Chapter 10 Amethyst Scorpion

A few weeks later at the summit of Arak Gold’s mountain peak where the Assassin League of Black Scorpions headquarters was situated, otherwise known as Mt Venom. A promotional tournament was being held to determine the levels of elite assassins. Ever since Tainted Scorpion’s death, the league had been busy instructing their new recruits.

[Clang! Clang! Clang!] Amidst the radiant autumnal environment where a beautiful array of Elij-Plums was shedding their leaves across a circular pavement, multiple dark-robed disciples were spilling each other’s blood by using the many weapons at their disposal.

Situated around the stage were spectating assassins who had attained an elite title of Coloured Scorpion. Each of them had a legion of Black Scorpions under their leadership. Crimson Scorpion, Sapphire Scorpion, Yellow Scorpion, etc. A variety of elite Coloured Scorpions were watching the heated battle occurring on stage. The only renowned colour missing from among them was the one of gold. This expensive golden colour belonged to Tainted Scorpion, so far, no one had managed to replace her rank.

A very influential figure fully concealed from head to toe was also there observing the proceedings. This vague silhouette had his arms locked behind his back in a dignified manner as he stood on a raised platform couple metres away from the stage.

This imposing demeanour of mystery belonged to, Master Odok with his alternate moniker being Death Hands. There was a rumour going around in the league which stated that Master Odok always kept his arms bound in chains behind his back to prevent himself from eradicating his disciples’ existence. Whenever his arms were freed, loads of bodies would wither around him like a flower sprayed with toxic elements. None of his disciples had ever seen his true face, they had no idea what he looked like underneath his shadowy vestment. Did he even have a face? Was he human? This still remained a mystery.

By Master Odok’s side was a sexy White Scorpion who served as a monumental extension of his bound arms. She was also a top-notch assassin who wasn’t much weaker than Master Odok when his arms were still bound. If the White Flowing Lotus were to combine with Poison Death Hands, then their strength would be unfathomable.

[Clang! Clang! Clang!] The heated battle on stage grew fiercer as the combatants continued to wither more frequently. Among the decreasing group of Black Scorpions was one feminine figure who stood out among the rest. She resembled a stinging tigress, cutting through her opponents with swift precision.

As the tournament approached its climax, this stinging tigress showed off her worth by executing insane suicidal skills which eventually made her the last person standing. The skilled assassin who was concealed underneath black vestment was none other than Tainted Scorpion’s disciple, Ember Stone. As she took off her mask, gasping for fresh air, Master Odok joined her on stage.

“The winner of today’s promotional bout has been decided. A9 has risen from the rank of Black Scorpion to a Coloured Scorpion. Henceforth she will be known as, Amethyst Scorpion. A steadfast and cunning insect who is as firm as a crystal that radiates flexible brilliance. White Scorpion please present her elite coloured armour.”

“Yes, Master Odok.” White Scorpion brought forth an arcane necklace which she respectable presented to Ember Stone. “This is for you, Amethyst Scorpion. Later, come by to my chamber to claim you Psionic Scorpion.”

“Thank you, elder sister.” Ember Stone gladly accepted the gift. Her face that beamed constantly, gave away just how elated she was feeling. Ember bowed to Master Odok then offer her sincere gratitude to White Scorpion before stepping off stage. [Thud! Thud!] She staggered a lot due to the severe injuries which she unintendedly acquired during the fierce promotional tournament.

Stepping off stage, Ember motioned her painful legs to the mystical bath located at the posterior of the large training compound. The mystical bath was similar to an onsen of sorts which had dark bubbly liquid derived from extracting the medicinal properties of Dark Bloom Orchid. Unlike Tainted Scorpion’s bath remedy which also had the toxic properties involved, this mystical onsen was free from such corrosive element, thus almost anyone could enjoy its otherworldly healing capabilities without suffering a poisonous death.

After tossing away her tattered garments, Ember stepped into the slick wetness. [Bubble! Bubble!] Her injuries were quickly being cleansed by the magical healing properties inside the bath. “Ahh, what a pleasure.” She closed her eyes getting ready to relax but was abruptly interrupted by someone who came in behind her.

[Clap! Clap!] “Congratulations on your promotion, Ember.” The stunning woman who had just complimented Ember on becoming a Coloured Scorpion, rested her bottom on the edge of the bath. Furthermore, she dipped her feet inside then placed her lips at Ember’s ear while groping her chest.

“Huh? Who’s fondling my beasts…?” When Ember opened her eyes in disbelief, she discovered a familiar assassin embracing her body. “Crimson Scorpion? W-what do you think you are doing?” Ember felt nervous with this threatening presence wrapped around her like a cunning serpent. She tried wiggling herself free, however, Crimson Scorpion gripped her firmly.

“Hey, let go! Why are you doing this?”

“Don’t be so fidgety, Amethyst Scorpion. I just came to welcome you to our ranks is all. By the way…?” Crimson Scorpion slithered her lascivious palms further down Ember’s sexy torso until it loss visibility under the dark water. No doubt about it, she was obviously fondling Ember’s erogenous region based on the sensual expression which was portrayed on her twisted countenance.

Crimson Scorpion bit down on the lobe of Ember’s ear as she continued her torturous enquiry. “By the way, a little birdy told me that your previous mentor is not entirely dead, is that true?”

Ember’s lips started to shake when she heard this. “W-what are you talking about, Ajay? You’ve heard the reports, haven’t you? She was killed in that warehouse by the docks.”

“Yes, it’s been circulating on the news, but…” Crimson Scorpion turned Ember’s head so it could face hers. “When I inspected her corpse in person I discovered a strange anomaly. Tainted Scorpion had no trace of contamination in her system. Now how could that be possible with such a tainted woman? By chance, are you concealing her real body somewhere?”

“No! No! You’re being delirious, Ajay. Please don’t spout such nonsense. My mentor is out of commission and I don’t quite appreciate your baseless rumours. I’m getting out now. Enjoy the rest of the bath.” Ember flung away Crimson Scorpion’s embrace then stepped out of the onsen in a rush.

Crimson Scorpion observed her fleeing figure from behind. “Fu-hu-hu. That girl is definitely hiding something and I want to know what.”

[Clap! Clap! Whoosh!] 3 Black Scorpions who served under Crimson Scorpion appeared out of the shadows as soon as they heard her calling. “Master, you called for us?”

“Yes, follow that newly promoted Coloured Scorpion and report back to me directly.”

“Yes, master.” [Whoosh!] The Black Scorpions vanished immediately after assenting to their superior’s command. Crimson Scorpion settled into the medicinal bath, she later exposed a sinister smirked. “Fu-hu-hu.”

[Whooh!] While descending Mt Venom, Ember noticed that she was being secretly followed. She made sure to evade her pursuers in the city before heading over to Tainted Scorpion’s establishment. As she parked her motorcycle nearby, Ember noticed a young man standing still with a flower in his hand; staring in a daze.

“Huh, isn’t that Deleon?” Ember hopped off her motorcycle and went over to shop’s entrance. “Hi there Mr Shaw. How long have you been standing there?”

Deleon awoke from his daze when he heard the familiar voice. “Ms Ember, good afternoon. Did something happen to Ms Anna? The shop has been closed for weeks now and I haven’t seen her since. Did she run away because of me?”

“Don’t be silly. Anna isn’t such a petty person. Oh, are those flowers for her?” Ember pointed to the scented bouquet clenched in Deleon’s hand.

“Ah, yes. I bought these Aquatic Tailons, especially for Ms Anna. I was hoping to hand them to her in person but I guess I’ll have to wait.”

“You really like my boss don’t you?”

“Huh, you must have overheard my confession that time. You’re correct, I do like the florist. She has such a gentle nature towards plants that I appreciate.”

Ember understood Deleon’s affection. He was attracted to the created persona of Tainted Scorpion. If he ever knew the real her he would probably commit suicide from being disgusted. “I’m so sorry, my boss went out of town to visits her parents. Tell you what, why don’t you give those to me and I’ll make sure that she gets them when she returns.”

“So she went to visit her parents? Ahm, do you know when she will be getting back?”

“Not sure, but it should be soon.”

“Alright, you can have these. Make sure that she gets them ok? Oh, and here is my number. Can you give me a call when she does gets back please?”

“Sure.” Ember accepted the business card and inspected it. “Hmm, so he’s a scientist for Bio-Ace Pharmaceuticals. I had no idea he was such a big shot.” Ember watched as Deleon ran across the street, got in his car and drove away. [Vrrrmm!]

“I should probably let some fresh air enter the shop so that nobody suspects anything about Anna.” Ember unlocked the shop’s main entrance then went in. As she tended to her routine chore, she was unaware that a dark silhouette was spying on her from close by.

“So that’s where you are hiding? Fu-hu-hu.”