was the prey of the Grim Reaper sent everyone to their edge. People were so ecstatic of the surreal event that sixty percent of the world’s population did not go to work during the day that the assassination was to take place. Everyone was on their seats, anxiously waiting for what was about to happen next.

****

“Your Holiness, please…,” One of the fifteen Swiss guards spoke. “We should go to the Borgia Apartments. It’s safer there.”

The Pope gently smiled and waved his hand in response, “It is fine. The Church shall not be intimidated by such declaration. God will protect his people.”

The guards looked at each other. Trickles of sweat were evident on their foreheads as they traversed through the Clementine Hall. Numerous renaissance frescoes were imprinted on the ground, and the colors seemed to amalgamate, creating a larger and more grandiose appearance. A statue of St. Peter was seen beside an arched entrance, just in front of a pedestal.

The group entered through the arched path, and they were immediately greeted by the paintings of the previous Borgias. The paintings depicted surreal divine-like images. Peculiarly enough, the contrasting colors—mainly black and yellow, seemed to belie the imagery desired. It was like the painter himself was forced to do such artwork.

After a few more minutes of walk, they entered the Papal Chapel. On the ceiling were paintings made by Michaelangelo himself. The imagery of angels seemed to hover on top of the pristine chapel, creating an atmosphere that was without a doubt divine. At the very front of the silver-gold pedestal was the image of Christ on the cross.

“I shall pray,” The pope said. His garb, a pallium over a chasuble, slightly fluttered as he turned to the Swiss Guards behind him. He added, “I want to be left alone for now.”

The Swiss guards were stuck at a dilemma. The entire world was afraid of the Pope’s death, and as the one directly guarding the highest official of the Church, every one of the Swiss guards felt the weight of the responsibility upon their shoulders. Though each one of them was with great capabilities, they still have the inevitable fear of the unknown. The unknown known as Hades, the Grim Reaper.

The guards glanced at each other.

“We’re sorry your Holiness,” One of the guards lowered his head. “But we cannot leave you alone. Please, just for this day, allow us to accompany you as you pray.”

The pope gently smiled. “I understand. Let us pray together—for this world’s love and prosperity.”

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief at those words. Filled with gentleness, the Pope placed his ferula topped with a crucifix on a wooden rectangular table, and placed his Tiara beside it. Afterwards, he knelt down before the crucified figure of Christ, and clasping both hands, he began praying.

The Swiss Guards stood in array behind the Pope, warily gazing at their immediate surroundings. Any time now, Hades would come to attempt to assassinate his Holiness—that was if he was able to get pass through the absurd security outside. Surrounding the entire Apostolic Palace were thousands of veteran soldiers fully armed to the teeth. All were ready to kill Hades at a moment’s notice.

Though as expected, the CCTVs were not implanted inside the Apostolic Palace; it was sacrilegious. Still, the very best soldiers in the entire world were tasked to personally oversee the Pope’s safety: the fifteen Swiss Guards.

It was ten o’clock in the evening. Once the clock hits twelve, the day would be over—signifying that Hades had failed to kill the Pope in the designated time. Each ticks of the clock sent everyone in the Swiss Guards to their edge. It seemed that time had slowed down, almost frozen. Numerous trickles of sweat flowed down the faces of the battle hardened individuals. Still, everyone had resolved themselves to die for the Pope, no matter what.

Pope…

A whisper was heard by the kneeling leader of the Church. It was faint, and was heard by only him. Still kneeling, he looked up towards his front, and what greeted him was the figure of the crucified Christ.

Pope…

He heard the whisper again. Peculiarly, it seemed to come from the figure of Christ himself. Slowly, the ash-haired Pope stood up; his stare was transfixed on the figure. The Swiss Guards stood in attention as they watched their Holiness walk towards the statue. Everyone thought that the Pope was going to kiss the feet of the crucified Christ.

Pope…

Another whisper. The Pope touched the body of the life-sized figure, and reverently spoke, “My God….”

The Pope’s eyes slightly widened when he saw the eyes of the crucified statue of Christ move—it stared directly at him. Immediately, as quick the blink of an eye, the statue moved and detached itself from the cross. With the sound of a wind, the aged man’s head fell and rolled over the floor. Everyone was stunned speechless at the sudden scenario. It had never occurred to them that the famous statue would suddenly move and decapitate its faithful servant’s head.

Mouth slightly opened, everyone’s eyes widened in great disbelief. After a few more moments, the statue formed numerous cracks, and shattered into dust, revealing the figure of a masked man in black get-up. Without waiting for the stunned soldiers to have a time to react, he dashed towards them at a surprisingly impossible speed. And using his twin blades, he beheaded one guard after another. After ten seconds, half of the Swiss Guards slumped onto the ground—beheaded and lifeless. The extreme bloodlust emitted by Hades sent everyone into the brink of insanity.

Using their halberds, the remaining Swiss Guards charged towards the sole decapitator. All knew that their efforts would be in vain after seeing just once the surreal strength of their opponent. Still, they dashed forward. Everyone knew that it was their duty, and they were more than glad to accompany their Holiness to his resting grounds.

Hades dodged a gash from a halberd above, and after a quick sidestep, he slashed horizontally towards the head of the guard. Its skull split open, and slid down the ground. Its brain splattered with a horrifying ~shak sound.

Multiple slashes were aimed at him, and he dodged each of it by a whisper. Using the momentum of his evasion, he slashed the neck of a guard, and pierced the neck of another. Somehow, the Grim Reaper of the Leopold Family always aimed for a one-hit kill. Forty seconds after his appearance, the number of Swiss Guards dwindled to just one. The remaining soldier was paled face as he tried to buckle his knees before the diabolic apparition.

“D-demon!” The guard uttered. He knew that the fifteen guards assigned to personally protect the Pope were the strongest ones possible. Still, the Grim Reaper seemed to belie all of that. In less than a minute, almost all of the so called strongest guards were decimated. It was a cardinal rule that firearms were not allowed inside the Apostolic Palace, and even during such time of peril, the Church had chosen to adhere to the rule.

The guard knew that he was about to die. Dashing towards the Grim Reaper, he prayed. “Oh God in heaven, forgive me—forgive us for failing to protect the Vicar of Christ.”

Raising his blessed halberd into the heavens, he vertically slashed at the apparition of a demon. The slash hit nothing but an after image. After the sound of the wind, his head fell down the ground, all the while he saw his headless body quiver for a moment before kissing the frescoes imprinted on the Apostolic Chapel. His vision blurred, and he was embraced by the soothing sensation called death.

Hades stood there; his eyes were partly covered by his night black hair. His black cloak was speckled with large blots of blood, and his twin blades glimmered underneath the grandiose chandelier’s blaze. He glanced towards the scene of carnage before him, and his gaze darted towards the headless body of the Pope. The scent of fresh blood lingered in the air.

“…” He slightly bowed down his head. His eyes flickered of sorrow for an instance, belying the previous bloodthirsty appearance of the demon.

After such act, he walked towards the Apostolic Chapel’s only entrance, and opened the thick oaken door. As expected, numerous guards greeted him; all were wearing a stunned and mortified expression as their eyes darted from him and to the scene of carnage, and back. Without hesitation, he immediately beheaded each and every one of them. The divine hall was tainted with large splatters of blood with his every swing of the blade. He moved at a frightening speed, all the while decimating everyone he encountered along the way.

Somehow, the Grim Reaper of the Leopold Family disappeared without a trace after that. The thousands of soldiers stationed outside never had the chance to catch a glance of even his shadow. Only those inside the Apostolic Palace had encountered the diabolic apparition, and everyone that had seen his blood-filled figure did not live to tell the tale.

That day, the Grim Reaper of the Leopold Family’s name reverberated further all throughout the world. A bounty of 300 million dollars was placed upon his head, and he was branded as the worst criminal in history.

****

A bearded man sat on a red-black fauteuil chair. In front of him was a rectangular mahogany table with a glimmering glass cover. On the ceiling was a medium-sized bronze-colored chandelier that gave a light hazel illumination. At the side of the table was a three feet size antique nikosthenic amphora vase.

“You’ve been so popular lately. I’ve seen the news,” the bearded man said. His eyes were twinkling as he gazed at the man in front of him. “I’ve never laughed so hard in my life! Kukukuku!”

The bearded man kept chuckling. His face formed numerous wrinkles from his each and every smile. He grabbed a bottle of Dow Vintage Port wine, and poured it on his wineglass. Afterwards, he grabbed the glass and stood up, his face looking towards the windowpane. A breathtaking scenario of the night city was seen from their position of forty stories above the ground. Innumerable dots of neon red and yellow declared themselves, filling the eyes of the two with spectacular sight.

“I guess this is the end huh?” The bearded guy uttered. He took a sip on the light crimson wine on his left. “Today marks the death of Hades, and the birth of Sazi Leahmic—correct?”

The moon was in full bloom, and the dark azure night sky was devoid of any stars. Clouds were hovering aimlessly above the life-filled city. A moment of silence enveloped the two before the man spoke.

“Yes,” Sazi said. He closed his eyes for a few seconds and added, “For all your teachings—for everything. Thank you.”

The bearded man heaved a loud sigh and turned towards the man. His eyes stared directly into Sazi’s.

“Congrats… and good luck on your new life, my son,” He again turned around and stared at the bustling city.

“…”

“Your brother, how is he? Heh~ such an adorable kid—I can still remember.”

“He is fine, father. Dan… he is growing up. As his only family, I wish to be there to watch him grow. I will fill the gap left by the loss of our parents.” Sazi lightly clenched his fists.

“Hades… no, Sazi—” The bearded man softly spoke. “The Leopold Family will always be your family. Whenever you need help, we—all of us will come to your aid.

Sazi smiled at the remark. “I know father. I know. To you guys, to this family—I am eternally grateful.”

A few minutes passed by after those words. Only the muffled sound of the lively city was heard. The chandelier above continued to illuminate the room light hazel, and the two remained there motionless, both gazing at the spectacular view of the night.

The beard guy sipped his wine and broke the silence. “Mmmm, 1955? As expected of a Dow Vintage Port wine. The taste—oh ho ho. Want some?”

“No, thank you,” Sazi politely said. He was still standing in the room. Two blades were hidden behind his black tuxedo.

“Still hate the taste of liquor huh? You’re 21 now my child, you should at least try. Who would have thought that the legendary Grim Reaper of the family is weak to alcohol? Hahaha! I’m sure the entire world will be stunned when they find out!” His beard moved along his laughter. “Let me ask you one last question,” The bearded man paused. He was still gazing at the city lights. “Did you regret killing the Pope?”

“No,” Sazi immediately responded. It was said without hesitation, without remorse. “For my brother, I will do everything—even if it means forsaking my humanity. For him, I am more than willing to be branded as a mass murderer.”

“An expected answer. Still, I am glad. A thousand assassinations. You are free now my son.” He pulled out a bank note, and walked towards Sazi. “Here. It should be enough to support you and your brother for a lifetime—probably up to the fifth generation? Losing our greatest assassin is a serious blow against us, but we of the Leopold Family will be able to manage somehow. Enjoy life my son. You deserve it.”

“Thank you father. I wish the family the very best,” Sazi said after receiving the check. Afterwards, he bowed down till his waist, his hair dangled before his fair-skinned face. After a few more moments, he raised his head and exited the room. The sound of the door shutting softly resounded. The bearded man was left there standing and staring at the shadow of his family’s greatest soldier.

“It has been ten years since I’ve first met him huh? Nostalgic.” He turned towards the spotless windowpane. The view of the bustling city remained unchanged. “Hades… who would have thought that the child I met in the slums would one day become the strongest assassin? Really, life is full of unexpected things! Hah!”

The Godfather of the Leopold Family raised his wine glass as if in toast. Grinning from ear to ear, he exhaled after the reminisce. The numerous city lights were reflected upon his aged sapphire eyes.

****

It was evening, and the light downpour of snow filled the streets with white blanketed ground. Sazi was walking down the street of Pica Avenue, and his every step sank a good two inches underneath the piled up snow. A red scarf was twined around his neck, and on his right arm was a box wrapped in red cover. His brown furred overcoat covered his body down his knees. With his every breath, a subtle steam was created. He was fondly gazing before the road, eyes filled with longing.

He passed by a restaurant that has a ‘Sorry we’re closed’ sign. After crossing over an intersection, he turned left and continued walking. Occasional drops of snow that made contact with his body sent a cold chill down his warm skin. His dark black hair was covered with partial white as he stopped in front of a large house. The light beige color of lights was seen from the windows. The set of green curtains was swept to one side, revealing the house’s tidy inside.

He walked over the pedestal-like ground, and knocked on the mahogany-colored door. After three seconds, the voice of a child was heard. It was beaming with anticipation.

“W-who is it?!” The gentle voice said as he opened the door, creating a squeaking sound. His grey eyes peered towards the looming figure before him, and his lips immediately formed into a smile. “Brother!”

The small seraph leaped towards his brother’s arms and hugged him tight, not willing to let go.

“Finally! You’re here!” The child said. His voice was muffled by the rough furred overcoat of his brother.

“Yes, I’m here,” Sazi said. His eyes were smiling. “Merry Christmas Dan!”

“Merry Christmas to you too brother!” Dan responded.

The child’s tiny hands grabbed the callused hand of his brother, and ushered him to the living room. A six feet tall Christmas tree was positioned at the left corner of the room, beside the taupe-colored couch. A 72 inches LED television was positioned directly in front of the couch, and was separated by a glass center table.

“Sorry Dan, I’ve been gone for a week. So many busine—”

“It’s fine!” Dan interjected. He was still smiling, showing a missing tooth. He looked towards the food placed on top of the center table. The light from the LED screen created a bright azure illumination. The aroma made the stomachs of the two grumble in hunger.

“You made all these?” Sazi asked in disbelief. He placed a hand on the child’s shoulder. His eyes glimmered with pride.

“Yep! I’ve been practicing cooking you see. Since my brother—” Dan smugly smirked at his brother. His eyes were dancing. “Is practically useless at stuffs like this! I mean totally—”

“Dan, you little!” Sazi mischievously said. Ha grabbed Dan by the waist and lifted him up to the air. Afterwards, using his fingers, he tickled the squeaking child.

“Hahahaha! Brother, stop! Hahahaha!”

“Who’s the useless guy huh? Come on, say it!”

“Hahahaha! It tickles! Okay okay you win!”

Sazi placed Dan on the ground; the child was huffing. His eyes were moist from laughing. The two of them silently stared at the food on the table, only the sound of the LED television filled the room.

“Dan,” Sazi said. His eyes remained transfixed on the food.

“I know.”

The two immediately grabbed the plates placed on the right side of the table. Afterwards, they filled it with all kinds of food available on the table. The lavish appearance of the food served seemed to belie the fact that a mere nine year old child made it. The two began stuffing themselves with the Christmas banquet, all the while the countdown seen at the LED television reached zero—signifying that it was now Christmas.

A muffled sound from a child’s trumpet was heard from the house next to them, accompanied by series of greetings and laughter. The snow continued to pile up outside, and the flickering blaze from the fireplace gave ample warmth to the family of two. The two were eating silently, all the while silently watching the LED television that displayed dancing celebrities. Still, the silence was not awkward; rather, it was beautifully serene—it was soothing.

“I know you’ve long wanted one of these,” Sazi broke the silence. He picked up the red box from before and handed it to Dan. “Come on, open it.”

Dan munched his food, and gulped it down. Afterwards, he received the gift with two trembling hands. The words ‘I know you’ve long wanted one of these’ kept resounding in his mind. Somehow, he has an idea on the content of the gift, and he can’t help but be anxious from anticipation while opening the wrapper.

A silver-black device that resembled a helmet greeted him after opening the box. The words ‘Immortal Seed’ was imprinted in gold. The child’s eyes widened as he glanced towards the device and to his gently smiling brother, and back.

“T-thank you!” The child leaped into his brother’s arms. His petite body quivered as he held the device with both hands. “It’s the latest VRMMORPG of the Immortal Seed!”

“Just don’t let that get in the way of your studies, okay?”

“Of course! But bro, did you know that Immortal Seed has a 95% realism? All of my friends wanted one of this, but it’s too expensive,” Dan said. “Bro, you never told me the kind of work you do. Whenever I ask, you’ll automatically evade the topic.”

Dan glanced towards the house’s interior. “This house is absurdly large for just two persons… and this VRMMORPG set—a single one of this is enough to buy a second hand car.”

“I told you a while ago right? I’m a messenger,” Sazi said, and he meant it. Though he did not imply the full meaning of the job of a messenger—the messenger of death, Hades.

“Absurd! Such job shouldn’t have enough money to buy one of this! And look at this house; it’s full of expensive antiques and up-to-date appliances!”

Sazi patted the child’s head. “Does it matter? Christmas comes just once a year. Let’s just be grateful that we’re together Dan.”

“Mmmm...,” Dan mumbled. Afterwards, he pulled out an envelope and handed it to Sazi. “My gift. Hehehe.”

Sazi opened the envelope. Inside was a portrait drawn using charcoal pencil. It was an image of Him and Dan. Surprisingly, it was well drawn—so good that it wouldn’t come as a surprise if it was sold off as professional work. Without a doubt, Dan was dexterous with his hands.

Unbeknownst to Sazi, tears began to flow down his left cheeks. Dan stared at him as he continued to gaze at the drawn portrait, all the while a gentle smile was plastered on his face.

“Thank you Dan,” Sazi said, breaking the silence. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome brother—” Dan smiled. “Again, Merry Christmas.”

****

The day after, the two of them went out to the amusement park. It was their simple way of celebrating Christmas. Still, the time that they spent together during such occasions meant the world to them. It was during such times that they were able to appreciate the meaning of the word family.

“Wuuaaahh.” Dan said as he leaned on the couch. The two of them were inside a hundred meter diameter Ferris wheel, and the glass-walled cart gave both of them a clear view of the city.

“This is the only place in the city where you can see such sight,” Sazi said. He was smiling while looking at his wide-eyed brother. “The best part is the sun set. Dan, once you get yourself a girlfriend, be sure to take her to this particular ride. The view should be romantic enough.”

“Says the guy who never once had a girlfriend. 21 years old and still a virgin. Hahaha!”

“H-hey! Where the hell did you get those words from?” Sazi was stunned. “And I had girlfriends before! Two of them!”

Dan turned around and mockingly grinned at his brother. “Yeah two of them. I remember. One month each right? No girl lasted more than that. Everyone says you’re too serious for your age.”

“T-that’s because—”

“You’re working hard for the two of us.” Dan remarked. “I was just messing with you. Brother, to you, I am forever grateful. Both of us are children of the slum, but you changed all that. I have no idea what kind of work you do, but every time you return after being gone for a few days, the light in your eyes continues to diminish. It is gradual, but I do think that you are losing your true self. ”

“…” Sazi was speechless. The little brother he had worked hard all his life to shelter and protect had grown up to be something beyond his expectations.

Dan gazed directly into Sazi’s grey eyes. “Whatever it is… you don’t have to continue doing it for my sake. We’re family. We should help each other out. Brother—you can rely on me.”

The sound of muffled gun shot was heard, and Sazi eyes widened as he saw Dan’s head burst open. The sound of the chirping birds slowed down, and time stood still. The numerous speckles of blood that spurted off from the child’s head seemed to have stopped in midair. He stood there slack-jawed as Dan’s body kissed the metallic ground.

“D-dan?” Sazi said. His mind was unable to process everything that had just happened. Somehow, he knew that a sniper was aiming at him from a distance. Still, he paid it no heed. He had only one purpose in life—to make sure that his only family was able to enjoy everything life has to offer. For his only family to become the happiest person in the world.

“DAN!!!”

Tears streamed down his gray eyes. His face distorted into pure agony, and his cheeks sunk as he watched the lifeless corpse of his brother. He was his life’s purpose, the air he breathes. And now, he was gone.

The feeling of sorrow was too great that the strongest assassin of the Leopold Family was unable to feel anger. His mind went blank, and he willingly awaited his death. He knew that multiple people were currently aiming their scopes at him, and he was more than glad to be killed as of the moment. The agony from losing his only family was so great that he wanted everything to be over with. Revenge would never bring back the dead, that much he was sure.

With another reverberating sound of ammunition against the glass wall of the Ferris wheel’s cart, Sazi’s body fell down the ground. Embraced by death—in the split second wherein his mind was still intact, he gazed at his only family’s body. A gentle smile formed across his face.

It was an anti-climactic death, seemingly absurd for someone so infamous. That very same day, the Leopold Family was crushed to cinders.