Arc 2 P5

"Ugh, I hate this," Shiska grumbled as they fell in line.

Her days went back to the same old extermination missions but this time, the required checks came in more frequently. They've been getting all sorts of tests almost every other week now. Compared to the once in a blue moon of before, it surely was a dramatic change.

"Hey, Leroy. You think they're sniffing out something? They've been more thorough with the shakedowns lately."

"Who knows? Doesn't matter for us either way."

"Sigh, well you've got a point. Only a criminal is guilty."

"We are criminals. The worst kind even."

While the tradeoff for these checks and tests was no work for the rest of the day, the stuff they made them undergo often involved sensitive stuff.

However, the biggest slap in the face for the convicts was the fact some of the tests were performed in the city.

Chernobyl looked the same regardless of the years. Towering skyscrapers reflecting light like some sort of disco… well, tower, and the web of skyways seeing a lot of hovercrafts zooming on both directions. All sorts of holographic advertisements played on the streets covering a wide array of topics. There's also quite a selection of music playing, but thanks to advancements in sound control, there's no noise pollution.

Trees and plants were well-kept, mostly for decorative purposes now that the population had severely shrunk there's literally no need to plant more. It's not like humanity will die of oxygen deprivation anyway.

Surrounded by all these good stuff, the people in tattered clothes quietly lined up at the designated testing station. People avoided them. Even the child Shiska waved back at was dragged away by his mother. She's scolding her son for waving at a criminal.

"Shiska," Leroy warned.

"I get it. I'll stop, okay? Sheesh."

The eternal grin of the man who's head is bigger than his body met Shiska. His ridiculous huffing as he chuckled always sent shivers down her spine.

While most of the tainted appeared normal, there were times the mutations were perceivable like this one. He looked like a cartoon character with his absurd proportions and peculiar mannerisms. Even the human in charge of activating the relic stayed near the door on the pretense of guarding it.

"Hyuk hyuk hyuk hyuk," Threads of drool ran down his lips as he scrutinized the girl before him. He picked up the files and compared her to it. "Shiska… hm. You have so many surnames you'll stick to my memory… oh! You did! I remember! Thief of the black sword Wahr. That's you."

"Y-Yes…" So gross. So creepy. So gross. So creepy. Stay away. I wanna get out. Help! Ahhh!!!

He licked his lips, spraying his drool everywhere. Fortunately, it didn't land anywhere on Shiska. "Hyuk, alright! Let me explain. Our test for today is a simple memory search. There's been a lot of… you know, unwanted happenings around and the top brass wanted to be more thorough, so… hyuk hyuk hyuk!"

Despite her skin crawling back to unimaginable degrees, Shiska calmed herself and gazed straight into the man's bulging eyes.

She knew the procedure. All she needed to do was stare like an idiot to this guy letting him peek at her memories. His relic granted that useful ability that's why his neck had no Leash on it despite being a tainted.

"That's right. Yes, gaze into my eyes…"

Shiska could feel those probing eyes gazing directly at her soul. It's very uncomfortable, but at the same time, she felt at ease over the fact that nothing would turn up from digging into her past. She's been paying for her crime fair and square.

Images and scenes flashed on her mind like an old-fashioned projector she stumbled upon an abandoned museum one time. A technology from the bygone era, this bulky device used light to portray images on a flat surface. Unlike the holograms of today, it's requirement to use is very limited.

"Yes. Good. Now, try to concentrate. Remember…" A voice rang from somewhere. She knew it's the man but she's begun feeling floaty. Then, Shiska blacked out.

***

As a gesture of goodwill, those finished could take a stroll around the city if they wanted to. Most preferred going back to camp to rest, but both Shiska and Leroy took the chance the opportunity to revisit some places. It's not everyday they could stroll around the city.

Coincidentally, most of the memorable places they wanted to check up on were located at one area. Leroy's was first on the list.

Even in broad daylight, a lot of scantily-clad ladies and guys of all shapes, sizes, and ages waved and called them. The scent alcohol and cheap perfume intermingled in the air as they weaved through all the seduction.

Regardless of era, the entertainment district never changed.

Nauseating neon lights from signboards sifted through layers upon layers of thick smoke creating a blinding glow. Shiska and Leroy walked in silence, heading straight to the direction of a certain store without looking away from the narrow path.

"Wanna take a break here?" Shiska offered once she saw something interesting on the sign. Free bath included, it said.

"Don't be ridiculous."

"You stopped by here last time, why the change of heart?" A smile formed on her lips. "The 'dishes' not up to your liking—H-Hey! Don't just leave me here!"

"I'm not fooling around last time either," he spoke once Shiska caught up. "I grew tired of running all over these streets day in and out until it's lost its appeal."

Shiska furrowed her eyebrows, confused. "Then, what're we here for today?"

Leroy answered through his actions. Once they arrived at the place where he allegedly grew up, a run-down building with an unoriginal name: Club Nyan-Nyan. Shiska felt a pinprick on her chest.

"Welcome back, master!" A lady wearing a skimpy cheongsam greeted them.

Shiska took quick peeks on the girl's slender legs, especially the gap between the hem of the tiny cheongsam and her stockings. The girl felt her gaze and winked at her, causing Shiska to turn red. Fortunately, the lights around here were in the shades of red and orange.

"Where's the madam manager?" Leroy didn't even spare her a glance.

"The mistress is out at the moment so—"

"She can't be out when it's still burning," He lifted his chin a bit to draw attention to the Leash on their necks. While not related, it's a sure-fire way to elicit a reaction.

The girl was visibly shook. They're at death row. A dangerous duo.

She's aware of the damage these hoodlums were capable of. Sure, the Leash would kill them the moment they did anything, but there's been cases where the rampage would last minutes or even hours before the relic took effect. Law enforcement had always been lax around this area so she's better off saving herself and let the madam manager handle things here. A slap on the wrist, no dinner, and a paycut meant nothing if she'd get to stay out of trouble.

"I-I'll be…" She didn't even get to finish her sentence and she's gone.

"Is that some sort of code?" Shiska scooted close to him and whispered.

"She knows what's good for her, that's all," Leroy didn't elaborate.

"U-huh…" Shiska didn't understand what just happened and could only let Leroy do his thing.

Soon, a dignified woman appeared along with the girl earlier. Sticking out like a sore thumb with her conservative robe-like garments, she slowly made her way to meet them. There were wrinkles on the corners of her clouded eyes but she's quite a beauty nevertheless.

As Shiska admired the supposed manager, the lady suddenly got on her knees and prostrated before them. Surprising as it was, the way she did it was like a dance, elegant and graceful. The girl on her side followed suit in a less practiced manner.

"Welcome back, master. How may Ooyuri be of service?"

"Your name doesn't jive with this whole Nyan-Nyan thing, you know?" Leroy said, squatting down.

His words, or rather, his voice garnered a reaction and Ooyuri raised her head. "L-Leroy?"

This reunion clearly deserved a room and tea, not the entrance.