“Sometimes you have to pick the gun up to put the Gun down.”

― Malcolm X

“Let’s go over it one more time Alaric.”

“Really Lisa? How is this even related to what we’re doing later?”

“Knowledge is power Alaric!”

“...”

“Now first, explain the armour and weapons currently used to fight off the mortems!”

Alaric sighed as he dropped the pencil on the desk. They were currently in Lisa’s room going over topics while they waited for the sun to go down. Luckily Sophia was out for the whole day, allowing them to practice in peace.

Alaric rubbed his nose as he turned to Lisa. Sinking in the chair he began spitting back out what he remembered.

“After the Sky’s Collapse, humanity found a special metal left behind by the beast's, they named this metal varnium, which was named after the person who found the metal, Adam Varney. They soon found out the metal was good at conducting many things such as electricity and fire, and allowed magic to be used through them. With they began to create weapons such as swords, knives, axes and so on. They didn’t create bullets and guns do to complications, which halted and prevented guns for being made. The current guns and ammunition now can’t penetrate through the armour do too this, and now are used as a backup weapon, which is more or less to stun the enemy and buy time to escape. Although with this setback, heavier ammunitions such as air turrets and missiles can break through the armour and still cause satisfactory damage. That good enough for you Lisa?”

“Perfecto!”

Lisa plopped onto the bed as she smiled towards Alaric. Her eyes went to the clock as she sat back up.

“We should get going now then?”

“Is it already time to go?” Alaric asked as he propped his hand onto the table, his hand resting in it as he stared at her.

“Pretty much, don’t forget to bring the duffel bag.”

Alaric nodded as he picked up the duffel bag from under the table as he slung it over his shoulder. Opening the door he walked out and turned around, waiting for Lisa who soon followed.

“So what exactly are we doing again?”

Lisa smiled as they headed to the train station. She stopped as she spun around on her heel, now facing Alaric as she leaned in and whispered into his ear.

“Remember Alaric, if you want people to believe you, they first have to acknowledge you.”

She patted his shoulders as she stepped back.

“So we’re gonna do some ‘good deeds’ to make you known before we actually start our plans.”

Alaric stared at Lisa surprised, causing her to grin as she leaned forwards again.

“What? Are you struck by my beauty once again?”

“No, I’m surprised you said something intelligent. Don’t let it get to your head.” He flicked her forehead as he walked forwards again. Lisa pouted as she walked after him.

“That’s rude! Don’t you have any manners?”

“I thought about bringing them, but since it was you, I decided it was better to leave them.”

He smirked as he boarded the train, looking back as he was amused by her reaction. Lisa gave a quick ‘hmph’ as she crossed her arms and sat down next to Alaric. The train moved onto their destination, being towards the edge of the city. The scenery soon changed as also did the time of day, the sun began to set as the moon take its place. The train soon came to a stop, signaling their arrival as Alaric tapped Lisa, who had fallen asleep on his shoulder.

“We’re here already?”

“Yes, now please get off me.”

Alaric sighed as he followed Lisa out of the train as he looked around, the duffel back still shouldered over his back.

There walk was quite short, and surprisingly quiet as they didn’t bicker, but instead took in the silence as they looked around the surroundings. Eventually the light behind them was eaten by the darkness as it became harder to see, but not for long. As they walked, they could see more lights up ahead, one in particular being in a factory.

“Well, that’s our target for today.”

“Really? Why is it always in a place like a factory?”

“I have no clue Alaric, some people are stupid, you know?”

“Like you?”

“...”

“I seriously mean that by the way.”

“...”

Alaric chuckled as he saw Lisa’s shocked expression before she giggled and caught up with him.

“Seems you finally fell for my charms.”

“And what makes you say that?”

“Hmm? That’s a secret.”

“Ah yes, what a wonderful answer.” Alaric replied mockingly as he rolled his eyes, while Lisa giggled some more.

Alaric looked around the building as he saw what seemed to be guards at the entrances. He continued to look as he managed to spot some windows up top.

“How about we get a look up there? Since you won’t tell me anything.”

“Hmm? Sounds good contractee.”

He didn’t bother even trying to retort as he began climbing up on one of the other buildings as he made his way to the windows. He had to jump as he winced from the short stinging pain as he hoped no one heard the noise.

“So what exactly is this?” He asked as he saw multiple people who seemed to be transporting stuff.

“It’s two things dear contractee. First, they’re most likely selling a dangerous and addictive drug, and two, they’re also probably transporting and selling people.”

He raised an eyebrow at this as he looked toward Lisa.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Cause you’re going to save them and stop the so-called bad guys.”

“And how does this help our cause?”

“Like I said before, it gives you a good view in the eyes of the people, who you are trying to show the truth. In addition, it gets your name out there, does it not?”

“I guess.”

“Good, now change into that costume, and go in there.”

“Don’t order me around.”

“But I just did contractee.”

Lisa smirked as Alaric glared at her for a moment before he opened the duffel bag. He took out what seemed to be a mask along with a nice suit-like clothes. He shook his head as he began putting it on, ignoring the fact that Lisa was there.

“W-what are you doing?”

“What? Have you been enticed by me finally?”

He smirked to Lisa who was now blushing as she looked away. He chuckled as he held the mask in his hands, his fingers gliding over its surface. He admired its intricate designs and knew whoever had made it put quite some effort into it. His hands stopped at the empty eye sockets as they then went down, touching the mouth part of the mask, which was split into two side.

Half of the mask was covered in white, and there was a frown on it, but the black part had a smile on it, although a thin one. He smiled as he put the mask slowly on, getting use to the feeling as he felt his skin stand on end do to the sudden coldness.

Unlike in the past, masks now covered even the backside of the head, meaning his whole head was completely covered, even his hair.

He stood up as he turned to Lisa and waved as he thought how he should do this.

“Since there is light, I’m guessing there is a generator or something around?”

“I don’t know, find that out yourself.”

“...”

Alaric stared at her silently as he walked past her, making his way back to the ground. Unlike his way up, his landing was more soft, in the fact his feet didn’t sting on the landing. He quickly glanced around as he focused on the noises, trying to see if he could hear the generator.

The sounds of crickets and the owls hoot entered his ears, along with the sounds of what seemed to be people talking. But in the midst of it, Alaric could hear the faint buzzing of something. Thinking that might be it, he carefully made his way towards that direction.

He stopped short before he turned the corner, instead opting to peek from behind it, to make sure as to not get caught by surprise or raise the alarm. And, as he thought, under the light the generator was there, but not under his expectations. A guard was currently stationed in front of the generator as he seemed to be holding an SMG close as he glanced in both directions every now and then.

Alaric began formulating a plan in his mind on how to deal with the guard so he could shut off the generator. He clicked his tongue, knowing trying to sneak up or walking out would only be a death sentence. So he opted for the next best option, attracting him offer, at least he had a shot.

He glanced around as he found some rocks to pick up. He then whistled softly as he tossed a rock towards her. Just like he thought, the guard was alarmed. He looked in Alaric’s direction, his gun up as he slowly moved in his direction.

Alaric’s heart began beating faster as he found to his surprise, a small bit of excitement began building up inside of him. As the guard began to turn the corner, Alaric acted. Quickly stepping forward as he smacked the gun out of the guards hands. The guard, who was still surprised and shock, swung his fist wildly, not having the time to calm himself.

This was in his expectations, thinking these guys weren’t trained soldiers as he easily managed to dodge the punches. He moved in close as he grabbed the guard by the collar as he slammed him against the wall violently. The guard coughed out in pain as he gasped for breath, but Alaric didn’t relent as he kept on pushing pressure till the guard soon went limp, not dead, but unconscious.

Alaric let out a sigh of relief as he stepped away, letting the body slump to the ground against the wall. He was glad that a lot of noise wasn’t made, or loud enough to alert anyone else. He then picked up the gun as he made his way to the generator.

Now since there wasn’t anyone to stop him or get in his way he simply walked over to the generator. He didn’t just want to turn it off, figuring that wouldn’t be the best option, since they could simply turn it back on. His eyes scanned across the ground, which was illuminated by the light shining down on him from the light above.

His eyes landed at the cord currently connecting the generator to the building as he smirked. His face was hidden behind the mask as he walked back to the guard, searching his body as he managed to find a small pocket knife on him. It would do for the job so Alaric took it and jogged his way back to the generator. His hand picked up the cord as he gripped onto the knife tightly as he began to cut the cord, his grin being hidden behind the mask which showed two sides of the same coin.

And soon, the cord was cut in half, shrouding the building and the whole area in darkness. Alaric stood up, pocketing the knife and picking up the SMG.

“Now, it’s time to begin.”

His expression was hidden by the darkness, but like earlier, he still had the grin from earlier. He made his way to the side of the building, hearing footsteps getting closer as he quickly hid, watching a couple guards run past him, but do to the darkness, he was able to move without being detected.

He climbed onto one of the boxes as he made his way onto the roof this time. He thought about a way to get in as he decided to just go for it. He opened one of the skylight windows and jumped down. Wincing as he thankfully landed on a bunch of boxes, which only broke his fall a little. He rolled out from the mess as to his surprise, some of the lights were still on, albeit a little. He made his way off of the boxes as he looked around, realizing he was surrounded.

He rubbed his head as he knew he should’ve thought things out further. He waved to the men awkwardly as he was frozen in place.

“Umm….Hi?”